12/09/14: The UK’s most high profile ladyboy contest might have been entering its second decade, but the buzz around it was still as fresh as ever.
The crowds gathered at Mango Tree restaurant in Belgravia to watch eight contestants from around the world compete for the title, sipping cocktails as their jaws dropped at the statuesque beauties, while their taste buds popped at the canapés being dished out.
The judges, headed by singer Gabrielle, whittled the eight down to three, and the winner was the Venezuelan stunner Petra Ngo, with second and third going to Alessandra Mae and Geri Love respectively. (Petra was our favourite from the start!) Amongst all the fuss we even managed to maintain our composure as hottie Martin Haribo Schmidt was crowned Mr Mango Tree. (Now he was one Haribo treat that we’d be more than happy to pop in our mouths.)
It was just as entertaining to watch the show as it was to gawp at the mix of genteel Londoners chinking glasses with drag queens, lady boy friends, gays and numerous curious tourists that peered through the windows to gawp at the stunning display of costume, character and confidence of the wannabe winners. Congratulations to all the contestants for a truly wonderful show.
Mango Tree, 46 Grosvenor Place, Belgravia, SW1X 7EQ
Words by Cliff Joannou
Photos by Joel Ryder
