Venice Film Festival Day 1

Venice is abuzz with the news that George Clooney and Brad Pitt are about to hit town to promote the Coen brother's new film, Burn After Reading. So, no sooner had I arrived in the Italian city then my friend swapped casual clothes for evening finery and hopped aboard a water taxi. Our destination? None other than the exclusive Cipriani Hotel, located on its own private Island, and most importantly the place where gorgeous George calls home when he's in Venice.

We settled in with apple martinis on the lush terrazza, where we noticed a cluster of reserved tables at the poolside dressed in white linen tablecloths… could this elegant spot be the duo's destination? Two (or maybe three!) martinis later our suspicions were thankfully confirmed when dapper looking George and Brad appeared in tuxedos and made their way straight to the bar. Soon the area was heaving with stylishly dressed men and women obscuring our view of the handsome pair.

Not one to hang around on the sidelines, I then decided it was time to move closer. I made my way to the bar and managed to secure the most enviable position at the bar… sandwiched between Brad and George! I have had dreams that started out this way! My attempts to get the barman's attention to no avail. George turned round and was served straight away delivering an order in perfect Italian.

So realising it was now or never I took a deep breath and boldly asked him if he could ask the barman to serve me after him! Being the perfect gentleman he smiled and squeezed by arm and was more than happy to order my martini for me but when he tried to put it on his tab I insisted on paying for it myself. Don't want to be scrounging drinks of A-listers - a girl has her pride! He then asked me my name.
''I'm George'' he said.
''Yes, I know'' I told him.
We chatted for a little while about his recent trip to Ireland and future plans he had to visit and about some of the recent stories circulating in the press about him which he told me weren't in fact true – such as the story about him buying an Italian fan a new car after he accidentally rear ended her Lancia.

After politely excusing myself before I overstayed my welcome and had my eyes scratched out by some scantily-clad girls loitering nearby, I headed out to rejoin my friend. We later spotted some seats at his party's table and he seemed happy for us to join them – while other people were ushered away by burly security.

For the next couple of hours George was the ultimate social butterfly, ordering champagne and chatting with everyone and charming all the ladies while Brad Pitt talked intently with a mystery American brunette. George's long time friend Mariella Frostrup and her partner Jason appeared and enjoyed some banter with The Gorgeous One before the two men ordered a round of shots and decided to partake of a late night dip in the pool. Sadly fully clothed – minus socks and shoes. After emerging some moments later looking rather proud of himself he called it a night and headed inside but not before flashing us a knee melting good night wink. What a man!

Check out all the photos from
The Venice Film Festival right here.