The Steeple Times asks Rex Leyland: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”
The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom.” What’s your guiding force?
My guiding force is fairness and loyalty.
“Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?
Get even.
Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2012?
Stadiums instead of Stadia.
Tony Blair misses being Prime Minister. What do you miss most in your life?
Not running my former restaurant, Foxtrot Oscar.
What might you swap all your wealth for?
Health.
Donald Trump was once a case of: “If you owe the bank a thousand, they close you down; but if you owe the bank a billion, you own the bank.” What’s your view on the banking crisis?
If leaches were introduced as a remedy then perhaps we have synonymity.
What phrase or word do you most loathe?
“Free gift.”
In the UK, some people consider charity to “begin at home.” What’s your view and what causes do you personally support?
Having a daughter with epilepsy, my charity certainly begins at home and that will therefore always be my charity of choice.
The judge in “Law Abiding Citizen” states: “I can pretty do whatever I want” before being blown up whilst answering her mobile phone. What’s your view on the appropriate use of such devices?
As I still use a brick from the eighties, I find the current use of modern devices whilst dining abhorrent.
If you could fill a carriage on The Orient Express, who would be your fellow passengers?
Boris Johnson and Her Majesty The Queen. I would like to appreciate their motivation and presence.
If you were unfortunate enough to end up on death row, what would be your last meal and where would you eat it?
As I will never eat again I will have the ‘menu degustation’ at The French Laundry in Napa Valley, as 19 courses are a torture and therefore I could be dead before the end, and of course accompanied by only Californian wines.
What time is it acceptable to consume the first drink of the day?
1pm., unless you are travelling then there is no time.
A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?
A martini anytime.
Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?
I loathe parties because you never get to talk to anyone.
Who is the most positive person you know?
My daughter, Chelsea.
What’s your most guilty pleasure?
A couple of puffs.
If a tattoo were to sum you up, what would it be of?
A glass of Calvados.
If you were a car, what marquee would you be?
The Java concept drophead Bentley.
Cilla Black presented “Surprise, Surprise.” Tell us the most surprising thing about you.
That I am a S.A.G. (Still.Above.Ground).
What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?
As I live on a boat, I don’t have a mantel, but if I did, it would not be a permanent display of Her Majesty’s invitation to Ascot.