In the first of our mantelpiece series, we pitch twenty questions to Peter Burrell, a racing supremo who also co-owns Sette restaurant with Frankie Dettori MBE
The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom.” What’s your guiding force?
Mine is the world of horse racing that I have been in love with since I was 13 years old. I adore the horses and the people… Imagine being involved in a sport that has Lester, Frankie and Frankel!
“Never regret, never explain, never apologise” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?
Wish I could live like that as most mornings that should be my modus operandi… I am more Peter Langan.
Kerry Katona was unacceptable in 2007. Who is unacceptable in 2012?
Julian Assange, Mugabe, Assad and the current limo culture that we live in.
Tony Blair misses being Prime Minister. What do you miss most in your life?
I don’t miss him or his wife that’s for sure but I do miss a good Partagas No. 4 after dinner.
What might you swap all your wealth for?
I am potless but if I were a rich man I would trade it all for a good night’s sleep and a hole in one.
What phrase or word do you most loathe?
The word “like” when used as an adjective.
In the UK, some people consider charity to “begin at home.” What’s your view and what causes do you personally support?
Cancer and children.
Have you ever been arrested and if so, for what?
Yes: For refusing to pay an over priced taxi in Spain. When I’m drunk I will take them on.
If you could fill a carriage on The Orient Express, who would be your fellow passengers?
My wife.
If you were unfortunate enough to end up on death row, what would be your last meal and where would you eat it?
A really good prawn cocktail then an oxtail stew washed down with Haut Brion in the electric chair itself.
What time is it acceptable to consume the first drink of the day?
Like Churchill said: “Time is only for the middle classes.”
A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?
Negroni.
Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?
My own because I am the centre of attention and I love making speeches.
Who is the most positive person you know?
Frankie Dettori MBE is the greatest jockey in the world and Umberto at Sette in Chelsea is the greatest restaurant manager in the world.
What’s your most guilty pleasure?
A sneaky cigar.
What was the first bone that you broke?
Left arm.
If a tattoo were to sum you up, what would it be of?
I have three and I like my star tattoo the best.
If you were a car, what marque would you be?
Toyota Land Cruiser.
Cilla Black presented “Surprise, Surprise.” Tell us the most surprising thing about you.
I am an optimist with a love for life that will never be surpassed. I wish I could tell you I had hidden a pot of gold somewhere but as someone once said to me: “Pete you don’t need money as you will never be far from it!”
What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?
Invitations to Ascot and Johnny Gold’s 80th birthday and two horse bronzes.
Sette, 4 Sydney Street, London, SW3 6PP. Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7352 3435. Website: http://sette-restaurant.com