The Steeple Times

Tag: 4 Sydney Street

  • Tatler Tells Fake Tales

    Tatler Tells Fake Tales

    ‘Tatler’ magazine called out for suggesting a Chelsea restaurant that closed down in August 2016 as a “hot spot” post ‘Lockdown 3.0’ ending in May 2021

    A “tattler” is an “observer or spectator… a gossip who tells tales,” whilst ‘THE’ Tatler is defined by the Oxford Learners’ Dictionary as “a British magazine, published once a month and containing articles about upper-class and upper-middle-class social events, fashion and the arts.”

     

    Given the Condé Nast lifestyle publication’s staff – amongst them previously the current editor of the Daily Mail, Geordie Greig, and the ex-editor of Vanity Fair and The New Yorker, Tina Brown CBE – have variously included many Oxbridge alumni, one would assume they’d be a little better at fact checking than the notoriously sloppy seconds employed by the MailOnline (which is rated 1 out of 5 by the Microsoft Edge browser given its propensity to share fake news), but instead a recent edition of the monthly society bible featured a complete balls-up.

     

    In an article titled: “13 Chelsea restaurant stalwarts to head to when we can eat indoors too,” an unnamed contributor banged on about where its ritzy readers could head to post the end of ‘Lockdown 3.0’ and lauded one particular Sydney Street, SW3 restaurant as:

     

    “[Brasserie Gustave at 4 Sydney Street, London, SW3 6PP is] located at the exact point where South Ken meets Chelsea (and on a site that has seen more restaurants than Ramires has had yellow cards), this French bistro is a keeper. If the art-deco posters look a bit hackneyed, not to say banal, the food is anything but. It’s fresh and lively, classic French dishes prepared with punctilious attention to detail. Confit de canard is superb and you won’t find a better plate of kidneys in London. Great wines too, managed with gusto by experienced sommelier Richard Weiss.”

     

    Whilst of their thirteen selections, the loathed by Dan Wootton magazine prattled: “We’ve eaten our way around Chelsea’s top restaurants… We’ve got you covered,” a comment on OpenTable from as long ago 22nd August 2016 reads: “I made a reservation and got there and the restaurant was closed.” Plainly, anyone with half a brain would have realised five years ago that Brasserie Gustave turned out actually to be anything but “a keeper.”

     

    In the time since, Tatler’s editorial team also missed their very own one-time contributor Giles Coren’s visit to 4 Sydney Street on 15th July 2017. At that time, he lauded “pan-Asian” Zheng Chelsea as “the sort of places foodies go in quest of the new and wonderful.”

     

    Whatever next for the society go-to bible? An-inhouse position for our least favourite fake news PR peddler Ivy Holt? Next!

     

    Pictured top: 4 Sydney Street has been various restaurants over the years including Carpaccio, Sette, Marco Pierre White’s Sydney Street Grill, Brasserie Gustave and most recently Zheng Chelsea.

     

    Tatler Tells Fake Tales 2021 – Tatler lauds Chelsea restaurant Brasserie Gustave, 4 Sydney Street, SW3 which closed in August 2016 in May 2021 – ‘Tatler’ magazine called out for suggesting a Chelsea restaurant that closed down in 2016 as a “hot spot” post ‘Lockdown 3.0’ ending in 2021.
    The magazine’s May 2020 feature on Brasserie Gustave – a restaurant that closed in August 2016.
    Tatler Tells Fake Tales 2021 – Tatler lauds Chelsea restaurant Brasserie Gustave, 4 Sydney Street, SW3 which closed in August 2016 in May 2021 – ‘Tatler’ magazine called out for suggesting a Chelsea restaurant that closed down in 2016 as a “hot spot” post ‘Lockdown 3.0’ ending in 2021.
    In August 2016, an OpenTable user commented: “I made a reservation for [Brasserie Gustave] on Open Table and got there and the restaurant was closed.”
    Tatler Tells Fake Tales 2021 – Tatler lauds Chelsea restaurant Brasserie Gustave, 4 Sydney Street, SW3 which closed in August 2016 in May 2021 – ‘Tatler’ magazine called out for suggesting a Chelsea restaurant that closed down in 2016 as a “hot spot” post ‘Lockdown 3.0’ ending in 2021.
    The front elevation of Zheng Chelsea, 4 Sydney Street, Chelsea, London, SW3 6PP.
    Tatler Tells Fake Tales 2021 – Tatler lauds Chelsea restaurant Brasserie Gustave, 4 Sydney Street, SW3 which closed in August 2016 in May 2021 – ‘Tatler’ magazine called out for suggesting a Chelsea restaurant that closed down in 2016 as a “hot spot” post ‘Lockdown 3.0’ ending in 2021.
    The interior of the restaurant as it used to be during the era that Brasserie Gustave (left) occupied the site and as it has been since circa 2016 as “pan-Asian” Zheng Chelsea (right). Of food there, in July 2017, Giles Coren remarked: “Food this good and this unusual would normally never be found in Chelsea… Chelsea is not absolutely the last place in the entire world that I would go looking for brilliant authentic Malaysian cooking, but it comes close. What with the well-upholstered complacency of the locals, the lack of any significant oriental population, the high throughput of tourists and idle shoppers in need of plasticky chain food, the sky-high rents and concomitant historical lack of any decent restaurants here at all, Chelsea is perhaps the second last place in the known universe that I would go in expectation of fiery, original, challenging but entirely successful Straits Chinese cuisine.”
    Tatler Tells Fake Tales 2021 – Tatler lauds Chelsea restaurant Brasserie Gustave, 4 Sydney Street, SW3 which closed in August 2016 in May 2021 – ‘Tatler’ magazine called out for suggesting a Chelsea restaurant that closed down in 2016 as a “hot spot” post ‘Lockdown 3.0’ ending in 2021.
    The society go-to title was previously accused of a “swathe of inaccuracies and false misrepresentations” in May 2020 by Kensington Palace after it published an article about one-time friend of its current editor, Richard Dennen (pictured together right), the Duchess of Cambridge titled “Catherine the Great.”

  • Stabling Frankie

    Stabling Frankie

    Frankie Dettori puts his Voysey designed country house up for sale

     

    Champion jockey Frankie Dettori is best known for his “flying dismounts” and for having won seven out of seven races at Ascot in 1996. He currently lives at Stetchworth on the Cambridgeshire-Suffolk border near Newmarket but is now selling his home there. (more…)

  • Five of the best: Lunch deals in The Royal Borough

    Five of the best: Lunch deals in The Royal Borough

    Five of the best places to enjoy a great lunch deal in The Royal Borough

     

    It being January, we’re all after a deal. Here are a few places that you can enjoy on a budget in the country’s most expensive borough.

     

    Sette, 4 Sydney Street, SW3, 6PP

    Sette interior 275Frankie and friends 275Situated in the heart of Chelsea, this stylish Italian restaurant is popular with locals and visitors alike. Owned by Frankie Dettori MBE, where else can you get to sit amongst rock and racing stars for just £15 for a two course set lunch that includes a glass of wine?

     

    The Rib Room Bar & Restaurant, Jumeirah Carlton Tower, 1 Cadogan Place, London, SW1X 9PY

    Rib Room 275Michele Caggianese 275Ably managed by Michele Caggianese, this Knightsbridge institution offers a 3 course set lunch for £29 including a glass of champagne during January and February. The bar is the perfect spot to start as the offering here includes some of the finest English gins and a great selection of aromatic bitters.

     

    Brompton Bar & Grill, 243 Brompton Road, London, SW3 2EP

    BB&G interior 275BB&G exterior 275François O’Neill pulled off a masterstroke in opening this neighbourhood bar and grill. With a set lunch menu priced at £18.50 for two courses, here you’ll find not only great English classics but if you daring enough abinsthe served traditionally with a water fountain.

     

    Maggie Jones’s, 6 Old Court Place, London, W8 4PL

    Maggie Jones's interior 275Maggie Jones's 275If you are on a real budget but feel like living like a royal, head to the restaurant named after Princess Margaret off Kensington Church Street. For just £10, they offer a soup and a salad. The sister restaurant of Belgravia’s La Poule au Pot is a must visit for anyone shopping in Kensington.

     

    Blakes Hotel, 33 Roland Gardens, London, SW7 3PF

    Blakes Exterior 275 Blakes new restaurant 275The world’s ultimate boutique hotel offers a tremendous set lunch if you’re on a date or want to impress. If you want privacy and discretion, this is the place to go. With 2 courses for just £19 and 3 courses for £24.50, you can dine amongst the opulence and splendour of this hidden secret without blowing the bank.

     

    Sette: http://www.sette-restaurant.com

    The Rib Room Bar & Restaurant: http://www.theribroom.co.uk

    Brompton Bar & Grill: http://www.bromptonbarandgrill.com

    Maggie Jones’s: http://www.maggie-jones.co.uk

    Blakes Hotel: http://www.blakeshotels.com

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • We're backing Frankie

    We're backing Frankie

    The Steeple Times backs Frankie Dettori to win Celebrity Big Brother 2013

     

    Though Frankie Dettori split from Sheikh Mohammed and Godolphin in October and was banned from racing for six months in December 2012, he began his comeback last night by entering the Celebrity Big Brother house.

      (more…)

  • Another Magnificent Seven

    Another Magnificent Seven

    Richard Hughes achieves a “Magnificent Seven”

     

    On the 28th September 1996, Frankie Dettori, at odds of 20,095-1 rode seven winners on seven horses in the seven races of the day at Ascot. His achievement cost the betting industry some £40 million and became known as the “Magnificent Seven.” Dettori even named his Chelsea restaurant, Sette, after it. One punter, a plumber from Morecambe named Darren Yates won £550,000 on a stake of £67.58 and forever more this will be recalled as a moment in racing history.

     

    Richard Hughes celebrates 7 wins from 8 at Windsor yesterday at odds of 10,168-1

    Frankie Dettori celebrates his “Magnificent Seven” in September 1996

    Yesterday, another jockey, Richard Hughes, at odds of 10,168-1, rode seven winners in eight races at Windsor.

     

    Of his success, Hughes, who has ridden 161 winners this season, commented:

     

    “I’m over the moon. It’s great to do it… Windsor is my lucky track, and this is a great day… What a thrill. This is a great day.”

     

    Unlike with Dettori’s “Magnificent Seven,” the bookies were relatively happy too. Kate Miller, a spokesperson for William Hill stated:

     

    “That was probably the cheapest seven-timer ever for the bookies…  The last time a high-profile jockey rode a big seven-timer it cost us £7million, so we’re very grateful that Richard timed his on a quiet Monday. We’ll pay out around £100,000 but the figure could easily have been 10 times that if he’d chosen this Saturday instead.”

     

    Frankie Dettori and Richard Hughes at Sette in Chelsea with A. P. McCoy, Ryan Moore and friends

    All at The Steeple Times raise a glass to Mr Hammond on his brilliant achievement.

     

    Sette, 4 Sydney Street, London, SW3 6PP. Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7352 3435. Website: http://www.sette-restaurant.com

     

    Follow Richard Hughes on Twitter at: http://www.twitter.com/hughesiejockey

  • Peter Burrell

    Peter Burrell

    A businessman with a passion for racing. Burrell has worked with Frankie Dettori since the latter was 15 and was also the agent for Vinnie Jones. He drives a Toyota IQ, has climbed the Matterhorn and loves playing a round of golf in his spare time. In 2014, he invented the Gillhams Gravel Rake to solve the problem of keeping gravel drives in pristine condition.

     

  • Cycling with a Smile

    Cycling with a Smile

    Former Emmerdale bad boy Lyndon Ogbourne updates readers of The Steeple Times on his cycle expedition for Once Upon a Smile

     

    Part One:

    I begin this section of my travel journal, sat Bear Gryls style, next to a campfire I’ve successfully made, cooking a fish I’ve caught (with much difficulty) that I plan to serve with some bread from a boulangerie about 110km from where I’ve set up camp.

     

    Lyndon Ogbourne cycling through the French countryside

    Ogbourne’s Cadence Performance bicycle is given a well earned rest

    I’m exhausted but exhilarated. The journey I set out on 5 days ago has taken me through some of the most beautiful but challenging sections of country I’ve ever experienced. I’m a novice cyclist but with the help of the Cadence Performance Centre I trained for the distances I would cover. Nothing, however, could prepare me for the scorching temperatures I have experienced. They would have been fantastic sat chilling on a beach, but are an added and detrimental element to a 635-mile cycle challenge.

     

    The structure of my cycling expedition has been loose and spontaneous and as long as I cover a minimum of 100km day, I’ll make it to the airport in time for my scheduled flight. The rest is an adventurous ‘play-it-by-ear’ set up.

     

    Part Two: Toulon

    My legs are tight and bruised and battered from a fall near Castelnaudary when I was outfoxed by a tree stump on the path. Ahead of me, though, was the greatest challenge of all, the mountainous terrain between Marseilles and Toulon. There I encountered 136km of mountain range, with 8km ascents dappled with 3km climbs just to stick the knife in.

     

    I arrived in Toulon a broken man. The beautiful views of Marseilles were awe inspiring, but the mountains I have just covered were nearly my undoing. I write this second section sprawled like a rag doll on my bed in a rustic but somewhat dingy B&B in Toulon.

     

    I have never challenged myself like this before and my whole being tingles with a feeling beyond pain. My mind, however, is filled with memories that I will treasure forever and, if it ever recovers, my body will grow stronger.

     

    Tomorrow, I venture on, edging ever closer to the final leg of this mammoth challenge. Today, I saw a sign to Nice and the energy and endorphin rush it produced inside me made me feel I should cycle there tonight. Luckily common sense prevailed and I realised rest was required.

     

    My trusty steed, the bike that has accompanied me on this challenge, has become very dear to me. It is an incredible piece of carbon fibre mastery and the only way I am here in Toulon is because of this bike. Cadence have created a piece of kit that is so advanced and beautiful that at every destination I have been stopped by people from every region to ask about it or to comment on its splendour.

     

    Lyndon Ogbourne training with the Cadence Performance team

    It’s in part due to the training and equipment that I’ve come this far, but now it’s down to me and my weary body to complete this task. Please donate to the fantastic charity Once Upon a Smile, whom I’m raising money for, via the link below. Equally, may I suggest, if you are thinking of purchasing or training yourself up for a cycle of any distance, you could be in no better hands that those of Cadence Cycle Performance Centre.

     

    For now I must sleep as I still have 100-miles to cover. I feel my legs may walk out on me if I don’t give them the rest the deserve. Bonne nuit and happy cycling.

     

    Once Upon a Smile: http://www.onceuponasmile.org.uk

     

    Cadence Performance: http://www.cadenceperformance.com

     

    To donate, go to: http://www.justgiving.com/Lyndon-Ogbourne

  • Who will win the Eclipse?

    Who will win the Eclipse?

    An analysis of the Eclipse by our latest columnist, The Tout

     

    The Eclipse is a Group One race named after one of the great thoroughbreds that we have ever seen in this country. It is a key event in establishing the reputation of any good horse and is run over a mile and a quarter for three year olds and upwards. The distance is perceived to be an ideal step between speed and staying power and it is generally the fist valid weight for age event in the calendar. Weight for age is the weight allowance that a three year old gets from a four year old but this year the field consists of older horses.

     

    Frankie Dettori winning the Gold Cup on Colour Vision at Ascot 2012

    We have had a lot of rain this week and with more to come please bear that in mind on Saturday when making your selections. Sandown is a stiff track so you will need a performer who is proven on a softer surface and one who will stay the trip.

     

    Frankie rides Farhh who is a progressive horse and the proven performers with a realistic chance are Nathaniel who won last year’s King George at Ascot and Monterosso the winner of the $6 million Dubai World Cup in March. The great Australian import, So You Think, who has won numerous Group One contests and over £4,000,000 in prize money including The Prince of Wales Stakes at The Royal Meeting last month now looks to be a non runner in what would have been his final race prior to retiring to Australia to take up stud duties. Nathaniel who is running for the bang in form John Gosden yard and named after his owner Nat Rothschild should win if he is match fit for his first start of the year. A longer shot may be Twice Over for Sir Henry Cecil but he appears to be running for a place. This race never disappoints and this year there is yet another very competitive field.

     

    In summary, the finish should be as follows with Nathaniel the winner and Frankie a fast finishing second on Farhh with Twice Over staying on for third.

     

     

    Good luck to all the followers of The Steeple Times!

     

    The Tout.

  • An interview with Lyndon Ogbourne

    An interview with Lyndon Ogbourne

    Claire Rubinstein interviews Lyndon Ogbourne for “The Steeple Times”

     

    Last week, Claire Rubinstein made Emmerdale fans envious when she interviewed the soap’s former baddest boy at Sette restaurant in Chelsea.

     

    Over lunch, the pair chatted about Ogbourne’s career, charity, social media and forthcoming projects. Watch video footage of the interview here:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tncDQkCxgsY

     

    As you’ll see, there’s a lot more to come from Mr Ogbourne.

     

    View Lyndon Ogbourne’s show reel at: http://www.curtisbrown.co.uk/lyndon-ogbourne

     

    Support Lyndon Ogbourne’s cycle fundraiser for Once Upon A Smile at: http://www.justgiving.com/lyndon-ogbourne

     

    Sette, 4 Sydney Street, London, SW3 6PP. Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7352 3435. Website: http://sette-restaurant.com

  • Peter Burrell: What's on your mantelpiece?

    Peter Burrell: What's on your mantelpiece?

    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.

    Peter Burrell pictured at Ascot with his wife Carmen

    Peter Burrell conquers The Matterhorn


    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