Combining a mix of society's last word and both wit and wisdom, The Steeple Times covers food, drink and fine dining as well as luxury, travel, the arts, individuals of influence and current affairs in the United Kingdom, America and elsewhere. We are best described as being akin to "a cross between The Huffington Post and Private Eye".
The magazine's following is affluent, engaged and international. With 41% of readers coming from the UK and 38% from America, The Steeple Times also has strong presence within Canadian, Italian, German and Australian territories.
January 16, 2019
by Matthew Steeples
Matthew Steeples criticises the ‘Evening Standard’s’ Benedict Moore-Bridger for his unjustified attack on the Knightsbridge restaurant Giovanni Benedict Moore-Bridger is an Evening Standard journalist who has been criticised for his “lazy work” and described as “[not] the most popular chap at the office.” Of his writing style, one Twitter user remarked: “[He makes me] … Continue reading “Supporting Giovanni”
January 5, 2019
by Matthew Steeples
Matthew Steeples celebrates the nicknames of Chelsea’s characters but regrets that the area itself is rapidly being stripped of the very character that made it so appealing In Chelsea well-known barflies and lavish lunchers have long been given wacky nicknames. Amongst my friends and acquaintances are ‘Steve the Lunch’ (known for planning where to … Continue reading “The Collapse of Chelsea Character”
April 15, 2018
by David G. Lennox
New restaurant critic David G. Lennox reviews Brompton Cross’s latest opening, Caramel London In a knockout punch, the last of the grand old chatelaines of Kensington and the dowagers of Chelsea – not to mention their urbane nephews, in euro tweed and gossiping nieces, donning sunglasses to disguise their latest Bystander appearance – have been … Continue reading “Caramel on The Cross”
January 15, 2018
by Matthew Steeples
Half price bottles of wine at The Enterprise during January; price per bottle starts at £9.98 per bottle The Enterprise in Walton Street, Chelsea is an institution that locals know and love. The staff and management are charming, the atmosphere is fun and the food and drink superlative. For the whole of January, … Continue reading “A Wine Winner”
November 21, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Well-equipped 0.5-mile harness racing track in Yorkshire for sale for £1.5 million; it was the scene of an “ear biting incident” by a traveler in 2009 A dream property for harness racing enthusiasts has been put up for sale in Yorkshire. Its star feature is a 0.5-mile all-weather racetrack and it also comes with … Continue reading “Harnessing a Horse Track”
October 29, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Penthouse in SoHo, New York for sale for 48% more than it was marketed for in 2007; it comes come complete with structures resembling a barn and a silo on its roof This week the popular New York real estate blog 6sqft reported that a 1,250 square foot condo loft had gone on sale … Continue reading “A Silo in SoHo”
August 8, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Matthew Steeples visits Boisdale of Mayfair with restaurateur Nicky Kerman – and samples a marmalade infused gin cocktail (or three) Though most will recognise Boisdale for its tartan décor, traditional cuisine and fine malt whiskies, this live music restaurant group’s most recent opening, Boisdale of Mayfair, is a place as well suited to afternoon … Continue reading “Marmalade in Mayfair”
June 5, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Vast “Italian style” oceanfront mansion in Orange County, CA relaunched for sale for £42.7 million; it has failed to sell at prices as high as £53 million An 18,000 square foot barn of a residence described as “the finest oceanfront home in SoCal” has been relaunched to the market this month at a price … Continue reading “Not So Little Italy”
May 22, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Refurbished Surrey manor house with connections to Detmar Blow and Gertrude Jekyll for sale for £2.55 million Reduced in price by £200,000 since when it was previously on the market in June 2015, a Surrey manor house is again for sale – but this time for £2.55 million ($3.32 million, €2.96 million or درهم12.20 … Continue reading “Making a Manor”
May 13, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Prominent banker attempts to sell San Francisco mansion for a sum 205% higher than it achieved in 1993; it comes with an outdoor theatre Built in 1904 of brick on a wood frame and subject to a seismic upgrade in 1994, 3444 Washington Street in Presidio Heights, San Francisco was sold for $15.2 million … Continue reading “Staging the Dollars”
May 3, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
English country house style flat in Earl’s Court complete with Italianate garden for sale A ground and basement maisonette in Earl’s Court with a garden reminiscent of Tuscany has gone on sale for £2.25 million ($2.90 million, €2.66 million or درهم10.65 million). The 1,503 square foot flat in Penywern Road, Earl’s Court is … Continue reading “Little Italy”
April 19, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Though never a cross word was uttered between this duo during their visits to the sadly now defunct Chelsea restaurant La Brasserie, their dislike of what they perceived as “loud music” (and other forms of noise) made them retreat to a quiet corner. Known to occasionally ‘share’ a cocktail – though firm believers in “one … Continue reading “The Cross Word Couple (AKA ‘The Crossword Couple’)”
March 24, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Chelsea locals bemoan the loss of their community gathering point Last night at The Enterprise in Walton Street, a group of bereft locals gathered to hold a wake in honour of the demise of their favoured meeting spot, La Brasserie. No one present denied the fact that there are plenty of other bars … Continue reading “The Community Conundrum”
May 3, 2016
by Matthew Steeples
Modern Georgian style country house for sale for £19.5 million – complete with bowling alley and ‘Indian room’ with LED ‘night sky’ ceiling
April 3, 2016
by Matthew Steeples
An amusing artwork based on a conversation at a bar is to be offered at Christie’s in London in April
March 26, 2016
by Matthew Steeples
Two extremely opulent ex-Sultan of Brunei Rolls-Royces offered for sale
March 21, 2016
by Matthew Steeples
Matthew Steeples visits one of Whitstable’s best-known restaurants
March 1, 2016
January 18, 2016
by Matthew Steeples
Former public lavatory in Spitalfields, London, E1 offered for sale for a staggering £1 million
November 5, 2015
October 11, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
In the first of a series, we examine the character types of London – We begin with barflies
September 20, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
Could part of the former home of George Peabody in London be Britain’s most expensive fixer-upper flat?
September 1, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
£45.7 million Virginia estate of the late Paul and Bunny Mellon complete with its own private one-mile long airstrip now available in lots
August 10, 2015
July 7, 2015
by General
Naples born Francesco Macera found fame in London whilst working at Frankie Dettori’s restaurant, Sette.
June 27, 2015
June 12, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
Raising a toast to World Gin Day with VII Hills gin at La Brasserie
June 1, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
A Shelter Island Heights home with quite possibly the best home bar ever comes to the market for £1.2 million
May 30, 2015
May 28, 2015
by steepleadmin
New contributor trainer Victoria Haigh reports from Longchamp
April 27, 2015
by General
It’s Christmas every day for this bearded giant. Generally spotted in the pubs of South Kensington and always on his own, Kensington Claus has favoured drinking spots at each bar he visits
April 2, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
Motcombs Bar & Restaurant offers what could quite possibly be the best set of bargains for drinkers in the affluent area of Belgravia during April – including two G&Ts for just £5.90
February 2, 2015
by steepleadmin
Conflict photographer Maximilian Clarke recounts encounters with doctors and drunks in Donetsk and finds that all the people there want is for the world to know what is happening to them
January 11, 2015
by General
On his website, Bentley driving Raj Shastri states: “My father told me that if you want to do something, find the best person in the field, then copy and learn from them”.
December 6, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
This cheerful barman lives in Chelsea and works at La Brasserie in South Kensington.
October 26, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
The revitalisation of The Yew Tree Inn at Highclere has put this country pub firmly back on the culinary radar
September 15, 2014
September 8, 2014
September 1, 2014
August 6, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
The eccentric owner of Old Brompton Road’s Nam Long Le Shaker was famed for creating the legendary Flaming Ferrari cocktail. A favourite of the likes of Lord Archer’s son, James, this lethal concoction consists of 100% proof rum, Chartreuse, Grand Marnier and Blue Curaçao. Of them Dang Cao commented: “If you drink three of them … Continue reading “Thai Dang Cao (1953 – 2014)”
July 8, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
Matthew Steeples samples a menu inspired by Monty Python at The Rib Room Michele Caggianese, the manger of The Rib Room Bar & Restaurant at the Jumeirah Carlton Tower is a man who can be relied upon to come up with clever marketing ideas and in his latest menu offering he’s created something that … Continue reading “Monty’s menu”
July 4, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
The Rib Room dedicates a cocktail to Luis Suárez Luis Suárez will go down in history for biting Giorgio Chiellini at the 2014 World Cup and in his honour Knightsbridge’s The Rib Room Bar & Restaurant have created a cocktail with a bite.
June 24, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
Charlie and Rebekah Brooks cleared of all charges Two years ago, in the bar of a Chelsea restaurant, Charlie Brooks told me that the charges against him and his wife would go away and today he’s been proven right
May 5, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
This Surrey based violinist and Britain’s Got Talent contestant has been described as “a mixture of the Duchess of York and Patsy from Ab Fab”. Lettice Rowbotham has played for Prince Charles, President Vladimir Putin and at Harvey Weinstein’s 2014 post-BAFTA party and of meeting Oprah Winfrey commented: “No, I didn’t know who she was. … Continue reading “Lettice Rowbotham”
April 29, 2014
April 22, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
The most popular drink maker in Chelsea’s signature phrase is “Oh yes”. This jolly Bolivian is the bar manager at La Brasserie and invented a cocktail named after the television show Made in Chelsea. He is as passionate about Chelsea F.C. as he is about cocktail creation and when he’s around, there’s always a party. … Continue reading “Alejandro Flores”
April 21, 2014
April 18, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
An examination of the ‘F’ word “F**king amazing” is considered a compliment by the Chelsea chicks that chatter but “f**king cheat” is one that they find themselves often using to describe what’s gone wrong with their relationships. The ‘F’ word is used by such people in many contexts, but one has to ask “When … Continue reading “Word of the Week: The etiquette of ‘F’”
March 31, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
Renting a Knightsbridge penthouse for a month will cost as much as the purchase price of an average UK house In February, the Office for National Statistics revealed that the average UK house price has hit £250,000 for the first time. For just a little shy of that figure, a super-elite renter could take … Continue reading “An average penthouse”
March 11, 2014
February 14, 2014
by Oliver Estreich
Oliver Estreich selects his five favourite hotel bars in New York Oliver Estreich, the founder of the well-known social network theNativeSociety, is the man about town to know in New York. Here, he selects five of his favourite hotel bars
December 12, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
‘Cotswold style’ mansion dramatically reduced in price after 14 years on the market Americans love all things British and they especially love to replicate our architecture. In the Northern Californian town of Hillsborough, a fine example is a 35,000 square foot mansion named The Tobin Clark Estate.
October 16, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
This legendary San Franciscan owned the city’s oldest bar, Tosca Cafe, from 1980 until 2013. She loved the regulars as much as the stars and though some describe Etheredge as “curmudgeonly”, this “grand dame” truly ran her bar with great grace and style. Her only rule was “don’t bother anyone” and as a result everyone … Continue reading “Jeannette Etheredge”
October 15, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
Review: The Lyric in Soho Soho is an area that one associates with the likes of pornographer Paul Raymond, gambling addict ‘Soho Pam’ and the legendarily rude landlord Norman Balon. Discovering The Lyric in Great Windmill Street, therefore, was a refreshing revelation.
October 12, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
Items that will delight those who like to drink at home Many readers of The Steeple Times are well known drinking aficionados. As a result, we thought it time to share five of the best items that will further improve your tippling pleasures
August 21, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
Matthew Steeples suggests TripAdvisor needs to reform its ways I’ve written about the ‘Trippies’ (those who write reviews on TripAdvisor) before and just like the ‘Groupies’ (voucher loving Groupon users), I’ve had direct experience of their type. They’re an accursed nuisance.
August 1, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
The inventor of the Catseye road stud never married and was an eccentric Yorkshireman who kept four televisions running constantly so as not to miss anything. Shaw had two Rolls-Royces on the basis that he didn’t want to go without whilst one was being serviced and even built a replica of his local bar in … Continue reading “Percy Shaw OBE (1890 – 1976)”
July 26, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
20 questions with Marcus Schelbert, food and beverage duty manager of Belgraves – A Thompson Hotel The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force? My friends, my family and my passion for my work, drinks and food. “Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. … Continue reading “Marcus Schelbert: “What’s on your mantelpiece?””
July 20, 2013
May 10, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
The Steeple Times asks entertainment journalist, author and teacher Ben Falk: “What’s on your mantelpiece?” The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force? Generally being pessimistic and then being extra pleased if something good happens. “Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours? … Continue reading “Ben Falk: “What’s on your mantelpiece?””
April 9, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
The Steeple Times asks actor Jules Knight: “What’s on your mantelpiece?” The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force? Vino, feminae et Carmen. “Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours? “Ask, believe, receive”. Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who … Continue reading “Jules Knight: “What’s on your mantelpiece?””
April 7, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
Forthcoming restaurant openings in Chelsea The restaurant business is a transient place and it seems no more so than in Chelsea. Places come and go here and though there are a number of mainstays that have lasted for a considerable length of time, some last barely even two years. Beauchamp Place, commonly known … Continue reading “New openings in SW3”
March 19, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
A review of the St. Ermin’s Hotel I first visited the St. Ermin’s Hotel close to Scotland Yard in St James’s in June 2012 for the first Intelligence Book of the Year Awards. Today, I will return there to attend a reception to announce the second winner of this annual prize by judges Andrew … Continue reading “Spying bees”
March 12, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
The future for red telephone boxes The red telephone box is something that tourists often cite as being symbolic of Britain. Just like the red London bus and the red pillar box, though, these Sir Giles Gilbert Scott designed kiosks are sadly disappearing from our streets. Killed by the mobile phone revolution, … Continue reading “BT phone home”
March 10, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
What has become of the “love rat” James Hewitt? In the first of a new series, we seek to find out what has become of well-known individuals who have faded into obscurity or moved on into others arenas. Our first subject, James Hewitt, will forever be remembered for two things: One will be … Continue reading ““Where are they now?” – James Hewitt”
March 4, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
An evening of fondue at Bodo’s Schloss in Kensington Bodo’s Schloss, a restaurant, bar and disco reminiscent of an Austrian alpine lodge, opened late last year and became an instant hit with the Chelsea set. For them and personalities such as Cameron Diaz and Gwyneth Paltrow, in fact, it’s rather like a little slice … Continue reading “The Royal Borough is alive with the taste of fondue”
February 22, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
HMRC publish a list of tax evaders but neglect to mention any large corporations The hotelier and real estate heiress Leona Helmsley stated: “Taxes are only for the little people” before being convicted of income tax evasion in 1989. Yesterday, Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs published a list of names and addresses … Continue reading “Taxes are only for the little people”
November 26, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
Co-owner of the Four Seasons in Beverly Hills with her husband R. J., Cohen is of surprisingly humble origins. She grew up on a chicken farm in Cleveland, Ohio but moved to LA with her divorced mother aged 13 when she opened a Kosher chicken killing plant on Santa Monica Boulevard. This hardworking lady now … Continue reading “Beverly Cohen”
November 23, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
This Californian became a child star to help solve the financial woes of his family. He excelled in Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps and received a $15 million cheque for Transformers: Dark of the Moon. Aside from acting, he’s been in relationships with Carey Mulligan, Isabel Lucas and Megan Fox but it is bar brawls … Continue reading “Shia LaBeouf”
November 16, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
A review of Hawksmoor Guildhall, EC2V In the first of a series, we publish a number of the most popular articles from the blog that conceived The Steeple Times. Here, in a February 2012 piece, Matthew Steeples reviews a boozy breakfast at Hawksmoor Guildhall with Anthony Brown. After seeing an image of their breakfast … Continue reading “Breakfast hawks”
November 15, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
Matthew Steeples delves into the history of Albany, Piccadilly and discovers an affordable way of living there Albany, off Piccadilly in Mayfair, was most probably London’s first apartment block and it’s certainly the city’s most exclusive. It may be next to the Royal Academy and opposite Fortnum & Mason but surprisingly few have even … Continue reading “The badgers of Albany”
November 12, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
A gent who operated by routine, whisky and 40 cigarettes a day. This clubman’s knowledge of London history was phenomenal and he was dedicated to his role as parish clerk at St. Michael’s Cornhill. Gaze, a Russian icon dealer with a shop in the Piccadilly Arcade, lived a life full of dramas that included being … Continue reading “John Gaze (1947 – 2011)”
