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.
April 1, 2020
by Matthew Steeples
1967 Mercedes ‘Dictator Car’ limousine owned until 1993 by the first President of Ivory Coast to be auctioned after being restored at vast expense Félix Houphouët-Boigny (whom claimed to be born in 1908, but was more likely born in 1905, and died in 1993) was known variously as ‘Papa Houphouët’ (‘The Old One’), the ‘Sage … Continue reading “A Grand Old Man’s Grand Old Merc”
March 31, 2020
by General
Eton and Oxford educated former Supreme Court judge and historian Jonathan Sumption, as a barrister, successfully represented the billionaire Roman Abramovich against the late oligarch Boris Berezovsky. Formerly one of the highest paid legal eagles in Britain, this father of three termed his £1.6 million salary “puny” in 2001 in a letter to the Guardian … Continue reading “The Rt. Hon. The Lord Sumption OBE, PC, FRHistS, FSA”
March 30, 2020
by Matthew Steeples
One-of-one 2005 Ferrari 612 shooting brake by Vanderbrink to be auctioned in Monte Carlo; unlike other Ferrari estates, it’s not from the ownership of Brunei royalty One wouldn’t normally associate Ferrari with shooting brakes – combinations of coupés and estate cars – but now, one that symbolises the reverse of Enzo Ferrari’s mantra of “I … Continue reading “An Exceptional Estate”
January 3, 2019
by Matthew Steeples
‘Tables d’Exception’ launched at Rolls-Royce in Mayfair On 29th November 2018, the extremely connected and delightfully affable Alexandra Foley organised a party for her client the French interior architect and antique tableware collector Hubert de Vinols at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars London’s Berkeley Square showroom in Mayfair. Showcasing Mr de Vinols’ ‘Tables d’Exception’ concept … Continue reading “The Art of The Tablescape”
August 24, 2018
by General
Though considered one of society’s “Bright Young Things,” the “morally dubious” daughter of Sir John and Lady Mullens was just a tempestuous coke addict who got away with murder. Separated from her supposedly violent American singer husband, John Sterling Barney, and living with an “extravagant, bisexual waster” named Michael Scott Stephen in 1932, Elvira … Continue reading “Elvira Mullens Barney (1904 – 1936)”
February 2, 2018
by Matthew Steeples
Wacky 1970s Range Rover convertible for sale for just under £100,000 A truly quirky 1972 Range Rover Classic Suffix ‘A’ that was transformed for ‘topless’ use in Monaco is for sale through Kensington dealers Graeme Hunt. Featuring a completely removable hood frame, doors with drop down windows and such features a rear step … Continue reading “A Range Rover Goes Topless”
November 11, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
“One of Britain’s finest 20th-century country houses” has been placed for sale for £20 million; it comes with 530 acres and was built by the late businessman Sebastian de Ferranti in the 1980s One could imagine being in the early 18th century or in Italy even on first taking a look at the Palladian … Continue reading “A Modern Beauty”
August 15, 2017
by Edward Kay
Edward Kay reports on the sale of a truly striking 1-of-1 Aguti 20-metre wooden motor yacht that cost £6.4 million to build; it is offered for just £1.4 million As most of Germany is relatively landlocked, with just the borders of the far northern cities meeting the Atlantic Ocean, it’s no surprise that some … Continue reading “A Bargain Boat”
August 6, 2017
by General
A pioneer of both the Art Deco style and the functionalist Modernist movement, bisexual Irish aristocrat Eileen Gray was best known for designing the Bibendum chair and the E.1027 table. This great tastemaker lived primarily in South Kensington, Paris and the South of France and another of her creations, once owned by Yves Saint Laurent, … Continue reading “Eileen Gray (1878 – 1976, née Eileen Smith)”
June 28, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
1964 Mini Cooper S hatchback designed to carry the golf clubs of the much-loathed Postmaster General, Minister of Transport and alleged tax fraudster Ernest Marples for sale Twice married and born in Levenshulme, Manchester, Ernest Marples – later Lord Marples – makes the very worst of modern politicians look like relative babes in arms. … Continue reading “Marples Must Go”
June 21, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
New Kensington MP Emma Dent Coad fails to join Labour heavyweights showing support for the single market Prior to her victory, the now newly elected Member of Parliament for Kensington, Emma Dent Coad, clearly and repeatedly said she’d “fight to retain access to the single market”. Yesterday, however, she failed to join a whole … Continue reading “Disappointing Dent Coad”
June 19, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Actor and producer Steven Berkoff suggests Her Majesty The Queen should open up Buckingham Palace to survivors of last week’s Grenfell Tower tragedy Sir In these grim times, when the shadow of death is stalking us with bitter regularity, an opportunity presents itself for our beloved Queen to actually do some real service … Continue reading “Letters – Berkoff & Brenda”
May 22, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
In posing for pictures with ‘Sir Shifty’ Philip Green in Cannes, Sarah, Duchess of York showed herself to be nothing but shameless Sarah, Duchess of York is one of those people who has no need for money given she’s always close to it. Yesterday, however, at the 70th Cannes Film Festival, this avaricious former … Continue reading “Shifty & Shiftier”
May 19, 2017
by General
Narcissist and “yummy mummy” Hannah Strafford-Taylor describes herself as “Instagram’s most stylish mum” to her 8,600 followers. Mocked as a “plastic clichéd fool using her bizarrely named daughters [Soleil and Winter] as accessories”, Mrs Strafford-Taylor told the Mail Online: “My husband says I have my own unique currency of holidays. I compare everything to the … Continue reading “Hannah, Soleil and Winter Strafford-Taylor”
May 13, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
£39 million summer house on Lake Geneva that was designed by one of the architects of the Eiffel Tower to be sold at auction without reserve Built in the Belle Époque style on the north shore of Lake Geneva, Château de Promenthoux is a 13,988 square foot house on a plot of 9 acres. … Continue reading “A Fashionable Bargain”
May 12, 2017
by General
Thieving Chelsea based trollop Carina Reid was labeled “arrogant”, “extremely boorish” and a fraudster by a judge in May 2017. Often spotted in the now defunct La Brasserie restaurant, this tarty so-called beautician was jailed for three years in May 2016 and ordered to pay back £50,000 she’d falsely claimed in benefits a year later. … Continue reading “Carina Reid”
May 8, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Apartment in mansion block in Sloane Square for sale for £6.2 million in spite of needing updating; it is within the building from which a Mayor of Chelsea lived and departed to his death on RMS Titanic A third floor flat in a portered mansion block on Sloane Square has gone on sale for … Continue reading “Take Me To The Titanic”
by General
A 20-question interview with Adrien Gaubert, award-winning co-founder of myGwork – an inclusive LGBTI recruitment hub The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force? Positivity and fun. I am grateful to be alive and able to do what I do. Enjoy every moment. “Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in … Continue reading “Adrien Gaubert – What’s on your mantelpiece?”
by Matthew Steeples
1948 Talbot-Lago T26 Grand Sport cabriolet to be auctioned; it attracted the attentions of Marlene Dietrich and has a Hermés interior In October 1949, the chameleon-like actress and singer Marlene Dietrich (1901 – 1992) was photographed “descending elegantly” from a custom-built T26 Talbot Grand Sport by coachbuilders Franay at the Paris Salon. That car … Continue reading “Marlene’s Motor”
April 28, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
New York’s “last intact Gilded Age mansion” for sale for £38.75 million; it comes with a room that cannot be wiretapped An Upper East Side “Beaux Arts palace on a small scale” described as “Manhattan’s last intact Gilded Age mansion” has gone on sale for £38.75 million ($50 million, €45.96 million or درهم183.65 million) … Continue reading “Gilded Glory”
April 17, 2017
by General
A 20-question interview with Paris based fashion designer Martin Raffa The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force? The search beauty and harmony. From an early age, I understood the importance of both in my entourage. “Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s … Continue reading “Martin Raffa – What’s on your mantelpiece?”
April 13, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
HSBC to relocate 1,000 key jobs from London to Paris because of Brexit Theresa May, a woman more interested in getting het up about Easter eggs than the fate of the British economy, should take note. HSBC are planning on relocating as many as 1,000 of its traders and salespeople from London to Paris … Continue reading “Banished by Brexit”
March 18, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Oslo born, San Francisco based interior designer and philanthropist Charlot D. Malin had a day named in her honour by The City and County of San Francisco in November 2016. A mother of twins and the co-founder of Troon Pacific Inc. with her husband Gregory, “forward-thinking” Malin worked on properties for George Lucas and Robert … Continue reading “Charlot Malin (1969 – 2017)”
April 5, 2016
by General
Big haired art curator and international jetsetter Lawrence Van Hagen is based in London and Paris.
March 14, 2016
by Matthew Steeples
1924 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost originally owned by Lord Mountbatten to be auctioned; it came back into his possession just months before he was assassinated in 1979
February 24, 2016
by General
Greek shipping heir Stavros Niarchos III dated both Paris Hilton and Mary-Kate Olsen but has been with the Australian supermodel Jessica Hart since 2010.
January 7, 2016
by Matthew Steeples
Rare 1954 Kaiser-Darrin roadsters to be auctioned in Arizona and Paris; they come complete with unusual sliding doors
December 28, 2015
by General
Award-winning film director, producer and writer Ellen Perry made her name with her brilliantly insightful documentary film The Fall of Fujimori in 2005.
November 21, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
Andrew Neil rightly references “IS” for what it truly is: A bunch of “Islamist Scumbags”
November 12, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
Stunning 1938 Bugatti that once formed part of the collection of the heir to Macy’s to be auctioned with a guide of £1.4 to £1.6 million
November 3, 2015
October 15, 2015
by General
A popular and hard-working waiter at La Brasserie in London’s Brompton Cross, pint-sized Angelo Vizcaino delights in telling customers about his love of Cuba and his pet dog.
September 21, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
Refrigerator created by the Porsche Design Studio to be sold by Sotheby’s with a guide of £80,000 to £100,000
September 14, 2015
by General
Born in Hungary and raised in France, the Marchioness of Bath has been described as a “soft porn actress” as well as a war correspondent and a journalist.
August 20, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
The Steeple Times asks former jockey turned racehorse trainer Victoria Haigh: What’s on your mantelpiece?
by General
Born in Monza, Italy in 1982, Los Angeles and New York based photographer and director Francesco Carrozzini has worked with everyone from Tony Blair and Ban Ki-Moon to Justin Bieber and Kanye West.
July 28, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
Michael Bloomberg offers £2 million above the £15 million asking price to see off three other bidders and buys George Eliot’s house by the River Thames
by General
The author of Ugly and Beyond Ugly, Clapham based Constance Briscoe is nothing but a shameless disgrace.
July 14, 2015
by General
The daughter of the contentious author Count Nikolai Tolstoy, divorcée Alexandra Tolstoy is a woman who ridiculously claims to struggle to live on £10,000 per week.
July 9, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
One-off Maserati Boomerang heads to auction for just under £3 million
July 8, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
Unusual Aston Martin estate car owned by Richemont director Alain Dominique Perrin heads to auction
June 19, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
A controversial, twice-married, former parish priest turned multi-millionaire businessman, Derbyshire born Robert Parker left the Anglican church in 1984 and set up a chain of care homes.
June 14, 2015
June 3, 2015
by steepleadmin
Trainer Victoria Haigh reports on recent events in French racing and on the prospects for Treve
May 28, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
Boat shrouded with a veil provides a reminder that it is again time to debate banning burkas in Britain
May 21, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
Chelsea institution Poissonnerie de l’Avenue to close after 53 years in business on 24th May
by Joudie Kalla
Chef and Palestine on a Plate app creator Joudie Kalla shares a recipe for steak tartare that she was introduced to at the Hotel De Vigny in Paris
May 17, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
The Houston home of the “ageless wife” of the once jailed Texan oil baron Oscar Wyatt became known as the “Wyatt Hyatt” after becoming a “home away from home” for everyone from Mick Jagger to Princess Margaret
May 10, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
Former Rolling Stones bassist Bill Wyman sends his 1971 Citroën Maserati SM to auction with a guide price of just £35,000 to £40,000
April 27, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
The Steeple Times asks realtor and star of ‘Million Dollar Listing San Francisco’ Justin Fichelson: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”
March 29, 2015
by General
Described as “the most successful restaurant creator and investor in Britain” by Newsweek, Arjun Waney is the Karachi born septuagenarian behind restaurants in Dubai, Istanbul, London, Malibu and New York
March 23, 2015
by General
A French fashion model and muse of Hubert de Givenchy, Simone Bodin was renamed Bettina Graziani by the designer Jacques Fath
February 24, 2015
by General
The only grandchild of Oscar Wilde, Merlin Holland has spent his life researching the writer and playwright and poet’s life.
February 22, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
Mirror falls on former French Minister of Industrial Renewal at Balthazar in New York
February 1, 2015
by General
Canadian actress Emily VanCamp appeared in Everwood between 2002 and 2006 and Brothers & Sisters from 2006 to 2010.
January 12, 2015
by General
The star of a Nespresso commercial with George Clooney, Louis-Marie de Castelbajac is a fashion designer, actor, artist and Armagnac producer.
January 8, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
Dutch political cartoonist Ruben L. Oppenheimer reacted to Wednesday’s Paris massacre with a cartoon that illustrates the power of the pencil
January 5, 2015
by General
The co-creator of the BBC sitcoms ‘Allo ‘Allo! and Are You Being Served?, Essex born Jeremy Lloyd began his career as a road digger, light-bulb inspector and paint salesman.
December 28, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
Wear a crown to Brasserie Zédel on 6th January and get a meal on the house
October 30, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
This Parisian actress and singer married the crooner Andy Williams when he was 33 and she was 19.
September 23, 2014
by General
The Paris-born son of fashion editor Carine Roitfeld and Equipment shirt brand founder Christian Restoin, Vladimir Restoin Roitfeld is the founder of New York art dealership of the same name. He’s the godson of the photographer Mario Testino and has dated the fashionista Giovanna Battaglia and “the female Roman Abramovich” Goga Ashkenazi. Restoin Roitfeld – … Continue reading “Vladimir Restoin Roitfeld (AKA “Vlad” Restoin Roitfeld)”
September 18, 2014
by General
Credited with bringing French cooking to Americans, Julia Child was a lady who once stated: “I believe in cooking with wine, sometimes I even put it in the food”. A female equivalent of Keith Floyd and born in Pasadena, California, Child was too tall to enlist in the Women’s Army Corps in the Second World … Continue reading “Julia Child (1912 – 2004)”
September 14, 2014
by General
Vineyard owner and French actor Gérard Depardieu admitted to drinking up to 14 bottles of wine a day in September 2014 but also claimed he is “never totally drunk, just a little pi**ed”.
September 13, 2014
September 12, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
Legendary 1954 ‘Docker Daimler’ heads to auction Sir Charles Dunstone recently took to the seas in his newly refurbished 65-metre yacht, the Shemara. The vessel, which dates to 1938, was once owned by the legendarily extravagant duo Sir Bernard and Lady Docker and this weekend Dunstone has the opportunity to add one of the … Continue reading “A magical Daimler”
September 9, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
An analysis of the results of the Christie’s Out of the Ordinary and RM Auctions Battersea sales
September 7, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
Salvage Europe sell part of Argentina’s contribution to the Exposition Universelle of 1889 To mark the 100th anniversary of the storming of the Bastille, between May and October 1889, Paris held a fair named the Exposition Universelle. The main symbol and the most iconic building at the Expo was the Eiffel Tower but now … Continue reading “Argentina’s Eiffel”
September 1, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
‘The Steeple Times’ chooses five unusual objects that will prove to be conversation pieces in any home This week sees Christie’s South Kensington auction a selection of “unconventional” items in their second annual Out of the Ordinary sale. With the help of them, Salvage Europe and Bonhams, here we choose five of the best … Continue reading “Five of the Best: Conversation pieces”
August 12, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
Rolls-Royce hunting vehicle for sale for £198,000 Today marks the start of the grouse season and whilst the BBC gave far too much airtime to those who are anti this fine sport, we very much join with those celebrating the Glorious Twelfth. Suitable for someone heading off to the moors is an amazing Rolls-Royce … Continue reading “A Glorious Roller”
July 14, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
Bastille Day at La Brasserie was a jolly affair The 14th July is to the French what 4th July is to Americans. It’s a day to celebrate and at London’s first all day brasserie, La Brasserie, Bastille Day is taken very seriously.
March 31, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
20 questions with author Merryn Corcoran The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force? To complete whatever I begin. At the moment, I’m focusing on launching my current novel The Silent Village in the UK and completing my next novel. Writing seems to engulf me so finding a balance between my … Continue reading “Merryn Corcoran: “What’s on your mantelpiece?””
February 28, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
Lord Brocket scores a success with his sausages Lord Brocket is a man best known for having buried his Ferraris in his garden. They were far from bangers but the insurance fraud that followed resulted in him being jailed for fraud for five years. Now, Lord Brocket is involved with another kind of banger: … Continue reading “Brocket’s bangers”
January 1, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
Wear a crown to Brasserie Zédel on the 6th January and get a free meal on the house Both most worthily awarded OBE’s in the New Year Honours List, Chris Corbin and Jeremy King would appear towards the top of any list of the best restaurateurs in London. Always innovative and true trendsetters, with … Continue reading “Zédel’s crowning glory”
December 31, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
20 questions with Paralympic cyclist Colin Lynch The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force? I’m a fiercely competitive person. Many people find it annoying actually. From the need to always be right, to the desire to win and prove myself better than my competition, I always like to push myself … Continue reading “Colin Lynch: “What’s on your mantelpiece?””
December 24, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
20 questions with businessman Iqbal Latif The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force? Unlearning the old and relearning the new. “Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours? “Be an integral part of rising global consciousness”. Seven billion connected minds in this … Continue reading “Iqbal Latif: “What’s on your mantelpiece?””
December 23, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
This personable art dealer is president of Galerie Dumonteil and a jetsetter who travels between galleries in Paris, New York and Shanghai. In London annually for Masterpiece, Laverdin is a host par excellence and one of the most connected gentlemen to be found on the international arts scene.
December 19, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
20 questions with photographer Giacomo Brunelli The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force? Adrenaline. “Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours? “If you are going through hell, keep going” – Winston Churchill.
November 9, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
Galerie Dumonteil’s ‘Splendor on the Riviera’ exhibition The opening of Galerie Dumonteil’s latest exhibition, Splendor on the Riviera, in New York was very much an Anglo-American affair.
November 6, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
20 questions with flautist Ana de la Vega The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force? Vissi d’arte, vissi d’amore, non feci mai male ad anima viva – which for non-Puccini buffs means: “I lived for my art, I lived for love, I never did harm to a living soul”. … Continue reading “Ana de la Vega: “What’s on your mantelpiece?””
