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.
February 22, 2020
by Theodora Ong
New contributor and classic cars enthusiast Theodora Ong covets roadsters with wings, curves and chrome at the London Classic Car Show 2020 If you dashed over to this year’s London Classic Car Show (LCCS) at Olympia, you may soon be planning to sell-up your everyday new car, to snap up a new-old motor for weekend … Continue reading “Change From £100k”
October 29, 2018
by Matthew Steeples
Matthew Steeples names and shames the retail giants who won’t be selling Royal British Legion poppies this year; they include Boots, Sainsbury’s, Selfridges, Tesco, Waitrose and Wholefoods Even ‘Murky’ Meghan Markle – down under in New Zealand on tour – is sporting one right now; the humble poppy. A mark of respect to those … Continue reading “The Poppy Pariahs”
October 22, 2018
by Matthew Steeples
Clangers overheard and snippets spotted by readers of ‘The Steeple Times’ Mobile Arabs An Arab sat outside a shisha café on Brompton Road told her friend: “I lost my phone in Harrods today but I went back and they’d found it. Thank God it was Harrods. They’d have been so racist anywhere else but … Continue reading “Overheard – 22nd October 2018”
October 24, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Six-storey Belgravia residence with controversial business connections goes on sale for 22% less than it was marketed for in 2015 and 3,497% more than it sold for in 1997 A 6,961 square foot freehold terraced townhouse in Belgravia has gone on sale for £25 million or 3,497% more than it was sold for in … Continue reading “Wealthy Wilton”
September 9, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Convoy of five yellow Lamborghinis spotted cruising around Kensington and Chelsea Someone once said: “Work until you feel a Lamborghini is cheap” and plainly the owner of a convoy currently in London has exactly that attitude. Pictured here on Brompton Road opposite the former premises of La Brasserie, a fleet of five yellow … Continue reading “Gaining a Lambo (or five)”
July 16, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
After a Chelsea chef who came out of nowhere named Michael Riemenschneider is revealed to be a “conman” in the ‘Mail on Sunday’, readers tell of his past form As can only be expected of a paper that loves a bit of sensationalism this week’s Mail on Sunday’s ‘YOU’ got rather carried away in … Continue reading “Canvassing a Con”
June 10, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Penthouse with tower in prominent Knightsbridge landmark for sale for £8.25 million A penthouse with a tower in a Grade II listed landmark triangular ‘flat-iron’ building on the border of South Kensington and Knightsbridge has gone on sale for £8.25 million ($10.51 million, €9.39 million or درهم38.62 million). Created in 1991 to designs … Continue reading “Empire State of Knightsbridge”
May 29, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Kensington and Chelsea – The land of the ‘have-a-lots’ and the ‘have-nothing-at-alls’; an example of a contrast too far The mere mention of the area of Kensington and Chelsea brings all sorts of connotations: One thinks of the Albert Hall and Hyde Park, Harrods and Harvey Nicks and one imagines affluence and culture. Here … Continue reading “A Land of Contrasts”
January 7, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Two studio flats near Harrods for sale for extraordinary sums offer ideal homes for pint-sized people A typical London Underground carriage provides about 464 square foot of space. In Knightsbridge and just seconds from Harrods, a property offering just over half that area has just come on sale on a short lease for £450,000 … Continue reading “Cupboards by Harrods”
September 29, 2016
by Matthew Steeples
The most vulgar numberplate in Britain arrives in SW3 Yesterday, in Walton Street, a Rolls-Royce parked opposite Scalini restaurant. There was nothing unusual about that but it’s point of difference was its numberplate. The owner of the car had chosen ‘SH10W OF’ and in doing so simply illustrated his or herself for what … Continue reading “The No. 1 Showoff”
September 16, 2016
by General
A 20-question interview with Nolan Browne, manager of London’s Taschen store and Gallery Nolan Browne The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force? Ambition. “Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours? Rubbish in, rubbish out. Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in … Continue reading “Nolan Browne – What’s on your mantelpiece?”
April 22, 2016
by Matthew Steeples
Remembering one of London’s great ladies, Marisa Masters
March 28, 2016
by Matthew Steeples
Gold cars appear to be all the rage with London’s visiting Arabs this season
January 18, 2016
by Matthew Steeples
A 20-question interview with Atlanta based interior designer Robert Brown
by General
One of five children of an exiled prince and hedgefunder and an American heiress, Her Royal Highness Princess Maria-Olympia of Greece and Denmark was born in New York and grew up in Cheyne Walk in London.
November 4, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
South Kensington studio with what are described as “two sleeping areas” hits the market for a staggering £1.195 million or £1,950 per square foot
September 17, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
Knightsbridge residents have a right to peace but they should not have the right to stop legitimate businesses such as Harrods running a restaurant that will serve both locals and visitors
September 2, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
Matthew Steeples laments the loss of one of what once set London apart: Manners and gentlemen
June 13, 2015
by General
Britain’s highest paid CEO in 2014 (he earned £42.98 million in a single year) Sir Martin Sorrell is the CEO of the advertising giant WPP.
June 5, 2015
by Alexandra Naylor
Alexandra Naylor reviews the InterContinental Park Lane London’s ‘Scents of Summer Afternoon Tea’
April 16, 2015
December 28, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
Marinka Smirnova illustrates that stereotypes sometimes can be spot on
December 25, 2014
September 23, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
Russian student spends £20,000 covering her £25,000 Mercedes in Swarovski crystals and then wonders why she is mocked
September 4, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
Will Julian Assange ever leave the Ecuardorian embassy in London? On 18th August Julian Assange told a news conference that he’d leave the Ecuadorian embassy in London “soon”. It’s now the 4th September and still he remains there.
September 1, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
Three Arabic men decide to enjoy a spot of shisha on the A4 as Cara Delevingne looks on The ‘Ramadan Rush’ is nearly over but in spotting the image that we make our Picture of the Week, Monika Agata Maron truly captured how ridiculous Knightsbridge has become during this period.
August 30, 2014
by General
This thrice married daughter of the novelist Dame Barbara Cartland was allegedly fathered by Prince George, Duke of Kent and has worked her way through five titles. Upwardly mobile, she’s been described as “larger than life” but was so unpopular with her step-children that they nicknamed her “Acid Raine”. During Mohamed Fayed’s ownership of Harrods, … Continue reading “Raine Spencer; Raine, Countess Spencer (AKA “Acid Raine”)”
August 24, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
Highlights from the second annual Christie’s South Kensington sale of unusual items and objects, ‘Out of the Ordinary’ On 3rd September Christie’s South Kensington will auction “an eclectic selection of art and ephemera celebrating the joy of the unconventional”. Here, The Steeple Times selects a few highlights
August 18, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
As Julian Assange reportedly is to leave the Ecuadorian embassy in London, he also offers himself as a lunch date there for £30,000 This morning, yet more police officers have gathered outside the Embassy of Ecuador in Hans Crescent after it has been reported that Julian Assange is about to hand himself in. If … Continue reading “Exit or lunch?”
August 17, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
Julian Assange expresses his anger against the British government Today, in an interview with The Mail on Sunday, Julian Assange expressed his anger that he has been denied what he sees as his human rights by the British government. This arrogant individual – who imposed himself upon the Ecuadorian embassy in Knightsbridge in June … Continue reading “Angry Assange”
August 12, 2014
by steepleadmin
Mr Gus Instinct calls for Britain to wake up and respect itself once more
August 6, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
Petra Stunt sends yet another rambling comment to ‘The Steeple Times’ Petra Stunt – nee Ecclestone – took great umbrage at our article about her father’s views on her husband’s convoy of cars. Now, in yet another comment, she’s shared her take on James Stunt’s entourage of vehicles once again.
August 2, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
A gold and black Bugatti Veyron has eclipsed the gold Ferrari owned by Iraqi kick-boxer named Riyadh Al-Azzawi in terms of being the most gaudy car on the roads in London this summer This summer Iraqi kick-boxer Riyadh Al-Azzawi has reveled in the attention he’s received as he drove around the streets of Chelsea … Continue reading “Picture of the Week: As bold as gold”
July 20, 2014
July 4, 2014
by Claire Rubinstein
Claire Rubinstein laments the closure of Juicy Couture’s US stores When I heard the news that the clothing brand Juicy Couture – famed for the much maligned rhinestone bedazzled tracksuits – had shut down all its US Stores at the end of last week I was somewhat surprised.
March 11, 2014
December 30, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
Central London is losing its character A house in Pelham Street for £105 million, Tamara Ecclestone spends £1 million on a bathtub and Made in Chelsea’s Spencer Matthews racks up a bar bill of £450,000. These are all headlines we’ve featured recently that illustrate the nonsensical world that has become The Royal Borough of … Continue reading “Naff off”
December 18, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
A houseboat in Chelsea for £795,000 Ratty, Mole, Mr. Badger and Mr. Toad in Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind in the Willows lived by the belief that: “There is nothing – absolutely nothing – half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats”. Whomever purchases the M.S. Mouette, a converted former passenger ferry … Continue reading “Messing about on the Mouette”
October 12, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
This cookery writer morphed into Britain’s favourite baker as the judge of BBC Two’s The Great British Bake Off and in the process amassed a fortune of some £15 million. Buckinghamshire based and married to a retired antiquarian bookseller, Berry has published more than 70 cookery books since 1970 and began her career working in … Continue reading “Mary Berry CBE”
September 10, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
Repossessed flat comes to the market in Candy & Candy’s One Hyde Park This morning, Spear’s Wealth Management’s Josh Spero reported that a repossessed one bedroomed flat was for sale in Knightsbridge’s One Hyde Park for £5.25 million. Given that flats there have sold for upto £140 million, this is most definitely somewhat of … Continue reading “Fire sale in One Hyde Park”
September 5, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
Apartment to rent above Julian Assange’s hideout Julian Assange has been holed up in the Ecuadorian Embassy in Knightsbridge since 19th June 2012. Now there’s a chance to share live in the same building as him as Harrods Estates are marketing a penthouse there for £5,750 per week.
August 29, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
Creating a meal for 30p whilst helping to eliminate food waste On the blog that preceded ‘The Steeple Times’, Matthew Steeples wrote this article in December 2011. We republish it here given the response we’ve had to our article on food poverty and the comments of Jamie Oliver and Jack Monroe.
August 12, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
Two Rolls-Royce Phantoms blinged beyond belief It’s the ‘Silly Season’ and this week we have two Pictures of the Week. One is of an American Rolls-Royce Phantom and the other is of a similarly ridiculous car in London.
August 7, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
Viewer of Petra Ecclestone’s £32,000,000 Eaton Square home leaves with £500,000 of jewellery In 2008, the Financial Times’ Richard Holledge described Finchatton’s renovation of 63 Eaton Square in Belgravia as a “daring conversion”. Last month, the very same property was the location of something equally daring: a £500,000 jewellery heist.
August 4, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
Jack Vetrianno puts painting on the market (and throws in a flat) Whoever buys Scottish artist Jack Vettriano OBE’s £2 million flat in Pont Street, Knightsbridge gets not only a one bedroomed flat, but also a painting titled Suddenly Last Summer.
May 19, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
The costs of policing Julian Assange’s residency at the Ecuadorian Embassy in London soar to beyond £4.2 million By the time of the first anniversary of Julian Assange’s arrival at the Ecuadorean Embassy in Hans Crescent on 19th June, the cost of policing his “stay” will have come to the astounding sum of over … Continue reading “Policing Assange: Where will it end?”
May 16, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
He cruises the streets of Knightsbridge and Belgravia in the afternoons and hoots every so often as he drives along. Often spotted puffing away on a cigar, nothing more is known of this diminutive character.
May 11, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
30 of the best number plates sighted by Matthew Steeples Our readers and followers love the number plates spotted by our editor Matthew Steeples.
April 25, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
The sale of a $125 million penthouse on the top three floors of The Pierre In London this week, the Evening Standard announced that a 50,000 square foot Grade I listed Regency house, 18 Carlton House Terrace, SW1 has gone on the market at £250,000,000. If it achieves this figure, it will become the … Continue reading “New York’s priciest pad”
March 25, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
Russians in London up their security Following in the wake of the death of Boris Berezovsky, a number of his friends and acquaintances have stated that they believe he did not commit suicide. Berezovsky, like many other London based oligarchs, was always surrounded by bodyguards. Both he and his former associate Roman Abramovich … Continue reading “Who’s next?”
March 17, 2013
by General
Her Evening Standard editor father was known as “Chilly Charlie” and she’s become “Nuclear Wintour”. This New York based Brit states that she’s “lost count” of the number of times she’s been attacked by activists and once retaliated by sending anti-fur campaigners a plate of roast beef when they picketed her Condé Nast offices. In … Continue reading “Anna Wintour OBE”
March 10, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
The Steeple Times asks writer, broadcaster and entertainer Neil Hamilton: “What’s on your mantelpiece?” The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force? Christine. “Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours? If you say so dear.
February 8, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
A former supporter of Julian Assange denounces his behavior Jemima Khan has shown great courage in turning on Julian Assange. In a feature in the New Statesman, she described him as being “more like an Australian L. Ron Hubbard” than the crusader he has portrayed himself. Suggesting Assange thinks himself like a real life … Continue reading “Jemima Khan: a lady who talks sense”
January 14, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
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 Situated in the heart of Chelsea, … Continue reading “Five of the best: Lunch deals in The Royal Borough”
January 4, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
A review of Channel 4’s Millionaire Playboy Races by Matthew Steeples I watched last night’s Millionaire Playboy Racers expecting to find myself in agreement with Knightsbridge residents complaining about the noise generated by Arabs and their supercars. In many instances I would have previously agreed that they are bloody pests but surprisingly, by the … Continue reading “Knightsbridge’s playboy racers”
December 31, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
He looks like a harmless old buffer but he truly isn’t. On approach, there’s always a tale of woe and then a demand for £50. His wife has died in Gloucester and he hasn’t got the train fare or he needs a hotel room for the night as his wallet was stolen. Whatever the story … Continue reading “£50 grifter”
December 3, 2012
by steepleadmin
Our new columnist Jacinta de Vere analyses fashion’s most dangerous colour I really enjoy seeing people take various pieces that you would think would look hideous on their own and combine them to make a fantastic look. Alternatively, there are people who take one piece and manage to look like a hot mess. … Continue reading “Seeing RED”
November 27, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
The Steeple Times asks the magician and musician Daniel Rosenfeldt: “What’s on your mantelpiece?” The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom.” What’s your guiding force? Stephen Fry. “Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours? Madonna has a great one: “Don’t cheat”. You can do what … Continue reading “Daniel Rosenfeldt: “What’s on your mantelpiece?””
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)”
November 5, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
Matthew Steeples explores the story of an empty Kensington mansion A multi-million pound 8-bedroomed house in Kensington isn’t anything unusual. In fact, rather, they’re ten a penny. In this, one of the wealthiest boroughs in the land, large, expensive homes are just the norm. No. 1 Campden Hill, which is being marketed for … Continue reading “Boujis in the basement?”
October 16, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
Henrik Fisker: a man who creates automotive winners Readers of The Steeple Times will know that we are big fans of the designs of Henrik Fisker and most especially his Fisker Karma – a car that has sadly not yet made it to Britain’s roads. We very much hope that this superb automobile … Continue reading “Far from a loser”
October 4, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
Who would have imagined seeing a Phantom and a Mulsanne drag racing? In London, people do strange things with supercars. Arabs like His Highness Sheikh Rashid Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, aged 28, don’t bother to insure their wrapped orange £230,000 Ferrari FF’s and find them impounded by the Metropolitan Police whilst Iraqi playboys race … Continue reading “Picture of the Week: Drag in luxury”
September 28, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
The case of a Ferrari FF driver with more money than sense Last November, on my way to a lunch at The Stafford Hotel with The Steeple Times restaurant critic, Anthony Brown, I took a photograph of one of my favourite vehicles, a Ferrari FF, in Curzon Street, W1. Emblazoned with a Westminster … Continue reading “Ferrari’s ‘F’lipping ‘F’ool”
August 17, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
Matthew Steeples gives his view on Julian Assange’s having been granted asylum by Ecuador I spent much of the day yesterday watching the Occupy News Network live video stream from outside the Ecuadorian Embassy in London. For those who don’t know it, the Occupy News Network is the news source of the Occupy … Continue reading “Assange’s asylum”
by Matthew Steeples
How might Julian Assange escape to Ecuador? Now that Julian Assange has been granted asylum in Ecuador, what are his escape options? The First Post suggests that Ecuador could make him their representative to the United Nations as that “would make him immune from arrest while travelling to United Nations meetings around the … Continue reading “Assange’s escape options”
July 21, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
This stylish Anglo-Italian entrepreneur was one of the founders of Quintessentially. Charm personified, Del Bono now assists wealthy foreigners invest in London’s finest homes and businesses. His most talked about venture is a £100 million project that will turn 50 St James’s Street into a member’s club, spa and hotel. In the residential sector, he … Continue reading “Luca Del Bono”
June 22, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
A visit to those supporting Julian Assange outside the Ecuadorean Embassy Yesterday, as I walked to The Rib Room at the Jumeirah Carlton Tower with Alexandra Naylor, I came across a media camp opposite the Ecuadorean Embassy in Hans Crescent, Knightsbridge. On the other side of the road, directly next to the embassy, … Continue reading “Julian Assange: a man who thinks he’s above the law”
May 22, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
A personal secretary to Mohamed Al Fayed whose evidence was key in the 1999 Neil Hamilton “cash for questions” libel case. This Chelsea resident brings grace and style to any gathering she attends and also has an extensive knowledge of all things operatic. An evening in Bond’s company is always a pleasure.
April 28, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
Danish creator of the Aston Martin V8 Vantage, Aston Martin DB9, Shelby GR1 concept and BMW Z8 Roadster. His latest visionary output is the Fisker Karma, an eco friendly luxury sedan that is simply stunning. Quite rightly he’s been described as: “The greatest living car designer.”
April 27, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
Eternally cheerful survivors. They’re amongst the few who’ve beaten both Max Clifford and speed cameras. No one ever guesses what they’ll do next.
by General
This pint-sized nonagenarian hailed from Barri, Italy and was married to Lindsay Masters, one of the founders of Haymarket Publishing.
by Matthew Steeples
Sir Christopher and Lady Meyer love the media circuit and television sofas.
