The sale of a £16.95 million duplex penthouse in Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square is a place that most Londoners avoid. It’s a place for pigeons, protestors and tourists and though millions travel through it daily, most don’t tend to stop. In an article for The Guardian titled “Why I hate London’s Trafalgar Square”, the author Will Self went as far as to label it “one of the most crap urban public spaces in the world”.
The Steeple Times asks drinks industry guru and blogger Gary Hazell: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”
The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force?
“Go with your inner instinct”. I always think that most of us know instinctively what is right or wrong.
“Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?
I’d agree with that. I have a salmon priest in my backpack right now to prove that.
Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2013?
She still is.
Tony Blair misses being Prime Minister. What do you miss most in your life?
I miss Tony Blair.
What might you swap all your wealth for?
I don’t have any.
Donald Trump was once a case of: “If you owe the bank a thousand, they close you down; but if you owe the bank a billion, you own the bank”. What’s your view on the banking crisis?
The more you owe, the more likely you are to get away with it. If you go to the bank with a good idea, they’ll turn you down. Bankers only care about what they can make rather than how profitable a business may be.
What phrase or word do you most loathe?
“Like”.
In the UK, some people consider charity to “begin at home”. What’s your view and what causes do you personally support?
Charity should begin at home and if you look at our country we give away so much abroad but don’t do enough for our own infrastructure and the elderly.
The judge in Law Abiding Citizen states: “I can pretty much do whatever I want” before being blown up whilst answering her mobile phone. What’s your view on the appropriate use of such devices?
There are occasions when I hope that certain individuals on phones should be blown up. Not everyone wants to listen to your conversation. There is an appropriate time to use them.
If you could fill a carriage on The Orient Express, who would be your fellow passengers?
Molly Parkin, Sir Ranulph Fiennes, Jeremy Paxman, Jeremy Clarkson, Sir Derek Bell, Clive Anderson and Howard Marks.
If you were unfortunate enough to end up on death row, what would be your last meal and where would you eat it?
My own liver sautéed and a fine glass of Bordeaux. I assume I’d be in my cell but if not I’d be by a stream. I love fishing and have my own blog writing about my adventures on the water.
What time is it acceptable to consume the first drink of the day?
Anytime.
A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?
An aged Martinez cocktail made with the gin I promote, Sloane’s.
Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?
Those given by Matthew Steeples.
Who is the most positive person you know?
Definitely not my stepfather. My wife is an eternal optimist so she’s most definitely the most positive.
What’s your most guilty pleasure?
Scrumping.
If a tattoo were to sum you up, what would it be of?
I admire tattoos but probably wouldn’t want to endure the pain of having one done. If I had to, it’d be of my birth sign, scorpio. I suppose that means I have a sting in my tail.
If you were a car, what marque would you be?
A Jaguar D-Type.
Cilla Black presented Surprise, Surprise. Tell us the most surprising thing about you.
I’ve been put in Bow Street Police Station’s jail for a night.
What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?
Photographs of my sons and my wife, an old French Art Deco calendar and a fishing reel.
Gary Hazell is a drinks industry expert. He currently represents a range of spirits brands that include Sloane’s Gin, Purity Vodka and Rebellion Rum. In addition, he shares his passion for fishing with the world via his blog, Tales by the Riverbank.
Read Tales by the Riverbank at: http://talesbytheriverbank.wordpress.com
Follow Gary Hazell on Twitter at: http://www.twitter.com/talesbytheriver
This London born rugby player’s mum learnt ‘The Knowledge’ and worked as a taxi driver so she could send him to a private school. Cipriani has no connection to the restaurant and hotel empire of the same name, but his model girlfriend, Kelly Brook, “sent a message” to him by dining at the London outpost when they split in 2010. After the pair were reunited in the spring of 2013, he was injured after being hit by a bus during a drunken pub crawl in Leeds. Of the incident, he commented: “I can’t believe I am not dead… I am a very lucky boy”.
The Steeple Times asks author, designer and band manager Sasha Reid: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”
The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force?
“Anything is possible”. I love knowing that you can take a little idea and create anything out of it. The possibilities are endless.
“Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?
“Kill people with kindness”.
Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2013?
For me, people being cruel to animals is something I find unacceptable. I hate the fact innocent creatures are being killed. We should respect the animal kingdom and allow them to share our precious planet.
Tony Blair misses being Prime Minister. What do you miss most in your life?
I miss having Christmas with all my family. When I was growing up I was looked after by a nanny. She wasn’t my granny – she was a proper nanny and had looked after my mum and my uncle when they were little before coming to look after my brothers and me. Our Christmas used to be my mum, dad, 2 brothers and me, nanny and my grandparents.
What might you swap all your wealth for?
Happiness. What is the point of being able to have everything if you can’t be happy?
Donald Trump was once a case of: “If you owe the bank a thousand, they close you down; but if you owe the bank a billion, you own the bank”. What’s your view on the banking crisis?
I hope my money is safe.
What phrase or word do you most loathe?
The word “grand”.
In the UK, some people consider charity to “begin at home”. What’s your view and what causes do you personally support?
I was recently on tour with Kasabian and Jersey Budd who did the Teenage Cancer Trust gig at the Royal Albert Hall. I was inspired to see the good work that the charity does and meet some of the young people who have been helped and hear their stories. I also like to support animal charities.
The judge in Law Abiding Citizen states: “I can pretty much do whatever I want” before being blown up whilst answering her mobile phone. What’s your view on the appropriate use of such devices?
I think mobiles are great as long as they are used at the right time and place.
If you could fill a carriage on The Orient Express, who would be your fellow passengers?
I would want my mum and brothers (Charlie and Sam), and of course my mum’s little dog, Honeybear. I would also invite the Kasabian guys: Tom, Sergio, Dib, Kealey, Ian and Tim so that I could have great music.
If you were unfortunate enough to end up on death row, what would be your last meal and where would you eat it?
I hope I would never end up on death row but if I had to choose my last meal it would be risotto, pancakes, chocolate and a banana cupcake from the Chelsea Teapot on the Kings Road. I would want to eat it all on a beautiful beach watching the sunset.
What time is it acceptable to consume the first drink of the day?
Anytime: It’s always evening somewhere in the world.
A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?
A watermelon martini.
Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?
Matthew Steeples has the best parties. They are full of the most interesting and lovely people in London.
Who is the most positive person you know?
My brother Charlie. He is always so calm and always sees the glass half-full .
What’s your most guilty pleasure?
I love watching American television shows. Nashville and Revenge are my favourites at the moment.
If a tattoo were to sum you up, what would it be of?
It would be a phoenix as I love what this mythical bird symbolises. There is going to be a phoenix on the scarves I’m designing.
If you were a car, what marque would you be?
I would be a red Cadillac.
Cilla Black presented Surprise, Surprise. Tell us the most surprising thing about you.
That I am related to General LaSalle who was first General to Napoleon and I can get married in Les Invalides in Paris. I’m sure the James Bond character was based on him. I am also related to Prince Yusupov who murdered Rasputin.
What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?
I have family photographs, candles, a clock that was my granny’s and my Kasabian AAA pass.
Sasha Reid trained to be a teacher before becoming a headmistress of a nursery school. She was then responsible for discovering a Leicester band called Kasabian and worked with them until they were signed to a major label. Currently, Sasha writes children’s stories, manages singer-songwriter Jersey Budd and is designing a range of rock and roll scarves.
Download Sasha Reid’s children’s stories onto your iPad at: http://store.interactivetouchbooks.com/books/sasha+reid+and+amy+withers+riedl
Follow her on Twitter at: http://www.twitter.com/rockchicksasha
He’s taken action against 16 newspapers as: “If they tell lies, I sue them” and another court case resulted in Michael Winterbottom having to change the name of a film about his father, the club owner, pornographer and property tycoon Paul Raymond. Termed by some as the new “King of Soho”, Raymond launched a London dry gin of the same name in 2013.
The Steeple Times asks designer Sophie Rossdale: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”
The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force?
An inkpot and a computer.
“Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?
“If in doubt, add more wine”.
Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2013?
The TOWIEs and Made in Chelsea crew. They’re so scripted and utterly crap.
Tony Blair misses being Prime Minister. What do you miss most in your life?
My dog, Mojo.
What might you swap all your wealth for?
A time machine so I can go back and find out which horse I should have backed for this year’s Grand National. I’d then put all my wealth on it.
Donald Trump was once a case of: “If you owe the bank a thousand, they close you down; but if you owe the bank a billion, you own the bank”. What’s your view on the banking crisis?
It’s terrible. I don’t think anyone could comment in any other way.
What phrase or word do you most loathe?
“Moist”.
In the UK, some people consider charity to “begin at home”. What’s your view and what causes do you personally support?
I like to support smaller charities as I’d like to know where my money is going. I support a charity for children in India because of my business involvement there. I also support a charity for women in Iran.
The judge in Law Abiding Citizen states: “I can pretty much do whatever I want” before being blown up whilst answering her mobile phone. What’s your view on the appropriate use of such devices?
I can achieve a lot on my phone without moving. I deal with people in India to manufacture and supply my fabrics and being able to communicate with them so easily is just great.
If you could fill a carriage on The Orient Express, who would be your fellow passengers?
Maggie Smith, Danny DeVito, Peter O’Toole, Paul Newman (when he was younger). It’s such a weird mix but I’d rather have these than the obvious.
If you were unfortunate enough to end up on death row, what would be your last meal and where would you eat it?
I would have dressed crab to start and as a main I’d opt for a steak and green salad. I’d have a raspberry cheesecake to finish. I’d eat it on a terrace in the sun with a glass of rosé.
What time is it acceptable to consume the first drink of the day?
I think 12 o’clock but some people say just after 11.
A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?
A cup of tea. I don’t like the other two.
Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?
My own, as I know where everything is.
Who is the most positive person you know?
My father.
What’s your most guilty pleasure?
Smoking.
If a tattoo were to sum you up, what would it be of?
A tattoo of bubbles as “Bubbles” is my nickname.
If you were a car, what marque would you be?
Something old and rusty.
Cilla Black presented Surprise, Surprise. Tell us the most surprising thing about you.
I’m colour-blind but my fabric designs are much loved because people consider them unusual.
What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?
An empty wine glass, pictures of my sisters and a smelly candle.
Sophie Rossdale is a designer and importer of fabrics from India. Her tablecloths, cushions, bedspreads and napkins are a combination of Indian and European styles and she sells them through her firm, Adair UK.
View Sophie Rossdale’s official website at: http://www.adairuk.com
Follow her on Twitter at: http://www.twitter.com/AdairHomeware
The Steeple Times asks artist and gallery manager Zuleika Parkin: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”
The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force?
Joy, art and love.
“Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?
“Champagne for my real friends, real pain for my sham friends”: Francis Bacon.
The Steeple Times asks estate agent Edward Thomson: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”
The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force?
Honesty and integrity.
“Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?
My favourite is: “What doesn’t kill me makes me stronger” but “Try everything once, except incest and Morris dancing” is more amusing.
Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2013?
Mexicans using live dogs and kittens as shark bait.
Tony Blair misses being Prime Minister. What do you miss most in your life?
Living in the countryside and most of the time, a river and a dog.
What might you swap all your wealth for?
The love of my life.
Donald Trump was once a case of: “If you owe the bank a thousand, they close you down; but if you owe the bank a billion, you own the bank”. What’s your view on the banking crisis?
My integrity and reputation is all that I am; all that I can absolutely determine. When you give that up what have you become? The banks no longer have a code. A few prison sentences ought to remind them to gamble their money, not ours.
What phrase or word do you most loathe?
“It’s not my problem”: I absolutely hate the mentality of people who say this.
In the UK, some people consider charity to “begin at home”. What’s your view and what causes do you personally support?
Family and friends first and then animal welfare. In particular, beasts of burden across the world.
The judge in Law Abiding Citizen states: “I can pretty much do whatever I want” before being blown up whilst answering her mobile phone. What’s your view on the appropriate use of such devices?
Mobile phones are anti-social, but absolutely necessary in today’s world.
If you could fill a carriage on The Orient Express, who would be your fellow passengers?
Bill Murray, Ranulph Fiennes, that chap who just survived 40 minutes at depth in the North Sea with 20 minutes of mix (seriously interesting chat to be had there I think), Johnny Cash and oh yes, a seriously amazing and beautiful Australian I know.
If you were unfortunate enough to end up on death row, what would be your last meal and where would you eat it?
Potted shrimp on toast, lamb cutlets and some very good Stilton. I would have it on the banks of the River Nadder near Salisbury.
What time is it acceptable to consume the first drink of the day?
12 noon. Sherry.
A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?
Definitely a cocktail. A Porn Star martini is my current favourite.
Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?
Any that end up in Annabel’s. Call me old hat, but I just love the dance floor in there.
Who is the most positive person you know?
My stepfather, Richard. An extraordinary chap.
What’s your most guilty pleasure?
Smoking. I have to stop again soon.
If a tattoo were to sum you up, what would it be of?
A rod and a rifle.
If you were a car, what marque would you be?
My Triumph TR6. My dream car is a 1949 Ferrari 166MM Barchetta.
Cilla Black presented Surprise, Surprise. Tell us the most surprising thing about you.
I like crooning to old Fred Astaire songs in the shower.
What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?
A carriage clock, two candlesticks, a picture of me releasing a salmon, a wedding invitation and a Herend porcelain rabbit.
Edward Thomson works for Strutt & Parker LLP in their Cadogan Street sales office. Website: http://www.StruttAndParker.com
A monthly round up of the moves of the newsworthy
Fishing around 
Poissonnerie on Draycott Avenue, popular with the likes of Sir Michael Caine and Sir Roger Moore, is for sale through Miles Commercial. The 6,700 square foot property, owned by respected restaurateur Peter Rosignoli, has a price tag of £14,000,000 and the agents state that it “has good redevelopment potential”. Meanwhile, around the corner in Walton Street, the same firm seeks £90,000 per year for the former Baity Kitchen premises.
Living like Lilly
The “Queen of Prep” Lilly Pulitzer’s realtor daughter, Liza, is marketing her late mother’s former home at 710 South County Road in Palm Beach, Florida at a price of £5,500,000. Originally marketed at £7,500,000, the fashion titan told the New York Times recently that the house is “just magnificent, but I’m old and I’m cranky and I can’t keep it up the way it should be”. She now rests in peace but with the “cabana inspired” property being marketed as a “tear-down” or for subdivision into two lots, it looks like the bulldozers will be on the way.
Meyer’s kebabed
Sir Christopher Meyer was recently spotted on the steps of 17 Lincoln Street in Chelsea with a group of men who looked like builders. The same property, for which offers in excess of £2,650,000 were sought, is now “under offer/sold” on the Primelocation.com website. If indeed the former ambassador and his wife, who was described as being “Chanel-clad” by the Daily Telegraph in May 2011, have bought the house, they’ll quickly have to get used to the smell of kebabs. The 4-storey unmodernised end of terrace is right next to the Al Dar restaurant.
Monckton moves on
The house where financier John Monckton was tragically murdered in November 2004 in Upper Cheyne Row, Chelsea has recently come on the market with W. A. Ellis. Monckton’s killer Damien Hanson and his accomplice Elliott White were rightly jailed and now, his widow, Homeyra, is selling the 5-bedroomed house at a guide price of £5,500,000.
If you know of a story about someone newsworthy who is changing jobs, setting up a new business or selling an existing one or moving home, do email us at: [email protected]
Essex born journalist Richard Littlejohn claims that the Royal Family are a “bunch of tax-evading adulterers” (more…)