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
Lindsay Lohan sinks to a new low during the coronavirus crisis and attempts to relaunch her tawdry self on April Fool’s Day; the washed-up wench claims to be “evolving” Loathsome leech Lindsay Lohan once curiously claimed she was a “normal, nice person, a good person” and that she “[didn’t] have any bad intentions.” She then … Continue reading “Moron of the Moment – Lindsay Lohan”
March 29, 2020
by Matthew Steeples
‘The Mail on Sunday’ went far too far in attempting to blame Michel Barnier for Boris Johnson getting coronavirus and the Chinese for virtually everything else; they deservedly were condemned by amongst others Andrew Neil When the Mail isn’t having a pathetic pop at James Stunt – a perfectly decent private citizen whose life is … Continue reading “A Double Fail”
February 29, 2020
by Matthew Steeples
Annoying pest Christabel Milbanke is confirmed as a fruitcake and someone best avoided Christabel Milbanke claims to be able to “amplify your brand” – whatever that gibberish means – on Twitter. On Instagram, she’s even more bold and strangely states: “Character is destiny.” Plainly, however, this dimwitted and somewhat deranged pest is nothing other … Continue reading “Moron of the Moment – Christabel Milbanke”
February 19, 2020
by Matthew Steeples
Sex toy up the bums of sheep shover Larysa Switlyk takes to social media to moan about what she’s had to quite deservedly endure Larysa Switlyk likes to boast about shoving sex toys up the bums of sheep she’s shot. She doesn’t like criticism however and now, after she bragged about getting an award for … Continue reading “Moron of the Moment – Larysa Switlyk”
March 4, 2019
by Matthew Steeples
Sir Philip Green’s downfall is now all but complete; strip him of his knighthood says Matthew Steeples He used to be known as ‘Sir Shifty’ but now that’s become a title too far. With revelations that ‘Phily G’ has been caught – and there’s the most tawdry video footage of it even – “pawing” … Continue reading “Grubby Green”
February 13, 2019
by Matthew Steeples
Matthew Steeples suggests that is wrong that the Duchess of Sussex is being treated as a victim; she chose her path and it is time she accepted that with being a public figure, criticism will follow Any criticism of “She Who Must Be Obeyed” – AKA the former Meghan Markle – is immediately condemned … Continue reading “The Modern Day Marie Antoinette”
February 5, 2019
by Matthew Steeples
The ‘modern day Mrs Simpson,’ the Duchess of Sussex’s, behaviour is becoming increasingly erratic; she needs to learn to control herself or she will indeed become a true laughing stock As plain old Meghan Markle, she was known for “carefully planning” publicity stunts on Instagram and elsewhere. ‘Murky Mucky’ likes being in charge but … Continue reading “Manic Meghan”
August 27, 2018
by Matthew Steeples
As the Mail Online makes yet another balls-up, The Steeple Times suggests that Lord Rothermere hire a decent copy checker As was the case with the amazing yet surprisingly true story of The Man Who Never Was and his affair with the woman who ultimately became the inspiration for Ian Fleming’s Bond character Miss … Continue reading “The Affair That Never Was”
December 12, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Matthew Steeples suggests that claims by PR people that Max Clifford wasn’t one of their number simply shows their ‘profession’ to be nothing but hot air Max Clifford had a short penis and he was a paedophile. They are both facts but that most things this self-professed spinner of lies was associated with during … Continue reading “Airing Clifford”
November 12, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Matthew Steeples suggests the era of PR’s who’ll represent anyone and promote anything ought to end In Britain, the PR firm Bell Pottinger collapsed ultimately because of its willingness to “represent almost anyone but Robert Mugabe” but in a perfectly put analysis for The Cut on Friday, Kaitlin Menza highlighted a duo with morals … Continue reading “Taking out the Toxic”
by Matthew Steeples
Off-the-wall 24-carat gold 1958 Austin Healey that would appeal to Liberace to be sold at auction in New York with an estimate of £420,000 A truly bonkers one-off 1958 Austin-Healey 100-Six that was given the monikers ‘Goldie’ and ‘The Golden Child’ is to be sold at auction in December. For sale for 165% … Continue reading “The World’s Most Flirtatious Car”
June 13, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Scumbag paedophile Max Clifford bankrupts himself leaving his victims without compensation Since being jailed, paedophile Max Clifford has shown absolutely no contrition and utterly no remorse. He’s sued newspapers, let his equally arrogant daughter, Louise, buy the “goodwill” – if such bizarrely even exists – of his former PR firm and tried to sell … Continue reading “Maxed Out”
March 31, 2017
by General
Clangers overheard and snippets spotted by readers of ‘The Steeple Times’ Ferry & Yah A PR maven at the Chiltern Firehouse loudly spoke into her mobile. She speedily told the person at the other end of the line: “Bryan Ferry is amazing. Yah. Super yah… I saw his son in 5 Hertford Street. That … Continue reading “Overheard – 31st March”
December 2, 2016
by Matthew Steeples
PR man of fat Australian Clive Palmer who wanted to rebuild RMS Titanic goes broke; appropriately his surname is ‘Crook’ In 2013, a larger-than-life Aussie gave a press conference at The Ritz, London after hanging out with a now deceased jailbird Astor scion in New York. He tastelessly announced he was rebuilding the RMS … Continue reading “Crook Bankrupt”
October 25, 2016
by Matthew Steeples
Publicity seeking duo share details of their wedding – prepare to be amused at the bizarre details of their ridiculously over-the-top nuptials New York based Norah Lawlor is undoubtedly a talented PR and her ability to create something out of nothing is a quality that we at The Steeple Times admire. The stories that … Continue reading “Powering a Wedding”
March 25, 2016
by General
A regular on the party circuit in London, self-described “International Man of Excellence” Oliver Rothschild was exposed by The Telegraph as a “fake Rothschild” in March 2016.
March 6, 2016
by General
Co-founder of Brooklyn based creative consultancy The Gathery, Luigi Tadini was listed amongst New York’s “most stylish” by Time Out in 2012.
February 15, 2016
by Matthew Steeples
Max Clifford attempts to sell his bland and frankly boring £3.45 million Surrey home for a million more than he paid for it
November 5, 2015
July 20, 2015
by General
Debbie Bancroft spends her days amongst the upper echelons of New York and Southampton yet considers the word “socialite” to be “meaningless”.
July 10, 2015
by General
A catering manager turned Ponzi schemer and conman, Canary Wharf based Alex Hope blamed everyone but himself for his demise.
February 22, 2015
by General
With a name worthy of a Bond Girl, Josie Goodbody has morphed from working in public relations in London to writing novels in Uruguay.
February 8, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
Matthew Steeples asks: “Is the story of the ‘middle class Heathrow homeless couple’ all that it seems?”
January 5, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
Nigel Farage giving up drinking is nothing other than an orchestrated publicity stunt
December 22, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
Royal Opera House issues appeal to pay for ballet footwear despite paying CEO over £250,000 per year
October 4, 2014
by General
As head of brand promotion at Bugatti, Alessandro Carnicella is a man whose job is the envy of many.
September 18, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
As Max Clifford launches an appeal against his eight-year prison sentence, all it shows is how truly unappealing he still is Despite being convicted on eight counts of indecent assault between 1977 and 1984, sexual offender Max Clifford has decided to launch an appeal against his eight-year prison sentence. In doing so, all Clifford … Continue reading “Unappealing Clifford”
September 8, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
The Steeple Times asks former actor, singer, PR and former ‘Coronation Street’ star Adam Rickitt: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”
August 10, 2014
by General
He shares a similar sounding name with a department store but Scott Harvey-Nicholls is instead co-founding partner of Romelle Swire, a London and New York based firm that “develops enduring partnerships between talent and brands”. A former marketing director of Elizabeth Arden in both the UK and Australia, Harvey-Nicholls grew up in Manchester and studied at … Continue reading “Scott Harvey-Nicholls”
July 2, 2014
by General
The Steeple Times asks Paul Hammond of wine investment company IG Wines: “What’s on your mantelpiece?” The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force? Work dynamically, innovate, always be prepared to learn new things and be openminded. “Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. … Continue reading “Paul Hammond: “What’s on your mantelpiece?””
May 2, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
As Max Clifford heads to jail for 8 years, it is time to reveal the link between him and other convicted sex offenders In 1997, Max Clifford stated: “[Owen] Oyston is many things, including very arrogant, but he is not a rapist” after being hired to represent the businessman as he attempted and failed … Continue reading “The Maximum ring”
April 20, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
The Telegraph’s ‘Mandrake’ columnist is a man not afraid to take on the establishment. Together with his now former colleague Richard Eden, Walker’s diary extensively featured stories about the charitable activities of Lady Meyer in 2011 and made a fool of the PR for Mastercard after they told him what he was to tweet in … Continue reading “Tim Walker”
February 20, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
House PR’s “condition attached” invites score a true own goal We’ve upset a few PRs this week but the award for the man that brought another of them down has to go to Tim Walker, The Telegraph’s ‘Mandrake’ columnist.
October 4, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
Max Clifford’s suggestion that Jimmy Savile is to blame for the case against him is without justification After appearing at Southwark Crown Court today, Max Clifford announced: “But for Jimmy Savile I wouldn’t be here”. He is wrong.
September 30, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
WPP backed CHI&Partners acquires stake in Halpern The world of public relations can be fickle and few who work in it command the level of respect that Jenny Halpern Prince has built up since she founded Halpern on her kitchen table in 1992. Today, in an email newsletter, it was announced that a stake … Continue reading “Halpern gets a little more CHI”
August 31, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
A Brit who redefined the concept of supper clubs in London, L.A., Miami and New York, Tasmin Lonsdale is the dynamo daughter of the jeans tycoon Tony Lonsdale and model Chekkie Maskell. An Edinburgh graduate who also does event planning, Lonsdale states that what makes for the best parties is a “great mix of people from … Continue reading “Tamsin Lonsdale”
August 22, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
This rising star of the Labour Party entered the House of Commons in May 2010. Nicknamed “St. Ella” and referred to as “Labour’s most interesting Member of Parliament” by ConservativeHome, Creasy is widely tipped as a future leader and lauded for valiantly standing up to the “morons” who attacked her on Twitter. A Cambridge and … Continue reading “Stella Creasy MP”
August 17, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
This voluptuous art dealer and public relations consultant goes by the name “Lady Sandra” and claims to have been “born in The Playboy Club”. She auditioned for Big Brother 2009 and drinks champagne for breakfast. Of life, this rather eccentric sort states: “I’m a very, very happy lady”. How terribly swell.
July 14, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
Married to one of the world’s most prominent cosmetic surgeons, this blonde East Coast socialite formerly was the executive vice president of marketing and advertising at Van Cleef & Arpels. Described as a “whirlwind” and a “staple at benefits”, New York based Potter Aston colour codes her closet and makes “it a point to not … Continue reading “Miriam “Muffie” Potter Aston”
June 24, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
Gatecrashers turn up at a memorial service for Michael Winner The 2005 film Wedding Crashers starring Owen Wilson, Vince Vaughn and Christopher Walken made that breed of crasher famous but an image from today’s Mail Online illustrates another of their number: the memorial crasher.
June 10, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
A floral afternoon tea at the InterContinental London Westminster “You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me” the novelist C. S. Lewis is reported as having once said in the Little Giant Encyclopedia: Tea Leaf Reading. He is right on both fronts and tea … Continue reading “A tea that flowers”
May 25, 2013
by Oliver Estreich
Oliver Estreich’s New York real estate power brokers In the first of a series, Oliver Estreich profiles New York’s top realtors. He begins with Joan Swift, James C. Cox Jr. and Emily and Elizabeth Beare.
May 12, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
The Steeple Times asks public relations guru The Hon. Alexandra Foley: “What’s on your mantelpiece?” The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force? My nanny. “Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours? “Ut prosim” – “That I may do good”. I like … Continue reading “Alexandra Foley: “What’s on your mantelpiece?””
April 26, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
Max Clifford charged with 11 counts of indecent assault We recently criticised Operation Yewtree for failing to take proper action against anyone since it began. Now, with Max Clifford having been charged with 11 counts of indecent assault, progress has at last been made.
April 25, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
This delightful London based lifestyle blogger has British and American passports and loves both food and Ferraris.
April 20, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
Whether innocent or guilty of the murder she’s repeatedly been accused of, this American has made $4 million from her memoir deal with HarperCollins. The family of Meredith Kercher, the true victim in all of this, have rightly stated that they “do not believe anyone should profit from the murder” but Knox, whose conviction for … Continue reading “Amanda Knox”
April 9, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
The Steeple Times asks bass-baritone singer Stephen Bowman: “What’s on your mantelpiece?” The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force? Gravity mainly, followed by a healthy fear of dying young. Avoiding skydiving tends to keep both of those fears at bay. “Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble … Continue reading “Stephen Bowman: “What’s on your mantelpiece?””
March 29, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
A review of Westminster’s Blue Boar Smokehouse Westminster is one of the most intriguing parts of London but it can also be one of the most soulless. It’s an area that is inhabited by politicians and civil servants and it is the haunt of tourists. It’s a place of regal pageantry and ceremony but … Continue reading “Boars and politicos”
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 16, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
This New York based journalist is an assistant editor at Town & Country and has also contributed to New York Magazine and the New York Social Diary.
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 8, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
The uninvited nuisances who are the nightmare of any party host First published in October 2011 on a blog written by Matthew Steeples, we revisit the story of the leading gatecrashers who boldly go where no others would dare. Gatecrashers are people who get into parties without invitations. Central London seems to be … Continue reading “Crashing Assange”
January 15, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
A former financier who is the brains behind New York’s Red Hot-Society media journal. He states his religious views as “crusader” to his 5,000 followers on Facebook and loves Saint Émilion wine. He certainly knows how to party and is also a whizz with a camera. Try and keep up with his itinerary at your … Continue reading “Ricardo Garcia”
December 1, 2012
by steepleadmin
Sarah Tucker shares her experiences on a panel discussing the outcomes of Leveson Journalist and author Sarah Tucker was one of the panelists at a talk at the Richmond Literary Festival on Thursday evening. By chance, since it coincided with the publication of the Leveson Report, the panel’s discussion naturally focused on that. Here … Continue reading “The Media: Friend or foe?”
November 24, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
If one spent $2,000,000 on cosmetic surgery, one would expect to end up looking fantastic. It didn’t quite work out in the case of the billionairess “Bride of Wildenstein,” though, as instead she discovered the husband she thought she’d please in bed with a 19-year old Russian. Feline like in appearance, the purr of this … Continue reading “Jocelyn Wildenstein (née Périsset and also known as “Jocelynnys Dayannnys da Silva Bezerra”)”
November 19, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
Another rumoured sale of “Beckingham Palace” is reported November 2012: In March this year, the blog that preceded The Steeple Times looked into reports that David and Victoria Beckham would be selling their Hertfordshire home, Rowneybury House (better known as “Beckingham Palace”). For all the talk of that sale, as far as we are … Continue reading “Move It Like Beckham”
November 16, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
The Steeple Times asks the journalist and equestrian expert Victoria Spicer: “What’s on your mantelpiece?” The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom.” What’s your guiding force? Sat nav, usually. “Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours? I’m stealing my motto from someone else – “Don’t … Continue reading “Victoria Spicer: “What’s on your mantelpiece?””
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 George Orwell quotation sums up the current media firestorm perfectly We at The Steeple Times thought this image of a lady holding up a piece of cardboard summed up the events of the weekend perfectly. As a debate rages about the future of the BBC and the role of social media in … Continue reading “Picture of the Week: Journalism and public relations”
October 12, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
Christian Huhnt recounts an evening at the launch of La Suite West I have a personal connection to Inverness Terrace as twice in my life I’ve had to crash at my friend’s place there. It’s less than a minute from the new Anouska Hempel-designed hotel, La Suite West, and runs parallel to Queensway. … Continue reading “The bogs of Bayswater”
October 8, 2012
by steepleadmin
Christian Huhnt reports on recent changes at Cassis restaurant As I work in the arts and also collect wines, I find Cassis Bistro in South Kensington most comfortable as here I find myself surrounded by great works by Julian Opie, Gary Hume and Henri Matisse alongside as a humongous and well-stocked wine rack at … Continue reading “The perils of fusion”
October 4, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
Living life to the full Donald G. Abbey style “Why pay less when you can pay more?” is a mantra that some strangely choose to live by. In my time, I have encountered a couple with a different Ferrari for each day of the week, someone who proudly declared their home had a window … Continue reading “Why pay less?”
September 29, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
Christian Huhnt recounts an evening of rock ‘n’ roll at the opening party for Hollywood Road’s latest venue, Honky Tonk When you hear about the opening of a London-based “underground NYC inspired rock ‘n’ roll restaurant,” the last thing you expect is to find it in the very heart of an area that estate … Continue reading “How the mac ’n’ cheese met the truffle oil”
May 30, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
A review of Blummyz, Hollywood Road, SW10 Blummyz is certainly a restaurant that has nothing in common with Brinkley’s, its better-known neighbour and home to ageing lotharios and single women of a certain age. The only similarity, apart from their being on the same street, is that neither fall into the grey area when … Continue reading “Elliott waves”
May 23, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
This property developer tried to sell Britain’s ugliest crib, Updown Court at Windlesham in Surrey, for £70 million in 2008. It languished on the market for years and looked like a cross between a Tesco store and Center Parcs. The mansion included five swimming pools, a heated marble driveway and 103 rooms. Nobody loved it … Continue reading “Leslie “Les” Allen-Vercoe (also known as Les Vercoe)”
May 20, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
Gregory Barker worked for Roman Abramovich at the Sibneft Oil Group and as Energy Minister, took his daschund, Otto, to work at the Houses of Parliament. A Conservative Member of Parliament between 2001 and 2015, Barker lives between Notting Hill and Sussex and is widely cited as the architect of David Cameron’s “green conservatism”.
May 16, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
A food and drinks marketing guru who: “Travels to all ends of the earth for the sake of more than just nourishment.” An award winning connector and PR pro, here is a lady with an encyclopedic knowledge of bars and restaurant second to none. Parties at her home are renowned for the fine food that … Continue reading “Su-Lin Ong”
May 9, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
Co-founder of Artition, a social network and marketplace for artists, dealers, collectors and institutions. This Chelsea resident is often to be found in the V&A library by day but at night he’s most likely to be rocking the club circuit at The Cuckoo Club.
