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.
March 12, 2019
by Matthew Steeples
“Very British” parrot named Nigel trends on social media; you could not make his story up A grey African parrot described as “very British” called Nigel has bizarrely been trending on social media this morning. Owned by the amusingly named Darren Chick, a Brit living in America, Nigel disappeared from his home in … Continue reading “Parrot Trends”
April 15, 2018
by Matthew Steeples
Spectacular hacienda near Seville for sale for £3 million Anyone who has watched the somewhat cringeworthy television programme A Place In The Sun expects a Spanish holiday home to be somewhat beyond vulgar, but in The Palacio, near Seville, a buyer could purchase something truly spectacular. Restored over the last five years, this … Continue reading “A Place In Andalucia”
November 29, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Neglected Georgian mansion that has been home to Sir Dirk Bogarde, Basil Dearden, Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne, Matt Aitken and Robert Kilroy-Silk for sale for 39% less than it sold for in 2014 A dilapidated Grade II* listed country house whose extensive roster of owners numbers aristocrats, rock and film stars and politicians is … Continue reading “The Stars of Beel”
August 17, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Kentish salad company Southern Salads tosses 260 jobs to the wolves after going into administration because of Brexit Illustrations of the likely negative impact of Britain’s decision to leave the UK are coming from far and wide and though Nigel Farage may be crowing over an alleged £60 million film deal – though unsurprisingly … Continue reading “Tossed in Tonbridge”
May 13, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Dame Paddy Ridsdale, as she generally known, was an intelligence operative, secretary to Ian Fleming during WW2 and the inspiration for the Bond character Miss Moneypenny. A Conservative Party stalwart and married to Member of Parliament for Harwich from 1954 to 1992 Sir Julian Ridsdale CBE (1915 – 2004), Dame Paddy – or Vicky, … Continue reading “Lady Ridsdale DBE (1921 – 2009, née Victoire Bennett)”
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 6, 2017
by General
Dopey drugs mule Michaella McCollum was one half of the ‘Peru Two’ jailed in 2013 for attempting to smuggle £1.5 million of cocaine to Spain with her friend Melissa Reid. Hailing from Dungannon, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, shameless former model McCollum was pictured in a distinctive prison orange coloured outfit in May 2017 clutching a … Continue reading “Michaella McCollum”
March 30, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Summing up Britain beginning its road to Brexit and an amusing take on the Prime Minister’s letter to Donald Tusk Yesterday, Theresa May found her date with destiny and triggered Article 50. With no more restrictions on bendy bananas (a total myth) and the start of a long goodbye, Britain reached a “historic moment” … Continue reading “The Baloney of Brexit”
December 7, 2016
by Matthew Steeples
Matthew Steeples reviews Romulo Café in Kensington; it serves the finest Filipino cuisine and is well worth trying Romulo Café bills itself as providing “a taste of the Philippines in the heart of Kensington” and that it certainly does. Here you’ll find not only authentic cuisine but also a truly warm and welcoming atmosphere … Continue reading “Reviewing Romulo”
April 22, 2016
by Matthew Steeples
Remembering one of London’s great ladies, Marisa Masters
December 19, 2015
by steepleadmin
George Appleton identifies three breeds within the shooting classes and urges readers to see which they belong to
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 6, 2015
by General
This dandy dynasty of diplomats and collectors of motoring marvels are renowned on the international jet set. Diplomat H.E. Nunzio Alfredo D’Angieri was once termed “Arafats’s banker”
July 21, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
Despite a Málaga villa built by the musician Prince remaining on the market a year after it was put up for sale, bizarrely its asking price has been increased by £1 million
July 5, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
Criminal John Palmer should be remembered as a crook rather than a character
June 3, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
Calvin Klein is bored of living in the “resort” of Miami Beach and has placed his £10.4 million home on the market
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
March 5, 2015
March 1, 2015
by General
A member of the House of Medinaceli, Rafael de Medina y Abascal turned his back on a career with Credit Suisse to work in fashion with Massimo Dutti.
February 2, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
Scotch Whisky Association calls for a reduction in duty on spirits and highlights that the tax on a £12.50 bottle of Bell’s Whisky is a staggering £9.98
February 1, 2015
by General
A Belgian fantasist, Oliver Trusgnach falsely accused a former Belgian prime minister of abuse before becoming an £18,500 per year antiques gallery manager in Witney, Oxfordshire in 2000.
by General
Canadian actress Emily VanCamp appeared in Everwood between 2002 and 2006 and Brothers & Sisters from 2006 to 2010.
January 15, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
Cairness House, “Scotland’s most important Greek Revival house”, heads into its fourth year on the market
January 14, 2015
by General
The hostess of “the event of the season”, mother of six Lady Annabel Goldsmith’s summer garden party at her home, Ormeley Park on the edge of Richmond Park, is attended by the great and the good.
January 12, 2015
by General
This Spanish socialite and fashion model has – alongside Coco Chanel, Carolina Herrera, Diana, The Princess of Wales, Baroness Thatcher and Anna Wintour – been a member of the International Best Dressed List since 1984.
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”.
November 1, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
Cielo de Bonaire: A vast £39 million villa that has failed to sell in three years that truly must have been built with a dictator or drug dealer in mind
September 19, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
Former Daily Record chief reporter Anna Smith has covered conflicts from Somalia and Rwanda to Kosovo. She was one of the first journalists on the scene after both 9/11 and the Dunblane massacres and now writes crime novels full time. In September 2014, she summed up the feelings of many when she wrote an impassioned … Continue reading “Anna Smith”
September 5, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
The late Joan Rivers on success Yesterday’s news that the comedienne Joan Rivers passed away is sad but she’ll long be remembered for her wit and acerbic comments.
September 3, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
Britain’s Prime Minister needs to get a grip Parliament is back in session and we’re now in September. The ‘Silly Season’ should be well and truly over but in fact we’re sinking into a quagmire that can only be described as ‘stupid’ and ‘irresponsible’.
February 27, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
1964 Bentley S3 Continental coupé to be auctioned by Bonhams The late Alan Whicker numbered amongst those to have owned a Bentley S3 Continental coupé and now a fine example is to be auctioned by Bonhams
December 18, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
The worst named restaurants in the world When opening a restaurant, some restaurateurs opt to name their businesses after a street whilst others use their surname or a historic figure. Here, however, we list a selection of ten of the most bizarre and ridculous that we’ve come across
December 13, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
Our favourite gift ideas for Christmas 2013 Gift suggestions for those with sophisticated tastes
August 18, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
Hispano-Suiza comfortably exceeds reserve at Monterey The 1935 Hispano-Suiza K6 cabriolet that we featured last week was amongst the star lots at this year’s RM Auctions Monterey sale. Against a $1.5 million to $2 million reserve, it achieved $2,255,000.
August 17, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
Australia is the most expensive country in terms of studying costs A recent study by HSBC’s Wealth Development department came up with a surprising revelation: Australia is the most costly country in the world in which to study.
August 12, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
A restored 1935 Hispano-Suiza K6 cabriolet to be sold at RM Auctions Monterey sale Hispano-Suiza, literally meaning ‘Spanish-Swiss’, was a Barcelona based automotive firm that was founded in 1904 and which operated until 1968. In their 16th and 17th August sale, RM Auctions will sell a fine example of their creations, a restored 1935 … Continue reading “Manning a Hispano-Suiza”
August 9, 2013
by Pontus Maltborg
Pontus Maltbourg analyses this year’s European football transfer window With less than one month remaining of the major European transfer window it is time to analyse the movers and shakers in European football.
May 12, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
The Steeple Times asks artist Andrew Hancock: “What’s on your mantelpiece?” The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force? “The increasing sense that time is speeding up”. “Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours? “Fearless for Your Love Forever!” – I inscribed … Continue reading “Andrew Hancock: “What’s on your mantelpiece?””
May 9, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
This Spaniard held more titles than the Queen and married her third husband, a toyboy civil servant, in 2011.
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?””
April 8, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
The sale of a 15,000 square foot Hamptons home complete with a private island and a room with a truly spectacular view Andrew Zaro is a collector with a difference. This philanthropist and Democratic donor leads a life that is no doubt the envy of those from whom his firm, Cavalry Portfolio Services, “helps … Continue reading “Collecting a view”
March 14, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
Fever-Tree sells a 25% stake for £12 million In recent years, the premium spirits market has boomed in both Britain and America. Drinkers have traded up and become more and more demanding in their choices. Spirits brands have seized on this trend and created what they claim to be better products and enclosed them … Continue reading “Just the tonic”
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 9, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
A 1954 Pegaso Z-102 fails to sell at Amelia Island Earlier this week we reported that a one-off Spanish supercar, a Pegaso Z-102 Series II cabriolet by Saoutchik, was to go to auction at the RM Auctions sale at Amelia Island today, Saturday 9th March 2013.
March 5, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
A rare Spanish made supercar heads to auction at Amelia Island Spain is not a country that one naturally associates with supercars but between 1951 and 1958, Pegaso, a company known for producing buses, trucks and tractors, manufactured approximately 84 state-of-the-art sports cars. One of these rarities, a one-off 1954 Z-102 Series II cabriolet … Continue reading “Pining for a Pegaso”
February 13, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
The sale of The Duchess of Cambridge’s uncle’s holiday villa, La Maison de Bang Bang Just as it is reported that the pregnant Duchess of Cambridge is said to be furious about photographers having managed to capture her in a bikini on a beach on the private island of Mustique, another of her previous … Continue reading “Bang, Bang, Snap, Snap”
December 2, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
Thomas James examines the Luzinterruptus art movement Luzinterruptus is a Spanish artistic group, who create temporary urban interventions in public spaces. Using light as their primary component and the black of night as their canvas, the group consists of three anonymous artists from different artistic backgrounds. Interestingly, the artistic group’s name Luzinterruptus is of … Continue reading “Let there be light!”
November 21, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
This affable German’s address book spans continents and cultures. A graduate of the Cass Business School and the University of Madrid, Weber’s projects have variously included The Cuckoo Club, Salon Club and Wanted Gallery. Here’s a gent who knows how to combining partying and business and one whose invites are most definitely like gold dust.
October 24, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
This billionaire was born in Damascus in 1939 and declares his loves to be music, architecture, art and horse racing. His home is the £50 million neo-Georgian mansion Tusmore Park near Bicester in Oxfordshire and he supposedly paid Robbie Williams in excess of a million to perform at his daughter’s May 2012 wedding to PR … Continue reading “Wafic Saïd”
October 4, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
An opportunity for readers based in Kensington & Chelsea to take part in the cult television series “Come Dine With Me” Many of you will have watched an episode of Channel 4’s Come Dine With Me or at least glimpsed five minutes of this car crash television series. For those who do not … Continue reading “Come Dine With Me in K&C”
September 21, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
This father of six and his gang were amongst the most notorious and sadistic criminals in South London in the 1960s. Using scrap metal and slot machine businesses as fronts, they ran fraud, protection rackets and received stolen goods. They were best known for nailing those who displeased them to floor and then made them … Continue reading “Charlie Richardson (1934 – 2012)”
August 20, 2012
by steepleadmin
Sarah Tucker gives an update on goings on at the resort where Madeleine McCann vanished Four hundred and thirty euros, one bedroom apartment, one week at the height of season at a luxury family resort in Portugal. And oh yes, it’s the Ocean Club at Praia da Luz. There’s availability with two and three … Continue reading “Winging it”
August 13, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
A bunch of utter loons get beaten by a bull After the euphoria of the Olympics, we at The Steeple Times very much enjoyed receiving a video clip from Rex Leyland this morning. Leyland assured me that it will be remembered as one of the “video[s] of the year” in the email’s title … Continue reading “Video of the week: A load of old bull”
June 2, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
Their daughter Madeleine disappeared on the evening 3rd May 2007 from a holiday apartment whilst they sat enjoying tapas with a bunch of friends. Some believe the poor child was kidnapped. Others have alternative theories. A public fund to find “Maddie” raised hundreds of thousands of pounds but Mrs McCann’s book, Madeleine, contains so many … Continue reading “Gerry & Kate McCann”
May 14, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
This Liverpudlian footballer is a bad boy on the pitch and has also done a stint in the clink for common assault and affray. He provokes extreme reactions but the hatred he is subjected to on Twitter doesn’t seem to bother him a jot. For that reason and because of his intelligent tweets, perhaps a … Continue reading “Joseph “Joey” Barton”
May 13, 2012
by General
He created the “wedge bob” hairstyle and liberated women from the “tyranny of the salon.” Four times married and a Sephardi Jew, Sassoon sold his brand in 1993 to concentrate on philanthropy. The Daily Telegraph once described him as an “anti-fascist warrior-hairdresser” and he will indeed be remembered as a man who led a revolution.
May 11, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
“El Tel” is best known as a footballer manager but he’s a man of many talents. Few know that this national team manager of England (1994 to 1996) also co-authored four novels with Gordon Williams and was the co-creator of the ITV detective series Hazell. A Chelsea resident, he’s often to be found at Motcomb’s, … Continue reading “Terry Venables”
by Matthew Steeples
Churchill’s most highly decorated special agent. A resistance heroine who lived at The Stafford Hotel from 2001 to 2003 and regaled visitors with tales of her time as the legendary “White Mouse.” Her tipple of choice, gin and tonics, flowed as freely as did the stories of her time interviewing Hitler in the 1930s and … Continue reading “Nancy Wake AC GM (1912 – 2011)”
May 9, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
The son of screen legend Anton Rodgers is one to watch in the drinks industry. He’s worked with some of the top brands but is now embarking on a new chapter guiding strategy for a variety of clients. He’s a dab hand in the kitchen and also responsible for the phrase: “I’d rather eat wasps.”
May 5, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
An Englishman who also happens to be a bullfighter, actor and writer.
April 28, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
She sings about celebrities, the credit crunch and carbon footprints and has appeared on Radio 4 with Barry Humphries. She filmed a video about “Fred the Shred getting in over [his] head” at the Brompton Bar & Grill and though Mr Goodwin may have lost his knighthood, Miss Hughes’ star is definitely on the ascent. … Continue reading “Melinda Hughes”
March 6, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
A review of Valt Single Malt Scottish Vodka When thinking of places where vodka is made, Poland and Russia are probably the first places that come to mind. Valt Single Malt Scottish Vodka, however, is unique in being the only single malt vodka from Scotland and Ricky Christie, it’s founder, claims to be … Continue reading “Valting Vodka”
