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 19, 2019
by Matthew Steeples
The boozy bird the Duchess of Sussex and the newly formed The Independent Group have something in common; this “TIG moment” lover should become their leader The former Meghan Markle – a bizarre woman who ludicrously likes to create “spaces to share” and “breeding grounds for ideas and excitement” – once had a blog … Continue reading “TIGing a Drunken Duchess”
January 27, 2019
by Matthew Steeples
Reality television ‘star’ and ex-girlfriend of acid thrower Ferne McCann caught hurling drinks at National Television Awards Ferne McCann and chucking things seem to go together. First, the father of her child was deservedly jailed after attacking 22 innocent people with acid and now it has been revealed that this Brentwood born broad chucked … Continue reading “Fishwife Ferne”
December 26, 2018
by Matthew Steeples
1967 Rolls-Royce state landaulet originally built for the Communist dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu – but considered too extravagant even by him – and later used by Her Majesty The Queen to be auctioned Romanian President Nicolae Ceaușescu was a dictator whose extravagance was a bit like that of Barbara Amiel: It knew no bounds. In … Continue reading “From Ceaușescu to The Queen”
September 14, 2018
by Matthew Steeples
Racist Marie-Claire, ‘Baroness’ von Alvensleben spotted dashing for sparkling wine as she ‘works the room’ at chi-chi antiques fair Last night at LAPADA, waiting to pounce on unsuspecting innocents complete with her trademark helmet hairstyle, Marie-Claire ‘Baroness’ von Alvensleben perched on a bench at the entrance. The wannabe Elnett ambassador’s eyes beamed when … Continue reading “Picture of the Week – A Bottled Baroness”
September 6, 2018
by Matthew Steeples
John Stoddart exhibition of silkscreen prints of his iconic works at Chelsea Arts Club attracts the attention of some BBC heavyweights On Tuesday, at the Chelsea Arts Club in London, photographer John Stoddart illustrated his versatility as an artist in exhibiting silkscreen prints created from his works. Present at the preview were a … Continue reading “Fame & The Beeb”
August 24, 2018
by General
Whackjob Wetherspoons owner Tim Martin has followed up on banning foreign booze including Moët & Chandon and now banned dogs from his entire chain of pubs Pro-Brexit publican Tim Martin has landed himself quite literally in dogshit. According to a report in Friday’s Mirror, Martin’s pub chain, Wetherspoon, will ban dogs from both … Continue reading “Brexiteer Tim Martin’s Dog’s Dinner”
January 15, 2018
by Matthew Steeples
Half price bottles of wine at The Enterprise during January; price per bottle starts at £9.98 per bottle The Enterprise in Walton Street, Chelsea is an institution that locals know and love. The staff and management are charming, the atmosphere is fun and the food and drink superlative. For the whole of January, … Continue reading “A Wine Winner”
November 23, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
As Public Health Wales claims drinking spirits is bad for you, we rebut their frankly stupid study On Tuesday, The Telegraph reported that a completely unscientific study by an organisation named Public Health Wales had found that spirits are more likely to “trigger bouts of depression and unexpected weeping.” Said also to cause … Continue reading “More gin, vicar?”
August 18, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Orange County mega-estate sold last for £14 million on an original asking price of £67 million offered for sale again for £43 million after death of owner The largest residential estate on the Newport Coast of California is back on the market. One Pelican Hill Road North in Newport Beach – alternatively known as … Continue reading “Flying a White Elephant”
July 25, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Study reveals drinking alcohol can improve memory A study has revealed that those that drink alcohol after studying recall what they learnt better than those that don’t. The University of Exeter set 88 drinkers a word-learning task and then split them into two random groups. The first were told to drink as much … Continue reading “Brainy Boozing”
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 5, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Vast “Italian style” oceanfront mansion in Orange County, CA relaunched for sale for £42.7 million; it has failed to sell at prices as high as £53 million An 18,000 square foot barn of a residence described as “the finest oceanfront home in SoCal” has been relaunched to the market this month at a price … Continue reading “Not So Little Italy”
June 1, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
A 20-question interview with criminal justice expert, former police officer and Liberal Democrat candidate for Kensington Annabel Mullin The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force? To live every moment to the fullest and make the biggest difference to people’s lives that I can. “Don’t get even, get medieval” is, … Continue reading “Annabel Mullin – What’s on your mantelpiece?”
May 14, 2017
by General
A 20-question interview with public affairs and communications consultant and Liberal Democrat candidate for Chelsea & Fulham Louise Rowntree The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force? Treat others the way you want to be treated. “Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s … Continue reading “Louise Rowntree – What’s on your mantelpiece?”
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 7, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
A dream job for wine lovers; get paid to drink and drive your way across America An Oregon winery is seeking a ‘Canbassador’ to join them on a roadtrip across America to hawk their range of wines – including their ‘pinot in a can’. The Union Wine Company, founded by Ryan Harms in … Continue reading “Jobbing Wine”
April 23, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
New Jersey mansion, complete with 58 rooms, for sale for equivalent sum to what it cost to build in 1909; the £37 million house’s original owner was a man whose extravagance knew absolutely no bounds George Crocker (1856 – 1909) makes F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Jay Gatsby seem like an amateur. Born in Sacramento and … Continue reading “Living Large”
April 14, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Firezza’s first “proper restaurant” in Dean Street, Soho offers gourmet pizza by-the-metre at remarkably reasonable prices; it is a must visit Edin Basic can be credited with changing the way Brits order pizza. Prior to his arrival in London from war torn Bosnia some twenty-five years ago, home delivered pizza was – if it … Continue reading “Basically Brilliant”
April 2, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Spirits brands hike prices by upto 16% and blame Brexit for increasing their supply-side costs Drink loving Brexiteers may have cause to reconsider their enthusiasm for Britain leaving the EU. Since last year’s referendum, the price of vodka has risen 5% on average whilst gin is up 3%. Bombay Sapphire has hiked its … Continue reading “Booze Bashed By Brexit”
March 18, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Matthew Steeples suggests readers reject Donald Trump’s desperate plugs for an opportunity to win dinner with his own very sorry self In the past twenty-four hours I’ve received four messages begging me to buy my way in to being in with a chance of winning a dinner with Donald Trump on Tuesday 21st March … Continue reading “Dine With Donald”
January 22, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Berkshire country house named “Gays” for sale Not connected with the LGBT community in any way, but in fact named after a man named John Gays, “Gays” at Holyport, near Maidenhead in Berkshire dates to around 1456 and is currently for sale for £5.95 million ($7.36 million, €6.88 million or درهم27.05 million). … Continue reading “A Happy House”
January 7, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
BBC executives drink surprisingly little gin, yet the Mail Online make rather a fuss about it On Saturday, the Mail Online published an article about the BBC spending £115,049 on wine, beer and spirits in 2013, 2014 and 2015 following a Freedom of Information Request. The paper surprisingly focused on a total spending … Continue reading “Auntie’s Hardly Ruined”
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”
December 4, 2016
by Kathryn Fensterstock
Kathryn Fensterstock reports on a party to celebrate Pickett’s new partnership with the Mayor’s Fund for London On 16th November, to mark becoming an official charity partner of the Mayor’s Fund for London, Pickett hosted a drinks reception and raffle in Mayfair’s Burlington Gardens. Guests, including Sotheby’s director Joanna Booth, Cristina Maxson, the … Continue reading “Partnering With Pickett”
December 1, 2016
by Matthew Steeples
More pictures from Matthew Steeples and Rowena Romulo’s party at Romulo Café Today, we share a further selection of images from the party Matthew Steeples of The Steeple Times co-hosted with Rowena Romulo at Romulo Café in Kensington High Street. Guests on the night numbered the Philippine Ambassador to the United Kingdom H.E. … Continue reading “Returning to Romulo”
November 30, 2016
by Matthew Steeples
An evening of cocktails and fine Filipino food at Romulo Café On 23rd November in London, Matthew Steeples of The Steeple Times co-hosted a party with financier turned restaurateur Rowena Romulo at her recently opened Café Romulo – the fourth outpost of a family owned and managed group of restaurants and the first outside … Continue reading “Raising the Roof to Romulo”
September 19, 2016
by Matthew Steeples
Gin sales up in the UK as drinkers switch from beer and wine to ‘Mother’s Ruin’ The gin market in the UK has soared to sales of nearly £1 million per day according to new research by analysts Kantar Worldpanel. According to the firm, sales are up 16% to £338 million in the … Continue reading “Gin rockets”
May 15, 2016
by Matthew Steeples
Grade I listed Sir John Soane designed country house Tyringham Hall reduced in price by 30%
April 16, 2016
by Matthew Steeples
Portuguese vineyard that produces Sir Cliff Richard’s wine goes up for sale as he awaits a decision as to whether he might face charges in Britain
November 29, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
In the week that Denis Doble was thrown out of a party, the ‘Evening Standard’ scandalously offers tips on how to get in
June 13, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
Belgravia restaurant Motcombs to host special Royal Ascot Ladies’ Day lunch
June 12, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
Raising a toast to World Gin Day with VII Hills gin at La Brasserie
May 29, 2015
by General
‘The Steeple Times’ asks banker and author David Gigauri: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”
April 22, 2015
by Gael Dantec
Citreola Cellars wine merchant Gael Dantec selects Laurent-Perrier Brut NV as his Wine of the Week and offers it for just £25.99 per bottle
April 5, 2015
by General
The legendary cricket commentator and author Henry Blofeld describes his world as “bubbly and boisterous”.
April 2, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
Motcombs Bar & Restaurant offers what could quite possibly be the best set of bargains for drinkers in the affluent area of Belgravia during April – including two G&Ts for just £5.90
March 29, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
Dallas mansion with a prayer room and the largest private bowling centre in America that was previously owned by a billionaire oil baron remains for sale despite a price cut of £7 million
March 23, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
An 18th century former court house in Chelsea is for sale for £14.5 million or available to rent at £10,000 per week
February 26, 2015
by Gael Dantec
Citreola Cellars wine merchant Gael Dantec selects Les Belles Côtes Sancerre Roger Et Didier Raimbault 2012 as his Wine of the Week for readers of ‘The Steeple Times’
February 20, 2015
by Gael Dantec
Citreola Cellars wine merchant Gael Dantec selects Champagne Simart-Moreau Brut Sélection Grand Cru as his Wine of the Week for readers of ‘The Steeple Times’
February 11, 2015
by Gael Dantec
Citreola Cellars wine merchant Gael Dantec selects his Wine of the Week for readers of ‘The Steeple Times’
February 9, 2015
February 7, 2015
February 6, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
The Steeple Times asks round the world sailor Tracy Edwards: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”
October 26, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
The revitalisation of The Yew Tree Inn at Highclere has put this country pub firmly back on the culinary radar
October 5, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
George Monbiot film showing the consequences of reintroducing wolves into the Yellowstone National Park is a ‘must watch’ Shared on Facebook by both filmmaker Ellen Perry and financier turned vintner Michael Polenske, a video named “How wolves change rivers” is a 4:33 minute “must watch”.
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 5, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
This wine loving chef was brought up in a council house but educated at Wellington. After finding that he and the army were “mutually incompatible”, Keith Floyd took a job as a vegetable peeler. From this humble start, he progressed to owning a number of restaurants and presenting cooking shows for the BBC. Married four … Continue reading “Keith Floyd (1943 – 2009)”
August 8, 2014
July 25, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
The Steeple Times asks the founder of the Frugl app Suzanne Noble: “What’s on your mantelpiece?” The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force? Laughter, love and the search for a great Reuben sandwich. “Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours? “Shit … Continue reading “Suzanne Noble: “What’s on your mantelpiece?””
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?””
April 26, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
A photo montage from the Nth Degree Club’s cocktail party at The Luggage Room
April 19, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
With the season for rosé upon us, here we make our suggestion for an “affordable luxury everyday choice” Easter has marked a turning point – for now – in terms of the weather in the UK and after such a soggy winter, now is the time to make the most of the sunshine. With … Continue reading “Turning rosé”
March 18, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
20 questions with Apter-Fredericks gallery manager Alice Freyman The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force? At this stage in my life, it is ‘balance’: work, play, family, self. “Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours? The only difference between a dream … Continue reading “Alice Freyman: “What’s on your mantelpiece?””
March 16, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
Cougar Monica Porter is a woman who needs to act her age We’ve nothing against older women dating younger men and Joanna Lumley recently portrayed a fine example in her kiss with Leonardo DiCaprio in The Wolf of Wall Street. In recent weeks, however, the Mail Online have featured a tawdry cougar named Monica … Continue reading “Wally of the Week: Monica Porter”
February 14, 2014
by Oliver Estreich
Oliver Estreich selects his five favourite hotel bars in New York Oliver Estreich, the founder of the well-known social network theNativeSociety, is the man about town to know in New York. Here, he selects five of his favourite hotel bars
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 23, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
Wishing our readers a very Merry Christmas As we all head home for the holidays, may we take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas. We’ve had a busy year at The Steeple Times and below we highlight some of our favourite stories as a collage.
December 20, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
A review of Patty & Bun in W1 Burger lovers are spoilt for choice in Central London but undoubtedly one of the best offerings we’ve tried this year has to be Patty & Bun close to Selfridges in W1.
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.
December 16, 2013
by Fred Sculthorp
Fred Sculthorp tests Tesco’s Everyday Value Chardonnay Growing older, one is almost always inclined to question what legacy one will leave. This is a particular dilemma for someone who has journeyed through life being fortunate enough to have tasted some of the finest wines on offer. As one who critiques rather than makes, what … Continue reading “Valuing Chardonnay”
November 28, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
20 questions with winemaker Carlo Mondavi The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force? The continued belief that we can make wine that sits along side the finest in the world. The belief that we can strive for excellence and no matter how far we have come, the truth is that … Continue reading “Carlo Mondavi: “What’s on your mantelpiece?””
November 8, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
This mysterious sort has a knowledge of horse racing that is second to none. His tips to readers of The Steeple Times bring home the bacon and allegedly, some say, The Tout is supposedly rather partial to a glass of Sir Anthony and Lady Bamford’s Château Léoube Rosé de Léoube when a win comes in.
August 31, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
Educated at the University of Aix-en-Provence and the University of Milan, this scion of the Mondavi wine making dynasty married his wife Megan on the Nippozano Estate in Tuscany. Naturally, after proposing at the Opus One Winery, the wedding itself included a wine pouring ceremony that blended Sangiovese and Merlot varietals. He’s also into snowboarding … Continue reading “Carlo Mondavi”
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 4, 2013
by Steffen Timm
Steffen Timm takes a tour of Stockholm’s best haunts for cigar lovers Stockholm is regarded as one of the most beautiful capitals in the world. In fact, there is something magical about it, in particularly during the early summer, when the parks and public spaces along the water are filled with locals who seem … Continue reading “Northern lights”
July 14, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
20 questions with chocolatier Amelia Rope The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force? Drive and determination. “Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours? Keep it simple, remain focused and go for it.
June 10, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
Company director Adrian Burford accused of stealing £12.5 million from his own company Adrian Burford was a man who liked the good life. He lived in a £9.3 million mansion in the Cotswolds, spent £1.1 million buying shares in the Sushinho restaurant on London’s Kings Road and £26,000 on wines. It now transpires that … Continue reading “Where there’s brass, there’s muck”
May 23, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
The Steeple Times asks strategist and businessman Allard Marx: “What’s on your mantelpiece?” The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force? Caterine Axelsson’s daily smile. “Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours? There is always a way. “How?” not “Why?” should be … Continue reading “Allard Marx: “What’s on your mantelpiece?””
May 13, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
Don’t Forget To Catch Me We saw this today and just felt it ought to be shared.
May 6, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
The Steeple Times asks head sommelier of The Rib Room Bar & Restaurant Louise Gordon: “What’s on your mantelpiece?” The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force? Family, friends and the aim of one day owning my own business. “Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a … Continue reading “Louise Gordon: “What’s on your mantelpiece?””
April 24, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
The tale of a thief with taste Nobody likes at an alcohol thief but sadly, here at The Steeple Times have to write about a fair few of them. Most recently, we wrote of the case of Romain Brunot, a man so partial to Krug and Belvedere that he helped himself to some £75,000 … Continue reading “Wanting whisky”
March 27, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
A review of The New Inn at Roborough, North Devon The New Inn at Roborough in North Devon isn’t the easiest place to find. It’s hidden away in a rural backwater, so be sure not to rely on your Sat-Nav to get you to this traditional Devonshire pub. If you do, you’ll be taken … Continue reading “A Devonshire pub with a Scottish twist”
March 16, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
A review of Wolfgang Puck’s CUT at 45 Park Lane Continuing our series of revisiting articles from the blog that preceded The Steeple Times, today we re-publish our review of CUT at 45 Park Lane. We’re delighted to report that it’s just as good today. Wolfgang Puck once commented that he “learned more … Continue reading “Magnificently CUT”
March 15, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
A review of Fitzrovia speakeasy The Lucky Pig The Lucky Pig in Fitzrovia rather reminded me of a bar I once went to in North Beach, San Francisco. Dark and hidden in a basement, this speakeasy styled venue mixes a distressed interior with a clientele who look as if they’ve come straight from their … Continue reading “This little piggy makes an excellent cocktail”
March 11, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
The Steeple Times asks journalist and author Jessica Fellowes: “What’s on your mantelpiece?” The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force? To learn from history – in all senses of the word – but listen to the needs of the present. “Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, … Continue reading “Jessica Fellowes: “What’s on your mantelpiece?””
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”
March 4, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
An evening of fondue at Bodo’s Schloss in Kensington Bodo’s Schloss, a restaurant, bar and disco reminiscent of an Austrian alpine lodge, opened late last year and became an instant hit with the Chelsea set. For them and personalities such as Cameron Diaz and Gwyneth Paltrow, in fact, it’s rather like a little slice … Continue reading “The Royal Borough is alive with the taste of fondue”
by Matthew Steeples
The Steeple Times asks artist Anna-Louise Felstead: “What’s on your mantelpiece?” The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force? My old headmaster Peter Pyemont once said in a Friday assembly: “The more you put into life, the more you get out of it”. I have lived by those words ever since. … Continue reading “Anna-Louise Felstead: “What’s on your mantelpiece?””
