A la Colthard/ 24 hours dining in London
I had a whirlwind trip to London in which I visited three of my favourite restaurants: Fischers, the Wolseley and the Goring. I have reviewed these often enough so I will only say that all three maintained their high standards of cuisine, comfort and service.
At the Wolseley I gave an old friend of mine his birthday breakfast. My friend is an ebullient sort: the last time I met him was in the unlikely spot of a crowded Central Line at Oxford Circus.
He is definitely at very least in terms of car tranaportation at Uber executive level but, knowing him which I have for over 57 years (I know I don’t look it !!!!), he would have worked out that the Central Line is the fastest route between his office and the client he was going to see.
Over breakfast we discussed an interesting aspect of restauranting.
I mentioned Bob Tickler’s experience of overhearing references on an adjoining table to people he knew.
The Wolseley tables are cramped so anybody and everybody, and my friend seemed to know most of them, could be privy to confidential matters.
My friend said at the Caprice Jesu the manager – who had been there forever – does not sit people from the same profession or business near each other.
But it does not stop there. Diners have their favourite tables. When Langans ruled the roost, to be consigned to the first floor – known as ‘Siberia’ – was a terrible fate.
Finally the Goring for lunch.
Who was on the adjoining table but the delectable John Major? Aside from Anthony Eden my pin-up premier.
I did not overhear his conversation and I do not suppose he was interested in mine. It’s old fashioned dining at its best where an ex-PM can sit, eat and relax without fear of being asked to do a selfie.
