A day in London

I was rather fearful of how I would find London as on my last visit pre-lockdown 2 it was deserted.

There were more signs of life and getting around by taxi was a process marred by roadworks everywhere.

The purpose of my visit was genuinely business: dropping off papers at my accountant, a visit to the dentist, lunch with a friend in whose business I invested and – after lunch – a fitting of a blue jacket by my tailor.

In The Times on my outward train journey and in the Standard on my return there were articles about parties taking place.

Just as the Spanish flu was followed by the Roaring Twenties I can foresee partying next year on a huge scale after the vaccine kicks in.

My friend has had a stellar career in advertising and is now calling time.

We met at a full Wolseley although social distancing was respected.

I was pleased to see my friend in ebullient and positive form.

He seemed a man who had a load off his back.

Quite aside from COVID I asked him about his industry and whether it is now mandatory to have a BAME person in every TV advert.

It occurred to me that diversity is trumping potential outreach and if I was spending day £2m on a campaign we would be discussing the best way to increase sales potential.

Maybe this is the world we live in and a newer more diverse generation expects adverts that mirror this.

Our lunch finished I repaired downstairs for a first fitting of my jacket. One lady en route to the facilities felt she had to comment. It was slightly bizarre but in these times needs must.

I had a satisfied feeling of achievement of business done as the train bore me home.