The Caprice
The Caprice has been a feature on the West End dining landscape for many years now. Under the excellent ownership of Corbin and King it became one of the fashionable restaurants in town. It’s now owned by Richard Caring, part of his stable which includes Annabel’s and Scotts. I went there yesterday as guest of Lloyd Dorfman who founded Travelex. It had that familiar buzz that seems to characterise the successful restaurant. The dining area is quite small which means all the tables are taken and also the stools at the bar. I had already decided in advance to take the octopus with chorizo followed by venison with plum tarte tatin. Both dishes were superb and I give the chef full marks for experimenting successfully with flavours as I have never tasted either of these anywhere else. I also praise the restaurant for combining an exciting vibrant ambience with creative cuisine, a combination you do not always find.
Dear Michael Cole, such a hoot, the BBC’s former royal correspondent and now Mohammed Al Fayed’s PR man, was on the next table and greeted me warmly. It’s that type of restaurant, where you always meet someone you know. Lloyd and I had a good catch up. He has sold his 30% share in Travelex and is now setting up Doddle, a click and connect service in train stations. I find it fascinating to be in the presence of true entrepreneur who started with one small bureau de change kiosk in Holborn. He is a good deal more modest than some of Ollie’s banker chums, who Lloyd could probably buy out before breakfast and not even notice. Lloyd gave me a steer on where to invest my savings – Daffers has never had the best of financial brains – I am good at spending, not earning it!!!
