The Perfect Gift For His Nibs

“Have you got a pen I could borrow?” The familiar refrain of the disorganised should receive a hearty “No, now go to a pen shop immediately and while you’re at it get a proper haircut,” from those of us who DO carry writing instrument. Mainly because you never get it back. Anyone who’s quick enough…
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New York Hilton

Don Draper, distant and sad, slinks off from the forced reverie of the wedding party and explores the venue – an opulent, labyrinthine Long Island country club. In the club lounge, he finds a charming, grey haired Southerner behind the cocktail bar. Draper offers to fix an Old Fashioned for each of them and the…
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She Will Rock You

Whilst debate rages as to whether Angelina Jolie truly is the most desirable female standing (or sitting) (or reclining) on our little globe, one thing is sure. She is, despite what many cynics may level at her, certainly one of the most genuinely philanthropic. Whilst she may have kicked off the craze for airlifting photogenic…
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Cruising For A Brewsing

Gawd bless you, ma’am. Sixty years of anything is worth celebrating, let alone sixty years in the same job. It’s no wonder then that so many companies are marking the Diamond Jubilee with special editions or limited edition releases. Most we can take or leave. When luxury loose tea experts Tea Horse got in on…
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If the Facia Fits: 14-16 Fitzhardinge Street

Tired of seeing beloved historical architecture smashed to pieces by unsentimental property developers to make way for more glass boxes, designed to maximise the foot prints of central London real estate? High-end buyers in London are thus sure to be impressed when three of the most expansive and elegant properties in London –  numbers 14,…
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Eats, Ships and Leaves

The Shapiros are in their 70’s and having their annual medical check up. When Mrs Shapiro goes in to speak to the doctor, he leans back in his chair and says, ‘You’re fine. Mr. Shapiro’s fine, but he did tell me of one problem when you’re making love. he says the first time is all…
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The Lancasters

Not every London buyer with £20 million to spend wants to live in a glass and steel postmodern new build, kitted out to look like an Oxford Street nightclub, wherever the location. However, the chance to enjoy classic architecture with the best of 21st century technology rarely arises. Fifteen Grade II listed houses, dating from the mid-19th…
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Feline Good: The C-X16 Rear Weel Drive

Sometimes it’s best to let sleeping cats lie. Yet for the last 40 years, Jaguar’s legion of devotees has been waiting, praying for a second generation E-Type. The XJS, classic though it is, didn’t qualify. The XK, on launch, was heralded as the car to carry the mark. It didn’t. Obviously, it would be impossible for Jaguar Land Rover to create a car with the revolutionary impact that the E brought to the world…
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Sino The Times

It was always the same story. “Everyone with a window seat would be pressed against the glass. The buildings were so close, you could wave at the people doing their washing up. Even the pilots took it as test of skill and balls. Landing at Kai Tak was the biggest thrill in international air travel.”…
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Air And Graces

Tip for you. When dining exclusively with ladies, never bring up the rumour that a certain American President’s mother was sired in an occult sex magick ritual in 1926 by the Great Mage, Aleister Crowley, over dinner. Specifically, tapas. It tends to belittle and demean the tone, apparently. That I should learn this lesson in…
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