ISSUE 85 SPRING FORWARD

THE MAGAZINE OF THE CITY OF SOLICITORS’ COMPANY AND THE LAW SOCIETY

(IN)EQUALITY FOR THE SEXES? 800 YEARS. ONE ROLE. AND ONLY TWO WOMEN HAVE FILLED IT

LEAD US TO TEMPTATION A VERY CLEAR ROUTE MAP TO END ALL RESOLUTIONS

THE CHANGING FACE OF THE LAW HOW ARE WORLD CHANGES IMPACTING THE LEGAL PROFESSION?

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER LEARN HOW THE SHIFT TO GREEN IS CHANGING GEAR

The City of London Solicitors’ Company W.L. KING, M.A. CITY OF LONDON R.D. FOX, M.A. SOLICITORS’ COMPANY M.R. MATHEWS, M.A. SIR ROBERT FINCH COURT OF ASSISTANTS M.J. CASSIDY, C.B.E., B.A., M.B.A., Dep. B.J. GREENWOOD, LL.B. EDITOR’S LETTER MASTER A.J.C. COLLETT, LL.B. N.C.C. BAMPING, LL.B. D.A. McINTOSH, Q.C. (Hon.) MISS K.D. RICHARDSON, M.A. W.J.L. KNIGHT, O.B.E. SENIOR WARDEN ALDERMAN V.T. KEAVENY CLERK N.A. CAMERON JUNIOR WARDEN The Rt. Honourable The Lord Mayor THE CITY OF ALDERMAN MRS C.F. WOOLF, C.B.E. LONDON LAW SOCIETY STEWARDS DAME JANET GAYMER, D.B.E., Q.C. (Hon.) PRESIDENT N.M.L. HUGHES * THE MASTER Nothing stays the same. Herbert Smith Freehills solicitor Tom Wood about how they see changes in the world impacting on FULL ASSISTANTS CHAIRMAN What is right and apt for one time is not always the legal profession. Past Master MS A.L. MARKS A.F. DOUGLAS suited to another. Past Master SIR DAVID LEWIS, D.L. We are excited to introduce you to our new Past Master ALDERMAN SIR CHIEF EXECUTIVE CitySolicitor (as you cannot have failed to notice) privilege club, Ex Parte, which has some Past Master J.R.C. WHITE, T.D. D.A. HOBART has acquired chameleon tendencies and has Past Master M.C. ROBERTS, B.A. very tempting offers. J.M. ABRAMSON changed its format and its style - hopefully to ALDERMAN DAVID GRAVES, M.A. TREASURER match what you want to read these days. But this is just a smattering of what’s inside. R.J.L. JONES N.M.L. HUGHES J.P. WOTTON Our aim is to provide all City solicitors with We hope you will be informed and entertained, R.S.K. BELL, B.A., LL.M. SECRETARY thought provoking and informative opinion and stimulated and inspired. I wish to thank the Court N. LOGAN GREEN N.A. CAMERON discussion on topical and interesting legal matters, of the City of London Solicitors Company, and the entertaining reviews of our activities, and general Committee of the City of London Law Society, for ADDITIONAL ASSISTANTS ADMINISTRATOR news. We also aim to give an insider’s guide to allowing us to change and develop in this way. C.M. MEDVEI MRS E.J. THOMAS things going on in our City. Do let us know what you feel about the new J.T. YOUNG format. One thing has not changed: we continue T.E. WATTS POLICY & COMMITTEES CO-ORDINATOR We even give you an outlet for your creative side, to be delighted to receive any ideas and R. LEEDER giving you the opportunity to submit short stories, contributions for content from you, our readers. CHAIRMAN OF THE CITY OF photographs, illustrations, poetry, recipes – LONDON LAW SOCIETY COMMITTEE anything goes, providing it stays on the The copy date for our next issue is A.F. DOUGLAS † P. BARNES right side of the law. 15 June 2014. † R.H.G. BOURNS EX-OFFICIO ASSISTANTS † S.W. DAVIS Running through this issue is the whole concept We hope you enjoy the magazine and look forward † C. DIGBY-BELL of change - and how it is affecting the law and to hearing from you. PAST MASTERS M.T.C. HANSON our lives as City solicitors. P.J. PURTON, O.B.E., L.M.R.T.P.I. MS V.J. KNAPP, O.B.E. John Abramson, Editor † D.F. GRAY, M.A. MS C. McCONNELL We have an article from the , SIR MAX WILLIAMS C.D.Z. MARTIN City lawyer, - only the second woman *C.M. MEDVEI K.S.G. HINDE, O.B.E., T.D., M.A. to hold the post in 800 years. This scarcity of J.A.E. YOUNG, LL.B. A.G. MURRAY-JONES D.L. BIDDLE, M.A. C.J. PASSMORE women in top jobs is something the Rt. Hon. J.A. ROWSON R.W. PITCHER Fiona Woolf is working hard to change. SIR CHRISTOPHER WALFORD, M.A., D.C.L. R.H. TYLER HIS HON. HARVEY CRUSH * Ex-officio, appointed by the CLSC We talk to Sonya Leydecker, joint CEO-elect S.N. BEARE, M.A., LL.B. † Ex-officio as members of the Council of The Law Society at Herbert Smith Freehills and newly qualified

1 PLEASE CLICK ON THE TABS ON THE LEFT, TEXT IN THE CONTENTS PAGE AND DIRECTION ARROWS TO NAVIGATE AROUND CONTENTS THIS ISSUE

BOILERPLATE DISCLOSURE HERON NON-SEQUITUR what’s happening in what’s happening what’s happening what happens in the other the legal world out of the office in the city side of a solicitor’s brain

4 THE WORLD IS CHANGING 9 DATES FOR 2014 13 SOME “LEGAL” FACTS ABOUT 18 WHO IS LARRY? Only the second female Lord Mayor LONDON NOT EVERYONE KNOWS A true story about “identity theft” in 800 years, Fiona Woolf tells us of Some hard to believe, interesting and written by a London solicitor who her plans for the future. amusing snippets that not even chooses to remain anonymous. 10 THE ANNUAL BANQUET Michael Caine knows After the event - the night relived 6 THE (NOT SO?) CHANGING in words and pictures. 20 PLUG INTO A NEW FACE OF THE LAW. 14 RESTAURANT REVIEW MOTORING PHENOMENON Sonya Leydecker and Tom Wood of An evening at a restaurant that is Our motoring correspondent looks INTER-LIVERY SKI CHAMPIONSHIPS Herbert Smith Freehills LLP discuss 12 not simply temptation by name. at the power of electric cars. how changes in the world are What happened when we took impacting on their profession. to the slopes. An uphill struggle? Or downhill all the way? 17 INTRODUCING EX PARTE; OUR NEW PRIVILEGE CLUB Special offers, invitations and privileges exclusively for City Solicitors

2 3 THE

CONTENTS WORLD IS

THE POWER OF DIVERSITY The Power of Diversity programme has been designed to capture the benefits of diversity for the innovation CHANGING that City businesses need to seize the opportunities of the “new normal”.

BOILERPLATE The first breakfast, Attaining Power, was a huge success as 100 of the programme’s sponsors and an array THE LORD MAYOR IS A WOMAN. of corporate managers engaged in a discussion about the skills needed to But she is only the second in 800 years. achieve power. The inspirational panel, City lawyer, Fiona Woolf, is working to ensure chaired by Lady Barbara Judge CBE, revealed their key messages on how to progress your career and what you

DISCLOSURE we don’t have to wait so long till the third... must do to strengthen the team around you at every level in an organisation. There are four more Power of Diversity breakfasts to come, as well as two major conferences taking place this summer. THE LORD MAYOR’S APPEAL HERON THE LORD YOUR SUPPORT With your help, the Appeal hopes to I am also thrilled to announce that three During 2014 there will also be three MAYOR’S raise £2 million for my four benefiting tfl buses have been wrapped – thanks receptions providing the opportunity If I have a single objective, it would be charities: Beating Bowel Cancer, to our corporate sponsors and Sir Peter for charity Chairs, Chief Executives, inclusiveness and Liverymen have so MESSAGE TO Princess Alice Hospice, Raleigh Hendy, the Transport Commissioner funders and leaders to network and much to bring to the party. It has been International and Working Chance. – to promote the Power of Diversity share experiences and knowledge. a joy to see so many of your friendly THE LIVERY Fundraising is at the heart of the programme and the Appeal. Look out Each of the receptions will have a faces over the last two months, and I COMPANIES: Appeal programme but there is also for the buses which are operating from social focus; the first of which took hope to greet many more of you over a strong commitment to mentor, help Westbourne Park, Bow and Shepherd’s place on 3rd March at Mazars, and the coming year. THE 686 PLAN raise the profiles of these charities Bush across London. focussed on Social Welfare. and open up new sources of Thank you for all you have done to support me as Lord Mayor and The NON-SEQUITUR HAS GONE OFF funding for the future. THE CHARITY TOMORROW’S CITY Lord Mayor’s Appeal. There is certainly LIKE A ROCKET. LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME In keeping with my role as Lord Mayor The Charity Leadership Programme more to come. The first Appeal event, Une Soirée THE ONLY TWO FEMALE LORD to promote the business and financial features two City’s Giving Lectures, Chablisienne, was held on the day I MAYORS IN 800 YEARS. service sectors, the Tomorrow’s City inter is over and I am feeling which together will highlight some of Alderman Fiona Woolf CBE took office. Supporters of the Appeal programme is setting out how the City energised both by the advent the challenges and opportunities which The Rt. Hon. The Lord Mayor spent the evening tasting the wines can best ensure its future success of Spring and even more so And, very soon, on 14th April, impact the effectiveness of charities. of the City of London W of Chablis and later cheered me on as through long-term value creation. from my experiences as Lord Mayor Shakespeare’s Birthday Party will be William Shawcross, Chair of the Charity I was installed as an honorary Pillier The opening events have focused so far. It was a pleasure to host the taking place in the atmospheric Middle Commission and keynote speaker at Chablisienne – a ceremonial process on forward looking financial services Masters and Clerks at my Address to Temple, where Twelfth Night was first the first lecture in November, said to For the full list of fundraising events which involved me drinking a chalice regulation, integrated reporting and the Livery in November last year and performed. We will also be launching the 300 attendees that the regulator and for more information about The full of Chablis while the Piliers sang! new models of long-term finance to introduce everyone to my ‘686 Plan’, a Lord Mayor’s Appeal Day in the intends to send clearer messages to Lord Mayor’s Appeal and Power of The Lord Mayor’s Christmas Party was named after me being the 686th Lord summer, when the Square Mile will be those abusing charitable status and for infrastructure. Diversity programmes please visit the also a great evening of festive fun and Lord Mayor’s Appeal website: Mayor. The four programmes which transformed by events and activities take more decisive action against Dickensian feasting. www.thelordmayorsappeal.org make up the 686 Plan – The Lord fundraising for the Appeal, including a wrongdoing. The second lecture was I hope you will join me for some of the Mayor’s Appeal, the Power of Diversity Human Table Football tournament in given on 23rd January by Sir Ronald evening events at The Mansion House You can find out more about the Charity breakfasts and conferences, the The Académie du Vin de Bordeaux Guildhall Yard. This day will recognise Cohen, who provoked some new and breakfasts at my home law firm, Leadership Programme and Tomorrow’s Charity Leadership Programme, and the co-hosted a wine tasting and dinner and celebrate the good that the City thinking by focusing on philanthropic CMS Cameron McKenna LLP, which City Programme at www.cass.city.ac.uk/ Tomorrow’s City programme – have all with me at The Mansion House can do and does do for society in an investing to achieve better will be continuing the dialogue of lmclp and www.tomorrowscompany.com/ started with a bang. on 12th February. effort to reach a wider audience. social outcomes. this programme. city respectively.

4 5 “Firms are expected now to look at As our chat drew to a close, it was very different fee structures, to take on very obvious that Wood wasn’t where some of the risk element themselves.” he is just because he is a male Oxford graduate. Wood believes it is not only the

CONTENTS recession that has impacted on As I waited for joint CEO elect, Sonya changes and that most have been Leydecker, to join us, I wondered what “generated by macro world events”. sort of woman it takes to get to the very top of a profession like this? Lehman Bros, Eurozone, Russia and Ukraine; all these issues mean that I am sure that my expectations are not THE (NOT SO?) successful lawyers of today and totally out of line with most people’s tomorrow “need to be on the ball here but I was certainly proven wrong. and aware of things way beyond their

BOILERPLATE own particular areas of expertise and Ms Leydecker speaks softly and with comfort zone”. a Northern twang. She is gentle and almost shy. She was (immaculately) CHANGING Wood talks a lot about how there dressed in a navy trouser suit - but its OF THE LEGAL has been a massive change in how cut was quite casual and free flowing. far reaching firms now have No power dressing here. As we spoke, PROFESSION become and have to be. she apologised several times for not being very articulate (she was, actually, FACE hugely articulate) but explained it was “Whilst the recession has closed DISCLOSURE off certain things closer to home, the end of (another) very long and very it has opened up opportunities hard week. Maroulla Paul spoke to two Herbert Smith Freehills elsewhere. Firms need to offer solicitors about how the legal profession is adapting a joined up and integrated global Ms Leydecker confessed to working service to their clients.“ hard. To working long hours. But she to this new world we are living in. was quick to point out she does it Technology is an area that is obviously because she loves it and if she didn’t, HERON impacting each and everyone of us. well she wouldn’t. That sums her up, Wood believes a lot of law firms really. A very straightforward lady. Sitting in the reception of Herbert dabbled with the idea of academia as a “don’t really want to think about it, Smith Freehills seemed like a very lifechoice, is erudite and articulate and the perception being it doesn’t affect Ms Leydecker studied History at fitting place to be writing an article definitely destined for stardom. them” but Wood is of the firm belief Manchester, went to Germany after on then and now; located just off that the legal profession needs to university (her father is German) and Spitalfields, this area of London is Dig a little deeper and you find he, keep up not to get left behind. after eighteen months thought perhaps truly unrecognisable from how it less expectedly, studied music not Law, it was time to “finally grow up and do looked a few decades ago; would plays in a jazz band and has a pretty We discussed diversity. Is the legal something sensible”. the same be true, I wondered, wicked sense of humour. He is both profession still full of Oxbridge males? of the vista of the legal world? passionate and compassionate and had NON-SEQUITUR Wood told us how at his law school That involved becoming a solicitor and a lot to say about change; both in terms the split was nearing 60/40 in favour of Ms Leydecker’s first job was in Leeds. I was to interview two solicitors at of what he has observed thus far but women. He told me how the industry She says they “had one computer in different ends of the hierarchy in the also in what still needs to be done. is going to great lengths to encourage that firm and I learnt how to do mail firm; at one end of the spectrum, people from less privileged backgrounds merge on it. So, I applied to all the the new CEO elect and at the other Wood sees his time in the Law as a to consider the Law as a profession. London law firms and Herbert Smith a young Turk only two years qualified. time linked very heavily to the global He believes that today it is not “gender was top of my list. Two weeks later recession that meant change was or ethnicity or disability or even socio I had a job there”. One, as you would expect, inevitable; a matter of sink or swim. economic matters that are the barriers” male, Oxbridge, well spoken. but rather “level of exposure”. Herbert The rest, as they say, is history. “The recession has meant law firms Smith Freehills is one of many firms The other female, Northern, have had to completely rethink how that runs programmes going into As a leading litigator, she headed up first generation in UK. and what they offer their clients. local schools, mentoring, helping the global dispute resolution practice, There is a real pressure to be innovative with job applications and, generally, working all over the world and on Maybe what you would not necessarily in how services are delivered. Before encouraging people from less some very high profile cases, for expect is which way round they are. we delivered advice, now we are privileged backgrounds to consider example, for Coopers & Lybrand in expected to offer solutions.“ the Law as a career option. Singapore, defending proceedings Tom Wood, 29, is, on first impression, brought against them as the auditors precisely what you would imagine a Obviously, fees are a part of what is Wood wants to see this push to make of Barings Singapore, following Nick young solicitor in a top London firm under the microscope in these cost the profession more diverse continued Leeson’s unauthorised trading and to be. He studied at Christchurch, cutting, budget driven days. and followed through. claims in excess of £1 billion.

6 Photography: Andy Georgiou 7 “This is my second recession as a lawyer. Recession has a dramatic impact on what we do. And how we do it. Clients now not only expect us to be specialists in our own field but

CONTENTS to be experts in their areas also. There is huge pressure on pricing DATES FOR 2014 and we constantly are having to be innovative to in order to deliver differently”. THE CITY OF LONDON SOLICITORS’ COMPANY

Ms Leydecker describes a successful MAY JUNE SEPT OCT-NOV DEC initiative that dealt with the fact a lot th th th th st of clients are simply not prepared to 15 16 25 17 1

BOILERPLATE pay for their lawyers to be in expensive Inter-Livery Golf - Court meeting General Purposes Court meeting *Court meeting locations as they don’t get any benefit Prince Arthur Cup. at 4.30 p.m. Committee at the at 11.00 a.m. at 11.00 a.m. out of it. So, Herbert Smith Freehills Walton Heath. Annual General Company’s offices followed by followed by luncheon Meeting and at 4 College Hill, E.C.4. Court Lunch at at 1.00 p.m. set up an office in Belfast and took Champagne Reception at 5.00 p.m. Mansion House. L. advantage of a great pool of graduates th at 5.30 p.m. at from the two excellent universities 19 Tallow Chandlers’ Hall, *At Cutlers’ Hall, there who were keen to stay in the Court meeting Dowgate Hill, EC4. th th 8 NOV Warwick Lane, EC4. city but until this point had no real at 5.30 p.m. Liverymen and 29 Annual Service Election of Lord Mayor’s Show career opportunities. Setting up from Freemen DISCLOSURE DISCLOSURE at 6.30 p.m. Lord Mayor, Guildhall, scratch the Belfast office has rigorous H.M. Tower of London, 11.45 a.m. followed by processes in place and functions as th followed by th lunch at Cutlers’ Hall, 13 virtually paperless. It has proven to be Reception/Supper 24 Warwick Lane, E.C.4. General Purposes a great success and the plan is now to at Trinity House. Election of Sheriffs, Liverymen. Committee, at the venture as far afield as Australia. Liverymen, Freemen Guildhall, noon. Company’s offices and Guests. L. Followed by lunch at at 4 College Hill, E.C.4. venue to be arranged. 30th at 5.00 p.m. Going forward, Ms Leydecker wants Liverymen. HERON st SOLACCSUR Golf Day. to see even more diversification and is 21 Walton Heath th In her time in the profession and at even all the partners have met each encouraging of a push to recruit from Inter-Livery Golf Club. 20 Herbert Smith Freehills, Ms Leydecker other. Sometimes it’s even difficult to deprived areas and internationally Clay Shoot, Details available Livery Dinner, has certainly seen some changes. communicate with people who are in from places such as China. Holland & Holland, from the Clerk. Stationers’ Hall, the same building. It’s hard to achieve Northwood, Ave Maria Lane, E.C.4. at 7.00 p.m. any sense of belonging now” Middlesex. She sees the biggest change as being She recognises that technology will Liverymen and Guests. D. sheer volume. She talks of how there increasingly play an important role in has been “an explosion first of paper, On the up side, Ms Leydecker likes law, as it does with all industries. then of e-paper. As a result, the whole that globalisation brings with it process has become much more

NON-SEQUITUR “more complexity resulting in THE CITY OF LONDON LAW SOCIETY She sees the biggest challenge to be verbose. With the advent of voice more interesting challenges”. mails, texts, electronic media, there are faced are the in-house teams who so many more opportunities to interact are now very sophisticated and smart JUNE SEPT NOV operations. “The client has become - and that means there is so much Ms Leydecker stresses how being th th th more material to look at” a woman has never been an issue the competition”. 16 24 26 at Herbert Smith Freehills. She has Annual General Meeting and Committee of the City of London Committee of the City of London Champagne Reception at 6.00 p.m. Law Society at 11.00 a.m. Law Society at 11.00 a.m. never felt held back because of her She quotes one of her mentors and a Wood and Leydecker are opposites in at Tallow Chandlers’ Hall, at the offices of at the offices of Eversheds LLP, gender. She became a partner as early source of inspiration to her, Lawrence many respects. What they share is a Dowgate Hill, E.C.4. Simmons & Simmons LLP, One Wood Street, E.C.2. as 1991 but recognises that the very Collins, who said “every case comes very grounded and perceptive vision CityPoint, 1 Ropemaker Street, E.C.2. “enlightened” approach at Herbert th down to one lever arch file”. The talent of what is happening in the world, Smith Freehills may not be a mirror of 18 is obviously to be able to go through how it impacts on the law and how Committee of the City of London the whole profession as very few of everything and pull out the right these challenges can be dealt with. Law Society at 11.00 a.m. materials for that one file. the major London firms have women at the offices of Macfarlanes LLP, at their helm. She tells of how Herbert 20 Cursitor Street, E.C.4. Smith Freehills actually set themselves Do they represent the whole of Herbert Ms Leydecker recognises that there targets to ensure diversity and have a Smith Freehills? Are they indicative of has been huge expansion both 30% women goal for 2019. the legal profession? For the assistance of members, the dress for evening functions is indicated in the programme as follows: numerically and geographically. She D: Dinner Jacket (black tie) L: Lounge suit recalls when Herbert Smith Freehills was “intimate and more immediate” Like Wood she sees recession as a If they are, then we are in a very and compares it with now when “not major factor in causing change. good place to build a fairer world.

8 9 THE CITY OF LONDON SOLICITORS’ COMPANY’S CONTENTS BANQUET AT THE MANSION HOUSE Monday 31 March 2014 BOILERPLATE

One of the most enjoyable aspects and red wine, port and cognac came on her own legal career and the of being a Liveryman is attending the Loving Cup, which contained an encouragement she had received the Company’s annual banquet at even more potent and unidentifiable which had led to her standing for office the Mansion House. What made the concoction. While the Loving Cup as President of the Law Society, a City event particularly special this year was ceremony harks back to Saxon times, Alderman and ultimately Lord Mayor. DISCLOSURE that the Company’s very own Junior the toasts and speeches reminded us Warden, Alderman Fiona Woolf CBE, of our Company’s important role and The third toast, proposed by our Senior was present as the 686th Lord Mayor responsibilities in the 21st Century. Warden and recently-elected Alderman of the City of London. Vincent Keaveny, was to the guests The first toast was made to Her who included, in no particular order, Hosts and guests alike might have Majesty the Queen and the Royal the President of the Supreme Court been slightly intimidated by the scale Family, and the Master reminded us of the United Kingdom, the Master

HERON of George Dance the Elder’s magnificent of the Company’s support of the 71st of the Rolls, the Chairman of the neo-Palladian building as they arrived, Cadet Detachment of the London Irish Solicitors Regulation Authority, the and might also have been concerned Rifles based in Camberwell, members President and the Chief Executive of whether their dresses or white ties of which had formed an impressive the Law Society, the Chairman of the and waistcoats would pass the doorstep guard of honour as we entered the Bar Council, the Ambassador of the challenge. However, the warm welcome Mansion House. The presentation of Republic of Poland and, from closer of the Rt. Hon. the Lord Mayor and the the Wig & Pin Prize to Anna James to home, the Chief Commoner, the Master David McIntosh QC (Hon)– and of Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer Chief Yeoman Warder of the Tower of a glass or two of champagne – soon LLP also served to remind us of the London, and six Masters and Clerks of put all at ease. Trumpeters heralded admirable pro bono work that our fellow Livery Companies. The response the start of the festivities as we filed member firms undertake alongside by our principal guest Lord Thomas of NON-SEQUITUR into the Egyptian Hall full of anticipation fee-earning work, and of the Cwmgiedd, the Lord Chief Justice of for what lay ahead. Company’s own significant England & Wales, called upon us to charitable donations. work with the judiciary and HM Courts A witty Grace, pronounced by our and Tribunals Service in coordinating our Honorary Chaplain the Rev. Canon The second toast, proposed by investment in information technology, Roger Hall MBE ushered in three the Master, was to the Lord Mayor, to encourage more solicitors to seek courses, paired as ever with some of the City of London Corporation and judicial appointment, and to continue the fruits of our Wine Committee’s the Sheriffs. The Master noted the our work at improving access to the earlier investments. Orange and cumin- importance of English law and profession through innovations like cured sea trout was followed by a London-based law firms globally, and ‘CV-blind’ interviews. morel-stuffed saddle of lamb, with of the City of London as the leading a poached pear, toffee mousse and global forum for dispute resolution. Inspired by such speeches, hosts and apple and elderflower sorbet to finish. The Master further spoke of the guests alike happily made a final toast to Music also enriched the evening: the important role the Company plays in the Company before adjourning for the City Grace was sung and the National this alongside the City of London Law evening. Our thanks to the Lord Mayor Anthem played, and on a lighter note Society led by Alasdair Douglas and for her hospitality, and to all those two trumpeters from the London David Hobart, and in also furnishing in involved with the organisation of such Banqueting Ensemble tried to outplay recent years so many Lord Mayors that an enjoyable and fortifying evening. each other in the post horn gallop from have helped boost trade for the City opposing galleries. To add to the heady and country as a whole. The Lord Tristan Feunteun, Liveryman combination of champagne, white Mayor responded by reflecting Photography: Gerald Sharp

10 11 f you find a cab-driver in London not carrying ven though being a bale of hay on board he is breaking the law. the sovereign of the I Every horse-drawn carriage is required to E United Kingdom, carry hay in order that the horse never goes Her Majesty the Queen hungry. Horse-drawn carriages were registered is legally not allowed to

CONTENTS as “Hackney Carriages” which is what our enter the City of London black cabs are still registered as today. without seeking the Despite the fact they are no longer permission of its horse-drawn, the rule has never Lord Mayor. been changed and, therefore, still applies. PAST MASTER DAVID BIDDLE, LIVERYMAN TELLS OF here can you legally drive on the right BOILERPLATE W hand side of the road THE in London? The Savoy WHAT HAPPENED Courtyard. It is a short street which leads to the ON (AND OFF)SLOPES Savoy hotel entrance. DISCLOSURE (SLIPPERY) SOME OF THE INTER LIVERY SKI COMPETITIONEach of the 2014 92 competitors got to do the course twice, with the best time of out the best restaurants around. the two runs counting to the aggregate The Vintners managed full scale evening score. Our team were nothing if not HERON HERON I returned from the Inter Livery Skiing meals on Thursday and Friday as well consistent with all three of us in the 50s LEGAL FACTS Competition in Morzine to be faced as lunch after the racing on Saturday which was the start order for the next with undiluted Olympic skiing in all its and dinner with all competitors on race (giant slalom) on Saturday morning. forms from Sochi. Realisation quickly Saturday evening. They also managed dawned that the Olympics has about to win most of the prizes. The Stationers Saturday was bright and clear and as much in common with Inter Livery and Actuaries wore sporting caps over the French Ski School had set a giant Skiing as chalk has with cheese and their helmets, the Grocers were quietly slalom course which was slightly faster LONDON Inter Livery Skiing is definitely at the confident, and the Tallow Chandlers than last year. Predictably the finishing cheese end of things. In fact, eating enjoying their first outing. order on Friday evening was repeated cheese (and other local dishes) in the performances on the Saturday albeit that Steve managed to pull NON-SEQUITUR was a key part of the trip as Livery Inter Livery Skiing is not as serious Companies are renowned for sniffing as (and considerably safer than) the ahead of both John and me. We then Olympics and is for those who have enjoyed an excellent late morning and aw reformer Jeremy not trained for it and spend the bulk afternoon’s skiing interspersed with a Bentham left his entire steak tartare lunch where the wine of their year earning a living in other estate to London’s areas. This year we raised a team bill was rather more than the food. L University College in 1832 on consisting of myself, your editor, condition that he be stuffed, John Abramson and Steve Eccles While winning is not the main object he stands on dressed in his finest clothes who was an “Honorary Solicitor” of the weekend, it would be great fun the site of the old Newgate and mounted in a chair from for the weekend. to put up a team who might give the T prison, which is where Vintners a run for their money. They the saying “one for the road” where he would continue to The racing followed last year’s format turn up with a couple of very good originates from. Prisoners were `attend the annual meeting with two slalom races under lights skiers plus a ski instructor. Within the lead to the Tyburn tree on the of the university’s board of on Friday evening. The races were City firms there must be a number of westen end of Oxford Street, governors. His figure is still allegedly starting at 5 pm but by the assistants or even partners who have near Marble Arch to be hung. brought out to preside over time they had sorted the piste basher either done a season or participated in The landlord of a nearby pub an annual debate. to flatten the new snow and laid the ski racing of one form or another? would give them one last drink, course it was nearer to 6.30 pm. We will certainly welcome new hence the expression. Once the French Ski School got talent in January next year! going, one of their instructors, Francois, set the time by which If you are interested please contact we were all measured. the Clerk on 0207 329 2173

12 Tentazioni is very different from the current trend in restaurants for big warehouse spaces (think Caravan or Grain Store) crammed full with volume high. It is small and intimate. The walls are darkly and atmospherically burgundy and filled with art, which changes regularly

CONTENTS TEMPTATION to showcase different artists. The chairs are lush taupe leather. Deep and comfortable. Ideal as I had a feeling that is irresistible... we would be there for quite some time……. The restaurant is on two levels, a ground floor that seats an intimate 35 guests only and a mezzanine which is available for small private parties and can seat 25 for dinner. Ernst & Young were having a party there and looked like they were thoroughly enjoying themselves.

BOILERPLATE Whilst we sipped our delicious prosecco, head chef and co-owner, 23 year old, Alessandro Cattani, came out of his kitchen to guide us through the choices on offer - he suggested a tasting menu so we could sample a selection of different dishes.

Cattani, originally a protégé of the very talented and very experienced Giacomini, looked his age. Young. Very. He also seemed completely calm, laid back and

DISCLOSURE unflappable. Even though the restaurant was filling up very, very quickly. Someone once said “lead me not into This is his first complete menu; born from discussions temptation - I can find the way myself” with his mentor but ultimately his own creation - and and indeed our restaurant critic, responsibility. Could someone so young succeed with Maroulla Paul, had no problems such a complex menu?

HERON finding her way... We began with an amuse bouche served on hot grey slate; a single scallop cooked to perfection; the outside was crisp and slightly caramelised but the inside soft and tender, not rubbery at all. The dish was served with As someone who used to own a home in Italy for many some razor clams and a lobster jus. It looked so beautiful years, Italian restaurants in the UK never normally come it could have been a painting hanging in the Tate! close to the delights I experienced there. However great Each dish was paired with a complementing wine; the chefs are in London the food just doesn’t compare to the scallop was served with another glass of the delicious treats my neighbour would conjure up, or prosecco (Prosecco di Valdobbiadene). that even the most simple cafe in my town could offer. Our first course was a celeriac soup with caramelized NON-SEQUITUR Tentazioni is the Italian word for temptations and, tucked walnuts, dried apples, honey and a splash of olive oil. away in quiet Mill Street, a stone’s throw literally, yet a (The restaurant serves 12 different types of olive oils) million miles atmospherically, from the hustle and bustle of One of my guests hates celeriac. But she loved this. the Butlers Wharf eateries, is the restaurant of that name. In fact, as we tasted it a unanimous and We arrived a week into Lent, full of resolution not to eat unprompted “mmm” was heard from sugar (me), or alcohol (my god daughter). all four of us.

Would our resolve weaken when confronted with the The wine accompaniment was a delicious Divino Cortese temptations on offer? di Gavi from Piemonte.

Our escorts came resolution free, willing Next came homemade pumpkin ravioli, very al dente, and eager to try everything. Wise men. stuffed with roasted pumpkin and amaretti biscuits (really?) with a taleggio veloute. As we entered the restaurant, we were greeted like old friends by the founder and owner, Riccardo Giacomini Sounded a bit odd. But. and his maitre’d, Daniele who showed us to our table I think at this point we all thought we had died and gone and immediately brought us a chilled glass of prosecco. to heaven (despite our broken Lent resolutions; yes, there is sugar in those amaretti and, yes, my god daughter was Everyone and everything in the restaurant is Italian. drinking the alcohol without a second thought). Down to the chic Italian suits all the men were wearing!

14 Photography: Andy Georgiou 15 pasta with pomodoro. By 8 he knew Be a part of CitySolicitor he was going to be a chef. At 11 he was working in kitchens in his school holidays and at 20 he flew the roost and came to London and delivered CONTENTS 200 CV’s to 200 Italian restaurants. EX PARTE Riccardo gave him a trial and PRIVILEGE CLUB “immediately spotted his greatness. It was obvious” So, Alessandro began to work under Riccardo who was the head chef then. CitySolicitor is delighted to announce In 2013 Riccardo suffered a its NEW privilege club, EX PARTE. horrendous accident when a bus BOILERPLATE literally ran over his head and he As a member, you will receive discounts and offers in many was left in a coma, friends and city restaurants, bars, gyms, shops and hairdressers. family fearing for his life. You will also be invited to special events, previews and galleries. Alessandro stepped up and took In every issue of our magazine, you can read about what is on offer for the season. over the kitchen, ensuring the restaurant survived. To be a member, simply e-mail us at [email protected] quoting Ex Parte and we will send you your number which you then use to access all benefits. Miraculously, Riccardo recovered DISCLOSURE Having been fooled into an intake of sugar that was craftily in the ravioli, but the accident meant he could It costs absolutely nothing and there is no limit to how many of the offers you can use. I felt in for a penny……. not cook commercially again.

So when the pre-dessert came So, Alessandro remained as head (yes, that’s what I said, PRE-dessert), chef and in gratitude, Riccardo made I thought there was little point him a partner in the business. in resisting. THIS SEASON’S OFFERS HERON Their empire isn’t limited to the Tentazioni cream (a secret recipe) with restaurant; they own an eponymous berries and flambeed into a brulee top delicatessen just around the corner - served with a rich red Recioto della in Great Elizabeth Street selling their own branded products as well as The wine pairing was a Pinot Grigio Valpolicella dessert wine from fresh pasta, truffles, breads, sauces called Elaisa from Conte Vistarino ca la Bionda. and wines. They also serve simple in Lombardia. Then came the piece de resistance. breakfasts and lunches. And rumour What could possibly follow? has it that they are opening another A pear poached in chianti and served restaurant soon. Watch this space! Pan Fried halibut with chestnut veloute with a blueberry sorbet and drizzled NON-SEQUITUR (the chef has a penchant for veloute with the wine reduction. It looked Cattani is nothing short of a genius obviously - and, after tonight, so did almost too beautiful to eat as it was and an artist in the kitchen. His mama we) served with finferli mushrooms, dusted with edible gold dust. and Riccardo taught him well. with a rose Negramaro, Il Medaglione Almost. But we managed. from Leone di Castini. All amazing. All of us left saying it was the best A DIFFERENT TAKE At this point Alessandro and Riccardo Italian meal we had ever eaten. temptation at ON A COURT SHOE A lemon sorbet cleansed our palates joined us - to a round of applause from JOANNE STOKER’S SHOES between the fish and meat courses. our whole table who couldn’t really Tentazioni. Never has a name ARE LITERALLY WORKS OF Not too tart, not too sweet; just incredibly believe the treats our taste buds had been more apt and fitting. tentazioni ART ON YOUR FEET. cleansing and refreshing. been given. We chatted over coffee, A complimentary glass of delicious CHOOSE ANY PAIR FROM THE smoked grappa and home made WEBSITE AND EMAIL YOUR ORDER Just when we thought nothing could chocolates. (Yes we made Prosecco for every Ex Parte member TO [email protected] be better we were served with the room for more……) Tentazioni™ Restaurant - dining at TENTAZIONI, the highly QUOTING YOUR EX PARTE NUMBER acclaimed Italian restaurant. AND YOU WILL RECEIVE chef’s signature dish; veal cheek, 2 Mill Street, London SE1 2BD A 20% DISCOUNT slow cooked for a full day in chianti So, how does a 23 year old manage to 0207 237 1100 Call THESE SHOES COME WITH A and served on a bed of polenta cook such great food whilst remaining 0207 394 5248 Simply mention your number WARNING - YOU MAY NEVER taragna with a cinnamon sauce. completely unflustered? on booking and your arrival will WANT TO TAKE THEM OFF! It literally melted in the mouth like Opening Times: be welcomed with a glass of WWW.JOANNESTOKER.COM butter and as washed down with a Alessandro began cooking at 7; Mon - Fri 12.00 - 14.45 bubbly to get the evening off Montepulciano d’Abruzzo from influenced and supervised by his Mon - Sat 18.00 - 22.45 to a sparkling start. Cantina Zaccagnini. mama, he made a simple homemade Sun 12.00 - 9.00

16 ALL OFFERS ARE AVAILABLE UNTIL 30TH JUNE 2014 17 As Larry told me this story I could feel my own stomach For the longest time, I just could not accept that it didn’t muscles shrinking in pain too as I tried to comprehend that seem to worry him who he was. my dear friend might not be the man I thought he was. Who he might be. WHO IS Instead, he might be his older brother.

CONTENTS A man I had never even met. In the country my mother comes from they make coffee by A man who lived five thousand miles and an entire ocean away. cooking it on a stove in a small almost triangular shaped pan I was, or could be, lunching and sharing intimate with a very long handle. conversation with a complete and utter stranger. These vessels are usually blue with white enamel inside. Admittedly, this other man has the same everything The coffee is thick and strong and bitter and is sweetened as my friend Larry (or is it my friend Jay?). with masses of sugar. The same parents, upbringing, looks, interests, they even The trick is to heat and stir and watch and take it off at the do the same job so doubtless I would like him as much. precise moment that it begins to boil. But would I really? You must then pour it very gently into little cups.

BOILERPLATE He and Larry (well at least that is factually correct) have drifted apart. When made to perfection it has above the black liquid They are no longer close. a thick almost creamy like topping known as “kaimaki”. An interesting story about identity theft - They don’t even particularly like each other. All the sediment rests at the bottom and doesn’t mingle I wonder if they ever did. into the drink. but perhaps not as you know it. Finally, a difference is revealed. This used to be known everywhere as Turkish coffee. Or, is the fact that they both feel such, at best, indifference However, after the Turkish invasion, to and, more probably, coldness for the other simply one The Greeks renamed it Greek coffee. more indication that they are totally the same? Obviously it continued to be known by its former name

DISCLOSURE I have never known who I really am. When the peas out of a pod were no more than a few But I have always assumed that I am the exception weeks old they were both diagnosed with Pyloric Stenosis. Maybe they don’t even like themselves and, as a result, amongst Turks. rather than the rule. This condition is a narrowing of the lower part of the cannot possibly like their mirror image. They are identical. Therefore presuming that everyone else is firmly anchored, stomach where food goes through in order to get into They are, in fact, the same thing. I thought about Larry’s wife, Sandra. rooted, sure of themselves and their place in this world. the small intestine. Except for Greeks it is Greek coffee and for Turks Turkish. Assumptions, however, are like trying In infants who contract this illness the muscles in their How did she feel about the fact that her husband might to look through closed curtains. pylorus become so inflamed that food cannot escape actually not be her husband at all but her husband’s brother? You can guess what’s inside from your own from the stomach. Larry said Sandra didn’t have a problem with any of this. The writer chose to remain anonymous - HERON experiences, but you can never really know. So severe vomiting occurs. Her knowledge of how the stars and planets and moon’s maybe he wasn’t sure exactly who he was……. Not until someone decides to draw Immediate treatment is crucial. positions at the time of our birth hugely influence and shape our personalities proved to her, after much research, them open and let the light in. Normally, it is eldest child in a family who contracts that the man she married to was indeed Larry the younger. At which point you might find yourself this but Larry and Jay were destined not to be in any I, personally, am a lot less convinced. longing for darkness again. shape or form different.

Last year, I had lunch with my friend Larry. So, at four weeks old, not one but I have tied myself into knots trying to make sense Normal stuff. both twins had to have surgery. of all of this. Chatting about art and film and cities and life in Italy and Larry doesn’t understand my dilemma. wine and olives and houses but then he said something Whilst rushing them into theatre, their name bracelets, He says it’s only a name, nothing more. He is still he, the only means of telling them apart, were removed and irrespective of a label put upon him. NON-SEQUITUR that completely shocked me. I can’t honestly remember now how, or why, no-one thought to note down which child was which. But is it just a label? the revelation occurred. The procedure was successful in both children. If Sandra is correct and the precise time we enter this All I know is I really wish it hadn’t because that night, Both had eighteen stitches. mad world is so important, how can we dismiss and for many nights, weeks and even months thereafter, Both would grow up to have identical scars. a whole 17 minutes? his story haunted me, galloping through my mind like a But as a result of the removal of the identity tags, after the Would he feel the same if it were 17 days? herd of buffalo preventing any notion of peaceful slumber. operations were over, no one knew which child was which. Or 17 months? Now, each and every time I look at Larry I wonder who The hospital staff could not differentiate, Would it make a difference if somehow this had he really is. nor could the family. happened even if they weren’t identical? Even their blood types were the same. Weren’t twins? Larry is a twin. No one knew which one was Larry. Weren’t even related? His brother is called Jay. And which one was Jay. Can you swap one life for another and make it all right Jay is the elder. No one. by saying all you are actually swapping is a name? An entire 17 minutes makes him the number one son, the heir. So, for one life changing moment, a member of the I have spent a lifetime trying to understand who it is I really The twins were born identical and even their mother medical team played God and randomly decided am and now here is a man who might be his older brother. could not tell them apart. which child was which. Or might not. There were no distinguishing features to separate them, Sixty years on it remains thus. There is no way of his ever knowing. no idiosyncrasies, nothing. But the truth is no one really knows. And he simply isn’t bothered about it. They may as well have been the same person. The truth is no one really knows the truth. In fact, he barely gives it a second thought.

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power stations burning non renewable expensive to buy than a comparable car with a fossil fuels, polluting the atmosphere and petrol engine and are unlikely to hold their value. damaging the ozone layer. Our electricity The best pure electric car which I have driven is a is also generated by nuclear power stations Tesla (thanks to a Lotus designed chassis).

CONTENTS creating dangerous waste products that are difficult to store safely and which currently The real problem is range anxiety. Existing are impossible to destroy permanently. battery technology is simply not at a stage where anybody could commence a journey of Wind farms are both unsightly and lead to more than 100 miles in an all electric car with unexpected expense if – as has happened – confidence. The fact is that the vast majority of they are installed in areas where there is households cannot afford more than one car. not enough wind or where storm conditions So sales of pure electric cars will go nowhere. cause the turbines to generate more power

BOILERPLATE than the national grid can easily accommodate. The future is in hybrid cars able to run in zero PLUG INTO A Moreover both the production of batteries emission, electric only mode, or using an internal and their eventual disposal give rise to combustion engine either as a “range extender” environmental challenges. or as a parallel power source. Plug in hybrids offer many of the benefits of conventional Government policy favours the manufacture hybrids, including the £5,000 subsidy. NEW MOTORING and sale of electric cars. Every purchase of a They still cost more to buy than a conventional new plug in electric car is subsidized to the car but most do really well in urban start stop tune of £5,000. Ignoring the cost of replacing

DISCLOSURE driving conditions offering zero emission driving the battery, running costs are low compared at low speeds when the car is driven solely on with conventional cars because fuel duty on electric power and recharging the battery during petrol is 58p per litre braking. The car on which I hope to report soon PHENOMENON is the Porsche Panamera S E Hybrid. It can be powered by the combustion engine alone, Some electrifying insights from our by the electric motor alone or by both units working together. HERON Motoring Correspondent, Ronnie Fox

You would expect me to be keen on electric cars.

NON-SEQUITUR The stapler, hole punch, letter opener, eraser and pencil sharpener on my desk are all battery powered. (My mechanical teabag dipper, on the other hand, has a clockwork motor.)

At first sight electric cars appear to offer tremendous environmental benefits. Zero emissions are particularly attractive to those but diddly of us who spend a significant part of our lives squat on electricity. working in the City of London, where it is Nonetheless pure electric impossible to avoid breathing in particulates cars have generally not sold well. pumped into the air by taxis, buses and other The G Wiz does not offer much in terms of crash worthiness (it is not actually a “car”). diesel engine vehicles. Research confirms what common sense tells us: there is a clear link The advanced ion lithium battery is between life expectancy and the quality The Renault Fluence was designed to use a quick recharged in around 3.8 hours via direct of the air we breathe. change battery system developed with Better Place, a company which provided infrastructure connection to an electricity socket or However environmental impact analysis is for electric cars but which unfortunately is no whilst driving, through the process never straightforward. A high proportion of the longer trading. The Nissan Leaf and the new of brake energy recovery and via the electricity consumed in the U.K. is generated by BMW i3 are probably 50 per cent. more combustion engine. Watch this space!

20 Photography: Fingerhut