ISSUE 19 EXCLUSIVE Kelsey Grammer takes us behind the scenes LIP–SMACKING Our biggest-ever food and drink spectacular SLOW ’N’ SEXY Take the Caledonian Sleeper to the Motherland PURE FUNK The roaring return of The Brand New Heavies SMOKE SIGNALS Athlete Mike Edwards’ hit cigar brand Also inside AMBITION, THE FEMALE WAY THE HERITAGE VINES OF SOUTH AFRICA SCOTLAND’S THRIVING WWW.BOISDALE.CO.UK BOUTIQUE GIN SCENE £4.95 $7.40 THOSE MAGIC MOMENTS WHEN €6.70 THE ROYALS GET IT RIGHT ¥880 SHARE IN A GLORIOUS PRINCESS 64. YOURS TO ENJOY. LAST SHARE REMAINING Princess 64 2011 Model 1 Crew, 6 Guests Own a 1/8 share for £150,000 Annual operating and maintenance cost £20,000 Princess Motor Yacht Sales are proud to offer this exquisitely-presented, pre-owned Princess 64, boasting an expansive galley arrangement and generous accommodation for 6 guests. Enjoy this stunning yacht, fully crewed and with every aspect of its management taken care of for much less than you’d think with our shared ownership programme. You’ll own a 1/8 legal share entitling you to 4 weeks on board during the calendar year. When it comes to the end, an equivalent share of any proceeds from the sale will be yours. To find out more about this opportunity, please [email protected] or call +44 (0)1489 557755. Shared ownership FIND OUT MORE AT YACHTQUARTERS.COM 735539_Princess_YQ_P64_BOISDALE_Jan_280x210.indd 1 13/03/2020 10:03 THE MAGAZINE OF BOISDALE RESTAURANTS SHARE IN A Editor’s Letter I am delighted to say that this is a the punches as he judiciously lampoons GLORIOUS PRINCESS 64. Coronavirus-free publication, but not the new self-appointed food police of one without prophetic judgement. And the restaurant scene in London (p56). YOURS TO ENJOY. what could be more pertinent to our And we’re also thrilled to welcome back mental health these days than to the gorgeous millennial, Joanna Bell, consider the imperfections of the human who fears she exists in the wrong era, as condition with warm-hearted humour she lives for red meat and booze (p48)! and insightful psychiatric advice by We are all dreaming of travelling enjoying a new series of Frasier? In this, again soon, and even if flying continues the 19th edition of Boisdale Life, I am to be restricted for a while, we will soon delighted to welcome our wonderful and hopefully be allowed to explore our own extraordinarily talented friend, Kelsey glorious country. I can think of no more Grammer, who reflects on his career wonderful travelling experience than with great charm and muses about taking the high rail to Scotland and resurrecting his most famous role (p30). luxuriating in the sublime comfort of the I dare say that when our esteemed new Caledonian Sleeper to enjoy the From left, Ranald Macdonald, Paddy Food Editor, William Sitwell, conceived most beautiful landscape in the world Renouf and David Hasselhoff at Boisdale of Bishopsgate his new book, The Restaurant: A History pass by while having a First Class of Eating Out, he did not foresee that, on breakfast. Join the intrepid Rob Crossan publication, restaurants would be facing on his inaugural journey to the land of level of bias in coverage of our national the most challenging trading whisky and tartan (p70), and why not en affairs by a self-selecting BBC. Overall circumstances in the history of eating route learn more about Scotland’s I believe the vast majority of people out. Jam-packed with delicious inciteful national fabric in an illuminating and respect and love the Beeb as one of our wit and scholarly erudition, this is a fascinating short study of the history of greatest British institutions, although its three-line whip, must-read, fun-filled tartan by Rebecca Pearson (p38). And if funding principles are hard to reconcile. book that will thoroughly entertain you you are going to enjoy a wee dram while Paul Robinson, former Head of Strategy as well as enhance your understanding doing so, take a peek at Henry Jeffreys’ for Radios 1 to 4 and 5 Live, eloquently of how civilisation evolved through revelations on the very best way to explains the dilemma and outlines vinous culinary-tinted lenses. imbibe the “water of life”. The secret is possible solutions to consider (p21). There are three notably convivial new in its name: The word ‘whisky’ evolved Hopefully there’s an opportunity here contributors to the racy ‘On the Menu’ from the Gaelic uisge-beatha – read to take a breezy stroll in someone else’s section of our magazine (p45). Valentine Henry’s piece to learn more (p67). You shoes. If they’re not comfortable, you Warner, a magnificently handsome may even be inspired to acquire your don’t have to keep them! LAST SHARE REMAINING messianic gourmet, confidentially shares own personal cask of malt whisky (p58)! with us how food saved his life (p52), Meanwhile, Madeline Grant is clear while danger man Damien McCrystal that if anyone in the Royal family has an reminisces with whimsical affection opinion on any of these issues they about his one true love, the long lunch, should keep it to themselves (p28). Princess 64 2011 Model 1 Crew, 6 Guests which might have easily cost him his Auntie (the BBC) treads very carefully RANALD MACDONALD Own a 1/8 share for £150,000 (p50). Finally the mighty Joe Warwick, with her own views too! But it is an Founder, Editor & Chief of Boisdale no stranger to lunch, fails to hold back almost impossible task not to have some Restaurants and Bars Annual operating and maintenance cost £20,000 WELCOME TO BOISDALE LONDON’S ORIGINAL RESTAURANTS & BARS Princess Motor Yacht Sales are proud to offer this exquisitely-presented, pre-owned Princess 64, boasting an expansive galley arrangement and generous accommodation for 6 guests. Enjoy this stunning yacht, fully crewed and with every aspect of its management taken care of for much less than you’d think with our shared ownership programme. You’ll own a 1/8 legal share entitling you to 4 weeks on board during the calendar year. When it comes to the end, an equivalent share of any proceeds from the sale will be yours. To find out more about this opportunity, please [email protected] or call +44 (0)1489 557755. BOISDALE OF BELGRAVIA BOISDALE OF BISHOPSGATE BOISDALE OF MAYFAIR BOISDALE OF CANARY WHARF GETTY, NIGEL PACQUETTE GETTY, 13 ECCLESTON STREET, SW1W 9LX SWEDELAND COURT, EC2M 4NR 12 NORTH ROW, W1K 7DF CABOT SQUARE, E14 4QT Shared ownership FIND OUT MORE AT YACHTQUARTERS.COM 7 BOISDALELIFE.COM ISSUE 19 735539_Princess_YQ_P64_BOISDALE_Jan_280x210.indd 1 13/03/2020 10:03 The Art of Perfection #3 No.3 Negroni, magnified 40X under the microscope Created by No.3 Gin and a team of world leading mixologists Look closer. You’ll see passion and precision in every drop. The most refreshing balance of three key flavours: Juniper, Citrus and Spice. A distinctive negroni, that demands the perfect gin at its heart. The critics have called No.3 the best in the world (four times) *. We call it a work of art. Discover gin, just as it should be. no3gin.com *International Spirits Challenge 2012, 2013, 2015, 2019 – World’s Best Gin, trophy winner. 2019 - Supreme Champion Spirit. BOISDALE LIFE FEATURED CONTRIBUTORS DOMINIC MIDGLEY The journalist, author and broadcaster writes for the great and good of the British press, including the Evening Standard, The Spectator and KATE ANDREWS The Daily Mail when not The Spectator’s Economics appearing on Sky News or Correspondent previously the News at Ten and writing served as Associate Director biographies of Sir James of the Institute of Economic Goldsmith and Roman Affairs. She writes about Abramovich. He meets the the bitter divided nation entrepreneurial athlete- left behind by the Trump turned-cigar maker, Mike administration on page 28. Edwards, on page 42. MADELINE GRANT The Assistant Comment Editor at The Daily Telegraph is noted for having captained St Hilda’s College for Oxford’s University Challenge team and being the youngest-ever contestant on Mastermind. Madeline writes about how the Royal Family can remain relevant by focusing on small, local causes that mean something to them – and us – on page 26. VIV GROSKOP The journalist and stand-up comedian has written three books, including this season’s Lift as you Climb, produces documentaries and is a frequent VALENTINE WARNER guest on national radio. She also The chef and broadcaster has presented and hosts the popular podcast, How featured in ten TV series, including What to to Own the Room, whose diverse Eat Now and How to Cook It, and has written female guests include Hillary five books and numerous articles. He reflects Clinton, Julie Andrews, and Ann on the motivation behind his latest book, Patchett, discussing how to The Consolation of Food: Stories About Life and manage public speaking. She Death, on page 52. contemplates women and the art of ambition on page 18. ON THE COVER Kelsey Grammer, who reveals his latest project on page 30. Photograph: Getty Images Ranald Macdonald Paddy Renouf Boisdale Life ISSN 2058-499 BPA Audited Circulation of 81,846 Editor & Chief Editor-at-Large © 2020. Published four times a year by Boisdale Limited, boisdale Publishing Director Andrew Davies Contributing Editors Olivia Utley 15 Eccleston Street, London SW1W 9LX Creative Director Munnoo Malik (Table Talk); Jonathan Wingate All information correct at time of going to press. All facts and Managing Editor Katia Hadidian (Music); William Sitwell (Food); opinions printed in the magazine are the responsibility of the individual writers and contributors.