My West London Life

Sebastian Conran

Sebastian Conran

November
30

Sebastian Conran, designer and inventor, on family ties and dodgy oysters

What do you love about living in Bayswater?

My neighbours and the diversity of cultures, shops and restaurants.

Does being a member of the Conran family make your professional life easier or harder?

A bit of both; sweet and bitter, salt and sour.

What inspired you to start your own business?

My mother and father.

When are where did you last get drunk?

Can’t remember that – probably Crazy Homies.

Where is your favourite chill out spot in London?

On a hot summer’s day; my garden.

Where is your dream travel destination and why?

Marrakech, where I first met my wife, Gertrude.

What has been your most memorable west London meal?

Oysters at some unmentionable place. Four hours later death would have been a welcome alternative!

What is your favourite dessert?

Eaton Mess (which sounds like a certain coalition of flavours).

What’s on your iPod?

My entire life, from punk to Purcell.

What was the last concert or play that you went to?

Iggy pop at the Apollo in 1976 was a good one, although I bet that the girls don’t throw so many toothbrushes at him now.

What has been the most embarrassing moment of your life?

Life seems to be one endless string of such moments, reading this will probably be a typical one.

What is your motto on life?

Keep it simple – but this can be incredibly complicated to achieve.

If there is one thing that you could change about yourself what would it be and why?

Too much to say on this, but less is more would be a good place to start.

What’s your idea of a perfect Sunday?

Taking my kids to the Science Museum, Design Museum or John Soane Museum would be ideal.

www.sebastianconran.com

King Charles’ former butler Grant Harrold & author of The Royal Butler

March
16

King Charles' former butler Grant Harrold tells Olivia Allwood-Mollon about dancing with the late Queen, and the time he accidentally hid from King Charles in a car

Can you tell us a bit about the protocol behind an everyday royal excursion in a car?

Royals never go out alone as they always have their security with them. When they’re going to engagements, they always have their security team with them in surrounding cars. The royals will always work in the back of the… Read more →

Anna Jordan, TV Writer and Playwright

February
20

Chloe Reeve chats 'Lost Atoms' & iconic Succession one-liners with writer, Anna Jordan

Hi Anna, I’ve seen your new show, Lost Atoms – it’s fabulous – but for the sake of our readers, tell us about your new 2-hander that recently opened at The Lyric, Hammersmith.

Thank you! It’s a play that explores love, how it changes us and how we remember it. It also explores how our memory changes… Read more →