Harrods
(Picture: Getty Images)IT’S NOT all perfume and sweetness in affluent Knightsbridge — a nasty stink has forced residents of an “exquisite boutique development” to seek permission to carry out urgent work to sort it out.
Residents of the flats overlooking Harrods unanimously approved an application intended “to remedy dampness and smells emanating from the foul drainage system”, following an initial investigation costing almost £4,000.
The “super-prime” flats on Basil Street are advertised as offering “light, space, tranquillity — in the heart of Knightsbridge… just moments away from the beguiling natural beauty of Hyde Park”.
With a top monthly rent reaching more than £30,000 per month, occupants might be left feeling a little short-changed considering the brochure’s boasts of “flawless interiors, bespoke furnishings and impeccable attention to detail”.
Court documents relating to the application for works state: “The works involved investigation and were of uncertain cost. The works were urgent.” Happily for the residents, a tribunal agreed to dispense with “all or any of the consultation requirements” that would normally apply. When it’s urgent, it’s urgent.
Okri: Painter got the measure of me
BEN OKRI enjoyed the Francis Bacon private view last night — “you immediately know you’re in the presence of a great artist”, he told us at the RA, though meeting the man himself was more disconcerting. Poet and novelist Okri encountered Bacon in famous Soho haunt the French House in the Eighties. The painter, famous for his visceral work, gave Okri “one look” up and down that took in “all that he needs”. One famous artist who you probably wouldn’t want to paint your portrait.
Emotions run high for RA supporter
PHILANTHROPIST Natalia Cola hosted the private view of the RA’s Francis Bacon show last night and gave a moving speech that touched on her home country of Ukraine. Praising Bacon as a “great British painter who reinvented the language of art”, Cola added, in a voice thick with emotion, “let us also not forget those caught up in conflict today and pray for this war to be over”. Her foundation has supported the RA during the pandemic. Impressive generosity.
Diplomatic Delia doesn’t take sides
DELIA SMITH makes no time for cooking shows on TV. Smith was asked last night at an event: “What do you think of the explosion in TV cheffery? Do you feel very proud of them? Do you watch any of them?” There was a long pause. Smith grimaced, bit her lip and said “no”. Later an audience member at the How To Academy talk explicitly asked whether she was “Team Mary Berry” or “Team Nigella”, Smith, who has just released new book You Matter, democratically replied, “I think that everybody has something that others don’t. I think they are both… brilliant.” Convincing.
A night for Bacon, Boateng and Bafta
GEORDIE GREIG and his wife Kathryn made it to the RA, alongside interior designer Nicky Haslam, for Natalia Cola’s private view of the Bacon exhibition. Across town, designer Ozwald Boateng and artist Yinka Ilori went to sketch’s launch of its redesigned Gallery restaurant, and actress Rebel Wilson was at the Royal Albert Hall for a Bafta photocall. Earlier in the day, designer Es Devlin enjoyed an International Women’s Day brunch at Annabel’s.
SW1A
SIR KEIR STARMER is battling Labour’s Left wing, telling Scottish members recently that the party needs “discipline”. It seems to be coinciding with an exodus of the Corbyn faithful: Corbyn’s former media man Matt Zarb-Cousin has said he is leaving, urging Starmer’s party to “earn his vote”. It’s not like there’s a war on…
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STEVE BAKER is said to be starting a book club for parliamentary staffers, focusing on classic libertarian texts. When the Londoner asked him for more details though, the Tory MP for Wycombe told us: “The first rule of book club is, ‘You do not talk about book club.” Adam Smith meets Brad Pitt.
