Rob McGibbon interviews Felicity Kendal at Cadogan Hall Chelsea, in 2012. Photo © Hattie Miles/RobMcGibbon
Citizen Fame
Martin Kuczmarski interview: “I want Martino’s to always give a big hug to the residents of Chelsea. You are my most important customers”
There are only 78 paces from the entrance of Colbert on Sloane Square to the discreet door to Martino’s on the southern corner. But for Martin Kuczmarski, that short walk represents a life-time of relentless work and the realisation of a dream. Back in 1995, he was an ambitious 20-year-old waiter at Lord Forte’s Hyde Park Hotel on Knightsbridge with lofty hopes of owning a restaurant one day. He would save up a month’s worth of tips to treat...
History Director Gill Webber Interview: “Everywhere you look in Chelsea there’s a fascinating story to tell”
The Chelsea History Festival returns this October with its most ambitious programme yet, bringing world-class historians, authors, performers and cultural figures to the area’s most iconic venues. At the helm and guiding this extraordinary festival every step of the way will be Gill Webber, the Director of Chelsea Heritage Quarter. The festival, which is supported by Lord Cadogan and his team at Cadogan Estates, has become a key fixture in the...
Didier Garnier interview: “L’addition!” Le Colombier’s popular ‘chef d’orchestre’ prepares to say Au Revoir
For nearly three decades, Le Colombier has been one of Chelsea’s most cherished open secrets — the sort of restaurant whispered about between friends, protected like a family heirloom, and loved for its unfussy French elegance. AA Gill once called it “that secret...
Les Hinton Interview: ‘Every editor and publisher turned down my novel. It was crushing’
As Rupert Murdoch’s loyal lieutenant for 52 years, Les Hinton controlled the key levers of power in a global media corporation and was comfortable in the corridors of powers. He made and broke the careers of some of the sharpest operators in journalism, as well as any...
Felicity Kendal Interview: My 60 years of the good life in Chelsea
If you have ever wondered who might qualify as a stand-up citizen of Chelsea, then Felicity Kendal can take a bow. In the past few years alone, she has lent her celebrity name to give publicity oxygen to multiple worthy local battles: the houseboat owners’ fight...
More News & Interviews
RBKC opens up all-year rolling funding for community ideas
Residents and community groups in Kensington and Chelsea can now apply for Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) funding throughout the...
Top Bun! Raspberry, Pistachio and Chocolate rises to the top of Chelsea bun awards
An innovative and tasty recipe incorporating raspberry, pistachio and chocolate into a Chelsea bun has claimed this year's winning spot. London...
“This is getting a bit nuts” – Ben Coleman slams council inaction during clash over new heating system for Cremorne Estate
Tempers were frayed during a tense community meeting at Ashburnham Primary School last Thursday (17th September) during discussions with residents...
“Enough is enough” – Bianca Jagger rages against gamble on Earl’s Court mega slots arcade
Human rights campaigner Bianca Jagger has called on Kensington and Chelsea Council to use every power available to stop a 24-hour gambling centre...
A roast worth barking about – dogs eat for free in Chelsea
A Chelsea gastropub has partnered with fresh dog food company Butternut Box to unleash complimentary Sunday roasts for four-legged guests. Tom...
Final whistle for Boehly as Clearlake takes full control of Chelsea FC
Clearlake Capital Group is set to take full control of Chelsea Football Club, as Todd Boehly and Mark Walter have agreed to sell their stakes in the...
Bell ringer injured in shocking “freak accident” in the belfry at St Luke’s
A bell ringer was seriously injured at St Luke's church on Sunday morning and had to be rescued by an emergency fire brigade crew via a high window....
Staff hit back at reports that Designers Guild is on the “brink of collapse”
Loyal staff at Designers Guild have railed against reports that the future of the iconic King’s Road store is hanging by a thread and declared:...