In a world where we are always available, how do you separate your personal time from your work time?
I have a very clear divide. On the weekends I am away from my office in West London and at home in Bruton, Somerset with my family. We enjoy Redlynch Park, walking in the woods and to King Alfred’s Tower on Kingsettle Hill. Less time in the car is definitely a must!
What is the one thing that you do after a word day to unwind?
Fine wine (which is a personal interest and hobby of mine) and food, socialising and visiting new restaurants in London or eating at The Fourth Floor at Sybarite with an intimate group of guests and our talented chef Humphrey Fletcher. I work closely with Jack Chapman at Lea & Sandeman Wine Merchants, and have been buying wines from him for 20 years.
What activity do you do in your time away from the office that helps you relax and recentre?
I am a keen artist and I love to draw and paint. I visit galleries in London and in Bruton, specifically Hauser & Wirth which is next to my home. I take pleasure in visiting farm shops and local suppliers within a five-mile radius to source local ingredients and delicacies. I am a great believer in farm to table and I like cooking things over the fire at home.
View Sybarite's Walpole Member profile here.
What’s something you’ve read, listened to or seen in your spare time that’s helped you at work?
I enjoy audiobooks, especially since each week I drive back and forth from Somerset to London – anything relating to history. I find films hugely inspirational, and the genre of Sci-Fi, notably Stanley Kubrick. I am a fan of Wes Anderson’s quirky vision and creative direction.
After home and the office, where’s your favourite third space?
Anywhere with my wife, she is also an architect and an artist.
On Sunday night how do you prepare yourself for the week ahead?
The rule is no guests and solid family time, everyone has to be around the dinner table and without their phones!
Best reason you’ve had to turn your Out of Office on recently?
I never turn my Out of Office on. I am a master of work-life separation and multi-tasking when I need to be.
Your go-to out of office outfit: In the countryside it’s all about clay and mud, so that’s very casual. In London, our office dress code is smart-casual. My go-to brands are Incotex, Aspesi, Prada, Etro, Church’s and Maison Margiela.
Your favourite place anywhere in the world: Botswana, the Okavango Delta.
Your favourite bar or restaurant: Lurra on Seymour Street in London for its Galician steak and bone marrow. It also has a superb wine list and, on very special occasions, I treat myself to a bottle of Vega Cecilia to go with. Osip restaurant in Bruton for its food and wine journey. Its left-field pairings are of great interest to me.
Something you booked recently that you’d recommend: Henry Moore at Hauser & Wirth during the summer, contemporary art auctions locally in Somerset (these happen throughout the year), and the Barbican and Hayward Gallery (not only do I like the exhibitions at bith of these spaces, but I also appreciate the Brutalist architecture). Niall Hobhouse’s architectural drawing collection at Shatwell Farm (The Drawing Matter Collection) was a very inspiring recent place that I visited along with the live 'crit session' I was invited to.
Something you’ve listened to or read recently that you’d recommend: Bob Dylan and Damon Albarn are my favourites to listen to. As a complete contrast, my son, Sandy, is always introducing me to new rap and hip-hop.
A hobby you would like to cultivate: More time to paint and re-turn my hand to pottery. And riding horses.
A luxury that’s actually a necessity: A fly rod (fly fishing is one of my passions).
Best luxury under £25: A jar of Ikura Salmon Roe, a case of Portland Oysters, or a single black Truffle (from Wiltshire Truffles).
