‘Diamonds are forever, They are all I need to please me, They can stimulate and tease me, They won't leave in the night, I've no fear that they might desert me. Diamonds are forever, Hold one up and then caress it, Touch it, stroke it and undress it, I can see every part, Nothing hides in the heart to hurt me. I don't need love, For what good will love do me? Diamonds never lie to me, For when love's gone, They'll luster on. Diamonds are forever, Sparkling round my little finger. Unlike men, the diamonds linger; Men are mere mortals who Are not worth going to your grave for. I don't need love, For what good will love do me? Diamonds never lie to me, For when love's gone, They'll luster on. Diamonds are forever, forever, forever. Diamonds are forever, forever, forever. Forever and ever.’
(Diamonds are forever, Shirley Bassey)
FIRST, the good news. I’ve had a solid week of running, clocking up nearly 50 miles along the way. OK, not quite up to the 262 miles I will have to do in May in order to complete the 10 marathons in 10 days around Windermere but beggars can’t be choosers. I’m a busy man.
Now, onto the bad news. Last week, I was ‘Langaned’. And I’m still recovering.
Langan’s Brasserie is a restaurant opposite Green Park in west London. Its food is ok’ish although it has a tendency to spoil some of its best dishes (swordfish, for example) by coating everything in obscure sauces.
Yet it’s not the food you go there for. You go to Langan’s to soak in the atmosphere, drink and have fun – the so called ‘buzz and hustle and bustle’.
It’s where ladies of leisure go to spend a lazy afternoon talking about their latest lovers.
It’s where footballers, ex-footballers, football managers, former England international rugby players, artists and bon viveurs go to chill – and when appropriate party.
Over the years, I’ve seen a whole list of ‘celebs’ pass through Langan’s doors – Terry Venables, Teddy Sheringham, Gary Speed (sadly no longer with us), Sam Allardyce, John Motson and Claire Sweeney. Most have great fun. Most are there long after I’ve waltzed off into the sunset. Most are friendly although John Motson once took exception to me bragging I had beaten him in some 10 mile road race in Hertfordshire!
I have a few cardinal rules I rigidly apply when in danger of being ‘Langaned.
First, I never arrive until 1.30pm because to arrive earlier would be dangerous (for health reasons).
Secondly, I always insist on dining on the ground floor. Upstairs is like a morgue. The ground floor is akin to one giant party.
Thirdly, I never make appointments after a lunch at Langan’s for the simple reason that I have no idea what time I am going to get out of the place (it hooks you in and doesn’t let you go).
Last week I was hooked in – this time by a family party celebrating the award of an MBE to Plymouth sportsman and businessman Keith White. It was inevitable that I was not going to leave Langan’s without congratulating Keith on his award. And congratulate I did. I bought him drinks. He bought me drinks. I simply couldn’t leave the place. And I didn’t. I was still there when Langan’s was taking evening meal orders!
It was a wonderful occasion witnessing the Whites celebrate. Keith’s wife, Rita was dressed up to the nines. His daughter Samantha had flown in from Toronto to celebrate his award while son Damian had come in from Israel. Party! Party Party!
I didn’t know that much about Keith until the day after. I then discovered that he was in his time a formidable squash player. Now, he’s president of Devon Squash Rackets Association and managing director of Plymouth jeweller Michael Spiers. Along the way, he’s raised a lot of money for charity.
I left Langan’s Brasserie slightly worse for wear. But it had been a super afternoon/evening.
Diamonds are forever. And make no mistake. Keith White MBE is a diamond and a half.
If I achieve a fraction of what Keith White MBE has done in his life, I will be mighty proud of myself. My ‘achieving’ starts with the conquering of the 10 marathons in 10 days in May 2012.
Fancy sponsoring me? I dare you! Just visit justgiving.com/jeff-prestridge
Remember, diamonds are forever!
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