Sir Loyd Grossman, CBE is the owner of three wirehaired dachshunds. He is a well-known food lover, author, heritage campaigner, entrepreneur, broadcaster and guitarist who has performed at Glastonbury eight times with his band, The New Forbidden. He has a lifelong interest in history, the arts and heritage, receiving a PhD from the University of Cambridge. He is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries. His book, An Elephant In Rome: Bernini, The Pope, And The Making Of The Eternal City was published in 2020, and he is currently writing a book on Paris in 1750. He first dined with Jeremy at Le Caprice in 1981. Find him on Instagram at @loydgrossman and @theworldofwirehairs. He joined us in the company of his friend Desmond Page, an art dealer.
What are the key components of a Long Lunch?
A comfortable place to sit: love banquettes and/or corners. Loud enough not to overhear others, but able to chat, not shout. A shortish and reasonably familiar menu is helpful. Who wants to spend a lot of valuable time interpreting what’s on? I’m mostly happy to have what I had last time.
What do you value most in a dining companion?
There is nothing better than someone who wants to have fun. I don’t like agonising over ordering, which I think is not so great for staff who are taking your orders. In sum: decisive, polite and entertaining.
What did you eat and drink today?
Shrimp Cocktail, Chicken Milanese, and some excellent wine in a carafe—Robert will know.
What is the best advice, restaurant or otherwise, you have ever received?
From my father: If you don’t do something you love you will go to hell. And from my cousin, Ram Dass: Now is now. Are you going to be here or not?
What are you working on at the moment?
I’m Chair of The Royal Society of Arts, and just coming up to the end of my time as Chair of The Royal Parks. I’m also writing my new book about Paris in 1750.