John Gibson: A Grey day at tea time for some
Earl Grey was a bit rich, perceived as a bit toffee-nosed. Nobody at the foot of the Walk drank it. Well, they hadn’t heard of it, although some connoisseurs claimed it went down a treat with a dash of Brasso.
In time they became more worldly. They even took the advent of triangular teabags in their stride.
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Hide AdBut seasoned Earl Grey sippers are grumpy because Twinings, who own the 180-year-old blend, have been tampering with the recipe, adding a dash of lemon and a smidgeon more bergamot.
Branded “vile” by some critics and I can sympathise. When Heinz recently messed about with the ketchup I marched on Westminster waving a “hands off” banner. And who’d dare meddle with Marmite down there? Nobody’s brave enough.
Can people not leave things as they are? Next time you spot somebody dunking a Digestive in their Earl Grey, be a good citizen and get them an Asbo.
They’re all wearing tea shirts in Leith, by the way.
L for leather
We’re talking Pussy Galore. Or, if you prefer, Honor Blackman. Her claim to fame, she had a roll in the hay with Sean in Goldfinger.
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Hide AdWith her 90th not a million miles away, she turned 86 the other day.
Invariably leathered, Blackman buckled a swash in 43 episodes of The Avengers and my recollection of the old gal is rekindled when I see far-from-shy shopper Mary Portas, pictured below, in black skin-tight leather trousers. Mary . . . just don’t.