Hedgehog
The Zagats talk Google and celebrity chefs
Just as The Ivy has become London's most popular restaurant, according to the new 2012 London restaurant survey from Zagat, so Tim and Nina Zagat must be feeling a surge of popularity after Google agreed to buy their company last week
A Sour August for Oenophiles, says Mark Bedini of Fine+Rare
Following a poor August for the Liv-Ex fine wine index, which declined by 4 per cent, Mark Bedini of wine traders Fine+Rare says even Asian buyers are staying away, and that it will take a strong uptick in the economy for Western ones to return
British wealthy silent on more taxes
Among the recent clamour of the American and European wealthy to be taxed more, one country's billionaires have remained resolutely silent: Britain's
New at the French Laundry: Curry?
In which Thomas Keller confesses where he'd really like to be eating in London as his pop-up French Laundry launches at Harrods
If Gilbert & Sullivan Wrote on the Riots...
Friend of Spear's and opera and cabaret singer extraordinaire Melinda Hughes has penned, produced and performed a witty ditty on the recent riots around Britain and the ensuing race row
Arte Not So Povera
At the other end of the scale, doing something new and thoughtful and even a bit daring, is Bonhams, which is launching its Contemporary department
What Is Luxury? At Last, An Answer
Spear’s has learned of one pioneering individual who decided to make a stand against the overuse of 'luxury'
Giving Pledge Gets More
As The Giving Pledge, Bill Gates and Warren Buffett’s scheme to encourage the wealthy to donate their fortunes to charity, marks its first anniversary, the diversity of its members continues to grow. But could it work in Britain?
That's the Shiz(aru)
The Khalili brothers, sons of the billionaire collector of Islamic art, have opened Shizaru gallery on Mount Street. They talk to Josh Spero about their leap from Iraqi ceramics to rakish Contemporary art
Unbillable Hours
Our specialists solve your HNW problems (gratis!)
Q
Is it really possible to avoid stamp duty land tax when purchasing land and property?
A
A lot has been made recently in the press about buyers of some of the UK’s most expensive homes avoiding stamp duty land tax (SDLT) by purchasing their home through a company.
Spear's Wire
