My London: Andy Coulson

The former Downing Street communications director turned CEO listens to Sinatra and would spend his ideal day at White Hart Lane   
25 August 2016

Home is…

Canterbury — where I’ve lived with my wife Eloise and our three sons since 2012. I’d encourage any tourist to take a high-speed pilgrimage from St Pancras.

Best London discovery?

The Victoria Cross memorial at St George’s Garrison Church in Woolwich is a sight to behold. Every VC winner from the Crimean War to World War II is remembered in a stunning mosaic. The Heritage of London Trust deserves praise for helping to save it from ruin.

Most romantic thing someone has done for you? When Eloise agreed to marry me in the hallway of our home in Balham. We actually got married at St Bride’s on Fleet Street, not our hallway, but you get the point.

Last play you saw?

I may possibly be the last person in London to have seen The Book of Mormon. I also took my eldest son to see Stephen Daldry’s production of An Inspector Calls at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury. The two plays couldn’t be more different but both were brilliant.

Who is your hero?

Winston Churchill. He wouldn’t have survived more than a year in modern politics but he would never, never, never have given up.

What would you do if you were Mayor for the day?

I’d redecorate the interior of City Hall with the help of the lads from Bounce Back — a brilliant London charity that retrains ex-offenders as painters and decorators.

Ever had a run-in with a London policeman?

You obviously don’t read the newspapers.

What’s your earliest memory?

Driving to Regent Street with my nan and grandad in their blue MK3 Cortina to see the Christmas lights in the mid-Seventies.

Best meal you’ve had?

The grilled lamb chops at La Poule au Pot on Ebury Street are unbeatable.

Favourite London club?

I’ve been a member of Soho House for around 20 years. Like its genius creator, Nick Jones, it’s welcoming, fun and non-judgmental.

Best piece of advice you’ve been given?

That’s Life, courtesy of Frank Sinatra. He’s the one celebrity I wanted to meet but never did.

What would be your ideal day in London?

A fry-up followed by early kick-off at White Hart Lane with my sons, an afternoon movie with Eloise and dinner with our friends at Polpo on Beak Street. And possibly some karaoke... It’s cheaper than therapy.

Last album you downloaded?

The 1975 by The 1975, but I’m not nearly that cool. It was so my son Harvey and his mates could play it in the car en-route to their gig at the Eventim Apollo in Hammersmith. I waited outside, as you do.

What do you collect?

Useful experiences and great friends — I couldn’t be luckier with the latter.

What are you up to at the moment?

In Soho, launching my new Coulson Chappell venture with my business partner, Henry Chappell. It offers discreet corporate strategy and communications advice.

Andy Coulson is CEO of coulsonchappell.com

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