You'll get a Square deal at the Roxburghe

Published on Thursday 2 October 2008 09:55

HIS dad, a beat copper in Cardiff in the sixties, had a "run in" with Tom Jones. That's another story. The big story today from Chris Wayne-Wills is that he is general manager of the Roxburghe, and the Charlotte Square hotel is buzzing after a £7 million refurb of 180 rooms.

Crows a bit, does Chris, 34. Justifiably. "We've been here since 1880, still a credit to the New Town's architecture, and most people don't realise that we have seven of the front doors on the Square.

Edward Heath always maintained it was his favourite Edinburgh hotel. And Tony Benn also has a sneaking for it. When he stayed, he brought his own teapot and strainer and brewed up in his room. An endearing habit of his.

Chris' credentials impressed the Edinburgh Principal Hotels Association. He has become secretary without flashing his CV. On close scrutiny it confirms he has garnered his expertise at Marine Troon, Manchester's Piccadilly, the Carlton Highland and Ellersly House.

I wonder what that brush with Tom Jones was all about, exactly.

Cobra's king

Snakes alive! There's a specific beer that's downed in 98 per cent of the Indian restaurants in the UK and it's called Cobra. Beer with a bite?

Their top salesman at London headquarters Stephen John says it has taken 15 years to take such a grip – sounds more like a stranglehold – and of all the Indian eateries in Edinburgh only one isn't stocking it. A snake in the grass?

"We do three different Cobras," said Mr John, his salesman's hat still on. "King Cobra boasts eight per cent volume." A few of those and you'll be for scaling the Taj Mahal.

Goldenacre-based Shorof Uddin will host Cobra Nights at his place, In Touch, on October 8 and 15, offering a taste for free. Not quite like the old days when the merest whiff of a barman's apron could blaw yer heid off.

Afterwords . .

. . . ITV newsreader and proven journeyman Mark Austin talking: "There a lot of pretty young women and handsome young men without a solid journalistic background reading the news nowadays. I do believe, though, that they'll get found out." We've noticed. And they will.