A date for your literary diary

Faithful readers of the Spectator will recall that Jeffrey Bernard was frequently ‘unwell’, usually after having dropped by the Coach and Horses in Soho. Bernard is not the only writer to have darkened that particular pub’s towels. A procession of inky soaks has stumbled through its doors over the years: Dylan Thomas, Daniel Farson and generations of Private Eye staff to name but a few. Next year, on 7th February, this famous pub will host a new literary event: The Omnivore’s Hatchet Jobs of the Year.

The Omnivore’s aim is to promote ‘honesty and wit in literary journalism’ by awarding a prize to the author the ‘angriest, funniest, most trenchant book review of the year’. A shortlist is currently being drawn up and your recommendations are welcome, so rack your brains for possible candidates (and try our monthly criticism feature for inspiration).

The shortlist will be revealed in the New Year, and it will be judged by Suzy Feay, Rachel Johnson, Sam Leith and D.J.