Diary – 10 November 2007

When will the Americans withdraw? I don’t mind how long they stay in Mesopotamia but it’s high time they got out of Grosvenor Square. They’ve been muttering about relocating their embassy, but will it happen? Mayfair, my favourite English village, is ruined by their barricades, tank traps and miles of concrete Toblerone. Grosvenor Square and surrounding streets are becoming impenetrable and it looks as though there are going to be more hideous constructions and obstructions judging by the builders’ sheds and huts that are proliferating in this once tranquil square. Perhaps they should relocate to the old BBC Television Centre in Wood Lane. That is also an area more convenient for terrorists, who would find Mayfair a bit of a schlep. Shepherd’s Bush is also closer to the aerodrome.

I love wandering around Mayfair even though the picturesque streetwalkers of yesteryear no longer lend charm to Shepherd’s Market. All my favourite haunts were in this neighbourhood: barber, bookshop and record store (the lamented Discurio).