The dastardly Mr. Deedes

Sir David tang, who has died aged 63, was not without an impish sense of humour. legendary oil man algy cluff, 77, who was for a time tang’s boss, says his old friend had the cheek to name one of his dogs after him. cluff recalls: ‘i was visiting his home once and got quite a shock when David suddenly shouted: ‘come here algy, you lazy b******!’

Hedge funder Crispin Odey’s beleaguered European fund was down 10pc in July, after several bearish bets backfired. It’s down 12pc this year so far. Still, good to know Crispin, who oversees the fund himself, isn’t panicking. Judging by his Instagram feed, he’s currently otherwise engaged on the grouse moor.

Former chancellor George osborne will speak at an event next month hosted by the Spectator to mark the tenth anniversary of the banking crisis, where he will be grilled by the magazine’s publisher, andrew Neil. last year, osborne cockily bragged how he’d avoided being interrogated by the BBc’s most fearsome interlocutor during his six years as chancellor. Mr Neil, i believe your sharpest toasting fork might be in order…

Sir Richard Branson pays tribute to Princess Diana on the 20th anniversary of her death, informing his Twitter followers how the Princess would often send him ‘ thoughtful, handwritten notes’ which hang in his home in Necker Island. He posts a picture of one which reads: ‘Dear Richard, Hurray! Love from Diana.’ I must say, I’ve received more thoughtful missives.

the relaunched Great British Bake off features Essex boy James Hillery, 46, a portly banker from Northern trust, whose ambition is to open a café. Kissing goodbye to the riches of the city may be easier said than done. Despite suggestions to the contrary, i’m told last year’s semi-finalist, Ghanaian charmer Selasi Gbormittah, 31, remains glued to the trading desk at Deutsche Bank. Have you any gossip for our City diary? Email: mrdeedes@dailymail.co.uk