James Blunt
Rosie Paterson speaks to the two-time Brit Award winner and London pub landlord about chasing pigeons and the beauty of burgers
How do you like to get around London?
Motorbike. I have an original CCM Spitfire, which I think is the most beautiful bike that has ever existed. CCM is a small family business and I’ve become a loyal fan. I’m stopped at almost every traffic light by other bikers asking what make it is. Failing that, I’m on my bicycle.
When you’re not racing around on bikes, where do you go to relax?
I like to go to Holland Park and chase the pigeons. Sometimes they chase me back. It’s very therapeutic.
How about a pub? They’re pretty relaxing
The Fox & Pheasant in Chelsea is amazing —I mean really amazing. It’s 170 years old and was recently restored to its former, wood-panelled glory. The dirty old beer garden has been converted into a beautiful conservatory, too. Oh, and I own it!
What did you do before finding success as a musician and pub landlord?
I was a reconnaissance officer in the Household Cavalry, but my last two years were based in London as The Queen’s Horse Guard. We’d get up and ride the horses at 6am. Early morning in the capital before the cars are out is amazing.
Do you have any other hidden London gems you’d like to share?
Five Guys on High Street Kensington, W8. Actually, the one in King’s Cross, N1, is even better. Even more hidden than that, they’re about to open a Five Guys dark kitchen, from which you order your burger for home delivery. This kind of thing is going to be life changing.
Describe your perfect weekend in the city
A walk round Holland Park on Saturday morning, then lunch with friends, which normally turns into a 4am finish and a terrible hangover the next day. A bike ride around Hyde Park on Sunday, followed by a roast at The Fox & Pheasant. Home to watch Police Interceptors, and I’m done.
So you like to party. Any particular favourite venues for dancing the night away? A nightclub called Boujis in South Kensington, but it’s closed down now, and been made into… a Five Guys. It’s the only Five Guys I can’t go into—it makes me weep. Some of my best times were spent there drinking Crack Babies or by the freezer in the back room. All my favourite clubs have been closed down. Hanover Grand on Hanover Square was amazing. I used to hitchhike up from Bristol University to go there. They closed it and turned it into— no, you’re wrong—offices.
James Blunt’s new album, ‘Once Upon A Mind’, is out now (www.jamesblunt.com). He will conclude his UK and European tour with a special performance at the Royal Albert Hall on April 7, 2020 (www.royalalberthall.com)
‘We’d ride the horses at 6am. Early morning in the capital before the cars are out is amazing’