So that’s why they call him Red Len!
Union baron’s meal at glitzy diner — with lots of red wine
UNION baron Len McCluskey and his close friend, Labour election supremo Karie Murphy, took time off from the campaign on Thursday night to wine and dine in style at glitzy new London eaterie Cafe L’oscar.
The restaurant in Holborn is not for those on the minimum wage – the wine list includes a bottle of Chateau Mouton Rothschild, 1er Cru Classe, Pauillac for £2,700. The cheapest bottle of Spanish red is £38.
Unite general secretary Mr McCluskey and Labour HQ election chief Miss Murphy’s spirits were clearly not dampened by polls which suggest Jeremy Corbyn is heading for defeat next Thursday.
Fellow diners said Mr McCluskey, 68, known as ‘Red Len’ for his Left-wing views, downed several glasses of red wine, while Miss Murphy, 55, enjoyed either pink champagne or a pink cocktail. Accompanied by four men, including one of Mr McCluskey’s allies, Unite director Jim Mowatt, some of the group were said to have been served Jersey rock oysters, which cost £18 for a plate of six.
Mr McCluskey’s union is bankrolling Mr Corbyn’s bid to become Prime Minister with a £3million donation. Scots-born Miss Murphy – Mr Corbyn’s chief of staff until recently – runs the party’s campaign from head office.
The restaurant is part of new boutique hotel, L’oscar, designed by French architect and interior designer Jacques Garcia. It boasts an onyx bar and walls and ceiling lined with mirrors and gilded panels. The hotel’s website says Cafe L’oscar has ‘all the charm and sophistication of a Parisian cafe’ and ‘is the go-to place for… intimate evening dining.’ BBC broadcaster Emma Barnett said the hotel ‘oozes sex appeal and looks like it was designed for nights Bacchus would have been proud to host’.
Judging from the bag from luxury French designer label Celine he was carrying as they left, Liverpudlian Mr McCluskey has been doing some expensive Christmas shopping – perhaps for Karie. Fiery red-head Miss Murphy appeared to be wearing a white fake fur coat. She was laughing and smiling as they left in Mr McCluskey’s limo – red of course. Celine is a high-end French brand selling women’s clothes, shoes and accessories. Celebrity fans include Lady Gaga and actress Dakota Johnson.
‘Go-to place for an intimate evening’