Urbanologist and director of the Devonshire Club, Brian Clivaz, shares with U his favourite tips and hangouts giving U an insight into his 'Perfect Day'...

How do you start your day?

I am a night owl, so try to avoid meetings before 9am but if I have to meet early it has to be accompanied by a full English Breakfast, croissants and plenty of double espresso's.

I like breakfast at The Arts Club, 5 Hertford (where my bulldog Doris gets special sausages), The Albion (best almond croissants ever) and Devonshire Club.

Leisurely lunch go to? 

If I have lunch I am usually at The Devonshire Club, where the sushi is great, apart from Wednesday’s when I join the Snail Club lunch at L’Escargot. 

If you want to entice me out I never refuse lunch at Wilton’s. I love going to see my friend Didier at Le Colombier in Chelsea.

Favourite way to pass the time in London? 

I am super busy and rarely have time to myself. If I do have a day off I feel guilty! Walking the streets doing nothing is a rare pleasure. I enjoy seeing the exhibitions at The Royal Academy, I could spend days in the Victoria & Albert Museum, and I never tire of the Wallace Collection. Other than that I can spend hours in a bookshop, Charing Cross Road and Cecil Court are favourites - especially as I can pop in to Sheekey’s for a cheeky lunch.

Favourite London landmarks, and why? 

I love the Tower of London - it’s been standing for over a thousand years, which amazes tourists when I tell them. I love churches; Westmister Abbey is a favourite - I sometimes pop in to the early Sunday service there, and I frequently visit churches around London.

Tipple of choice and favourite cocktail hangout? 

I love a Negroni, or two! The bar at The Lanesborough is great - especially as my name-sake Brian is at the piano. Also I like to pop in to see Brian the Bar Manager at Balthazar, like all Brian’s he’s  great gossip and always knows what’s going on about town - he mixes a mean Negroni! 

Favourite dining destinations, and why? 

L’Escargot of course! I love The Goring, as they always look after me so well, and my dear friend David Morgan-Hewitt always finds a special bottle of something, The Colony Room at The Beaumont is quite romantic, and I love Bellanger in Islington. Trinity in Clapham is a great local treat.

Final stop for a nightcap, and why?

I sometimes pop in to the Coach & Horses for a late night tipple - simply because I’ve been going there for years. There are a couple of other dives I know - but I’d rather keep them to myself!

Best hangover remedy?

Victor Gower the great former Head Barman at The Savoy used to dispense a Corpse Reviver made from one part each of :- VSOP Brandy, Fernet Branca, & Creme de Menthe - shaken on ice and served straight up - it sounds ghastly, smells worse, drink it in one gulp -  it does work!

Where next on your travels? 

Paris for a long week-end, Munich to visit friends, then East Africa in January.

Brian Clivaz is a well-known fuller figure in the hotel and restaurant world. He was the founding Director of Home House, private members’ club and Managing Director of Scott’s Restaurant, Mount Street. In 2005 he became Managing Director of The Arts Club and oversaw its transformation into one of London’s most fashionable and profitable  private members’ club. In September 2012 he became Chairman of Coq d’Or Restaurants owners of Langan’s Brasserie, Odin’s and Shepherd’s restaurants. He is Director of L’Escargot Restaurant in Soho. Together with Harry Harris he founded the Devonshire Club which opened in July 2016 after a £25m transformation.

Ideal For

Being in the know...