Between the Lines with Jeremy King OBE
Between the Lines is a conversation series that looks past the book and into the life behind it. Each evening invites a leading voice — from authors and artists to cultural figures — to go a little deeper. Not just what they’ve written, but what they’ve lived.
Tonight’s guest was legendary restaurateur Jeremy King OBE, in conversation with host and writer Mark Heywood. King, the visionary behind Le Caprice, The Wolseley and Brasserie Zédel, now leads Jeremy King Restaurants, operating Arlington, The Park and Simpson’s in the Strand. His new book ‘Without Reservation’ shares wit and wisdom from his forty‑year career.
He spoke about the realities behind running a restaurant. There is, he said, “no magic ingredient” — instead it’s the interplay of the building, the menu, the chef and, above all, care. His guiding principle is simple: create a restaurant you’d want to go to.
He described wanting his restaurants to feel “like a club”, recalling how one venue has no signs to the bathroom. Guests ask once, and on their next visit walk with a little swagger, a quiet confidence. For King, hospitality is built on these gestures of belonging.
His book also contains stories of famous names, including Harold Pinter and Princess Diana. King shared that Pinter even based the main character and setting of the play ‘Celebration’ on him and The Ivy, which King co‑founded. He explained that this became a moment that taught him a lasting lesson about perception and how we are represented by others.
King offered several pieces of advice : “Never accept something for the future if you’re not happy to do it today.”; “Give quick answers and don’t give explanations.”; and “Summarise what you do in one sentence.”.
During the audience Q&A, King was asked about artificial intelligence. He acknowledged that robots can perform tasks efficiently but lack empathy and intuition, qualities needed in hospitality. He also recalled a couple who wished they’d known Mountbatten Cake was available; a staff member brought them two slices, and the couple later wrote a glowing letter. He reflected on how hospitality has changed — managers’ approval is now required for many small gestures — but feels passionately that we must trust and empower each other.
His advice was simple: be brilliant human beings.
The event took place at Sir Devonshire Square Hotel. Keep an eye out for more Between The Lines events.
Address: Sir Hotel, Devonshire Square, 5 Devonshire Square EC2M 4YE.
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