I have been on holiday, it’s the one thing I will actually spend money on. I just love being away; it’s the spirit of adventure, the excitement of travel and the wonderful relaxation. I still work when I’m away, probably no more than an hour and a half a day, phone calls and e-mails and I still use the gym every day, although I tone it down and just do some gentle cardio.
I thought Oman was wonderful and the Omanis themselves, wonderfully charming, very polite and very welcoming. The Al Bustan Palace was real luxury, although I have to say, Oman is expensive. I didn’t leave the hotel, in the gym every morning, followed by a steam, breakfast, beach, lunch, pool and dinner, wonderful.
Back home now, very excited about my eateries. Wallace & Co is upping the ante under the watchful eye of my new partner, Annabel, the food and the front of house continues to improve at a dramatic rate, really happy about that. Really impressed with her. Also great to see the return of my little brother Biffo. Very excited now for Gregg’s Bar & Grill in Bermondsey. The sun has come out and Gregg’s just comes alive. We have so much outdoor seating, if it’s anything like last summer; it’s just going to be party night down there every night. Watch this space because they may well be holding a special Gregg Wallace Fire Pit and Grill night down there soon.
This week sees me on Loose Women, publicising my Pudding Book being released in paperback. I am attending the official opening of Weight Watchers centres in Orpington and Bexleyheath, both in Kent, my kind of place. I will also be displaying the Fire Pits at Springtime Nurseries in Enfield and Regatta Garden Furniture in Wickford.
Got a couple of good dinners coming up, obviously at both Wallace & Co and Gregg’s Bar & Grill, but very much looking forward to going to the newly opened Bird of Smithfield owned by my old mate and ex Ivy Head Chef, Alan Bird. Also can’t wait to see the newly refurbished Royal Hospital Road, 3 star Michelin exceptionale, adore the place, doesn’t get much better.
