The American Embassy is set to move from glitzy to gritty as it relocates from Mayfair to, um, Vauxhall. Here is the original story.
There is some logic for moving to a more secure, cheaper neighbourhood. Other inhabitants of Grosvenor Square will no doubt be delighted, especially if the concrete monstrosity is replaced.
But will the 750 ambassadorial staff enjoy the amenities of Nine Elms as much as Mayfair? Where will they take visiting dignitaries from Italy, Israel or Iran? From memory, the best place to get lunch around there is…er….Sainsbury’s.
UPDATE:
Alex Barker, who lives nearby, says this is nonsense: There is a nice Portuguese restaurant (though it doesn’t serve foie gras) and…he’s struggling….some fine bars.
I’ll come back to you if he thinks of anything else.
FURTHER UPDATE:
The area has a very lively gay scene.
Jim Pickard
Kiran Stacey
