Lutyens restaurant

As I strolled past 85 Fleet Street on Monday last, I was wondering at the many historic events which happened within those hallowed walls.

Who can forget, for example, Gerald Sharrock's love child falling off his desk - which is where his former secretary and mother of some of his vast brood of children had placed it - or the famous Bruce Allen/JCP confrontation which ended with Bruce being taken out of the building in a wheelchair, tired and emotional as he was.

All those thoughts were going through my mind as I sauntered past the famous old building. Suddenly on the St Bride’s side of the building sounds of life emerged, and an elderly gentleman dressed in a frock coat came out and thrust a leaflet for the Lutyens restaurant, bar and cellar rooms in my hands. This old gentleman was kind enough to give me a tour of the restaurant.

This place looks the part. If Reuters was still in Fleet Street it would have become the equivalent of the Kronehalle to the Zurich office. All it would lack - insofar as I know - would be the nightclub next door with the obligatory pole.

Lutyens opens on Monday 29 June. However, in the finest traditions of Product Managers everywhere, Lutyens is having a soft launch this week and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Lutyens Restaurant, Bar and Cellar Rooms ■