James Heale, Spectator diary editor and co-author of the new Liz Truss biography (see previous post), tweets:
Longtime lobbyist and bon viveur Lionel Zetter - the former proprietor of the legendary Shepherd's restaurant - is now back in Westminster as a part-time political adviser to the Department of Health.
Interesting. Zetter wrote what is arguably the definitive book on lobbying (Lobbying: The Art of Political Persuasion) and I believe he is one of the best connected people in Westminster.
I can’t remember how or when our paths first crossed but he’s someone I would recognise and say hello to if we passed one another in the street.
Surprisingly perhaps Lionel was involved in the reopening in 2014 of Shepherd’s restaurant in Marsham Street, a short walk from the Palace of Westminster. (See Tory lobbyist Lionel Zetter ‘shepherds’ comeback of Westminster institution.)
When I think about it however lobbying and lunch make the perfect partners, or they used to.
In its heyday Shepherd’s of Westminster (which was once owned by restaurateur Peter Langan and Michael Caine) had been one of the go to restaurants for politicians, journalists and lobbyists.
This was partly because of its proximity to Parliament but Shepherds was also traditional, British and discreet (allegedly) although how true that was I don’t know.
I remember on one occasion having lunch with an MP who insisted on moving to another table so we were further away from other diners which made me question why he suggested going there in the first place.
The only way to guarantee privacy was to book one of two small private dining rooms, which is what I did on a couple of occasions when having lunch with small groups of journalists and MPs.
Shepherd’s was also quite formal (if I remember you were expected to wear a tie) and this perhaps accelerated its decline at a time when long boozy lunches were also falling out of favour.
The restaurant closed in 2013 but reopened under new management in late 2014. According to one report:
Lionel Zetter, veteran lobbyist, public affairs expert and now director of the revamped restaurant, said of the opening: “Westminster is short of really good restaurants. Choice-wise, there is nothing that does really good ‘British’ food. I want to resurrect Shepherd’s and take it back to its best: superb food, great service, an elegant ambience and a discreet environment.”
Sadly Shepherds closed again in August 2019 and I can’t say I was surprised. I went to the reopened restaurant a couple of times and on both occasions it was virtually empty, perfect for plotting and indiscreet gossip but devoid of atmosphere which was a shame because I was willing it to succeed.
Anyway I’m curious to know more about Lionel’s role as a political adviser at the Department of Health. Perhaps he’d like to have lunch?!
See also: Order, order: MPs’ favourite restaurants (Spectator)