Big Narstie surprise

I was in London yesterday for the Boisdale Life Editor's Lunch at Boisdale of Canary Wharf.

There must have been around 180 guests, some of whom I knew, most of whom I didn't.

The star guests, who each received an award, were TV presenter Gregg Wallace (who announced he was off to smoke a cigar on the terrace), and – more surprising, perhaps – Big Narstie who I knew only through his (very funny) appearance on Would I Lie To You? a few years ago.

His real name is Tyrone Mark Lindo and he's a rapper, singer, songwriter, comedian and television presenter.

According to Boisdale Life, he's also a legend, hence his award.

The awards were presented by restaurant critic William Sitwell and Made In Chelsea star Georgia Toffolo.

The latter should have been given something to stand on because she could barely reach the microphone, even on "tippy-toes" (as she herself acknowledged).

I was pleased that the New Statesman's Rachel Cunliffe won an award. Two years ago I noted that, despite attending the Editor's Lunch (having been nominated in two categories), she won nothing, even though neither winner bothered to turn up.

'Poor show,' I huffed. 'If you turn up you deserve an award!' (especially if you've been nominated twice).

This year only one person failed to collect their award in person and he had a good excuse – his flight from Las Vegas had been delayed.

Fortunately his mother – the Nicaraguan ambassador, Her Excellency Guisell Morales-Echaverry – was there to accept it on his behalf.

Next week all eyes turn to Boisdale of Belgravia for the Forest Summer Lunch & Awards. But more on that later.

PS. I was surprised to see this notice in the gents' loo:

Please note it is not permitted to vape inside our premises!

A school toilet, I could understand, but Boisdale?