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New Statesman
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New Statesman
Adieu, Marylebone Waitrose…
Photo by Justin Leighton / Alamy The other day, a friend whose cycle route to work takes her through my old neighbourhood, sent me a photo of the Waitrose in Marylebone High Street. It was boarded up, and a huge sign said, 'Your nearest stores are: Nova Scotia and Ulaanbaatar. Scan for more information,' next to a large QR code. Well, they were really Edgware Road and Bloomsbury, but you get my drift. 'One of your childcare centres is closed,' said my friend, and she was right, for whenever the kids came to stay for alternate weekends, this was how we would spend Saturday afternoon, or some of it: shopping for that evening's dinner, and the Sunday lunch the next day. Naturally, it became a fixed ritual, with its own chants and responses. We would look at the bottles of Still Lemonade, which the children were fond of, and one of us would say, 'Is it still lemonade?' and the answer would be, 'Yes, it's still lemonade.' A good day would be when the PizzaExpress pizzas were on offer: it represented a considerable saving when multiplied by four. Twenty-six times a year for ten years: the maths isn't hard. We once saw Paul Weller there, and I had to explain who he was. In fact, the Waitrose in Marylebone had a significant part to play in the genesis of this column: it was after realising that I couldn't afford the fancy mayonnaise, the one with the quote from Delia Smith on it, that I bumped into the then deputy editor of this magazine, after I'd crashed a book launch in Daunt's bookshop up the road (free wine). He asked me how I was doing and instead of saying 'Fine, and you?' I told him, at some length, how screwed I was. The Waitrose bag swung pathetically from my hand as I spoke. He reported back to his editor and the next day I got an email. Anyway, back to the present: how the hell, I thought, is it now possible that Marylebone is incapable of sustaining a Waitrose? Has everyone left? Has London finally been hollowed out? (There is the idea that you have to be super-rich to shop at Waitrose. It is a myth.) I thought, too, of recent developments in Brighton: the Co-Op on Seven Dials, where I used to shop, is about to take over the nice wine shop and the café next to it so they can make their store bigger, even though you can actually see the larger branch of the same store 300 yards down the road. Waitrose shrinks; the Co-Op spreads, acting like Russia to the wine shop's and the café's Ukraine. So it was with gloomy thoughts that I set off to Marylebone to discuss a project that is going to involve filming in the neighbourhood. Where to meet for lunch? Well, there was only one option: the Duke of Wellington on Crawford Street, once my local, and the home and business premises of one of my saviours in those days, the Guvnor. (Seasoned readers of this column will at this point suck on their cigarettes and say: 'The Guvnor. That's a name I haven't heard in a long time.') There was a time, after I left the area, when it looked as though the place was going to be closed down, and turned into obscenely expensive flats. But no. I got a call from Darren. The place had reopened. Darren! He was one of the staff at the Duke, and I wondered how long he would last. I was once being bought lunch there and he looked dubiously at the bottle of wine he was about to put on the table. 'Here is your coats do roams,' he said. How we giggled. Well, I was giggling on the other side of my face when I got the call from Darren: he had bought the pub and had brought it back to its former glory, and was inviting me round. I can't remember if I was living in Scotland or Brighton then, or under a bridge, but I couldn't make it; so I wished him well. Subscribe to The New Statesman today from only £8.99 per month Subscribe As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly, I thought as I left Baker Street Station, treading a route that I knew in my bones. But the Duke was as good as ever: and it was a joy to see Darren again. He now owns two pubs, which is two more than I ever will, and they thrive. The Duke is now more restaurant than pub, but it is still there, that's the main thing. As we ate, I could see the church of St Mary's, against whose walls my friend Razors and I would play night cricket until the police would arrive and tell us it was bedtime. Later on, after I had bewailed the loss of the Waitrose to my friend, she said, 'It's just being refurbished,' and I looked closer at the photo, and, ah, yes, it does say that on the hoarding on the other window. So things aren't as bad as I thought they were. I was also pleased to note that, in Marylebone, I cheered up, and was not unmanned by nostalgia. All I could think was: this place is looking nice today, and it was, for the weather was lovely. As for the project I mentioned, well, these things are always in the lap of the gods. And I remembered the previous verse in the proverb about the dog and its vomit: 'The great God that formed all things both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors.' [See also: Donald Trump can't escape Jeffrey Epstein] Related
South Wales Argus
09-06-2025
- Automotive
- South Wales Argus
Motoring review: Is the Mercedes CLE is a great cabriolet?
Until fairly recently, the Mercedes range had no fewer than five cabrios to choose from. Now that's been whittled down to just two: the range-topping SL sports grand tourer, which falls under the ageis of AMG, and the car you see here: the CLE. Essentially a distillation of all the best bits of the C and E-Class cabrios that went before it, the CLE straddles the compact and medium sized premium soft-top class, but that doesn't mean compromises have been made. Indeed, Mercedes argues that the new CLE answers demands from C Class owners for a car with more passenger space, while also being sportier to drive than the old E-Class (which was something of a boulevard cruiser). It's slightly shorter than the old E-Class cabrio but has a longer wheelbase and thus more room inside the beautifully trimmed cabin. It also has a bigger boot. In fact, it's almost as long as the much more expensive BMW 8-Series cabriolet and actually has a longer wheelbase. So drivers of the older car need not fear they are getting an inferior car. Built in Bremen alongside the AMG SL, the CLE is very much a premium mid-size segment challenger. The C-Class and E-Class models all share a common platform anyway. Merceds offers up the CLE with a range of different engines, starting with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol that musters 201bhp, a 2.0-litre diesel and the car sent for testing, the CLE 450 4Matic which packs a 381 bhp 3.0-litre six beneath its shapely bonnet. The latter marks this model out as different to the C-Class, which was always built with four-cylinders in mind. Not that you'd guess on first acquaintance. Slip into the inviting interior and, as Mercedes connoisseur, you'll immediately realise that the CLE's cabin borrows liberally from the C-Class and not its larger cousin. That said, the C-Class cabin is one of the best in its respective class and the CLE Cabrio's interior certainly doesn't lack drama. The fascia tapers down towards the sizeable central transmission tunnel and the three high-level ovoid fresh air vents look classy. It's possible to adjust the angle of the massive 11.9-inch touchscreen to avoid the worst effects of glare when the hood is down. There's a lot of glossy plastic, though, so you'll need to invest in a decent car interior cleaning spray to keep them looking good and free of fingerprints. (Image: Justin Leighton) The fabric hood folds smoothly into the bodywork in 20 seconds and can perform that trick whilst moving at up to 37mph (trust the Germans to have worked out the optimal speed at which the hood can't be stowed away while moving; presumably, at 38mph it would be ripped from the bodywork and soar away into the sky like an out of control paraglider). The CLE has the latest iteration of Mercedes' clever ''airscarf'' tech which works by blowing warm air through vents in the headrest to create a virtual scarf around your neck and keep you warm during a typical British summer's day (ie. cold). The system has three different levels of intensity, depending on whether the outside temperature is perishing or just chilly. On the few days of the year when it is hot you'll be glad of the special coating on the leather seats which stops them getting too warm. But, as this is dreary old Britain, you're more likely to be glad of the 'aircap'- a small wind deflector hidden in the windscreen pillar that works with a wind blocker behind the rear headrests to create a negative pressure area above the car's interior. This has the twin benefit of reducing wind roar and not messing up your hair when the hood's down. It works well, but claims that your barnet will remain untouched even at the legal limit are optimistic. The CLE is a very safe car, too. There are a dozen airbags to protect you in the event of a crash, including head bags for rear passengers. The view most people will get of the CLE 450. (Image: The CLE - a refined cruiser. Image: Justin Leighton) On the road, the six-cylinder engine's relaxed torquey nature perfectly suits the CLE. It can get a move on if you wish, but I suspect most owners will be happy wafting around with the roof down and the automatic gearbox in 'drive' mode. In topless mode, you can hear the engine's pleasing exhaust note which turns into a meaty growl when you mean business. Even on hefty 20-inch alloys, the CLE feels comfortable and the massive tyres ensure there's no shortage of outright mechanical grip. As the rationalisation of the line-up shows, cabriolets are becoming something of an endangered species these days. Only MG has demonstrated a convincing electrified soft top roadster to date, although more will surely come along at some point. With that in mind, the CLE may well represent the zenith of Mercedes' internally combusted soft-top range. If it is the swan song for these cars, then the CLE can at least go out with its head held high. SPEC CHECK: CLE 450 4MATIC Premier Edition RRP/as-tested: £76,820 / £77,535 3.0-litre/six-cyl mild-hybrid Max power: 382 hp Torque: 500 NM Top speed: 155 mph 0-62 mph: 4.6 seconds Equipment: MBUX multimedia system with 11.9-inch media display and 5G communications module, parking package with reversing camera.
Scottish Sun
04-06-2025
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Iconic car brand's new £155k EV ‘is a complete flop' after iconic model loved by celebs is reinvented
The new electric version of the iconic SUV has been massively outsold by its petrol and diesel counterparts BRAKE IT DOWN Iconic car brand's new £155k EV 'is a complete flop' after iconic model loved by celebs is reinvented Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) STAFF at Mercedes have admitted that the electric version of an SUV popular with celebrities has been a "complete flop". The German manufacturer had high hopes for the £154,810 EV, but it has not had the desired impact on the car market. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 The G-Wagon has proved popular with the super-rich Credit: simon thompson 6 The electric version of the G-Class has been branded a "complete flop" Credit: Getty 6 The original G-Wagon has sold more than seven times its electric counterpart Credit: Justin Leighton 2025 An electric version of the popular Mercedes G-Class - often referred to as the G-Wagon - has not proved successful among customers. Reports show that, since the G 580 was introduced in April last year, the original G-Wagon has almost seven times more sales than its electric counterpart. German newspaper Handelsblatt reported that one Mercedes executive had labelled the motor a "complete flop". They added: "The car is sitting like lead at dealers. It's a complete flop." Read more in Motors 'MODERN ART' Shoppers gobsmacked after smash leaves one motor mounted on top of another Another manager admitted the volume of sales for the "niche" EV had been "very low". It is understood that only 1,450 electric G-Wagons had been sold over a 12-month period, compared to 9,700 sales of the regular version. Despite having the same silhouette, the G 580 has proved difficult to sell against its iconic predecessor, which is substantially cheaper. The latter retails from £133,500, which is £20,000 less than its electric alternative. Customers have also been put off by the EV's EPA-certified range, which sits at just 239 miles from a single charge. And it could affect Mercedes plans for a downsized version, the "Little G", which is set to be released in 2027. Mercedes reveals its new luxury EV with 'superscreen' passengers can play video games or watch Netflix on while on move It was initially rumoured to be an EV-only model, but the motor giants might have to rethink these plans following the damning data and offer the vehicles with combustion engines. First designed in the 1970s, the G-Wagon was originally conceived as a military vehicle. But it has garnered a reputation for ferrying around famous faces and the super-rich, including Megan Fox, Britney Spears and Kendall Jenner. Speaking to Motor1, Mercedes' Markus Nast, global communications manager for compacts, midsizers, and the G-Class, said the company was "prepared for all market scenarios". He added: "Into the 2030s, we can flexibly offer vehicles with both a fully electric drivetrain or an electrified high-tech combustion engine. "Our customers decide what suits them best. This also applies for the G-Class." The G 580 features a three-speed intelligent off-road crawl function, which can drag the car through ditches and ravines. It can reach 62mph in less than five seconds, with a top speed of 112mph. 6 The electric motor can reach 62mph in 4.7 seconds Credit: simon thompson 6 Reports show that the all-electric iteration has tanked in the car market Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk 6 The G-Class has garnered a reputation for ferrying around famous faces Credit: simon thompson Like a regular G-Wagon, the electric G has a ladder-frame chassis with low-range, off-road gearing and trick suspension. And with an impressive 587hp, the three-tonne tank is as quick as a Porsche Cayman off the line. But reports have shown that the all-electric iteration has tanked in the market, with customers still favouring the iconic original motor. The Sun contacted Mercedes for comment.
The Irish Sun
04-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Iconic car brand's new £155k EV ‘is a complete flop' after iconic model loved by celebs is reinvented
STAFF at Mercedes have admitted that the electric version of an SUV popular with celebrities has been a "complete flop". The German manufacturer had high hopes for the £154,810 EV, but it has not had the desired impact on the car market. Advertisement 6 The G-Wagon has proved popular with the super-rich Credit: simon thompson 6 The electric version of the G-Class has been branded a "complete flop" Credit: Getty 6 The original G-Wagon has sold more than seven times its electric counterpart Credit: Justin Leighton 2025 An electric version of the popular Mercedes G-Class - often referred to as the G-Wagon - has not proved successful among customers. Reports show that, since the G 580 was German newspaper They added: "The car is sitting like lead at dealers. It's a complete flop." Advertisement Read more in Motors Another manager admitted the volume of sales for the "niche" EV had been "very low". It is understood that only 1,450 electric G-Wagons had been sold over a 12-month period, compared to 9,700 sales of the regular version. Despite having the same silhouette, the G 580 has proved difficult to sell against its iconic predecessor, which is substantially cheaper. The latter retails from £133,500 , which is £20,000 less than its electric alternative. Advertisement Most read in Motors Breaking Customers have also been put off by the EV's EPA-certified range, which sits at just 239 miles from a single charge. And it could affect Mercedes plans for a downsized version, the "Little G", which is set to be released in 2027. Mercedes reveals its new luxury EV with 'superscreen' passengers can play video games or watch Netflix on while on move It was initially rumoured to be an EV-only model, but the motor giants might have to rethink these plans following the damning data and offer the vehicles with combustion engines. First designed in the 1970s, the G-Wagon was originally conceived as a military vehicle. Advertisement But it has garnered a reputation for ferrying around f amous faces and the super-rich, including Megan Fox , Britney Spears and Kendall Jenner . Speaking to He added: "Into the 2030s, we can flexibly offer vehicles with both a fully electric drivetrain or an electrified high-tech combustion engine. "Our customers decide what suits them best. This also applies for the G-Class." Advertisement The G 580 features a three-speed intelligent off-road crawl function, which can drag the car through ditches and ravines. It can reach 62mph in less than five seconds, with a top speed of 112mph. 6 The electric motor can reach 62mph in 4.7 seconds Credit: simon thompson 6 Reports show that the all-electric iteration has tanked in the car market Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk Advertisement 6 The G-Class has garnered a reputation for ferrying around famous faces Credit: simon thompson Like a regular , the electric G has a ladder-frame chassis with low-range, off-road gearing and trick suspension. And with an impressive 587hp, the three-tonne tank is as quick as a Porsche Cayman off the line. But reports have shown that the all-electric iteration has tanked in the market, with customers still favouring the iconic original motor. Advertisement The Sun contacted Mercedes for comment.
