Saracens and England star Matt Stevens reigns pie and mighty
ONLY in the world of rugby would four elite sportsman take on the challenge of a pie-eating contest, in the name of good PR.
And that is what four Saracens players did this week when they took part in their own version of man versus food.
The players scoffed Laverstock pies, which will be sold at the team’s new north London stadium, Allianz Park.
Champion pie-eater Matt Stevens, who swallowed his buffalo and gravy pie in one minute and 22 seconds, said: “It’s a massive achievement and I know that the guys will be envious of this trophy. Though I’d recommend eating it a little slower than I just did.”
■ It is hard economic times for Greece at the moment and thus everything must go, over at the Greek embassy. However particularly bad news for any Greek expats living in London, is that the swanky Hellenic embassy in Holland Park is up for sale. The Greek State Privatization Fund has set a price of £22m for the property and it is also selling off real estate in Brussels and Belgrade. No word on whether Greek finance minister Yannis Stournaras (pictured) will accept a discount for the job lot.
■ Hot on the heels of winning second place in the annual Financial Power list produced by Accountancy Age, public accounts committee chair Margaret Hodge was yesterday awarded the far less glamorous title of Tax Prat of the Year. Taxation magazine, the publication dishing out the dubious accolade, told The Capitalist: “David Gauke was made Tax Personality of the Year in 2011 in recognition of the government’s policy of increasing consultation with the tax profession in the process of making legislation. Margaret Hodge seems to be advocating a diametrically opposite approach.” Apparently the decision to award the title to Hodge was made with “no hesitation” according to the magazine.