There’s a strange dichotomy on display down in Smithfield, where the seven founding members of new high-value criminal set Cloth Fair Chambers are slowly settling in. On the one hand the seven QCs are determined to uphold the grand traditions of the independent bar and have set up in a 17th century building, complete with original wooden beams. On the other they’re going ultra-modern in terms of facilities, with video-conferencing, proper internet and a flashy kitchen, which has turned out to be the envy of Mrs Purnell, wife of chambers head Nicholas.
The seven also seem determined to extract every inch of mileage from their name, and last week threw a grand opening party in nearby nightclub Fabric – doubtless with Material Girl, Black Velvet and Elton John’s The Emperor’s New Clothes on the playlist.
