Where do you live?
I live in London with my wife Carolyn and three daughters Isabella, Alexandra and Theodora.
Best childhood memory?
Riding pillion on my dad’s motorbike on the old Nicosia road with the wind blowing against my face! It gave me a strange feeling that anything was possible and a sense of freedom.
Most frequented restaurant and absolute favourite dish?
HIX Mayfair at Brown’s Hotel, London for Dover Sole with steamed spinach
What food would you really turn your nose up to?
Kentucky Fried Chicken does not agree with me!
What did you have for breakfast?
Weetabix mixed with strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and skimmed milk; decaffeinated green tea.
Would you class yourself as a day or night person? What’s your idea of the perfect night/day out?
I enjoy days and nights equally as they have different qualities. The perfect day out is a relaxing walk in the countryside or by the sea. I enjoy nights out at the theatre, the opera or at a nice restaurant with good friends.
Best book ever read?
Zorba the Greek by Nicos Kazantzakis for Zorba’s spirit of adventure and love of life
Favourite film of all time?
2001: A Space Odyssey because it was a seminal piece of work, brilliantly imaginative and definitely ahead of its time; the film’s vision of man’s place in the universe and its portrayal of humanity’s unending technological optimism, despite the risks, appealed to me greatly.
Favorite holiday destination? What’s your dream trip?
I love holidays in Cyprus because it’s a country close to my heart but also an island with an abundance of diverse natural attractions and interesting people. My family and I feel comfortable in the familiar surroundings of places we know and visit every year, whether by the sea or in the mountains. By contrast, one of the best holidays we had, as a family, was to New York which competes with London as one of the best world cities. My dream trip would be on a yacht with family and friends exploring the Aegean and its islands –something I have never done yet.
What music are you listening to in the car at the moment?
Classical music; BBC Radio 3.
What is always in your fridge?
Fruit!
Dream house: rural retreat or urban dwelling? Where would it be, what would it be like?
Maybe I am asking too much, but right now I would like to have both! Urban dwelling for day to day living (I love London, its rich cultural diversity, its politics and its pace) but I also dream of a rural retreat where I can get away from the ‘cacophony’ of life and relax totally. My ideal retreat would be a place in a serene location by the sea or in the mountains – I love Cornwall and the Lake District in England, Platres in the Troodos mountains and the Akamas coast in Cyprus.
If you could pick anyone at all (alive or dead) to go out for the evening with, who would it be?
Alexander the Great, because I would want to hear from him what drove him to achieve so much while still so young.
If the world is ending in 24 hours what would you do?
Have a marathon Greek BBQ in the garden with close family and best friends. Hopefully, the sun will be out before the world ends!
What is your greatest fear?
Losing the respect of my family, friends and colleagues.
Tell me a joke…
The first time my wife saw me cut off the end of a cigar she said, “Why don’t you buy them the right size?” – one of legendary comedian Tommy Cooper’s timeless jokes!
