Number Six

(Our man Sid knows no fear: Jan 02)

Love or hate him, and most of you out there seem to hate him, Peter Stringfellow, has been enjoying a unique role in our society, that of a Pariah. At times, he's known either as Britain's best-loved playboy or just simply as 'Mr Notorious'. Whether you've lusted after his little black book, being the owner of a successful night club or being surrounded by a Joy of Table Dancers (any advances on a collective noun?), it's time to put the Green god of Envy away.

He may not be the Yorkshire's most successful; I believe that crown rests with his contemporary, Dave Allen, a multi-millionaire - who owns amongst many things; several casinos, the Owlerton Dog Track and is the power base behind the Owls. However, Peter Stringfellow is known the world over, and is still a 'Sheffield Lad made Good'. It's just that he chose . . . a more colourful route; that of merchant navy then prison (one spell of 6 weeks when he was 20) through to club entrepreneur. So stop that infernal knocking.

Peter's latest wave of success is due to his sharp business acumen, when during one of his frequent trips to New York, he stumbled upon the phenomenum that is Table Dancing. He immediately set to work to bring it to Blighty. At this point, one should say that Westminster Council is not the most liberal of councils, in fact downright prudery is nearer the mark. So it was no easy thing to persuade them to provide the necessary licence. Having managed that coup, he was able to add Table dancing to his club repertoire in 1995. It became his Cabaret of Angels. And now, several years later, the country is dancing to the same tune. Today his club is not alone, and he has formidable competition from the large US Group Spearmint Rhino, which has opened several clubs around London. However, he manages to keep abreast of the competition. One might even assume that his name alone draws in the crowds.

Recently, he took part in a radio show entitled 'Notoriety' on London Live. In which he talked frankly about his steady life with his glamourous girlfriend of 3 years standing, his life style of clubs and restaurants (has anyone ever seen him in the daylight?) and his earnest interest in charities, most notably that of the Rainbow Trust Charity.

So is Notoriety a thing of the past?

Well, it would appear so as the tabloids are too bored to pick fault with him, so you won't find any sordid little stories. Let's face it, the tabloids hunt for hypocrysy with a rare kind of relish, and Peter Stringfellow is no hypocrit - 'What you see is what you get'.

Is the oldest swinger in town slowing down?

Hardly, 2001 was a very active year. Firstly, there was the publication of his biography 'King of Clubs' by Fiona Lafferty. Which was best described as a frank look at the underbelly of the glitz, glamour and guns in the world of night clubs. And is truly a rivetting read.

In addition, he launched his own all-girl pop act 'Horny Culture', who were selected from his 'Joy'. Their arrival on the music scene heralded much amusement. However, with a record contract and a few releases, they may still leave egg on the faces of the Doubting Thomas'. Peter said at the time, "There's no use pretending that I chose them for anything other than that they are all beautiful, gorgeous and talented". Now isn't that the requisite for all 'boy/girl' pop acts.

Recently, there has been talk of an overseas venture, that of a sister 'Cabaret of Angels' club in Paris - Vive la difference! Although his earlier American ventures came a cropper, this one seems more atune to him. And don't forget there's always the possibility of a stock market flotation, to aid expansion. Maybe one day you can own a share in the 'Angels!

And when he's not busy, he does like a good challenge; whether it's taking part either in the BBC's comedy news programme 'Have I got the news for you' (and being the butt of several ripostes thrice over from Paul Merton), or in accepting invitations from University Debating societies (which surely must confuse the hell out of the PC brigade).

Lastly, we may not be surprised that Peter Stringfellow never appeared in the recent BBC's list of 'Greatest Britains'. But like Shackleton, he doesn't give in easily. And he's not ready for those comfy carpet slippers just yet.

(Online - January 2002)