Andrew O’Hagan · Stay Classy: Mummy’s Favourite The late queen can be held responsible for much, but nobody could accuse her of seeming to enjoy her role. For the...

Do you like excellence about his ex-excellency? Then this piece of brilliant writing is for you. www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v4...

Only Women Bleed by Julie Covington

Later this week, I’m publishing a long Inventory piece about Julie Covington, the wellspring of which was this remarkable single. It seems fitting to flag it up on International Women’s Day. #IWD2026.

We met Andy in there last time you visited.

Almost overlooked The Ship and Mitre, which has the biggest selection of beers I’ve seen anywhere. They do a very good Scousers as a bonus.

Almost forgot my local, Gallaghers in Birkenhead. Great pub, good music and a quiz night, which we would walk.

That sounds wonderful T. I’ve got a triangle of favourite pubs. The Monro, The Red Lion and St Peter’s Tavern all within a hundred yards of each other. Cracking beer selection and wonderful pies.

Thanks.

Wow ! Thanks T, really appreciate that.

Thanks Bruce.

Cheque is in the post.

Thanks Ian.

A chocolate brown oriental cat stares intently at his owner. In the background, an out-of-focus blue-grey oriental glowers with an eerie hypnotic power.

As a cat owner, you learn to detect the subtle signs of pet hunger.

One Step Beyond.

I’ve agreed a fee to keep quiet.

I hope this doesn’t get back to a certain island in Greece.

I’m surprised you didn’t talk movies.

Flock of Sheep in a courtyard by a poster. The central poster features a hand pointing forward, reminiscent of propaganda styles, with text reading "LA MAJORITE C'EST VOUS" (The Majority is You).

Goodnight.

La majorité, c'est vous" (The Majority is You)
René Maltête, 1960

Some fantastic albums here. I don't agree with all the choices but that's part of the fun, isn't it?

With Gary Cooper, Barbara Stanwyck et al in ‘Ball of Fire’ (1941)

Reynardine. This lovely fox is outside The Harbour pub in New Brighton.

Just noticed a Buster Spooky Stories sold on eBay last month for 40 quid.

I definitely missed the boat on that. Someone should reprint it. Definitely a market out there.

Yes. Sadly a few things over the years disappeared.

I’d love to come across that Buster book.

Trump prepared to kill thousands just to cover up the Epstein files. What a piece of scum he is.

Sleeve and music, both perfect.

This really does mean a lot coming from @andrewmale.bsky.social, a great storyteller in his own right and a brilliant, egoless editor to boot. His interviews with Bill Callahan and Bill Fay exist as little reminders in my head that this is the standard for which I have to try and shoot.

Watching Atalanta v Dortmund the joy of no co-commentator is sublime. Just commentary and no disembodied voice stating the bleeding obvious. I’d forgotten how good that is.

Too late, I’ve already ordered it. Thanks anyway.

I love that film.