20 questions with Marcus Schelbert, food and beverage duty manager of Belgraves – A Thompson Hotel
The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force?
My friends, my family and my passion for my work, drinks and food.
“Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?
“Don’t talk, just do it as it could be the last day of your life”.
Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2013?
A watery Old Fashioned cocktail is unacceptable in general.
Tony Blair misses being Prime Minister. What do you miss most in your life?
Spending time with my family in Germany and my girlfriend.
What might you swap all your wealth for?
Something that you can’t buy with money: health and happiness.
Donald Trump was once a case of: “If you owe the bank a thousand, they close you down; but if you owe the bank a billion, you own the bank”. What’s your view on the banking crisis?
It’s like a game. There are losers and winners. The question is: “Who is playing the referee?”
What phrase or word do you most loathe?
When Tina, my girlfriend, says: “Who is doing the washing up tonight?”
In the UK, some people consider charity to “begin at home”. What’s your view and what causes do you personally support?
I support new blood coming into the hotel business. Nothing is more important than to give our knowledge and passion to them. It’s not just about money.
The judge in Law Abiding Citizen states: “I can pretty much do whatever I want” before being blown up whilst answering her mobile phone. What’s your view on the appropriate use of such devices?
In a bar, sometimes you can see that everyone is using a mobile phone. Sometimes it is important to switch it off and enjoy your life.
If you could fill a carriage on The Orient Express, who would be your fellow passengers?
My girlfriend, Tina, my first boss, Tim, and my head mixologist, Pablo (who makes the best cocktails here at Belgraves – A Thompson Hotel).
If you were unfortunate enough to end up on death row, what would be your last meal and where would you eat it?
Schnitzel, at home in Germany. It would be prepared by mum who is the best chef in the world.
What time is it acceptable to consume the first drink of the day?
On a sunny day, 9am in the morning. A glass of champagne on the terrace of the Belgraves would suit nicely.
A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?
An Old Fashioned. I don’t like tea or martinis and I don’t drink Negronis.
Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?
Oktoberfest as I’m German.
Who is the most positive person you know?
My girlfriend without any question.
What’s your most guilty pleasure?
Cigarettes and too much coffee.
If a tattoo were to sum you up, what would it be of?
A big sun on my back.
If you were a car, what marque would you be?
A 1967 Shelby Mustang GT500.
Cilla Black presented Surprise, Surprise. Tell us the most surprising thing about you.
In private I’m the most chaotic person in the world.
What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?
Pictures of my girlfriend and family and a small espresso machine.
Marcus Schelbert is the food and beverage duty manager at Belgraves – A Thompson Hotel, 20 Chesham Place, London, SW1X 8HQ.
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