The first Murdock Man – David Waddington

Each season The Murdock Man and Murdock London will be selecting an ambassador to be the physical embodiment of The Murdock Man.

This season we are delighted to announce that David Waddington, co-founder of cult east London restaurant, bar and cabaret space Bistrotheque is our inaugural Murdock Man.

One of London’s most entertaining and enterprising restaurateurs, David is the dapper modern gent who was born to host a party and is full of innovative ideas for how people can enjoy their food.

His new venture is the event, party and location caterer and producer Waddington-Collins. Organising good times for companies in industries such as art, fashion, architecture and design as well as the magazine and publishing world, Bistrotheque’s sister company keeps creative types well fed and their cocktails topped up at launch parties and dinners held in venues as diverse as multi-storey car park roofs and winding Eighteenth Century tunnels.

David has chosen a selection of collectibles for the Murdock branch in Covent Garden as well as curating the store’s book corner for Christmas and the New Year. Each week he will give TheMurdockMan.com a different cocktail or dish recipe depending on whether he’s feeling up for a party or ready to relax with dinner for friends.

We asked him a few questions to discern the inner workings of Murdock Man number one.

When did your interest in food and restaurants begin?

I was quite young. Probably early teens, although at that point I thought being a chef would be the way forward. I also wanted to be a doctor…………

In your experience, how many cooks does it take exactly to spoil the broth?

It only takes one to really f*ck things up.

What makes a great host?

Charm, manners, care, interest in your guests, snappy style, and, occasionally being a really strong negotiator.

What is the perfect level of alcohol influenced personal merriment for the host of the party?

Never get drunker than your guests!

Bistrotheque is well known for its Cabaret room, what’s your favourite song from the musical/film Cabaret?

Mein Herr is a winner, but they’re all pretty special.

Do you even like the musical/film Cabaret?

What’s not to like?

Do you prefer The Berlin Stories by Christopher Isherwood which Cabaret is based on?

I like both, but theres a lot more grit in the books, and I’d loved to have been able to go to the Cosey Corner. A Joiners Arms of the Weimar?

If your moustache (when you sport one) had a name, what would it be?

Larry.

What would your theme tune be?

My theme tune is Copacabana, unfortunately.

What is your hairstyle icon?

Martin Degville.

Coffee table art book or bedside novel?

Bedside novel.

Would you rather have great hair but terrible food for the rest of your life or terrible hair but great food?

Food, and no mirrors would be perfect.

Favourite city in the world?

Los Angeles.

How do you like to travel?

In comfort, with friends.

What motto do you live by?

Whats for lunch?

Describe yourself in one word?

Entertaining.

What really annoys you?

Bus drivers when I’m cycling, queues, bad service.

What is the quality you most like in a man?

Generosity.

What is the quality you most like in a woman?

Generosity.

Moustache, beard, stubble or clean shaven?

All of the above can look just right. A proper shave is always a treat though.

How far does the hair maketh the man?

A smart haircut helps, but it won’t make him.

What if the man is bald?

He shouldn’t worry, bald blokes look great.

When does a man know that he is a gentleman?

I think it’s best not to know too much about yourself in that manner. Always keep trying your best.

Vocab preference: whiskers, upper lip blanket, ‘tache, mo’ or simply – moustache?

Moustache is fine.

When you have a haircut or wet shave, what’s your tipple of choice? Beer, whisky, coffee or tea?

A nice glass of whisky is welcome anytime.

What is your perfect London night out?

Entertaining friends at Bistrotheque followed by drinks at home.

And your perfect London Sunday?

A run in the park, brunch at Bistrotheque, the papers, a movie and falling asleep on the sofa, OR dancing all night at Horsemeat Disco!

Dashing or rakish?

I’d like to be either!

Finally, what is a Murdock Man?

He’s charming, bright, makes the most of himself and a little bit romantic.

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