The intrepid Tom Jeffreys dons his pyjamas to report from the front line of storytelling.
There's nothing quite as comforting as a good bedtime story. Like mugs of cocoa, cashmere cardigans, mittens, boiled eggs, blankets and whisky, the well-told bedtime story fills you with a warm, soft glow of slow contentment. Perfect prior to a long night of slumbering snooze-time.
With this in mind, and taking into account that I'm completely exhausted after the previous evening's dining extravaganza, it does feel a little bit weird to be popping out of my flat and walking down Mile End Road in my pyjamas and slippers. But hey ho. I'm off to 40 Winks, “the most beautiful small hotel in the world” apparently. It's also the private home of flamboyant interior designer David (that's Mr to you) Carter, who welcomes us to his discreetly demarcated, elegant abode.
Clad in a long grey overcoat, bowler hat and slippers, Mr Carter is a memorable, if loquacious, host, and his humour – combined with lashings of rather delicious Hendrick's gin cocktails – soon has everyone at ease, despite things being a tad cramped in the little kitchen.
As we all begin to relax, we're split into two groups and sent for storytime – firstly a medley of ancient Irish tales from the theatrical Emer O'Connor, then some extracts from Oscar Wilde's A Picture of Dorian Gray, read by the archly louche Dusty Limits. It's St Patrick's Day, in case you'd forgotten: hence the Irish theme to the evening's entertainment. In their different ways, both performers are slick and their readings nicely angled and evocative, helping to add to the frisson of naughtiness that pervades the evening. The only trouble is that these are bedtime stories, and after an hour or so I'm really rather sleepy.
No matter – we pop out into the cute little garden for a cigarette, top up on booze, and head back upstairs for some pleasant Irish sing-alongs with Chris Singleton and his acoustic guitar. There's also some very generous prizes for the most flirtatious girl (sponsored by Benefit Cosmetics) and the most glamorous nightie (Hush) and then it's back outside and home to Bedfordshire. And that's the only real snag of what is a otherwise a very pleasant evening – after all this pre-sleep enjoyment, the thought of leaving the glamorous comfort of 40 Winks is not such an appealing one. And the Stepney locals don't see so enamoured of my slippers or my companion's Bagpuss. Luckily, there's crumpets at home, and cocoa, and sleep.
Bedtime Stories is at 40 Winks every month. To book, email reservations@40winks.org
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