• THE news of Russia, political reprisals, etc, remind me of an incident years ago at the much-missed Primrose Hill Patisserie.

Sitting outside was a Russian musician, pen in hand, ostentatiously composing on a sheet of music.

Suddenly, Ken Bates, the outspoken ex-boss of Chelsea FC arrived and addressed the hard-at-work musician: “Morning mate, checking your football pools?”

The Russian’s enraged facial contortions were probably even more entertaining than his music.

HOWARD RICHARDS
Fitzroy Road, NW1