Lesley-Ann Jones has questioned why a grilled cauliflower steak can cost the same as a ribeye steak in a restaurant, describing the practice as "blatant extortion." Writing in an opinion piece, she highlighted that a humble slice of cauliflower is 92% water, 5% carbohydrate, and 2% protein, compared to 25-30% protein in beef, and likely costs the restaurant less than two pence.
Non-alcoholic drinks pricing questioned
Jones also raised the issue of non-alcoholic gin and tonic costing the same as the alcoholic version in pubs. She noted that a bottle of alcohol-free gin can cost as much or more than the real thing. Government tax accounts for about two thirds, or 60-65%, of the price of the average bottle, including flat-rate spirits excise duty and 20% VAT on top of production cost and duty combined. While non-alcoholic gin is subject to VAT, it is exempt from alcohol duty.
Lily Allen and family concerns
Jones commented on singer Lily Allen, who has lamented the effects of post-divorce relocation from New York to London on her daughters Ethel and Marnie. Jones suggested that the children are likely aware of Allen's memoir, which details personal experiences, and that they have been through much with her. Jones concluded that wherever they call home, as long as Allen is there, they will be fine.
Advice on plantar fasciitis and neighbour disputes
Jones, who suffers from plantar fasciitis—a condition affecting one in ten in the UK—shared advice from her podiatrist in South East London. Recommendations include not going barefoot, wearing arch-supporting footwear, doing calf and foot exercises in bed before getting up, and avoiding completely flat shoes.
Jones also discussed a neighbour dispute, noting that someone reported her to the council for laying paving slabs at the front of her house. She received a letter instructing her to apply for retrospective planning permission, which she said may be declined. She claimed the report was malicious and that she knows who did it, but said she is not seeking revenge, adding "Karma is a thing."
Finally, Jones highlighted guitarist Ray Russell, who inherited the James Bond theme guitar riff from its creator Vic Flick and has worked with many artists. Russell is releasing a new album, Dangerous Bends, and will perform at Pizza Express Holborn on November 8.
