60 SECOND INTERVIEW: Ex-club owner looks back on royalty…and criminals

From entertaining celebrities in Sweden and the Caribbean to brushes with London’s underworld, Noel Charles now lives in Spain with his wife, the former Cynthia Lennon.  Nicole Hallett reports.

Vital Statistics

Age: 72

Lives: Portals Nous, Mallorca

In Spain: 10 years

Status: Married

Love (in a word): My wife

Dislike (in a word): Bulls**t

Best thing about Spain: Climate

Hobbies: Horse racing, Poker

Always in fridge: Champagne

Currently reading: Sports newspaper Racing Post

How did you get involved in nightclubs?

When visiting an empty club in London I was overheard commenting the owner must be an idiot. I was consequently hired to run it, and within three months of handing out VIP membership cards to well-dressed people and good dancers I met at other clubs, there were queus outside.

You once crossed the Kray twins of the London underworld?

They thought I owned the club and got nasty when the owners refused to pay protection money. They sent six people down, but the club owner got his wrestling friends in and there was a fight. 

What famous people have you met? 

The Swedish Royal family through my Alexandra club in Stockholm, the Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Elton John, George Harrison, David Bailey, Sidney Poitier, Jack Nicholson and Richard Pryor.

Favourite celebrity you know?

Sidney Poitier, a gentleman’s gentleman.

Most like to meet? 

Nelson Mandela.

Biggest achievement?

In the early years owning clubs. These days contentment

What prompted you to write an autobiography?

Wanting to tell my story, my way.

 ‘In My House A Memoir by Noel Charles’ – book review page xx.

www.noelcharles.info