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Time Travel Excursion Planned for London's Financial District: The Capitalist's Proposal

City AM marks its 20th anniversary, stirring up a wave of nostalgia. Step back in time with us to the heart of the financial district, London, September of 2005... in the Square Mile.

Capitalist Proposal: Time Travel Expedition, Specifically in the City Square Mile
Capitalist Proposal: Time Travel Expedition, Specifically in the City Square Mile

Time Travel Excursion Planned for London's Financial District: The Capitalist's Proposal

City AM, a staple of London's business landscape, recently celebrated its 20th anniversary. Over the years, the newspaper has evolved from its early focus on business with personality to the dynamic publication it is today. One of its most intriguing features was the Bill of the Week, a regular segment that showcased the extravagant spending habits of high-end clubgoers and diners in London.

The Bill of the Week was a feature that appeared in City AM's diary pages, highlighting the lavish spending of some individuals. It was a way to illustrate the opulence of London's nightlife scene, often featuring expensive items such as eight bottles of Don Julio tequila and a £4,800 bottle of Dalmore whisky. One of the last Bill of the Week nuggets was reported from Raffles, a club on the King's Road.

In September 2005, a bill at Raffles totaled an astounding £62,744, including a service charge of £8,184. The bill included 16 of Raffles' signature Singapore Slings given to the "well-heeled girls" on the adjacent table. Eight bottles of Don Julio tequila, priced at £190 each, and one bottle of £4,800 Dalmore whisky were consumed. However, the most notable incident was when four bottles of 1996 Krug Clos d'Ambonnay were sprayed across several tables, resulting in a loss of £32,000.

The Bill of the Week feature was a popular attraction, often generating buzz and drawing attention to City AM. However, around the Cameron-Osborne era of austerity, the feature disappeared from the newspaper's pages. Today, it is no longer part of City AM's current content.

City AM's early lifestyle pages were not just about extravagance. They also emphasised health, with articles on how to maintain liver health while drinking, rollerskating fitness, and the benefits of wheatgrass.

In 2005, the tech scene was abuzz with the introduction of the iPod phone, described as a "phone-cum-jukebox using the latest technology." Meanwhile, the Nokia 8800 was lauded as a "burn your bonus must-have." These innovations were often featured in the newspaper, reflecting the times' technological advancements.

As City AM celebrates its 20th anniversary, it is fascinating to look back at its history and the various features that made it a unique part of London's media landscape. The Bill of the Week, with its extravagant displays of wealth, was certainly one of them.

The Capitalist, a section in City AM, continues to cover business news and trends, keeping readers informed about the ever-evolving world of finance and economics. As property prices in 2005 were significantly lower than they are now, it will be interesting to see how the newspaper covers this topic in the future.

City AM has come a long way since its inception, adapting to the changing times while staying true to its commitment to business with personality. The Bill of the Week may be a thing of the past, but its legacy continues to resonate in the newspaper's pages.

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