10 JUNE 2000, Page 27

Bring back Hambro Fro m Lord Hanson S ir: Au contraire, Lord

Charles Spencer- Churchill. Mr Hambro may be an 'old friend' but the venom you spat at him (Let- ters, 3 June) indicates otherwise. His Dian/ (20 May) was one of the best recently and is exactly what Mr Pepys would have admired, but how would you know? Your comment on Hambro's writing ability comes strangely from one who confuses 'his' writing ability with that of Wilton' chef.

Wilton'n passing, a salute to the excellence of w chef. As a regular there, I must have missed Spencer-Churchill's critical vis- its, but snide references to an advertising connection sound a little too close to a lim- ited, fortunately, brand of snobbery. I hope the Editor calls on Rupert Hambro's talent again.

Hanson House of Lords, London SW1