Soused Herring is in deep water

Magistrates in Basingstoke, Hampshire have issued a banning order to off-licences and pubs in the area, stating that they face a fine of up to 5,000 if they serve alcohol to vagrant John Keogh, who they have branded a “habitual drunkard”.

Wanted-style posters have been issued to about 100 shops, pubs and bars in and around Basingstoke.

The prospect of a similar edict being issued against one of adland’s finest came closer last week. At Mustoe Merriman Herring Levy’s Christmas party at the Union Club in Soho’s Greek Street, the manager banned Chris Herring from the bar.

The manager said: “He was being drunk and obnoxious all evening. Then he asked for a large Jameson’s. The barmaid asked him if he wanted ice. ‘Course I want ****ing ice!’ he shouted. That was it. I banned him. I don’t care if it was his party.”

The Diary will be keeping an eye out for those wanted-style posters of Mr Herring in the bars and restaurants of Soho.