We caught up with Thierry Macquet, entrepreneur, journalist, author and philanthropist.
Thierry was born and brought up on the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius. Of Franco British descent, he has been a full time Londoner since 2001, though he travels the world and has second homes in his native country as well as in the Balearic islands. He holds a postgraduate degree in occupational and counselling psychology and a postgraduate diploma in international marketing, speaks many languages and is a keen supporter of the arts and culture.
He owns TM Portfolio, a boutique business development and PR agency with offices in London and Toulouse, as well as Experiential Pursuits, a lifestyle management company, and also sits on the board of a few local and international companies as a non-executive director.
In his spare time, Thierry is a freelance journalist, author and philanthropist; and has a passion for history, wine, champagne and travel.
My car of choice
I am a massive fan of vintage cars and I love my dad’s little 1933 MG J2 which I use randomly on the coastal roads of Mauritius where my parents live. Since I was a child, I always had a passion for antiques and vintage, and I go completely mad for old cars.
My favourite holiday destination
Since I co-own a bespoke lifestyle travel company (Experiential Pursuits) and also write ad hoc for a few publications, I am lucky enough to travel all year round (except since March 2020!). Greece is top of my list in Europe, but India and Sri Lanka are my hot favourites when I go long haul.
My gadget I can’t live without
My Apple iPod! I love listening to music and its very seldom that I don’t have my iPod with me at any time of the day, even when I travel overseas. When I write or work, its always classical music which I feel is very inspiring.
My go to fashion brand
I go to many fashion brands, but I must say that Canali and Ermenegildo Zegna remain my favourites. Lately though, I have been doing a lot of bespoke in London, but also in India and Paris where my friend Daniel Levy provides me with top notch bespoke shirts.
My airline of choice
It depends! Emirates and Qatar are brilliant in all classes, but Singapore airlines also does offer great service in Business and First Class. I tend to travel British Airways often, for practical reasons though.
My favourite watch brand
I just love Patek Philippe, which I treat more as an heirloom than just a watch. It is classy, discreet and symbolises tradition in a certain way with it’s history.
My favourite restaurant
Difficult one as I have so many! I will select my two favourites in London, which are Scotts and Le Colbert. I have never been disappointed by the food and the ambiance at the former, while I enjoy the casual friendly atmosphere of the later.
My guilty pleasure
Champagne. I am not a heavy drinker but when offered good champagne, I can easily polish two bottles in one evening.
My favourite way to give back
There are different ways to give back, depending on the person, situation, or institution. For instance, I give a lot of time to the arts and culture by sitting as a director on the board of big charities and foundations like The Royal Albert Hall and The Indian Ocean Islands Foundation. But spending time with friends in need of support is my best way of giving back.
Thierry has just announced the release of his inspiring and exciting new novel ‘Message from an Adventurous Ancestor‘. Here, Thierry tells the tale of two men from different eras tied through blood line and the social realities of their time and how humanity does not fundamentally change over the course of centuries despite wars, revolutions, and pandemics. The book will go on sale on 1st December 2020.
