Grace Dent shared the heartbreaking moment she and her partner were refused entry to a London restaurant because they allegedly ‘violated’ the formal dress code.
Amanda Wakeley made the confession during Style DNA, an appearance by English broadcaster, author and columnist.
Amanda, age 49, said that the woman wanted to go out for dinner at Sexy Fish Asian Restaurant in Mayfair.
However, Grace and her partner – who she has never named – were turned away at the door thanks to his pricey yet overly casual attire, which included ‘£450 fireproof trousers’.
Amanda spoke with Grace Dent, pictured here in April 2022. She also discussed her views on dress codes. She is pictured here at the GQ Food & Drink Awards in 2022
Grace (pictured, age 49) talked to Amanda Wakeley, StyleDNA’s new podcast about her relationship and clothing. She revealed that she does not look at clothes targeted at her age group.
Her explanation was: “I was in Mayfair with my partner. […]And we were passing them [the restaurant]Fish with a sexy face.
‘And my partner was wearing this ridiculous pair of trousers that he got that were worth about £450 and they’re like fireproof. And they’re so stupid.’
He wore his wi-downs all the time, and she said that she was not fond of them.e says they’re going to last forever and I’m like, “I know”!
“So, we reach the Sexy Fish door and I ask, may we have a drink? […] And they wouldn’t let us in because he had his £450 fireproof trousers on.’
In 2020, the restaurant hit headlines when they refused to serve popstar Jess Glynne after she turned up in a pair of tracksuit bottoms and a hoodie.
The award-winning restaurant Sexy Fish, where steaks cost up to £105, clearly lists on its website: ‘We request that guests do not wear sportswear, beachwear, ripped jeans, flip flops, sliders or workout trainers (smarter, fashion trainers may be permitted)’.
Grace also spoke out about how she has changed her fashion style and why it is no longer a priority to keep up with the latest trends.
Grace, pictured with Amanda, also discussed the clothing item that means the most to Grace.
She explained: ‘I used to go out – I mean I’m a Northern woman – I used to go out practically naked.
“I can recall when I was in Ibiza getting ready for the night and I remember it being like a bikini. It would have a bikini top, a skirt and some long leather boots. And a small purse.
“Just a wallet with a credit card inside it. Then, it was time to go! Then, I thought, “God! Why is everyone staring at me in that restaurant?” It was just a pair of well-oiled, large sized boobs that were sitting there.
Grace was also able to speak to Amanda about her favorite piece of clothing.
The author replied: ‘I’ve still got the dress that I got married in. I’m not married to him anymore.
‘But I’ve still got that dress. We’d just had a very informal marriage, we got married in Vegas, and I’ve still got the dress. I love the dress – this is the problem! I’ve still got that dress and I can’t quite give it away.’
Grace told Amanda that although she doesn’t look at clothing for her age group, she doesn’t want to age disgracefully
Description how she still wears it to this day, Grace continued: ‘It’s a turquoise patterned T-dress, and it’s in the exact colour that I love. It’s nipped at the waist and it’s flattering. […]It’s easy to put on the costume and appear millionaire.
‘And I do sometimes wander if my ex husband sometimes, watching TV, casually one night eating Pop Tarts, and he looks and he goes: “Is that the dress she wore? I’m sure I know that dress.”’
Amanda Wakeley launched Style DNA: her 12-part weekly podcast, Amanda Wakeley Style DNA. She interviews Grace Dent, Trinny Whiteall and James Blunt to discuss how fashion has affected their lives.
MailOnline received this statement from her ‘I always designed because I knew the power of feeling comfortable in your clothes, whether it’s a big old cocooning cashmere sweater or a wedding dress that’s going to make you feel like a complete goddess.
‘I’m interested in the whole psychology of how wearing something that makes you feel great can really impact your day. And, the counter, how if you don’t feel like you’ve quite got it together, you’re not going to have such a good day.’