Martin Budzinski: British Charity Ball 2012 Vice-Chair

Martin Budzinski recently moved back to Blighty from Beijing. When he wasn’t telling everyone about this year’s British Charity Ball’s “Shaken Not Stirred” James Bond theme, he’d be found supping ale in Shunyi.

What’s your idea of a good night out?
Other than the British Charity Ball at the Kerry Hotel? That depends if it’s with or without the wife. Tasty food and something wet in the hand ... a drink, dummy! Perhaps a show and a good cigar? Or waking up in the morning at home with a clear head, everyone talking to me having had an evening of cheerful banter, fine dining, fine wines and positivity!

Who would you most like to go out drinking with?
Pussy Galore.

If you could only imbibe one drink for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Polish Zubrowka vodka martini. Shaken not stirred, obviously. Vodka martinis, probably with Russian vodka, will be available at the Bondthemed ball.

Tell us about the first time you were drunk.
Probably nothing to be proud of, given it would have involved puking, distorting the truth and a massive headache. Not forgetting the bollocking and the end of life at the time! Did I mention embarrassment, the authorities and luck?

What was your first drink?
My mother’s milk.

Where’s the dumbest place you’ve gone drinking?
The Vatican. I ran out of wine.

What’s the dumbest thing you’ve done while drunk?
This interview

We're at the bar - what are you having?
A Heineken (see the latest Bond film, Skyfall) to your Mojito (see Die Another Day).

What are your secret watering holes?
Really? Just the semi-secret ones then. The Capital Club, The Irish Volunteer , Scaramangas and Plenty O'Tooles.

You’re hosting a cocktail party. What are you making?
A Vesper Martini. It’s three parts gin to one part vodka plus dash of Kina Lillet shaken with crushed ice and poured. It probably won’t be available at the Ball!

What kind of drink are you?
Bollinger ’64 … suave, sophisticated, well-aged and fizzy!

What’s your golden rule of drinking?
Make a plan beforehand, but if you don’t make it home, at least don’t go to the mother-in-law’s! A glass of yogurt before going out and a pint of water with Alka-Seltzer before you pass out.

Where’s your favorite place to go drinking?
Paddy O’Shea’s, The Swan (with the Golden Gun) and London’s West End.

The British Charity Ball 2012 takes place on November 10 at the Kerry Hotel Beijing. Tickets are sold-out but you can get on the waitlist by contacting britishball@gmail.com.

Click here to see the November issue of the Beijinger in full.

Photo courtesy of Martin Budzinski