Masterclass

Want to be a gigolo? You’ll get nowhere without some tips from the masters...

Audleys  The club for gigolos to meet, drink, relax and trade information. Members only. Named after Audley, the first modern gent.

Bars  A good place to start. Try upmarket W1 bars – you’ll find wealthier, single ladies.

Basil  The first gigolo master. It was Basil who first grasped the commercial possibilities of dating women in the 50s. His exploits in Swinging 60s London are the stuff of legend (see Playing for Money).

Car  Drive the best wheels. Anything cheap speaks volumes. Sacha chooses a 1970s Mercedes SL480.

Charm  That’s why you’re there. Make your client feel like the only lady in the room. If you haven’t got it, you’re in the wrong game.

Discretion  Written through you like a stick of rock. Your clients depend on this to have fun.

Fake tan  Never leave home without it. An essential tool in the gigolo’s armoury. You must always look your best, regardless of what you’ve been doing the hour before.

Fresh fruit  A gent should always ensure there’s plenty of fresh fruit on hand in the hotel room. A lady wants to know her gigolo is thinking of her every requirement.

Gent  Or ‘gentleman’. A gigolo’s personal assistant. An agent and a valet.

Gigolo master  A gigolo with over 30 years’ service, ready to pass on his skills and techniques to the new generation.

Hair salons  The best place to advertise. There’ll always be a lady looking for ‘something for the weekend’. Keep on best terms with the hairdressers.

Hotels  Keep on best terms with receptionists at the best London hotels. Once in a while, you’ll need a room overlooking the park at the last minute.

Lonely hearts  Advertising in ‘lonely hearts’ works. In London, Time Out is probably the most effective for the professional.

Manners maketh the gigolo.

Mayfair  Every gigolo’s Wall St. You find the best clients in W1. 

Montrachet  Choose expensive wines. Chardonnay girls don’t pay well.

Player  A gigolo – the real deal.

Playing for Money  The Bible - the only gigolo book worth reading. The classic tale of Basil’s rise to gigolo greatness in 60s London.

Saville Row  Quality tailoring is a must. Ladies do not date fashion victims. Make sure your suit is cut on classic lines.

Stamina  Essential. You won’t make it without it. You’re as likely to find many of the younger gigolos in a gym as you are in bar.

Tips  Never ever tip the barman. The only person who should get tipped at the end of the night is you. If you don’t, something’s gone wrong.

Towels  Always should be the finest cotton.