Issue 50; The Editorial, 1st December, 2025

What a milestone—fifty issues! The big 5-Oh. And 10 Years old. Honestly, how did we get here? What started as a couple of scrappy articles and some rough writing back in Issue 1, has grown into what you now know as The Fake Intellectual. From those humble beginnings, we’ve somehow ended up with hundreds of readers and a loyal following. It’s been a journey, and I couldn’t be more grateful. As always, if you’d like to help spread the word, we’d truly appreciate the support.

Now, you might think we’d throw a huge party for our fiftieth issue, champagne, celebrity contributors, the works. But in true Fake Intellectual fashion, we just carried on doing what we do best. We even had to send Leo back to Esquire—no need for glossy photoshoots here. Maybe when we hit Issue 100 we’ll throw that big shindig. Until then, here’s Issue 50, delivered to you just as we always have.

In this issue, Piers casts his eye across UK society, exploring the rise of right-wing voices “politics without the politics,” as he puts it. I share my new obsession with Padel (yes, the sport), wax lyrical about the joy of lunch, and reflect on the books I’ve been devouring over early mornings and toast. For our email subscribers, there’s also a short essay on film and television, Anything Good On?, which looks at the current state of entertainment. And if you’re not already signed up, there’s no better time, all new subscribers this December will get the extra content straight to their inbox with a re-issue of the email.

So sit back, relax, and enjoy this milestone issue. And as always, I’d love to hear your thoughts, just drop us an email anytime mail@fakeintellectual.uk.

With gratitude,
Thomas W. Coombs
Editor-in-Chief

Issue 49; Editorial, 26th July, 2025

As we enjoy a welcome break with some beautiful cooler air after weeks of sweating, with linen shirts clinging to our backs like an over friendly shower curtain, we are back with a new issue of The Fake Intellectual.

The first half of 2025 has been an odd one for all, from politics across the world going into a downward spiral, wars continuing and getting worse elsewhere and heatwaves setting fire to much of Europe, end of world anyone?  Obviously you would expect a website such as this may mention some of the horrid things happening in the world.  However, there are better people out there doing this and I feel many are not qualified to make a statement and should just keep opinions to themselves.  With this in mind we are doing what we always do and write about things that matter on an individual level.  

Take this month as an example of the FI, as I write about eating great food at a Michelin starred restaurant, my tired eyes giving up on me and for the first time, I review the books I have been reading as part of my ‘Current Morning Read’ series.  And finally we got the most English person in England, with a name that screams upper class to write about not travelling like an Englishman when going on holiday, we welcome Piers Little.  Piers contacted me out of the blue wanting to write for the FI after stumbling onto the website when searching for something else, probably more high brow.  The non Instagram, social media plum mouthed apologetic Mr Little is a man who speaks his mind, but very politely, so I’m sure he will be back with some delights and commentary on our lives and the world as he sees it.

If you subscribe to the newsletter you will also be looking at the lovely little article about my general hatred of technology and how I am going backwards, it could be age, but it is also the way it is all going.  Grab a coffee, sit back and have a read and enjoy.

Send us an email if you wish to contribute or make a comment, come one, come all.

TWC

Issue 48; Editorial, 30th December, 2024 - The Winter Edition

Winter is here, the air is cold, we spend more time looking at the thermostat and loading logs on the fire than any other time. And we are so hungover from the dark days of the year that only more red wine will help.  However, to lighten the mood and to give you some time to think about something else, I give you Issue 48 of, the newly titled, The Fake Intellectual.

It has been a crazy year so this is really a close out of 2024 and a complete off load from me to you, aren’t you all so lucky.  With weddings a plenty, some time to spare, along with too much time on my hands, not without adding time to my day, it seems this is what big publications may call the Time issue.  But as I am my own man of the year, every year, and the name is taken The Fake Intellectual or The FI for short is what you get.

As always, please give feedback by email if you are so inclined, check out the other articles I have read and sign up to the newsletter so you do not miss an issue.

TWC

Issue 47; Editorial, 5th April 2024

Welcome to the new issue of The Journal, only eighteen months since the last graced the internet and if you are a subscriber, your inbox.  Why has it been so long you cry, well, I just hadn’t had the time. That, of course, is the simple answer.  There is a long drawn out answer also, there have been words written for other publications along with the first draft of my book project being completed, so rewrite number one begins. Exciting but also a daunting task. It meant that my other articles have been a work in progress for sometime and not just because of my wine drinking and cigar smoking.

So what now? From six issues in 2021, to three issues in 2022, to nothing in 2023 to now this delight.  Through all the other projects which are on-going, The Journal will now be a Bi-Annual online publication, with some longer articles but remember if you subscribe to the mailing list you get an extra article on each issue plus a email only mini issue during the summer.

So what is in store for this first issue of 2024, well just scroll down, easy, from life with a dog, some Hollywood annoyance in the style world and a writing project I set myself in 2022, these are words on life and what comes with it in the realms of our shared interests.

I hope you enjoy the issue, and once you are done, head to the curated items from elsewhere on the web, situated at the bottom of the page so you can go and ponder the words of others or familiar faces.

TWC

Issue 46; Editorial, 1st September 2022

I am not sure where 2022 has gone, I thought about issue 46 and the next thing I knew we had gone past publishing date by two months, bit of luck there are no publishers screaming down the necks of Editors here.  But what did happen in 2022.

The summer has been and still is the hottest one on record and we are still spending some sweaty time in home offices but we have more importantly been able to do things. Go on holidays, lay in the sun, taste wine and also spend quality time with friends and families, all washed down with many Negronis.

But summer isn’t over yet and there is still time to dress the part and still keep cool, so here is a bit of a late summer issue for you all, with some little delights from the catalogue of summer writing. We have Watches, White and Wonderful Photos all wrapped up into the issue along with a small look at the world of watches.

TWC x

Issue 45; Editorial, 9th May 2022

Better late than never is what I have never said but I feel that it comes into play here, unless you were quite happy not to see my written words before you eyes, surely this is not the case.  I am going with the fact you are very happy for Issue 45 to be published on this day of May.

Spring is truly here and we are getting a glimpse of that summer sun around the corner, so with this being the changing of the seasons, comes the changing of the wardrobe and of a few others things as we go from cold to warmth outside.  This issue is mostly leaning on the fashion side of things, with my thoughts on bespoke on two occasions this year, one not so summery and also kicking up a stink about, well, stink.

Enjoy the issue and enjoy your Spring and early Summer.

TWC x

Issue 44; Editorial, 26th February 2022

Another year and another issue of The Journal, one which I hoped would find us all enjoying the wonders of a post pandemic world, which in England we are, to a point.  Sadly as I write this other parts of our world are at war.  A sad time for humanity as a whole no matter whom you agree with it is never a good thing.

I find myself in a dilemma when a new issue comes out and I write this piece of editorial which is supposed to link to the articles.  But when you write about shaving, cocktails and alike, it is hard to post about these amazing, fun things when all hell is breaking loose else where and lives are being ripped apart as you sip on the second martini of the night.

But life does go on for most as normal, for now, and we must hold that to ourselves along with our sadness for others.  My thoughts go out to my friends in both countries, one side who mainly disagree with their countries move or are fleeing or fighting for their home. I am no expert on the region but we can all agree War is bad no matter the reasons.

This issue has some delights for you all, from clothing to food and a gentlemen's pleasure (not like that) which I hope you will enjoy at this uncertain time.

TWC x

Issue 43; Editorial, 31st December 2021

It is the final day of 2021, I am sure some may be happy to see it go and others will have some fond memories of the year or at least ones to grow on.  2021 was a good year for me. After the disaster of 2020 I finally got married, I spent time with Friends and Family and even though there was no big Christmas drink it was still a familiar holiday season which will all come together this evening.  So happy new year to you and yours.

So how do I finish the year off, how do I look back, how do I sign off on another journey around our life giving Sun, more than likely by drinking a little more than I should with friends. And like many years forgetting once midnight clicks over.

Looking back the year has felt a little bit better than the year before which is a relief even though it is still like time has moved slower than normal.  Less chaotic, less busy , a little bit more relaxed even with the constant inserting of swabs up our noses so we can have fun with friends and family, especially this last couple of weeks.  For me it has been a good year, even though I have missed seeing certain friends as often as I could, I shall endeavour to improve on this in 2022.  But I have managed to spend quality time with others and chilled out at home with my family.

So here is to a New Year of happiness and strength, see you all on the other side.

TWC x

Issue 42; Editorial, 29th October 2021

I recently found myself walking through Burlington Arcade, what a gorgeous piece of architecture and overall luxury all held in a small enclosed area of shops.  Each side is lined with some amazing items that only dreams can buy for many.  When I said “found myself”, I knowingly guided us to the arcade, then did the “oh we are here” in that unknowing tone, which did not fall my following other half.

It was decorated for the release of ‘No Time To Die’ the final James Bond for Daniel Craig, with cogs and a mirrored James bond style tunnel, the sides lined with women and men taking pictures for their Instagram or other social postings.  The modern mixed with the classical emotion this place brings.  I just wish it was longer.

Like the stores in the Burlington Arcade I have produced a mixed bag of articles from the recent vault of words.  I discuss games, days of the year, a certain problem I have and a feeling of delight. I hope you enjoy this issue and please send any feedback to the email on the about or contact through Instagram.

Please also sign up to the mailing list if you have not as you get an exclusive article each issue sent to your inbox.

TWC

Issue 41; Editorial, 26th August 2021

As I write the world seems to be mostly falling apart around me, countries taken over by the worst people, the climate hurtling towards the end and the never ending talk of Covid, the new C word no one likes to discuss, that is back to its old tricks of spreading like wildfire.  Oh and not to mention the wildfires across the USA.  Along with earthquakes and the endless appeals for help.  My thoughts are with them all, even if that does seem quite unhelpful as sure my general thoughts are not geared for such things.  This all doesn’t help when I am writing about the slightly finer things of life, but we all need our outlet if we can do it.

This issue, like most, was not planned, it just happened this way, Issue 41 is about things I like and dislike.  It is about feelings that follow when these events take place, it is one of the most personal issues, without it actually being personal.  In light of everything this seems apt really.

When reading this issue on fine food, great service, playing games and trivial aging, just remember this doesn’t mean I find everything else less important, like other entertainment and escapes I am here to do what I do and for you to read what you read.

TWC

Issue 40; Editorial, 25th June 2021

I like sugar in my coffee, as if the large amount of caffeine is not enough I enjoy that bitter sweet smack to the face in the morning, early and late afternoon.  But for health freaks, I am cutting down, it may not look like it but I have, but it is as far as I am currently willing to go.  Coffee and sugar is what got me through this issue, along with the fact I can leave the house and see people and do things and feel a little less cramped up in my home.  Lovely feeling isn’t it. For those maybe still held hostage in your home, I feel for you.

A milestone has been reached, Issue 40 is here, forty whole issues full of my words, maybe I should get some other people to write occasionally, but my God like ego here is paramount to my meagre success. True, now people are not stuck at home and in their hordes taking over the outside world once again, it takes longer to get to the heights of the reader numbers than it did but our regulars are still here it seems and for this, I thank you.  And as I would like you to stick around, do not go back too far on issues, or do and see how good you have it now.

This issue (40 if I hadn’t mentioned it or you have not noticed the big 4-0) delves into the fact we are allowed out and the Sun is here with summer and warmer weather, that really does welcome the rake in many of us, sockless loafer anyone?  I write about smoking, where I smoke, drinking and of course on something to help with that ball of light we love so much.  Thanks again to you all and hope you enjoy this issue.  And if you haven’t already, please  sign up to the newsletter, where you will get an extra article by me, which I wrote in the bath.

Issue 39; Editorial, 23rd April 2021

We have all began, in the UK anyway, to step out of our homely caves and start to delicately re-join society one outside drink at a time. Meeting up with friends and family we have not been able to see in any social way for nearly a year.  It is daunting and has a little bit of danger to it.  That anxious wide eyed face arms thrown up to shield our delicate eyes from the glaring Sun.  Gone is the square box of Netflix and once again that one-eighty vision can see all around us and not just those same walls.

It maybe a bit overwhelming for some and this I say step lightly, do not burn out or move to far away from that comfort zone, and follow the rules or we will all be back in our boxes before you can say New Strain. I have already ventured out and will do again soon, slowly and safely.

To help in this issue, I have a few simple delights for your reading pleasure, so get a coffee or mix a cocktail and relax.  We keep indoors with interiors, a look at drinking, some music, and more drink because we are all borderline these days, plus we need to prepare ourselves for all occasions.

Issue 38; Editorial, 26th February 2021

I won’t lie this has been one of the hardest issues to put together.  With the endless lockdown and lack of life inspiration it comes to the current ways of life that fuel the mind and the creative thoughts.  Hopefully we will be getting back to some travel, drinks, dining out and overnight stays away from the walls of my own house sooner rather than later.

But even with the hells of life as we know it, shrinking our world to a small portion of the life we knew I still put together what I hope will be four good reads.  The type of reads that go well with a coffee or an after work Negroni or Martini, I talk Gin, Dressing like we used to, Wine, an obvious go to at the moment and finally my current reading material style of choice.

I hope you enjoy this labour of love and if you feel so inclined please sign up to the mailing list to get an exclusive article with each issue.

Issue 37; Editorial 23rd December 2020

It is that time of year once more, which normally involves a social calendar that is full of parties, dinners and drinks, alongside the annual rushing around to see family.  As we know this is unlikely to be the case, I for one have no social engagements to attend.  It is a very different festive season, but one we should all make the most of. From gift giving to seeing who we can safely, it is down to us to make the most of what has been given.

This issue is a gift issue without being about gifts, it is about items that we want, have or think of.  It is not about money, it is not about decadence.  I just hope you see the point of my non gift guide, gift guide.

I would like to thank all of you for reading my articles whether you have just stumbled upon them today or you have been a loyal reader for some time. With a few changes this year it is great to see the numbers, but you are more than just a number.

Wishing you a very Merry Holiday season and a prosperous New Year.

Thomas W Coombs esq.

Issue 36; Editorial 23rd October 2020

As we hurtle back into the coming darkness of lockdown but this time in winter,  it is only fair to walk with a selection of words that have nothing to do with this idea and follow some thoughts on a slightly more delightful note.  Make sure you get your coffee or Negroni depending on the time of day you are here (of course unless you are one who loves a Negroni with his eggs in the morning, I shan't judge) I give you the October/November issue.

In this issue, whilst I was reorganising my office space, moving books around, when it got me thinking of the escape that they and other writings can give.  But also some loss of Adventure, so this issue I delve into the loss of the adventure novel, whilst I read some Jules Verne.  I throw myself on the fire and possibly into the line of it as I continue my re-watch of Bond in the fourth instalment of my series.  I reawakened my taste buds to the drinking of Merlot, a grape I have a love hate relationship with but seems I have been slowly getting myself used to it for a while, without knowledge.  And this issue's Fashion article is a winter must and a great bit of Naval attire.

If you wish to submit an article then please contact The TWC Journal through the About page.