Bon Vivant

Making life easier? queries William Byfield 

As criminal barristers swap the courtroom for the crime shelf, does their fiction offer more than thrills? Andrew Otchie explores how these insider voices reflect contemporary practice and shape public understanding 

For one night only at Middle Temple Hall (Sunday 26 July 2026) – Abigail Bright introduces the famed annual fundraising theatrical event. This year, Martin Shaw and Jason Watkins perform John Mortimer’s The Dock Brief,  a mixture of farce and pathos and all in support of the work of the Kalisher Trust in its 30th year  

David Langwallner reviews Ozon’s adaptation of L’Etranger –  in UK cinemas now and a reminder of Camus’ genius and wider body of work

Nick Peacock’s top crooners – guaranteed to melt away your cares 

It’s heating up everywhere, observes William Byfield 

Army Reserve adventures provide the balance that the Bar sometimes lacks, says Ahmad Badar 

By Jo Delahunty KC  

Reviewed by Anna Yarde 

By Peter Oldham KC  

Reviewed by Sir Jonathan Swift 

Reviewed by Daniel Barnett