First Javad Marandi’s trader grandfather lost the family fortune when he was forced out of Azerbaijan in 1920 in the wake of the Bolshevik Revolution. Then his businessman father suffered the same fate, held in Iran until he had surrendered his possessions after the Shah was overthrown by Ayatollah Khomeini in 1979.

“I don’t plan to be the third,” says Marandi. “That is why I am investing in the UK. Thank God for the country we live in.”

Given the past six months of post-Brexit vote upheaval, political stability is all relative. But the uncertainty has not been enough to put off Marandi, born in Tehran in February 1968, from investing more here. Beginning with prime London property in Knightsbridge and its surrounds, his portfolio has broadened out to embrace restaurants, fashion and even West End theatre. Only now is he willing to talk about it.

“I don’t think I am an expert in any of these businesses,” says Marandi, his jet black hair slicked back as we sit in his wood-panelled meeting room in Mayfair. “I think the most important thing when you are investing is to look at the people. You can have an amazing idea, but if you have the wrong team you can destroy it.”