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At last, a change of scene. Unlike every other architect firm I鈥檝e taken for a pint, Magyar Marsoni Architects is not based in Southwark or Clerkenwell. Its local, in the stuccoed backstreets of Kensington, is a far cry from the designer bars on the City fringes and a nice change.

The Devonshire Arms is gastro but still traditional. The stag鈥檚 head on the wall and the Veuve Clicquot marquee give a clue as to the people who drink here - a mixture of old and new money. The sort of place Madonna might order a pint of Landlord.

But there was to be no English beer tonight. Joint founder of MMA, Alvise Marsoni, has roots in north-eastern Italy, as does Moretti beer, so this was the bottled lager of choice.

The first round of Birra Moretti prompted a debate about why Italians tend to design furniture, cars and yachts rather than buildings. 鈥淎rchitects were killed in the Second World War or they pinned their flags to the fascists and were disgraced,鈥� says Alvise. 鈥淭hen from the sixties the construction industry was in the hands of the mafia, so nothing got built. There was only the refurbishment of historic centres.鈥�

From the sixties the Italian construction industry was in the hands of the mafia, so nothing got built

Alvise Marsoni

Boat designers, on the other hand, are highly regarded, says Alvise, who like many architects is passionate about yachts.

Marsoni鈥檚 founding partner David Magyar, however, relies on his own horsepower for kicks. He can鈥檛 make it tonight as he鈥檚 preparing for an Ironman competition in which he would swim over two miles, cycle 112 and run 26. The thought makes me very glad to be just sitting in the pub.

Not so my fellow drinkers. Richard Fenne greatly enjoyed taking part in the Cycle2Cannes ride from London, but says it鈥檚 not just about getting fit. 鈥淐ycling is the new golf,鈥� says Richard. 鈥淵ou could find yourself riding alongside someone from Stanhope, Buro4 or any consultant. I鈥檝e built relationships off the back of C2C.鈥�

Jose grew up in Columbia, a country known for the climbing ability of its cyclists. He wistfully describes it as a country of unspoilt mountains and jungle that is revered by the people. 鈥淲e understand the relationship between the sky, mountains and water. Sustainability was taught to be very important in our schools.鈥�

In Columbia, we understand the relationship between the sky, mountains and water

Jose Carrizosa

Jose says he feels 鈥渄uty bound鈥� to promote Columbia. This despite nearly being kidnapped by Farc, the Marxist guerrilla group that held Ingrid Betancourt for six years. He believes the situation is calmer now.

Talk turns to threats closer to home. It鈥檚 the third anniversary of the London tube bombings and we鈥檙e all surprised how quickly it鈥檚 faded from memory.

鈥淚 remember feeling sick getting the tube,鈥� says Richard. 鈥淎t the time, nobody wanted to use public transport. To get on a tube was a nerve-racking experience.鈥�

With that we polished off the Morettis and made our way home.

By tube, of course.