That is certainly the case with Brexit. He is a staunch Brexiteer and doesn’t mind telling anyone who will listen what he makes of the EU. That makes him a hate figure in some quarters and a hero in others.

His Marmite character makes him a journalist’s dream and it’s not surprising that he regularly hits the headlines. Earlier this month he was in all the national papers announcing that Wetherspoons would no longer be selling champagne or beers from the continent to demonstrate the benefits of trading with non-EU countries.

When Property Week caught up with him at the Knights Templar pub in London, Martin was certainly true to form. In a refreshingly honest interview, the 63-year-old discusses his views on why so many retailers and food and beverage operators are struggling and how the property industry “has a lot to answer for”.