Hunter S Thompson’s regular patronage of The Woody Creek Tavern helped make this modest dive bar an infamous destination and an integral part of Aspen folklore. Its popularity is driven by its notoriety and authenticity, not by the kitchen’s culinary refinement or, indeed, the furnishings. Having said that, the spicy chicken stew is world class.

Hunter’s rise to fame was chronicled in the 1980 semi biographical comedy film “Where the Buffalo Roam” and this was a creative prompt to me as I knew I could call on the owner of a vast tame bison called Clint. Furthermore, I also knew of the best lookalike Hunter S Thompson that money could buy.

Over the last year I have established a friendship with the new owners of the Woody Creek Tavern, Craig and Samantha Cordts-Pearce, and I knew that they would give me access to tell a story that gave a direct nod to Hunter S Thompson.

There is no door policy at the Woody Creek, but if there was, it would not be based on race, creed or wealth. I think the filter would be that all the clientele had to have a past and that past must be at least a little murky.

Along with the bison and Hunter, I threw some rich characters into the bar, all of whom look like they may have had a past. Gerry Butler played a dangerous looking outlaw and Cara Delevingne played a glamorous 70s ski queen. They are both so good at what they do that my job was simply to keep an eye on the huge bison in front of me. Cara’s look in this image is pure gold - you could not ask for more.

Craig and Samantha appreciate this photograph - presumably because it espouses all the virtues that make the Woody Creek Tavern unique. Life is short and we all need a bit of nonsense.