Inside this week's ES Magazine: What men really think about...

I’ve never been what you might call a man’s man. I mean, look at me. Do I look like I know my way around a toolbox? (That’s not a euphemism.) I’ve never been a five-aside, beers-with-the-lads kind of guy. Basically, I’m not an alpha silverback, by which I mean I don’t wear a watch, I don’t think The Italian Job or Bullitt are cinematic masterpieces (I don’t even drive) and — I was shocked to realise this week — I’ve never been on a stag do. I like shoes with two-inch heels (minimum), Italian slasher films and Colefax and Fowler soft furnishings. What male tribe does this put me in? Enlightened ponce, maybe?

The thing is, being a man in 2024 is confusing and, at times, horrifying. Men might still be in charge but look at the state of the world. It’s hard to imagine how to make a worse mess of things; surely we can all agree it’s time for women to take over. Just the word ‘masculinity’ feels loaded these days. Can you even talk about it without the word ‘toxic’ rearing its ugly head? There are so many questions for modern man: am I a feminist? Why is the Trad Wife — where women take on a yesteryear-style homemaker role — a thing again? Should I feel embarrassed to be a man?

We decided to hit the streets and ask the men (and those who identify as men) of London what they really think about big stuff like power, politics, equality, the future, sex... The results are fascinating, funny and, I’m pleased to report, encouraging. Surprisingly, there is very little talk of the Roman Empire.