A toast to a famous Ukraine Eurovision win – with vodka of course May 20, 2022 Ukraine’s triumph at last weekend’s Eurovision Song Contest came as a surprise to no-one. The competition’s traditional regional, ethnic, and political voting blocs were abandoned, as voters from across the continent delivered their overwhelming support to the embattled people of Ukraine, and while the folk-rap number Stefania, by Kalush Orchestra, may not have won strictly [...]
In the mood for love: Valentines’ wines February 11, 2022 Wine and romance have been active bedfellows since ancient times. The Greek and Roman Gods of Wine, Dionysus and Bacchus respectively, also presided over poetry, fertility, parties and other “Bacchanalian” delights. In possibly the first ever version of the ‘get out of jail free’ card, those who got a tad too hedonistic were said to [...]
Scotch Malt Whisky Society owners enjoy sales growth despite Brexit export issues July 19, 2021 The Artisanal Spirits Company, the owner of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, has enjoyed a 28 per cent lift to online sales in the UK despite minor membership growth. Despite last year’s lockdown spurring on drinking habits, the spirits company pulled in £1.7m in the six months to 30 June, in comparison to £1.3m during [...]
Restaurant delivery boxes are here to stay: We review 48 of them June 29, 2021 Before the pandemic, most top chefs would have turned their nose up at home delivery services. There’s the lack of control, the logistical nightmare, not to mention the wafer-thin margins. But necessity being the mother of invention has led to dozens of outstanding delivery services, and even with restaurants back open and looking forward to [...]
How lockdown turned Britain into a nation of fudge makers June 9, 2021 Fudge may be an American invention but fudge-making has become a national pastime in the UK, with amateur confectioners turning professional and kitchen table hobbyists starting successful businesses. The most important day on every fudge-maker’s calendar is June 16 – National Fudge Day – when a little extra sweetness is spread across the country. Fudge [...]
Scotch Malt Whisky Society owners set to list on AIM on Friday June 3, 2021 The Artisanal Spirits Company will list on London’s alternative market tomorrow, with CEO David Ridley telling City A.M. he is “excited” to finally see years of work come to fruition. The owners of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) are expecting a market capitalisation of around £78m. The society offers curated single malt whiskies for [...]
46 of the best London home delivery restaurant kits reviewed May 11, 2021 Restaurants with terraces may be open again, but bagging a reservation is another matter. With the best part of a year’s worth of pent up demand, that outdoor space is at a premium and those who don’t book ahead are likely to be disappointed. But don’t panic: you can get restaurant quality food delivered straight [...]
How mead emerged as the drink of summer 2021 April 26, 2021 These are heady times for British mead. The honey-based drink is thought to be the world’s oldest alcoholic beverage. It was probably being made in China in 7000 BC and King Arthur counted it amongst his favourite tipples. Chaucer mentions “braggot”, a form of mead made with honey and barley malt, and the Ancient Hindus [...]
Ramsbury Estate beats Russia and the US to win top vodka prize April 20, 2021 North-east Wiltshire had just been crowned the UK’s vodka capital, and one of the best vodka-making regions in the world. Ramsbury Estate, at Aldbourne near Marlborough, won Spirit of the Year, Vodka Of the Year and a gold medal at last week’s prestigious London Spirits Competition. “It was international recognition for our cosmopolitan team,” says [...]
Restaurants may be reopening but delivery kits are here to stay April 9, 2021 It’s just days until we’re allowed to sit outside and eat a socially distanced meal with people from one other household – a concept that’s far more appealing than that sentence might suggest. But that doesn’t mean the home delivery restaurant-in-a-box revolution is over. With top chefs and restaurants from across the culinary spectrum now [...]