What to drink this Christmas December 6, 2009 Champagne As chosen by Esme Johnston, director of www.fromvineyardsdirect.comPerrier JouetBelle EpoqueCream and honey, brioche and lingering nutmeg notes make this special edition bubbly a delightful classic that’s wonderful with food or on its own. £86.95 at www.thedrinkshop.com Serge Mathieu Superb grower’s champagne, it’s nutty and golden with creamy richness and a light, punchy mousse. Great [...]
The best places in the world to celebrate New Year’s Eve 2010 December 6, 2009 HOGMANAY IN EDINBURGHEdinburgh’s Hogmanay may not be quite the vast free celebration that it was when the city established itself in the Nineties as the New Year’s Eve capital of the world, but it’s still the greatest place there is to celebrate on the night. There’s the rowdy bonhomie of revellers braving the Scottish winter [...]
Copenhagen isn’t just about climate change December 6, 2009 THIS week, the world and his carbon emissions reduction adviser descend on Copenhagen, where they will try to save the planet. In between meetings, though, they will also be able to enjoy the city. Copenhagen is a small, manageable sort of a place, ideal for a city-break. At this time of year, the key thing [...]
TRAVEL NOTES December 6, 2009 Spa retreat in TaiwanSituated in Taipei’s scenic hot springs district of Beitou, Villa 32 is one of Taiwan’s most stylish and modern spa retreats. Offering five deluxe Japanese and European-style suites and open-air public baths overlooking mist-covered hills, Villa 32 is a haven of tranquillity. The resort offers packages including one night’s stay in a [...]
Spurs denied by late drama December 6, 2009 TOTTENHAM manager Harry Redknapp blasted his team after they dramatically blew a glorious chance to reclaim third place in the Premier League. In-form striker Jermain Defoe missed an injury-time penalty after Spurs had squandered a two-goal lead in the final 13 minutes. Goals from Defoe and defender Michael Dawson looked to have secured three points [...]
Hodgson in Zamora for England tip December 6, 2009 FULHAM manager Roy Hodgson tipped Bobby Zamora for a shock World Cup call-up after the forward hit back at his critics by downing Sunderland. Zamora, who has come under fire for his meagre strike rate, appeared to gesture at his own fans after nodding home in the seventh minute. It was only the former West [...]
Wasps take sting out of Tigers fightback December 6, 2009 WASPS boss Tony Hanks heaped praise on his forwards after they overcame scrummaging problems to beat Leicester for a fifth successive time. First-half tries from Paul Sackey and Steve Kefu earned the home side a win that pushed them to within a point of the Tigers in the Premiership play-off chase. And it might have [...]
Khan eyes Stateside bouts after 76-second demolition December 6, 2009 WBA light-welterweight champion Amir Khan has vowed to “shock the world” after retaining his title in emphatic style on Saturday night. The Bolton fighter took just 76 seconds to stop the previously unbeaten Dmitriy Salita and complete a successful first defence of his title. Victory in Newcastle took Khan’s record to 22 wins from 23 [...]
Gooch urges patience for misfiring KP December 6, 2009 ENGLAND batting coach Graham Gooch insists he is not losing any sleep over Kevin Pietersen’s sluggish return to the international arena. Pietersen is yet to post a big score since making his comeback from an Achilles injury, plundering just 85 runs from his five innings in South Africa. Such form is a far cry from [...]
Ancelotti keeps faith with Frank despite penalty flop December 6, 2009 CHELSEA manager Carlo Ancelotti has pledged to retain Frank Lampard as his side’s penalty taker despite the midfielder’s costly miss at Manchester City on Saturday. The normally-reliable Lampard saw his tame spot-kick saved by Shay Given as City inflicted a shock 2-1 defeat on the Premier League leaders.With second-placed Manchester United thrashing West Ham, the [...]
