Frenchie has a wine list perfect for long, indulgent lunches June 1, 2022 On the cobbles of Covent Garden’s Henrietta Street, Frenchie is a petit, cool oasis of flavour for the bustling West End crowd. The food menu is minimalist with a choice of two starters, three mains and a host of nibbles. The wine list is extensive with over 100 bottles leaning towards the French and some [...]
Why you should drink Cava for the Jubilee May 31, 2022 Cava did itself a disservice after its popularity boom in the 1950s and 60s, flooding the market with cheaper versions and paying the price by putting off discerning consumers for the last few decades. Now they are taking steps to create and cultivate a premium product through greater care and stricter regulations – and the [...]
Getting the party started at Sumosan Twiga, Knightsbridge May 19, 2022 The crisp white tablecloths, framed black and white photographs and floor length houndstooth curtains may look discreetly chic, but the DJ working the decks on the floor of the restaurant lets you know that this is where the party starts. A place to see and be seen, the flash of selfies pop and sparkle just as [...]
A Bed of Rosés: The story of Bon Jovi’s new fine wine May 19, 2022 “Real men drink pink” announces Jon Bon Jovi at the European launch of Hampton Water rosé, going on to explain that he used to refer to the wine as “pink juice” because “I didn’t want my children to know I drank it so much. I love wine and I love rosé”. Hampton Water is an [...]
Angelina is an Italo-Japanese delight with some fine wines to die for May 4, 2022 A place this special was worth the cross-London travel. Strikingly stylish in black and white and hung with Japanese paper lanterns, the warmth of the welcome and the buzz of the open kitchen makes Dalston’s Angelina instantly inviting. Seated along the marble topped bar above the main restaurant floor, we got a perfect view of [...]
Sink the pink: How to make the most of Great British Rosé Week May 4, 2022 Sunshine and spring blossoms are thankfully becoming a more regular occurrence, heralding that crowd-pleaser, Rosé Season. You could be a fan of the pale pink of Provence or the juicy Garnacha of Spain, but English rosés are increasingly coming to the award-winning fore and right now we are in the middle of Great British Rosé [...]
Dubai’s about arts and culture now, don’t you know? April 25, 2022 THE WEEKEND: Dubai’s new 25hours Hotel One Central is a world away from the synthetic image Dubai struggles with – that of vapid shopping malls and manufactured strips of sand. The city is channelling funds into artistic centres, independent cinemas, galleries and museums and this hotel feels like a part of the nation’s drive for [...]
Fizz fiend? Try fantastic Franciacorta April 20, 2022 There is something endlessly beguiling about Italy, particularly for anyone who loves food and wine. When it comes to sparkling wine however, people jump straight to Prosecco’s fresh, fruity flavours, overlooking a relative newcomer to the wine scene: Franciacorta. Well, until recently, that is. Wine-waves were made at the Emmy Awards as Franciacorta, the Italian [...]
Ganymede wine list is a breath of fresh air April 19, 2022 Nestled in reassuringly expensive Belgravia is cosy corner restaurant Ganymede, with that kind of understated elegance that appeals to comfortably well-heeled patrons. Escaping the drizzle without, we headed indoors to be welcomed by the heady scent of perfumed candles and pleasantly smiling staff ushering us towards polished wooden tables and green leather booths. Hard pressed [...]
Wine tips from a real Michelin star at Trivet April 6, 2022 When I first meet Isa Bal, impressive winner of the Michelin Sommelier Award, he is smiling as he tells me a brick was thrown through his restaurant’s window last night. The would-be thief was knocked over by a car shortly afterwards and arrested. “I would not normally be happy about someone being hit by a [...]
