Eight of the best winter gins: Remember, gin isn’t just for summer, it’s for Christmas, too November 10, 2016 At this time of year, we mistakenly relegate gin to the back of the drinks cabinet. The ubiquitous gin and tonic is a summertime staple, but what can you do to turn it evergreen? Gin, like that other popular translucent tipple vodka, is traditionally distilled in cold countries, after all, and can be made from [...]
What better excuse could you have for a G&T or six than International Gin & Tonic Day? Here’s where to drink up October 18, 2016 The Portobello Star 171 Portobello Road, W11 portobellostarbar.co.uk Journey to The Ginstitute, London’s second smallest museum sitting atop a 270-year-old pub on Portobello Road. Open since 2011, it’s also the headquarters of Portobello Road Gin, where you can learn all about the juniper drink’s rich history in London. There’s a chance to sample a tipple [...]
Our resident chef Mark Hix on Britain’s recent drinks upheaval and why should all be cheering on our distillers July 5, 2016 I love the way the British drinks revolution is going. Well, maybe I’m exaggerating when I call it a revolution, but there’s certainly been a huge increase in the production of distilled drinks, especially gin. A new gin is landing on my desk almost weekly, which is great news for bars, mixologists and, of course, [...]
Global alcoholic drinks consumption drops for the first time in a decade, according to Euromonitor International May 12, 2016 Global sales volumes of alcoholic drinks declined a sobering 0.7 per cent in 2015, entering negative territory for the first time in more than a decade. This fall translated into a loss of 1.7bn litres of alcoholic drinks sales since 2014, according to research from Euromonitor International. Worldwide volumes were derailed by the effects of [...]
Mipim 2016: The Scottish Cities Alliance is wooing property bosses with boozy “Scottish hospitality” March 14, 2016 London's property folk are well-known for partying hard. But will Scottish civil servants drink them all under the table in Cannes this week? Scottish Cities Alliance, a government body uniting Scotland's seven cities, has announced its presence at Mipim by sending out invitations to three separate parties throughout the week. The invites don't explain what officials will actually be doing there [...]
Exports of British gin have risen 37 per cent in the last five years, thanks to the James Bond and Downton Abbey effect November 26, 2015 James Bond may be known for his vodka martinis, shaken not stirred obviously, but the spy is responsible for a boom in British gin exports too. Over the last five years, global exports of British gin have risen 37 per cent, with sales worth £1.76bn in 139 countries, according to the Wine and Spirit Trade Association [...]
Working Lunch: Ceviche Old St September 16, 2015 WHAT? Ceviche Old Street specialises, unsurprisingly enough, in the South American dish of ceviche. Its diverse bar serves up freshly prepared seafood in the classic Peruvian style using tiger’s milk, a sparky and citric marinade that has absolutely nothing to do with tigers. WHERE? A minute’s stroll from Old Street Tube and tucked inside the [...]
The restaurants truffling feathers: Best truffle venues in London August 6, 2015 London’s love-affair with the truffle continues apace with the opening of Sackville’s in Mayfair. Here are some of our favourite truffle spots SACKVILLE’S This Mayfair new opening is crazy about this distinctive fungus, serving it on practically every dish. Last week our restaurant critic fell in love with Sackville’s self-titled wagyu steak burger with foie [...]
Mix it up: Why the lazy cocktail drinker should consider pre-mixed April 14, 2015 @philip_salter The words “pre-mixed cocktail” are anathema to many self-respecting cocktail aficionados. The experience of consuming these fine, upstanding drinks goes far beyond simple taste – it’s about the knowledge that a great deal of work, expertise and even love has gone into making each and every one. The slogan “good things come to those [...]
Mix it up: The basics every cocktail aficionado needs to own April 7, 2015 After the Second World War, London’s population fell off a cliff, plummeting from 8m to 6.6m. But like a phoenix from the flames, our numbers have multiplied in the last 25 years. The downside to this is that space is at a premium: alas and alack, where oh where are we going to store all [...]