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 [...]
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 [...]
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: 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 [...]
Festive drinks December 2, 2014 Drinkable delights for a very merry Christmas Courvoisier XO If it’s good enough for Napoleon, it’s good enough for your loved ones. Award-winning Courvoisier XO is rich, full-bodied and smooth. £70.95 thewhiskyexchange.com D1 Daringly Dry Gin There’s no G&T like a Daringly Dry G&T. Complete with funky bottle. £39.95 harveynichols.com Balblair 69 This exceptional single [...]
This Father’s Day our cocktail columnist says go for gin June 10, 2014 This sunday is Father’s Day. Therefore, as if by edict from some central authority, people up and down the land will mindlessly buy their dad a bottle of whiskey. I like whiskey more than the next person, but in a minor gesture of defiance against “the man”, I suggest this Father’s Day you should go [...]
Mix it up: Drop the Jägerbombs for the sophisticate’s explosive drink January 14, 2014 There are two competing theories of the human condition. The first suggests we are rational beings acting on free will, while the second assumes the environment determines our actions. I tended to err on the side of free will – that was, until the invention of the Jägerbomb. You don’t like Jägerbombs, do you? What [...]
Emerging markets prove thirsty for spirits with a taste of luxury August 23, 2012 WITH results as strong as its premium scotch, Diageo more than met expectations yesterday, topping up its share price and buying a round of applause for its exposure to emerging markets growth. Profit before tax rose 32 per cent year on year. One of the interesting aspects is exactly what the emerging markets are buying. [...]
GOING OUT November 16, 2011 November is for locals, with new London bar openings in all corners and for all tastes. The D&D group have just opened Carom in the Meza space on Wardour Street (above Floridita). This Indian bar/restaurant will be serving subcontinental wines and whiskeys never before seen in Great Britain in the large, refurbished space. Azulito, a [...]