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The leafy south-west London village of Barnes may be one of the more sought-after districts of the capital to live in, but one thing it’s lacked on the culinary front in recent years is a restaurant of any kind serving Middle-Eastern cuisine.
Step forward ‘Omm’ (meaning "mother" in Arabic): a Lebanese venue which has just opened in the White Hart Lane building long occupied by local institution Annie’s, so has a lot to live up to already.
The holidays are a time to gather, celebrate, and indulge, and no Christmas feast is complete without the perfect wines to match the occasion. From the sparkle of Champagne at breakfast to the richness of a fortified wine with cheese (if you still have room!), each moment of the day offers an opportunity to open something different.
Donnafugata is one of Sicily’s most revered wineries. Established in 1983 by Giacomo Rallo and Gabriella Anca Rallo, the winery draws from over 170 years of family history in winemaking. Now under the stewardship of their children, Antonio and José, Donnafugata continues to champion Sicily’s extraordinary terroir, making wines that capture the island's unique essence and character.
As a food writer, I should write about food. As a wine writer, I should write about wine. But as a human, I must write about people. At Pétrus in Belgravia, the people are at the heart of what makes it extraordinary.
At this time of year, as the festive season approaches, many of us find ourselves pondering the perfect wines to share with guests or to give as thoughtful gifts. With so many options available, choosing can feel daunting. To help narrow the field, I’ve curated a selection of wines that are sure to impress and deserve a spot on your shortlist. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or looking for a bottle to wrap up as a present, these choices offer something for everyone.
Mossburn Distillers and Blenders continue to impress with their thoughtful and innovative cask finishes, and this 12-year-old expression is no exception. Neil Mathieson, Mossburn's master distiller, has selected 18 casks from four Speyside distilleries to undergo a finishing process in Calvados casks sourced from the Dupont family.
I recently ventured two hours north of King’s Cross to visit The British Hamper Company and meet the family behind this growing business. What began as a modest operation under a gazebo has become a well-respected brand known for high-quality, artisan hampers. With a focus on exceptional products and seamless international delivery, the company has positioned itself as a major player in the gifting, corporate, and Christmas hamper markets.
Lucky Cat by Gordon Ramsay is a sophisticated Asian-inspired restaurant in the heart of Mayfair (also in Manchester). Drawing inspiration from the energy of 1930s Tokyo kissas and Shanghai drinking dens, it effortlessly merges vintage glamour with contemporary flair. The restaurant's design and atmosphere take you to a bygone era of allure and intrigue while maintaining an intimate, exclusive feel.
Nestled in the heart of Champagne, Billecart-Salmon house has been family-owned and operated since it was founded in 1818. Today, under the stewardship of the seventh generation, Billecart-Salmon combines tradition with innovative changes and thought processes that have been incorporated into their Champagnes gradually over the past few years.
In recent years, Prosecco has taken the world by storm, loved by consumers for its light, fruity style and accessible price point. Yet, perhaps it’s time to reconsider Cava, a sparkling wine that has quietly matured and evolved over the past few years. Though it shares shelf space with Champagne and Prosecco, Cava is often overlooked or misunderstood. Made from the same grape varieties as Champagne (among others), it’s worth exploring the more serious producers, especially Codorníu.
