Food & Drink

Located in the west of Romania, Cramele Recaș is a reflection of the country’s winemaking heritage and modern ambitions; it’s a place where tradition meets innovation, and where people’s warmth resonates with you. My visit to Cramele Recaș in October was my first visit to Romania. The rolling vineyards, occasionally graced by deer, stretch toward the horizon, and the historic town of Timișoara nearby provided a wonderful blend of old-world charm and vibrant energy and passion. 

When Bruno Paillard founded his eponymous Champagne house in 1981, his vision was clear: to make a Champagne of purity, reflecting the finest expression of its terroir. I first visited the estate 10 years ago and fell in love with this purity then. 

Ah, The Mutton. A name that conjures images of hearty meals and crackling fires, but this is no ordinary pub. This is a culinary haven, a sanctuary for the discerning palate, where the whisky flows as freely as the conversation and the food… well, let's just say it's an experience.

Marfuga, one of the finest producers of olive oil in the world, is not located in Tuscany but is nestled in the heart of Umbria. The company sits at the base of the majestic Marfuga hill, surrounded by fertile lands in the valley of Spoleto. It is a region I am very familiar with, having visited countless times to see friends, but was unaware of Marfuga until my most recent trip.

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.

Exceptional Christmas Wines for Every Festive Moment  

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 12-Year-Old “Famille Dupont” Calvados Casks 57.2%

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.