This Alpine town has much more to offer than just skiing Even now, Italy still holds a certain mystique for British travellers. Ever since the grand tours of the Regency, the British have made it over the Alps to discover the fascinating history and cuisine of this country. You don’t have to travel far from […]
Wine in Sicily: Exploring Sicilia DOC Vineyards & Traditions
Experience Sicilia DOC – The Heart of Sicilian Wine My love affair with Sicily started right from my first visit, fifteen years ago. The largest island in the Mediterranean, there’s so much to see and do. To the southeast, the Notto Valley, Catania, and Syracuse, with their stunning architecture and archaeological heritage; in central Sicily, […]
Types of Champagne – How to pick the best fizz for you
Types of Champagne – All About The Best Known Sparkling Wine in the World. What makes Champagne so special? And how do you know which type of Champagne is right for you? There are several elements to consider – Champagne is a multidimensional drink so, apart from the basic controls about what can be called […]
Chateau Tooting – wine from south London? C’est bien vrai!
Ten years on The Urban Wine Company has a proud tradition of making wine in the capital Owning a vineyard and drinking wine made from your own grapes must be the ultimate middle-class fantasy. Although we can’t all be like Sting with our own Tuscan vineyard, many South Londoners with a back garden grapevine have […]
Pot Roast Partridge – a festive dish you can eat all winter.
Pot Roast Partridge with Sage and Festive Winter Wines. Here’s another festive dish that would work for a Christmas meal for two. A whole partridge is the perfect size for one person and, if you are not planning on cooking a turkey dinner, it makes a good, light tasting game dish that looks festive. After […]
Pretty in Pink – Rose Wines for Summer
Three Rosé Wines for Summer: For whatever reason, Rosé wine is synonymous with summer for me much in the same way as a Pimms Spritz. Those long evenings sitting outdoors with friends seem perfect when accompanied by a chilled bottle of pink wine. And, it always seems a good option for a summer lunch – […]
The German Gymnasium
German Traditional Events in London For the perfect meeting place for friends and family travelling through London via Kings Cross or St Pancras, don’t miss The German Gymnasium. Built by the local German community for its Gymnastics Society, back in 1866 the Gymnasium was the venue for the indoor events of London’s first Olympic Games. […]
Martello Hall – restaurant review
Gentrification in Hackney has moved on from being an exciting programme of urban regeneration to somewhat of a cliché. Whilst the clientele at Martello Hall are admittedly likely to be discussing their travels in Emilia-Romagna over a Hazelnut Espresso Martini this is also a friendly family establishment for all. First opening its doors just 3 […]
Three White Wines for an Indian Summer
Three White Wines for an Indian Summer: Amazingly, we seem to be having something of an Indian Summer. If you are looking for a light refreshing wine then one of these, from Villa Maria, New Zealand, is sure to hit the spot. Known best for their Sauvignon Blanc wines, New Zealand produces a whole range […]
Colourful Croatia – Wines of Slavonia
Slavonia #Croatia – Ancient Vines and Fabulous Wine: Visiting Croatia a few weeks ago just before they became part of the European Union, I met with both curiosity and hesitant anticipation. Hardly suprising from a Country which gained independence through a bloody home war less than twenty years ago. While many I chatted with were […]