Spears of Destiny The British asparagus season officially opened on Saint George's Day (23rd April) and runs for just eight weeks until June before it goes in to another ten month recess. We should therefore enjoy it as frequently as possible when it is readily available as it is one of the world's culinary delicacies […]

There aren't many appéllations in France that are epitomised by one family and their dedication to its advancement and the greater collective appreciation of its wines but the Clape family in Cornas (in the Northern Rhône) have set the bar high and remain at the forefront of its international renown.   It wasn't always thus. […]

Orange and Avocado Salad I have long been of the belief that good cuisine is the child of intelligent and informed shopping and as the clocks finally go forward and we face the prospect of longer and warmer days my thoughts turn to brighter colours and lighter ingredients. This tasty salad is a happy combination […]

Ever since my days as a wine trade rookie working for Oddbins in their late 1980s heyday I have been a fan of staff recommendations on hand written cards. There is something heartfelt and direct from an anonymous and genuine enthusiast that is the antithesis of corporate puff. They work equally well for books as […]

Rasam Soup This hot and zesty Southern Indian soup is a warming crowd-pleaser that makes for a tasty lunch on a chilly day. Ingredients: (Serves 4). 2 white onions – finely chopped 5g x Fresh Curry Leaves 2cm piece of fresh ginger 2 cloves of garlic 1 green chilli – chopped and de-seeded Olive oil […]

Spinach and Borlotti Bean Minestrone with Macaroni, Chilli Oil and Pine Nuts This month’s recipe is from Rukmini Iyer’s trusty ‘Green Roasting Tin’ but her version only serves two people which has meant we’ve had to bulk it out to serve four. Also, Rukmini uses kale in the original which I replace with spinach. Either […]

1. Was there a particular wine or experience that made you decide to pursue a career in the world of wine? Wine seemed more interesting than personal indemnity insurance. That and a bottle of 1982 Montrose. 2. You were famously hired by Robert Parker from your wonderfully independent, self-funded wine-journal.com in 2006. Had you been […]

Roast Salmon with Boiled Rice and Stir-Fried Courgettes My rule of thumb for a simple midweek supper is to try not to cook anything that takes longer to prepare than it does to consume. Our standard format seems to consist of a triumvirate of protein, carbohydrate and vegetables and, whilst we are not going to […]

    "Rather than blockbuster wines for the main event, Jason's focus for his Christmas 2020 selection is that stalwart behind the scenes, who's on kitchen duty while everyone else is on the Jenga and the gin. These are wines, he says, that you should have 'knocking about it the kitchen'; wines that won't break […]

(Written by Grant Berry - Shop Manager) "The biggest problem with drinking port over Christmas is that it's a drink that perpetually arrives as a kind of bilious punctuation mark after a long procession of champagnes and wines. Port is such a good drink. It deserves a space of its own and perhaps, this year, […]