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News
The week in pictures
This week in the world of drinks: we visit a brand new prohibition bar, the English vineyards listed for stays on Airbnb, and Ferrari Trento becomes the official sparkling partner of the W Series motor racing championships.
Nocturne Prohibition bar has just opened in South Kensington, so we went down to sample some innovative cocktails that draw their inspiration from the prohibition era and beyond. The bar is a thoughtfully-decorated, plush den of dimly lit elegance and features many nods to the 1920s. Oh, and there’s a picture of Tommy Shelby on the wall.
Looking for an alternative summer holiday this year? Here are just some of the English vineyards listed for stays on Airbnb:
Dorset, England
‘The Hide’ is a Shepherd’s Hut, Cabin and Shower room. It overlooks Little Waddon Vineyard with views across the valley and out to the sea.
East Sussex, England
This luxury hobbit house hideaway is nestled In the heart of the Rother Valley a short walk from Bodiam Castle in the midst of a vineyard.
Herefordshire, England
Wythall is a half-timbered Manor House in an alluded and idyllic setting with garden, fresh water lake, wooded grounds and vineyards.
Ferrari Trento has found itself on the podium once more, as it announces the news that it has become the official sponsor for the W Series. The W Series is the international single-seater motor racing championship for female drivers.
We also visited La Bodega Negra this week, to sample a new menu designed by incoming head chef Gustavo Giallonardo. We tried some sumptuous quesadillas and tacos, washed down with a couple of Modelos for good measure. The venue remains a statement dinner spot with its irreverent decor and pulsating soundtrack.
Have you been out and about this week? Got anywhere you think we should visit? Let us know!
With the sun finally out again, we headed to Kensington Gardens for a tasting of English fizz pioneer Hambledon’s latest releases, led by owner Ian Kellett, who spoke of his bold ambition to turn Hambledon into a 1.5m case brand.
He also spoke about what makes Hambeldon stand out, from its chalky soils similar to those found in Champagne to all of its sparkers being 100% estate grown. Hambledon is due to release its first vintage fizz, from the 2018 vintage, once it’s reached the right level of maturity, and Kellett plans to release a vintage expression from now on in exceptional years.
After the fizz tasting it was time to head inside for the interactive Van Gogh Alive exhibition, which featured a recreation of the artist’s bedroom in fetching lilac.
“Be clearly aware of the stars and infinity on high. Then life seems almost enchanted after all,” Van Gogh said.
On the way home, we couldn’t resist taking a picture of this wine-themed number plate spotted on a Land Rover parked close to South Kensington station, wondering whether it belonged to a member of the wine trade…
We also enjoyed a vertical tasting of The Mascot this week, hosted by the estate’s affable director, Anthony Mendelson, who explained founder Will Harlan’s vision for the brand, which is made from fruit from the young vines of Harlan, Bond and Promontory and has grown from being a 500 case to a 5,000 case brand in the last decade.
Named after Prince, the dog who graces the front of the Farmers Deposit National Bank note, the three components that go into the Mascot blend are vinified separately in the same way as they are made at their parent winery, then brought together at the end into a final blend, offering a diverse expression of the land and the vintage. With Harlan replanting a portion of its vines each year, there’s life in the old dog yet…