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Unfiltered: Joshua Bratt
With nearly two years at Carousel under his belt, Joshua Bratt talks to Douglas Blyde about the magic of spontaneous bar-top moments, his aversion to burly reds, and why Penedès is a region to watch for still wines.
What’s been a highlight bottle from your birth year?
I’ve only had the chance to try a couple of bottles from 1995, but the standout was a Grand Cru Riesling from Domaine Trimbach. It still had incredible intensity and acidity, with the flavours evolving into this beautifully dry, nutty, and savoury masterpiece.
Does your wine list aim to reflect the diverse range of 30+ countries Carousel’s guest chefs come from?
Absolutely. At Carousel, we pull inspiration from every corner of the globe – whether it’s wine, spirits, or ingredients. While the bottle list leans towards Europe, we always spotlight incredible producers from all over the world. When a guest chef comes in, we love sourcing wines from their home. Recently, we brought in a Bolivian skin-contact wine made from 120+ year-old vines for chef Jhon Zarate of Sambombi.
Where else have you worked?
Before joining Carousel nearly two years ago, I worked solely in independent restaurants around London. I started at Som Saa, moved on to Rotorino, then spent a few formative years at Trullo. Most recently, I was at Sager + Wilde, where I got my first shot at running the wine list.
Who was your mentor?
Michael Sager taught me the value of an uncompromising approach to natural wine. He showed me that it’s not just about sharing that passion with guests, but also making sure it resonates with everyone in the trade.
How do you stay in sync with the ever-changing lineup of guest chefs?
Carousel is unique because the team is built around supporting others, creating a highly collaborative and dynamic environment. It’s not for everyone, but for those who thrive here, there’s a real energy in making things happen. The constant rotation of guest chefs feels like part of the natural rhythm, rather than something out of the ordinary.
Which style should we be exploring?
Right now, Penedès (Cava country) is dropping some seriously exciting wines. A new wave of producers is moving away from mass-market sparkling and diving into still wines which are absolutely bursting with acidity and energy.
What could you live without?
Big reds… anything over 14% with lots of tannins is a waste of time IMO.
What’s been a particularly memorable pairing?
Luciano Monosilio’s (The King of) Carbonara with Testalonga’s I am the Ninja pét-nat, a South African sparkling made from Chenin Blanc. Trust me, it was next-level.
What’s the best spot in the house?
Definitely propping up the bar-top in the Wine Bar. You get loads of interaction with the team and feel tucked away from the main space’s hustle and bustle. It’s where the real magic happens. We always keep room for walk-ins, which adds to the energy and vibe that makes the place come alive.
What’s the vibe of the playlist?
It’s a real mix – we’ve got a few different playlists depending on the room’s mood, but most lean towards worldly disco and timeless classic beats.
Tell us something surprising about yourself?
I used to be a semi-pro football referee.
What would your superpower be?
Time travel would be pretty fun.
Who would you love to have a long lunch with, and what would you drink?
Honestly, my close friends in the industry. We hardly ever get to sit down together since we’re all on different schedules. The best part? Everyone would bring a surprise bottle, so the table would be full of incredible wines we’d all geek out over. It’d be unforgettable.
Finally, what’s on the horizon?
It feels like every week brings something exciting! Right now, we’re celebrating our tenth anniversary, with a different guest chef each day alongside a big party for our closest crew. Plus, we’ve got a Paired event coming up at Tate Modern, where DJs and chefs come together for an epic sensory experience. Stay tuned – there’s always something happening.
Carousel – 19-23 Charlotte St, Fitzrovia, London, W1T 1RL; 020 7487 5564; info@carousel-london.com; carousel-london.com
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