Calcio in Northern Quarter isn’t the first place that comes to mind for a tasting menu, but beneath this bustling sports bar lies SAMPA – an intimate chef’s table that oozes exclusivity. So much so, that just eight diners at a time can visit. There aren’t many chefs that could pull this concept off in… Read More Review: SAMPA Restaurant, Manchester
I’m the first to admit that when it comes to drink-related knowledge, sherry is an area that I’m not really up to speed with. I suppose I still think of it as something a rather wayward auntie would drink at Christmas. I’ve made more progress with fortified wines in the past couple of years though.… Read More In Review: Bodegas Hidalgo Sherry
Yep, more booze. Continuing my 2018 as I mean to go on. This is a rather special occasion though, as I’ve never actually written a blog post about whisky before. So I’m pretty excited, and hope I don’t destroy your confidence in me as a writer and a seasoned drinker. We’ll see how it goes.… Read More Drinking Diaries: Tomatin Whisky Tasting
You know the drill by now. Here we cover the third instalment of our gin tasting series with Magnum Wine Shop by welcoming some floral players to the table, matching the change in season perfectly. As per usual, all six gins featured in this evening’s tasting can be found at the shop in Old Town,… Read More Drinking Diaries: Spring Gin Tasting
Once again finding sanctuary in the ever-impressive Magnum Wine Shop in Swindon, I’m eagerly awaiting my selection of gins for the last winter tasting of the season. I’m now somewhat of a regular at Magnum’s gin tastings- it’s a fantastic way to gain a detailed insight into the delicate process of making the nation’s most… Read More Drinking Diaries: Gin Tasting Part 2
For those who don’t know me well, I’m a bit of gin enthusiast. No matter what the occasion, a G&T has always been my tipple of choice, and seems so for many others these days. Once again coming into vogue, there’s been a huge rise in its popularity over the past couple of years, with… Read More Drinking Diaries: Autumn/Winter gin tasting
It’s a drizzly Saturday lunchtime, and I’m enjoying a cheese and onion sandwich with a very shaggy dog at my feet. Seated by a crackling log fire with a decent craft ale, it’s a typically cosy scene at The Hop Inn. Arguably the most famous of free houses within the area, The Hop Inn enjoys… Read More Drinking Diaries: The Hop Inn, Swindon
For this particular food review, we’re rolling out the big guns. The only two Michelin star pub in the country, in possession of four AA rosettes and numerous awards, Tom Kerridge’s abode in the quaint town of Marlow has built up a bit of a cult following. Not only due to its relaxed, informal approach… Read More The Food Review: The Hand and Flowers
Despite opening back in 2013, there’s still a bit of a furore surrounding Manchester House, and indeed the entire restaurant scene in the city. After the infamous BBC series Restaurant Wars, Manchester found itself amidst a debate whether the city was truly ready for the full ‘fine dining’ experience (presupposing that the inhabitants have… Read More The Food Review: Manchester House
The Finer Things Club 