Several years ago I lived in Islington a while, just off Upper Street. Although back then there was no shortage of excellent pubs, bars and restaurants, there’s been a marked increase in a number of specialist beer bars springing up. I was pleased to see that Islington’s Hammerton Brewery now have a bar called ‘House of […]
Bellagio and Lake Como: The Calm After the Storm
These are just a few observations about my trip to Lake Como in Italy, having stayed in Bellagio for a few days for my honeymoon. Regarding the wine – I thought that the prices seemed pretty reasonable, especially when compared to food costs. Prosecco seemed to be about €3.50 a glass and bottles seemed to go from €15-35 for […]
Craft Beer at Casa Aqua Dulza, Lake Como, Italy
It would be quite easy to spend time in Como with a few glasses of white wine or prosecco and losing a few hours people watching. Then perhaps, a bottle of the excellent local red can be enjoyed in the evening. All well and good, but sometimes only a beer will do. But where can you […]
Beer Tasting #2: Adnams Cans from Marks & Spencer
I’m commuting a long way at the moment, and I’m often in need of a good #trainbeer for the journey home. For me, a train beer has to be easily discovered at or near stations, not too strong and most of all, be a refreshing brew. Luckily, there’s an M&S at the station I frequent who have a […]
Exploring the Essex Craft Beer Scene at Billericay Brewing Company
It’s great to see that the craft beer revolution has made its way far and wide, with breweries and bastions of decent beer appearing in the unlikeliest of places. Yes, craft beer has made it to Essex, well to Billericay anyway. I popped up back to my homeland at the weekend to see what’s going […]
The Best Wine for a Wedding Reception? Choosing Wedding Wine Part 2
Last month, I discussed how to choose a wine for a wedding, based on my own experiences. A tasting certainly helped solidify thoughts on what we didn’t want, as well as what we did. Thankfully, after a few more tastings last week we have consensus. Having now hopefully finalised the choices, I’ll present the chosen few below, […]
Stoke Newington Literary Festival: It’s the Drink Talking
I love to read a good book, and also enjoy a beer. So a local literary festival with good beer certainly appeals. Luckily, just down the road from me is the rather trendy Stoke Newington, which hosts a literature festival each year. The festival is non-profit, with all proceeds being put back into making the […]
Tasting Beers #1: Maritime Salted Caramel Porter
I’ve been wanting to try a Salted Caramel flavoured beer for a while. Luckily I was gifted one by my Fiancée and I wasted no time in giving it a try. Maritime Salted Caramel Porter 5.5% Brewed By: Meantime Brewing Company, Greenwich (For Marks & Spencer) I was hoping for big things from this red-tinged […]
Choosing Wine for a Wedding: A Hardship Worth Enduring
Choosing wine for a wedding is tough. You have to get something that: Is in budget Tastes great for the price Won’t freak out the less adventurous drinkers Is not a grape that is divisive (Or people have preconceptions about) Has label appeal, ideally something not widely known Does not clash with the food on […]
Hidden Gems: The Dovetail – A Belgian Beer Cafe in London
The Dovetail is one of those little known bars in London which quickly became a firm favourite of mine. I go here when I am in the mood for Belgian beer and that euro vibe. Tucked away in an alley off Clerkenwell road, this tiny den of Belgian beer boasts one of the more authentic experiences […]