A tribute to wine legend Matthew Jukes by his friend Libby Brodie Life&Style The wine writer and entrepreneur Matthew Jukes died suddenly this week aged just 58 years old. Our wine writer and his close friend Libby Brodie remembers a legend of the wine industry and beyond Matthew Jukes was one of the very best people I met in my career in wine. Scratch that, he was one [...]
Humble Grape is a wine bar like no other: Here’s its origin story Life&Style Is a bar only as good as its origin story? The calibre of the drinks and service are of, of course, of vital importance but it’s the mythos of a place that gives it that je nais se quoi. Humble Grape, one of our Toast the City Awards 2026 Finalists, has one of the best [...]
For Albarino in the City, head to Humble Grape Toast the City Not satisfied with one isolated national grape day, Albarino (or Alvarinho in Portugal) is about to kick off a week’s worth of celebrations from 1 August. This annual event began in the 1950s in Spain as a wine-tasting competition between local winemakers and was later made official, spreading internationally to highlight what makes this grape [...]
Why lighter, chilled Claret is causing a stir July 16, 2026 Bet on Claret – but the Brit fave is changing Wine has a habit of making things more complicated than they need to be. The terminology, the labelling, the annoying communicators warbling on about “mouthfeel” and describing perfectly enjoyable bottles as tasting of “tar”, “tennis balls” and that Sauvignon Blanc classic “cat’s pee”. (Sorry about [...]
Why chilled red wine is the coolest thing to drink right now July 13, 2026 Rosé is a safe summer bet, but the coolest thing to be drinking right now, in more ways than one, is a chilled red. There was an inkling that this was going to be a thing last summer, but now that chilly glass of rouge has its feet well and truly under the table. I [...]
Thirsty work! Here are 6 great ways to invest in wine June 30, 2026 So, you enjoy wine and are curious about getting more involved but don’t own a vineyard? Not a problem. There are plenty of ways to experience viticulture aside from just drinking it. Invest English wine producer Folc have opened to public investment on Republic Europe. Launched in 2019, the vineyard has secured a host of [...]
The best wine to take to a picnic in the sun June 25, 2026 Picnic season is on a roll and no matter what picky bits you are currently into, there is a drop of the good stuff to make it taste even better. Scotch Eggs x English Sparkling Wine Fortnum & Mason first invented the modern “scotch egg” in 1738 as a convenient meal for coach travellers from [...]
The best bottles to buy this English Wine Week June 19, 2026 English Wine Week is almost upon us (20-28 June) and we have more to celebrate than ever before, with our producers seeing massive wins across global competitions. A magnum of Sugrue South Down’s ‘The Trouble with Dreams’ 2009 (Hedonism, £195) became the first English sparkling in large format to receive Best in Show at the [...]
Casamigos brings pint-shaped margaritas to London pubs for World Cup June 17, 2026 England vs Croatia is mere hours away, now’s the time to get into London and order yourself a nice glass of something cold and boozy. To that end, Casamigos Tequila will be selling World Cup-themed margaritas served in tiny pint-shaped glasses. You can pick one up at bars including The Audley, The Blue Posts, Copeland [...]
Bancone is a pasta restaurant – just don’t call it Italian June 11, 2026 A new restaurant below the imposing walls of the Bank of England is serving pasta – just don’t call this Italian food. I’m told the rare breed beef and marrowbone pasta is a British dish. Is a restaurant Italian because they serve pasta? As any City worker will know, Bancone’s silken threads are kneaded in the [...]