Food and Drink

January can be a rather dull month all told, which is why the brains in the booze business came up with Tryanuary in order to do-away with its sober counterpart. Initially aimed at the beer market, Tryanuary was created to encourage ale fans to support independent breweries, pubs, bars and other retailers during what can be a challenging month for the industry. Since its inception in 2015, the campaign has garnered huge support, and has now been adapted across the piste to...

With age, my personal whisky preferences have altered drastically - after some years of enjoying rich, fruit (sometimes even floral) drams. Now though, at the risk of sounding as though I’ve given in to toxic masculinity, I’m of the general credence that (dependent on occasion, of course) the smokier the whisky, the more desirable. Distilled with the intention of becoming a sophisticated, peated Islay dram, Bruichladdich’s Port Charlotte Heavily Peated Islay Single Malt expression is a tribute to the men...

Launched in 2003, Innis & Gunn has since become one of the UK’s most successful international craft beer businesses. In 2016, for instance, the brewery sold more than 27 million bottles of beer around the world. Operating from a site in Perth, Scotland, Master Brewer Dougal Gunn Sharp and his team develop and barrel-age an assortment of beers sourced to over 28 countries. Alongside Innis & Gunn’s flagship - The Original – the award-winning brewery’s repertoire also includes American and Session India Pale Ales,...

As part of their week-long Burns Night celebrations, Mac and Wild hosted a haggis making masterclass last night (23rd January). Taking place at the restaurant’s Devonshire Square outpost, owner Andy Waugh was on hand for an interactive session, in which a small group were taught to make haggis from scratch, following a quick demonstration. Scotland’s national dish, haggis is often unappreciated south of Hadrian’s Wall, frivolously condemned for its “ick factor” – encasing sheep’s pluck (heart, liver and lung) within...

General perception of Chinese food in Britain has come along way since we began importing tea during the 17th Century. Now Britain’s favourite international cuisine, according to research conducted by Paymentsense in 2017, Chinese food was first introduced to London during the late 1800s. ‘The Chinese Restaurant’ in Glasshouse Street (near Piccadilly Circus) was London’s first recorded Chinese restaurant, opened in 1908. Until the 1930s, however, Limehouse in East London was considered London’s Chinatown, though the west-end overtook when a...

With more than a quarter of a million Scottish people living in London and the South East (and with a fair number of brilliant Scottish restaurants) – it’s unsurprising that Burns Night has become so commonly celebrated in London. With plenty of exciting events taking place this week – from whisky and chocolate pairing to indulgent Burns Night suppers, both traditional and contemporary – we select the best events taking place in London restaurants and bars to celebrate Burns Night...

With dinner at Bob Bob Ricard, three things are almost guaranteed: a ubiquitous sense of occasion, an uncontrollable wave of excitement over the “Press for Champagne” button and all its photogenic glory, plus a cumbersome bill to finish. Just two weeks into 2018, however, it’s already proving to be a tough year for restaurants - with many having already closed or announced imminent closure. Earlier this month Galvin Bistrot De Luxe and Victor Garvey’s Encant announced their closure. The Jamie Oliver...

Nuggets of breaded and deep-fried haggis are relatively simple to make at home, joined by a Red Jon sauce.

With more than a quarter of a million Scottish nationals now living in London and the South East, Burns Night celebrations in England have become more prominent than ever, with such a variation of events taking place – both traditional and contemporary – and a wide selection of Scottish restaurants. Traditionally, it seems iniquitous to celebrate with any drink other than Scotch whisky. First created in 1824, The Glenlivet is considered the original Speyside single malt Scotch whisky, renowned for...