DRINK

with wine expert Sarah Helliwell, 8 Stony St

We have long weekends a-plenty coming our way, and with any luck some springtime sunshine to go with them. I will be taking every opportunity to soak in the sun outside, and these wines are top of my list for the first barbeques and picnics of the year.

Vel’uveyra Mencia 2018

Spain £17

For the beginning of barbeque season, I love this Mencia from Ribera Sacra in Northern Galicia. Mencia has a wonderful silky texture not too dissimilar from Pinot Noir, with gorgeous floral notes and a touch of spice. I love this with anything smokey from the barbeque and Middle Eastern inspired salads. If you like Pinot and Grenache for their elegance and juicy fruit, this is one to try.

Bride Valley Cremant NV

Dorset £31

Bride Valley Cremant from Dorset is one of my favourite English wines, the wines lovingly crafted by the incredible wine industry pioneer, the late Steven Spurrier. This Cremant, made at a slightly lower pressure, means it has a beautiful creamy texture with delicate bubbles and bright red apple fruit taste in plentiful supply. A bottle of this in your picnic basket couldn’t get much better.

Same Same But Slightly

Owner Rik Lyall is pleased to be taking charge of the pub he owns after 5 years concentrating on his brewery; Frome Brewing Co Ltd which is located on the Commerce Park. Rik has owned the pub since 1999.