KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL

TASTING

WHAT TO DRINK

GRAPE news

Wine recommendations for the month

Anna de Codorniu Brut Cava, Spain  £11.99

Villa Antinori Bianco Toscana, Italy  £13.00

Drappier Carte d’Or Champagne, France  £37.95

Anna de Codorníu is a huge success in Spain, outselling every other cava in the restaurant and bar trade. The addition of Chardonnay makes the Cava richer with tropical pineapple notes on the nose and a smooth creamy mouthfeel. thewhiskyexchange.com

Villa Antinori Bianco is straw yellow in colour with greenish hues. On the nose, it is refi ned, elegant, fruity, and fl oral, with notes of banana, pears, pineapples, and orange blossom. The palate is aromatic and features a lingering fresh mineral fi nish. waitrose.com

With a very high proportion of Pinot Noir, Drappier Carte d’Or is nearly a Blanc de Noirs. The taste begins with stone fruits such as white vineyard peaches. A spicy note emerges with a powerful and complex mouthfeel and aftertaste. waitrose.com

NOTES

London’s food news and most exciting openings this month

By RACHEL HOGG

A New Dawn

SKETCH

In celebration of its 20th anniversary, Sketch London has bid farewell to its signature pink interior and ushered in a new age of sunshine yellow. British-Nigerian artist, Yinka Shonibare CBE, revered for his exploration of race, class and post-colonial identity, has joined forces with the project architect and colourmaster India Mahdavi. Together they have transformed the space into a powerful celebration of African culture and its legacy.

Tropical Tastes

WOOD AND WATER

You’ll get a taste of Island life at Wood and Water in Brixton, the restaurant founded by former Miss Jamaica Universe April Jackson that pays homage to her Carribian upbringing. A tropical infl uence is felt throughout the menu, from share plates packed with sweet and spicy fl avours to delicious rum cocktails. woodandwater.uk

Sicillian Spin

SOFFICE

So ce is London’s fi rst Italian restaurant to adopt a gastro bakery approach. Patrons will be able to dine-in and enjoy authentic Sicilian dishes prepared by the experts, and then visit the adjoining bakery and deli to purchase the fresh ingredients needed to recreate their own version at home. so celondon.com

SIP SIP AWAY

These experiences will get you in the tasting spirit

WHISKEY FESTIVAL

Coming to Croydon for the fi rst time on Saturday, April 2nd, festival-goers will be able to experience fi ve solid hours of whiskey enjoyment. exploringwhisky.co.uk

GIN JOURNEY

Every Saturday in Shoreditch and Soho, you can be chauff eured between bars and distilleries, drink, and be regaled with gin-soaked stories of the city. ginjourney.com

AGAVE SESSIONS

Agave afi cionados will love this tequila masterclass, where you learn the history of Mexico’s legendary spirit and do plenty of sampling in the process. the-distillery.ondon

G & TEA

TIME

MANETTA'S BAR

A luxury new high tea experience has come to Flemings Mayfair. At G & Tea, you’ll fi nd everything you would expect from a traditional English high tea. Tiered stands full of fresh-baked pastries, served alongside tea blends from the East India Tea Company. For those who fancy something slightly stronger, the expert bar team will be on hand to pour you a refreshing gin tipple. fl emings-mayfair.co.uk

SECRET GARDEN

HUSH MAYFAIR

One of central London’s favourite outdoor dining spots has been given a makeover just in time for spring. The courtyard at Hush Mayfair has been transformed into a garden oasis. It is the perfect spot to escape the chaos and enjoy a cocktail or something o of the Brassiere menu.