Unfiltered: Arnaud Dolmazon
The head sommelier of Michelin green star holder, Heckfield Place, Hampshire on his love of Hermitage, the terroir-first wine list at Marle restaurant, and what to pair with chilli oil pepped scallops and polenta…
Unfiltered: Hannah Crosbie
Billed by the newly formed PR agency, ‘Hot Sauce Presents’ as ‘the sexiest voice in wine’, Hannah Crosbie is the founder of Dalston Wine Club, and is currently assuming a residency selling wines at East London’s ‘Lady Garden’…
Unfiltered: Eduardo Brea Luengo
The Spanish head sommelier at Cotswold’s gourmet bolthole, The Feathered Nest counts Restaurant Pablo and Casa Marcelo in his homeland on his CV, as well as Sketch in London, The Swan, Ascott-under-Wychwood, and Soho Farmhouse, Chipping Norton. He is particularly interested in wines from Bierzo, Montsant, Dao, Rousillon and sherry and Port as well as what he calls “the fresh New World”…
Unfiltered: Amber Gardner and Bella Babbitt
The co-wine directors of NoMad, London talk to Douglas Blyde about creating an atypical five-star hotel list, including building a “killer Nebbiolo” selection while banishing “flabby” reds, and the “performance” of wine service.
Unfiltered: Dan Warham
The techno-loving head sommelier of Limewood talks to Douglas Blyde about his preference for white wines, especially when sourced from the Jura, pairing Lustau Moscatel with house favourite pudding, the tiramisu, and why time travel could help with the tasting of wines through the ages…
Unfiltered: Edoardo Amadi
The director of wines for Newbury’s thatched yet modern, The Woodspeen, being the setting for the launch of the latest instalments of Bollinger’s La Grande Année 2014 Brut and Rosé, talks to Douglas Blyde about building a rapport with guests, the enjoyment gained from dining at the venue on his day off, and his protégés…
Unfiltered: Mark Watson
Mark Watson is the co-owner with wife, Lorraine, of Penmaenuchaf Hall, Gwynedd. He talks to Douglas Blyde about looking after regular guest, Hugh Johnson, a dislike of “unexciting” Muscadet, and why wine producers should think twice before changing supplier…
Unfiltered: Melania Bellesini
The head sommelier of The Fat Duck restaurant, which recently celebrated a quarter of a century, talks to Douglas Blyde about enigmatic black sake, taking the restaurant to Australia, and the pleasure of dancing after work…
Unfiltered: Rory Eaton
The head sommelier of Ynyshir Restaurant and Rooms on the importance of listing sustainably produced wines which appeal to a younger drinker, a love for tacos at any time, and a shared fondness for Riesling.
Unfiltered: Fergus O’Halloran
The general manager and sommelier at West at The Twelve, Galway, talks to Douglas Blyde about bringing blue wine to Ireland, finding fame as a leading sommelier in Canada, and the simple pleasure derived from a ham and cheese sandwich…
Unfiltered: Sandia Chang
Sandia Chang, the co-founder with partner in life and business, James Knappett, on the 20-course journey that is the Kitchen Table experience, Oasis in the background, and her cheffing abilities…
Unfiltered: Craig J Bancroft FIH MI
The Managing Director of Lancashire’s Northcote, which is home to the annual Obsession gourmet festival, shares memories of barbecued pheasant devoured fireside during a power-cut, being chosen to serve Lady Diana, and his fondness for Portuguese wines with Douglas Blyde…