News

Raffles names wine director for new London hotel
Vincenzo Arnese has been announced as director of wine for Raffles London at The OWO, the luxury hotel group’s first UK outpost.

What is a Hugo Spritz and how do you make one?
The Hugo Spritz cocktail recipe has amassed over 4.3 million views on TikTok, but how do you make one? Find out here.

Chef ‘gobsmacked’ after couple who stole £150,000 from restaurant dodge jail
Chef Stephen Terry, whose Abergavenny restaurant The Hardwick was defrauded of £150,000 by two of his employees, has slammed the judge’s decision to suspend the culprits’ sentences.

Hospitality workers cash in on higher wages, outpacing national average
Hospitality wages have risen by 9.5% over the last year, compared with the national average of 6.6%, new research has shown, as the industry struggles with a shortage of skilled workers.

MPs call for high street pubs to be protected
A cross-party group of MPs has called on the government to ensure high street pubs are safeguarded from alternative development under new rules due to come into force.

Is Giles Coren right about the ‘male wine bore’?
The Times restaurant critic has received backlash for his characterisation of “male wine bores” with their “indigo teeth” and “jowls like Regency curtain swags”, but, WLC asks, is it fair?

WLC recommends: Heliot at The Hippodrome Casino
Douglas Blyde gets lucky at The Hippodrome Casino’s Heliot steakhouse. While there, he gives general manager Salvo Russo’s international wine list a spin, and samples the menu devised by executive chef and “meatologist” Ioannis Grammenos.

MasterChef winner’s Park Lane restaurant closes after six months
MasterChef: The Professionals winner Alex Webb’s restaurant at The InterContinental London has been closed by “mutual agreement”, despite only opening in December last year.

Côte launches asparagus cocktail
To mark the start of the English asparagus season, French brasserie chain Côte has rolled out an unusual cocktail made using the vegetable at a number of its restaurants.

New look Gelupo reopens
Gelupo, Bocca Di Lupo restaurateur Jacob Kenedy’s Soho gelateria, has reopened with a new makeover and a new drinks menu.

The best Brut NVs from The Champagne Masters 2023
Following the drinks business’ Champagne Masters earlier this year, we list the best-performing Brut Non-Vintage cuvées from the competition, taking in some big name producers, as well as less famous labels, and a couple of outstanding organic samples too.