KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL

WHAT TO DRINK

TASTING

NOTES

GRAPE news

Wine recommendations for the month

Champagne Castelnau Rosé Brut, France  £33.50

This perfect rosé champagne alternative is based on 54% Pinot Meunier, 25% Pinot Noir and 21% Chardonnay. The Chardonnay in the blend brings freshness and vivacity, while the Pinots add fruit and structure. wine-hub.co.uk

M de Minuty Limited Edition, France  £17.95

M de Minuty Limited

Edition 2020 is produced by the famous Château Minuty, a family-owned wine estate located in southern France’s Provence region, overlooking the Saint-Tropez peninsula and is a splendid, pleasurable rosé wine. fi newinedirect.co.uk

London’s food news and most exciting openings this month

By RACHEL HOGG

Codorniu Rosado Cava Brut, Spain  £6.99

Codorníu Rosado is made from the two most common red grapes around Southern Penedès. This bright Rosé has the aromas of raspberry and strawberry and is the perfect accompaniment to tapas and light salads. waitrose.com

Sake & Sakura

THE IVY ASIA

The Ivy has partnered with Marussia Beverage’s Artisanal Japanese Collection to celebrate Japan’s Sakura Blossom Season. This springtime collaboration features a brand new Sake and sushi pairing menu as well as limited-edition cocktails. Patrons will be able to gather to eat and drink in the restaurant's blossom-fi lled interior for six weeks from the 26th of April.

Sharing Time

CIRCOLO POPOLARE

Upon stepping into Circolo Popolare, you may think you’ve left Fitzrovia and accidentally stumbled into a Sicilian wedding. The restaurant’s interior has been designed to capture the convivial spirit of the old country and provides the perfect setting for people to get together, open a bottle of wine and tuck into an endless spread of antipasti. bigmammagroup.com

Spring Fling

DRAKE AND MORGAN

You’ll be able to welcome in the warmer months with a cocktail in hand this month at Drake & Morgan. Their fresh spring and summer menu is being rolled out across all of their London locations and features a selection of blooming beautiful cocktails and new seasonal recipes prepared using only the best British ingredients. drakeandmorgan.co.uk

BOTANICAL TREATS

To put some spring in your step

BISCUIT BOUQUET

This gorgeous bunch of botanical biscuits from Biscuiteers are a delicious gi alternative and comes in a beautiful hand-illustrated keepsake tin, £48. biscuiteers.com

FLORAL FEAST

Mode & Grace's award-winning fl oral brownies are baked using only the best organic ingredients and topped with an assortment of pressed edible fl owers, from £22.50. modeandgrace.co.uk

BEAUTIFUL BITES

The English Garden box includes a selection of Emma Dodi’s signature fl oral macaroons, all lovingly baked and intricately hand-painted in her Battersea studio, £32. emmadodicakes.com

GORGEOUS

GIN

ISLE OF BARRA DISTILLERY

This Rhubarb and Heather Gin Liqueur has been handcrafted on the Isle of Barra using fresh local ingredients, some of which are sourced directly from their community garden. It makes for a delicious addition to your G&T, or can also be enjoyed over ice if you’re feeling impatient, £22. isleofbarradistillers.com

BOTANICAL INFUSION

WILD EVE

If you’re in the mood for something non-alcoholic, the new Botanical Infusion from Wild Eve might hit the spot. Handcrafted from fl owers, fruits, leaves and seaweeds, all carefully chosen for their ability to relax the mind and body. It makes for a delicious drinking experience, minus the hangover, £32.