Author Archives: Martin Isark

By Martin Isark The Rum Market is Booming in the UK, at last count it was worth over £1 billion and catching up the Gin market which is £1.2 billion very fast. It comes in as white, golden, dark and spiced rum which enables it to cover more bases than Gin, Vodka or Whisky. BartendersContinue reading “Premium Rum is where it is at for Bartenders & Drinkers”

By Martin Isark The Sushi Shop in Marylebone is one of five shops that you can eat in or they deliver, the others are in Notting Hill, Old Brompton, Hampstead and Richmond. Truly fabulous, if you live in London, but if you reside outside, like I do, then you have to train and/or cab it.

By Martin Isark The Gin explosion in the UK is good if you are G&T or Martini drinker, or if you are one of the owners of the new must have Gin brands: Marylebone, City of London & Horse Guards, but, unfortunately, if you are Rum aficionado, you will struggle to find a bar orContinue reading “I rocked-up to Cottons Club with the Blonde and she was impressed”

By Martin Isark Most Gin Martini lovers around world have been or have it on their bucket list to go to Dukes Hotel in Mayfair, to sip Allessandro Palazzi’s world famous Martinis, but now there is another one to put on your bucket list. Valentino Bau’s Truffle Martini that’s served at the Waterside Inn at Bray. 

By Martin Isark There are just 120 Michelin Guide inspectors worldwide and on average they eat out 250 meals a year, that’s around 30,000 restaurants that are going to be inspected throughout the world each year. And there are millions of chefs and restaurateurs  around the world praying for an inspection, especially  when you considerContinue reading “The Chequers Inn is a Restaurant that Michelin Guide has missed”

By Martin Isark Dreyfus Ashby are importers of very fine wine, and are generally regarded as the best suppliers in the World for South African and Loire Wines.  I’ve tasted several wines from the D A portfolio, but these two sweeties below really floated my boat.

The IWSC competition is regarded by drinks producers as the industry’s Michelin guide for alcoholic drinks.

by Fiona Allen  My Spanish Mum’s Lentejas, is a lentil and chorizo stew, I find it the perfect crowd-pleaser when I’m cooking for my family and friends. I’ve grown up eating this lovely tasty dish and when we visit my mum’s house she usually has a pot simmering away on the hob. In Spain you wouldContinue reading “Fiona dishes up Lentejas her Mum’s crowd-pleaser”

Sir… is it Double Guards with or without tonic?  If you are bringing a new gin to the market:  it must tantalise with its smell, deliver a silky sip, present harmonious flavour, and have a smooth swallow that demands an encore.