Everyone’s favourite gin festival is back after a pandemic-induced year off! Junipalooza from Spirits Society brings together gin makers and fans and I couldn’t wait to get stuck in again at the events’ home in Tobacco Dock. This was my first year attending more than one session, taking on both the first session on Saturday and returning for my usual Sunday session too. Being able to pace things a bit more gently while getting used to seeing people in real life again was a big help and meant that I could take more time with each distiller, getting to know more about what they’re doing and why.
London
Well Kneaded, Earlsfield
FoodThere’s something very special about pizza. It’s comforting, quick, social and so delicious. Wandsworth’s Well Kneaded pizzeria and van make some of the most special pizzas using organic veggies and high welfare meat.
Bloody Bens Earlsfield: a conversation with founder Ben Walton
DrinkEarlsfield in South West London, tucked between the much better known Clapham and Wimbledon, is my home. It has also been home to Ben’s Canteen since 2014, which has for the past years been our go-to for brunch, countless dinners with friends and hosting big birthday parties. Now it’s entering a new chapter and has evolved into Bloody Bens bar, distillery and kitchen. I caught up with founder Ben Walton to talk about his latest venture.
National Burger Day 2019
FoodBundance, Street Feast‘s continuation of National Burger Day, was back at Hawker House in Canada Water earlier this week. Street Feast proclaim that it’s Europe’s biggest burger bash and this year it featured 16 burger stands, each bringing their finest or something a little special to the table for this annual celebration.
Pact Lunch: Reducing Street Food Waste at Kerb
Drink, FoodI think street food is brilliant. It’s the most incredible way of experiencing different cultures and broadening your horizons through your stomach. I love to support small independent business, but what’s not so great is all the packaging and cutlery waste that often goes with it.
Beefeater Gin London distillery tour
DrinkBeefeater is one of the most iconic drinks brands in the world. You see it behind almost every bar, no matter where you are.
BBQ Dreamz
FoodFor many street food traders, the goal is to one day open a bricks and mortar permanent restaurant space. That’s what Sinead Campbell & Lee Johnson were aiming for with their Filipino-inspired BBQ Dreamz when they appeared on BBC Two’s My Million Pound Menu. They were looking for investment to transform what makes their KERB-based truck so special into a home that is a little less mobile.
Market Hall, Fulham
FoodThe street food scene in London is thriving. Brands like Kerb and Street Feast have brought together some of the capital’s most interesting and talented chefs to squares, festivals and even abandoned warehouses. Market Hall have now joined the party, giving traders a more permanent base inside disused properties with personality.
Sipsmith Distillery Tour
DrinkSipsmith was one the first gins I ever tried when dipping my toes into the world of gin. It’s a delicious, well-balanced traditional London Dry that has always been synonymous with quality to me, and because of that, it’s always had a home on my gin shelf.
Bleecker Burger meets Pitt Cue Co
FoodMeaty legends Bleecker Burger and Pitt Cue Co joined forces on London’s Southbank for one night only to raise money for charity in the tastiest possible way. For Pitt Cue Co this was a real return to their roots, starting out as a food truck in the same stretch of the capital.