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Marylebone firmly on the culinary map

Earlier this year chef Luke Ahearne launched Lita in the heart of Marylebone, London, billed as a modern Mediterranean bistro, with open fire cooking. Conceived by the team behind the Wild Tavern in collaboration with Canadian-born restaurateur, Daniel Koukarskikh, Lita was conceptualised by Luke Ahearne, formerly head chef at Corrigan’s Mayfair. Luke’s culinary journey started […]

Sensational sour beers

Founded in 2002 by home-brewers Kjetil Jikiun and Gunnar Wiig in Grimstad, Norway, the Nøgne Ø brewery has established itself as a cornerstone of the craft beer movement, as Trygve Instefjord, an independent food writer based in Norway, explains. Named after the old Norse term for “naked island” symbolising uncharted territory, Nøgne Ø embodies an […]

What’s your poison?

Fresh to market is Toxin, a new range of social media-driven drinks aimed at students and the young adult market. The new brand is a joint venture between instagram and TikTok influencer, Rufus Rice, and The East Coast Cocktail Company. When celebrities or high profile personalities launch their own products, fame will only get you […]

Brilliantly simple

The OST Tipple Top Drinks Measure (TTDM) is a remarkably simple and unique concept. The essence of the product is a 25ml measure that has been incorporated into stylish bottle tops, which have been designed to replace those supplied with bottles of spirits. David Ostick, the product designer, wanted to create something that would help […]

Handmade heaven

When asked if we wanted to sample some handmade Belgian chocolate truffles, filled with a delicious chocolate ganache and Warwickshire Gin Company’s very own gins and rums, the answer was unequivocal: ‘yes’. The stunning truffles are a collaboration between two south Warwickshire businesses – Warwickshire Gin Company and Dale’s Handmade Ltd. The gin truffles, made […]

Honey, I shrunk the gin!

At Hand Crafted Drinks Magazine we hear about new product launches all the time and we’re fortunate to be on the mailing list for an increasing number of producers and marketing agencies; we receive beers, wines and spirits that come in all shapes and sizes. But, we’ve never received a drink that has been reduced […]

Smooth single malts

The process of ageing and maturing spirits in previously used barrels dates back hundreds of years, but was more than likely discovered by chance when new products were transported in old barrels, resulting in the new liquid taking on some of the characteristics of its original wine or spirit. Over the centuries the process of […]

New formats drive expansion

Shanky’s Whip has added three new formats of its Irish Whiskey Liqueur to its range in the UK, including 350ml, 1 litre and 1.75 litre bottles, which are now available to drinks retailers and hospitality operators now through Craftwork, the company’s distributor. Each variant supports critical pillars in Shanky’s Whip’s global expansion strategy; the full […]

Don’t worry, be hoppy

November 2023 marks the tenth anniversary of Hop Hideout, an award-winning Sheffield-based beer shop and tasting room. Owned by Jules Gray, Hop Hideout is one of just a handful of female-owned beer shops in the country. Jules has planned a weekend of celebrations starting on Friday 10 November, which will include the launch of their Thornbridge […]

Dunfermline on the map

There are many reasons to visit Dunfermline, a town that was conferred city status in October 2022 by King Charles III — part of the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations. The city, which was the capital of Scotland until 1452, has much to offer locals and visitors, alike. There’s Dunfermline Abbey, which was built on […]