The SLMan Food & Drink List
THE ALCOHOL-FREE LAUNCH: Big Drop Fieldhopper Golden Ale
Whether you’re attempting Sober October, or just looking for fresh ways to cut back on the booze, Big Drop is the nolo beer brand to know. Its new Fieldhopper is a lightly carbonated golden ale that’s vegan friendly as well as alcohol free. Coming in at just 41 calories a bottle, it will appeal to the more health-conscious drinker, who can expect earthy, honey flavours with the aroma of orange blossom and grapefruit.
Visit BigDropBrew.com
THE VERMOUTH: Vermò
Vermouth is experiencing a return to glory in the UK. The newest launch to hit shelves is Vermò, a modern take on the classic vermouth di torino rosso. Handcrafted in Piedmont – the home of Italian vermouth – Vermò is made with a blend of trebianno and chardonnay grapes alongside 31 high-quality botanicals. The result is a light, crisp and fruity taste, perfect for sipping on the rocks or as a versatile base for numerous cocktails.
Visit Ocado.com
THE BOOK: Noble Rot: Wine from Another Galaxy by Dan Keeling & Mark Andrew
Not content with launching a new restaurant – this time in the Soho spot formerly occupied by The Gay Hussar – the Noble Rot boys are set to publish a highly accessible guide to wine at the end of October. Wine from Another Galaxy is a tome on tasting, ordering in restaurants, talking about wine without sounding like a wine bore, and building your own collection.
Visit Waterstones.com
THE ESPRESSO MARTINI ENHANCER: Mr Black Single Origin Ethiopia
Mr Black is brewed slowly, using purified cold water, to retain the delicate and complex flavours of coffee, before Australian wheat vodka and a touch of cane sugar is added to the mix. The brand’s new limited-edition liqueur is made with coffee beans from a single farm in Ethiopia, honouring the country in both its recipe and bottle design. Its fruity flavouring works well when sipped neat over ice, or in a ‘Cold Fashioned’: just mix 30ml of Mr Black Single Origin Ethiopia with 30ml of rye whisky and two dashes of bitters and serve over ice.
Visit MrBlack.co
THE DELIVERY: Napoli Gang
Big Mamma – the group behind Gloria and Circolo Popolare – has launched an at-home delivery service bringing fresh Italian fare direct to your door. Look out for antipasti such as prosciutto, burrata and mortadella, plus crispy pizzas loaded high with fresh produce, as well as lasagne, tiramisu and gelato. All packaging is 100% recyclable and delivery is available within a two-mile radius of Shoreditch and Kentish Town.
Visit NapoliGang.co.uk
THE COOL NEW SPIRIT: Dos Hombres Mezcal
Last time Aaron Paul and Bryan Cranston created something together, it was a crystal meth empire. Now the Breaking Bad stars have turned their attention to mezcal. The Mexican spirit is agave based like tequila, but tends to be smoother and smokier. Made with old-world methods by a third-generation producer, the dynamic duo’s Dos Hombres mezcal also has notes of apple, mango and wood.
Visit Selfridges.com
THE DRINKS CABINET ACCESSORY: Hepple Douglas Fir Sherbet
Elevate at-home cocktail hours with this decidedly autumnal launch from Hepple Spirits. Hepple co-creator Nick Strangeway has crafted a delicious douglas fir-flavoured sherbet to use with a variety of cocktails. Swish lemon juice around the rim of your glass, then dip it into the sherbet tin to add a sour, herbal kick to your regular G&T.
Visit HeppleSpirits.com
THE CONDIMENT: Homeslice Sauces
The team at Homeslice has developed a collection of five sauces for fans to add a whack of flavour to their home cooking. The tomato sauce used on all of its pizzas will be a welcome addition to any store cupboard, but we’re most excited by the launch of its jalapeño salsa, truffle creme fraiche, soy truffle glaze and signature chilli oil.
Visit HomesliceTakeAndBake.com
THE LIQUEUR: Stambecco Amaro
Stambecco is a bitter-sweet Italian amaro infused with maraschino cherries, bitter citrus peel and local Italian mountain herbs, produced at the Vergnano family distillery in Piedmont, Italy, where the tradition of making amaro began. We’re drinking ours in a ‘Stamhatten’: 50ml of Stambecco, 25ml of rye whisky and one dash of bitters, shaken over ice, strained into a glass and garnished with orange peel. Easy and elegant.
Visit StambeccoAmaro.com
THE BUDGET-FRIENDLY FIND: Lidl Wagyu Beef Burgers
Lidl is now selling two wagyu beef burgers for £2.99. Originating in Japan, wagyu beef is popular around the world due to its superior eating quality. With this prime piece of meat normally commanding high prices, at Lidl shoppers can pick it up for a fraction of the cost. We suggest serving it with an Asian-style salad or in a towering brioche burger bun.
Visit Lidl.co.uk
THE GIN: Four Pillars Shiraz Gin
Four Pillars Gin – Australia’s most awarded gin distillery – has landed in the UK, bringing its Bloody Shiraz Gin to supermarket shelves. An experiment gone right, this blend is what happens when you mix Four Pillars Rare Dry Gin with cool-climate shiraz grapes from the Yarra valley. The result is a beautifully balanced gin with a sweetness and notes of pine forest, white pepper, plum and spices. Ideal for autumn.
Visit FourPillarsGin.com
THE MEAL KIT: Wun’s Iberico Char Siu Kit
Bringing a semblance of late-night Hong Kong to Soho, Wun's is a Cantonese restaurant, bar and tearoom from the husband and wife team behind Bun House. The pair have recently launched an Iberico char siu pork delivery kit. Bringing authentic Cantonese flavours to homes across London, Wun's home kit is easily assembled within 25 minutes and includes Iberico fatty char siu, pillowy blini buns and a house-spiced sugar pack – enough to serve 2-3 people.
Visit WunsTeaRoom.Slerp.com
THE TREAT: Russell & Atwell
After more than 30 years of combined experience in chocolate (Mars, Cadbury, Green & Blacks and Godiva are on their CVs), chocolatier Steve and entrepreneur Giles asked themselves a simple question: "Why are we still eating long-life chocolate, if everything tastes better fresh?” Their answer is three new pouches of fresh chocolates: ‘Outrageously Creamy Milk Chocolates’, ‘Extra Dark Chocolates’ and ‘Ridiculously Smooth Dark Chocolates’. Bags start from £6, with glass jars and a subscription service on the way.
Visit RussellAndAtwell.com
THE CAFFEINE FIX: Minor Figures
Missing your daily coffee run? Specialising in high-quality oat milk and coffee at its east London microbrewery, Minor Figures now sells pre-blended lattes and mochas, so you can enjoy a little bit of barista magic at home. Great for fuss-free early mornings, or a quick afternoon boost.
Visit Ocado.com
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