• Wine tastings can feel daunting—unfamiliar grape varieties, tasting notes, aromas, and a room full of people confidently discussing tannins. But wine tasting isn’t just about having the knowledge and the “right” answer; it’s about paying attention to what’s in your glass and figuring out what you enjoy. Whether you’re heading to a wine farm for the first time, attending a formal tasting, or simply want to get better at understanding the bottle you’ve just opened at home, this beginner’s guide will help you know what to look for, what to taste, and, most importantly, what to ask. How to…

    Following the success of its London residency, Cape Town institution The Pot Luck Club has extended its stay at The Waldorf Hilton, London, with the celebrated restaurant now set to remain in the capital until the end of March 2027. The residency first launched on 13 August 2025, originally conceived as a limited three-month pop-up. Following a strong response from London diners, the collaboration has continued well beyond its initial run, with The Pot Luck Club now firmly established as part of The Waldorf Hilton’s food and drink offering. The Pot Luck Club is now situated in The Wild Monkey…

    Those jars of spices sitting at the back of your cupboard might be older than you think. But do spices actually go bad, or simply just lose potency? As much as we’d love them to, spices don’t last forever. While they might not necessarily go bad like milk and become unsafe to eat, they lose their colour, potency and flavour over time. Generally speaking, ground spices lose their potency faster than whole spices, so knowing when to replace them is key, especially when you have a craving for something vibrant and full of flavour. Before you start chucking out spices,…

    If you’re looking for a cosy weeknight pasta that packs in plenty of vegetables without feeling like you’re being punished for eating them, this lentil pasta is the one. Sweet, buttery leeks and finely shredded Brussels sprouts are tossed through creamy pasta with hearty lentils, lemon and Parmesan for a comforting, flavour-packed dinner that’s simple enough for a weeknight. Also See: Spinach tagliatelle with mushroom and pancetta Recipe and styling by Claire Ferrandi  Photograph by Dylan Swart