September: What’s been on the menu recently

What we’ve been eating: Victoria Sponge

Our Victoria sponge brings together everything we love about this British classic. Layers of light, buttery sponge are paired with silky crème légère, a delicate French cream that lightens every mouthful.

Fresh raspberries add natural sweetness and a touch of tartness, while a scoop of raspberry sorbet provides a cooling contrast. Lemon verbena, picked straight from our garden, lends a fragrant, citrusy lift to finish. Soft, fruity, and beautifully balanced, this timeless favourite is reworked with a touch of extra elegance, making it the perfect way to end your meal on a sweet note. 

What we’ve been drinking: Barolo `Coste di Rose` 2020

This month we've been enjoying Barolo 'Coste di Rose' 2020, an elegant expression of Nebbiolo from G.D. Vajra, one of Barolo's most respected family estates. It's produced by Aldo and Giuseppe Vaira from the Coste di Rose cru, a hillside vineyard in the Comune di Barolo that sits above a forest at around 310 metres. Its cool location and distinctive sandstone soils contribute remarkable aromatic purity, delicate floral notes and a subtle mineral character.

The 2020 vintage benefited from an unusually long growing season, allowing the fruit to develop exceptional perfume and complexity. The grapes were hand-harvested and fermented for 39 days, including submerged maceration, before ageing for approximately 28 months in large Slavonian oak casks. This traditional approach, combined with careful modern techniques, results in a wine of precision, elegance and balance.

In the glass, the wine is expressive, with aromas of hibiscus, red berries and black cherries, layered with notes of mint, white pepper and sweet spice. The palate is refined, with finely structured tannins, delicate floral nuances and a lingering freshness.