The Old Pharmacy – a panacea, a destination
... it seemed to embody the mix-and-match eclecticism, the Regency breakbeat, Hoxton-meets-Bridgerton charms of the place: fresh, exciting.
Ben Colvill
Freelance writer, editor and restaurant reviewer
Falstaff International
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5th September 2022
Franciacorta: Italy’s young pretender to the sparkling crown
Rejecting the tank production methods of neighbouring Prosecco, Italy’s Franciacorta has its sights firmly set on another model: Champagne.
Jancisrobinson.com
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17th August 2025
Rake @ the Compton Arms – a very modern residency
In the music world, the term ‘residency’ conjures up images of well-established divas belting their way through endless greatest-hits runs on the Las Vegas strip ... not so the world of restaurants.
Falstaff International
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24th January 2023
Cooking with the seasons: Seville oranges
A burst of citrus sunshine, Seville’s bitter oranges are surprisingly versatile and celebrated around the globe...
Jancisrobinson.com
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10th August 2025
Beach House – a review
Something of the Milk Wood dreamtime lingers on in the creeks and coves, the nants and the cilfachs, of this stretch of the south Wales coast ...
Falstaff International
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1st June 2023
Where to eat seafood in London, part 1
London is a truly great seafood city: here are our favourite seats at the bar for cracking, picking and shucking.
Falstaff International
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13th February 2023
Syrah in focus, part 1: the French homelands
16th February is International Syrah Day – Falstaff celebrates with a deep dive into this brooding, mysterious variety.
Falstaff International
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17th January 2023
Wine beyond January: re-think, re-connect, re-set
Would you like to start being more considered in your wine choices? Here are Falstaff´s suggestions.
Falstaff International
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2nd February 2023
Dutch Chef wins the prestigious 55th annual Taittinger prize
Jan Smink is crowned winner of “Le Taittinger” prize, one of the most prestigious in the world of cooking.
Falstaff International
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11th November 2022
Save the date: 17 November is Beaujolais Nouveau time again
It’s time to celebrate Le Nouveau once more. Falstaff explores the ongoing appeal of Beaujolais’ child prodigy.
Falstaff International
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6th April 2023
Cooking with the seasons: oysters
Falstaff does an oyster deep-dive, down through the churning seas of foodie fashion and the maelstrom of menu terminology...
Falstaff International
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13th March 2023
Syrah in focus, part 2: journeys around the world
Part two of our series follows Syrah through Europe and beyond.
Falstaff International
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20th June 2023
Where to eat seafood in London, part 2
The second part of our round up of fabulous places to eat seafood, especially shellfish, in London.
Falstaff International
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11th May 2023
Syrah in focus, part 3: new world, new homelands
The last chapter in our Syrah story: The Americas, New Zealand and Australia...
Falstaff International
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18th April 2023
Fortnum & Mason’s new Coronation Collection
Fortnum & Mason launches a new collection in celebration of the forthcoming coronation of their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
The Guide
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21st October 2024
Toasting Tradition
On 21st November, a young red wine is released at exactly 12:01am in Beaujolais, France. Food and wine writer Ben Colvill celebrates Beaujolais Nouveau Day.
Falstaff International
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21st February 2023
Cooking with the seasons: venison
Lean and with a wonderful depth of flavour, venison is not just for the landed gentry.
Falstaff International
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17th November 2022
Beyond the Nouveau: exploring the subtle complexities of Beaujolais’ 10 crus
Closing the door on the Nouveau festivities, Falstaff turns to the richer delights of Beaujolais’ more grown-up wines.
Falstaff International
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27th June 2023
Summer cheese and a glass of something chilled: a guide
Summer offers some of the year’s best cheese: here’s our pick along with ideas for drink pairings.
Falstaff International
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25th November 2022
London’s finest cheese shops: a festive guide
From traditional purveyors of fine cheese to funky new arrivals, London’s artisan cheesemongers go into overdrive at Christmas time.
Falstaff International
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12th June 2023
The Isle of Wight Garlic Festival
2023 marks the 40th anniversary of the famously pungent Isle of Wight Garlic Festival.
The Guide
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21st October 2024
Beyond Assyrtiko
Food and wine writer Ben Colvill scours the town for signs of the Greek wine renaissance
Falstaff International
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21st July 2022
Bordeaux’s smoking pine forests: local winemakers ponder the impacts
As forest fires rage ever closer to the gates of Bordeaux’s wine estates, it’s not just this year’s vintage causing sleepless nights at the châteaux.
Falstaff International
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18th April 2023
The wonderful world of London’s prix fixe menus
Lunch, pre- and post-theatre are the times to head out into London’s fine-dining scene...
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