I've always believed that you need to know yourself in order to know what will make you happy. Me, I'm at my happiest when I'm organized and prepared. I knew that we'd be buying groceries and wine on this trip so the last thing that I threw in the suitcase was a four-bottle wine bag. The cleverest among you may see where this is headed.
Our first outing upon landing in London was to Borough Market. We came upon Laithwaite's during our walk. They sold wine; we had a wine bag with us. I'm no Agnes Sime Baxter, but that math I can do, so we bought three bottles. As it turned out, there was another piece of math that would have come in handy - my companion says that had we bought six then we would have received a seventh for free.
They had lots of tastings on offering including white, red, rosé and sparkling. They should sell the wine glasses that are used for the tastings, but they don't. The staff are lovely and helpful. I only felt it right to taste wines that I would consider buying, but one had the impression that they would have continued proferring several more samples. We only had one sample each, but in a place as expensive as London it was most refreshing not to be left feeling nickeled-and-dimed about something consumable.
We purchased the Fili prosecco (€13), Chateau le Coin Sauvignon Gris (€11) and Chateau Portal Les Molières (€11). They carry spirits as well.
The large (for London) space hosts private events. I'd like to attend one of those. I'll bet that they bring in tasty morsels from one of the nearby restos. In my head I've already decided what I would wear to this non-existent party that I would somehow be invited to on another continent. Laugh if you want, but I'll be the last one laughing when that invite arrives and my Big Plan magically falls into place. In the meantime, I have my happy memories of this unexpected find. read more