Alan Kingsbury celebrates the arrival of springtime by selecting five wines, red white and rosé, that have something a little bit special about them.

The King’s Ginger, the emphatically ginger liqueur that was specifically formulated by Berry Bros. in 1903 for King Edward VII, has been awarded a Gold Medal at the Asian Spritis Masters run by The Spirits Business.

A Chicken, Mushroom, English Mustard & Cream Pie made by Great North Pie Co. has taken home the title of Supreme Champion at this year’s world-renowned British Pie Awards. Beating 830 other pies to secure the much sought-after trophy and £1,000 cash prize, this truly remarkable Chicken Pie won the judges over with its exquisite appearance and perfect balance of taste and texture.   

Searing hot granite rocks have been used by award-winning experimental Scottish craft brewer Innis & Gunn, in its latest Limited Edition bottle-conditioned brew: Hot Rocks (7%ABV) – a modern-day adaptation of the oldest British ale brewed by our Stone Age ancestors in 4,000BC.

To commemorate the advent of spring and this year’s Chelsea Flower Show, Sofitel London St James has unveiled a new floral-inspired Afternoon Tea, Le Tea en Rose, at the Rose Lounge.

On Friday 12th June, landmark London restaurant The Cinnamon Club is set to host its first literary dinner with acclaimed journalist and writer Anita Anand, bringing her debut book Sophia to life through a four-course Anglo-Indian feast.

Specialist food & drink retailer, World of Zing, is showcasing its unique approach to spice, cocktails and all things nice with an immersive bar and art gallery experience during the Southbank Alchemy Festival: 15-25 May

Fu Manchu is a new Late Night Dim Sum and Cocktail Bar, launching in Clapham North on Thursday 30th April 2105. Hidden under railway arches and shrouded in mystery, Fu Manchu will be as enigmatic as its moustachioed, villainous namesake.

Founded in Australia and distilled in the Yarra Valley, Four Pillars epitomises the new generation gin combining Asian spice, Mediterranean citrus and native Australian botanicals. A truly unique spirit for gin fanatics; it’s perfect in a refreshing G&T or mixed in a classic Tom Collins. 

This April luxury bespoke dining company Cuisson will be bringing their latest gastronomic event to the famous Burlington Arcade with a one-of-a-kind pop-up afternoon tea in association with Laurent-Perrier.