St George’s Day celebrations are running throughout the land this week in celebration of our Patron Saint. Leaden Hall Market in the centre of the square mile in The City of London, as organised by Nick Johnstone, be-decked in Union Jacks was the central point for sampling English wines.

A magnificent setting in the heart of London, set just behind the famous “gherkin” building and full of city high flyers and wannabees! As usual I managed to arrive early and enjoyed watching the hustle and bustle of this busy iconic London market, setting up, taking in deliveries, the local characters going about their business.

Present and sampling were Carr Taylor Vineyards from Westfield in East Sussex, Sedlescombe Organic Vineyards from East Sussex, Bedales Wine Stores pouring Biddenden wines from Kent and David of Meopham Valley Vineyard in Kent. All of these wines are great, clean, fresh, good fruit notes and well balanced. They are all a major credit to the English Wine Industry and many thanks to David of Meopham, Sue of Carr Taylor and Martin of Sedlescombe for making the journey into London to promote our fine English wines.

Taylor & Shroff, English wines for curry (produced by Carr Taylor) was sampled and enjoyed by quite a few passers by at lunch times. On sampling were the Cherry, Ginger & Apricot Taylor & Shroff wines and all went down well. We shall be visiting Leaden Hall on a monthly basis to continue sampling, hopefully from the end of June – Friday’s! Hopefully UK stocks will be available from early June and will start to find their way into the nation’s culinary hearts and minds. Mine’s a Ginger Taylor & Shroff served in a tall glass with ice, with a popadum and some lime pickle please.

A special thanks to Georgie Furst from English Vine Tours for letting me out for the day! Leaden Hall was a great opportunity to talk to people about corporate Vineyard Tours that are on offer. If anyone wishes to know more about these unique bespoke tours, perfect for a corporate day out – www.englishvinetours.co.uk or call Georgie on 01323 732 001.