The week in pictures

This week in the world of drinks: Monkey Shoulder whisky has created its very own card game: Cards for Hilarity, Camden Town Brewery releases ‘Pubjamas’ – pyjamas designed specifically to wear at the pub, and a new campaign from Kingsland Drinks and Australian winery, Andrew Peace Wine, encourages customers to find joy in the little things.

Monkey Shoulder, along with viral dice game specialists The Dice Guys, has released Cards for Hilarity, a new card game with all proceeds from the game going to Drinks Trust and The Ben to help give the UK hospitality sector a boost.

Joe Petch, Global Brand Ambassador at Monkey Shoulder, said of the launch: “2020 was potentially the least fun year in living memory, so we thought we would help bring back the laughs with Monkey Shoulder’s brand new game Cards For Hilarity. We’re really proud to continue supporting the hospitality industry with all profits going to people who have had a particularly tough time.” 

Camden Town Brewery has partnered with luxury sleepwear designer, Karen Mabon, on the launch of ‘Pubjamas’, comfy sleepwear designed especially for wearing at the pub.

The exclusive design is inspired by some of Camden Town Brewery’s favourite pubs across the country, and the Pubjamas are intended to give Brits who are missing their lockdown loungewear a touch of comfort as they head out and about into the world. What’s more, every Pubjamas purchase comes with a free round of Camden Hells pints.

Best of all, Camden will be donating 100% of the profits back to the industry through Hospitality Action.

Kingsland Drinks and Australian winery, Andrew Peace Wines, have teamed on a new advertising campaign that encourages customers to find joy in the little things.

Australia born, Michelin starred chef, Skye Gyngell will be front and centre in the campaign, creating bespoke content for it.

The widespread campaigns will underpin the wine brand’s connection to outdoor family dining occasions.

Pete Fairclough, brand manager at Kingsland Drinks, says: “This is the most exciting campaign we have ever done with Andrew Peace Wines and we’re so thrilled to have Skye Gyngell and DJ BBQ on board. They are the perfect fit for what we are trying to achieve with the brand and their values tie into the campaign themes of family, cooking, al fresco dining and good times. Andrew Peace wines have really gone from strength to strength during the pandemic and we know we have a loyal fan base that this campaign will appeal to and we’re certain we’ll be welcoming new wine fans into the Andrew Peace family this summer.”

The Wines of Roussillon trade and press tasting and two Roussillon masterclasses took place in London on 30th June.

The wines of 12 producers seeking distribution in the UK were presented to trade and press visitors in London last week.

Visitors enjoyed being re-acquainted with Roussillon’s still dry and fortified sweet wines with many commenting on how far the region had come in its ability to express its true character and show off its unique strengths.

The Sourcing Table has partnered with Mischief & Mayhem winery in Burgundy to sell a special wine, with all profits being donated to Hospitality Action.

The wine is a 2014 Chambolle Musigny named ‘No Man Is an Island’, after the famous poem penned by John Donne. It is available to buy from The Sourcing Table, priced at £49.50 per bottle or a special price of £267 for a 6-bottle case.

Ben Henshaw, founder of The Sourcing Table and Indigo Wines said:
“Before the pandemic, restaurants made up 60% of Indigo’s sales, so I was very aware of the shockwaves that ran through the hospitality industry. Having created many own label wine projects in the past, I thought we could develop one to benefit the excellent support offered by Hospitality Action.

“I felt it had to be something truly special so approached Chris, one of my favourite illustrators to do an original artwork and spoke to our friends at Mischief and Mayhem to see if they would provide one of their top wines. I thank them both dearly for supporting this project and can’t wait to know offer the wine exclusively through The Sourcing Table”.

Sparkling wine brand Freixenet is celebrating both on the ground and up high this summer, partnering with the pop-up al
fresco dining event London in the Sky.

London in the Sky returns to the O2 in London this summer for three months, and Freixenet will be front and centre with Freixenet Prosecco and Italian Sparkling Rosé on offer.

Commenting on the partnership, Samantha Cross, Senior Brand Manager of Freixenet, said:

“It has continued to be a year of uncertainty and despite lockdown restrictions remaining in place, we can still make this summer one to remember and full of celebratory moments. London in the Sky is a truly unique event, creating an unforgettable experience which matches perfectly with the essence of Freixenet. The whole event experience, topped off with a glass of Freixenet Prosecco in the sky, will certainly be a moment to never forget!”

Graham Beck, Journey’s End and Kleine Zalze are all represented at an event in support of South African wine – as the country lengthens its alcohol ban amid the coronavirus pandemic. An al fresco event held in Fulham saw Roger Jones from The Harrow at Little Bedwyn serving up salmon ceviche tins to accompany the wines, and of course billtong was on offer for good measure.