The Week in Pictures: 20-26 May

This week in pictures features Gordon Ramsey and the re-opening of the Savoy Grill, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, a Veuve Clicquot exhibition and whisky at the Venice Biennale.

Savoy Grill

Gordon Ramsay mingled with guests including Drinks Business’ Douglas Blyde, and Grace Hunt, Head of Advocacy for Toku Saké, at the reopening party of Savoy Grill in the Strand. A depthful refurbishment by Afroditi Krassa has added a brand new cellar table and kitchen table. Wines poured by a team led by Emanuel Pesqueira, head sommelier at Restaurant 1890, included magnums of Perrier-Jouet Belle Epoque 2012 and Jos Joh Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Kabinett 2020, a Melchior of Château d’Angludet 2016, and a Rehoboam of Quinta do Vallado 20 Year Old Tawny Port.

RHS Chelsea Flower Show

The winemaking team at Babylonstoren, whose rosé is the official wine of RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Babylonstoren launched the new 2023 vintage at the event on Monday 22 May this week, using the show for the global unveiling of the new release, which is made from Mourvèdre grown at the property in the western Cape.  Here are (L-R): Klaas Stoffberg, Charl Coetzee and Jeanne Pienaar.

The Dalmore at the Venice Biennale

In Venice, The Dalmore Highland Single Malt whisky x British Council party was held in honour of its British Pavilion commission at The 18th International Architecture Exhibition 2023 of La Biennale di Venezia.

This featured cocktails inspired by The Dalmore’s partnership with V&A Dundee and their collaboration with the museum’s designer, Kengo Kuma and project manager, Maurizio Mucciola. The Dalmore 15 was also served to some 600 guests to celebrate Dancing Before the Moon, the British Pavilion’s installation and film which scooped a Special Mention during the Golden Lion award ceremonies. The installation is anchored in creating spaces for the everyday rituals of the diaspora from growing and eating food to playing games and dancing.

Veuve Clicquot 

Solaire Culture, the first ever global traveling exhibition from Veuve Clicquot, celebrates 250 years of the champagne house, running until 6 June in Piccadilly Circus.

Conceived in collaboration with French curator Camille Morineau and designer Constance Guisset, the exhibition offers a ‘complete immersion’ into Veuve Clicquot’s legacy through a ‘modern and enticing journey’, which explores the House’s heritage and cultural imprint from 1772 to the present day.

Villa Maria

The ‘Live in the Delicious’ UK campaign launched this week, which will be the biggest standalone Villa Maria campaign in the UK to-date. Global marketing and communications director Sarah Szegota said: “We identified an opportunity to strengthen our position in key markets with a creative that resonates with our target consumers; people who are passionate about developing their knowledge of wine and looking for a rewarding experience every time they pour a glass.”