How to Polish a Plate with Giorgio Bargiani, The Connaught Hotel, London

It’s tough to imagine our next guest going to work in tails and pinstripe trousers at Fortnum & Mason in their Wine and Spirits department, and on his gap year no less. Now, in his new role as Global Brand Ambassador for Woodford Reserve Bourbon, Tom Vernon can be a bit more casually dressed. ----Hello everyone - Don't get confused! Before there was Lush Life, there was Best Sips Worldwide, I rebranded after the first season. Although I reference Best Sips – it’s Lush Life through and through – the same great guests, the same music, and the same me! -----Of course, when he’s rustling up a few Mint Juleps at the Kentucky Derby every year, his glad rags emerge! Tom is no stranger to Woodford Reserve, he’s been their UK Brand Ambassador for five years. Now as Global Brand Ambassador, his playing field has grown bigger. For someone whose first cocktail was a Manhattan, this job is a dream. With Declan McGurk, former Bar Manager of the Savoy Hotel’s American Bar, as a mentor, young Tom was bound for glory. Whilst in Leeds and Manchester, cities that turn out some of the greats in bartending, Tom learned his trade so well that it would eventually bring him right back to where it all started, with the Manhattan and the spirit it can’t do without, Bourbon.Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!-----If you live for Lush Life would you consider supporting us by buying us a coffee…Just go to buymeacoffee.com/lushlife and you can donate once or monthly to make sure we are still here every Tuesday.Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

4 Jul 201717min

Jereon’s grandmother came up with a plan - keep making elderflower liqueur and no one in her family could stay away. Needless to say it worked, worked so well that her grandson took up the helm and made all of Belgium want it as well. ----Hello everyone - Don't get confused! Before there was Lush Life, there was Best Sips Worldwide, I rebranded after the first season. Although I reference Best Sips – it’s Lush Life through and through – the same great guests, the same music, and the same me! -----Little by little, RoomeR has grown from a small cottage industry, selling 200 bottles a month, to now producing over 100,000 bottles a year. Not only does it tastes delicious, but it couldn’t be prettier. Pure white elderflower petals dance around in the golden liqueur within its iconic, test-tube like bottle! Jereon and his partner, Tine, have worked hard to make RoomeR a socially responsible workplace, employing those who might not be able to work otherwise. They are dedicated to making their company as green as possible - no preservatives are used, their boxes and crates are recyclable and the bottles are returnable. With one sip, you are not only part of the RoomeR family, but also helping to change the world! Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!-----If you live for Lush Life would you consider supporting us by buying us a coffee…Just go to buymeacoffee.com/lushlife and you can donate once or monthly to make sure we are still here every Tuesday.Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

27 Jun 201716min

It worked for our guest today, but I don’t recommend it unless of course you are as talented as he. Missing deadlines, ignoring briefs, but using his quick wits and competitive spirit, Michael Mann has rightfully garnered the title UK Brand Ambassador of Bols Genever and Galliano. ----Hello everyone - Don't get confused! Before there was Lush Life, there was Best Sips Worldwide, I rebranded after the first season. Although I reference Best Sips – it’s Lush Life through and through – the same great guests, the same music, and the same me! -----We are also joined by Jess Mili, who didn’t miss deadlines, read her brief, and went on to beat 2,000 entrants from 75 countries, grabbing the title of Bols Around the World Champion. It was great to catch her in London as her year begins representing Lucas Bols around the world. Genever, the precursor to Gin, is sampled in bars all over the Netherlands. Little shots of potent juniper-flavored spirit served morning, noon and night. It’s been around since the Dutch King William of Orange took the boat west in the 17th C, legalized its production, and allowed every Brit to own his own still. Today, we may have more of a penchant for Gin, but Michael and Jess are changing all of that by reintroducing us to the original. Galliano, the number one liqueur sold in the USA in the 1970’s, is being exhumed from the cellar and dusted off to be used in newfangled cocktails. The old Harvey Wallbanger’s new BFF is Michael Mann! Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!-----If you live for Lush Life would you consider supporting us by buying us a coffee…Just go to buymeacoffee.com/lushlife and you can donate once or monthly to make sure we are still here every Tuesday.Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

20 Jun 201725min

Have you been on holiday and want to bring a bit of that sunshine home with you? On my last trip to Menorca, I met our guest today, Maria Teixidor, at the distillery of Gin Xoriguer in the capital city of Mahon. ----Hello everyone - Don't get confused! Before there was Lush Life, there was Best Sips Worldwide, I rebranded after the first season. Although I reference Best Sips – it’s Lush Life through and through – the same great guests, the same music, and the same me! -----We discussed the history of gin on the island and how the Pomada became their go-to summer cocktail. The Spanish drink more gin than anyone in the world. Yes, more than the British. They may have brought it with them in the 1700s, but the Menorcans have claimed it as their own. Mahon gin has been on the menu since that time and the Pomada is the drink of choice. Gin Xoriguer, in its iconic bottle, is seen (and sipped) all over the world, on and off the island, for the past 350 years. Made from a grape-based spirit (vinic alcohol), this gin is different from the usual grain-based gin we are familiar with in the UK. Needless to say, it combines perfectly with lemon and, thus, the Pomada was born.Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!-----If you live for Lush Life would you consider supporting us by buying us a coffee…Just go to buymeacoffee.com/lushlife and you can donate once or monthly to make sure we are still here every Tuesday.Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

13 Jun 201715min

Superlatives are needed when describing our next guest, Aidan Bowie, and his place of employment, Dandelyan (now Lyaness) in London. World Class Diageo UK Bartender of 2016, Class Magazine’s Best Bar in the UK, Best Hotel Bar and Best Drinks Menu for their Modern Botany theme as well as one for Aidan as the Bartender of the Year, and the list goes on and on. ----Hello everyone - Don't get confused! Before there was Lush Life, there was Best Sips Worldwide, I rebranded after the first season. Although I reference Best Sips – it’s Lush Life through and through – the same great guests, the same music, and the same me! -----Thank goodness for us, he got behind the bar after completing his studies in civil engineering. A Scot by birth, he won the first competition he entered for Auchentoshan Single Malt Whisky. Now, as his year as the World Class Diageo UK Bartender comes to a close, he sits down with me to discuss how he made it to the top of the shelf.Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!-----If you live for Lush Life would you consider supporting us by buying us a coffee…Just go to buymeacoffee.com/lushlife and you can donate once or monthly to make sure we are still here every Tuesday.Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

6 Jun 201719min

Before anyone else even knew about drinking single-malt whisky, except the Scottish of course, Jack and Wallace Milroy were in their van traipsing across the wilds of Islay to bring it back down to London. ----Hello everyone - Don't get confused! Before there was Lush Life, there was Best Sips Worldwide, I rebranded after the first season. Although I reference Best Sips – it’s Lush Life through and through – the same great guests, the same music, and the same me! -----Originally opened in 1964, Milroy’s of Soho grew into a mecca for those looking to sip the angel’s share. After a turbulent few years, it is now back from the ashes. Along with his companion, Chester, a Jack Russell, who really runs the show, Simo brought Milroy’s back to the glory of its former days. Not only do people come from around the world to buy hard-to-get whiskeys from Scotland and abroad, but old customers who knew it “when” are returning to Milroy’s in droves.Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!-----If you live for Lush Life would you consider supporting us by buying us a coffee…Just go to buymeacoffee.com/lushlife and you can donate once or monthly to make sure we are still here every Tuesday.Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

23 Mai 201728min

Garnering the title of Mezcal-eria (tequila’s smoky sister) is no easy feat, but they did it. El Bandito was one of the first UK bars to be awarded this status by Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal. Hidden below the Drunken Monkey restaurant on Broadgate, steps away from Shoreditch High Street station, John & Matt are converting the neighborhood to 100% Agave and Mezcal.----Hello everyone - Don't get confused! Before there was Lush Life, there was Best Sips Worldwide, I rebranded after the first season. Although I reference Best Sips – it’s Lush Life through and through – the same great guests, the same music, and the same me! -----Their menu consists of flights of three tequilas and three mezcals for those just dipping their toe in the smoky water or six different mezcals for those who want to jump right in. Don’t worry - there are margaritas on the menu - both Tommy’s and Frozen - or a Kale Mezcaleria, if you want something in the wellness category!Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!-----If you live for Lush Life would you consider supporting us by buying us a coffee…Just go to buymeacoffee.com/lushlife and you can donate once or monthly to make sure we are still here every Tuesday.Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

16 Mai 201730min

As Brand Ambassador for Langley’s Gin, he can finally embrace his heritage; the brand strives to be quintessentially English and for the discerning & sophisticated. Made from a single distillation in a 1960-English-produced copper pot in Langley Green, UK, it couldn’t be more English.----Hello everyone - Don't get confused! Before there was Lush Life, there was Best Sips Worldwide, I rebranded after the first season. Although I reference Best Sips – it’s Lush Life through and through – the same great guests, the same music, and the same me! -----Thanks to the hard work and effort of Jonathan and the whole team, they’re already in twenty markets and selling Englishness all around the world.Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!-----If you live for Lush Life would you consider supporting us by buying us a coffee…Just go to buymeacoffee.com/lushlife and you can donate once or monthly to make sure we are still here every Tuesday.Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

9 Mai 201723min