There are few finer places to be during these endlessly dark days than Bellamy’s in Bruton Place, London W1. And there are few finer folk to be there with than Chloe Smith, from strategic partnerships at The Spectator, and Laura Taylor, marketing director of Private Cellar.
Gavin Rankin, le patron qui mange ici, is as witty, charming and attentive as ever and our glasses of fizz — the strikingly fine Ayala Brut Majeur Champagne — are on the house. I mean how good does it get? Perhaps there is a God after all.
Ayala, founded in 1860, is one of the original Grand Marques and, part of the mighty Bollinger stable since 2005, is beloved by those in the know. So happy are we three to be out and about and so disarmed by the beaded bubbles that we have a rush of blood to the head and decide to offer the Ayala Brut Majeur NV (1) here to the wider reader-ship. Immaculate blending, low dosage and long ageing have resulted in an exquisite champagne at a fantastic discount and you’ll love it. £27.50 down from £29.99.
Grand Marque Champagne, limited edition Hamilton Russell Pinot, quaffing reds and whites
Not only that, Mr Rankin, full of Ayala-induced bonhomie, immediately declares that anyone booking a table at Bellamy’s until the end of November quoting ‘Spectator Club’ will get a welcoming glass of the stuff, gratis. Sadly, I can’t guarantee that Chloe and Laura will be there too.
For those who prefer an everyday fizz, do make a beeline for the perfectly poised, multi–awarding-winning Prosecco Ca’ Bolani (2) from the ancient city of Aquileia in Friuli. Fresh, zesty, citrusy, appley, yet bone dry on the finish, it’s impossible to stick to just one glass.
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