Angelus has long been one of WineChap’s favourite London restaurants, and Thierry Tomasin and his team have reciprocally been staunch supporters of ours: – Always sending updated winelists and letting us host dinners in their charming private dining room, so we are delighted to promote their initiatives whenever possible (Other establishments – please note how this relationship can work to mutual advantage…)
Thierry needs little introduction to anyone familiar with the city’s fine dining scene – ex Le Gavroche sommelier, then on to Aubergine before opening his own restaurant Angelus in a discrete corner of Lancaster Gate (Connaught Village to locals). Tucked up next to the riding stables, the occasional whiff of hay and sweet odure that wafts past isn’t always down to the Sauvignon Blanc or mature Burgundies on his list…
Now the ex Chairman of Sommeliers is offering diners an opportunity to learn some of the tricks of negotiating the hieroglyphics of a restaurant winelist. Like conversational French or a reasonable golf handicap, confidence when ordering wine is a necessary social skill these days. But this need not mean shelling out a fortune – in fact any idiot can spend a lot of money and get a good wine. As Thierry says “Over the years I have seen so many diners panic when presented with a wine menu. Not wanting to disappoint, many spend far more than they need to in order to impress.”
One of WineChap’s most popular wine categories on all our reviews has been the ‘First Date’ option – choosing wines which indicate a degree of connoisseurship (however superficial) rather than just the size of your wallet. But Angelus is the first restaurant to offer specific evenings on this theme with Thierry making his expert knowledge available to guests: “I am delighted to share a little of what I know and make the task of choosing wine an enjoyable experience; a chance to shine, woo and delight those at your table.”
- For a few choice tips from Thierry click here.
