Commonly thought as a quintessential English tipple, gin actually hails from across the shores and its creation is credited to Dutch physician, Sylvius de Bouve. Originally intended for medicinal purposes, the juniper berry concoction was believed to improve circulation and treat other ailments.

The heritage of alcohol in Britain goes far back; in fact there's brands and houses that have been around longer than many countries. In many cases, these brands have shaped their categories, and even the law surrounding them. Give these a go...

One thing people always seem to ask me is how long the products will last. I've been served drinks in people's homes that really should've been thrown out long ago. Similarly, I've been served whiskies in bars that have simply been open too long.

As I've described before, alcohol is inextricably linked with our humanity. I know so many people who will ask recommendations for bars and restaurants in places they are going to visit, but I suggest a different tact; Make them the destination.

The real disappointment is that it's often just one simple step that's overlooked, and that's the ice. You might've seen many bars putting a big focus on their ice- triple frozen, pride of place illuminated blocks glistening like glass, ice blocks cut into diamonds... the bar world has gone ice mad.

To me, the real crux of the food revival hasn't been that more people own a kitchen blowtorch or a bottle of truffle oil than before, but that people are focussing on their own tastes much closely... My real hope is that with a few pointers, I can get people doing the same with their drinks

The Bramble is about as quintessential an English cocktail as you can get. Traditionally it's a blend of gin, lemon juice and sugar finished with a sp...