Food and wine events

Alaska Events has a particular strength in food and wine events, and this section of our site aims to bring attention to some of our more personal interests!

Bermondsey Street — our favourite foody destination!

The Bermondsey Street area has transformed itself in recent years into one of London’s premier new foody destinations. Literally in the shadow of the emerging Shard at London Bridge, Bermondsey Street is a hidden village community whose Conservation Area status, period and converted warehouse buildings, and calm open spaces have become a magnet for young creative professionals. Their presence has supported the establishment of numerous highly regarded restaurants and bars (E.g. The Hide, José, The Leather Exchange, Village East, Zucca), and combined with the independent Shortwave cinema and The Bermondsey Square Hotel, it has become a lively and attractive place to live and work. Well we like it!.

Not only is it a short walk from Borough Market but it has its own Farmers Market on a Saturday morning in Bermondsey Square, and there’s a growing specialist food market in nearby Maltby Street. For more details see london-se1.co.uk

Leather Exchange to re-open weekends

The Leather Exchange at 15 Leathermarket Street SE1 3HN has announced it is to re-open on Sundays for its famous ‘Your Sundays’ where you book in advance and have your chosen roast all ready and waiting cooked to your specification. Timing is crucial for roasts, and you can’t get better than a bespoke roast.

They are also working with Alaska Events and Waterloo Wines on special themed evening, with the first set for Saturday 29th October to celebrate the Indian Festival of Lights, Dewali. Since it also close to our own Halloween period which also features candles and lights, its sure to be a highly atmospheric evening.

The menu will feature a fusion of Indian and European dishes, and Waterloo Wines will helpfully match each course with a suitable wine, so you can also learn which wines work well with spicy food. To add an extra touch of atmosphere the already attractive first floor oak panelled restaurant will be decorated with Indian touches, and probably a pumpkin or two!

To book tables for these or any other evenings see the Leather Exchange website or call Anna on 0207 407 0295 or click here to email

The area also has a number of superb event venues for hire, so for more information on venues call us on 020 7394 1060.

Champagne Michel-Gentilhomme
— Our personal champagne!

Alaska Events’ Brice Gentilhomme has introduced us to a very special champagne — that of his sister and brother in law. Now that’s a nice family connection to have!

Some history

Champagne Michel-Gentilhomme is a unique marriage of two long established families from the Epernay region in Champagne: the Michel family who have been viticulturists since 1847, and the Gentilhomme family who have been involved in champagne production, including for Moet et Chandon, for four generations.

Now established in the heart of the delightful village of Ay, which still retains some traces of its medieval past, the family champagne business is owned and managed by Vincent and Bénédicte Michel-Gentilhomme. Ay was home to the champagne presses of François I and Henri IV. These presses can still be seen every two years at the famous Festival Henri IV (next Festival 2012).

The popularity of their champagne has allowed the business to expand significantly recently, culminating in the opening of new pressoires in July 2011, on the same day that Jacques Gentilhomme received an agricultural honour for his lifelong contribution to the champagne industry.

Michel-Gentilhomme produce four varieties of champagne, from vines across nine Communes, which bring with them unique flavours — a function of the different soils. Harvested by hand over 12 days (the harvest is expected to be early this year, in the third week of August) the grapes are pressed in the traditional manner and overseen by the vinicologist to ensure the best possible quality of juice is produced.

The fermentation takes place in the new aluminium vats to maintain a consistent temperature and ensure there is no loss of aroma.

The champagne is then blended according to both tradition but also the particular character of the grapes that year, and in some cases stored for several months in oak barrels in caves under the house, which adds further character and flavour.

The Michel-Gentilhomme champagne range
— Choose the blend that’s right for you!

Brut Reserve

A unique but traditional blend of the three champagne grape varieties with a fruity, round flavour which will accompany all foods or is lovely on its own.

The one to choose for those special occasions and parties.

Blanc de Blancs

A newer option which only uses the chardonnay grape. The
Michel-Gentilhomme chardonnay grapes are grown in perfect conditions, which capture the important hint of chalk and the sunny elevations explain the strength and finesse of the final blend.

This is the one to serve if you want to offer something different, whilst respecting tradition

Brut Rosé

Personifying the fruit of the meunier grape and the lightness of chardonnay, this delicate champagne is really special.

Popular for weddings and summer parties

Brut Tradition

This powerful wine brings together in equal parts chardonnay and pinot noir. Stored for several months in oak barrels to produce a hint of vanilla the blend is one that champagne lovers will greatly appreciate.

This champagne was recently served in a House of Lords reception.

The champagne range is not available through retailers in the UK, only direct from the champagne house in Ay — which in our view just makes it even more special. Ay is only 3 hours from Calais, and you can even stay in their Gite or B&B!

For more information see champagne-michel-gentilhomme.com or call Brice Gentilhomme on 020 7394 1060