hotels – 2Shades Magazine

Wine tasting at the most talked about gallery in London ?

Sip wine and dine at the most talked about gallery in London https://www.firepit.art

Steven’s Out and About

To many, I might seem like the life and soul of the party, but in reality, I’m quite shy. Outside the familiar setting of events and friends’ parties, the thought of going to bars or clubs fills me with anxiety and dread. Like many, I want to meet new people, try new things, and expand my social horizons. After the passing of my former partner, I’ve struggled more than I care to admit—even to those closest to me.

Saturday nights are usually spent writing or watching a box set, feeling safe in my own space. But this year, I resolved to change that. The question was: how?

2Shades agony aunt Heidi Gammon suggested that instead of heading to the buzzy clubs and bars of Soho and Vauxhall, I should try something different. My tastes have always been eclectic, so I took her up on the challenge.

It wasn’t long before I found the perfect option—one that ticked all the boxes: a wine tasting with dinner. Of course, I couldn’t go alone, so I brought along 2Shades beauty editor Clare Mc Sweeney and her beloved teddy bear coat (don’t worry, no teddy bears were harmed in the making of it!).

The wine tasting was hosted at one of London’s most talked-about galleries—Firepit. Located on the Greenwich Peninsula, right by the banks of the Thames, Firepit is an experimental and forward-thinking artist collective, making it the perfect setting for an evening of culture, conversation, and, of course, fine wine.

Held on the last Saturday of each month, the wine-tasting masterclass is hosted by former restaurateur and sommelier “Charlie” Young, a man renowned for his deep knowledge and infectious passion for wine. Charlie’s reputation precedes him—his expertise is matched only by his ability to make learning about wine both engaging and thoroughly enjoyable.

Doors open at 5:30 PM, giving guests a half-hour to settle in, mingle, and explore the gallery’s latest exhibitions before the tasting officially begins at 6:00 PM. The setting itself—Firepit, a cutting-edge artist collective on the Greenwich Peninsula—adds an extra layer of creativity and intrigue to the evening.

Charlie pours the wine and chats .

Now, if you’ve ever attended a wine tasting where the host droned on endlessly, more focused on their own cleverness than on making the experience enjoyable, you might be wary. I’ve been there. In fact, I once attended a tasting where even my endlessly patient and sophisticated friend finally snapped, exclaiming, “FOR F—’S SAKE, JUST POUR IT!”

https://www.firepit.art

Thankfully, Charlie’s approach was the complete opposite. He made a point of ensuring the evening was lighthearted, interactive, and fun—without ever compromising on substance. He didn’t just educate; he entertained. And judging by the lively atmosphere in the room, he had a gift for bringing together a wonderfully diverse and genuinely lovely group of people.

The tasting featured six carefully selected wines, each with its own story and character. Gallery owner Marcus Jake was also on hand, standing by with a bucket for those who wished to spit or discard their samples—though, let’s be honest, few took him up on that offer. His primary role for the evening? Acting as Charlie’s glamorous assistant, which, in reality, mostly involved keeping everyone’s glasses generously topped up.

The wine tasting flies by in just over an hour, but the evening doesn’t end there. Charlie stays on for the dinner portion, offering expert advice on wine pairings and sharing fascinating insights in his signature engaging style.

Celebrity photographer Annemarie Bickerton with Charlie and me https://www.firepit.art

Dinner is served in the gallery itself, creating a relaxed and sociable atmosphere. Guests—many of whom started the evening as strangers—naturally connect over a two-course meal, exchanging thoughts on the wines, the artwork, and life in general. The sense of camaraderie is undeniable, making it feel more like an intimate dinner party than a formal event.

2Shades Clare Mc Sweeney and Annemarie Bickerton with friends join the fun https://www.firepit.art

For those who prefer just the wine tasting experience, tickets are available separately, with no obligation to stay for dinner. However, gallery curator Matthew warmly encourages guests to linger, explore the artwork, and enjoy another drink at their leisure.

“We want people to experience the gallery, to feel at home in the space,” Marcus explains. “That’s why we keep ticket prices as low as possible. The wine tastings and dinners have been a real success, bringing people together in a way that feels effortless and enjoyable.”

And a success it certainly was. 2Shades will definitely be back.

Date and time

Saturday, April 26 · 6 – 10:30pm GMT+1. Doors at 6pm

Regional French Wine Masterclass with optional two-course dinner

An informal and exciting wine masterclass featuring six premium wines from the Loire Valley, Madiran in the Southwest, the Rhone Valley and Provence. Presented by Vinoteca founder Charlie Young

There are two tickets:

Masterclass £16.50 per person, 6:00pm to 7:15pm

Two-course dinner £16.50 per person, 7:30pm to 10:30pm

Communal two-course dinner, with glasses or bottles of the wines featured in the Masterclass from £6 per glass

Regional French Wine Masterclass with Charlie Young

Anjou Blanc ‘Large Soif!’ 2020 – Terra Vita Vinum, Anjou, Loire (white)

Chinon Clos de la Bonneliere 2020 – Chateau de la Bonneliere, Chinon, Loire (red)

Pacherenc du Vic Bilh Sec 2021 – Domaine Laplace, Madiran, South West

Madiran ‘Aydie l’Origine’ 2021 – Domaine Laplace, Madiran, South West

Côtes du Rhone Vieilles Vignes 2018 – Famille Gras, Rhone South

Coteaux de Béziers Chardonnay Prestige 2022 – Chateau Preignes Le Neuf, Provence

Two-Course Dinner

Main course

Cider-braised roast ham hock with Jersey potatoes and spring peas

Dessert

Hot cross bun bread & butter pudding

Vegetarian/vegan options available on request

All masterclass wines available to buy by-the-glass or bottle

A Note from Firepit.

We have a challenge 25 policy. So please bring ID that proves you are over 18, if you are lucky enough to look under 25!

Masterclass starts at 6:00pm, you are welcome to come earlier and enjoy the gallery space.

Marcus with two of the fabulous guest Stephen . https://www.firepit.art

https://www.firepit.art

Rixos Hotel Sharm Al Sheikh: An all-inclusive luxury vacation

A five-star quality experience you will never want to leave

A Steven Smith travel feature

From the moment you walk into majestic lobby of the Rixos Sharm El Sheikh, you feel the stress flow from your body.

In fact, it’s just like coming home, with guests greeted by the smiling, multi-national reception team as though they were favourite family members.

Rixos is a five star resort and well deserves its rating. It’s more like a town than a hotel, and is run with military precision. But the precision with which it’s run belies the warmth of the staff.

It’s a family hotel, but there’s an adult-only buffet if kids are not your thing. The main pool is for families but there are several beautiful pools for adults although, sadly, they are not heated (unlike the main pool).

At this time of year there are not many children and those who were there seemed very well behaved. And there are plenty of organised activities to keep them occupied if Mum and Dad want a little time together.

The bar snacks are great and nothing seems too much bother for the attentive staff, who seem to know what you want before you know yourself. Their attention to detail cannot be faulted.

We all know that the buffet can be a real disappointment in many Egyptian hotels – my personal tip is to avoid salads unless drowned in lemon juice.

But the Rixos Nefertiti buffet is truly the best I have ever experienced. This is how five star food should be: I never once hesitated about eating anything that was served. And there are screens to see just how clean the kitchens are.

With Addiction Therapist and my best friend, Mike Power

The service is outstanding although there was one little niggle – waiters in a top hotel should not greet customers with “Alright mate” or “lovely jubbly.” Of course they were only trying to be friendly but not all their British guests are characters from Only Fools and Horses.

It was no doubt well-intentioned, but it grated. That apart, staff at the Nefertiti buffet could not be faulted, nor at the Zodiac buffet for families, which has great barbecued food.

On the beach, there’s a snack bar that turns into a seafood restaurant at night. Here you can get great salads and pizza but my tip is to avoid the burgers and chicken, as they were served lukewarm both times we tried them. Once again, though, the service was faultless.

There are seven A’ la carte restaurants, although, sadly, I will not have time to try them all. But you get to visit each one as part of your all-inclusive tariff. The food in the Italian Callainia really was of the highest standard, as was the service.

It lacked a little in atmosphere, though – more like eating in a conference room at an airport hotel.The Japanese sushi -bar was one of the eating highlights of the trip just fabulous .

The Chinese was Feng Shui restaurant, in a lovely room with equally lovely staff. Having had Chinese food around the world, my verdict is that it was OK, rather than 5 star.

To book the restaurants, you need to make a reservation each day at reception. It’s advisable to book early but be warned – there is a fee if you fail to turn up. The dress code is smart casual.

I’ve come here for a rest with a friend but here are plenty of activities and the animation team have kept us informed of evening activities. The one night we did attend the show was very professional.

The gym is really well run and there’s a steam sauna and jacuzzi, although the jacuzzi was lukewarm both times I tried it. The gentleman running the gym was very attentive.

There’s also a spa, and I fancied a massage, but their hard-sell techniques really put me off. You are quoted one price at reception but when you’re on the beach sales staff approach you quoting another price and try to make deals.

The hard-sell spa people are really the only downside of this lovely hotel and they do let it down. It’s just not appropriate in a five star hotel to have guests hassled on the beach – let’s face it, there are enough non-hotel boat tour people to do that. You expect it in Naama Bay, but not here. And it’s bad business for the hotel – I wanted a massage, but I didn’t have one because of the hassle.

Rooms are spacious and of a high standard. Again, the staff were outstanding – the cleaner took such care and was so professional, he should be trained up as a manager.There is internet every where in the hotel and room unlike many hotels in the area

One tip is to avoid the so-called “Express” transfer to the hotel. It’s anything but. We had a long drive, dropping five people off on the edge of Naama Bay before coming back past the airport. Then we were hassled heavily to tip the driver, even after being treated like cattle on a journey that was far too long. So, my strong advice is to book a private car transfer; it only costs £10 more and is well worth it.

Once you get to the hotel, though, that all fades away. At Rixos, all-inclusive means all-inclusive and, as you wrap yourself in the fluffy blue beach towels, protected by windbreakers and soaking up the rays, you may decide that you never want to leave this paradise of a hotel.

To book your next luxury vacation with Rixos, go to http://sharmelsheikh.rixos.com