Episodes

  • Mario De Sa: Hospitality Builders, Dynamic Vines and Crazy Request from Restaurant Owner #21
    Jan 23 2025

    In this episode of Breaking the Cork, we welcome Mario De Sá, founder of DS Construction. We look at his biggest projects, why he decided to leave his job at Dynamic Vines to set up his own construction company, and explains the different steps if one day you decide to open your own hospitality businesses.

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    48 mins
  • Faustine Daudier de Cassini: Caviar Bump, Sustainability, and Tasting with Hugh Grant #20
    Dec 23 2024

    In this episode of Breaking the Cork, we’re joined by Faustine De Cassini, Export Manager at Caviar Sturia. Faustine brings her expertise to the table, sharing the best ways to enjoy caviar, whether it’s with the perfect pairing or on its own. We dive into the caviar production and explore how it’s managed to maintain its reputation as the ultimate luxury dish.

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    33 mins
  • Victoria Sharples: Stemware, New Alcohol Duty and Wine Under £10 (Part 2) #19
    Dec 17 2024

    In this episode of Breaking the Cork, we’re joined once again by Victoria Sharples, Panel Chair & Judge at the International Wine Challenge (IWC). Victoria shares her insights on how stemware can elevate your wine-tasting experience, the upcoming changes to wine duty in 2025, and whether you can still find great value in wines under £10. She also takes us behind the scenes of the restaurant wine experience, offering expert tips on how to pour, present, and impress your guests with style.

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    41 mins
  • Victoria Sharples: Salon Champagne, Service Manners and Decanting Wine in a Salad Bowl?! (Part 1) #18
    Dec 10 2024

    In this episode of Breaking the Cork we sit down again with Victoria Sharples, the brilliant Group Head of Wine at Fallow & Roe. Victoria talk about the magic of champagne, exploring what makes it the ultimate celebratory drink and how to serve it like a pro. Victoria takes us behind the scenes of the restaurant wine experience, dishing out tips on how to pour, present, and wow your guests with finesse, and discover how the right wine glass can completely transform the way you experience your favorite bottle.

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    37 mins
  • Guillaume Gillan: Sabotage in Kitchen, Pop up Restaurant and 27kg of Garlic #17
    Nov 27 2024

    In this episode of Breaking the Cork, we chat with Guillaume Gillan, former executive Head Chef at Bokan and a culinary talent shaped by his time working with Alain Ducasse. Guillaume shares his fascinating journey, from leading high-pressure Michelin-starred kitchens to private members club. Now embracing life as a nomad chef, Guillaume tells us about his innovative pop-up dining experiences and his fresh approach to creating memorable food moments.

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    43 mins
  • Michael Sager: Entrepreneurship, Natural wine and the Harsh Reality Of Opening New Businesses #16
    Nov 13 2024

    In this episode of Breaking the Cork, we chat with Michael Sager, founder of the renowned Sager + Wilde in London. Michael takes us through his entrepreneurial journey, from his wine bars and restaurants to his adventurous approach to importing natural wines with his company Sager + Wine. Discover his vision for the future of wine and his unique hospitality philosophy.

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    1 hr
  • Sebastien Wind: Pastry Head Chef, Gordon Ramsay and Food Market #15
    Oct 23 2024

    In this episode of Breaking the Cork, we sit down with Sebastien Wind, Founder and Head Pastry Chef at Comptoir Gourmand, a renowned French patisserie with four locations in Southeast London, including Borough Market. Sebastien shares his culinary journey from working alongside industry legends like Gordon Ramsay and Marco Pierre White to managing Comptoir Gourmand, a thriving family-run business. Discover the inspiration behind his pastries, the challenges of running multiple shops, and his vision for the future of this beloved London bakery.

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    45 mins
  • Victoria Sharples: Head of Wine, Judge and MW Student #14
    Oct 15 2024

    In this exciting new episode of Breaking the Cork, we sit down with Victoria Sharples, the brilliant Group Head of Wine at Fallow & Roe. Victoria takes us on a journey through her fascinating career, from leading the wine program at the iconic St. John’s Restaurant to opening her very own wine bar. We also dive into her Master of Wine studies, and she shares incredible stories from her years in the wine industry.

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    1 hr and 14 mins