ISSUE THIRTEEN - November 2026
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06 What We Love in London 08 Remember, Remember: Where to Watch London Fireworks 18 David Bowie: Music Lover
24 From Peckham to Mexico 30 Autumn: Timothy Sawyer Shepard at Holland Park Cafe 34 Wild About Mushrooms
36 Cocktail of the Month: 36 Cocktail of the Month: The Maccarita The Maccarita 38 PAIRED: Penfolds 38 PAIRED: Penfolds 44 My London: Katie 44 My London: Katie Puckrik Puckrik
New for winter: Vegemite and cheese twice baked soufflé
NOVEMBER IN LONDON
Prue Freeman & Tom Onions, Daisy Green Collection Founders
November is here, and suddenly we’re digging out our winter coats, the evenings are getting darker, and Christmas doesn’t feel quite so far away. It’s a lovely time of year to be in London though. There’s plenty happening, from fireworks and live music to some brilliant new exhibitions, and lots of good reasons to venture out despite the colder weather.
One opening we’re particularly looking forward to is the new London Museum in Smithfield. Taking over the historic General Market, it’s a fascinating project that brings one of London’s old buildings back to life. We take a look at the history of the area, and what you can expect when the museum opens its doors later this month.
A little further afield, five of our team recently had the chance to travel to Mexico with our friends at El Rayo. They spent time exploring the agave fields and distilleries of Jalisco, learning about the people and traditions behind the tequila we serve in our bars. We’re sharing a little piece of their adventure in this issue, along with two rather good El Rayo cocktails to try back in London.
Closer to home, there’s a new exhibition at Holland Park Café by artist Timothy Sawyer Shepard, whose beautiful work takes inspiration from his walks through the park. We’re delighted to have his pieces on display and hope you’ll pop in to see them when you’re in the area.
Elsewhere, we’re talking all things sleep and recovery with former professional rugby player Oz, catching up with broadcaster Katie Puckrik for My London, and getting into the spirit of autumn with wild mushrooms, some wonderful wines from Penfolds and a few comforting dishes from our kitchens.
We’re also supporting this year’s Poppy Appeal across our venues, alongside charities helping those who have dedicated their working lives to the emergency services. If you’re visiting us before 11 November, please do consider picking up a poppy.
As always, we hope you enjoy reading this month’s issue, and perhaps find something new to see, somewhere to visit or something delicious to try.
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THE CON TENTS
ISSUE THIRTEEN - NOVEMBER 2026
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What We Love In London
08.
Remember, Remember: Where to Watch London fireworks
18.
David Bowie: Music Lover
24.
From Peckham to Mexico
30.
Autumn: Timothy Sawyer Shepard at Holland Park Café
34.
Wild About Mushrooms
36.
Cocktail of the Month: The Maccarita
38.
PAIRED: Penfolds
44.
My London: Katie Puckrik
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Image: Magdalena Kula Manchee
NOVEMBER GUIDE
What to do and where this
month
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WHAT WE LOVE IN LONDON
Our favourite exhibitions, openings and seasonal moments across the city this month.
1. Pitchfork Music Festival London (2nd–8th November) Pitchfork Music Festival returns to London this November, bringing seven days of live music to venues including KOKO, Roundhouse and Village Underground. Championing emerging talent alongside established names, the line-up features The Avalanches, Noname, Actress and Hania Rani, spanning electronic music, indie rock, hip-hop and jazz.
2. The Jungle Book at the National Theatre (from 13th November) Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book comes to the National Theatre in a new adaptation by Anupama Chandrasekhar. Directed by Indhu Rubasingham, the production follows Mowgli, a boy raised among animals in India’s Sundarbans forests, bringing the classic story to life through inventive puppetry and storytelling.
3. Bonfire Night in London (5th November) Bonfire Night celebrations return across London this November, with fireworks, food and festivities across the capital. Highlights include Alexandra Palace’s Fireworks & Drone Festival on 7–8 November, featuring spectacular displays, a traditional bonfire, funfair rides and live entertainment.
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4. Peggy Guggenheim in London at the Royal Academy (from 21st November) The Royal Academy explores the legacy of influential art collector Peggy Guggenheim, focusing on her years in London and the pioneering Guggenheim Jeune gallery. Featuring works by Salvador Dalí, Barbara Hepworth, Henry Moore and Wassily Kandinsky, the exhibition offers a glimpse into London’s avant-garde art scene of the 1930s.
5. BICEP at the Royal Albert Hall (26th November) Electronic duo BICEP return to the stage this November for a one-off performance at the Royal Albert Hall. Marking their first live show in three years, the Belfast-born pair will debut new material alongside favourites from their back catalogue, complete with their signature immersive visuals.
6. Christmas at Kew (from 13th November) Christmas at Kew returns this November, transforming the Royal Botanic Gardens with spectacular light installations, glowing tunnels and immersive soundscapes. The festive trail features new displays alongside returning favourites, with seasonal food stalls, warming drinks and a traditional fairground.
7. EFG London Jazz Festival (13th–22nd November) The EFG London Jazz Festival returns this November with ten days of performances across more than 60 venues. Now in its thirty-fourth year, the festival brings together established musicians and emerging talent, with highlights including Goldie, Robert Glasper and Asha Puthli, plus a celebration of John Coltrane’s centenary.
04 03
06 07
04 Vasily Kandinsky - Dominant Curve (detail), April 1936 Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York, Solomon R. Guggen heim Founding Collection. Photo: Kristopher McKay © 2025 The Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, New York
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REMEMBER, REMEMBER
Where to watch the fireworks in London this November
More than 400 years after the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, London is still celebrating the fifth of November, although these days it’s less about Guy Fawkes and more about spectacular displays, roaring bonfires and an excuse to spend an evening outdoors.
From the grand celebrations at Alexandra Palace to the riverside spectacle at Battersea Park, we’ve rounded up some of the best places to watch the fireworks this November.
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BECKENHAM FIREWORKS
7th November | South East London
For something with a more local, community feel, Beckenham’s annual fireworks display is well worth a visit.
Held at Croydon Road Recreation Ground and organised by the 5th Beckenham South Scout Group, the event raises money for local causes. There are two displays, including an earlier, quieter show for younger children, alongside fairground rides and plenty of food stalls.
A lovely reminder that sometimes the smaller, neighbourhood celebrations are just as enjoyable as the big city spectacles.
WIMBLEDON PARK
5th November | South West London
For those who prefer to celebrate on Bonfire Night itself, Wimbledon Park is hosting its annual Fireworks in the Park event on Thursday 5 November.
Expect two fireworks displays set to music, alongside fairground rides, street food and plenty of autumnal atmosphere. With an earlier display for younger children, it’s a good option for families looking to enjoy the festivities together.
ALEXANDRA PALACE
7th–8th November | North London
Few places do Bonfire Night quite like Ally Pally. With panoramic views across London, the palace provides a pretty spectacular backdrop for its annual Fireworks & Drone Festival.
This year, the celebrations stretch across Saturday and Sunday, with choreographed drone displays, a giant bonfire, street food, ice skating and fairground rides. Saturday is all about the party, with DJ sets and live music, while Sunday offers an earlier, more family-friendly evening.
MORDEN PARK
7th November | South London
If you miss the celebrations on Thursday, Morden Park is keeping the festivities going on Saturday 7 November.
Organised by Merton Council, the evening promises another two musical fireworks displays, a funfair and a street food village. It’s a traditional Bonfire Night outing, complete with all the familiar sights, sounds and smells of an evening at the fireworks.
BATTERSEA PARK
7th–8th November | South London
One of London’s biggest Bonfire Night celebrations returns to Battersea Park for two evenings of fireworks, music and entertainment.
Saturday’s festivities include performances from Rudimental DJ and Latin band Conjunto Sabroso, followed by a Disco Ceilidh afterparty. On Sunday, expect live entertainment, a Taylor Swift tribute and another impressive display over the park.
And with Battersea Power Station just around the corner, there’s no shortage of places to enjoy dinner or a drink afterwards.
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REMEMBERING THOSE WHO SERVE
This November, we’re raising vital funds to support UK critical
workers affected by service-related trauma.
Every November, the familiar red poppy appears on coats, jackets and lapels across the country. A small symbol, but one that carries a great deal of meaning.
This year, Daisy Green is once again marking Remembrance Day, with poppies available across our venues from 22nd October until 11th November.
Guests can pick up a traditional paper poppy for £1, or a metal pin for £3, with donations directly supporting the Royal British Legion’s annual Poppy Appeal.
Alongside this, we’re raising funds for organisations supporting the mental health and wellbeing of those affected by their time in service, including Police Care UK, Fire Fighters Charity and The Ambulance Staff Charity.
It’s our way of showing appreciation for the people who dedicate their lives to helping others, and making sure support is there when they need it themselves.
To find out more about the charities we’re supporting, visit daisygreenfood.com/charity
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LONDON’S NEXT CHAPTER
After more than thirty years behind closed doors, Smithfield’s historic General Market is getting a fresh lease of life as the new home of London Museum. And given the area’s rather colourful past, it’s hard to imagine a more fitting location.
London has a habit of hiding some of its best stories in plain sight. You can walk past the same building for years without giving it much thought, only to discover it has a history far more interesting than you might have imagined.
Smithfield is a particularly good example. These days, most people associate it with the famous meat market, but over the centuries this corner of London has seen some pretty extraordinary things.
The Romans used it as a burial ground, medieval Londoners traded livestock here, and for a rather gruesome period, it was one of the city’s main execution sites. William Wallace, the Scottish knight made famous by Braveheart, met his end here in 1305. On a cheerier note, from the twelfth to the nineteenth century, it was also home to Bartholomew Fair, an enormous annual event attracting traders, performers and crowds looking for a good time.
And this November, there’s another reason to pay Smithfield a visit.
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On 28th November, the former Museum of London will reopen as London Museum, taking over the historic General Market following a £437 million transformation.
Designed by Sir Horace Jones, who was also responsible for Tower Bridge and Leadenhall Market, the building first opened in 1883. After closing in the 1990s, much of it remained hidden from public view for more than three decades. Now, its Victorian ironwork, brick vaults and former trading spaces have been given a new purpose.
There’s even an old railway depot beneath the market, where trains once delivered goods directly into the building. A live railway still runs alongside these underground spaces today, with future plans for a viewing window where visitors can watch trains passing through.
Inside, the museum will tell London’s story through the people who have lived here over thousands of years. Among the collection are the Lord Mayor’s enormous ceremonial coach, the sign from the much-missed India
Club, a familiar Topshop sign, and Syd’s Coffee Stall, which served Shoreditch locals for around one hundred years.
It’s a lovely mixture of the grand and the ordinary. Because as much as London is defined by its famous landmarks, it’s often the smaller things people remember most. The restaurants where we celebrated birthdays, the shops we visited as teenagers and the places that have long since disappeared.
And given the museum’s home in a former food market, it seems only right that food plays a big part in its opening programme.
London Tastes, developed with food writers Ruby Tandoh and Jonathan Nunn of Vittles, explores the cultures and dishes that have made London one of the world’s most exciting places to eat.
From pie and mash shops to Brick Lane bagels, Chinatown restaurants and chicken shops, it’s a celebration of the foods Londoners have made their own. After all, London’s food scene has been shaped by generations of people bringing their own cooking traditions to the capital.
The museum is also planning DJ sets on Friday and Saturday evenings, free Tuesday tea gatherings around Syd’s Coffee Stall and monthly dinner clubs from January.
With free entry to the permanent galleries, it’s shaping up to be a welcome addition to London’s cultural scene, and hopefully somewhere people return to again and again.
And while the City might be better known for its office buildings and busy weekday crowds, there’s plenty more to discover if you venture beyond the usual routes.
London Museum opens on 28th November 2026 at Smithfield General Market. Entry to the permanent galleries is free. Find out more at londonmuseum. org.uk.
© Secchi Smith. Images courtesy of Brunswick Group.
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OUR FAVOURITE AREAS: BISHOPSGATE & THE CITY OF LONDON
Where to eat, drink and explore in London’s historic financial district
The City of London might be best known for its towering skyscrapers, bustling offices and suited commuters, but look a little closer and you’ll find some of the capital’s oldest streets, remarkable architecture and plenty of places worth exploring beyond the working week.
Bishopsgate itself dates back to Roman London, when it formed part of an important route connecting the city with the north of England. Its name comes from one of the original gates in London’s defensive wall, which
Stay: South Place Hotel
3 South Pl, London EC2M 2AF
Just moments from Liverpool Street,South Place Hotel brings a touch of boutique luxury to the heart of the City. Its stylish, individually designed bedrooms offer a welcome escape from the busy streets below, while the Michelin-starred Angler restaurant on the rooftop has earned a reputation for its exceptional seafood and impressive views across London.
With Spitalfields, the Barbican and some of the City’s best restaurants and bars all within easy reach, it’s a great base for exploring this historic corner of the capital.
southplacehotel.com
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stood here until 1760. Just a short walk away, the medieval church of St Helen’s Bishopsgate counts William Shakespeare among its former parishioners, while Leadenhall Market, with its beautiful Victorian roof and cobbled walkways, has been a centre of trade for centuries.
Today, historic churches and tuckedaway courtyards sit beneath some of London’s most recognisable buildings, including the Gherkin and the Cheesegrater. Head towards Liverpool Street and you’ll find
Eat: Bistro Freddie
74 Luke Street, London EC2A 4PY
Tucked away on a quiet corner of Shoreditch, Bistro Freddie brings a little Parisian charm to East London. With its burgundy interiors, white tablecloths and candlelit dining room, this intimate neighbourhood restaurant combines traditional French bistro cooking with the best of seasonal British produce.
The menu features comforting classics, from hearty sharing pies to larger cuts of meat cooked over fire, accompanied by an exclusively French wine list. Just a short walk from Liverpool Street, it’s a lovely spot for a leisurely lunch or an evening spent enjoying good food and good company.
bistrofreddie.com
the lively shops and restaurants of Spitalfields, while the Barbican’s galleries, cinema and performances are within easy reach.
And with an ever-growing collection of restaurants, bars and cultural attractions, there’s far more to this part of London than the Monday-to-Friday rush. Whether you’re meeting friends for brunch, exploring the area’s history or making an evening of it, the City is well worth another look.
Nearest Station: Liverpool Street
Paradise Green
Bringing a little Australian sunshine to the heart of the City, Paradise Green takes its inspiration from Surfers Paradise on Queensland’s Gold Coast, where our founder went to university. Just moments from Liverpool Street Station, it merges food, art and Australian culture in a sophisticated yet tongue-in-cheek manner.
The space is divided into two distinct areas. The bright and airy ‘Sunrise’ room is made for morning coffees, brunches and long lunches, while the moodier ‘Sunset’ bar comes alive in the evening, complete with immersive artwork, a striking 3D light installation and cocktails flowing well into the night.
The Australian-inspired menu runs from breakfast through to dinner, excellent coffee and plenty of options for sharing.
On Saturdays, Paradise Live brings an extra dose of entertainment, with bottomless brunch, live singers and DJs. Whether you’re popping in for a quick coffee, catching up with friends over dinner or settling in for a few Friday evening cocktails, there’s always something happening at Paradise Green.
Visit daisygreenfood.com/location-paradise for more info
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BOOK REVIEW:
DAVID BOWIE: MUSIC LOVER
THROUGH THE EYES OF A LIFELONG FRIEND
From childhood friends in Bromley to travelling the world at the height of Ziggy Stardust’s fame, Geoff MacCormack had a front-row seat to David Bowie’s extraordinary life. Richard Purden discovers the stories behind the music, memories and photographs that captured a very different side of the star.
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Image Left: David and Geoff during the filming of The Man Who Fell to Earth © Geoff MacCormack
Image Right: Bowie recording Station to Station, Cherokee Studios, 1975 © Geoff MacCormack
“What a lucky little sod I was to have David Jones as a childhood friend,” reflects Geoff MacCormack.
Long before David Bowie became one of the world’s most recognisable musicians, he was simply David Jones, a schoolboy growing up in Bromley. The pair had known each other since primary school, singing together in the local choir and attending Cubs. Neither could have imagined that a few years later, they would be travelling the world together at the height of Bowie’s fame.
As a backing vocalist and occasional songwriter, MacCormack contributed to some of Bowie’s most celebrated albums, including Aladdin Sane (1973), Diamond Dogs (1974) and Station to Station (1976). But it was his position as a trusted friend that gave him something few others enjoyed: an unguarded view of the man behind the music.
His new book, David Bowie: Music Lover, co-written with French music journalist Jérôme Soligny, explores the artists and records that shaped Bowie’s extraordinary musical imagination.
Spanning more than 100 artists, it traces his influences from Little Richard, whose records played on his childhood Dansette, to Kendrick Lamar, whose To Pimp a Butterfly accompanied the making of his final album, Blackstar.
Alongside the music is a remarkable collection of candid photographs taken by MacCormack between 1973 and 1976, a period when he was rarely far from Bowie’s side.
Famously reluctant to fly, Bowie preferred to cross the Atlantic by ocean liner, completing his tours by road and rail. MacCormack accompanied him on these journeys, including a memorable trip across Russia aboard the Trans-Siberian Express.
“In Japan, I bought a Nikkormat camera. It wasn’t cheap but it got me in on a basic level. The first picture I took was of David in front of the Trans Siberian Express with his hands on his hips, looking into the camera; it’s a very natural picture.”
Armed with his camera, MacCormack
began documenting their travels, capturing moments that would otherwise have been lost.
Among his collection is a photograph of Bowie fast asleep in his cabin, surrounded by empty wine bottles after an evening drinking with Russian soldiers.
“He didn’t know I took that for thirtyfive years,” MacCormack reveals. The photographs had remained tucked away in a chest at his mother’s house.
“Those snaps are like mobile phone pictures in a way. It’s the kind of stuff you might have on your phone and forget about. They are quite valuable because they narrate that period.”
It’s this intimacy that makes the photographs so compelling. They weren’t intended for album covers or publicity campaigns. They were simply snapshots taken by a friend.
Another particularly illuminating image shows Bowie sitting backstage at London’s Hammersmith Odeon, quietly reading a newspaper shortly before
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Bowie, backstage, Hammersmith Odeon, 1973 © Geoff MacCormack
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retiring his Ziggy Stardust persona in 1973.
“I knew before he was retiring (the character) and I was amazed at how calm he was. There he is reading a newspaper like anyone does on a Sunday morning but he happens to be about to go on stage to do a complicated show.”
MacCormack was careful not to overstep the boundaries of their friendship.
“I wish I had taken more pictures but I didn’t want to push it because I wouldn’t have got access to David being so unguarded.”
Of course, MacCormack’s contribution to Bowie’s career extended well beyond photography.
In October 1973, he dropped into Bowie’s Chelsea townhouse during a songwriting session and began playing around on an upright piano. Bowie developed the melody and added what MacCormack remembers as a “killer chorus”.
The resulting song, Rock ‘n’ Roll With Me, appeared on Diamond Dogs the following year. Credited under MacCormack’s pseudonym, Warren Peace, the track would eventually become the subject of a legal wrangle with management over royalties, which was later resolved.
MacCormack also joined Bowie on stage for the ambitious American Diamond Dogs tour, a theatrical production combining music, dance, mime and elaborate choreography.
“The three of us worked hard and it was brilliant; it was one of the first pieces of rock theatre which had some kind of cohesion. It was a shame it never reached the UK.”
By 1976, Bowie had reinvented himself once again, recording Station to Station in Los Angeles. MacCormack remained alongside him, contributing backing vocals to the album, including Golden Years.
He recalls having to finish the high notes after Bowie lost his voice during recording, as well as contributing to the song’s distinctive arrangement. Bowie, however, had little recollection of the session.
“We exchanged a few emails where I said: ‘Remember it was 40 years ago in the middle of the night and you were probably stoned.’”
Bowie eventually conceded: “OK. You can have the wah, wah, wahs.”
Despite finding himself in the company of some of the world’s most celebrated musicians and photographers, MacCormack never seriously pursued photography as a career.
Both Steve Schapiro and Brian Duffy, photographers responsible for some of Bowie’s most iconic imagery, offered him opportunities to work as their assistant.
MacCormack ultimately turned them down, later reflecting on his brief enthusiasm for the medium with characteristic humour.
“I was interested in photography for five minutes; it just happened to be the right five minutes.”
And what an extraordinary five minutes they turned out to be.
David Bowie: Music Lover is out now.
Geoff and David in Russia, May Day Parade 1973, photographer unknown
Bowie putting down some ideas for Station to Station © Geoff MacCormack
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CULTURE AT DAISY GREEN
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FROM PECKHAM TO MEXICO
Our Daisy Green team travelled to Mexico with El Rayo to discover the people, places and traditions behind one of our favourite tequilas.
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t all started with a bottle of tequila in a flat in Peckham. Not the sort you might remember from your student days, accompanied by a wedge of lime, a pinch of salt and a questionable decision or two. This was something different.
Back in 2017, friends Jack Vereker and Tom Bishop found themselves without any beer one evening and decided to open a bottle of añejo tequila that had been gathering dust on a shelf. Brought back from Mexico by Tom’s brother, neither was expecting very much.
As it turned out, that bottle would change everything.
Surprised by how good it tasted, the pair became fascinated by a
spirit they’d previously associated with late-night shots. They began researching tequila and eventually swapped London for Guadalajara, Mexico, to find out more.
Two years later, El Rayo was born.
Fast-forward to 2026, and five members of our Daisy Green team – Ashleigh, Angie, Kristina, Parinya and Salvo – were lucky enough to follow in their footsteps, heading to Mexico with El Rayo to discover exactly what goes into making the tequila we pour back home in London.
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FIRST, A LITTLE ABOUT TEQUILA…
Tequila can only be produced in designated regions of Mexico, with the majority coming from the state of Jalisco, home to Guadalajara and the town of Tequila itself.
It’s made from blue agave, an extraordinary plant with long, spiky leaves, that looks a little like a giant aloe vera. Despite appearances, it’s actually more closely related to asparagus.
Unlike grapes or grain, which can be harvested relatively quickly, blue agave takes years to reach maturity. The plants used for making El Rayo are grown for around eight years before they’re ready to harvest.
Eight years. For one plant.
When the time finally comes, skilled farmers known as jimadores remove the pointed leaves using a sharp, circular blade called a coa, leaving behind the heart of the plant, known as the piña.
Resembling enormous pineapples, these hearts are cooked to convert their natural carbohydrates into fermentable sugars. The juice is then extracted, fermented and distilled to create tequila.
It’s a process that demands patience, experience and considerable hard work.
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THE LAND OF AGAVE
Our team’s journey took them from the busy streets of Guadalajara into the surrounding countryside, where neat rows of blue agave stretch across Jalisco’s distinctive red earth.
Here, in the highlands, El Rayo sources its agave, working with local producers and tequila makers who understand the land and traditions behind the spirit.
A visit to HLC Distillery in Arandas gave our team the opportunity to see the production process up close, from the harvested agave through to the finished tequila.
For people who spend much of their working lives preparing food, making drinks and serving guests, there’s something particularly special about seeing where an ingredient comes from.
You can read about production methods and learn tasting notes, but standing in the place where something is actually made gives you a rather different appreciation of it.
A LITTLE BOLT OF LIGHTNING
There’s also a wonderful story behind El Rayo’s name.
Translating to ‘the lightning’, El Rayo takes its name from a Mexican folk tale about the origins of tequila.
According to legend, a bolt of lightning struck a blue agave plant, cooking its heart and releasing a sweet liquid. A farmer discovered the plant, and the story goes that this chance encounter eventually led to the discovery of tequila.
It’s a good story, whether you believe it or not. And one that inspired the brand’s name and distinctive packaging.
When Jack and Tom first travelled to Guadalajara, they met Mexican designer Mario Ballesteros, whose creative studio Toro Pinto helped bring El Rayo to life.
Rather than relying on the familiar clichés often associated with tequila, they wanted to celebrate a different side of Mexico. The result was a colourful, contemporary identity inspired by Mexican folklore, art and design.
Although the idea for El Rayo began in South London, its character was shaped by the people Jack and Tom met in Mexico. From the tequila itself to the artwork on the bottle, there’s a real connection to the place where it all began.
BRINGING A LITTLE MEXICO BACK TO LONDON
Of course, a visit to Mexico was never going to be solely about tequila production.
Alongside their time in Arandas, our team explored Guadalajara and the town of Tequila, getting a taste of the food, music and culture that make this part of Mexico so special.
As the capital of Jalisco, Guadalajara is a city where traditional markets, historic architecture and lively bars sit alongside a thriving contemporary creative scene. It’s also the heart of a region famous for two of Mexico’s most recognisable exports: mariachi music and, of course, tequila.
For Ashleigh, Angie, Kristina, Parinya and Salvo, the trip was a chance to step away from the day-to-day bustle of hospitality and experience the people, places and traditions behind a spirit we serve every day.
From the agave fields of Jalisco to the distilleries of Arandas, and from Guadalajara’s busy streets to our bars in London, El Rayo has quite a story to tell.
And while not every bottle of tequila comes with a trip to Mexico, we’re certainly glad this one did.
A huge thank you to the El Rayo team for such a memorable experience.
Gracias, Mexico!
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MONKEY BUSINESS
El Rayo Plata Tequila, bell pepper shrub
& REAL Dry sparkling tea
HIGH TIDE
El Rayo Reposado Tequila, sherry &
toasted coconut-infused Frangelico
FROM MEXICO, WITH LOVE
Two cocktails bringing a little taste of Jalisco to London.
After exploring the agave fields of Jalisco and discovering the people and traditions behind El Rayo tequila, it seems only right that we put all that newfound knowledge to good use.
Fortunately, you don’t need to travel quite as far as Mexico to enjoy it.
Back in London, El Rayo takes centre stage in two of our cocktails, each showcasing a different side of this wonderfully versatile spirit.
First up is Monkey Business, a fresh and rather unexpected combination of El Rayo Plata Tequila, bell pepper shrub and REAL Dry sparkling tea. The tequila’s bright, citrusy agave notes meet the tangy, savoury character of bell pepper, while the sparkling tea adds a refreshing fizz. It might sound like an unusual pairing, but that’s all part of the fun.
For something a little richer, there’s High Tide, made with El Rayo Reposado Tequila, sherry and toasted coconut-infused Frangelico. Rested in oak barrels, the Reposado brings softer, warmer notes that work beautifully alongside the nutty sweetness of toasted coconut and the complexity of sherry. Smooth, warming and one to take your time over.
Two very different cocktails, both celebrating the same remarkable spirit. And proof that there’s a lot more to tequila than salt, lime and shots.
Discover Monkey Business and High Tide as part of our winter cocktail menu, available at selected Daisy Green locations.
Salud!
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AUTUMN
AT THE HOLLAND PARK CAFÉ
Discover a new exhibition featuring artist Timothy Sawyer Shepard curated by Justin Hibbs for the Daisy Green Collection.
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Wandering through Holland Park and finding yourself encountering Timothy Sawyer Shepard’s exhibition at the Holland Park Café, you might experience a sense of déjà vu. Influenced by the spirit of Japanese Ukiyo-e masters like Utagawa Hiroshige and Hokusai, Shepard embraces a practice of wandering freely without a specific purpose. This approach allows him to merge conscious and unconscious sensitivities, resulting in artworks that are not strict representations of a place but rather evocations of their experience.
Shepard, a long-time local of Holland Park, has, over the last year, created two new largescale works in response to his wanderings within the Park. They provide a compressed and rearranged encounter with the park’s winter and spring seasons, born of both photographic reality and imaginative reconstruction - all the parts are real, but the whole, its truth, is imagined. An assemblage of the gathered impressions and memories caught with the camera and orchestrated with the mind’s eye into a single image, Holland Park as captured in a waking dream.
This process involves two distinct phases: the first, wandering with his camera, gathering fragments:
‘When one falls asleep, having gathered the material of the day, one tears it up and recombines it, and dreams by one’s own light. In doing so, one becomes Creator.’ — The Upanishads.
hundreds of quick images of whatever catches his eye. In the latter phase, these moments are carried inwards and re-composed in the studio, intricately cut, layered and reassembled using Photoshop to form a singular image that is both fractured and whole—what he calls the omni-jective view of memory: many perspectives, one vision.
Alongside the two new large prints are several more of Shepard’s wanderings printed on handmade Echizen washi from the famed Iwano family workshop in Japan. A közo paper, formed entirely by hand in a method using no chemicals, from the same mill, along the same stream in an unbroken line; now by Ichibei Iwano, the last and ninth-generation washi maker and designated Ningen Kokuh - Living National Treasure of Japan. This unique washi, once used by Edo-era artists like Hokusai, lends historical resonance to Shepard’s contemporary process. A process that reminds us of the value of taking the time to wander without purpose, allowing ourselves to absorb the spirit of a place and engage in the creative act of looking and re-imagining by our own light.
The exhibition is open in the Café daily and continues until spring 2027.
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FOOD, DRINK & LIFESTYLE
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WILD ABOUT MUSHROOMS
Wild mushroom parfait, pickled walnuts & hibiscus shallots
If you’ve been for a walk in the countryside recently, you might have noticed mushrooms popping up just about everywhere. Autumn is prime mushroom season in Britain, with cooler temperatures and plenty of rain creating ideal conditions for fungi to flourish. In fact, there are around fifteen thousand species of wild fungi in the UK alone.
And while we’d certainly leave the foraging to the experts, we’re more than happy to enjoy them on a plate. Earthy, rich and wonderfully savoury, they’re particularly good at this time of year, when we’re craving something a little more comforting.
They’re also surprisingly versatile. From a simple plate of buttery mushrooms on toast to rich risottos, soups and pâtés, there are myriad ways you can use them.
Our wild mushroom parfait is a great example. Smooth, rich and packed with the deep, earthy flavour of wild mushrooms, it’s served with pickled walnuts and hibiscus shallots. The sharpness of the walnuts cuts through the richness of the parfait, while the shallots bring a little sweetness and acidity.
It’s a lovely combination of tastes and textures, and something a little different from the usual autumnal dishes.
And if it’s inspired you to get cooking, a simple mushroom pâté is easy to make at home.
At Home:A Simple Wild Mushroom Pâté
For a delicious homemade version, fry 250g of finely chopped mushrooms with a shallot, a clove of garlic and a little butter until golden and all the moisture has evaporated.
Leave to cool before blending with 100g of cream cheese, a squeeze of lemon and a little fresh thyme. Season with salt and pepper, then refrigerate until firm.
Serve generously on toasted sourdough with pickled walnuts or quick-pickled shallots for a little sharpness.
Perfect as a starter for a dinner party, or simply with a glass of wine on a chilly November evening.
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COCKTAIL OF THE MONTH: THE MACCARITA
Patrón Silver tequila, Cointreau, triple sec, fresh clementine juice
More than sixty years after Beatlemania, The Beatles are still making headlines. This October brought the announcement of a huge new Beatles museum in Liverpool, set to open in 2028, alongside plans for a West End musical adaptation of Yesterday, featuring the band’s much-loved back catalogue.
We thought Sir Paul McCartney’s return to the spotlight, was a good excuse to revisit one of our favourite cocktails at Larry’s: The Maccarita.
Inspired by McCartney’s own take on the classic Margarita, The Maccarita features in our Cocktails at Larry’s book, created in collaboration with the National Portrait Gallery. And it turns out Sir Paul has a rather particular way of making his margaritas.
Rather than sticking to the traditional combination of tequila, lime and orange liqueur, McCartney likes to add fresh clementine juice, giving the drink a sweeter, brighter citrus flavour.
Our version combines Patrón Silver tequila with Cointreau, triple sec and fresh clementine juice. The tequila brings a peppery kick, while the layers of orange add sweetness and a lovely freshness. It’s a little softer and fruitier than your usual margarita, but still has plenty of character.
And with clementines coming into season, November is a particularly good time to enjoy one. A little sunshine in a glass, courtesy of Sir Paul.
POURING AT
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PAIRED: PENFOLDS
An exceptional evening with an icon of Australian fine wine production
Penfolds luxury winemakers join us for this month’s exceptional Paired supper tasting event.
November marks a particularly special occasion for our Paired event series, as we bring together our chefs’ finest seasonal dishes and one of Australia’s most celebrated wine producers at Larry’s for an evening dedicated to exceptional food and wine.
What makes Penfolds so special?
The story begins in 1844, when English physician Dr Christopher Penfold and his wife Mary established a vineyard in South Australia. While Christopher initially believed in the medicinal benefits of wine, it was Mary who became instrumental in developing the business, experimenting with winemaking and helping establish what would become one of Australia’s most famous wine houses.
Today, Penfolds is internationally acclaimed for producing some of Australia’s finest wines, including their legendary flagship Grange.
First created in 1951 by winemaker Max Schubert, Grange was initially met with considerable scepticism. Penfolds management famously ordered production to stop after early tastings received a rather frosty reception. Schubert had the courage
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of his convictions, and continued making the wine in secret.
Grange went on to become one of the world’s most collectible wines, with certain vintages commanding extraordinary prices at auction.
It’s this combination of history, ambition and exceptional winemaking that makes Penfolds such an exciting addition to our Paired series.
And Larry’s provides the perfect setting for such a special evening.
Hidden beneath the National Portrait Gallery, Larry’s occupies a series of beautiful Victorian brick vaults originally built for coal storage in 1896. Today, the space is a rather glamorous underground bar, complete with intimate booths, atmospheric lighting and portraits celebrating some of London’s most recognisable faces.
For this extraordinary edition of Paired, the evening brings together a curated selection of eight exquisite wines from the Penfolds collection, and a unique, seasonal tasting menu crafted by our expert chefs.
Our evening begins with a collaboration between Penfolds and French Champagne house Thiénot, before moving into the fresh, aromatic Bin 51 Riesling and Bin 331 Chardonnay.
The exploration continues to the elegant St Henri Shiraz, the richly textured Bin 798 RWT Shiraz and Bin 149 Cabernet Sauvignon, which unites the best of Australian and Californian winemaking.
Of course, no celebration of Penfolds would be complete without Grange. Arguably Australia’s most famous wine, its inclusion makes this makes this edition of Paired all the more
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outstanding, concluding with a tenyear-old Penfolds Tawny.
Each wine serves to showcase a diverse dimension to Penfolds, from their celebrated Australian roots to its more recent ventures beyond the country’s borders.
It’s a rare opportunity to explore the history and craftsmanship of a luxury wine house with more than one hundred and eighty years of stories to tell, all within one of London’s most atmospheric underground settings.
And with the evening selling out so quickly, this remarkable edition of Paired has certainly captured the imagination of London’s wine lovers.
NOVEMBER PAIRED
PENFOLDS GRANGE, VINTAGE
A legendary Australian Shiraz, rich and full-bodied with layers of blackberry, dark plum, chocolate and warm spice. Powerful yet beautifully balanced, with velvety tannins, subtle oak and an
PENFOLDS ST HENRI SHIRAZ
An elegant, fruit-driven Shiraz with ripe blackberries, dark cherries
and hints of spice. Rich and smooth, with soft tannins, subtle earthy notes and a long, balanced finish. A distinctive style that
lets the fruit shine without the influence of new oak.
PICKS
exceptionally long, complex finish.
29 APRIL MICHAEL HILL SMITH MW FROM SHAW + SMITH (£140pp)
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
06 MAY HENSCHKE (£160pp)
03 JUNE TORBRECK (£140pp)
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
24 JUNE WILLUNGA (£140pp)
22 JULY ENGLISH SPARKLING SPECIAL
SOLD OUT
NYETIMBER (£150pp)
SOLD OUT
22 SEPTEMBER ENGLISH WINE (£45pp)
30 SEPTEMBER GROSSET & MT HORROCKS (£140pp)
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
7 OCTOBER FRANCE VS AUSTRALIA (£45pp)
SOLD OUT
21 OCTOBER VASSE FELIX WINES (£140pp)
SOLD OUT
18 NOVEMBER PENFOLDS (£200pp)
VERY LIMITED
4 DECEMBER NYETIMBER FESTIVE PAIRING
(£60pp)
2026 LISTINGS
daisygreenfood.com/paired-wine-dinners-2026
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THE ART OF A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP
Why rest is just as important as exercise, with former professional rugby player Altan Ozdemir.
ith darker mornings, shorter days and the temptation to spend a little longer under the duvet, November feels like a good time to talk about sleep.
And who better to ask than someone who has spent much of his life learning how to get the best out of the human body?
Altan Ozdemir, better known as Oz, is a former professional rugby player turned personal trainer, whose career has taken him from Bristol and Harlequins to Bedford, Leeds, Exeter Chiefs and Plymouth Albion. With decades of experience in fitness, nutrition and conditioning, he knows a thing or two about the importance of recovery.
Here, Oz shares what his years in professional sport have taught him about rest, and why getting a good night’s sleep might be one of the best things we can do for ourselves.
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REST IS PART OF THE WORK
When I was playing professional rugby, recovery was just as much a part of our weekly routine as training itself.
The start of the week was often dedicated to helping our bodies recover from the weekend’s match. There were ice baths, hot showers, stretching sessions to improve mobility and flexibility, and time in the swimming pool doing gentle drills and a little swimming. Nutrition was carefully considered too, but alongside all of that, there was something equally important: proper rest and sleep.
Playing rugby professionally puts enormous demands on your body, and you quickly learn that you can’t keep pushing yourself without giving it time to recover.
It’s something I’ve carried with me into my work as a personal trainer, and it’s just as relevant to someone going to the gym a few times a week as it is to a professional athlete.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE SLEEP?
Sleep is when our bodies get the opportunity to carry out some of their most important maintenance work.
While we’re asleep, the body supports muscle repair and recovery, regulates hormones and strengthens the immune system. Our brains are busy too, processing memories and helping us retain what we’ve learned throughout the day.
Without enough sleep, these processes can be affected. You might notice you’re more irritable, struggle to concentrate or feel unusually tired during exercise. Over time, consistently poor sleep can also affect our wider health.
One thing I’ve learned over the years is that you can be doing everything else right, eating well and exercising regularly, but if you’re constantly running on too little sleep, you’re making life unnecessarily difficult for yourself.
SMALL CHANGES, BIG DIFFERENCE
The good news is that improving your sleep doesn’t have to involve a complicated routine or an expensive collection of gadgets.
For most adults, around seven to nine hours a night is a sensible target, although everyone’s needs are slightly different.
Consistency is a good place to start. Going to bed and getting up at roughly the same time each day helps regulate your body’s natural sleepwake cycle, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up feeling refreshed.
Getting outside during the day is important too, particularly in the morning. Natural daylight helps our bodies recognise when it’s time to be awake, which in turn supports better sleep at night.
Then there are the things we probably all know we should be doing but don’t always manage. Cutting back on caffeine later in the day, limiting alcohol before bed and giving ourselves a little time away from screens can all help.
Your bedroom environment matters as well. Keeping it cool, dark and quiet can make a surprising difference to how well you sleep.
LEARNING TO SWITCH OFF
Of course, knowing what we should do and actually doing it are two very different things.
We’re all busy, and sleep is often the first thing we sacrifice when there aren’t enough hours in the day. But I think it’s worth remembering that rest isn’t wasted time.
During my rugby career, we had structured recovery sessions because we knew our bodies needed them. Most of us don’t have that luxury in everyday life, but the principle is exactly the same.
Whether you’ve spent the day working at a desk, running around after children or pushing yourself through a tough workout, your body and mind need time to recover.
And that doesn’t always mean doing more. Sometimes it means doing a little less.
As we head into winter, my advice is simple: give your sleep the same attention you’d give your diet or exercise.
After all, looking after yourself isn’t just about how hard you work. It’s also about how well you rest.
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MY LONDON: KATIE PUCKRIK
Katie Puckrik is a broadcaster, writer and performer with a long career in TV, radio, journalism, dance and music on both sides of the Atlantic.
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You moved to London from America in the 1980s. What were your first impressions of the city, and what made you want to stay?
I was thrilled to be young in 1980s London. The streets and buildings were simultaneously seedy and grand, and the neighbourhoods were idiosyncratic, filled with oddly specific, ye olde shops that sold only umbrellas, for instance, or screws, or buttons. You couldn’t buy fresh orange juice or real coffee anywhere; it was all just orange squash and Nescafé instant. My friends and I lived in dilapidated Georgian townhouses that had become bedsits or squats, or else in Brutalist behemoths like the Barrier Block in Brixton. Walking around London was like i-D and The Face magazines had come to life, with everyone dressed in a mash-up of all the different trends: New Romantic, goth, Hard Times, or that sleek Sade/Human League Girls’ look. But what really moved me was the atmosphere across areas like Soho, Kensington, Camden and Brick Lane: a poignant, fizzing mix of post-war melancholy bumping up against the chaotic creativity of us feral Gen X-ers. I was really ambitious; dancing with DV8 Physical Theatre and Michael Clark Company at the same time as singing in gay clubs and dive bars, trying to become some weird-but-cute pop star. None of these options had been available to me back in suburban Virginia.
Photo credit: Madhava Kalmar
Is there a particular London neighbourhood that feels most like home to you, and why? Twelve years ago, I stumbled into the best neighbourhood I’ve ever lived in: Lower Marsh in Waterloo. It’s got it all: a proper, somewhat skewiff high street (which includes a fetishwear shop), great coffee spots and bars, friendly market traders and food stalls, theatres and museums and history all around, and the Thames at the end of the street. There are even secret Thames beach parties in the summer!
You’ve been part of London’s music and nightlife scene for decades. Is there a particular night out, venue or encounter that you’ll never forget? I still mourn the passing of Smashing in 1996, the pre-Britpop club that I only cottoned onto in its final years. You’ll know its coloured lights dance floor from Pulp’s ‘Disco 2000’ video, and the Pulp kids were regulars there. Genius DJ Martin Green rode us hard with a selection encompassing Buzzcocks, easy listening, Queen Bitch Bowie, Elastica, Jesus Christ Superstar, and beyond.
Where would we be most likely to find you on a Saturday afternoon in London? A sure bet would be having an out-of-body experience in a sound bath session at a yoga studio. There’s nothing like a little everyday transcendence to get your head right.
What’s your favourite London restaurant, bar or pub? Ognisko for dumplings and lethal martinis, Miel Bakery for fancy treats, Violet Bakery for cupcakes, and Rochelle Canteen for magical meals in a secret garden.
If you could choose one song to soundtrack London, what would it be? The Loner (Budgie Theme) — The Milton Hunter Orchestra.
Where do you go in London when you need a little inspiration? If I’m in the area, I’ll slip into Westminster Cathedral to hear choral vespers and sniff the incense in the air.
What’s one London place you think deserves more attention than it gets? There’s a frozen-in-time, cobbled street neighbourhood in Rotherhithe set around old river warehouses, the Mayflower pub and the extraordinary Sands Films period costume workshop and archives. It gives me shivers of pleasure to wallow in so many layers of history.
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Wandering around the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew 2024, Timothy Sawyer Shepard
Green Pages by The Daisy Green Collection