Marlow in a day: A Muddy’s insider guide to the Chilterns’ foodie capital
Behind the Instagram-perfect bunting and Georgian facades, this riverside gem has a bit of everything – from Prosecco bars and boutique haunts to pirate ships (the playground kind). Here’s the on-the-ground, full-fat Muddy guide to squeezing the best out of a day trip to Marlow.
Ah, Marlow. Home of the River Thames, gourmet greats, and more Michelin stars than a Hollywood sidewalk. If you’re lucky, you’ll find Tom Kerridge sauntering down the High Street in his joggers with a bacon bap and a bodyguard (although the “heavies” might just be his rugby mates).
CHILL: Because You’ve Earned It
Cinema with Sass
Everyman Cinema takes movie night and gives it a velvet-upholstered glow-up. Waiters bring cocktails, burgers and popcorn right to your seat. Pair a Pixar matinee with a glass of Whispering Angel and call it parenting.
Rosé All Day: A Love Letter To The Côte d’Azur In Three Glasses
By Anuja Gaur
Rosé; The pastel pink vin de table which encapsulates the curvaceous silhouette of a Summer sunset in a glass, swirled with the mellow flavour of floaty flirtation.
There are but merely just a scantily few, symphonious melodies that can be more evocative than the soft plug, of a blush hued rosé hitting chilled pure smooth crystal as it evokes that signature fragrant aura of leisurely alfresco luncheons, and the élan of glitterati Summer soirées all around the luxe realm from the sparkling shores of Portofino, to the glitzy Sunshine State town of Palm Beach.
But rosé is far more than a seasonal dalliance; is a cultivated art form, ancient tradition, and a modern fresh invigorating indulgence poured as freely on the gleaming decks of sun-soaked yachts, as it is in the fragrant botanical gardens of Provençal châteaux.
Light in hue but never in character, rosé today is a genre unto itself: elegant, expressive, and quietly rebellious where I had the golden opportunity to sip and savour on three pastel shades of 2024 sophistication, of the classic Whispering Angel, Minuty Prestige, and G de Galoupet.
Serve at 10°C. Majestic as an aperitif, or to enhance the seafood platter, eggplant Provençal, scallop bites on fruity salsa, or langoustines with lime. Anticipated peak: 2025-2027 Grape varieties: 60% Grenache, 40% Rolle Residual sugar: 1.3 g/L – pH: , – TA: , – g/L – Alcohol: 13.5 %
The Polished Classic; Whispering Angel 2024
To dismiss Whispering Angel as merely the most recognisable rosé in the world is like calling Chanel No. 5 just another luxury perfume; To however hail this epicurean soft shell shaded rosé as the poised ambassador of bonny wine elegance dropping with couture credentials, certainly makes for a more befitting testimony.
Inspired by the estate’s chapel adorned with ethereal winged figurines, Whispering Angel was meticulously created and brought to life in 2006 by Sacha Lichine, son of the legendary Alexis Lichine (a Bordeaux baron in his own right), where since its luxe genesis has paraded its radiant stature as the crown jewel of Château d’Esclans, nestled deep in the Var region of Provence. It was here that Sacha Lichine had the invigorating vision of a dry, yet smooth delicate rosé flowing with the powerful sensuality of silk, entwined with the ravishing swagger of a Bond girl which now finds itself chilling away in gleaming silver ice buckets adorning pristine superyacht decks in the billionaire playgrounds of Monte Carlo, and passed around like heady fragrant perfumes atop London’s lofty, pulse-pounding rooftop havens.
A rewarding intense flavour profile from the grapes of Grenache, Cinsault and Rolle (also known as Vermentino), the dainty yet deep fragrances of white peach and aromatic citrus blossom anchors in harmony with tart sweet crushed strawberries, curled up with the mild “whisper” of spiced pink peppercorn to be savoured with an oceanic helping of meaty rich tuna tartare, or mellow creamed goats cheese cocooned in fluffed golden crisp pastry.
Caves d’Esclans, Rock Angel 2023 Provence, France / Côtes de Provence AOC
As distinguished as it is refined, the Rock Angel cuvée is an exceptional rosé. Produced at Caves d’Esclans, a property built in the 19th century that became the property of Sacha Lichine, who continues to run it even after its acquisition by the Moet Hennessy group in 2019. Vinified with the same care as for the great white wines, this exceptional rosé wine stands out among the prestigious rosés. It is a wine of incredible charm that has the ability to transform any occasion into an event imbued with class and romance. Its extremely pure nose reveals aromas of strawberries, redcurrants, raspberries, peaches, and citrus fruits, all enriched with saline and chalky notes that add an exceptional mineral dimension. Fresh, lively, and incisive, this Rock Angel is certainly a great seducer. 93 POINTS
Serve at 10°C. Majestic as an aperitif, or to enhance the seafood platter, eggplant Provençal, scallop bites on fruity salsa, or langoustines with lime. Anticipated peak: 2025-2027 Grape varieties: 60% Grenache, 40% Rolle Residual sugar: 1.3 g/L – pH: , – TA: , – g/L – Alcohol: 13.5 %
Caves d’Esclans, Whispering Angel 2024 Provence, France / Côtes de Provence AOC
Long relegated to the status of a summer wine for carefree terraces, rosé wine has, in recent years, regained its nobility. And among its most eloquent ambassadors, the “Whispering Angel” from Caves d’Esclans stands out for an elegance that whispers in the ear of discerning wine lovers. Château d’Esclans has established itself as the spearhead of the revival of high-end rosé. Under the leadership of Sacha Lichine, the estate has introduced practices worthy of the finest vintages, which have borne fruit. On the nose, it is a subtle waltz of peach, fresh strawberry, lemon zest, and almond blossom. On the palate, the wine is chiseled. The attack is lively and crystalline, driven by just the right acidity, without stiffness. Then come the delicious notes of small red fruits, a salty touch that evokes the nearby sea, and a lingering, almost ethereal finish. Nothing is left to chance: the balance is perfect, the drinkability exemplary, the style assertive. 92 POINTS
Serve at 10 °C. It will accompany Niçoise salad with grilled tuna, fried calamari, grilled fish, tomato and sweet pepper salsa, or grilled chicken with tarragon.
It’s peak pink drink time — and your blush brand of choice speaks volumes
By Kate Spicer
Rosé sales soar by 150 per cent when the temperature hits 20 degrees
Provençal rosé rarely invites conversations about what time in the morning the grapes are picked, or even what grapes are used. All anyone wants to know is: what colour is it? Any shade of pale pink with a gemlike clarity will do. Basically, is it “nice rosé”?
Exports from Provence — pink makes up 90 per cent of the region’s wine output — have increased 500 per cent in 15 years, and the UK is one of the world’s biggest importers: 12 million bottles in 2022, second only to the US. Last month Waitrose revealed it is mainly drunk at a particular time too — apparently rosé sales soar by 150 per cent when the temperature hits 20 degrees.
Nice rosé is now the accessible luxury statement drink that helps you semaphore who you are while getting gently pissed in the sun. But what does your choice say about you?
Château d’Esclans Whispering Angel
The Manchester United of nice rosé (its cult stretches from Cheshire to Dubai), this was the first to convince men that rosé was manly, hence the nickname “brosé”. Blatant dupes abound, including Lidl’s Breath of Paradise and Asda’s Screaming Devil, while the Whispering Angel brand now includes The Beach for all-day drinking and the richer Rock Angel. (The estate’s premium cru, Garrus, is loved by Lady Beckham.) £22.50, sundaytimeswineclub.co.uk
Wine advocate 2025 ratings estate collection
By Yohan Castaing
The 2023 Cotes de Provence Rose from Château d’Esclans reveals a delicate, perfumed bouquet of red berries, pomegranate, grapefruit and peaches, delicately intertwined with discreet oaky notes. Medium- to full-bodied, layered and sappy, it’s seamless and pure with a fleshy core of fruit and a lot of freshness, culminating in a mineral, spicy and nicely oaky finish. This is a real effort.
91+ Points
Drink Date: 2025 – 2033
Composed primarily of old-vine Grenache Noir and Vermentino, the 2023 Cotes de Provence Rose Les Clans opens with a delicate, refined bouquet of strawberries, gooseberries, spring flowers and subtle hints of spice and oak. Medium- to full-bodied, it’s round and supple, with an elegant core of fruit and a fleshy mid-palate that leads to a long, mouthwatering, mineral-driven finish. It should age gracefully for at least 2–3 years and beyond.
92+ Points
Drink Date: 2025 – 2035
The 2023 Cotes de Provence Rose Garrus is a true success, offering an alluring bouquet of pomegranate, spices, ripe orchard fruits and red berries, delicately framed by subtle oaky nuances. Medium- to full-bodied, sappy and ample, it is layered and textural, with a tactile core of fruit and a touch of freshness that lifts the finish. This is a structured, sophisticated rosé that can age gracefully, promising to reveal further complexity over the next 4–5 years.
93 Points
Drink Date: 2025 – 2030
The most delicious fresh wines for the summer
By bloemelaarman
It’s summertime and that calls for a nice list of fresh summer wines. As we already mentioned (also read: these are our favorite wines for home ), we are certainly not wine connoisseurs, but we are great tasters. And so we have actually tried a few things again. Whereof noted. So, you’re welcome!
Chateau d’Esclans, a fairytale estate with very fine rosé wines, located in the heart of Provence, in the always fine France. Incidentally, the most important region for rosé wine production in the world.
Whispering Angel and Rock Angel are incredibly popular! And with good reason, because we were allowed to taste them at Restaurant Nela in Amsterdam-Zuid. And poh, we would drive to France to buy a box. No need: you can also buy them online via Gall.nl
Rock Angel is unusual for a rosé because it is aged in wood. This really gives the wine some punch for a rosé. Whispering Angel is a light, refreshing rosé. Perfect for a sunny summer day. The delicious rosés from Chateau d’Esclans are made without added sugars, and you know what they say: no (or less) headaches the next day. Chateau d’Esclans
Château d’Esclans: The Rosé that Rewrote the Rules
By Fran Miller
20 years ago, rosé was a poolside afterthought. Then came Château d’Esclans—and everything changed.
The estate sits in Provence’s hinterland, northeast of St. Tropez. Vines stretch toward the Massif des Maures, with breezes off the Mediterranean. Château d’Esclans itself dates back to the 19th century, though its oldest Grenache vines are more than 100 years old. The land was always promising. It just needed someone to reimagine its potential.
Enter Sacha Lichine. In 2006, he bought the property with a singular mission: make the world’s best rosé. Lichine came from Bordeaux pedigree—his father, Alexis, helped reshape French wine in the mid-20th century. But Sacha had something else in mind: a chilled bottle of pale pink wine that could command attention, price, and placement.
It worked.
Today, Château d’Esclans produces a portfolio that ranges from accessible to extraordinary. Whispering Angel, its flagship, is an international phenomenon—served everywhere from yacht decks to downtown rooftops. Dry, elegant, and mercifully not too fruity, it helped define modern rosé’s signature style. It also showed that pink wine could be serious, without being pretentious.
“Why shouldn’t rosé have a grand cru?”
Sacha Lichine, proprietor, Château d’Esclans
The Pale followed: a lighter, more casual bottling with Art Deco-inspired branding. It’s the kind of wine that appeals across generations—bright, crisp, and not remotely stuffy. Meanwhile, Rock Angel adds a touch of oak and more structured fruit. It’s for people who want depth without losing the lift.
Then there’s the top tier. Chateau d’Esclans, Les Clans, and Garrus come from the estate’s oldest vines. The trio sees barrel fermentation and extended aging, more in line with fine white Burgundy. Garrus, especially, has caused wine professionals to rethink what rosé can be. With its creamy texture, wild strawberry notes, and long mineral finish, it has more in common with Montrachet than the beach.
Distribution has kept pace. The wines are now in more than 100 countries. Celebrity endorsements haven’t hurt. Nor has the sense that you’re drinking something culturally specific—southern France, in a glass—but universally stylish.
Critics once dismissed rosé as unserious. Château d’Esclans disproved that—with winemaking rigor, yes, but also with charm. The estate embraced modern marketing, sleek design, and clear messaging. It made rosé aspirational, without making it inaccessible.
Chateau d’Eesclans
Inspired by the estate’s chapel adorned with ethereal winged figurines, Whispering Angel was meticulously created and brought to life in 2006 by Sacha Lichine, son of the legendary Alexis Lichine (a Bordeaux baron in his own right), where since its luxe genesis has paraded its radiant stature as the crown jewel of Château d’Esclans, nestled deep in the Var region of Provence. It was here that Sacha Lichine had the invigorating vision of a dry, yet smooth delicate rosé flowing with the powerful sensuality of silk, entwined with the ravishing swagger of a Bond girl which now finds itself chilling away in gleaming silver ice buckets adorning pristine superyacht decks in the billionaire playgrounds of Monte Carlo, and passed around like heady fragrant perfumes atop London’s lofty, pulse-pounding rooftop havens.
10 of the world’s finest rosés
By Patrick Schmitt
The category of fine, or luxury rosé, is a fairly new phenomenon, and an expanding one, as more producers try to craft a complex and serious wine that’s also pink. Here, Patrick Schmitt MW picks out 10 of most successful examples following a major blind-tasting last month.
While the top-end of Champagne has for some time incorporated high-priced pink expressions, in still wine, it’s only recently that anyone has dared charge more than £100 for a rosé, and yet, today, there are a few wineries asking that, and more.
What makes such rosés different is sometimes the site selection – with the grapes taken from particular plots, often featuring old, low-yielding vines – but more commonly, it’s due to the cellar techniques, with fine rosés made like great white wines.
By that I mean hand-harvesting, whole-bunch pressing, barrel-fermentations and then maturation in oak vessels in contact with the wine’s fine lees. Such an approach, if well managed (and temperature control and oxygen management is key) can produce a rosé that has a wonderfully full texture, and be age-worthy too. In terms of taste when it’s young, one can expect ripe peachy flavours, allied to creamy, even toasty notes from the oak-influence.
Such wines should also, if they are to be classed as fine, be fresh in every sense: so both zesty and clean. The risk with making fine rosé is ending up with something that lacks the mouth-watering appeal of pink wine, either because it’s heavy, or tired: the characters of too much sweet oak and oxidised, bruised fruit are a danger when eschewing the inert, reductive environs of a stainless steel tank.
The following selection is based on this year’s Global Rosé Masters, which you can read more about below. These are the best expressions over £30 in the competition…
Made exclusively from grapes grown on the estate, Château d’Esclans Rosé is carefully hand-harvested and chilled almost immediately to preserve freshness. Half of the wine is vinified in demimuids (600-litre oak barrels) and half in stainless steel, all temperature-controlled. Over approximately eight months of ageing before blending, the wine’s lees are stirred to increase richness and fullness. The resulting wine is pale peach-pink in colour, with soft yellow peach and ripe pear fruits and rose petal and cream overlay. Dry, the medium-bodied palate shows fresh acidity and density of flavour, and is layered and textured, with an allspice and nutmeg finish. Delicious with roast pork tenderloin stuffed with champignons and sautéed yellow onions. (Patricia Stefanowicz MW)
LES CLANS 2023
Producer: Château d’Esclans
Region: Provence
Country: France
Grape varieties: 52% Grenache, 48% Rolle
ABV: 14%
Approx. retail price: £58
A powerhouse of a pink drink, Les Clans is a four-wheel-drive rosé that could go anywhere. Why? It’s got this wonderful trait of being rich and creamy, yet delicate and refreshing, making it suitable for sipping on its own or pairing with a wide range of foods, from cured meats to hard cheeses, grilled fish to root vegetables. But should you savour it without accompaniments, you will enjoy the mix of toasted marshmallow and pink grapefruit, along with peach and strawberry, and a lingering note of grilled nuts and citrus zest on the finish. (Patrick Schmitt MW)
GARRUS 2023
Producer: Château d’Esclans
Region: Provence
Country: France
Grape varieties: 67% Grenache, 33% Rolle
ABV: 14%
Approx. retail price: £100
A wine that wows for its subtle complexity, Garrus is the ultimate rosé, and a drink for all occasions, impressing for its instantly appealing characters, as well as intriguing complexity. Whether you sip it slowly or find yourself swallowing it quickly, you’ll experience its complementary layers of flavours, starting with fresh ripe yellow and red fruits, followed by creamy, nutty notes, then some vanilla and toast, and finally lingering tinges of orange zest and grapefruit pith, with a touch of grilled lemon to boot. (Patrick Schmitt MW)
We are proud to announce the results of our wines from the 2025 Global Rosé Masters competition judged on 1 May at The Londoner Hotel in London, employing a distinguished group of experienced judges led by The Drinks Business Editor-In-Chief Patrick Schmitt. The top wines were awarded Gold, Silver or Bronze medals according to their result, and those expressions that stood out as being outstanding received the ultimate accolade – the title of Rosé Master with our wines receiving the following notes and accolades:
Whispering Angel 2024
Probably the world’s most famous rosé, and certainly one of the best-selling, it was pleasing to find that Whispering Angel is a benchmark for quality in the sub £20 category of pale dry pink wines. The rose’s appeal stems from a core of peach, pear and red berry fruit, complemented by a touch of bitter lemon on the finish, while texturally, this is soft in mouthfeel, but leaves one with feeling refreshed with its dry, citric edge.
Rock Angel 2024
The nose reveals delicate red berry aromas with hints of garrigue herbs. On the palate, peach and pomegranate fruit take the lead, supported by a lees-derived texture and a creamy mouthfeel. Subtle oak adds weight and extends the finish, enhancing both depth and length. Medium-plus acidity is well integrated, lending freshness without disrupting the wine’s rounded balance.
Château d’Esclans 2023
The wine is pale peach-pink in colour with soft yellow peach and ripe pear fruits with rose petal and cream overlay. Dry, the medium-bodied palate shows fresh acidity, density of flavour, layered and textured with an allspice and nutmeg finish.
Les Clans 2023
A power house of a pink drink, Les Clans is a four-wheel-drive rosé that could go anywhere. Why? It’s got this wonderful trait of being rich and creamy yet delicate and refreshing, making it suitable for sipping on its own, or pairing with a wide range of foods, from cured meats to hard cheeses, grilled fish to root vegetables. But should you savour it without accompaniments, you will enjoy the mix of toasted marshmallow and pink grapefruit, along with peach and strawberry, and a lingering note of grilled nuts and citrus zest on the finish.
Garrus 2023
Garrus is the ultimate rosé, and a wine for all occasions, wowing for its instantly-appealing characters, as well as intriguing complexity. Whether you sip it slowly or find yourself swallowing it quickly, you’ll experience is complementary layers of flavours, starting with fresh ripe yellow and red fruits, followed by creamy, nutty notes, then some vanilla and toast, and finally, lingering tinges of orange zest and grapefruit pith, with a touch of grilled lemon to boot.
Restaurant review: The Engineer, Primrose Hill
Who says the Gastropub is dead – here is an Old School Pub with New School Flavours. You can have a proper feast at The Engineer!
THE DETAIL:
When I go and see a band in concert, typically I’m hoping for their greatest hits, not tracks from their new album. The same goes for eating out. There’s something extremely reassuring about French bistros. Yes, there are regional variances, but before you even sit down, you know what to expect on the menu, from Coq au Vin to Île Flottante. Decision-making is straightforward, and it’s down to each chef to interpret the classics in their own way.
Similarly, British pub fare follows familiar rhythms. Ploughman’s Lunch, Fish and Chips, Spotted Dick, with room for the chef’s own spin.
The Engineer, in Primrose Hill, has long held a good reputation, having served as a hub for the local community since 1994. The pub itself is a classic three-storey Victorian corner building, with a large, intimate walled garden at the rear and a dining room upstairs. Recently refreshed with a gentle makeover and a brand-new menu, we went to see if it still lives up to its name.
It remains unmistakably a pub but with elegant, contemporary touches. At the helm is Chef Nino Sadallah: half French, half Algerian, and originally a civil engineer; just like I.K. Brunel, the pub’s namesake. He brings his rich personal background to deliver a menu that seamlessly blends bistro comfort with gastro-pub creativity. And it’s an absolute tour de force.
This being a sunny day, and with the kitchen just next to the garden, my colleague and I chose to have lunch outside. Since we were close enough to Camden, we got into character with a pint of Hells while perusing their impressively curated wine list. It features over 40 varietals by the glass, from a Sauvignon to a Sancerre, with crowd-pleasing rosés like Whispering Angel and Minuty. Big names such as Barolo and Louis Jadot’s Chassagne-Montrachet also feature by the bottle. We each had a glass of Torres Purgatori with the duck, and a light, fruity Fleurie to accompany the rabbit pie.
Here’s how the meal panned out:
Starters
Beef Tartare Lovely inclusion of chopped capers, lightly seasoned, gloriously golden cured egg, served with crisp toasts. Apparently, the yolk is cured for eight and a half hours to achieve perfect consistency. One of the best tartares I’ve ever tried, it’s balanced, restrained, and ready to be customised. And for me, that means Tabasco.
Beef Croquettes Essentially breaded balls of pulled beef, not bulked out with potato. A spicy salsa adds heat and sweetness. This is a punchy, satisfying starter.
Scotch Eggs With a deep golden yolk, they’re served with house-made piccalilli. While admirable, it’s a touch too sweet and missing the acidity needed to cut through the richness.
Devon crab
Serve with toasted brioche and lemon gremolata – sweet, fresh and wonderful.
Mains
Pan-roasted Duck Breast Served on a bed of beetroot with asparagus and giant rosti chips. The duck’s texture was slightly grainy though nicely pink, and the rosti chips were a delight – crispy, golden, and fun.
The Engineer Pie (today’s was rabbit) Topped with a puff pastry lattice lid, the filling had a sweet edge, with fennel, carrots, and leeks adding earthiness and depth.
Sides
Heritage carrots roasted in hot honey. Buttered cabbage. Mash with crumbled crispy onions. Green beans tossed with garlic and topped with toasted pine nuts. Simple, seasonal, and expertly done.
Puds
Chocolate Mousse With amarena wild cherries and Maldon sea salt. A silky-smooth mousse, generous cherries, and with broken biscotti for crunch and almond flavour. An absolute winner.
Bramley Apple and Rhubarb Crumble with Vanilla Custard Deep, buttery crumble, perfectly balanced fruit, and a smooth, pale custard. Just yes.
SUMMARY:
While The Engineer is quite a way from my home, it’s the kind of place worth going out of your way for. The food is full of love, the attention to detail is visible in every dish, and the front-of-house team is welcoming and faultless. A charming destination for anyone who appreciates good food in a relaxed setting.
The Engineer is at 65 Gloucester Ave., Greater, London NW1 8JH
