Fitz Sparkling Wine: Meet our new wine supplier

May 18, 2021 Guest User

Over the last twelve months, there has been a huge boom in sales in independent shops, boutiques and suppliers, as we look closer to home to buy everything from food to furniture, and clothing to cocktails. Here at 116 Pall Mall we practice what we preach when it comes to supporting home grown business, which is why we’re delighted to introduce our new supplier – Fitz Sparkling Wine.

Established in 2016 in West Sussex, Fitz wines have created an English sparkling wine that rivals any of the famous French champagnes – perfect for all post-lockdown celebration (or just a Friday treat!) We’ve been desperate to pop the cork on the news of our collaboration since the team from Fitz came to 116 Pall Mall to give us a lesson in homegrown sparkling wine in December, ensuring we were all up-to-date on the excitement, innovation and excellence coming out of the British wine scene, ready to share this with you as soon as we were able to welcome you back through our doors at 116 Pall Mall.

With our secluded terrace now open for bookings, we thought it was only fair to celebrate this properly! Join us with your guests between 4 and 5pm each weekday for Bubbles Happy Hour for 25% off all prosecco, champagne and sparkling wine in the sunshine (we hope!)

So before we raise a glass with you, the team from Fitz are here to tell you a bit more about their tradition-busting wines..

Where it all began

Fitz came about after owner Dan Cahill attended a short course at Plumpton university and felt there was a lack of choice in both wine style and price point, and that Charmat production would fill this gap in the market. Having run a successful fruit importing company he approached the directors - all friends of his - and they agreed together to begin the venture.

Championing home grown business

I think British identity to us is being eccentric; it is breaking the mould but still respecting and understanding tradition. We feel we are also offering the chance to enjoy a domestically produced product to a wider community at a time when there has been such a focus on buying local and supporting British producers. For any up and coming brands wanting to take the leap of faith in the food, drink or hospitality industry - create something you truly believe in at the best quality you can, and you will not fail. People see passion for products and if you truly believe in what you are creating and selling that will rub off on people.

Staying social during lockdown

Lockdown has been difficult for the hospitality industry, so we worked on offering interaction to consumers and focused on the enjoyment of Fitz at home. We developed cocktail options and ran competitions for our social media followers and customers so we could keep in contact with them and not lose that rapport and connection. It’s important to use these platforms beyond just selling - often we post on social media and chat to our followers just because we want to hear what people have been up to. We’re bringing our supporters on the journey with us and sharing our successes and wins with them as part of the Fitz community.

Getting creative with Fitz

We really enjoy a classic glass of white served with some fresh seafood, but our sparkling wine also works brilliantly in cocktails. I like a French 75 with Fitz replacing the Champagne - a Fitz 75!

Everyone has a favourite tipple, but if you’re visiting 116 Pall Mall and want to try something a little different to the norm (and at the same time support locally produced British products) then Fitz is the obvious choice if you fancy something sparkling. Be careful though once you enjoy your first glass there’s no going back..!

Pairing with food

Our wine is truly versatile it can be enjoyed as an aperitif or with shellfish and other fresh fish dishes. I really enjoy it with something that has an aromatic base, it works fantastically with fennel dishes and the acidity can cut through heavier dishes like tarragon chicken.

We love it with a couple of dishes from the new lounge menu - salmon fillet, samphire, Jersey royals, sauce vierge or the char-grilled breast of chicken, peas, asparagus, sherry cream - both can be enjoyed in 116 now.

Drinking and eating AT 116 PALL MALL

To book your table for the terrace, email resbookingsiod@benugo.com with your preferred date and time and a member of the team will get back to you to confirm.

If you’re interested in hosting your event at 116, make an enquiry to find out more information, including arranging a personal tour of 116 Pall Mall.