Bites

Award-winning Margaret River-based wine producer Watershed Premium Wines has commissioned Kingston Wine Agencies as its exclusive distributor in the UK.

It’s hoped the appointment can capitalise on Margaret River’s excellent reputation in the UK as well as utilise the expanded production facilities at Watershed. Watershed plans to add the UK to its other European destinations, such as Sweden, Belgium, The Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany and Luxembourg.

The Sheraton Hotel’s Lobby Lounge is currently playing host to oysters, wine and music. Every Thursday evening from 5pm onwards some of the state’s finest Albany Rock Oysters are being freshly shucked by a pair known as the ‘Oyster Kings’, they are on hand to entertain and discuss their infectious passion of shucking oysters.

A sauvignon blanc fumé from Margaret River’s Eagle Vale is chosen to complement the fresh produce.

The promotion will run until June 30 2005.

The blossoming Leaf Tea Merchants will soon have a new store at 60 Walcott Street in Mt Lawley.

Managing director  Phil May, a founder of Dome Coffees, is hoping to replicate the success of his first specialty tea store with the new stand-alone venture expected to open around April 22.

Leaf opened on Napoleon Street Cottesloe almost 12 months ago, marketing itself as proudly tea-centric. It sells 45 different types of tea and not one bean of coffee.

Describing tea as a “social experience”, Mr May holds popular High Teas on Sunday. The events, which are regularly booked out, feature tea-friendly food accompanied by an assortment of the world’s best tea.

Mr May thinks the attention to tea will pay off in the new location.

“Tea demands an occasion. People like the fact that you can book ahead because it gives tea a sense of occasion. It creates an atmosphere that is not rushed like the cafe scene can be.”