Like all serious journalists, James May used to work for Country Life writing about cars. It didn't go very well, but thankfully he bounced back and went on to present Top Gear, The Grand Tour, and many other TV shows including his latest, James May and The Dull Men. He's also been busy making his own gin.

James Gin started off as something to pass the time during Lockdown, but it soon got a bit serious, as people wanted to drink it. He joins James Fisher to discuss the intricacies of gin making, as well as why he's chosen some unusual flavours. There's a bit where he gets quite serious about parsnips, but don't let that put you off.

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We also talk about Dull Men, why cans of baked beans are the wrong size and why he doesn't think it's acceptable for suitcases to have wheels. All very serious research that only he has been brave enough to undertake. He's also very well travelled, having visited Mauritania, the North Pole, and many other unusual destinations. When we asked him where his favourite place in the world was, well, the answer might surprise you.

It was a fantastic chat with one of our favourite ever guests. We hope you'll enjoy listening to it.

Episode credits

• Host: James Fisher
• Guest: James May
• Producer and editor: Toby Keel
• Music: JuliusH via Pixabay

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'Anything said with absolute confidence and in absolute terms is normally nonsense,' says Oscar Dodd, about Fortnum & Mason's wine and spirits buyer, when it comes to discussing the oft-trotted out truisms about wine, beer and spirits that you often hear. But not everything you hear is so wide of the mark.

'They say that the English drink their red wine too old and too warm, and their white wine too young and too cold,' he adds. 'That is certainly true.'

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Oscar has spent over two decades in the wine and spirits trade, starting out by eschewing university in order to stack shelves in his local Oddbins, falling in love with wine within a matter of weeks.

He's since gone on to forge a fascinating career, taking in everything from obscure vineyards that play Mozart to their grapes to help them grow, to walking the streets of New York City persuading people to drink more absinthe. These days, he's found in the more rarefied atmosphere of central London, at Fortnum & Mason, the world's most famous food and drink seller.

Oscar talks to James Fisher about his career, his pet hates, why you really shouldn't be saving that bottle of champagne you have under the stairs, and the amazing discoveries in the world of drink that are changing the industry — including Fortnums' alchoholic sparkling tea.

Then, of course, he shares his tips on the best tipples to buy for the Christmas period, from whisky, wine and liqueurs to the indispensable seasonal bottle of sherry.

Episode credits

• Host: James Fisher
• Guest: Oscar Dodd
• Producer and editor: Toby Keel
• Music: JuliusH via Pixabay

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Dancer, actor, father of four and farmer. There are very few things that Kelvin Fletcher cannot do. ‘Hold on’, you might say. ‘What do you mean farmer? I thought that was just acting?’ Well, it was, until about three years ago when Kelvin and his wife Liz decided that they needed a change of scenery. Plans to move to Los Angeles were touted, but a far more sensible decision (we think) was made: a move to a small family farm in the Peak District.

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Not your typical move for an actor and he’ll be the first to admit it. But since the move, he and his family haven’t looked back. Even better for us, they decided to bring some TV cameras with them to document the experience, leading to the creation of Fletchers’ Family Farm, the second season of which began yesterday.

Did playing a farmer on Emmerdale provide any experience for the real thing? What are some of his favourite animals? What did he wish he'd known before he started? And is he still dancing? All these questions, and more.

Episode credits

• Host: James Fisher
• Guest: Kelvin Fletcher
• Producer and editor: Toby Keel
• Music: JuliusH via Pixabay

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.