Sesame prawn toasts and Ortega

English wine might not be the first thing you’d think of pairing with prawn toasts - more likely something like a riesling but at the Caravel restaurant in London the other night it just hit the spot.

The toasts which were served with chilli jam were one of a selection of snacks and starters we shared as is generally the way these days. There was also smoked duck with a carrot pickle and rosti with sour cream and ‘caviar’ but it was the toasts that were the standout pairing.

The wine, by Westwell in Kent - the Ortega Classic - was young, fresh and floral so not unlike the aromatic whites you might pick from Alsace or elsewhere. You can buy the ’21 vintage we had for £19 from The Good Wine Shop and £19.50 from Highbury Vintners.

Caravel is a great choice if you’re looking for an special venue for a date night. It’s on a barge on Regent’s Canal and has very romantic (and flattering) low, soft lighting. Snacks and starters aside, the cooking is a bit hit and miss and the wine list could do with being a bit longer but the atmosphere is lovely. Hard to get into though so book well ahead.