#FtLionAwards 2023 Beverage of the Year shortlist
The last few months of this year have undoubtedly been unprecedented for the UK’s Halal food and drinks industry.
Award-winning ethical cola company Gusto Organic
2023 will be remembered as the year when Halal restaurants collectively united to boycott Coca-Cola and Pepsi for their support of Israel’s genocidal treatment of the Palestinians in Gaza.
Restaurant owners have been increasingly taking to social media to declare their abandonment of these two leading big brand cola corporations.
Their focus has instead shifted towards finding and supporting alternative colas that are ethically sourced and fully traceable.
This year’s #FtLionAwards is being sponsored by just such a cola company: Multi-award winning Gusto Organic who “places people and planet at the core of its ethos”.
15% OFF & FREE SAMPLES: In addition to offering an exclusive discount via their website (enter code: LION15 (valid 31 Dec 2023) at checkout), Gusto is also offering businesses samples of their incredible range of products (email [email protected] to receive a selection of drinks).
We kick off #FtLionAwards 2023 appropriately with this year’s shortlist of best beverages reviewed across London and beyond.
- Beverage of the Year (1 Dec 2023)
- Starter of the Year (5 Dec 2023)
- Main of the Year (10 Dec 2023)
- Seafood of the Year (14 Dec 2023)
- Dessert of the Year (18 Dec 2023)
- Grill of the Year (20 Dec 2023)
- Burger of the Year (23 Dec 2023)
- Newcomer of the Year (26 Dec 2023)
- Restaurant of the Year (29 Dec 2023)
- Winners (1st Jan 2024)
KINAARA
Located in 5-star InterContinental hotel is Indian fine-dining venue Kinaara, which is not only run by Muslim Chef Imamuddin Khan, but was rated 5/5.
From their drinks section, the mature and sophisticated Pink-lit Sunset turned out to be a humdinger, with a zingy undertone helping to highlight its sophisticated floral notes.
MEET BROS
‘Asian-fusion’ steakhouse Meet Bros in London Paddington weren’t just about steaks, but also put up the Assamenta, with an almost syrup-like texture that boasted a complex flavour profile defined by the sweet and tangy, followed by the freshness of the mint.
NOIR
High-end Indian restaurant Noir in north east London’s South Woodford served the Perky Perfection. With a desiccated coconut rim providing an interesting textural addition, the drink offered a sour-sweetness of passionfruit and orange which was nicely countered by the surprising touch of heat that came through at the end.
QAVALI
Birmingham’s Qavali had one of the most impressive lineup of beverages we’ve ever encountered. Complete with an elaborate drinks booklet, which dedicates an entire page each to each one, of the 10 tried, the Qavali Sharbat, with its initial hit of sharp fruitiness, was superb as it gave way to a sweet undertone.
The Maikhane easily boasted the most complex flavour profile, with a zingy, fruity, aromatic affair; and one which kept our interest right until the end.
RIBEYE
Ribeye, of course, was #FtLionAwards ‘Best Restaurant’ last year. They have opened a second in Birmingham which also has a full Halal dry bar along with a comprehensive selection of drinks each designed to help complement certain sections of the menu. The Pink Cloud was a smooth and delicious, fruit-sweet concoction, which ended with a tangy-cum-floral taste.
RITU
Indian restaurant Ritu in north west London’s St John’s Wood put up two beverages. The slushy-textured Flavored Mojito’s mixture of mango, strawberry and passion fruit, was superbly balanced by the eye-squinting zestiness of the mint and lime.
