LIKE most of you I buy the bulk of my wine from supermarkets where quality in everyday wines is higher than ever before. But I do go out of my way to patronise small, independent wine merchants whose shelves can provide more offbeat surprises. One such is Winos of Oldham. Phil Garratt's enterprising shop in George Street is celebrating 21 years in the business with a grand wine tasting at Charles Brierley and John Rudden's much-lauded gastropub, The White Hart up at Lydgate, on Thursday, July 1. It's a joint celbebration - the current manifestation of The White Hart is 10 years old. The event, showcasing 120 wines, will also have beers from microbreweries, food stalls and an oyster bar. Tickets are é5. More details from Winos (0161 652 9396) and The White Hart (01457 872566).

ANOTHER north-west gastronomic institution, Nutters ( see main restaurant review), is marking its 11th birthday with a couple of summer balls - black tie, champagne, the works - at its new, more spacious base. The ball on Saturday, July 31, is sold out, but tickets, at é55 per person, remain for Friday, July 30. Ring 01706 650167.



FOODFESTS are like hot cakes these days. A toothsome sounding one is the annual Nantwich Food And Drink Festival, which takes place Fri-Sun, September 24-26. Celebrity chef Clarissa Dickson Wright ( left) headlines an event which features cookery demonstrations, a Camra beer festival, a chocolate celebration and over 2,000 products to taste. Entrance to much of the festival is free at various locations around the Cheshire town with nominal charges for some of the main attractions. More details at www.nantwichfoodfestival.co.uk Tweet