Become a Tasting Series Insider

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What is the Tasting Series?

Think of it as part wine school, part storytelling session, part hangout—with better bottles and fewer rules. The Tasting Series is a monthly wine event hosted by Sommelier Mike Fish at Staff Only, London’s most intimate cocktail space. Every month’s theme is different, but the vibe is always the same: casual, fun, insightful, and totally unpretentious.

Why become an insider?

Insiders never miss out. Our events are small, just 14 seats - and they sell out fast. As an Insider, you get first access to tickets before the public, so you can book your spot before they’re gone. Get that, and more, when you become a Tasting Series Insider!

    • You’ll taste through 5–8 handpicked permium wines or spirits in a themed lineup

    • Mike, a certified sommelier, guides you through the story of each wine, like where it’s from, who made it, and why it matters

    • Expect engaging stories, nerdy insights, casual conversation, and a no-pressure space to ask questions

    • It’s not a lecture, it’s a shared experience with other curious wine drinkers and an approachable expert.

  • Yes, each wine comes with a small curated bite to complement the flavour and make the pairing pop. These aren’t full meals, but they’re thoughtful little hits that connect the dots between what’s in the glass and what’s on your plate. Think wine and cheese pairings or charcuterie bites.

  • Every event happens at Staff Only—a cozy, hidden cocktail bar in downtown London (350 Ridout St S). It’s small, stylish, and the perfect vibe for tasting great wine with great people.

  • It depends on the theme, but you can expect:

    • Hard-to-find bottles

    • Canadian gems

    • Organic, small-batch, and minimal-intervention wines

    • Incredible finds from Vintages

    • Occasionally weird stuff that totally blows minds

    Each tasting has a clear theme and a mix of crowd-pleasers and unexpected stunners.

  • Not at all. Guests range from total beginners to serious collectors. What everyone has in common is that they’re curious, open-minded, and up for a good time. You’ll learn a ton, but no one’s testing you, and at the end of the day, wine is for drinking.

    • Story-first, not snob-first

    • Wines you actually want to track down

    • Our small group setting is never crowded or corporate

    • Mike curates and leads every single event himself

    • It’s built for people who love wine, or are curious about it.

Close-up of a sign that reads 'STAFF ONLY' in bold black letters on a white background.