Isa Bal wins Michelin's Sommelier Award 2022

The head sommelier of Bermondsey-based restaurant Trivet, Isa Bal, has been awarded the prestigious Sommelier Award 2022 by the Michelin Guide to Great Britain & Ireland. 

Co-owned by Bal and fellow Fat Duck alumnus Jonny Lake, Trivet opened its doors in November 2019. As the duo's first solo restaurant, the relationship between food and wine is central to the venue's ethos. Michelin said the award was granted to Bal for his "fascinating wine list and his passionate approach, particularly to lesser-known regions."

The restaurant's wine list is laid out chronologically, following the history of wine to the present day, with over 450 varieties ranging from classic producers such as Italy and France, to the root of vitiviniculture with wines from Georgia, Armenia and Turkey. All have been personally selected by Bal, including bottles that are produced using both natural and conventional methods. 

On winning the sought-after accolade, Bal comments: "I'm so enormously grateful to receive this award, and hugely proud of the entire team too. Wine is at the heart of everything we do here at Trivet, from dish development to guest experience, so to have that recognised and celebrated by Michelin is truly wonderful."

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