Suited City boys, young marrieds and a good number of strictly Orthodox were among over 700 people who converged on the Sheraton Park Lane Hotel for a night of conspicuous consumption.

The annual Kosher Food and Wine Experience this year showcased 31 wine producers from Israel, Europe and beyond. It was organised by Kedem Europe, whose Benjamin Gestetner said the attendance was well up on 2014.
And while the alcoholic tastings were popular, the biggest demand was for the sushi, salt beef and other favourites, prepared by the hotel’s in-house kosher caterer, Arieh Wagner.

Mr Gestetner reported that the food was gone by 9pm, despite supplies having been based on a turnout of 1,000.
“We have had really positive feedback,” he added. “We get calls in July and August asking when the next one is. People like to put it in their calendar.”

As for kosher wine, things had moved on from the kiddush market, with the younger generation more concerned with quality. “At a wedding, the atmosphere can change with good wine.”