For this week’s Sunday Series, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Master Sommelier Isa Bal to discuss the inspiration and journey behind both of his Michelin Star restaurants, Trivet and Labombe by Trivet, as well as everything wine.
Educated throughout his career by Edoardo Amadi and the late Gerard Basset, Isa is recognised as one of the world's leading sommeliers, focusing on championing underrepresented regions.
In 2019, the Master Sommelier and Chef Jonny Lake established their first restaurant, now world-renowned, Trivet, celebrated with two Michelin Stars. Born from a Monday night concept, Labombe is their newest venture, with one Michelin Star.
What began as a creative outlet for the team on Monday nights, traditionally the quietest night in the hospitality industry, soon developed a cult following. It was a playground for Isa and Jonny to experiment outside the formal boundaries of Trivet, offering a high-octane atmosphere that proved Londoners were craving sophisticated food without the white tablecloths.
The name itself, Labombe, comes from a homework project Jonny completed when he was 13. Tasked with creating a fictitious restaurant, Jonny received a mark of 6/10 and a comment from his teacher “Où sont les boissons?” (Where are the drinks?). Years later, this inspired the foundations of the restaurant.
Isa’s approach at Labombe strips away the intimidation factor of elite wine lists. Here, his expertise is used to champion the 'underdogs', extraordinary bottles from regions like Georgia, Armenia, and Greece. With Isa’s influence, the wine list becomes an invitation to explore these often overlooked geographies.
Watch our full interview with Isa below.
