Alan Carr Visits Chip Alley, Complains About Easter Eggs and Lee’s Wine Tasting Disaster

Happy Hour Hacks: Spills, Thrills and Questionable Gadgets

Jul 1, 202640 minSummary

In this lively episode of Bottoms Up!, hosts Alan Carr and Lee Peart dive into the world of wine gadgets and unconventional drinking hacks. Joined by wine expert and author Rob Buckhaven, the trio explores the pros and cons of various tools designed to enhance the drinking experience, ranging from the sophisticated Coravin system for preserving opened bottles to more questionable DIY methods. The conversation covers a wide array of topics, including the rising popularity of English sparkling wine, the trend of unfiltered cloudy roses, and the best ways to aerate wine for a better taste. Buckhaven shares his expertise on the evolution of wine culture and reveals some humorous, albeit risky, methods for opening a wine bottle when a standard corkscrew is nowhere to be found. Throughout the episode, the hosts maintain a playful, irreverent tone, balancing genuine interest in wine innovation with candid discussions about their own drinking habits and social anecdotes. The episode serves as a lighthearted guide for listeners looking to navigate wine gadgets without taking the process too seriously, all while celebrating a shared passion for finding the next great pour.

Gary Barlow: Take That, Winemaking & New Zealand

Jun 10, 202646 minSummary

In this engaging episode, hosts Alan Carr and Lee Peart welcome musical legend and national treasure Gary Barlow to discuss his successful foray into the world of winemaking. The conversation highlights how Barlow transitioned from his prolific career in music to becoming deeply involved in the wine industry, sparked by his travels and a genuine passion for the craft. Barlow shares insights into the creative process behind his wine label, which was born out of a desire to create something authentic and shareable with friends. He emphasizes his hands-on approach, explaining how he and his team experimented with blends in South Africa to develop unique offerings like his Sauvignon Blush. Throughout the episode, the trio debunks the snobbery often associated with wine, advocating for accessibility and enjoyment over pretension. Beyond wine, the discussion touches on Barlow’s experiences filming his travel and food series, his reflections on his career in the music industry, and his upcoming tour. The episode blends lighthearted humor with sincere reflections on passion projects, illustrating the parallels between the artistry of music and the craft of winemaking.

William Hanson, Etiquette, and the Queen Mother's Favourite Cocktail

Jun 3, 202653 minSummary

In this episode of Bottoms Up! with Alan Carr and Lee Peart, the hosts welcome William Hanson, the renowned etiquette expert and author. The conversation kicks off with a classic, high-society staple: a gin and Dubonnet, famously known as the favorite drink of the late Queen Mother. Hanson offers fascinating historical context for the fortified wine-based aperitif, originally created by a French chemist to help soldiers consume quinine, before explaining why it remains a quintessential British drink. As the discussion unfolds, Hanson provides his professional take on modern manners, emphasizing that etiquette is not about rigid rules or elitism, but about inclusivity and evolving social norms. The trio engages in a lighthearted, insightful debate on various etiquette dilemmas, ranging from the correct way to handle dinner invitations and host duties to the nuances of modern dining, such as the etiquette of gender-neutral honorifics like Ms. They also touch upon Hanson's transition into fiction writing with his upcoming murder mystery novel. Throughout the episode, the hosts mix sophisticated etiquette advice with their signature humor, resulting in a candid exploration of how traditional manners fit into today's world.

The £80 Malbec Taste Test

May 27, 202647 minSummary

In this episode of Bottoms Up!, hosts Alan Carr and Lee Peart explore the world of wine, blending personal anecdotes with expert insight. The conversation begins with a recap of their recent trip to Greenwich, where they enjoyed a performance of Liza and Liberace and debated the merits of the London Marathon. The hosts then address a listener dilemma from Ella, who loves wine but dislikes the effects of alcohol. Alan and Lee conduct a playful taste test, comparing traditional rosé with more balanced alternatives like a Lillet Rose Spritz and a St-Germain elderflower spritz, emphasizing the importance of choosing drinks that are both enjoyable and manageable. The central feature of the episode is a wine masterclass with guest expert Manny, a former train driver turned wine specialist. Together, they dive into the nuances of Malbec, specifically focusing on the Catena family’s production in Argentina. The trio conducts a blind taste test featuring three different price tiers of Malbec, ranging from entry-level to an £80 bottle, to discuss how production methods, sourcing, and quality influence both the taste and the post-consumption experience.

The X-Rated Bottoms Up! Mix-Up

May 20, 202646 minSummary

In this episode of Bottoms Up with Alan Carr and Lee Peart, the hosts navigate a lively conversation filled with their signature banter, pop culture reflections, and a deep dive into the world of wine. The pair begins by taste-testing a non-alcoholic botanical aperitivo, sparking a humorous discussion about the importance of drink consistency and personal taste preferences. The conversation takes a comedic turn as the hosts recount an embarrassing mix-up regarding their podcast’s name, which accidentally directed listeners to an adult content page. Transitioning into lifestyle topics, they debate the unrealistic tropes often seen in movies—from messy towel etiquette to high-powered characters juggling wine and crisis management. The episode also features a competitive fish finger sandwich challenge, where Alan and Lee defend their unique, albeit polarizing, ingredient choices. Wine expert Alicia Hansel joins the program to guide the hosts through a tasting of different rosés. She demystifies the production processes of maceration and saignée, encouraging the hosts to look past labels and color. Through these tastings, the trio explores the value of exploring lesser-known regional wines, highlighting the hidden quality found in budget-friendly bottles.

Judi Love, Batty Riders & Lee's Thin Walls

May 13, 202654 minSummary

In this lively episode of Bottoms Up!, hosts Alan Carr and Lee Peart welcome their friend and fellow comedian Judi Love for a candid, wine-fueled conversation. The episode opens with the hosts sharing humorous anecdotes about recent events, their experiences with ride-sharing services, and the oddities of moving into new homes. The energy shifts as they welcome Dr. Judi Love—who proudly discusses her honorary doctorate—to talk about her current national tour, All About The Love. Throughout the discussion, the trio dives deep into the realities of fame and personal growth. Judi shares thoughtful insights on the challenges of balancing a public persona with a private life, particularly how navigating new success can lead to feelings of guilt and the pressure of being under a constant microscope. She reflects on her background in social work, explaining how her natural instinct to nurture and help others has shaped her approach to both comedy and her personal evolution. The conversation is punctuated by plenty of laughter, as the hosts reflect on their long-standing friendship and their shared experiences navigating the entertainment industry.

Alan’s Sexual Awakening, Meryl Streep Sequels & Hangover Free Wine?!

May 6, 202644 minSummary

In this episode of Bottoms Up!, hosts Alan Carr and Lee Peart dive into a mix of nostalgic memories, life updates, and the evolving world of lower-alcohol drinks. The hosts share lighthearted anecdotes about their respective moves, comparing the emotional process of packing up long-term homes to sorting through mementos. Their conversation takes a humorous turn as they recount childhood obsessions with the game Guess Who and the absurdities of their early workplace experiences. The central discussion features entrepreneur Gabby Lamb, who joins the hosts to explore the growing mid-strength movement. Moving away from full-strength alcohol, the group examines why many people are looking for ways to enjoy the ritual of a drink without the heavy side effects of traditional spirits or high-alcohol wines. Lamb shares her journey from the corporate world to creating her own six-percent wine, emphasizing that drinkers no longer have to compromise on flavor or quality when opting for reduced-alcohol options. Throughout the episode, the trio tastes various lower-alcohol alternatives, testing whether these modern, mid-strength beverages can truly rival the complex profiles of their full-strength counterparts.

Graham Norton Brings His Own Wine, Edinburgh Fringe + A Eurovision Bottle Battle

Apr 29, 202650 minSummary

In this episode of Bottoms Up!, hosts Alan Carr and Lee Peart are joined by national treasure Graham Norton for a lively discussion covering television, the Edinburgh Fringe, and the complexities of wine. The trio reflects on the landscape of modern comedy and the unpredictability of live broadcasting, sharing amusing anecdotes about their own experiences in the spotlight. The conversation shifts toward Graham’s career, exploring his transition from a stand-up comedian—famous for his "amazing hostess trolley"—to his role as an ambassador for the Edinburgh Fringe. Graham offers insight into his hands-on approach to winemaking, emphasizing the agricultural reality behind the bottle and the science involved in the yearly blending process. The hosts also dive into their recurring "wine dilemma" segment, this time with a Eurovision-themed twist. Tasked with helping a listener select wines from Moldova, Belgium, and Romania, the trio samples different varieties and awards them "points" Eurovision-style. The episode provides a charming, natural, and witty exploration of celebrity life, professional evolution, and the shared joy of discovering new wines, all while maintaining the lighthearted and humorous rapport that defines the show.

Alan’s Dog Poo Drama, Festival Fails & Questionable Turn-Ons

Apr 22, 202646 minSummary

In this episode of Bottoms Up!, hosts Alan Carr and Lee Peart dive into a series of candid and humorous anecdotes, starting with Alan’s chaotic morning involving a chewed-up hot water bottle and a bizarre social media interaction regarding dog waste. The hosts transition into a spirited discussion about their mutual distaste for music festivals, sharing their respective experiences with bad performances and uncomfortable crowds. The conversation shifts toward domestic life as the pair explores the mundane tasks they find surprisingly satisfying or particularly grating, such as the frustrations of unloading a dishwasher. They also touch upon their own "fakeaway" cooking habits and the joy of finding accessible, high-quality wine pairings. The episode features guest Liam, known as the "Wine Wallie," who shares his journey from a complete novice to an author of wine books. Liam provides practical advice for listeners who feel intimidated by the supermarket wine aisle, offering simple hacks to understand how climate affects taste. The discussion emphasizes that wine education should be accessible and fun, encouraging listeners to trust their own preferences rather than getting caught up in snobbery or formal qualifications.

Alan’s BAFTA Nominations, Red Carpet Beef & Supermarket Wine Secrets

Apr 15, 202642 minSummary

In this episode of Bottoms Up!, hosts Alan Carr and Lee Peart dive into a characteristically lively discussion covering everything from red carpet experiences to the nuances of food and wine pairings. Alan shares his excitement regarding his three BAFTA nominations, reflecting on his work on Celebrity Traitors and his collaboration with Amanda Holden on their travel series, while Lee recounts his own experiences navigating chaotic red carpet events and celebrity encounters. The duo welcomes wine expert and author Helen McGinn to the show, who provides a masterclass on navigating the supermarket wine aisle. Helen shares her journey from working as a supermarket wine buyer to becoming a celebrated author, offering practical advice for listeners on how to select quality wines across various price brackets. The hosts also test the "perfect pairing" theory, experimenting with champagne and a chicken and leek pie, alongside exploring how bubbles serve as an ideal palate cleanser for rich, fatty foods like cheese straws. Throughout the episode, the hosts maintain their signature blend of humor and curiosity, demystifying wine culture with accessible, entertaining insights.