Author: Ridley, Neil

General cookery & recipes

Published on 23 October 2025 by Bloomsbury Publishing PLC in the United Kingdom.

Hardback | 160 pages, 35 black and white illustrations
178 x 111 |

The ultimate guide to picky bits and drinks pairings for every season, brought to you by drinks expert, TV presenter and author of The Crisp Sommelier, Neil Ridley.

Long live picky bits! Whether you’re throwing together a last-minute party or knackered after a long day at work, picky bits are your saving grace. With 161 picky bits and 99 drinks to boot, you’ll find something for every occasion ‘ from meat, fish and veggie and vegan snacks to alcoholic and non-alcoholic.

Sit back in awe as Neil Ridley taps into his endless expertise to guide you through the following:-

Find out the perfect picky bit to pair with your drink of choice or vice versa, be it alcoholic or non-alcoholic-

Rustle up a picky bit and drinks spread to seriously impress your guests-

Answer the ultimate conundrum: What counts as a picky bit?-

Discover which picky bit best sums up your personality; are you more tempura prawn or pork pie?As you venture through the different drinks’ sections, including Wine, Beer and Cider, Cocktails, and Non-alcoholic, you’ll find the perfect picky bit to make your drink of choice sing. With fun combinations like Pinot Noir and pork pies, Mojito and buffalo wings, Lager and prawn crackers, Pisco and a cheese and pineapple hedgehog, Irn-Bru and Haggis bon bons, and Apple soda and cheese and bacon loaded potato skins.

Let Ridley help you craft the perfect picky spread. For any occasion where a bog-standard dinner won’t do, crack out the picky bits and let the fun commence!