Review: Wine and Cheese Society and the St Andrews Africa Summit(SAASUM)

I have to applaud the success of yet another boozy evening thanks to the alcohol connoisseurs at Fine Wine & Cheese. The reigning perpetrators of inebriation teamed up with the new kid on the block, SAASUM (St Andrews Africa Summit), to host an evening of bottles, tasteful photography, cheese and great company. SAASUM is the brainchild of Bradley Poku-Amankwah, who previously collaborated with GIG to host a lecture on African economic prospects.

The evening was held in the Cottage Kitchen, which was transformed from the cutesy, cosy cafe that it is by day into a great space (plus amazing garden!) for showcasing the art and containing numerous merry attendees. The artwork on show was a selection of photos submitted by students, taken in various countries throughout Africa, with the aim of redefining the way that people imagine Africa. In true W&C style, there was a mammoth supply of wine, most of it being poured into guest’s glasses by committee members faster than you can wave an empty glass in the air.

With artwork worth admiring over a glass of wine, a sound selection of drunken nibbles and only the finest company, the Wine & Cheese and SAASUM collaboration evening was one enjoyed by all. Arguably, the only thing missing from this classy soirée was a soundtrack to accompany the steady flow of African wines and their cheesy counterparts. With the rampant success of SAASUM’s first two events, one can only wait with baited breath for the next installment and congratulate its auspicious beginning.

For those who couldn’t make this smashing evening of art and alcohol, SAASUM’s exhibit will be on show for the next few weeks. Hipster or not, stop by Taste to check out some of the highlighted pieces. However, if you missed out on the copious consumption that W&C is so well known for, you’ll have to settle for a cappuccino and wait for the next wine-fueled evening later this month.

Photography: Maria Faciolince