From Grandma’s Table to a Wine Spectator Award
Interview with sommelier Joshua Mullock from The Lobby.
Wine is no side note at The Lobby. It’s an experience, a story, a reason to come back. And that hasn’t gone unnoticed: both The Lobby Nesplein and The Lobby Fizeaustraat recently received the prestigious Wine Spectator Award. The Lobby is the only restaurant in Amsterdam without a Michelin star to earn two glasses — and now we have two locations on the list. That means two of the ten awarded restaurants in the city belong to us. Add to that a wine list curated by someone who was once named the Best Sommelier in the UK, and you’ll understand why our wine list creates such a buzz.
It’s all about balance and energy
“I’d describe our wine list in one word: exciting,” Joshua begins. “Of course there’s balance in price, origin, and style. But what really sets us apart is the energy. The choices. The personality.”
That personality comes from the way Joshua curates the list. He follows his instincts. No generic supplier lists. No copy-paste classics. Just bottles that move him. “I’d rather buy three bottles of something rare than twenty of something everyone else is pouring.
The bottle that changed everything
Joshua’s love for wine didn’t start in a fine dining setting. It began at his grandmother’s kitchen table in England. “Every Sunday, fifteen of us would sit down together. There was food, laughter, stories, and yes, wine. It wasn’t expensive, but the magic was already there.”
The bottle that changed everything? Pago de los Capellanes Crianza from Ribera del Duero. “My uncle opened it on my eighteenth birthday. I’ll never forget that moment.” That very same wine, now in Magnum, is proudly featured on the list.
A Chablis worth slowing down for
If you’re ready to treat yourself to a truly memorable bottle, Joshua suggests the François Raveneau Montée de Tonnerre 2018, Chablis Premier Cru. “Waxy, salty, fresh, complex. You can taste the ocean. Oysters and langoustines. That kind of thing. This wine can turn an ordinary lunch into something unforgettable.”
And the best part? “On the market, it goes for around 700 euros. On our list, it’s 280.”
The dream bottle for the true enthusiast
For those who want to go all in, or just know their legends, Joshua lights up when someone orders the Armand Rousseau Clos de la Roche Grand Cru. “950 euros. It’s a steal if you know what it is. Almost mythical. Most guests never even see this bottle, it’s that rare. But when someone orders it, it makes my day.”
Looking for something with just as much soul but a softer price tag? Try the Comte Armand Clos des Epeneaux 1999. “Super expressive. Beautifully aged. A tribute to a legendary winemaker who passed away recently. A bottle with real depth.”
No snobbery. Just good wine and good vibes
The best feedback Joshua gets? When people are surprised. When they open the list and say, “wow.” And when they come back.
Worried the list might feel intimidating? Don’t be. “Choosing wine is like choosing food. It depends on your mood. Are you up for an adventure, or are you looking for comfort? What do you drink at home? What are you eating tonight?”
That personal, no-pressure approach means anyone can find something they’ll love, from casual drinkers to serious collectors. “All you need is curiosity.”
Ready to explore?
Let Joshua guide you through the world of Raveneau, Rousseau and Ribera del Duero. The wine list at The Lobby isn’t just a menu. It’s an invitation. Come taste. Come discover. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll go home with a new favourite bottle.
