Latest news with #Veronika
Web Release
6 hours ago
- Business
- Web Release
Veronika Zakharchuk Appointed Head Sommelier at Culinary Arts Group
Culinary Arts Group has announced the appointment of Veronika Zakharchuk as Head Sommelier, further strengthening the group's focus on exceptional guest experiences across its flagship concepts — Maison Dali, Bar Dali and Revolver Dubai. With an impressive international résumé, Veronika steps into a key leadership role to define and elevate the group's wine identity through thoughtful curation and an impeccable wine selection. Since joining the group in late 2024, Veronika has been instrumental in bringing a renewed perspective on wine — from sourcing rare bottles to launching curated tastings. Her remit includes wine list development, distributor partnerships, team training, pricing strategy and creating beverage programmes that are as emotionally resonant as they are technically sophisticated. Prior to her current role, Veronika recently served as Assistant Head Sommelier at the one-Michelin-starred Dinner by Heston Blumenthal at Atlantis The Royal. There, she was integral to the venue's pre-opening and post-launch success, overseeing a 6,000-bottle cellar and a 1,500-label list, while mentoring her team in delivering exceptional, story-led service. Before relocating to the UAE, she held senior roles in Russia, including the pre-opening of Gvidon and Gorynich by the White Rabbit Family – ranked No. 13 on The World's 50 Best Restaurants in 2019. There she managed one of the country's largest Champagne selections, designed bespoke wine lists, led tastings and trained junior sommeliers. Her foundation spans respected institutions including Four Seasons Moscow, Ararat Park Hyatt and Simple Wine, Russia's leading wine supplier. A dedicated student of her craft, in the past year, Veronika recently completed the WSET Level 3 course and passed the Certified Sommelier Examination under the Court of Master Sommeliers (CMS). In her new role, Veronika brings a distinct approach to each concept within the group. At Maison Dali, she champions Old World classics, grower Champagnes and rare bottles showcased in Dali's cellar section. By collaborating with suppliers and brand ambassadors, she offers a curated selection of 50 wines by the glass — allowing guests to enjoy exceptional labels at accessible prices. At Revolver, her programme is more intuitive, highlighting unique pairings and exclusive imports unavailable elsewhere in Dubai. Here, she presents a focused selection of 25 wines by the glass, with a mission to make wine an integral part of the storytelling at the table. Reflecting on her appointment, Veronika shared: 'I'm truly excited to lead the wine programmes at Maison Dali, Bar Dali and Revolver — three exceptional venues, each with its own energy and identity. To me, wine isn't about rules; it is about creating moments of connection, discovery and joy. I believe in thoughtful pours, easy conversation and shaping guest experiences that are effortless and memorable. It is a privilege to work with a team that shares this passion for hospitality — no rules, just great wine and a good time.'
Daily Mirror
02-06-2025
- Daily Mirror
Circus acrobat, 28, falls 50ft to her death from edge of 'blissful rooftop' pool
Veronika Kobzova, 28, from Ukraine, was on holiday in Phuket, Thailand, when she fell from a rooftop swimming pool at a resort complex and died after suffering "head and chin" injuries A circus acrobat from Ukraine fell 50ft to her death after losing her balance while walking along the edge of a rooftop swimming pool during a holiday in Thailand, it has been revealed. 28-year-old Veronika Kobzova had been drinking beer at a resort complex on the popular tourist island Phuket in Thailand when the tragedy happened. She is reported to have decided to stand up and walk along the edge of a pool at the top of the building when she fell. The holidaying acrobat 'made a misstep' which led to her falling into an alley below, according to witnesses. She was pronounced dead less than an hour after her 3:30am fall which caused serious 'head and chin' injuries. Veronika was a member of a famous Ukrainian circus family. Her uncle Mykola Kobzov, head of Circus Kobzov, told of the "terrible loss" and that his family is in "mourning". He said: 'In a tragic accident, my niece Veronika Kobzova has passed away. "She fell from a height of 15 metres. Young, beautiful, successful — and now such a terrible loss. 'Veronika, we will always remember you. I love you. Our whole family is in mourning.' Pictures show the rooftop pool apparently without barriers. Friends rushed to her after the fall, but her injuries were fatal. Thai police are reportedly investigating her death but foul play is not suspected. A Thai report said: 'The blissful rooftop ambiance and the allure of a poolside walk culminated in an unintended peril. As her friends watched, her celebration turned to calamity when she misstepped at the edge of the rooftop swimming pool, plunging from the third floor into a narrow alley below.' Video shows her familiar with high acts from her career as an acrobat. The dead woman was originally from Nikopol, in Ukraine 's Dnipropetrovsk region. She had worked in the circus from the age of 12, and later starred in the prestigious Cirque du Soleil and the German Roncalli Circus. Later she performed in Asia, especially China, and recently had been based in Thailand, said reports. It comes after last month a young gymnast horrifically plunged to her death after plummeting from a so-called "Wheel of Death" during rehearsals for her first show. Victoria Balandina had just started with the circus and was performing on a giant rotating contraption, in the city of Magnitogorsk, a major industrial centre in southern Russia, on Saturday. The young woman reportedly lost her balance and fell over five metres to the ground in a horror accident. Emergency workers rushed to the training site in a desperate attempt to save the 22-year-old's life but she died in an ambulance a short while after her horror fall on May 17. A shocking video caught the moment the woman suffered the fatal tumble as she was attempting to do somersaults as the huge wheel span. The footage caught Victoria as she slipped and landed head-first in the circus arena.
Scottish Sun
02-06-2025
- Scottish Sun
Tourist, 28, plunges 50ft to her death from edge of rooftop swimming pool at luxurious villa in Phuket
The unfortunate holidaymaker 'made a misstep' while walking around the edge of the pool HOLS PLUNGE Tourist, 28, plunges 50ft to her death from edge of rooftop swimming pool at luxurious villa in Phuket Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A TOURIST has died after plunging 50ft from the edge of a rooftop swimming pool at a luxurious villa on the Thai island of Phuket. Veronika Kobzova, 28, a Ukrainian circus acrobat, had been relaxing around the pool when she walked to the edge and fell late at night. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Ukrainian circus acrobat Veronika Kobzova, 28, died when she fell from a rooftop pool in Thailand Credit: East2West 5 She had been recently performing around Asia Credit: East2West 5 The acrobat fell about 50ft from the apparently unguarded rooftop pool down into a gulley Credit: East2West The holidaymaker 'made a misstep' and tumbled down into an alley below, according to witnesses. Friends rushed to check on her after she disappeared over the side, but she tragically could not be saved. She was pronounced dead less than an hour after her fall at 3:30am, which inflicted serious 'head and chin' injuries. Veronika was a member of a famous Ukrainian circus family. Her uncle Mykola Kobzov, head of Circus Kobzov, said: 'In a tragic accident, my niece Veronika Kobzova has passed away. 'She fell from a height of 15 metres. 'Young, beautiful, successful — and now such a terrible loss. 'Veronika, we will always remember you. I love you. Our whole family is in mourning.' Pictures appear to show the rooftop pool without any protective barriers. The pool reaches right to the edge of the building, beyond which there is a sheer drop down to a steep gulley with a concrete wall. Horror as influencer, 19, plunges 150ft to her death from parasail after 'unfastening her safety harness during a panic attack' Thai police are reportedly investigating her death, but foul play is not suspected. A Thai report said: 'The blissful rooftop ambiance and the allure of a poolside walk culminated in an unintended peril. 'As her friends watched, her celebration turned to calamity when she misstepped at the edge of the rooftop swimming pool, plunging from the third floor into a narrow alley below.' Veronika was comfortable with heights, with videos showing her pulling off dangerous aerial acts in her performances. The tragic tourist hailed from Nikopol, in Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region. She had worked in the circus from the age of 12 - and later starred in the prestigious Cirque du Soleil and the German Roncalli Circus. She also performed in Asia, most frequently China, and recently had been based in Thailand, reports said. Phuket is Thailand's largest island and immensely popular amongst tourists, often as a starting point for trips to surrounding smaller islands. 5 The pool appears not to have any guard rails around it Credit: East2West
The Irish Sun
02-06-2025
- The Irish Sun
Tourist, 28, plunges 50ft to her death from edge of rooftop swimming pool at luxurious villa in Phuket
A TOURIST has died after plunging 50ft from the edge of a rooftop swimming pool at a luxurious villa on the Thai island of Phuket. Veronika Kobzova, 28, a Ukrainian circus acrobat, had been relaxing around the pool when she walked to the edge and fell late at night. Advertisement 5 Ukrainian circus acrobat Veronika Kobzova, 28, died when she fell from a rooftop pool in Thailand Credit: East2West 5 She had been recently performing around Asia Credit: East2West 5 The acrobat fell about 50ft from the apparently unguarded rooftop pool down into a gulley Credit: East2West The holidaymaker 'made a misstep' and tumbled down into an alley below, according to witnesses. Friends rushed to check on her after she disappeared over the side, but she tragically could not be saved. She was pronounced dead less than an hour after her fall at 3:30am, which inflicted serious 'head and chin' injuries. Veronika was a member of a famous Ukrainian circus family . Advertisement read more in world news Her uncle Mykola Kobzov, head of Circus Kobzov, said: 'In a tragic accident, my niece Veronika Kobzova has passed away. 'She fell from a height of 15 metres. 'Young, beautiful, successful — and now such a terrible loss. 'Veronika, we will always remember you. I love you. Our whole family is in mourning.' Advertisement Most read in The US Sun Breaking Pictures appear to show the rooftop pool without any protective barriers. The pool reaches right to the edge of the building, beyond which there is a sheer drop down to a steep gulley with a concrete wall. Horror as influencer, 19, plunges 150ft to her death from parasail after 'unfastening her safety harness during a panic attack' Thai police are reportedly investigating her death, but foul play is not suspected. A Thai report said: 'The blissful rooftop ambiance and the allure of a poolside walk culminated in an unintended peril. Advertisement 'As her friends watched, her celebration turned to calamity when she misstepped at the edge of the rooftop swimming pool, plunging from the third floor into a narrow alley below.' Veronika was comfortable with heights, with videos showing her pulling off dangerous aerial acts in her performances. The tragic tourist hailed from Nikopol, in Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region. She had worked in the circus from the age of 12 - and later starred in the prestigious Cirque du Soleil and the German Roncalli Circus. Advertisement She also performed in Asia, most frequently China, and recently had been based in Thailand , reports said. Phuket is Thailand's largest island and immensely popular amongst tourists, often as a starting point for trips to surrounding smaller islands. 5 The pool appears not to have any guard rails around it Credit: East2West 5 Veronika came from a famous Ukrainian circus family Credit: East2West Advertisement
The Sun
28-05-2025
- General
- The Sun
Five teens killed in horror knife rampage at 15th birthday party after girl ‘refused twisted attacker's advances'
RUSSIAN police are investigating the brutal deaths of five teens during a birthday party for a 15-year-old girl. Mikhail Paramonov, 17, allegedly went on a killing spree after a 14-year-old girl refused his advances, according to Russian reports. 10 10 10 The murders, involving stabbings and a gas canister explosion, took place at a country house in Baikalsk, in Russia's Irkutsk region, on Tuesday night. Mikhail, the oldest at the party, allegedly became 'heavily intoxicated', attacking and killing four teenagers with a knife, reports claim. The victims have been named as Polina Markova, 16, Nikolai Malyshev, 13, Vadim Pavlushkin, 14, and Oybek Bondursky, 14. Among the 14 at the party, four teens were also wounded. One girl, Veronika, 15, remarkably survived by pretending to be dead after being stabbed, according to reports. When the attacker left the room, she managed to escape and alerted a neighbour, who then raised the alarm. The neighbour, along with some of the teenagers, called the police. Mikhail ran back into the house and set the house on fire, opening the gas canister, according to reports. Viktoria, 14, managed to escape seconds before the gas explosion. She saw Mikhail 'opening a gas canister' and setting the house on fire. New site searches after Fiona Pender disappearance reclassified as murder Mikhail was killed in the fire and was found by police 'naked and holding a knife'. Anastasia Sinota, 15, whose birthday was being celebrated, escaped the horror. Some reports say that the four dead were killed in their sleep but this has not been confirmed. Police found five the bodies of four boys and one girl in the burnt house. Most of the children had told their parents they were staying with friends, according to reports. Their parents were unaware they had travelled to a 'dacha' - or country house - for a party, some 125 miles from regional capital Irkutsk city. 10 The children all attended the same School Number 11 in Baikalsk, but Mikhail - a young wrestler - had left. Regional children's ombudswoman Tatyana Afanasyeva said: 'As a result of this terrible crime, five teenagers were killed, including the attacker. 'Four were hospitalised. 'Three minors are receiving psychological assistance, they are in a state of profound shock. 'One minor was operated on, and may be transported to Irkutsk for further treatment, depending on his condition.' Irkutsk Region Governor Igor Kobzev said one of the victims was seriously wounded. 'The wounded children were hospitalised. 'A 14-year-old teenager with neck wounds is in extremely serious condition.' The Russian Investigative Committee has launched a full probe into the murders. A statement read: 'At some point, one of them attacked those present with a knife.' It added: 'As a result, four teenagers died at the scene, and another four were taken to the hospital with various injuries. 'The suspected attacker set the house on fire after the attack and died in the resulting fire.' A former classmate said: 'Everyone is shocked, of course, that [Mikhail] could do such a thing. 'He was a good person, but with stupid jokes. 'He always helped whoever he could, he was popular with girls. 'But after the 10th grade he left because he couldn't handle the school programme.' The wounded children have been named as Viktoria 'Vika' Vishnyakova, 14, Veronika Rakitneko, 15, Ruslan Fedotov, 14, and Dmitriy Semyon, 15. Five others safely left the scene of the massacre. 10
