Food & Drink

At the time December felt depressing, with even the imminent arrival of a ‘normal’ Christmas in doubt. Looking back now it was a period of relative freedom bookended by two lockdowns.

There was much excitement when Rudie’s Jerk Shack announced it was setting up home in Brixton Village, not least from me. Ever-changing operating restrictions in late 2020 played havoc with the opening but this finally happened last month.

As quirky brand names go, Cake or Death must surely take the prize. Is it a choice? Not sure. If another reason were needed to give Veganuary a try, this east London vegan bakery could well be it.

There are those pubs which hold a special place in your heart. For me, it’s The Regent in Balham. It was THE meeting place for my friendship group around a decade ago and the scene of many life changing events – early dates, hen weekends arranged over a glass of wine, and best woman’s speeches written here.

Recent research found that 36% of adults have increased their alcohol consumption during this year’s lockdowns and with Dry January around the corner, many people will be looking to reduce their alcohol intake.

The UK will be expected to pay over £300m on beer duty this December, which is more than the entire annual beer duty bill for 19 other European countries, despite 85% of UK pubs being unable to open this Christmas.

Coronavirus restrictions this Christmas means gifts are more important than ever before but a new report has revealed the top 10 most-hated hamper items to avoid gifting this year.

Once upon a time Canary Wharf was solely for business folk, jollying it up at lunchtimes and after work. Weekend visits felt like entering a ghost town but that’s all changed.

Make a cheese lovers’ Christmas Day with a Cheddar hamper from Somerset producer, Wyke Farms.

New research has revealed that one in five Brits are embracing a plant-based Christmas dinner this year, with mushrooms being the most popular alternative to traditional turkey.

As London’s famous market looked bursting at the seams, you’d be forgiven for thinking that we are not in the middle of a pandemic.

The Old Frizzle in Wimbledon celebrated the end of lookdown 2.0 by opening its Raclette Bar pop up. With travel plans on hold, there’s no need to head to Val d’Isere.

Thirty years ago, Streatham was known for having some of the best Italian food around. Then everyone started cooking pasta at home and the public appetite for the cuisine diminished.

As George Orwell once wrote, what was most appealing about his ideal pub was “what people call its ‘atmosphere’”.

The culinary status of the humble burger has risen hugely in the past few years, so little wonder it’s the one meal so many people crave. Here’s our guide to the best burger joints south of the river

I always knew The Railway was one of the best pubs in Streatham, but one of the best in London? That is according to the Campaign for Real Ale, which awarded it the South-west London Pub of the Year in The Good Beer Guide 2021.

One of London’s most famous markets is launching a digital pop-up to inspire Londoners and food shoppers in the run up to Christmas.

Before a global pandemic hit, Norbury showed serious signs that it was on the up. The good work of local group Love Norbury – persuading everyone to take pride in the area and generally clean up after themselves – seemed to finally be paying off and money began to trickle down and away from the trendier suburbs.

Three weeks ago, I did something I once took for granted, and recently feared I’d never get the chance to do again.

Criticising chain restaurants is a popular sport and one which I confess to playing on occasion.

The fact of the matter is that chains exist because people love them. They’re a known quantity, safe pair of hands – call it what you like, they’re here to stay.