Polpo, Soho

I like Polpo a lot better now it’s got over the initial trendy phase and settled down to simply feeding people. This is the sort of place that only Soho can support, a postcode where dodgy expenses are still signed off and the locals more mature and less fickle than out East. You need eight arms to tackle all the dishes as they pile onto your small table though.

West Dean Gardens Annual Chilli Fiesta, 6 – 8 August

Hotter for longer this year, the West Dean’s Chilli Fiesta has been extended to three days, as it attracts devoted chilli fanatics from all over the world. Creating a very special hotspot among the nation’s food events, there will be chilli growing and cooking demonstrations, tastings galore ranging from the mild to the very hot.

A rum do at No 5

I’m drawn to new things like a magpie to shiny objects so how could I resist the opportunity to attend the launch of a very exclusive rum? Especially when there’s the opportunity to taste a bottle of £125 rum?

Mont Tauch Fitou 2008

Mont Tauch is the largest co-operative in Fitou, southern France and their Cellar Reserve Terroir d’Altitude Vieilles Vignes is made from grapes grown at high altitudes on old vines. The Mont Tauch Fitou is available Morrison’s at £7.99 which is good price for this lovely wine, it is versatile and worth putting on your shopping list this summer.

Tom’s Terrace, Somerset House

I’d visited Tom’s Terrace on opening night when Lanson was free-flowing, meaning bathroom trips were frequent and essential, the slight downfall being they’re located outside of the restaurant, obviously. It’s only a slight disgruntle, as are the other minor hitches with the meal, undoubtedly not worth kicking up a fuss over. The occasion was a perfect fit for the venue, a really fantastic place to grab a quick bite with a friend and enjoy the summer sun.