Gather round hot drink devotees, because Pukka (the’organic herb specialist’ and purveyor of the prettiest boxed tea bags in the business) have launched four new flavours just in time to sip away the cold snap.

The location, the service and the food were all of the highest standards or at least the highest standards for the price charged – apart, that is, from the location: you can’t buy a better slice of history, geography and breath-taking scenery. It’s worth a visit just for that aspect alone, the fact you can get a great meal and stay in a fantastic hotel are a bonus too.

Restaurants, wine merchants and supermarkets; French Pays d’Oc wines are everywhere. It’s not surprising as they represent some of the best value around today. Alan Kingsbury takes a look at a few of his favourite recent discoveries.

West London’s brand new Wild Food Market, in Brook Green, is a one-stop-shop for  fresh produce, on-trend street food, innovative master classes and maybe somewhere to meet some new foodie friends.

Costa Rica is a top tourist destination with travellers drawn to its bio diversity and the chance to meet wildlife including sloths, monkeys, jaguars, pumas, crocodiles, toucans and parrots. But people don’t necessarily come here for its cuisine, although coffee and chocolate tours form part of the tourist offering

Teaming up with London’s luxurious hotel, The London Edition, Drambuie will serve up a delicious array of palate-pleasing events in the hotel’s modern interpretation of a 19th-Century private club, the Punch Room.

Jenius Social is new, and one of the most exciting venues in London that every foodie should visit at least once. Founded by Jen, who was brave enough to leave her work in finance, Jenius Social is a great success. 

Some rather upmarket wines have started to appear on Lidl’s shelves. We pop the corks on a couple of French classics and find there is something to celebrate.

With National Chocolate Week kicking off next month, Emma road tests a chocolatey collaboration between Mark Sargeant’s Plum + Spilt Milk and Gü Puds.

Coya is a true Mayfair experience, albeit one with a friendly edge. Professional staff smile politely and provide hints, tips, suggestions and as much information on each dish as you’re willing to hear.