These days, in order to stand out from the quaffable crowd, a drink needs enough swagger, style and substance to turn its liquid peers green with envy.

This month, Fortnum and Mason will be spicing things up, with a menu in The Gallery restaurant inspired by ‘Cinnamon Kitchen: The Cookbook’, and a masterclass with Vivek Singh himself.

I like a product that speaks to me. Some softly whisper, beckoning from the shadows with crooked finger, whilst others get under your skin with enigmatic enticements to indulge. Pistonhead just bellows at you, hits you round the head with a sledgehammer, and drags you back to its cave.

José Pizarro pops up with a tapas bar at the Hay Festival this summer in collaboration with the Spanish Tourist Office

Labouring the point somewhat, The Cinnamon Club has devised a new menu designed to nurture expectant mothers like the Duchess of Cornwall herself.

Two new culinary projects have launched at Zucca – a monthly Chef’s Table and a  calendar of ongoing regional Italian nights

Although St George’s own heritage may lie beyond our own fair isle, it’s only fair that we celebrate the fine fellow’s contribution to good old England with some good old English fare. And Kensington’s Park Terrace Restaurant is holding a fayre to do just that. Let’s hope the weather’s set fair. Okay, I’ll stop now.

Inspired by the’Streets of Mozzarella’ festival in Italy, Mayfair restaurant Sartoria will devote the entire month of May to celebrating one of Italy’s most popular exports. Highlights will include treccia, a giant two kilogram plaited mozzarella to share, as well as a special mozzarella masterclass on May 4th

Looking for some cultural inspiration this May Bank Holiday weekend? Well perhaps Campo Viejo has the answer. The brand is bringing the vibrancy, life and colours of Spain to London’s Southbank Centre with its’Streets of Spain’ festival – a four day celebration of modern Spanish food, wine, art and culture. 

This year has been a right washout. Grey, drab, dreary. So I’ve been looking to other cultures to brighten the bleakness. Persian Nowruz, Indian Holi… Next on my agenda, Thai Songkran.