Festive Cheers

Canine Christmas

Ultimate Beer Experience Voucher £35.00pp from The Cadogan Arms, Chelsea. Available at thecadoganarms.giftpro.co.uk Diamante 40% ABV £52.00 from Maestro Dobel. Available at Waitrose. Nitro Cold Brew Coffee Beer 4% ABV £12.00 for 10 cans from Guinness. Available nationwide.

The Tidal Rum 40% ABV £34.85 from Tidal Rum. Available at tidalrum.je Edwards 1902 Potato Vodka 40% ABV £34.95 from The Elsham Wold Distillery. Available at Master of Malt. Axia Extra Dry Mastiha 40% ABV £31.95 from Axia. Available at Hedonism Wines.

Coworth Christmas Pudding

By Adam Smith

Adam Smith is executive chef at Michelin-starred, Restaurant Coworth Park in Ascot. Named as the Roux Scholar in 2012 and awarded Craft Guild of Chefs Restaurant Chef of the Year in 2015, he joined Coworth Park as executive chef in 2016, overseeing all its culinary outlets, and in 2021 was awarded the Michelin-star for Restaurant Coworth Park for a fourth consecutive year.

The traditional Christmas Pudding originating in the 14th century and has been a staple on dinner tables ever since. This festive season why not bring the Coworth Christmas magic home with an Adam Smith twist which will be sure to go down a treat. This heart-warming dish will transport you to the festive setting of The Barn at Coworth Park - from the comfort of your home.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

1 x 900ml Ceramic Pudding Basin | 1 x 25cm Square Muslin Cloth | 1 x 16cm Diameter Circle of Greaseproof Paper Butchers String | A Large Plastic Container with Lid (must hold min 12kg and must be clean and sanitised)

INGREDIENTS makes approximately one large pudding

METHOD

Into your large container place the dried fruits - sultanas, currents, raisins, glace cherries, chopped prunes - cover these with all of the alcohol - congnac, Guinness, madeira, sherry, bitters, rum - add in the zest and juice of the oranges and lemons and leave this at room temperature for 48hrs in an air tight container.

You will need a large sanitised surface for the next stage. Firstly mix all of the dry ingredients - plain flour, suet, ground almonds, brown sugar, salt, bread crumbs, mixed spice, cinnamon, nutmeg - once well mixed add in mixed fruit peel, grated carrot, apples and crystallised ginger.

It is important that at each stage you mix until everything is incorporated and evenly distributed throughout the mix.

Next create a well in the middle of the dry mixture, into the middle add the dried fruit and alcohol that has been macerating for 48hr. On top of this add the golden syrup, eggs and milk. Starting from the edges slowly start to mix all the ingredients together.

You really need to mix this well and take your time to ensure there are no dry clumps and everything is well incorporated. Once the mix is made, place into your large sanitised plastic container, cover with grease proof paper first pushing out as much air as possible and then cover with the lid. Leave this in a cool dry place for 48hr, like a dry store, larder or pantry.

After the 2 days, place the mix into the ceramic pudding containers, ensuring there are no air pockets within the mix. Place the cut circles of greaseproof on top of each pudding, then place the muslin cloth over the top, around the small lip on the side of the bowl tie tightly with the butcher’s string. Pull the opposite corners of the muslin up above the bowl and tie in a bow - repeat with the other two corners. Then steam the puddings for 4hr.

Leave these in the larder (or a cool dry place) for a minimum 3 months to mature.

When it comes to the day of serving, steam the puddings for a further 90min. Allow to rest for 20min before serving. Remove from the bowl and flambé with some cognac. Serve with lashings of custard and vanilla ice cream.

A Gift to Lift the Spirits

Beefeater Crown Jewel 50% ABV £55.95 from Beefeater. Available at Harrods, The Whisky Exchange and Master of Malt | Blue Label London 2220 Cities of the Future Edition 40% ABV £250.00 from Johnnie Walker. Available at Harvey Nichols | Bloody Mary Cocktail Kit £45.00 from The Cocktail Society. Available at thecocktailsociety.uk MicroDraught Starter Bundle 4.2% ABV £750.00 from Guinness. Available at guinnesswebstore.co.uk | The Finish Collection Gift Box 40% ABV £73.00 from Ron Abuelo. Available at Master of Malt | 54 Year Old Single Malt 41.1% ABV Limited to 55 Bottles £24,000.00 from Loch Lomond Whiskies. Available at lochlomondwhiskies.com

ENJOY A GRAPE CHRISTMAS

SOME FESTIVE FIZZ TO GET THE PARTY STARTED AND A GREAT SELECTION OF WINE TO PAIR WITH THE BEST ROAST OF THE YEAR

Blanc de Blancs NV £69.90 from Charles Heidsieck. Available at Selfridges | Black Chalk Classic 2018 £35.00 from Black Chalk. Available at blackchalkwine.co.uk | Pasqua ‘Romeo & Juliet’ Prosecco DOC Brut £11.99 from Pasqua. Available at majestic.co.uk | Organic Malbec 2021 £15.99 from Domaine Bousquet Cameleón. Available at majestic.co.uk Blanc de Blancs 2014 Magnum £85.00 from Tinwood Estate. Available at tinwoodestate.com | Champagne Bruno Paillard Dosage Zéro MV £49.80 from Bruno Paillard. Available at Hedonism Wines | Cuvée Brut NV £37.00 from Piper-Heidsieck. Available at Waitrose | Porte Noire Sélectionné par Idris Elba Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Vintage Champagne 2010 £90.00 from Porte Noire. Avaiolable at harveynichols.com | Clarendelle Bordeaux Rouge 2016 £19.80 from Domaine Clarence Dillon. Available at Hedonism Wines

Isabel

Located in the heart of Mayfair on Albermarle Street, Isabel is the place to be for decadent dining in glamorous surrounds. Celebrating the seasons, Isabel's menu consists of warming autumnal dishes such as beef carpaccio with dijon mustard and pickled shimeji; pappardelle with seasonal wild mushrooms; and seared cod fillet with potato sauce and globe artichokes.

To start, you can't go wrong with the creamy burrata with marinated tomatoes, rocket, lovage pesto and croutons. Further cosy highlights include the seasonal ratatouille; hand rolled tagliolini with Devon crab, red chillies, lemon and parsley butter; and roasted cornfed chicken breast with gnocchi, celeriac puree and albufera sauce.

For dessert, indulge in the decadent chocolate crepes that are packed with chocolate and cream. Every dish is beautifully presented and as expected, is accompanied by a fantastic wine list and innovative cocktails.

The skilled bar team have carefully crafted a concise cocktail menu where reimagined classics are served from their impressive, gilded bar. Serving the most enviable of cocktails from a French 75 with a twist, to the Rosetta 75 - a mix of sloe gin, St Germain, organic rose water, lime juice and topped with Charles Heidsieck brut reserve Champagne.

The Salty Popcorn Cup is wonderfully fun and festive with Courvoisier VSOP, coffee liqueur, banana liqueur, salted caramel and popcorn syrup.

Everything at Isabel, from the music to the decor, oozes classic elegance. The restaurant itself is housed in a building that dates back to 1905, with the facade being one of the finest examples of Beaux-Arts inspired architecture in the area. One of the earliest occupants of the building was Charles Mellier, a furniture dealer and manufacturer selling period English and French furniture. Today, a glamorous hub for London's elite, Isabel celebrates the very best of food and drink, as well as the chic surrounds of Mayfair all the way from breakfast to dinner.

The special Autumn menu is available Monday to Thursday 5pm to 6.30pm, with 2 courses for £36.00 or 3 for £43.00 and comes with a welcome glass of bubbles.

RÜYA

Enjoy a taste of Anatolian cuisine in the heart of Mayfair thanks to the beautiful middle eastern restaurant Rüya.

Located just off Park Lane in the Grosvenor House Hotel, Rüya is influenced by various Anatolian regions that stretch from the Mediterranean to the Black Sea.

Inspired by second generation restaurateur Umut Özkanca’s Istanbul heritage, Rüya offersa taste of sophisticated, contemporary dishes from the various Anatolian regions, stretching from the Mediterranean to the Black Sea.

Diners can experience a menu featuring an array of Anatolian classics with a modern and fresh twist. Designed to share and explore, dishes are sectioned into hot and cold meze, larger plates, sides and of course, delights from the bread oven.

Menu highlights include the must try Truffle Cheese Pide with truffle butter, melted cheese and a slow cooked organic egg; Umut's Bayildi, confit of aubergine, slow-cooked onions, tomato sauce and feta; Halloumi and Mixed leaf salad with fresh herbs, yoghurt dressing and corn bread croutons.

The menu is so varied it's a struggle to choose what to have. Oysters are served with tomato, preserved lemon and jewels of pomegranate, Fırınlanmış Kemik Iligi boasts roasted bone marrow with slow cooked beef and hummus - and thats all on the meze before you even reach the larger plates!

You can't not try the varying breads, and the 24 hour slow cooked short rib with Turkish chilli BBQ glaze and spiced Konya chickpea puree just falls off the bone. Other meat options on the larger plates includes, Turkish coffee and Isot 36 days dry aged Rib Eye, and Lamb Cutlets with smoked aubergine. Fish wise, you can't go wrong with the Grilled Seabass and Zeytinyağı Pirasa, or Whole Dover Sole.

Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free menus are also available, as well as a set lunch menu.

Elsewhere in the vibrant restaurant designed by Conran and Partners, the Mekan Bar offers classic and contemporary cocktails with a Turkish twist along with one of London’s most extensive anise-scented, Turkish delicacy, Raki menus and an array of unique Turkish wines.

Rüya is the place where traditions meet modern. Journey through the seven regions of Anatolia without even leaving Mayfair.

FESTIVE HAMPERS

This hamper is great for those looking to impress friends and family this year - either by hosting the ultimate Spanish-inspired festive feast or as a delicious gift for a loved one to indulge in. Stuffed full of Brindisa’s most loved products, this christmas hamper includes; Señorio Ibérico Bellota hand carved ham, chorizo and salchichón, smoked Marcona almonds, Perelló gordal olives, Perello cocktail gherkins and Torres truffle potato crisps. A selection of artisan cheese including; semi-cured Manchego, pastura cheese with truffles and the ideal accompaniment - a Paiarrop pajarero fig and marcona almond wheel. For an indulgent sweet treat the hamper also includes; dark chocolate cigarillo biscuits, Rabitos Royale chocolate covered ganache filled figs, Gavino orange tortas de aceite (sweet orange flavoured olive oil biscuits), Alemany soft turron (almond nougat) and Alemany chestnut honey. To raise a toast on Christmas Day, the hamper features Fuentenarro crianza Ribera del Duero 2017, an organic red wine produced in Burgos, and Cava Mas Macia Brut.

A grand selection of café favourites as well as all-new delights for at-home enjoyment - solely for this Yuletide season so make haste. Cramful with all manner of high-class goods including House Chai, Chai Glasses and Tea Strainer, Incense (with matches and smart holder), Pineapple & Pink Peppercorn Jam, Tomato-chilli Jam, Permit Room Old-Fashioned, Premier Padmini Negroni, newly designed Dishoom Tea Towel and limited edition 2023 Calendar.

The Brindisa Christmas Hamper £200.00 from Brindisa. Available at brindisa.com The Dorchester Festive Hamper £295.00 from The Dorchester. Available at thedorchesterathome.slerp.com The Dishoom Hamper £110.00 from Dishoom. Available at store.dishoom.com

This fine hamper is perfect for a little festive indulgence whether you're buying for yourself or as a luxurious gift for a loved one. Inside you will find; a box of six mince pies, The Dorchester Homemade Christmas Pudding (500g), Stollen from The Dorchester’s Bakery, a chocolate facade of The Dorchester Hotel, The Dorchester’s Winter Rose Jam (220g), Festive Rhubarb Chutney (200g), Jing Chai Tea Caddy (100g), ‘The One’ 100% Speciality Arabica Coffee (250g), One bottle of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Champagne Brut NV (75cl), a 20cl Bottle of Old Tom Gin and Bermondsey Tonic, The Dorchester mug and a beautiful, reusable wicker hamper basket.

Santa Ana Gin 42.3% ABV £29.90 from Santa Ana. Available at Master of Malt.

Blood Orange Gin 41.8% ABV £29.00 from Caorunn. Available at shop.caorunngin.com Mermaid Gin 42% ABV £39.90 from Isle of Wight Distillery. Available at isleofwightdistillery.com

GIN GIN GIN GIN

Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin 43% ABV £34.95 from Jaisalmer. Available at Master of Malt.

Beefeater x Lakwena - The Spirit of London 40% ABV £18.49 from Beefeater. Available at drinksupermarket.com

A Wee Dram

Caisteal Chamuis Blended Whisky 46% ABV £39.00 from Caisteal Chamuis. Available at Master of Malt. Allt Gleann Single Malt 46% ABV £52.00 from Torabhaig. Available at Waitrose Cellar. 12 Year Old Single Malt Gold Bar Gift Tin 40% ABV £38.00 from Aberfeldy. Available at Master of Malt.

Cotswolds Signature Single Malt 46% ABV £39.00 from Cotswolds Distillery. Available at cotswoldsdistillery.com Bushmills 16 Year Old Single Malt 40% ABV £78.00 from Bushmills. Available at Master of Malt. Balblair 15 Year Old 46% ABV £67.90 from Balblair. Available at Master of Malt.

CHAMPAGNE CHRISTMAS

Bring some extra festive sparkle

The season of parties, gatherings and merriment has begun and it’s time to stock up on the best Champagnes to serve with all your Christmas favourites. What better way to commemorate the end of the year than with Champagne, the drink that embodies celebration!

Importantly, Champagne is not restricted to being just for welcome drinks or an after-dinner toast, it has a unique versatility that means it can be enjoyed throughout and at every stage of your Christmas meal. Of course, Champagne is naturally a sparkling start to any meal and makes for a fabulous apéritif but by nature, it is a refreshing wine and can enhance the array of sweet, rich, and nutty flavours in a traditional Christmas Lunch. As a bonus, the beautiful bottle, the distinctive pop of the cork and the lively effervescence add an additional layer of excitement to an already anticipated day.

harvest. These Champagnes are matured for a minimum of three years but are usually matured for four to ten and exhibit nutty and toasted aromas, as well as honey and stewed fruits. The calibre of these wines and the complexity bought to them by ageing makes them a wonderful companion to your golden Christmas turkey, or any choice of poultry that acts as the centre piece for your Christmas spread.

The cheese course

Cheese is celebrated and adored on Christmas Day, and it is crucial to choose the right drink to pair with this not-to-beforgotten course.

Rosé Champagne is the one to choose with its round fruitiness and berry aromas, which are an effective pairing to cheeses such as Perroche, Ragston, Spenwood and Berkeswell.

Dessert

To complete the Christmas feast, dessert and Champagne pairings are essential to master. When it comes to dessert there are endless possibilities but, a sweeter style of Champagne such as a Demi-sec and Sec work beautifully. A chocolate Yule log or a dark chocolate Pavlova smothered with fresh cream and raspberries are excellent options. Canapés

Canapés and Blancs de Blancs make for a match made in heaven. Blancs de Blancs, blended exclusively from white grapes and possessing notes of white citrus and exotic fruits pair exquisitely with classic smoked salmon blinis with a herby crème fraiche and a squeeze of lemon. Blancs de Blancs are light and tantalise the taste buds without “overloading” them and allow for the herby and subtle flavours of the blinis to still shine.

The main event

Vintage Champagne - the most suitable companion to exceptional occasions, intimate gatherings, family reunions and memorable and magical moments in life - is made from grapes collected from a single

BOTTOMLESS BRUNCH

AT PING PONG

Priced at just £35.00 per person, get in the festive mood with Ping Pong's Bottomless Brunch.

Taking place every Saturday from 12pm, at the St Katharine Docks, Soho, Southbank, St Christopher's Place and Covent Garden locations, the boozy brunch is the perfect way to enjoy your favourite dumplings with friends and family.

Tuck in to 90 minutes of free flowing cocktails carafes, wine, bubbly, beer and a dim sum set menu per person featuring crispy duck spring rolls, 2 har gau, and 2 chicken and cashew nut dumplings.

The vegetarian menu swaps out the duck for veggie spring rolls and also boasts 2 buddha's delights dumplings, as well as 2 mushroom and leek dumplings. Vegan and gluten free menus are available on request.

Even better, guests to Ping Pong’s Soho & St Katharine Docks will get the chance to dance along to resident live DJs, or tune in to the best mix of old school beats and fresh new releases at the trendy Southbank and Covent Garden restaurants.

pingpongdimsum.com

MINT LEAF LOUNGE

Conveniently positioned just a few steps from the Bank of England in the heart of the City, Mint Leaf Lounge offers up authentic, seasonal Indian ingredients that are beautifully presented. Delivering a sophisticated dining experience perfect for a business lunch or indulgent dinner, the varied menus provide a host of options to choose from.

The a la carte menu boasts a variety of dishes across appetisers, curries, biryani and vegetarian sides along with rice and breads to enjoy. You might find yourself spoilt for choice right from the start with Bhel Puri Chat - puffed rice, wheat crisp and spiced chickpea tossed with onion and tamarind; Kalonji Jheenga - tiger prawns with black onion seeds and spiced yoghurt; and Kashmiri Chicken Tikka - chicken supreme, Kashmiri chilli marinade with mint chutney all on offer.

Feel free to indulge in a number of options, but beware, there's plenty more to come including a stunning lamb Rogan Josh with braised leg of lamb, brown onion, tomato and Kashmiri chilli and substantial chicken Biryani with a blend of aromatic basmati rice, kewara water, saffron and mint. To complete your feast, add the Achari Baigan Masala - aubergine with pickling spice and Dal Makhani - slow cooked black lentils with tomato and butter with a chefs selection of breads.

This is a welcoming restaurant that is both open and spacious yet cosy and intimate, the ideal spot to enjoy some authentic, contemporary Indian cuisine right in the heart of the City. A vast bar welcomes you as you step inside to start your experience off right with a perfectly chilled draught Cobra or one of the many cocktails on offer.

temper SHOREDITCH

Smokehouse experts, temper have launched their latest site in Shoreditch and with it, one of the most indulgent Sunday roasts in the City. Focussing on the quality of the produce and how it's prepared and cooked to ensure only the very best reaches the table, temper Shoreditch continues the ethos set out from the launch of their first restaurant.

Unlike most other meat restaurants, temper purchase the majority of the meat from small farms and butcher in house, in full view. This means less cattle per week to serve the same amount of food as a like for like restaurant and you get to experience every step of the journey.

When it comes to the roast, it is a whole experience in itself. Served only on a Sunday, there are a number of options for you to choose, but really only one that you should to full appreciate the offering - the Family Style Three Beast Feast. This two person roast is as described in the title, served on a huge platter, you will find aged beef roast, roasted pork and succulent smoked lamb shoulder. All accompanied by a plethora of sides including beef fat roast potatoes, a selection of roast vegetables, braised red cabbage and of course, Yorkshire puddings.

If you think you can handle it, you can opt for some extras of any of the accompaniments as well as a delectable four cheese cauliflower. Alternatively, they do also offer a snack menu which you can enjoy with an aperitif pre-feast. The aged beef nachos are delicious, but beware, you will only need one to share and little else if you choose to go for the sharing feast.

Individual roasts are also available featuring roast aged beef with horseradish cream; smoked and pulled lamb shoulder with mint; smoked pork belly with smoked apple sauce; and smoked baby chicken with chimichurri, each equally sufficient in stature. The quality of the produce and cooking really shines through and the whole experience with the impressive open kitchen is only enhanced further by the restaurant's distinctive atmosphere. Of course, you can enjoy the restaurant at any time during the week to explore the spectacular meat on offer, but if you're after a relaxed Sunday spot that will fill a substantial hole, there are few places that can do it better.