If you are a foodie looking for a great holiday meal, you are in luck. There are several restaurants around London that will serve you some of the best dishes you've ever tasted. A true food-lover knows you can find extraordinary dishes in unexpected places, and they are always worth the effort. London may come to mind regarding holiday menus due to its many options. From a fancy hotel to cheery neighbourhoods, a little festive spicing up one's sartorial sense will go a long way. Here are some of the best places to get in the Christmas spirit. While researching this article for your holiday enjoyment, we found an interesting article featuring the world’s most expensive dishes. This astounding article is a must-read for food enthusiasts everywhere. We encourage you to take full advantage of all the exciting foods that are prepared for all of the holidays of every nation. There is always something new to enjoy and something new to learn. Gigi's Hoxton Gigi's Hoxton is a new addition to the Shoreditch food and drink scene. This all-day restaurant and bar are aimed at fusing contemporary food and contemporary music. It has its own bar serving tequila and mezcal. The restaurant serves a 5-course Christmas menu. Items include a Yule log, a seasonal dessert, and an array of Petit Fours. The most exciting menu item is the "snack-sized" Pumpkin Spiced Tart with Maple Meringue. The Connaught The Connaught is an excellent choice for a plethora of reasons. For starters, it has four fantastic restaurants, including the award-winning Artesia. Not to mention, the hotel is situated just a hop, skip, and jump from Buckingham Palace. Timmy Green Timmy Green is a family restaurant named after Prue Freeman's brother that serves hearty, healthy food. This is the ideal venue for a festive lunch. They serve a menu of dishes based on grass-fed meats. They also have a menu for vegans and gluten-free diners. They also have a menu of Christmas-themed Sunday lunches. You can enjoy a delicious roast turkey with cranberry sauce, jerk turkey with chorizo stuffing, and vegan Wellington. They also have a selection of beers, wines, and cocktails. They offer a cozy, British setting. You can choose from a two-course, three-course, or five-course Christmas lunch. Heritage Soho Heritage Soho is a restaurant in central London that focuses on classic Alpine cuisine with a contemporary twist. With an impressive wine list, delicious food, and a lively bar, this is the perfect spot for pre-theatre dining and a pre-night out. The Heritage cocktail menu is inspired by the Alps and features a variety of Swiss wines and classic cocktails. A team of masterful mixologists has designed it. It includes a selection of traditional and contemporary drinks, including the Apres-Ski. Its festive feel is sure to get everyone in the holiday mood. Princess of Shoreditch on Paul St The Princess of Shoreditch on Paul ST is a well-established landmark in the London food scene. The establishment has been serving its customers for almost 300 years. It has undergone a spruce-up overseen by Tibbatts Abel, the former chef at the nearby Bibendum, and a new head chef, Ruth Hansom, who grew up in the neighborhood. It is not surprising to learn that The Princess of Shoreditch on Paul St has received numerous accolades for its culinary prowess, ranging from being named Best London Pub by Time Out to being ranked number one for best steaks in the city. The venue's two-floor dining room offers everything from casual grub to refined fare and a 28-cover wine and whiskey bar. Jugged Hare The Jugged Hare in the City is a London gastro-pub that serves traditional British cuisine. It is located just outside of the Barbican Center. The pub has an interior that combines antique Victorian woodwork and paintings with chandeliers and stone columns. The menu includes up to 28 different game birds. The Jugged Hare is famous for its Saturday Bottomless Brunch. The menu also features a fish pie, cauliflower steak, and golden plover. Many taverns have Christmas-themed menus. One of the most popular is the Hero of Maida. The Hero of Maida serves a traditional Eton Mess. Four Seasons Trinity Square If you're spending your holidays in London, don't miss the chance to dine at Four Seasons Ten Trinity Square. The hotel's culinary outlets have been reimagined with a new menu for the festive season. You'll be in for a treat with Michelin-starred restaurants, spa facilities, and rooms. At the Rotunda Bar and Lounge, you can enjoy a classic British five-course menu on Christmas Day. The menu is available seven days a week and features truffled potato croquettes, smoked salmon with tobiko, and a lamb cannon. The Rotunda's cocktail menu is impressive, too. Conclusion The London area is alive with the holiday spirit, and there are a variety of styles, traditions, and menus to choose from. There is no better way to celebrate the successes of 2022 and the arrival of the new year than by experiencing the city's best foods and drinks.

Hot on the heels of scooping three top prizes at the World Cheese Awards, Selina and Andrew Cairns have announced the opening of their farm shop on Friday 9 December. Cheese enthusiasts will be able to visit Errington Cheese in Lanarkshire, to buy cheese made by hand on the farm. Selina commented: “Customers will get to see first-hand how the cheese is made, and it gives us a great opportunity to explain how seasonal changes affect the cheese, the animals and all the other variables that go into cheese-making. We feel this is the perfect time of year to open our shop as people plan their festive cheese boards and are looking for locally-made gifts.” The shop is housed in the original farmhouse where the full range of Errington cheese will be available to buy, alongside a few carefully-selected farmhouse cheeses from across the UK. Cheese-lovers will have the opportunity to taste before they buy, as well seeing cheese being made and a chance to see the maturing rooms. “Over the past few years people have become more and more interested in visiting the farm to meet the goats, sheep and pigs, and to see how the cheese is made, as well as buying cheese directly from us. Before now we haven’t had a suitable space to offer this.” Selina continued. In addition to cheese, the shop will also stock a selection of locally-made condiments, oatcakes and cakes. There will also be an option to buy free-range whey-fed pork reared on the farm as it becomes available. In the spring of 2023, the Cairns are hoping to launch a small café adjoining the shop serving light lunches with a focus on cheese and charcuterie boards. There are also plans to open the farm to visitors in the new year for lambing and kidding days, as well as offering self-guided tours so visitors can gain a better understanding of the cheese-making process. Errington Cheese was established in 1985 by Selina’s father, Humphrey Errington, who kept dairy sheep to make Lanark Blue, a blue ewe’s milk cheese. A hard ewe’s milk traditional-style cheddar, Corra Linn, followed in 2008 to make use of the glut of spring milk. In 2019, Selina and Andrew introduced dairy goats onto the farm and have developed a range of well-received goat’s cheese. Last month, their Blackmount goat’s cheese won ‘Super Gold’ at the World Cheese Awards. Loved by top chefs across the UK, Errington Cheese is sold to specialist cheese shops, restaurants, delis, farm shops and through their online shop. Selina and Andrew believe the farm shop will help them forge lasting relationships with customers from far and wide. The farm shop will be open from 11.30am - 3.30pm daily until Christmas. The planned launch date is Friday 9 December, but please check Errington’s website and social channels for up-to-date-information. Errington Cheese Walston Braehead Farm Carnwath, Lanarkshire ML11 8NF www.erringtoncheese.com THE CHEESE Lanark Blue – Errington’s original blue cheese made from unpasteurised ewe’s milk. Made seasonally from February to August, it’s sweet and fresh in the spring, becoming stronger and peppery by Christmas. Corra Linn - a hard raw ewe’s milk cheese made with traditional lamb’s rennet. Matured for approximately 12 months in traditional muslin cheesecloth. Tinto - a raw milk semi-hard goat’s milk cheese made with vegetarian rennet. Similar in style to gouda and matured on racks for 2-6 months where it develops a natural rind. *Goat’s Curd - a pasteurised crowdie-style cheese made with vegetarian rennet. Suitable as an everyday cheese to spread on bread or to use in sweet and savoury dishes. A firm favourite of chefs. *Not currently in season. Biggar Blue - a raw milk blue goat’s cheese made with vegetarian rennet and matured for around 2 months. Elrick Log – an ashed raw milk goat’s cheese log made with vegetarian rennet. As the yeast ripens, it softens from the outside in. *Bonnington Linn - a hard cheddar-style raw milk goat’s cheese made with traditional kid’s rennet. Matured on wooden shelving for 6 months to 2 years, wrapped in traditional cheesecloth. *Not currently in season. Blackmount – an ashed raw milk goat’s cheese pyramid made with vegetarian rennet As the yeast ripens, it softens from the outside in. *Lancelot - a raw milk ewe’s cheese made seasonally from around March-August. Yeast-ripened and made with traditional lamb’s rennet with a smooth, fudge-like texture when young, which ripens to a soft interior. *Not currently in season. *Lanark White – originated in 2002 due to demand for a non-blue cheese. Matured for at least two months to develop a natural crust and a sweet, nutty flavour. *Not currently in season. WORLD CHEESE AWARDS (THE GUILD OF FINE FOOD) Errington Cheese was named among the winners at the World Cheese Awards, held at the International Convention Centre Wales in Newport, on Wednesday 2 November. Standing out from the 4,434 entries from 42 countries, and judged by cheese experts representing 38 nations, Errington won the following awards at the world’s most prestigious cheese-only event. Best Scottish Cheese and Super Gold – Blackmount Gold Award - Tinto Silver Award - Elrick Log

Christmas Cocktail Club 13th November – 31st November Get merry on £5 cocktails in 7 of Edinburgh’s favourite bars and restaurants when you buy a Christmas Cocktail Club wristband. Participating venues: Tigerlily, Rabble Taphouse & Grill, Montpeliers Bruntsfield, Indigo Yard, Candy Bar, Eastside and Lulu Wristbands can be purchased at https://billetto.co.uk/e/christmas-cocktail-club-tickets-711559 50% off wristbands for BITE readers with promo code: BITE50 Christmas Afternoon Tea in Tigerlily Get into the festive spirit and treat yourself to a deliciously Christmassy Afternoon Tea complete with all of your festive favourites from Roast Turkey Sandwiches and Pork & Chestnut Sausage Rolls to Toasted Meringue Mini Mince Pies. Prices start with £25 and includes a glass on festive fizz on arrival. Sunday – Wednesday, 3pm – 5pm. https://www.tigerlilyedinburgh.co.uk/event/festive-afternoon-tea/ Black Friday Sale Get 25% off Gift Vouchers in Tigerlily, Rabble Taphouse & Grill, Indigo Yard and Candy Bar with discount codes: Tigerlily: PINKFRIDAY25 Rabble, Indigo Yard & Candy Bar: BLACKFRIDAY25 PLUS, to celebrate Montpeliers Bruntsfield turning 30, we’ve increased our Black Friday discount to 30% off all Monties vouchers with promo code: BLACKFRIDAY30 https://gifts.tigerlilyedinburgh.co.uk/ https://gifts.rabbleedinburgh.co.uk/ https://gifts.candybaredinburgh.co.uk/ https://gifts.montpeliersedinburgh.co.uk/ https://gifts.indigoyardedinburgh.co.uk/ Plus Tigerlily, Rabble, Indigo Yard, Montpeliers and Candy Bar are all running a festive menu right up until Christmas Eve. Prices and menus vary. https://www.tigerlilyedinburgh.co.uk/christmas-at-tigerlily/ https://www.rabbleedinburgh.co.uk/christmas-at-rabble/ https://www.candybaredinburgh.co.uk/christmas-at-candy-bar/ https://www.montpeliersedinburgh.co.uk/christmas-at-montpeliers/ https://www.indigoyardedinburgh.co.uk/christmas-at-indigo-yard/

Braving the elements on a very wet and windy Thursday evening last week, I headed to Bar Hütte with two friends for some après ski fun, ski shots, and some seasonal ‘Carol-oke’ at the pop up at St James Quarter. Inspired by some of the coolest après ski bars in Europe and America, Bar Hütte combines super ski hüttes with a vibrant and fun atmosphere. Enjoy Christmas karaoke for up to eight people in one of Bar Hütte’s cosy Alpine hüttes (booking charge - Mondays & Tuesdays: £50, Wednesday - Sunday: £60) or in their infamous Party Lodges (£150 hire a minimum with a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 20 people). It’s the perfect location if you’re hosting a party, a works do or celebrating a special occasion, And if it’s family-friendly fun, Santa Claus Club includes a karaoke hütte for one-hour, hot chocolate and colouring pads for the kids, plus the chance to get a picture with Santa Claus (£30 for a minimum of two people, maximum of eight). There are also wreath-making sessions to get involved in, complete with a complimentary glass of prosecco. Bagging ourselves the cosy Alpine hut, named after ski-resort Zermatt, we got ready to belt our hearts out to some Christmas classics on the karaoke machine. Thankfully though for all parties concerned (the huts aren’t sound-proof), our machine wasn’t playing ball that evening everyone was spared our dulcet tones which certainly wouldn’t have met with approval from choirmaster Gareth Malone. The attentive staff happily offered to move us somewhere else including the cosy ski bar but we were so engrossed in our catch up chat, the mulled wine and cocktails and tasty Neapolitan pizzas from Salerno Pizza, delivered by our delightful chalet hosts, that we opted to stay put. Just a word of warning, while the atmosphere is guaranteed to heat up, you may want to ensure that you’re dressed for the inclement Edinburgh weather. I counted my lucky stars I’d worn a beanie, gloves, hat and a waterproof parka that evening. And be warned if you need to visit the little boys or girls room, there’s no loos on site and you’ll need to trek up a flight of stairs and down a couple of escalators into St James Centre. Don’t worry if you haven’t planned ahead, Bar Hütte’s heated undercover courtyard is the perfect spot for a bit of winter spontaneity. Walk-ins are welcome seven days a week, simply rock up and step inside to enjoy festive food, refreshing cocktails and seasonal hot serves. Weekends and key dates are filling up fast, so book to guarantee you don’t miss out. Visit: www.barhutte.co.uk/bar-hutte-edinburgh/ Find out more: www.barhutte.co.uk Instagram: @barhutte Facebook: @barhutte Bar Hütte Opening Times NOVEMBER Monday - Friday 12pm - 10pm Saturday 11am - 10pm Sunday 11am - 8pm DECEMBER Monday - Friday 12pm - 10pm Saturday 11am - 10pm Sunday 10am - 8pm Christmas Eve – 2pm – 8pm Christmas Day – Closed Closing date: 2nd January 2023

While wine is the drink more commonly associated with food pairings, there is a growing appreciation that the right beer can also bring out the flavours of a dish. It is a wild, blustery night when our group gather at Belhaven Brewery in Dunbar to learn more about the range of beers and, with the help of the team of chefs from Archerfield, how they can be paired with dishes from the Clubhouse restaurant’s new menu. The evening starts in the tasting room with a sample of 80 Shilling and a selection of curated bar snacks including ‘beer can chicken’ popcorn, winter spiced nuts, roasted chestnuts and salmon jerky from another local favourite, Belhaven Smokehouse, while we learn more about the oldest working brewery in Scotland. The main tasting session then takes place at the brewery’s own cosy bar, Monk’s Retreat, where we are brought four award-winning Belhaven beers alongside four tasters from Archerfield’s seasonal winter menu, showcasing the rich food heritage of East Lothian. The atmosphere is relaxed and increasingly convivial, with plenty of time to discuss the flavours or ask questions of the brewery staff or Archerfield Executive Chef Dave Jamieson. The first course is Belhaven Cured Salmon with pickled cucumber, smoked dulse and fennel crisps, expertly matched to the crisp yet floral notes of Belhaven Craft Pilsner – a light and fresh start to the evening. Next up, Venison Tartare with sweet potato crackers foraged brambles and blanched almonds, a taste of the season. The rich, sweet dish is well balanced by the deep flavour of Belhaven’s strong (7%) Scottish Oat Stout. My favourite, the third course perfectly combines the variety and quality of the food available in the region – Crispy Pork Belly from the Brand Family Farm with oh-so-light East Lothian langoustine tempura and heritage apple. Alongside the malty and nutty Belhaven Scottish Ale, this really is a match made in heaven. The ideal dessert pairing is Belhaven Black Forest Chocolate Ganache with Belhaven Black Scottish Stout, essentially the beer version of an espresso martini and a smooth, satisfying conclusion to a delightful event. These exclusive ‘Belhaven x Archerfield Winter Sessions’ will take place on 24 November and 1 December, with the first taking a St Andrew’s Day theme and the second focusing on more festive fare. Tickets are £25 per person. Booking early is advised as places are limited and they are likely to be popular. Belhaven Brewery - Brewery Lane, Dunbar EH42 1PE - Tel: 0845 607 5325

The world’s largest cheese-only event, the World Cheese Awards, came to a tense finale last Wednesday November 2nd at the International Convention Centre Wales, where 4,434 cheeses from 42 countries across the globe went head-to-head at the largest cheese-only event. Sponsored by Hâute Fromagerie, the trophy for Best British Cheese went to Village Maid Cheese for Spenwood. An unpasteurised hard-pressed ewe's milk cheese made in Berkshire, the cheese has a natural rind and is matured for nine months. British cheeses scooped 148 awards this year, including 11 Super Gold, 24 Gold, 56 Silver and 57 Bronze awards. Other notable wins included Errington Cheese winning the award for Best Scottish Cheese, which was sponsored by Rennet & Rind, for their Blackmount. Best Welsh Cheese, which was sponsored by Food & Drink Wales, went to Caws Cenarth for Thelma’s Traditional Welsh Caerffili. 4,434 international cheeses were sent to Wales by boat, truck, train, and plane via 19 consolidation points around the world, removing barriers to entry for many artisan cheese producers. Each were closely examined by the panel of judges, featuring cheesemakers, cheesemongers, buyers, chefs, retailers, and writers, to deem if they were worthy of a Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Super Gold award by assessing the look, feel, smell and taste. The crowds watched on as some of the finest palates in the global cheese community debated the best of the best. Through the judging process, 4,434 became 98 Super Golds and then 16 finalists. These cheeses went on to be re-judged by the International Super Jury, which included Cathy Strange from Whole Foods Market (USA), Patricia Michelson from La Fromagerie (UK), Denis Priimagi from Cheese Kingdom (Ukraine) and Davide Fiori from Luigi Guffanti 1876 (Italy), who put forward their preferred cheeses live on World Cheese TV, which was streamed globally, before crowning this year’s World Champion Cheese. A Le Gruyère AOP surchoix, entered by Swiss cheesemaker Vorderfultigen and affineur Gourmino, took home the highest accolade of World Champion Cheese. This Le Gruyère AOP surchoix is a matured cheese made from raw cow’s milk which is full-bodied with a slightly crumbly texture. It was described as a “really perfect handcrafted cheese, smooth in your mouth and melting on your tongue” by the Super Jury member Christian Zuercher from Mifroma. Alongside the World Cheese Awards, the Guild of Fine Food also announced the recipient of its prestigious Exceptional Contribution to Cheese award. This year, the honour went to La Fromagerie’s Patricia Michelson, whose love of cheese began up a mountain whilst she was skiing in Meribel, France. She returned to London with a wheel of Beaufort Chalet d’Alpage, which she sold from her garden shed, graduating to a stall in Camden market a year later. La Fromagerie now comprises three award-winning shops in central London; situated in Marylebone, Highbury, and Bloomsbury, with the first one opening in 1992. Each location features the La Fromagerie’s signature cheese room and tasting café. In 2011, Patricia moved the businesses’ wholesale department offsite to specially designed cellars where most of the affinage takes place. Patricia has also had two award-winning books published, ‘The Cheese Room’; a contemporary book about cheese using recipes and anecdotes to introduce the reader to the world of cheese, and CHEESE; a book where she talks about her ‘unsung heroes’ - the many small independent cheese producers from around the globe that supply her - from the British Devon countryside to the Savoie in France and the Lombardy hills of Tuscany. A regular judge at the World Cheese Awards, Patricia was honoured by her fellow judges and industry colleagues at the annual World Cheese Awards judges’ dinner that took place after judging at the ICCW on 2 November. All entries were judged in a single day, as 250 experts from 38 different nations studied their appearance, texture, aroma, and flavour. Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Super Gold accolades were awarded during the morning session before the Super Golds were reassessed to find this year’s top 16 cheeses and this year’s World Champion Cheese. Keep up to date on socials: @guildoffinefood #WorldCheeseAwards

The Scottish men’s Olympic curling team has kick-started the winter competition series in Canada by unveiling its new official kit and sponsorship deal with Scotland’s only Scotch malt whisky cream liqueur brand, Magnum. Led by Edinburgh-born skipper, Bruce Mouat (28), the team of four men from Edinburgh, Stranraer and Dumfries, took home the silver medal at the 2022 Olympics in Beijing. With support from Magnum Cream Liqueur, ‘Team Mouat’ now has its sights set on rising to the top of the curling world in Canada this winter and spring 2023 by competing in Grand Slam of Curling Tour Challenge, Grand Prairie (October); Grand Slam of Curling Masters, Oakville (6th-11th December); Grand Slam of Curling Canadian Open, Camrose (10th-15th January); and Grand Slam of Curling Player Championships, Toronto (11th-16th April). ‘Team Mouat’ will be proudly wearing their new navy, white and gold shirts during every official match in Canada, featuring Magnum’s distinctive red and green logo, and unique flask container design. Depending on selection, it is hoped that ‘Team Mouat’ will go on to compete in the World Curling Championships in Canada (1st-9th April), where curling is even more popular than in Scotland. There are over 1,000 curling clubs with around 15,000 members across Canada, compared to over 500 clubs with around 10,000 members in Scotland. Since launching the Scottish Liqueur in Canada in 2018, Magnum has quickly established itself in Ontario and Quebec, with the first orders on their way to British Columbia and Alberta. Magnum, which is crafted and bottled in Edinburgh, is now available in over 350 outlets across Canada. Ontario is one of the world’s largest cream liqueur markets and has a significant Scots influence, with around 18 per cent of Ontarians claiming Scots heritage. Magnum’s provenance and credentials allowed the brand to gain market momentum and secure its position as the only scotch malt whisky cream liqueur available in Canada in under a year, making it the ideal brand partner for the Scottish men’s Olympic curling team in Canada. Commenting on the new partnership with Magnum Scotch Malt Whisky Cream Liqueur, Team Mouat Skipper, Bruce Mouat, said: “Being a Scottish curling team that spends half the winter competing in Canada, our new brand partnership with Magnum felt like the perfect fit. “Magnum is an Edinburgh-based Scottish brand, but one of its biggest export markets is Canada. We as a team had been looking for a Scottish-Canadian link and we think we’ve found that with Magnum. “We’re really looking forward to seeing our partnership flourish over the winter into spring next year.” Magnum is a fusion of single malt Scotch whisky and cream. Its superior ingredients and contemporary design set it apart from traditional liqueurs. It is contained in a unique, stainless steel flask, which is designed to be reusable and recyclable. It also keeps the liqueur chilled at the optimum temperature, without the need for ice. Edinburgh-based Hemisphere Brands is the global brand agent for Magnum and manage the brand from production planning through to the strategy for market entry, as well as executing the sales, marketing and distribution plan. Commenting on Magnum’s sponsorship of the Scottish men’s Olympic curling team, ‘Team Mouat’, Magnum Director, Lee Schofield, said: “We’re really proud to be the official premium brand sponsor of the Scottish men’s Olympic curling team, who are an amazing group of guys. “We recognised that Scotland and Canada share a passion for curling, single malt Scotch whisky and cream liqueurs, as well as Canadian-Scots heritage, so we jumped at the chance to bring these two great nations closer together by supporting our national men’s team in Canada. “The people of Ontario have already taken Magnum to their hearts and allowed us to engage with one of the world’s largest and fastest growing cream liqueur markets. Magnum has now taken the crown as the only scotch malt whisky cream liqueur available in the Canadian province, making it an instantly recognisable premium brand on Team Mouat’s new shirts. “We wish Team Mouat every success in Canada this winter and are confident they’ll do Scotland proud.”

Range includes new Boxing Day Curry Wrap, Plant Revolution Vegan Feast Sandwich, Cranberry & Pork Pie Pastry and Festive Cheeseboard Sandwich Prices start at £2.50 and all sandwiches are included in £3.50 meal deal All available from Monday 31st October nationwide Morrisons is launching Christmas sandwiches, wraps, pastries and baguettes as part of its festive range. Available in stores nationwide from 31st October. New additions this year include a Boxing Day Curry Wrap and a Market Street Christmas Festive Baguette which is freshly made in store. The baked baguette is filled with chicken breast, cranberry sauce, pigs in blankets, sage and onion stuffing and a seasoned mayonnaise. Cheese lovers will be able to tuck into the Festive Cheese board Sandwich which is suitable for vegetarians. Vegans can enjoy the Plant Revolution Vegan Feast Sandwich which is filled with vegetable fritters, white bean parsnip houmous, braised red cabbage, spinach and a festive chutney. Customer favourites will also be returning including the Christmas Lunch Sandwich and the Pigs Under Blankets Sandwich. Also back on the menu is the Christmas Mince Pie Pastry which is vegan and gluten free. What’s more, the sandwiches are included in the £3.50 meal deal. To complete the full festive meal deal, customers can also get their hands on a free-from mince pie and Morrisons Clementine Juice. Sophie Hoffman, Sandwich Buyer at Morrisons, said: “We have worked hard over the last year to introduce new sandwiches to our range, and listen to our customers by bringing back the much-loved favourites. We hope our customers are as excited as us to try the range and to get into the festive spirit.” Morrisons Christmas sandwich range will be available in stores nationwide from Monday 31st October. Morrisons Market Street Christmas Festive Baguette, £2.50 (NEW) Made fresh in store daily by Morrisons colleagues this baguette is filled with chicken breast, cranberry sauce, pigs in blankets and sage & onion stuffing, with a seasoned mayonnaise on a freshly baked baguette. Morrisons Boxing Day Curry Wrap, £2.75 (NEW) Succulent chicken breast tumbled in a coronation mayo with red cabbage, carrot slaw and spinach in a soft tortilla wrap. Morrisons Christmas Lunch, £2.75 Another festive favourite, this sandwich is filled with turkey breast with cranberry chutney, smoked bacon, pork, sage and onion stuffing and seasoned mayonnaise on malted bread. Morrisons Pigs Under Blankets Sandwich, £2.75 (NEW) The perfect option for customers who can’t get enough of Pigs in Blankets. Sausages with smoked bacon, cranberry chutney and seasoned mayonnaise on white bread. Vegetarian and vegan options: Morrisons Plant Revolution Vegan Feast Sandwich, £2.75 (NEW) Suitable for vegans and vegetarians the Plant Revolution sandwich is filled with a vegetable fritter, white bean parsnip houmous, braised red cabbage, spinach, spiced chutney and red cabbage on malted bread. Morrisons Festive Cheeseboard Sandwich, £2.75 (NEW) The ultimate choice for vegetarians and cheese lovers alike. Topped with Wensleydale cheese, Balsamic onion chutney, Mature Cheddar Cheese, Seasoned mayonnaise, Spinach and Blacksticks® blue Cheese on Malted bread. Festive Snacks & Drinks available in the meal deal: We Love Cake Free From Mince Pie, £1.25 Mince Pie season is finally back. This sweet pastry filled with fruity spiced mincemeat is topped with a pastry star. Vegan and gluten free, so more customers can enjoy it. Morrisons Clementine Juice, £1.25 This juice is made from 100% squeezed juice. A refreshing drink for customers to wash down their festive lunch.

Bundits is irreverently ‘Leith’ as epitomised in the name. Squeezed between two hospitality treasures, the Port O’ Leith (RIP Mary Moriarty) and Nobles, this Asian street food joint fits the area’s melting pot vibe as snugly as the last piece of a jigsaw puzzle. Although a large space, Bundits retains a local feel due to nooks and crannies, fast music and friendly service. It was David Chang, the pioneering New York chef and founder of Momofuku restaurant, who was partly responsible for the popularity of Bao Buns. He put the floury steamed treats on the menu circa 2014 and filled them with caramelised pork. Folk went wild. The buns are sweet and soft with an open-mouthed shape that begs to be stuffed with delicious fillings; at Bundits you can choose from vegetarian, meat, fish and dessert options. Mr Bite and I visit on a rainy afternoon and are ravenous. We order four types of Bao Bun, Salt and Pepper Tofu, Korean Braised Short Rib, Braised Shiitake Mushroom, and Hoisin Duck. A pot of Homemade Kimchi is pecked at with chopsticks while we wait Read about Bundits Do-Gooders charity event I am not a fan of bean curd generally but am keen to get the Tee proclaiming membership of Suella Braverman’s “tofu-eating wokerati” so I give Bundit’s dish a go. The chef has done everything they can with Asian slaw, Hoisin Sauce and Chilli Oil but I still prefer the Hoisin Duck. Mr Bite raves about the Mushroom and the Short Rib. Buns are delivered on a typical fast food tray wrapped in branded paper but the taste sensations easily outwit those of any flabby burgers. A Lemonchilli cocktail (Don Q Cristal Rum, Koko Kanu, lime, sugar, coconut water, chilli, lemongrass) also excites the palate with its balance of sweet, sour and hot tastes. For dessert, Mr Bite pips me to the post with the Banana Ice Cream, Passionfruit Curd, and Honeycomb deep-fried bun but I am very happy with my chocolate and coconut version. A layer of ganache is sandwiched between sugary cinnamon crispy dough which has no trace of heaviness or grease. We eat greedily at Bundits enjoying every morsel. Definitely, a place to visit any time of the day and there is plenty on the menu to tempt us back soon. (S. Wilson)

Even on cloudy days, there is an undeniable vibrance in St Andrews and a delicious smell of the fresh sea. I head to the St Andrews Aquarium first to entertain the children, it is a lovely place to visit. Soon after it is time for lunch, and I decide to leave the car and push the pram. Within a 15min walk I arrive at the little haven that is the ‘Balgove Larder’. The entrance to the farm shop is inviting with a free taster of the local gin followed by a wonderful selection of Scottish produce brightening the shelves of the shop but despite the temptation, I go straight to the café. There is a queue as they don’t take bookings, but no-one seems upset about that. A group of students in front of me are regulars. Steven, a friendly server, welcomes us to our table. The whole place has an unpretentious rustic feel, wooden table, big windows flooding the café with natural light, and paintings of a Highland coo and other animals for sale decorating the walls. Soon we are offered table number 4, and there is plenty of space for the pram. The menu has good options for starters, mains, puddings or just sandwiches and yes, they have something for the ‘little ones’. We need something to entertain the boys whilst waiting for the meal, and the server improvises well and gives me a bit of the paper from the till and pens from her colleagues. To drink, I opt for Elderflower Presse Belvoir, and the boys choose fresh apple juice, which is served in plastic tumblers, very thoughtful. To start, we order the chilled beetroot soup, with croutons and balsamic glaze. The colour is fresh and vibrant, the taste is beautiful and Luca, my three- year-old approves 100%.The farm shop has a butcher selling cuts of meat, so Balgove Meatballs are a must, and they are nicely plated with potato gnocchi, tomato base and fresh basil leaves. Luca orders Pork Sausage and Mash, with roast carrots and homemade gravy from the ‘Little ones’ menu. The cutlery is too big for the boys, so I slice the sausages for the boys and I serve little bits of both, meatballs and sausages and they eat with tea spoons. Luca enjoys everything and says: “Mama, this is nice!”. Matti finishes the meatballs and wants more gnocchi but is not too sure about the sausages. He is only two so his palate is changing. Pudding time provides plenty of options but due to their dairy intolerance, the chef prepares two bespoke peanut butter brownies with caramelised banana and chocolate sauce and pavlova with oat milk custard with seasonal berries and raspberry coulis. The boys’ dad is a pastry chef and award-winning chocolatier so we know puddings well, and our verdict is to add these two options in the menu, delicious! I look around and see how friendly and welcoming this place is: two ladies catching up with tea and scones. My local fishmonger is there with his wife enjoying his soup and sandwich lunch. And the students from the queue are still there enjoying their lunch too. Every day, between 12-3pm anyone can stop by and visit the café. Luca, Matti and I will certainly come back, but next time I will need a bigger bag for the farm shop goodies.

Do good, have a laugh, and eat a bun. Bandits of Leith host comedy night with profits going to charity. Bundits, Edinburgh's go-to bao bun spot has teamed up with Scottish-Canadian comedian and writer Heather Jordan Ross, to bring a monthly comedy night to Leith. Hosted under the name DoGooders, all profit from the ticket sales will go to charity. On Sunday 6th November, DoGooders Comedy will initially be a one-off, but both the venue and Heather hopes it is successful enough to make it a regular gig. The first night will feature Krystal Evans, recently seen on the BBC New Comedy Awards, Scot Squad and Breaking the News; and the host Chris Evans, Scottish Comedian of the Year Finalist, nominated Best Newcomer at the 2020 Scottish Comedy Awards. The Acts will also include Bylgja Babýlons, Ralph Brown and Amanda Dwyer and the profits from the event will go to the Edinburgh Ukrainian Club (AUGB). Heather said: “I've decided to step away from the stage, but I'd still like to be involved in producing comedy and making a space for Scottish comedians to thrive." “When it comes to any cause I care about, I think about how I can best bring things to the world through comedy. In the past, I've run comedy shows in aid of environmental causes and for the Polish Queer Community. My partner is Polish-Ukrainian, so I've been thinking for some time about how to best contribute to Ukrainian people right now." When asked why she chose AUGB as the first charity, Heather said: “I talked to my partner about what charity she thought I should get involved with, and she pointed out the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain Edinburgh. “They do a combination of helping Ukrainian people coming into Scotland and sending support to people in need in Ukraine. They've been around for 75 years, and they've sent 100 tonnes of aid to Ukraine so far." And Bundits are equally as excited about the project. Matthew, the venue’s owner commented: “We were totally psyched to have received the email from Heather asking if we would like to team up to bring DoGooders to life. “I’ve always thought Leith needed a stand-up comedy club and having a proper stand-up evening at Bundits AND knowing that they are not only a great night out, but also DO GOOD is the perfect scenario. Heather is a total pro and we have no doubts that this will be a great addition to Leith’s comedy scene. Please buy the tickets, we’d love you to make it”. DoGooders Comedy Night will launch on Sunday 6th November. The show will start at 7:30pm, but come earlier if you’d like a bite to eat beforehand.

One of Edinburgh’s most popular cocktail bars, The Cocktail Mafia in the West End will launch an innovative cocktail menu featuring its own variations of the classic, Pornstar Martini at the end of October. The plush bar that is owned by Pinnacle Hospitality, the brains behind The Raging Bull, has become a firm favourite for its experimental cocktails and theatrical flair since opening in December 2021. It continues to revolutionise Edinburgh’s cocktail scene by dedicating a one-of-a-kind menu to Pornstar Martinis. The bar’s team of expert mixologists have kept the Pornstar Martini structure yet added different spirits, flavours and shots to create something truly unique for the Edinburgh bar scene. Highlights on the menu include: The Red Pornstar with Grey Goose Strawberry & Lemongrass Vodka, Absolut Vanilla Vodka, strawberry, apple, lemon, aquafaba and a shot on the side of Tequila Rose and The Green Pornstar made with JJ Whitley Gin, Midori, vanilla, apple, lemon, aquafaba and a shot of Prosecco. Andy Dunton, General Manager, of The Cocktail Mafia, said: “Our sister venue, The Raging Bull has become renowned for its strong Espresso Martini menu, we wanted to create a menu that fits with our ethos and really own it. The new cocktails are playful and we had a lot of fun coming up with the flavour profiles. Each has have been created for those who love a Pornstar Martini, but there are quite a few that would appeal to those who would not usually choose this cocktail when they’re out.” “We also wanted to create a sharing cocktail for groups of friends to enjoy the experience together, so we produced the "Share a Bath" cocktail where guests are given a flask of our Pornstar Martini for four, a bottle of prosecco, some glasses and garnishes all served over ice in a bathtub cooler!” The Cocktail Mafia will also launch a low-ABV selection of cocktails alongside its Pornstar Martini menu. The new menu will be available from the end of October. The cocktails are priced from £10.50. The Cocktail Mafia is open from Sun - Fri 5 pm - 1 am, Sat 2 pm – 1 am.