1) From Friday to Sunday, the Barbican Centre is hosting the French Wine Grower’s Fair, where 130 wine-growers from will showcase over 500 new wines. All of the French wine-producing regions will be represented, as well as British wine-growers based in France. For just £10 per ticket (if you print the voucher from the website); you can meet the wine-growers, sample an unlimited amount of wine and purchase your new favourites at producer prices. Perfect for stocking the cellar for a credit crunch Christmas!
2) From November 21st, you can kick start your festive spirit at the Cologne Christmas Market at the Southbank Centre. Open from 10am to 10pm, it’s a great place to pick up some unusual gifts or treat the kids to a carousel ride and a visit to Santa’s Grotto. Parents can relax with a glass of Glühwein (German mulled wine) and enjoy seasonal specialties like bratwurst, gingerbread, roasted almonds, delicious crepes and Kölsch (Cologne beer).
3) It’s your last chance to sample the Rajasthani menu at Mela’s Covent Garden and Herne Hill branches. To celebrate Diwali, the festival of light, the Chefs are serving up dishes like venison nizami kebab; jhinga jaipuri (jumbo prawns with chilli, coriander and saffron); and lal mass, a spicy lamb curry in a blend of spices, onions and tomatoes. If you’re short on cash, you can drop in for lunch when they’re offering a reasonably priced set menu of three courses for £17.50.
4) The excellent Somerset House ice-rink is now open but if you’re not into frozen fingers and falling over, you can always head for the Skate Café and Bar instead. Here you can feast on daily changing soups, pies and hot dogs; or just warm up with a glass of mulled wine or an apple toddy. We recommend the sinfully rich hot chocolate with marshmallows, whipped cream and a cheeky shot.
5) Why not try out a new restaurant? There have been lots of notable openings recently, including some high profile gems like Corrigan’s Mayfair, The Hat and Tun, Trishna, Indali Lounge, and Cinnamon Kitchen. We’ve also been hearing good things about Inamo – the restaurant with computer screen tables that allow you to order, pick a tablecloth design and play Battleship. Yes, it is a bit of a gimmick but they’re serving up some seriously tasty pan-Asian food so it’s definitely worth a try!
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