Galante, SW3

Inspired by Pichin, one of the most distinguished bartenders in South American history, Galante has opened to provide visitors with a taste of the glamorous drinks scene of 1930s Argentina.   The cocktail menu features actual recipes dating back to 1935 from Pichin himself, as well as more contemporary interpretations of his drinks.  We fully expect the promise to be fulfilled with aplomb, as Galante has appointed none other than Tato Giovanonni, ‘South Americas Best Bartender of the Decade’ in 2010, as Executive Bartender. Located in the heart of South Kensington, the Art-Deco influenced bar evokes the dazzling cocktail era of Buenos Aires with everything from the cocktail menu and staff attire to the interior design taking inspiration from this period.  www.bargalante.com

Aubaine Mayfair, W1

Renowned for its delectable selection of fresh patisserie, deserts and cakes, Aubaine’s latest launch will no doubt test the resolve of the skinny model types of nearby Bond Street!   Open daily from breakfast through to dinner, including afternoon tea, the stylish French Provencal bistro will serve a seasonally-changing menu of traditional Mediterranean dishes.  This latest branch also offers an ‘Aubaine To Go’ service, providing a collection of signature treats to take away.  Also exclusive to Aubaine Mayfair, an impressive private screening room is located on the lower ground floor, where a series of French classic and cult films will be regularly shown.  www.aubaine.co.uk

1 Lombard Street, EC3

Open since 1998, 1 Lombard Street has stood the test of time to establish itself as a real City favourite.  To ensure it keeps up with the multitude of young upstarts, the restaurant and bar has undergone an extensive but subtle makeover to give it a contemporary new look whilst still maintaining its grandeur and elegance.  The impressive circular bar maintains its location underneath the glass dome, but now offers a larger food menu, including a seafood and charcuterie bar.  Open from breakfast through till dinner, the main menu has also had a few tweaks, although most of the favourites are still there to keep the regulars happy.  www.1lombardstreet.com

Bartender: Ladislav Piljar @ The Savoy

Mortimer West African Hot Chocolate

With a long overdue coldsnap finally upon us, it’s the perfect time for a spot of hot chocolate to warm the body and the soul.  Apparently the best in the land is actually produced on our doorstep in none other than Reading by family run Mortimer Chocolate.  Voted as Britain’s favourite drinking chocolate at The Chocolate Festival, their West African blend provides an exceptionally rounded mellow dark chocolate flavour with the raisin notes characteristic of the region.  For the more the more creative amongst you, it’s also great for cooking with.  Available for around £3.20 from John Lewis and online at www.bigbarn.co.uk/marketplace/vendors/adrians

Jamie Oliver Fish Cakes and Fish Fingers

We’ve all seen the campaigns around the importance of including fish to our diets, but it’s not as easy as it sounds.  With issues like sustainability constantly rearing its ugly head, let alone a personal fear of preparing fish, my repertoire of seafood cooking skills is pretty much limited to fish fingers.  Fortunately, at least these have been given a bit of a healthier twist thanks to our mate Jamie who has created a new range of frozen seafood, including MSC-certified pollock fish fingers and crispy salmon & pollock fishcakes.  The fishcakes taste ‘pukka’, especially considering they are frozen, and the fish fingers healthier and as tasty as the one from the Captain.  Widely available for around £1.99. www.facebook.com/youngsseafood