Mike Daw

London does winter well when it tries. The air sharpens, the lights come on earlier, and suddenly there are ice rinks everywhere — temporary transformations of courtyards, parks and, this year for the first time, even a rooftop.

Mike Daw and David Ellis Few things are cosier than curling up by a fire . Perhaps it speaks to some ancient ritual of togetherness when the light and warmth of fires nourished our ancestors.

The weather is oddly, even terrifyingly mild considering we're now in the clutches of mid-November, but it's not warm either.

Need some festive inspiration before the masses arrive at Christmas?

From panettone croutons to turkey paratha, five ways to transform your Boxing Day fridge