Refreshing, thirst-quenching, distinctive: 20 best wines for the summer

The Observer’s wine writer selects drinks to pair with an outdoors meal or to relax with over a lazy afternoon

A local’s guide to Galway: ‘As a chef I love the food, but it was the culture that first captivated me’

Michelin-starred chef JP McMahon selects his favourite bars, restaurants and beaches ahead of the Galway Races

My search for the perfect veg – from my greenhouse to the Cotswolds and even into orbit

Author Danny Wallace on why connections to the soil are good for the soul, and his routine of seeding, planting, watering, airing, plucking, potting, Mark Knopflering

Baked bass, saffron rice, cherry fool – Nathan Outlaw’s Cornish summer recipes

Following a Michelin star at 26 and restaurants in Dubai and Knightsbridge, the chef is finding contentment with a simpler way of cooking, like these brilliant recipes

Angela Hartnett’s secret ingredient – peperoncino

These dried Italian chillies have a real kick and are great in everything from tomato sauce to salads

Asma Khan: ‘Food is deeply political. Who eats and who doesn’t? Who owns the land?’

The Darjeeling Express restaurateur and UN World Food Programme advocate discusses kitchen bullying, Marxism and how to balance spices properly

Summer picnic taste test: ice-creams, gelato, cones and sorbets

‘Whatever is this weird sugary ripple?’: Ravinder Bhogal’s verdict on supermarket sweet treats

Summer picnic taste test: rosés, cremants and pet nats

‘A little like Haribo Fangtastic’: wine guru Honey Spencer’s on high street summer drinks

Julie’s, London: ‘Its time has clearly come again’ – restaurant review

Known as a hotspot for celeb parties, Julie’s is now also serving up great food for its own beautiful people

This changeable weather is playing havoc with my appetite, so I’m eating summer-winter food

My new seasonal diet doesn’t encompass melons, but it does involve all the tomatoes you could eat, says Rachel Cooke

Comedian Fern Brady: ‘I went to get hypnotised out of eating bread’

The Scottish standup on her hatred of roasts and being starstruck by a Spice Girl on Celebrity Bake Off

I know how to improve the Olympics. First up, the burger-stacking contest

I’m not one for competitive sport but if the Games added the long lunch mixed doubles I’d be in with a shout

Fifty Two at the Rudding Park Hotel, Harrogate: ‘An immersive experience’ – restaurant review

The tasting menu at this smart Yorkshire dining room is not just fancy food as entertainment, it’s honest-to-goodness fun

Goda, London: ‘They take rotisserie very seriously’ – restaurant review

Looking for a whole roast lamb? You’ll find it here, along with brilliant ribs and chicken. Stick to those for a good time

The Hero, London: ‘A menu of very nice, simple things’ – restaurant review

At heart this is a local pub, but everything about it is dialled up a couple of notches