Ed Gamble: ‘I was a little human dustbin as a child. I’d eat every morsel’

The comedian and new Great British Menu judge on the horror of the children’s menu, a surprise encounter with Jamie Oliver’s pants and a lockdown barbecue obsession

There’s a new till-free Amazon Fresh shop near me – so I popped in for spring rolls and simmering despair

Capitalism’s great trick is to make us long for the useless and unnecessary. Under the bright lights, I felt that itch starting up

Carmel, London NW6: ‘Exudes a twinkly joy’ – restaurant review

‘The real flavours are in the smears, the yoghurts and the dressings’

There’s nothing worse than a restaurant that makes you feel like an old git

Give us over-50s a menu we can read, grownup waiters and the chance to hold a conversation. It’s not too much to ask – and it makes business sense too

Manteca, London: ‘Genuine verve and originality’ – restaurant review

Huge flavours and exciting ideas mean this Italian punches above its weight

Bibo, London EC2: ‘Louder than a nightclub at midnight’ – restaurant review

‘It may be a sophisticated Spanish restaurant, but the food seems secondary’

Sarap Filipino Bistro: ‘Many of the dishes are real showstoppers’ – restaurant review

This new Filipino venture has much to entice you – but bring a party of six for the best dish of all

The Maine Mayfair, London W1: ‘Sometimes, you just get a bad feeling’ – restaurant review

‘It’s so faux-posh that Nicky Haslam has probably already added it to his “Things that are common” list’

Restaurant review: ‘It’s been a year of highs – and high prices’

From an XL golden cheese toastie to a gold-leaf steak: Jay Rayner on 2021’s eating out highlights

Port, sherry, whisky – Christmas drinks are all about the wood

When alcohol is aged in oak barrels, magic happens. And the nights between Christmas and New Year are the best time to sit and sip

Masalchi by Atul Kochhar: ‘Come here for a bit of everything’ – restaurant review

A big new space in Wembley serving a terrific range of Indian dishes has it all to play for

Restaurants face food waste mountain as cancellations soar over Omicron fears

Hospitality industry struggles with drop-off in custom as Covid concerns lead to scrapping of festive plans

The year I wondered if we’d ever eat, drink and be merry again

‘I’m so grateful to be out of the house, I’d think, while dining in a repurposed loading bay attacked by gale-force winds’

Mix and match: easy Christmas cocktail recipes

Mulled gin, negroni punch and a vegan white Russian – seasonal drinks to give you and your guests festive cheer

Essential recipes from Nigel Slater, Claudia Roden and Ottolenghi: the best food books of 2021

Perfect presents for friends, family and fans of Stanley Tucci, Rachel Roddy, and Anthony Bourdain