I’ve made Christmas lunch for the past 30 years. Now I want a year off

Roll your eyes all you like at restaurants’ Christmas prices, but remember there are people giving up their day to cook for you

Desi Yew Tree, Wolverhampton: ‘Part of the brilliance of Desi pub culture’ – restaurant review

This place has masses of appeal and real star potential – if only someone had made a film about it

The Martlet, Rochdale: ‘A victory of professionalism’ – restaurant review

Civic pride meets glorious cooking at a remarkably fair price

Parsnip tarte tatin, roast turkey, zabaglione – Angela Hartnett’s fuss-free Christmas recipes

A classic roast bird with perfect sides, a vegetarian main of mushroom and pumpkin crespelle, and a speedy alternative to the traditional pudding – as simple as it is delicious

The 20 best Christmas wines for 2024

Spicy Rhônes for the roast, aromatic riesling for the leftovers, and excellent value fizzes to bring in the new year

Adriana Cavita’s secret ingredient: avocado oil

The El Bulli-graduate and London-based chef on her favourite addition to ceviches, salads … and hair

A chic air-fryer, mammoth panettone and seafood scarves – essential Christmas gifts for food lovers

From timeless kitchenware to trending ingredients, here’s the Observer Food’s Monthly’s pick of presents to bring good cheer

Chef-level fillings, queues down the street, big on TikTok: Britain’s new sandwich boom

Deluxe, restaurant-quality sandwiches have become a national obsession. Here’s why tuna mayo will never be the same again

The Yellow Bittern, London: ‘Leaves you muttering about school dinners’ – restaurant review

A new destination in Kings Cross turns its back on mod cons to cater to a fantasy of past times

You say bap, I say bread cake, but do delivery apps mean regional food names are becoming a thing of the past?

A sourdough-and-rocket monotony is spreading outwards from the M25. I worry about what we’re losing

Rick Stein: ‘I’m open to most things, but I can’t stand chocolate and marshmallow’

The chef and broadcaster on growing up on a farm, the best post-booze food, and why running a restaurant was never his ambition

What’s the silliest question you can ask a restaurant critic? (And yes, I have the answer)

It’s fair to say that, after 25 years of writing reviews, I have eaten in a lot of restaurants. But I’ve always thought it ludicrous to pick a favourite

Joseph’s Brasserie, London: ‘Let’s celebrate’ – restaurant review

With its smoky flavours and heady scents, this new west London restaurant showcases the best of Lebanese food

Mauby, London: ‘Exactly the vibe you want’ – restaurant review

The great spicy tastes of the Caribbean have been given a thorough shakedown at this eminently affordable, friendly new place in Brockley

1 York Place, Bristol: ‘Does the job beautifully’ – restaurant review

The eclectic menu here wanders right across Europe – but diners will want to stay right where they are