Once the epitome of old-school glamour, the martini is having a modern moment. Helping to shake off its stuffy reputation, spots across the capital are putting their own spin on the classic, serving ice-cold, crystal-clear concoctions to a new generation of cocktail fans. To find out why this iconic drink is back in fashion, what separates a good martini from a great one and how to master the art of making one at home, we asked the experts to share their insights (and recipes)…

John Chantarasak is the chef behind AngloThai – the Marylebone restaurant that took just three months to win a Michelin star earlier this year. John’s also a former musician, making him a prime candidate for our 3 Plates & A Playlist series. Just before he shares his recipes and musical choices, we asked him a bit about what makes music and food such a good pairing…

From next-level ready meals to fun spirit launches, we’ve distilled the food and drink news you need to know about…

Everyone knows Aldi is the place to bag a bargain. From affordable organic wine and wagyu steaks
to spring-ready salad bowls and on-trend tropical IPAs, these are our picks from every aisle this
season.

Botivo is one of the emerging brands taking booze-free drinks to another level. Here, its co-founder Sam Paget – who still enjoys the occasional drink – shares his favourite tipples and the places to enjoy them.

The Scottish larder is loaded. Fresh fish from glistening waters, fine meat from unspoilt country estates – it’s all here, and it’s catching the attention of some serious culinary talent. Here are just some of the new products, people and places that represent the best of a flourishing national food scene…

The Yorkshire food scene is bubbling up – and Shaun Rankin is one of the top chefs bringing the heat. As well as running the Michelin-starred restaurant at the county’s Grantley Hall hotel, he’s just renovated his kitchen at home and kitted it out with some serious equipment. We asked him what he’s filled the new space with – and why…

Tucked between the Strand and the Thames, Toklas might just be the capital’s best bakery-restaurant. Chris Shaw is the man responsible for its outstanding Med-inspired dishes. He stepped away from the pass to tell us what he orders in for himself at home…

The Christmas port is a distant memory, half your mates have gone ‘sober curious’ and your own health kick is starting to get real. For anyone who’s done with metallic-tasting 0% lager, but has still got two weeks of Dry Jan to go, these should get you through…