The world of wine is shrinking, with global consumption falling and the total vineyard area decreasing during 2009, according to new figures.

UK off licence Wine Rack has been rescued from the collapsed First Quench retail empire.

The very best chocolates to give this Christmas.

Out with the young pretenders - back with you know who. Christmas, for Cassandra Jardine, is complete with the return of Delia Smith to our TV screens.

Where is the best place to buy your wine for Christmas? Majestic or the supermarket? Online or with the Wine Society? Jonathan Ray reports.

The Royal Oak in Prestbury, Cheltenham, has the air of a true pub haven.

Supermarket chain Asda claim that they are offering the UK's cheapest Christmas lunch, with a full festive meal for six people costing £1.83 a head.

Restaurateur Oliver Peyton loves shopping for antiques, museums with the family and church on Sunday.

It's a fine time to buy wine from independent merchants.

Boulters Restaurant cuts a dash on Boulters Lock Island.

For once the critics agree, this restaurant really does live up to the hype.

Mark Hix's new gastrodome reduces Zzoe Williams and friend to rhapsodies.

Exclusive recipes from London's most eagerly awaited new neighbourhood restaurant.

A perfect dish for a special occasion; its deeply savoury glossy sauce is well worth the effort involved.

The orange and date puree in our picture has been piped into little dots, but you can achieve a similar effect with a coffee spoon.

Bee Wilson on the mysterious case of Sherlock Holmes's diet.

You need to source the best-quality bresaola, preferably sliced to order in a deli rather than pre-sliced from a supermarket. Use the smallest watercress leaves you can find.