Richard Cawthorne

25 December: To all my friends and others, merry Christmas, happy holidays, peace and goodwill and, as the great Dave Allen used to say, may your God go with you.

A return visit for Sunday lunch to Pircio, Bishop’s Stortford, reviewed in October's Hertfordshire Life. Huge (in former drill hall), family run, Turkish-Italian menu and still crowded and boisterous. Chicken shish kofte and the grilled fish special both excellent. Great fun. https://t.co/6yfUmc0sX5

Party time last night at Herts’ latest Giggling Squid in Bishop’s Stortford. Founder Pranee Laurillard much in evidence, plus the usual lavish Thai nibbles to keep everyone happy. Choice is now between this one, the original in Berko and Harpenden. Decisions, decisions… https://t.co/9ZZHn5ytPG

Mexico has arrived in St Albans with the opening of our latest fun eatery, Benito's Hat. It's where Jamie's Deli used to be with a very merry launch night last night hosting burritos and margaritas galore. The company plans to make this the showcase example of its expansion. https://t.co/qnxTT0UcjB

Great evening at reopening of The Cowper Arms in Cole Green, latest of a string of Herts pubs getting the refurb treatment. Country lane setting, beams, open fires, good food, staff smiling and chatty, very up with the sense of occasion. Return visit definitely on the agenda.

December Hertfordshire Life mag out now! The Abbey restaurant reviewed, plus “dome dining” (pictured) at St Villa, Giggling Squid expands, Hummingbird Hertford opens and Lussmanns wins another award. Yo! arrives in Watford, plus lots more foodie and other goodies. Don’t miss. https://t.co/493fSR7xLE

The Brasserie at Sopwell House in St Albans, Brocket Hall and Auberge du Lac (pictured) at Welwyn and the Grove, Chandlers Cross, are among top Herts foodie retreats worth checking for offers this Black Friday. Take a look at the websites. Or go anyway for the experience. https://t.co/NYSeTasskv

It’s new-look time for some of our Hertfordshire pubs, with more emphasis on food and funky décor. The Hummingbird (pictured) has opened in Hertford, the revamped Arkley in Barnet is about to reopen after a lavish makeover and the White Horse Shenley bows in next week. Cheers! https://t.co/Br04IJ5uoL

All the latest news and comment on the business travel scene out today in the latest Business Travel News (BTN), including Euro flights after Brexit and the fate of Flybe. Subscribe (free!) now! See https://t.co/9udmBXRPRe

Interesting chat with wine expert Duncan Gammie on plans for his new shop, The Wee Vinoteca, in Hitchin Arcade. It has a good range of wines on sale now, with plans for a full-blown wine bar with pop-up nibbles in February, plus WSET courses. Follow his progress on Twitter.

St Albans Farmers Market this morning introduces me to the Brockleby's Pies stall. Brilliant idea to cut open one of the pies to show potential customers it's not all crust, unlike some I could mention. Lunch sorted and it was good.

Waking up in Room 218 at the 5-star 'wine hotel' - The Vineyard at Stockcross - after a a luxury stay including seven-course tasting menu with wines last night has definitely put me in the right mood to face the day.

More chaos at Crossrail reported by BTN today with implications for London City Airport. See https://t.co/9udmBXRPRe

Latest BTNewsUpdate has Emirates making adjustments to its Australian routes (see below). All the details and lots more in Business Travel News next Monday or catch up at https://t.co/9udmBXRPRe

Snippets under the @BTNewspdate entries that appear here can be followed up every Monday in Business Travel News, along with other good stuff. You can find it at https://t.co/9udmBXRPRe

Corfu food poisoning: What was the name of the hotel involved?

Fun NYC style promised in Shoreditch this weekend with grand opening on Sat of Bagel Breakfast Break, a bagel bar inspired by the authentic tastes of the Big Apple. It's the idea of the New York Bakery Co. Fillings include classic lox and shmear and piled pastrami stack. Yum...