Blue skies, a crisp breeze, golden sunsets and cold enough to wear cashmere again. Maybe it's because I'm a November baby but rather than dreading the winter blues my heart always soars as autumn draws in.

Apart from it being the season that flatters our fair country the most, it also heralds the return of proper food and the excuse to go to the cosiest places to consume it.

Which is why we can't wait for The Spread Eagle in Greenwich to reopen this
month. Not only will the lovingly revamped coaching inn - one of the oldest restaurants in London - keep winter chills and SAD at bay with its sumptuous Anglo-French decor, blazing fires and fortifying menu (venison with pumpkin puree and roast lobster with red pepper veloute) but its proximity to one of London's most beautiful parks means there's no excuse not to have a satisfying post lunch walk amongst the leaves.

Until then, huddle up in the whiskey rooms of Bumpkin, spoil yourself with
a spit-roast for two at Tom's Kitchen, or immerse yourself in the pine fronds and twinkling lights of Petersham Nurseries for the most meltingly delicious chocolate cake this side of the channel.