A cold, damp week in August? Then it's time to reach for the sherry, Port or Madeira
When it's pouring with rain and the damp chills you to the bone, forget what month the calendar says — just reach for the fortified wine, says Harry Eyres.
Food and Drink
Discover the latest in food and drink news, try our delicious and easy recipes using fresh seasonal produce and read our pub and restaurant reviews.
Here at Country Life we love to cook and we love to eat. Seasonality is important, whether you’re growing your own or visiting the farmers’ market for your ingredients – but we love to cook seasonally. Whether it’s our brilliant collection of elderflower recipes in the summertime, our ultimate sloe gin recipe in autumn or gorgeous roast goose recipes in the winter, we have collected the best seasonal recipes by ingredient on dedicated pages
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Five of the finest afternoon teas in London this summer
Alexandra Fraser rounds up some of the most unique and tasty afternoon teas available in the capital this summer, from sky-high scones to fashion-forward finger sandwiches.
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The joy of the fruit fool, where school dinners meet sophistication — and an unbeatable recipe for raspberry fool
One of the greatest British desserts, the fruit fool, is also one of the simplest: just mix fresh cream and sugar with whatever fruit is fresh from the garden. Flora Watkins explains more.
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The Christian Dior afternoon tea at The Franklin: 'Monsieur Dior himself would surely have approved'
A Christian Dior-themed afternoon tea around the corner from the V&A makes a perfect accompaniment to the museum's enormously successful exhibition, as Rosie Paterson discovered.
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Country Life's guide to what makes a British pub great
More than 70 years after George Orwell penned the famous essay on his favourite pub, The Moon Under Water, its key attributes still hold true, finds Flora Watkins. Photographs by Mark Williamson.
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Tom Parker Bowles' five favourite cocktails
As far as Tom Parker Bowles is concerned, there are only five true cocktails – and none of them come with umbrellas, sparklers or a sugar overdose. We apologise to the mojito lovers, this one may not be for you…
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A foolproof recipe for raspberry soufflé pancakes that offers a delicious little taste of summer
Sometimes you'll have hours to spend in the kitchen making ludicrously-complicated recipes involving umpteen processes and hard-to-find ingredients. At other times, you'll just want to make some posh pancakes; today is one of those latter days.
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Jason Goodwin: How to be a Master of Mayo
Jason Goodwin teaches us how to make the perfect mayonaise, while explaining why he's jinked to fail each time and why we must be the ones to keep this great condiment alive.
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Eight deliciously refreshing summer drinks to get you through the next heatwave
Rose flavours, healthy sodas and enough gin cocktails to sink a ship, here are the latest concoctions to keep you cool this summer.
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A beautifully-flavoured raspberry and mango tart, perfect for afternoon tea
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How to make elderflower cordial and wine
The English summer is thought to start when the elder blossoms and ends when the berries ripen. Country Life recommends some recipes for this versatile plant.
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Two cakes for the price of one: A salted caramel cheesecake with a carrot cake base
Best friends, carrot cake and cream cheese are fully celebrated in this innovatice recipe, with a salty twist. Thank Melanie Johnson.
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Fifty Cheyne restaurant review: 'The emphasis is on sharing, big meals and coming together... and long may it last'
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How to make a delicious seafood pie which will convert non-believers to the joys of fennel
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The Petersham Covent Garden restaurant review: No egos, no theatrics, just sublime ingredients and confident cooking
The famous hidden gem that is the Petersham Nurseries restaurant in Richmond recently opened a new place in central London. Jade Bousfield paid a visit.
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A deliciously summery strawberry and hazelnut-meringue roulade with hazelnut praline
Looking for a new summer dessert? If you have the courage and patience to attempt a meringue roulade, this combination of flavours is sure to delight the palette. Thank Melanie Johnson.
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A tour of Cognac: 'There wasn't an electronic gimmick in sight – the product is still made by hand and tongue, same as it ever was'
John Lewis-Stempel visits the village of Cognac to learn how the eponymous digestif and the local wine, pineau, is made.
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5 scrumptious strawberry recipes that are the perfect accompaniment for Wimbledon
A British summer without strawberries would be unthinkable.
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How to make The Savoy’s sensational pistachio madeleines
An idyllic summer snack, nothing says grace and elegance like a simple fluffy madeleine. Here's how to make the cake which will grace the tea-time plates of The Savoy this summer.
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The true story of Eton Mess – and how to make the perfect one
The question, it turns out, isn't 'why' it's called Eton Mess, but whether it's actually called 'Eton Mess' at all...
