Riddle food columnist gives his tips on prolonging summer and whiling away autumn days.
Written by Jonathan Phang
I come alive during spring and summer. I love the positivity that breathes around me. I eat healthier food, enjoy wearing lighter, brighter clothes and even feel motivated to exercise and lose a little weight. I don’t feel the need to leave London during May to September, as my home offers me everything that I desire from a city and as I get older I appreciate this more and more.
Autumn is a different matter. I get overcome with a sense of impending doom and gloom. I hate watching leaves fall from trees, I never know what to wear for mid season weather and I am constantly too hot or too cold. I also know, that when the clocks go back, I will probably put back on that stone that I worked so hard to lose during summer.
For me the best way of combating my winter blues, prolonging the summer and making the whole thing go faster, is to book a couple of strategic trips and give myself plenty to look forward to.
I think that the perfect time for Mediterranean or North African holiday is late September when the weather is hot but not scorching, the kids are back at school and the locals are back to normal. Everything is cheaper and the security queues at airport are bearable.
By the time I have accepted my annual fate and start embracing the notion of Christmas, I like a weekend away, closer to home. Brighton has plenty to offer. The Royal Pavilion, Theatre Royal, The Brighton Dome, Brighton Museum and Art gallery and a great choice of restaurants to suit every budget. I love that everything is within walking distance and it’s only an hour away from London.
For a special treat, there is nothing more special or festive than a lunch or tea onboard one the Belmond, iconic trains such as the Belmond British Pullman or the Belmond Northern Belle. If you like autumnal, British landscape and traditional food, the Belmond Royal Scotsman is the ideal way to indulge in the best of both, whilst being cocooned in the luxury bygone era.
After Christmas, my heart literally plummets and I am never more miserable than during January and February. I make it through because I take my “big” annual holiday in March in either the Caribbean or the Far East. When I lie in the sun in 30 degree heat, cooled by ocean breezes and swaying palms, I am grateful for seasons and remember that without rain there is no grain and without wind there are no waves. 