There can be something a bit depressing about Christmas hampers: sad little pots of brandy butter, dried-out crackers and a tiddly bottle of cava buried in heaps of shredded paper that you’ll be picking off the carpet for months. No more, say Bompas & Parr, the celebrated food adventurers, who are turning the seasonal hamper into something that they hope will inspire an expedition of your own. [Read more...]
November 24th, 2011
Charlie Brooker’s 2010 Wipe - BBC Two, 10pm
The irrepressible Charlie Brooker whips through a review of the year in his trademark acerbic style, covering everything from The Only Way is Essex, to Chilean Miners and BP oil spills. [Read more...]
December 27th, 2010
Upstairs Downstairs - BBC One, 9pm
Upstairs Downstairs has returned. Though reviews have been mixed – particularly in the fall-out of period stormer Downton Abbey – we’re easily seduced by dapper gents and pretty ladies pottering around in posh houses. [Read more...]
December 26th, 2010
Doctor Who – BBC One, 6pm
When plucky newcomer Matt Smith bounced into Dr Who’s shoes, we had a feeling he’d ace the role (read out interview with him in this year’s April issue). [Read more...]
December 25th, 2010
Peep Show Night – Channel 4, from 9pm
Channel 4 will pay tribute to it’s longest running comedy show this evening, with a night of television dedicated entirely to Peep Show. [Read more...]
December 24th, 2010
Dunhill Tradition Hunter’s Flask
You’ll find one on every gift list around, but when – in reality – is one ever in need of a hipflask? We’ll tell you when. When you’re snow bound in a foreign airport, when you’re stuck in a freezing car on the M4 (not in the driver’s seat, we hasten to add) or when you’re on a six-hour delayed train from Oxford – we speak from experience. [Read more...]
December 23rd, 2010
Books,Christmas,Esquire Wish List
The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman, by Visual Editions
It’s a modest little item, but this new edition of Laurence Sterne’s ‘The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman’ published by Visual Editions, makes for more than an interesting read. [Read more...]
December 22nd, 2010
Can’t stop eating? Well it’s only going to get worse in the next few weeks. Avoid looking like Jabba by the time you’re back at work, by following these fail-safe rules, as laid out by Dr John Briffa. [Read more...]
December 22nd, 2010