Merry Christmas! Over the next twelve days, we’ll run down all the highs and lows of 2013, to ease our way in to the new year.

2013 started with a soup-filled January. Soupy highlights were to be found at Lezzetli and Club Sandwich, both of which offered exceptional quality.

Three outstanding meals from this month were Tanjore, the Salisbury Arms, and The Pantry, all of which offered a really impressive take on their chosen approaches to cooking.

Bellevue Bar was the busiest post of the month. My visit was hampered by some teething trouble with their fridge, but they rose to the challenge very well, serving me a rather good burger. I’ve been meaning to go back for another visit, so will add it to the list for 2014.

Chaophraya was a major lowlight, with bland food and pedestrian service, making MJ a very unhappy person. Strada, just a few doors down on the same street, was equally dire.

But overall, it was a promising start to the year, with lots of warmingly delicious food consumed.