I started this blog at the end of February this year and I never expected it to take off in the way that it fortunately has. It was a bit of an experiment, really. But I’ve ended up spending every free moment I have on it, and I’ve loved every second of it. I’ve published over 200 posts this year (and would have done more if I had the time!), writing about a wide variety of restaurants and foodie products and experiences.

I thought I’d put together some of my favourites. This proved to be pretty hard to do, as there were so many incredible places and items to choose from. But I managed to narrow it down to the following:

Top 5 Restaurants

1. Tonic and Remedy

I really was blown away by this restaurant. I was expecting good things, but I wasn’t quite prepared for the huge range of flavours and techniques used in the dishes here, all at very reasonable prices. And their Bloody Mary still remains my favourite!

2. Fera at Claridges

Tim took me here for my birthday a couple of months ago. You just can’t fail to be impressed with a tasting menu and wine as incredible as this.

3. Charlotte’s Place

We had a beautiful lunch here towards the end of the summer and it was another restaurant which really surprised me. The flavours of the dishes complemented each other so perfectly and were really fresh. It’s also located in a lovely spot overlooking Ealing Common. Highly recommended!

4. Yauatcha

Tim and I went for dinner earlier this year at the new Yauatcha in the City and we loved it so much that we’re going back to the Soho location for New Year’s Eve tomorrow night!

5. Pizza East, Portobello Road

There seems to be a running theme here, but this was another restaurant I was really surprised by. Despite the name, it was so much more than just pizzas, with some delicious dishes and excellent service.

Also highly commended – Pulia in Borough Market, Champagne and Fromage in Brixton and Mud in Tooting.

Top 5 Pop-Ups/Supperclubs

1. Juma Kitchen

My first experience of Iraqi food and I really enjoyed it – some unusual flavours but some which reminded me very much of Cyprus. Chef Philip Juma is definitely going places!

2. Vi Vian’s Malaysian Supperclub

I met fellow food blogger and supperclub host Vi Vian earlier this year and was excited to be able to attend one of her supperclubs held at her lovely home with her family. The menu was massive with many different kinds of dishes – my favourite was the coconut pancakes and black sesame ice cream!

3. A Tom Kerridge Pop-Up at The Crabtree

Over the summer I was excited to win a spot at a Tom Kerridge Pop-Up at a beautiful pub called The Crabtree on the river in Fulham. The man himself was there cooking up a storm outside, with some tasty BBQ style dishes, and great beers and ales.

4. Berlin Brunch!

Another fellow food blogger, Noemi, launched the very successful ‘Berlin Brunch’ earlier this year. I visited when it was at LASSCO Ropewalk in Bermondsey, but she has since taken it to a number of other venues around London.

5. The Moretti Gran Tour

Over the summer, Moretti beer hosted a mini Italian food festival in Hackney, with an abundance of Italian food stalls – everything from risotto balls to gelato. And there was even a free pasta making class!

Top 5 Food Products

1. PS Lambis OSO Olive Oil and Honey

You’ve probably seen me write about them lots over the past year – their products are of such high quality and I love the story behind the business, given my own upbringing in Cyprus.

2. The Big Cheese Making Kit

Being able to make my own halloumi at home was pretty amazing! And they do lots of kits for other types of cheeses too, well worth a go!

3. Bluebird Tea Co

I’d never come across such a wide range of flavours and types of tea until I discovered these guys. The temptation to buy every flavour on the website is insane! They also do great tea gifts for occasions throughout the year.

4. Grey’s Fine Foods Spanish Hamper

Without a doubt, the yummiest hamper I’ve ever encountered – all of the products felt so authentic (and delicious), I can’t wait for the next occasion to buy one for a friend or a member of my family.

5. Graham’s Port

A recent food and port pairing evening completely changed my perception of port and I’m now well and truly hooked!

Also highly commended – Tg Teas, Double Dutch Drinks, Huna Blends and Biscuiteers Retro Biscuits

Top 5 Events/Experiences

1. A Day at River Cottage with Foodies 100

This really was such an incredible day, spent at an incredible venue with incredible bloggers! I learned so much and met some great people, while tucking into some delicious food.

2. Open Farm Sunday at High Farndale

This year I took part in ‘Open Farm Sunday’, visiting a farm in North Yorkshire near to where I grew up and where my mum lives. It was such a nice day and Peter and Nicola who own High Farndale are just lovely. Definitely get involved in 2016 if there’s an open farm near to you!

3. Being an Asda Butcher’s Apprentice

I felt so privileged to be asked by Asda to attend an exclusive butchery class, where I learned not only how to butcher beef, but also a lot about how a huge supermarket like Asda sources, looks after and sells its beef.

4. A Day at the Royal Bath & West Show

I was invited by Barber’s cheese to attend the Royal Bath & West Show earlier in the year and it was such a great day out. A day filled with good food (including a LOT of cheese, my heaven!), beautiful animals and some brilliant shopping (much to Tim’s dismay!)

5. Taste of London (Summer)

This was my very first visit to Taste of London and I was in my element – having the opportunity to sample so many dishes from such top restaurants is just amazing.

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Well there you have it! I’d love to have included everyone if I could! A big THANK YOU to everyone who has read my blog this year. I really do appreciate it and hope you’ll come back in 2016 for more foodie goodness. Happy New Year! 🙂