Every week, we round up the newest openings, menus and exciting news from the food world. This week, it's Christmas markets, Jamavar and St Andrew's Day

New opening: Jamavar
On 1 December Jamavar restaurant will open in London's Mayfair, inspired by the Leela Palace hotels in India. Rohit Ghai heads up the kitchen, which will serve up sharing plates inspired by different cuisines all over India. We've got our eye on the lobster neeruli (pictured) – delicious.

Padstow Christmas Festival
1–4 December sees the Padstow Christmas Festival in full swing. With Rick Stein, Frances Quinn and Tom Kerridge among the names of those demonstrating, it's sure to be a feast-filled few days! And better still, you can sort all your Christmas presents in one go at the Christmas market.

(Photo by James Ram)

St Andrew's Day
This Wednesday 30 November is Scotland's national day. Mac & Wild, in London's Devonshire Square, will celebrate their Scottish roots by serving Scottish suckling pig alongside their usual haggis mac 'n' cheese. Why not give a nod to our northern neighbours by cooking our haggis-stuffed chicken breasts with chilli and garlic stir-fried swede and kale?

Food and Drink Awards
This year sees our fourth Sainsbury's magazine Food and Drink Awards, and we're especially excited to hold it in the Ham Yard Hotel right next to Piccadilly. Hosted by Stephan Mangan and with a huge variety of brands in the running, it's set to be a great evening – look out for the winners on Twitter and in our January magazine.

(The team at the awards last year)

King's Cross German market
Tomorrow, King's Cross restaurant German Gymnasium will host a German winter market on their terrace. Executive chef Bjoern Wassmuth's menu will pair with the market, boasting German classics including currywurst and bratwurst. The market will be open until the end of February.

New pop-up: Lodge d'Argent
Last week, editorial assistant Charlotte attended the returning launch of Lodge D'Argent located in Coq d'Argent. This year's menu draws on French classics and our favourite was raclette gratin with ratte potatoes and alpine dry-cured ham washed down with a Holly Winter cocktail – a blend of sweet vermouth, spice syrup, cranberry juice and ginger ale. A great place to cosy up on these dark and cold evenings. Lodge D'Argent is open until the end of February.

Foodie advent calendars
Thursday sees the start of December, so you'd better make sure you've got your advent calendar before then! If you're a little bored of classic chocolates, there are plenty of alternatives. Our favourite is the Ginvent Calendar from Gin Foundry – perfect!

(Image from ginfoundry.com)