Need a smooth beer to get you in the festive spirit? Drop in for pints and philosophy at the Irish Embassy on 23 December. We have some space reserved for the Oxford and Cambridge Society in the Dublin Bar from 5:45pm.

I won’t be able to make it but have appointed Haakon Pedersen as Deputy Drinks. Haakon has also promised to sing Norwegian Christmas Carols to those who join him – who could resist that?

Merry Christmas to one and all. I look forward to seeing everybody in the New Year.