From a coffee cocktail to the best of books, make some plans for the week ahead...

Check in: We never tire of planning for getaways (always with an eye on safety of course). A cosy fire and a four-legged friend make it perfect. Check out Holiday at Home’s gorgeous Woodcroft cottage near Richmond where you’ve got some lovely walks on the doorstep and a hot tub when your achey legs get back. Holidayathome.co.uk

After a big walk a hot tub is a must-have: Woodcroft near Richmond (Image: Archant)

Eat the pies: Too soon to think of mince pies? We say not. Congrats to Yorkshire’s Thomas the Bakers who were awarded the 3-star Great Taste award for their Heavenly Sweet Mince Pie. The filling is a winning combination of sweet mince with apricots and brandy and a couple of secret ingredients. The all butter pastry shell has the addition of finely ground almonds for added taste and texture and the pie is finished off with a tender Viennese Biscuit topping. And they are not just for Christmas....in stores all year round.

Yorkshire's finest mince pie? Thomas the Baker has been awarded top marks in the Great Taste Awards (Image: Archant)

Spice it up: Much-loved gourmet brand Rafi’s Spicebox brings its unique hand-blended Indian mixes, pastes and flavouring to a new concession in Booths’ Ilkley store. Customers will be able to choose from over 50 spice recipes which are hand-blended in store and can be tailored to their desired heat strength and taste preferences.

Brothers and directors of Rafi’s Spicebox, Lee Fernandez and Kevin Fernandez (Image: Archant)

Sew for good: Harrogate’s Royal Pump Room Museum has delved into its incredible costume collection to uncover the authentic roots of ‘make do and mend’. Stories of imaginative, creative upcycling are revealed through the wide range of selected items of women’s, men’s and children’s clothes, shoes and accessories from the Second World War. Complimented by artefacts, personal stories and contemporary examples of upcycled and ethical fashion, this exhibition is an inspirational alternative to the fast-fashion high street. On until February. harrogate.gov.uk/info/20151/royal_pump_room_museum

Raise a glass: It’s Coffee Day this Thursday. Get a different kind of caffeine kick with this recipe from Slingsby Gin – a twist on your morning espresso. Slingsby Marmalade Espresso Martini

Get thrifty: Make Do and Mend at Harrrogate Pump Room Museum (Image: Simon Miles Photography)

37.5ml Slingsby Marmalade Gin

12.5ml coffee liqueur such as Kahlua or Tia Maria

25ml espresso or cold brew

10ml sugar syrup

Coffe Day: celebrate with an espresso martini why don't you? (Image: Archant)

2 dashes orange bitters

Add all ingredients to a shaker, shake well with ice then remove the ice and shake once more. Strain into a martini or coupe glass and garnish with coffee beans.

Autumn and books: perfect partners ] (Image: Archant)

Love a book: Autumn is definitely a time to hole up with a book. On Saturday it’s Bookshop Day and in Malton Kemp’s General Store and Kemp’s Booksopens its doors. Children’s Bookshop, Huddersfield, is planning a bear hunt, a competition to guess the number of books in a bag, and a ‘booky dip’ on Saturday.