Despite Trump’s best efforts, I had a blast in 2017. MTL was up for several awards, winning two, and coming close in the rest; Matt The Party #4 at East London Liquor Company was great fun, as were our boozy events together, You Will Love Bourbon and Rye Not?; and London’s food and booze scene continued to deliver the goods. It was definitely the most balanced year so far in terms of checking out new places and supporting old favourites. There were standout meals at the likes of Kiln, The Barbary, Smoke & Salt, and Milk Teeth, mixed in with repeat visits to Park Road Kitchen, Italo Deli, Anspach & Hobday, and The Hop Locker. Of course, there were #MattTheTrips aplenty, including three jaunts to Brussels, but you can see snaps from those in a separate highlights post here. What’s in store for 2018? Bokeh. Videos. Lens balls. Drones? FUN. Enjoy!