There’s a number of ways to survive winter in Poland, and we’ve tried them all; from dressing up like Eskimos to eating loads of fat and staying home. Of all the methods however, none rewards as much as heading down to the pub. It’s in these noble establishments you’ll find the answer to the ice age, namely a pint of grzane piwo – that’s hot beer to you and me. Now it might sound rancid but give it a try. You’ll get a frothing beer served piping hot with a choice of various flavourings – cloves, cinnamon, honey, ginger and an array of fruit juices. Grzane wino – mulled wine – is equally popular at this time of year and is particularly decent when using a dry red.

Couple of things a veteran will keep their eye out for: firstly, the distant ping of a microwave is usually a giveaway that they don’t know what they’re doing behind the scenes. You most certainly don’t want your drink fried. Secondly, ask for a mug, not a glass. Drinks lose their temperature fast so it’s always best to have a mug, preferably a sturdy clay chap. Thirdly, and a gentle prod to any simpletons, remember your drink is going to be scorching hot when it arrives. Gulping it down in one go is going to seriously hurt. And remember, if you’re trying this at home, never let the drink hit boiling point. That’s disaster. If you’re too scared to get creative yourself then you’ll find ready-to-heat mulled wine on sale in off licenses - look for Grzaniec Galicyjski. During the colder months you will find most restaurants and bars offering some form of hot alcohol and we can’t recommend them enough.