While the Nazis were storming Europe, men and women from all over the struggling Allied countries came together to help the war effort. Olson’s character-driven narrative traces the work of numerous unsung heroes from the Continent, including Czech pilots protecting London.

In a sea of loud bars and just up the hill from noisy Clapham Junction, The Beehive is everything that a real local pub should be – warm, welcoming and presided over by wonderful landlady Monica.

This wine bar under the railway arches serves delicious food – with a fantastic atmosphere and a multitude of wines to get you through the summer. Have wines in the café indoors or from the garden shed outside.

Fitrovia’s historic tavern, round the corner from Rathbone Place. Reasonably priced Sam Smith Ales and intriguing golden ceilings. Feels suitably 'ye olde' and traditional.

Set within a glasshouse on the edge of Richmond Park. Brimming with fragrant bougainvillea and jasmine, and decorated with antique furniture. Serves up seasonal Italian inspired food, think: spider crab cooked with charcoal and chilli butter, and spring salad with peas, broad beans and pecorino. 

A rather appealing looking pub with a Tudor façade, set across from the Green as you walk away from Kew Gardens. From May onward, it is laden with greenery. A hearty Sunday lunch menu: fish and chips to roast chicken and then back round to pork escalope. 

A 17th-century roadside inn that fuses pub and pottery. Full of character with old country furniture on flagstones and heating from an old cast-iron kitchen range. Run by husband and wife potters Pat and Geoff Fuller.

The sleepy beer garden at the back of St Kew Inn is a joy, with picnic tables on a well-clipped lawn surrounded by trees and a dry-stone wall. At the front of this lovely greystone pub, dating from the 15th century, there’s a heavenly terrace with a palm tree in the corner and blooming flowers.

It is far too hot at this time of year to be eating indoors, especially in London, so why not recline and dine at the top of John Lewis? In the middle of Oxford Street, with panoramic views of London’s skyline, you can enjoy the best of London, without the cars and crowds.

Serving, in its own words, a ‘traditional British’ menu, this restaurant in the centre of Cambridge has a versatile selection of real ales – both local and from farther afield – to complement the hearty range of meats on offer. Fabulous views from your table.   

Avoiding the horde of tourists that descends on Amalfi is something of a challenge. If you don’t mind a bit of a deviation, take the overground route to Atrani and stop at the Ristorante di Zaccaria. You will be greeted by a stunning view and some sumptuous cucina della nonna.

Along with arguably the best high street in Britain, Hastings is home to the Old Customs House. The perfect place for a summery Sunday lunch, it commands an ocean of rosé, very reasonably priced at £16 a bottle and a delicious Spanish seafood stew. 

Located on Deal’s quaint seafront, 81 Beach Street is a good spot to break up a day of sunbathing on the beach. It serves a fine piece of fish, the Dover sole being a particular highlight.

Its very own ‘theatre of the senses’ menu is, it says, based on ‘uncomplicated excellence’, which looks to celebrate local and seasonal dishes along with British classics. The set-up is reminiscent of a private members’ club.

Contrary to general opinions, the thousands who crossed the Atlantic in the 17th century were not simply seeking religious freedom. Evans explains the situation in England that drove so many to try to better themselves abroad.

Writing on the first racially integrated army in modern history, Gaudi looks into von Lettow-Vorbeck, and how he led his guerrilla army for Germany’s African campaign in the First World War. Gaudi explains the human qualities of the leader – which meant his soldiers followed him to the end.

The Adamic myth has had profound influence on Western culture. Greenblatt studies the way the age-old story of the Fall has been interpreted over the centuries, revealing more than you may expect.

Motivated by truth-telling rather than case-making, Rappaport informs without trying to influence your opinions on colonialism. She ranges from Britain’s infatuation with India to explaining how the Second World War was won.

Turning serious scholarship into accessible prose, this is a study into the most influential military order in the Middle East and Europe during medieval times. At a fast pace, Jones manages to portray the secretive, bloodthirsty and dangerously powerful group that dominated politics.

Champagne does not have to be only for special celebrations. Leading wine writer Jonathan Ray takes you through fizz for all budgets, tastes, times and occasions. His delving into the weird and wonderful stories behind the vines makes this an entertaining read. 

Musson makes a comprehensive and thoroughly engaging guide to the architectural history of the Cambridge College approaching its 500th anniversary. Of greatest interest is the 17th-century college chapel, designed by Sir Christopher Wren, and one of the iconic images of Cambridge University.

This 1989 film starring John Hurt and Joanne Whalley relives the infamous Profumo Affair and the desperate events that led up to it. The Cold War sex scandal that resulted in the toppling of the Tory government in the 1960s is passionately depicted.

Salisbury selects more than 300 dust jackets as he traces the evolution of book covers – from the plain days of pure utility to eye-catching bursts of colour.

This is a fascinating look into the lesser-known members of the 6,291 islands that make up the British Isles. Travelling around islands with curious and very different histories, Oldie contributor Barkham uncovers stories and views known and seen only by the few. Perfect for any islomaniac.

Contrary to what the title may suggest, this film is not riddled with horrific jump scares. But it offers a whole lot more than those ‘scary’ films that come around every couple of months. Casey Affleck stars, as a couple separated by loss discover an eternal connection that will last for ever.