A local government journalist's life is not a happy one. Even when seeking to avert our gaze from work during a much needed (I'll be the judge of that – Ed) festive break, we can't avoid the world we write about. Pity the poor colleague who found the Secretary of State beaming at him from his doormat – courtesy of local South London curry house Spice Republic. The East Dulwich establishment, which offers free home delivery on all orders worth more than £12 within a three-mile radius, proudly boasts an award from an international curry industry trade magazine. And next to a somewhat less than beaming chef of the year is Eric Pickles. The menu is certainly varied and interesting. Diary's favouritely named dish is the vegetable side Dum Tori New. This consists, apparently, of courgettes cooked in turmeric and medium spices – and is not a withering criticism of Central Office's selection of A-list candidates for the 2015 general election.