Business is also booming for commercial carol concerts in non-church settings, where a mince pie and nostalgia are as much the lure as harking the singing of herald angels.

ECONOMIST: Bagehot

As David Cameron and Nick Clegg put their feet up, nibble on a mince pie, and look back on the year past, they could be forgiven for thinking how glorious it has been.

BBC: What to expect in 2013?

Lunch is served in its tiny back room and features classics such as mince and tatties, and Scotch pie with beans and chips.

BBC: Mini guide to Edinburgh��s pubs