While it has not been snow-free, 2015 has not been a particularly harsh winter. Not yet, anyway. Of course, we still have some way to go before we are out of the frosty woods.

At the time of writing, there is snow forecast for later this week and any thoughts of digging out the beachwear should stay on hold for at least a couple more months.

So, how do we make winter more tolerable? The smartest way to deal with winter is to sleep through it.

Regrettably, most bosses tend to frown on their employees hibernating through the coldest months.

As an alternative, we have come up with a few cosy restaurants where, after a good meal and perhaps a glass of something warming, the winter won’t seem so cruel.

Open fires

First up, you might want to visit Dryburgh Abbey Hotel in the Borders. The hearty, home-style cooking in the Abbey Bistro is a definite attraction but the fire places in the lounges are also a big draw at this time of year.

Sticking with the flames theme, the Bistro du Vin at Edinburgh’s Hotel du Vin also has a real fire. Tucking into confit duck with Puy lentils while toasting your toes by the fire sounds very inviting.

Stroll around Loch Lomond

Back in the West, The Cameron Grill at Cameron House has an open fire. Guests can stare into the flames while enjoying a veal chop, complete with caramelised apple sauce and a Madeira jus. Not a bad way to warm up after a stroll by the adjacent Loch Lomond.

In Glasgow itself, the bar at The Drake offers a coal fire along with comforting dishes such as the omelette Arnold Bennett, made with smoked haddock and Dunlop cheddar.

When it comes to beating bad winters, the Russians are ahead of the game. In Glasgow’s Merchant City, Café Cossachok says ‘niet’ to the cold with a menu that includes beef stroganoff, Moldavian casseroles and spicy Georgian chicken dishes.

A couple of cheeky vodkas might also help keep the cold at bay.

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Curry aka internal central heating

The 5pm Dining blog has long been convinced that curry is not far short of being a miracle food. It can cool you down when it’s hot but can also keep you warm when it’s cold.

Given the large number of great Indian restaurants in Glasgow, it’s no surprise that the city has won the Curry Capital crown several times.

We could mention dozens of Indian restaurants that can dish up a spicy riposte to cold weather but we’ll opt for The Wee Curry Shop on Ashton Lane. A cheery little joint, it is linked to the ever popular Mother India group of restaurants.

Serving up sunshine

Sometimes, the best way to fight the frost is simply to eat in restaurants that remind you of warmer climes.

Go Polynesian at The Pacific Bar and Kitsch Inn on Dumbarton Road or treat yourself to some Spanish culinary sunshine at Fino, Tinto West End or one of the Café Andaluz restaurants.

In Edinburgh, Tapa, La Tasca and Café Andaluz will all warm your bones with sunny Spanish dishes.