Alex B. Cann column - Thursday 2nd October 2025

We are well and truly into autumn, and it’s definitely my favourite season.

You can keep your heatwave warnings, ridiculously stifling air when you get into the car, not to mention a whole manner of unwelcome flesh on show in the streets. Autumn is where it’s at! Handily, Costa Coffee have done a new survey on the “cosy comfort seekers” that many of us turn to as the leaves fall, and I thought we’d have a look at the top ten. I reckon it makes my case nicely.

1 - Switching to the “cosy wardrobe” (jumpers, fleeces, joggers, etc) - I mean, working on the radio has its advantages, as I rarely have to wear anything particularly formal. Much as those who worked from home during the pandemic did, I largely live in “smart joggers” for much of the time whilst speaking into a sponge, and got a bit of a shock this week when I went to the men’s fitting department at Marks & Spencer to get measured for a tuxedo. Let’s just say I was a little optimistic with most of my measurements! It turns out my neck has had a fairly decent year, and the fitting motivated me to immediately purchase a new set of scales and a Google Fitbit. In the meantime, at least I have a suit that won’t cut off my circulation, as happened about a decade ago when I hired an outfit and didn’t bother to check that it fitted before the big evening arrived. Cue the biggest intake of breath I’ve ever taken, and crossing fingers all night that the top button didn’t ‘pop off’ whilst I was hosting an awards do! On a separate note, when is it acceptable to start wearing my festive knitwear?

2 - Snuggling under a blanket after a long day - my wife is a big fan of this one. I prefer a nice novelty onesie, personally. I’d wear one to work if I could get away with it!

3 - Crunchy leaves underfoot - all lovely until you brake on wet leaves, and your bicycle continues to travel in a different direction to the one you go in. Not that I’ve done that, obviously (this anecdote dates back to pre-pandemic, when I was fit enough to do 50 mile charity bike rides!). Autumn walks are splendid, and I always say you never ever feel worse after popping out for a walk.

4 - The sound of rain while sitting indoors - unless you have a leaky roof, this is definitely a winner.

5 - Drawing the curtains early and settling in for the night - I’m a bit weird and like to leave the curtains open! Mrs C will have none of it, though. I do remember when being sent to bed early was a punishment. These days, an early night and a proper sleep is a rare luxury!

6 - The golden hour light hitting the trees - Although I am currently driving into work in the pitch black for my 6am starts, there are some stunning sunsets to enjoy. The light at this time of year is particularly lovely, especially in our parks and green spaces.

7 - Drinking hot chocolate with whipped cream - I prefer a filter coffee, and was a little upset to learn that some branches of Starbucks are discontinuing it (ultimate first world problem, I know!). I do like a caramel latte, but usually just drink rocket fuel coffee all day! I  blame the early starts.

8 - Going for a walk that ends at a café - When I went on bike rides, they often ended up at the pub, so I guess this is a similar motivational tool.

9 - Lighting seasonal candles - I am a sucker for a scented candle. Not gonna lie, my wife says some of the ones I like smell like toilet duck, and we don’t often agree on the best ones to light at home, but you can’t go wrong with a festive one!

10 - Getting into bed early “just because it’s dark” - as I mentioned earlier, how was an early night once considered a punishment? I need to try and get my sleep average up a bit. Perhaps the newly purchased Fitbit will motivate me to raise my average above five hours.

I’d add to the list sparkly fairy lights as Christmas approaches, and the knowledge that the daytime temperature won’t rise above 20c. Autumn would definitely win in a seasonal scrap, and I hope you enjoy the crisp October days. Right, time to light a candle!