Say cheese - it's better than talking about politics...

I heard something on the radio at the weekend that raised an interesting question - what's your go-to conversation starter?

- Kate Wobschall

We are approaching the time of year when parties and social gatherings could well involve having to make small talk with a stranger.

So other than doing the standard British thing talking about the weather, what's a good way to strike up a conversation?

One listener said she had enjoyed success by asking people what they thought about blue cheese.

It sounds innocuous enough but it's something most people have an opinion on, whether it's “ooh I love it” or “please, just the smell makes me want to heave”.

As a bit of a cheese enthusiast, in my humble opinion it has to be one of the very best things about winter.