Mum buys two drinks and three tapas in Benidorm and is floored by the price
A pint of beer, a glass of wine and a selection of food may be a costly endeavour in many restaurants – but one mum in Benidorm has uncovered a new 'bargain' deal while visiting one of her favourite pubs.
Michelle Baker has lived in the British tourist hotspot for over 40 years and the expat used to run a newspaper in the region. She now shares useful information on her Benidormforever Facebook page. And the mum, who has raised her children in sunny Spain, shared her latest food and drink find.
Speaking about the new offer at Baldo, which is based by the Benidorm Beach hotel, Michelle enthused on Facebook: 'I love this new brunch deal at Baldo Benidorm; a trio of tasty tapas including the CUTEST mini paella, DELICIOUS'mussels a la vinaigrette' & the CRUNCHIEST pork crackling…
'It comes with TWO drinks - choose from wine, sangria, beer or a soft drink and the whole thing costs just 20 euros - about £17!
'A perfect lunch to share (or keep it all to yourself ) the 'Tapas Time' deal is available every day up until 5pm and is a great introduction to the wonderful world of Spanish 'tapas' - plus the perfect opportunity to try paella if you've never had it!'
Michelle added that it was one of her favourite places in the whole of Benidorm and praised the atmosphere, great food, beer and cocktails, the latter being available on a two for €12 deal (approx £10).
Writing under the post, one person said: 'Can't wait to try here in September.'
Another wrote: 'Baldo Benidorm is fabulous, we did the bottomless brunch in June and it was well worth the money – lovely food and great choice of drinks, would highly recommend.'
A third said: 'That looks great value.'
And a final comment read: 'In June this year we did the brunch at Baldo and it was honestly amazing. The food was amazing and the service was perfect. I think we had about 7 cocktails each in the time given so if anyone's looking to book a brunch I highly recommend Baldo you won't regret it.'
For anyone jetting off to Benidorm for some sun this summer, Michelle has previously offered top tips, while also revealing the most common mistake Brits make on day one of their holidays.
Speaking to the Daily Star, she urged people to avoid being a 'first day fool', and explained: 'They get here, the measures are so massive, they set foot on the street and they say 'Oh beer is €2 a pint, let's have seven straight away'. If you can, just look around and see what the locals do, they have lived here a long time. Drink in the shade and drink water along with your alcohol."
She added: "I'm not saying don't drink alcohol, that's ridiculous, but drink water alongside it because alcohol dehydrates you. And if you are travelling with families, keep an eye on the kids. The kids will spend the day in the pool and they won't feel thirsty so it is up to you as a parent to keep topping them up."
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Scottish Sun
14 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Brainy new Google ‘AI Mode' that finds you cheap hols & saves you money launches in UK as boss brands it ‘magical'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MILLIONS of Brits now have access to a supercharged version of Google called AI Mode. A new button is now appearing on UK phones and computers that makes Google more 'powerful' than ever – and insiders told The Sun it could save you time, money and even bag you bargain holidays. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 13 Google has added a new AI Mode button to its search bar Credit: Sean Keach / The Sun 13 You'll be able to ask far more complicated queries Credit: Google AI Mode is powered by Google's brainy bots and launched in the US earlier in the year. Now the new version of Google has made it to the UK, and will appear for all Brits by the end of the week. It lets you make 'previously impossible' searches, like complicated questions about planning your big summer holiday. You could set exact budgets, explain what each family member likes, the types of places you'd like to visit, and even ask for a full itinerary. But there are concerns over what it means for the rest of the internet, and whether regular web users will end up visiting websites or will simply stay on Google. Google's Hema Budaraju said AI Mode searches are typically two to three times longer than a regular question, and explained: 'It breaks it down into the different component questions, then sends off like dozens, sometimes hundreds of searches. 'We're able to bring back a much deeper, more diverse set of results that previously was just not possible.' AI AM READY Hema is the Google exec tasked with upgrading your search bar using AI. She showed The Sun several demos of AI Mode working in real-time. One example question included: 'Weekend family getaway destinations that can entertain a very hard-to-please teenager who likes wildlife photography, with nice hikes nearby, and is close to a spa so I don't lose my mind.' That sort of search would normally take multiple different questions, but AI Mode can pull all of the info and links you need into a single answer. Google's Gemini AI app lets you chat out loud with shockingly humanlike virtual helper 'In our testing, we've seen that the query length on AI Mode is almost two to three times that on regular search,' Hema told The Sun at Google's London HQ. 'It's like an indication of people's change in behaviour. The willingness to use the technology in different ways, and finding things that previously were probably much harder to find.' The AI Mode is also meant to work like a chatbot – like Google Gemini or ChatGPT – with the option to ask even more questions. So if you're not happy with the results or if you want to know something else, you can go back to any AI Mode search and ask more. 13 Google says that you'll be able to use it to plan holidays Credit: Google 13 AI Mode searches are two to three times longer than a regular search, according to Google Credit: Sean Keach / The Sun 'You should be able to retrieve this particular response,' Hema explained. 'And if you wanted to ask follow-up questions on the basis of that, you can pick this up and then do your next step of information-seeking questions on the basis of that.' Hema also said that her own family used AI Mode to plan a trip. 'So my daughter just finished college and has been doing travelling with a friend,' the Google exec told us. 'And she just did the Portugal to Spain trek. 'And we were actually using AI Mode in the US when she was home to help her plan her trip. 'To say: How do you pace yourself? What are some good places to stay? What are budget places to look for? How should you think about food? 'So it was really, really magical.' 13 The Sun sat down with Hema Budaraju, who is in charge of boosting Google Search using AI Credit: Google WHAT IS AI MODE ACTUALLY FOR? Here's the official word from Google, including tips on how to search well... "AI Mode is particularly helpful for exploratory questions and for more complicated tasks," Google explained. "Like comparing products, planning a trip or understanding complex how-tos. "In fact, we've found that early users of AI Mode are asking questions that are two or three times the length of traditional search queries. "For example, you can now ask questions like: 'Things to do in Edinburgh this weekend with friends. We're big foodies who like music but also chill vibes and exploring off the beaten track.' "Or: 'How do migrating birds know where to go?' "Behind the scenes, AI Mode uses our query fan-out technique, breaking down your question into subtopics and issuing a multitude of queries simultaneously on your behalf. "This enables Search to dive deeper into the web than a traditional search on Google, helping you discover even more of what the web has to offer and find incredible, hyper-relevant content that matches your question." Picture Credit: Google TEXT BEST THING? AI Mode isn't just for typing in text, either. Google is bundling in its Lens tech, which scans snaps that you upload to tell you about them. The Sun recently used it as a "dupe-hunter" to find thousands of pounds in savings. The tech giant said that this could be used as a way to make online shopping much easier. 'In AI Mode, you can take a picture, upload an image, and ask a question – and get a rich, comprehensive response with links to dive deeper,' Hema told us. 'AI Mode can understand the entire scene and image, including the content and the context of how objects relate to each other. 'So in the particular case, where you have a bookshelf and say 'hey, find me recommendations of books like that', it's able to understand the context of the entire image.' She said it would 'come back with recommendations and places where you can have access to those specific books'. 'And then if you have additional follow-up questions to build on, you can do that right there.' 13 You'll also be able to use AI Mode for product comparison Credit: Google 13 Google will serve up text, links, map pins and more with AI Mode Credit: Sean Keach / The Sun The Sun also saw a demo where Google insiders asked AI Mode about how to get into birdwatching. It served up info on what gear you'll need, the best places nearby to spot birds laid out on a map, and general advice. The complicated question was answered in a matter of seconds, and linked out to multiple websites. One notable absence from the demos seen by The Sun was video results. Asked about video in AI Mode, Hema said: 'We will continue to add new features. 'I think at this point, you're likely to see more links and ways to get there – but we'll continue to look at feedback and add features.' CHAT'S GOOD? She said that the main purpose behind AI Mode is to allow for more complicated questions that wouldn't normally be possible. 'If you ask more nuanced questions, add more parameters, add a ton of constraints, you'll be able to ask anything on your mind and get a helpful AI-powered response,' Hema said. 13 You can start a conversation with AI Mode and then tap the clock button to come back to it later Credit: Google 13 The Sun saw Google's new AI Mode in action at the company's London HQ Credit: Sean Keach / The Sun So is this the end for regular Google search? Hema explained that there's still a place for more conventional snippets of info and lists of links. She said: 'I think it depends on the use case, doesn't it? 'So when you actually think of it on a daily basis with billions of search queries – and sometimes these are simpler ones like weather, sports scores, train schedules – just a link to a site that you wanted to go to, search is awesome at it. 'And I think that you would be able to find what was the fastest way that you need to get the information. 'And we think of AI Mode as more complex. The harder questions, the difficult questions that you otherwise probably wouldn't have had a chance to figure out formerly. 'So I think it depends on the use case. You could choose whichever format that you prefer to engage with search.' Hema also revealed that AI Mode isn't meant to replace Google's chatbot Gemini. The ChatGPT-style both is available on phones and computers, and lets you ask almost anything in a conversational style – including with your voice in real-time. The Sun even tried using it as a free tour guide for holidays. A GOOG IDEA? The expert view Brits finally have access to AI Mode, but what does The Sun's tech editor Sean Keach think? It's hard to imagine a time before Google. I use it, unthinkingly, dozens of times a day. Maybe more than that. And I suspect most of you are exactly the same. So when Google makes a big change, it affects billions of people. And AI Mode is a seriously big change. I've had an early look at it in Google's HQ and it's undoubtedly impressive. It serves up rapid-fire responses to very complicated questions, answering them from every angle and serving up loads of very appropriate links, map pins, and suggestions. It doesn't take a genius to see how this could make planning a day out or a holiday much easier. There are clearly loads of ways this will save you time, not least because you don't have to make 15 different searches. One, plus a follow-up question, might do. The real question will be around how it affects all of us. This is Google serving up content, which means it might make mistakes. If those mistakes relate to health or finances, it could be very serious. We'll have to watch it closely. And secondly, anyone making content will rightly be worried that people might not need to visit their websites if the content shows up on Google first. Google seems certain that this won't be the case, and that Brits will be shown more appropriate links than ever before. But again, only time will tell. In the meantime, I'm off to see if AI Mode can book me a cheap summer hol. Croatia, here I come. Picture Credit: Sean Keach Google says that AI Mode won't kill off Gemini. They'll both exist together. 'The role of AI mode is primarily information-seeking journeys,' Hema said. 'And information-seeking journeys that are built on the power of the goodness of knowledge graph, maps, shopping, places. 'That's why you see the presence of these links very strongly. 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'But with the capabilities and with the technology, the ability to ask these questions now opens up to everyone. 'Which means that there are newer questions and newer opportunities for traffic and for content to be discovered. 'Secondly, we are very committed to ensuring that there are strong links to figure out the right jump-off points and make it easy.' 13 AI Mode also builds in Google Lens so that you can ask about images too Credit: Google She said the existing AI Overviews feature, which summarises content to provide speedy answers to your questions on Google, is a great example of that. 'We send billions of clicks and with AI Overviews, one of our learnings is that when people go from AI Overviews to the content, they tend to spend more time there, which is a good sign that it's a good thing," the Google exec added. IT'S AI TIME If you want to try Google's AI Mode, it's available in the UK right now. You'll see a new AI Mode button on the right side of the search bar, which you can tap for brainier results. And if you make a search and – in hindsight – wished you'd used AI for it, you can tap the AI Mode button at the top of the screen to convert your request instantly. If you can't see AI Mode right away, don't panic: it'll take a few days for the feature to reach all Brits.
Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Chloe Kelly incident that caused 'cocky gesture' controversy after Lionesses Euros win
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Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
We're Benidorm superfans – we've spent 5-figure sum in seven years… here's the reasons it's the best place to holiday
The couple avoid the spots frequented by large stag dos and hen parties but reveal they now have no plans to holiday elsewhere ever again FEVER ESPANA We're Benidorm superfans – we've spent 5-figure sum in seven years… here's the reasons it's the best place to holiday Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) IT was the home of the beloved British comedy for over a decade, but to Mark and Karen Gregory, Benidorm is no joke. The superfans of the Spanish town have holidayed there 25 times. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Mark and Karen Gregory have holidayed in Benidorm a whopping 25 times Credit: Mark Gregory 5 The couple have spent over £30k in the last seven years sunning themselves in Benidorm Credit: Mark Gregory The couple, both 50, have spent over £30,000 in the last seven years sunning themselves in Benidorm, located in Costa Blanca, after falling in love with it during their first visit in 2018. And the pair, from Swansea, now have no plans to holiday elsewhere ever again, despite anti-tourism protests in some Spanish resorts. Mark says: 'We used to go to Majorca and the Canaries, until we spotted a deal for a trip to Benidorm one day. 'We thought we'd try it for a week and we were so pleasantly surprised that my wife started looking for accommodation to go again as soon as we got home. 'It's the very best place to holiday. "The people who have bad opinions about it have never been. 'We aren't big drinkers but enjoy the budget alcohol. "The pints are 80 cents and bottles of cava are €2.' The couple often return to the same haunts every time they visit — enjoying a pint at the Western Saloon, dinner at Country Ribs or Kathmandu curry house, and cocktails at the Hotel California Beach Club. 'Stag groups zigzag home at 6am' They even love seeing the same Meat Loaf tribute act, often referred to as 'Meatloaf Benidorm', at venue Jokers. Moment huge fight breaks out at Benidorm swimming pool in front of shocked tourists Referencing the sitcom, which aired from 2007 to 2018, Mark reflects: 'The TV show is about typical Brits in the sun, but that's only about ten per cent of the place. 'Yes, you get your typical beer-bellied Brits abroad, but there is a much nicer, quieter side too. "We mainly go outside of the peak season as it's much cheaper, but there's entertainment all year round. 'People do have their own opinions of Benidorm and it is a bit of a 'Marmite' resort — but lots fall in love with it and we can see why.' The couple enjoy the year-round nightlife, particularly the live music, tribute and drag acts. And they love it so much they've visited 25 times since late 2018 — barring the pandemic lockdowns — having spent over £30,000 at various resorts in the town. Mark said: 'We mainly stick to the winter but we've been in May a couple of times. "In winter it can be nearly 40 per cent cheaper — not just to get there, but at the bars and restaurants too. 'And there is still so much to do — you never get bored.' The couple say they avoid the spots frequented by large stag dos and hen parties. Karen said: 'We know the spots to avoid. 'Simply the best' "But we do still occasionally see the stag groups zigzagging home at 6am. 'There's plenty of mad behaviour to see sometimes — and plenty of people passed out on benches.' But they find lots of quieter locations to enjoy their evenings. 5 A George Michael tribute act performs in one of Benidorm's clubs Credit: SWNS 5 A drag act takes to the stage at the holiday resort Credit: SWNS Some of their favourite nights out have been to see a Pink Floyd tribute act, a Tom Jones tribute and a comedian called Tony Scott. The couple largely stay in a self-catered apartment which they visit several times a year — and get a discount because of their loyalty, which keeps costs low so they can afford more visits. But they don't mind, as all the local produce is better quality for their home-cooked meals. Mark explains: 'We do sometimes go for meals but Karen is coeliac so it's not that easy. 'The supermarkets are much better than in England and there are so many gluten-free options for us.' The couple say that since discovering their love for Benidorm they have only holidayed elsewhere once, in Tenerife. But nothing compared to their beloved Benidorm, so they have decided to forget further travel elsewhere. People do have their own opinions, but I don't like it when people share derogatory views about it when they've never been Mark Gregory Mark says: 'There are times we think we might be 'Benidormed out'. 'But then we realise it doesn't compare to anywhere else. And when we go, it just gets better and better.' They now have no plans to visit elsewhere, and live a frugal life at home so they can afford their £6,000-per-year trips. Mark added: 'Whenever we go back there are new places that have opened, but we like the familiarity. 'If we go to a new place it takes a few days to find our feet, whereas going here, it's like coming home.' He added: 'People do have their own opinions, but I don't like it when people share derogatory views about it when they've never been. 'If you've never tried it, and you've just watched the TV show or read about it, don't just jump on the bandwagon. Benidorm is quite simply the best.' 5 Karen poses with Benidorm's Meat Loaf impersonator Credit: SWNS Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club.
