From indie dancefloors to massages: a Noughties night owl at Pine Cliffs, Portugal
There was a time — long before oat milk, step counts and discussions about gut health — when my weekends were spent in indie clubs with sticky floors and questionable lighting. I was a Noughties hot mess in skinny jeans, band T-shirts, faux-fur coats and smudged eyeliner, fuelled by vodka, Diet Coke and supermarket sushi.
At the heart of the madness was Fidelma Deignan, my best friend at secondary school. My ride-or-die partner in crime for chasing gigs in dive bars and boys in bands and navigating taxis home at dawn. Fast-forward to our forties and our social lives have undergone something of a rebrand. These days we mostly check in on each other via our chaotic fitness and wellness WhatsApp group — a continuing
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The Sun
29 minutes ago
- The Sun
I took a risk and ordered a £269 bed from Shein – it's complete with storage, LED lights and even charges my phone
MANY of us will have ordered clothes, shoes or maybe even holiday accessories from Shein, but did you know that you can buy beds from there too? Recently, we've seen shoppers take the risk and nab themselves fresh new sofas from Temu, but now it appears that people are beginning to order box-fresh furniture from Shein. 4 4 4 4 A mother named Shaks explained that she 'wanted to take a risk' and bought herself a brand new bed frame from Shein. While she recognised that it was confusing to put together, she was thrilled with her new bedroom purchase, which cost her just £269.99. Not only does it have LED lights and four storage drawers, but it's even got a charger port too - yes, you heard that correctly. Eager to show others her new bargain buy, Shaks took to social media and gave her followers a close-up look at the functional bed frame, which is a gorgeous linen beige. Showing off her Flieks Upholstered Bed, which is still available to order online, Shaks said: 'I bought a bed from Shein so you don't have to.' Showing off the process of putting the frame together, Shaks explained: 'Well, to start off with, those confused the instructions - the Shein manufacturer needs to redo them because we had to undo, start again about three, four times.' The content creator then showed off the bedside charging port and storage drawers. Following this, she shared: 'It was looking a bit small at first but it actually worked out great. 'I can honestly say, you can buy your bed from Shein - it even comes with LED lights.' The LED Light Bed, which has four storage drawers and a slatted frame, was originally priced at £519.98, but has now been reduced to £259.99. The surprising Shein buy that will bring your tatty old garden furniture back to life - and prices are as cheap as £3 In a follow-up clip, just weeks after getting the bed, Shaks revealed: 'It's still standing, it's firm, it's strong, the colour is good.' Despite this, the mother acknowledged: 'The only problem that I find with this bed is that it's too low, so if you've got back problems I personally wouldn't recommend it.' What is Shein and is it legit? Shein is an online-only fast-fashion retailer, based out of China, that has become a number one shopping destination for many around the world. The company was valued at $66billion in 2023, dwarfing that of popular high street brands Zara and H&M. The fashion retailer was founded in late 2008, by entrepreneur and marketing specialist Xu Yangtian, also known as Chris Xu. Shein is a legitimate selling website and is not a phishing scam. But you may receive a disappointing order or run into shipping issues if you order from the site, according to reviews. There have been swathes of quality complaints, which makes sense when looking at the price tag. Having said that, she recognised that the bed, which doesn't come with a mattress, is 'good for Shein.' Social media users react The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @ shaks6, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly gone viral and racked up a jaw-dropping 20.3 million views. Not only this, but it's also amassed 1.4 million likes, 4,665 comments and 125,800 saves. Social media users were left stunned by the affordable bed and many eagerly raced to the comments to express this. One person said: 'I didn't know they sold beds.' Another added: 'Buying a bed from Shein is so crazy.' A third commented: 'DON'T TEMPT ME.' Whilst another user wrote: 'At this point, they have everything. They need to start selling Mr. Right too now man.' And it's not only Shaks that shared a positive review of the purse-friendly bed, as online Shein shoppers have also raved about the furniture. One shopper beamed: 'Sooooo good, easy to assemble and even comes with a charging port. I am in love!!!' A second simply penned: 'Absolutely love!' Whilst another praised: 'Lovely bed, love the USB and the lights. The drawers are a bonus, quite spacious.'
The Sun
29 minutes ago
- The Sun
Award-winning bar & restaurant in UK seaside town to close after 10 years as owner teases ‘it's just the beginning'
Nawal Abdisamad Published: Invalid Date, A MUCH-LOVED bar and restaurant is set to close its doors after almost a decade in the heart of the seaside town. Ojo Rojo, located in the Bournemouth Triangle, has announced it will be leaving the area after ten years of serving up tacos, cocktails, and a lively Mexican atmosphere. 4 4 4 Founded in Bournemouth, Dorset, by Trevor Hill and JJ Adams, Ojo Rojo made a name for itself with its bold flavours, mezcal-based drinks, and vibrant setting. It even earned a spot in the UK's Top 50 Cocktail Bars for three years running. The news was first reported by the Bournemouth Echo, who spoke with co-founders Trevor Hill and JJ Adams, confirming the closure is a 'strategic move' shaped by 'national industry pressure and local challenges.' But they've made it clear – this isn't the end. 'After nearly ten years of tacos, mezcal, music and magic, it's time for a new chapter,' they said. 'Ojo Rojo is moving on. Not because we've lost what makes us special but because we're ready to take everything that we've learnt and shape it into something stronger.' Locals have responded with an outpouring of emotion, sharing memories and messages of support on social media. Rachel Grant posted: 'Our first date venue, where will we go for our anniversary now.' Kelly Marie Young added: 'Such a shame! We love this restaurant.' Others praised the team's effort. There's also been frustration about the wider town centre. Ojo Rojo is well known for its dedication to authentic Mexican culture. From its diverse cocktail menu featuring house-made syrups and infusions, to its proud selection of agave spirits, the bar has drawn fans from across the South Coast. 'Our ambition is to revolutionise the well-known taco, while educating people about the deep-rooted Mexican culture,' reads a statement on their website. 'We are passionate that everyone who comes into contact with us feels refreshed.' The venue, which includes a downstairs bar, upstairs dining, and an outdoor hacienda, will continue to operate for a short while longer. Its sister site, Hacienda Harden, is also set to close. The owners remain hopeful and committed to the future. 'You reminded us what this place means to people and why this next chapter matters so much, from me, Jayjay and the whole office thank you so much for all the love,' they said. 'We're here for a little bit longer. Remember we are not done yet… This is just the beginning. "We want to build what comes next with you. Because whatever that next version looks like, it's going to have the same soul – yours.' Ojo Rojo's closure adds to a growing list of businesses shutting their doors in Bournemouth and across the UK. In Bournemouth, the Winton branch of WHSmith closed earlier this year, and the town has seen other high street names disappear amid rising costs and shifting shopping habits. Nationally, the retail and hospitality sectors are facing significant challenges. Department store Beales, which first opened in Bournemouth in 1881, closed its last remaining store in Poole in May 2025, citing increased operational costs and tax burdens. Other notable closures include Karen's Diner in Islington, which shut its final UK branch in June 2025 after its parent company went into liquidation with £400,000 in debt. Fashion retailer River Island is reportedly developing a radical rescue plan amid financial struggles, with store closures and job losses being potential outcomes. The Original Factory Shop is undergoing significant restructuring, with several stores across regions such as Worcestershire, Durham, and Cumbria slated to shut down this month. These closures highlight the broader economic pressures facing UK businesses, including rising operational costs, changing consumer behaviours, and increased competition from online retailers. What is happening to the hospitality industry? By Laura McGuire, consumer reporter MANY Food and drink chains have been struggling in recently as the cost of living has led to fewer people spending on eating out. Businesses had been struggling to bounce back after the pandemic, only to be hit with soaring energy bills and inflation. Multiple chains have been affected, resulting in big-name brands like Wetherspoons and Frankie & Benny's closing branches. Some chains have not survived, Byron Burger fell into administration last year, with owners saying it would result in the loss of over 200 jobs. Pizza giant, Papa Johns is shutting down 43 of its stores soon. Tasty, the owner of Wildwood, said it will shut sites as part of major restructuring plans 4
The Guardian
35 minutes ago
- The Guardian
Jack Reacher author Lee Child: ‘More sex is medically implausible and I'm as rich and famous as I need to be'
Born in the West Midlands, Lee Child, 70, studied law before working in television. After losing his job following a corporate restructuring, he published Killing Floor, the first in the Jack Reacher series, in 1997. His novels have been adapted into two films, starring Tom Cruise, and an Amazon Prime series. He now writes with his brother Andrew and they headline Theakston Old Peculier crime writing festival in Harrogate next month. The 30th Reacher thriller, Exit Strategy, is out in November. He is married with a daughter, and lives in the north of England. When were you happiest? In 1993, making love on the beach of a deserted island in the Bahamas. What is your greatest fear? I'm from Birmingham. I'm not afraid of things. Things are afraid of me. Which living person do you most admire, and why? The exact median middle-aged black woman in the US. If hard work guaranteed success, she'd be the most successful person on the planet. But she isn't, yet she keeps on going. What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? Always saying yes to people. For example, I'm doing this. What was your most embarrassing moment? Appearing on US breakfast radio. I heard the DJ say that after the news we would hear from the author Lincoln Child. I had to choose between making a guy with a mixed-up PR release look like an idiot or pretending to be Lincoln. I pretended. Aside from a property, what's the most expensive thing you've bought? A painting by Renoir, paid for by demanding a huge fee for a screenwriting deal with a producer I didn't want to work for. The movie was never made. What makes you unhappy? That people my age honestly believed the arc of the universe bent towards justice. Oops. A lot to rethink, at this late stage. What do you most dislike about your appearance? My chin. You could hang a kettle off it. What is your most unappealing habit? This year I'll have been a smoker for 60 years. I started when I was 11. I really enjoyed it then, and I really enjoy it now. Who is your celebrity crush? Has to be either Alice Roberts or Lucy Worsley. Can it be a threesome crush? What did you want to be when you were growing up? First loved, then laid, then paid. Sign up to Inside Saturday The only way to get a look behind the scenes of the Saturday magazine. Sign up to get the inside story from our top writers as well as all the must-read articles and columns, delivered to your inbox every weekend. after newsletter promotion What's the worst thing anyone has said to you? 'Try this, you'll love it.' What do you owe your parents? They made sure we got the best education available. They encouraged books. Otherwise, very little. What would you like to leave your children? More than I can, sadly. I led the softest of lives in the softest of times, and my daughter will face sterner challenges. What keeps you awake at night? Nothing. If I'm worried or upset or tormented, I go to sleep quickly and easily, to find welcome oblivion. Would you rather have more sex, money or fame? More sex is medically implausible, I have plenty of money, and I'm as famous as I need to be. What is the most important lesson life has taught you? Do the secret thing you know you were born to do. Tell us a secret I love ironing.
