Latest news with #Buyagift
North Wales Live
2 days ago
- Business
- North Wales Live
Shoppers spot hack to get 60% off 'fabulous' £36 afternoon tea for two
Afternoon Tea Week is the perfect occasion to indulge in a quintessential afternoon tea for two. Just in time, tea enthusiasts can relish sweet and savoury delights in a snug British pub or bar at a discounted price thanks to a money saving deal stack. Afternoon Tea Week, which has been running all week nationwide, encourages everyone to partake in Britain's favourite indulgence – a pot of tea accompanied by delicate sandwiches, fluffy scones and irresistible pastries. Originating in the 19th century, the humble 'high' tea is a tradition that blends elegance with indulgence that is perfect at any time of year. Coinciding with the event, Buyagift is currently offering a tempting deal giving afternoon tea for two for £35.99. However, savvy shoppers who register with a money saving website can enjoy the experience for less than £10 per person. TopCashback is giving a free £15 bonus to all new members upon signing up, followed by a percentage back on all qualifying purchases from thousands of retailers. For new members of TopCashback and all customers of Buyagift, the price is slashed to £14.39 - that's just £7.20 per person. Existing customers can also save money, with the deal reduced to £29.39 after cashback. Diners should act quickly though as the offer runs until 23:59 on 18th August. With a wide array of venues across the UK – including popular chains like Slug and Lettuce – there are 118 locations to cater to every preference, whether you're drawn to the cosy charm of a rustic countryside inn or the lively atmosphere of a city hotspot. Afternoon tea is on offer all year round, available any day of the week or from Sunday to Thursday at Slug and Lettuce, excluding Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day. Each reservation allows guests two hours to savour their tea, and any dietary needs should be mentioned at the time of booking. This deal isn't the only way to indulge in afternoon tea throughout the year, with some offers allowing you to enjoy it from the comfort of your own home. Artisan bakery Cutter and Squidge provides an afternoon tea home delivery service starting at £29.99, which includes a picnic-ready set that's perfect for enjoying outdoors on a sunny day. For those who favour biscuits over cakes, luxury hamper experts Cartwright and Butler have introduced a £20 afternoon tea selection, overflowing with decadent biscuits and presented in a beautifully designed, keepsake tin. Meanwhile, home bakers seeking fresh inspiration - or a unique gift - can grab Wonderbly's newly launched illustrated personalised baking book brimming with recipes for scrumptious treats. An excellent choice for home bakers, each book contains tantalising (and unique) cake recipes and one very special bespoke recipe. But if you'd rather just eat cake at home rather than eat cake at home, a high street favourite has got your covered. Renowned for their premium nibbles, M&S also provides a delightful Afternoon Tea Letterbox Gift featuring an assortment of cakes, biscuits and tea bags, perfect for creating something truly special at home. Whilst the Buyagift website hasn't yet received any reviews for this afternoon tea offer, several shoppers have posted their opinions on the Virgin Experience website. One patron commented: "Fabulous afternoon tea which was delicious. The staff were amazing which made the experience even better. Highly recommend The Slug and Lettuce Oxford." Another customer remarked: "All amazing! Table was ready for us when we arrived, the food was excellent and very good service." A third visitor concurred, noting: "We had a warm welcome, friendly staff lovely atmosphere and a very tasty afternoon tea." Not every guest was entirely satisfied though. One disheartened diner posted a three-star review stating: "Limited on hot drinks due to coffee machine broken. Sandwiches were not the best." On the whole, most visitors relished their Afternoon Tea at the Slug and Lettuce, making the cashback offer with TopCashback even more appealing. Another five-star review concluded by saying: "Very enjoyable. The whole of the afternoon was a great time with great food and drink." How to secure the afternoon tea for less than £15 with TopCashback: Sign up as a new member at TopCashback for free via this link. Search for Buyagift on the site, click through and buy the item normally. Get £15 cashback when you spend £15 or more. The cashback will be tracked to the TopCashback 'Earnings page' within seven days of purchase.
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Afternoon tea for two now less than £15 but deal ends this weekend
A tasty cashback deal is offering cakes, sarnies, tea and more in 118 venues across the UK including Slug & Lettuce Afternoon Tea Week is the perfect time to enjoy a classic afternoon tea for two. Just in time, cuppa lovers can savour sweet and savoury treats in a cosy British pub or bar for less with a new cashback deal. Running from August 11th to 17th, this nationwide celebration invites everyone to enjoy Britain's favourite treat – a pot of tea served with dainty sandwiches, fluffy scones, and irresistible pastries. Born in the 19th century, the humble afternoon tea is a tradition that blends elegance with indulgence that is perfect at any time of year. Buyagift currently has a tasty deal, offering afternoon tea for two for £35.99. But savvy shoppers who sign up to TopCashback can be tucking in of less than £10 per person. TopCashback is offering a free £15 bonus to all new members when they sign up and then a percentage back on all qualifying purchases from thousands of retailers. Yoga app for over 35s that helps with 'weight loss and heart health' is 61% off Boots reduces 'charming' £66 perfume that 'makes you feel like royalty' to £26 For new members of TopCashback and all customers of Buyagift the price is reduced to £14.39 - that's 7.20 per person. Existing customers can still save money too, with the deal reduced to £29.39 after cashback. Diners should be quick though as the deal runs until 23:59 on August, 18. With an extensive choice of venues across the UK – including well-loved names such as Slug & Lettuce – there's 118 locations to suit every taste, whether you prefer the cosy comfort of a rustic countryside inn or the vibrant buzz of a city hotspot. Afternoon tea is available year-round, either any day of the week or Sunday–Thursday at Slug & Lettuce, excluding Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year 's Eve, and New Year's Day. Each booking offers guest two hours to enjoy their tea, and any dietary requirements should be advised at the time of booking. This deal isn't the only way to make afternoon tea a treat every week of the year, with some offers to enjoy from the comfort of home. Artisan bakery Cutter & Squidge offers an afternoon tea home delivery range starting at £29.99, including a picnic-ready set that's ideal for enjoying outdoors on a sunny day. For those who prefer biscuits over cakes, luxury hamper specialists Cartwright & Butler have launched a £20 afternoon tea selection, brimming with indulgent biscuits and presented in a beautifully designed, keepsake tin. Elsewhere, home bakers looking for new inspiration - or an unusual gift - can snag Wonderbly's newly launched illustrated personalised baking book which is packed with recipes for delicious treats. A great choice for home bakers, each book contains mouth-watering (and unique) cake recipes and one very special bespoke recipe. Famed for their upscale snacks, M&S also offers a delicious Afternoon Tea Letterbox Gift that includes a variety of cakes, biscuits and teabags, to serve up something really special at home. If being treated to some quite time away from home sounds more appealing, Wowcher has up to 68% off thousands of afternoon teas up and down the country. While the Buyagift website has yet to receive any reviews for the afternoon tea deal, some shoppers have shared their thoughts on the Virgin Experience website. One customer said: "Fabulous afternoon tea which was delicious. The staff were amazing which made the experience even better. Highly recommend The Slug & Lettuce Oxford." Another added: "All amazing! Table was ready for us when we arrived, the food was excellent and very good service." A third agreed, saying: "We had a warm welcome, friendly staff lovely atmosphere and a very tasty afternoon tea." Not all guests were quite so impressed. One disappointed diner left a three-star review that said: "Limited on hot drinks due to coffee machine broken. Sandwiches were not the best." Overall, most guest enjoyed their Afternoon Tea at the Slug & Lettuce, making the cashback deal with TopCashback even more inviting. Another five-star review summed it up saying: "Very enjoyable. The whole of the afternoon was a great time with great food and drink." How to get the afternoon tea for less than £15 with TopCashback: Sign up as a new member at TopCashback for free via this link. Search for M&S on the site, click through and buy the item normally. Get £15 cashback when you spend £15 or more. The cashback will be tracked to the TopCashback 'Earnings page' within seven days of purchase.
Times
26-06-2025
- Business
- Times
Moonpig boss unexpectedly steps down
The chief executive of Moonpig, the online greetings cards business, has stepped down after seven years, catching the City and his leadership team unawares. The company's share price dropped by 9 per cent on Thursday as the market digested the unexpected news of Nickyl Raithatha's departure, which was delivered alongside the annual results. Raithatha will serve out his 12-month notice period to ensure a smooth transition. 'It has been a great time in a business that I love and I want to leave on a high,' he said. 'I feel like I'll be able to do that with good momentum, good trading and a rock solid team. I'll miss it, but it should be a really strong platform for someone to come in and build on.' The card retailer's reported profit before tax dropped 93 per cent to £3 million because of a £56.7 million charge representing a loss in value for its experiences division. It bought the Buyagift and Red Letter Days businesses from Otium Capital for £124 million in 2022 to cash in on what it saw as a shift from physical gifts towards experiences such as afternoon tea at Harrods or a day driving supercars on the Top Gear test track. The unit, which marked the company's first acquisition since its £1.2 billion IPO in 2021, struggled as lower consumer confidence and economic challenges pushed down spending on gifts. The company's ebitda earnings were £96.8 million, up 1.3 per cent, slightly above analyst expectations of £94 million. Its revenue of £350 million, up 2.6 per cent from the year before, was at the bottom end of the guidance, due to a slower second half with consumers less willing to pay for extras, such as choosing a larger card or adding a more expensive gift. After the end of the financial year, sales growth bounced back with Moonpig's strongest Father's Day yet, the company said. • Moonpig launches AI-driven handwriting tool 'There's a lot of uncertainty in the world so people are holding back,' Raithatha said. 'The good news for us is that we have managed to start growing gifting meaningfully, despite that consumer pullback, which we're really proud of internally.' Moonpig was founded in 2000 by Nick Jenkins, a former commodity trader who named his company after his school nickname. Raithatha launched Moonpig on to the London stock market during the pandemic, one of a clutch of companies that went public in 2021, at a price of 350p with a £1.2 billion valuation, only to see its share price plummet when the lockdowns ended. It has never quite recovered. On Thursday, the shares retreated another 22½p, or 9.2 per cent, to close at 221p. Analysts at Peel Hunt described Raithatha's departure as 'more of an eyebrow raise than a shock. Nickyl has been an impressive figurehead and Moonpig has progressed well under his leadership'. RBC said: 'Whilst the resignation of Raithatha will be a key talking point, we focus on the business's performance. The group has delivered a 6 per cent adjusted PBT [profit before tax] beat in 2025, with growth at the core Moonpig brand now back in double-digit growth.' Reflecting on his tenure, Raithatha said: 'If you live and die by share price, you can become very depressed very quickly. I look back at the last seven years and we have quadrupled revenues, we have quintupled profits, the workforce is six times bigger and we have entered new countries. 'The fact that we've got 12 million customers, they're more loyal, they're more engaged. It means the strategy has worked pretty consistently over that time. The IPO was obviously a pretty big highlight which put Moonpig on the map. 'We've obviously come off the highs from a share price perspective. But the business is bigger, more profitable and faster growing than it was at the IPO. From our perspective we're delivering for customers and that should translate to delivering for shareholders.' On Thursday morning when Nickyl Raithatha explained to Moonpig staff in a company 'all-hands meeting' that he was leaving, they were taken aback by the news. His leadership team are, by all accounts, still processing it. Heart emojis filled the screen on the video call as staff expressed digitly that they were genuinely sorry to see him go. After celebrating Raithatha's seven-year 'Mooniversary', as it is cloyingly called internally, with a Moonpig card, he felt it was time to explore pastures new. Those who know him are not surprised. At just 42, the young chief is extremely ambitious and was unlikely to be celebrating Mooniversaries for the rest of his life. His parents were among the Ugandan Indians forced to flee Idi Amin's regime in 1972. Raithatha grew up helping in his father's pharmacy. After a degree at Cambridge, he went on to cut his teeth at Goldman Sachs and then, while the financial crisis took hold, left to do an MBA at Harvard. This planted the seed of working in business, which is where his career swerved away from the more staid world of banking, into tech and start-ups. He founded Finery, a fashion retail business, which he sold to Touker Suleyman of Dragons' Den. Moonpig was not an obvious next step and growing the business has not been straightforward. The share price has not kept pace with the growth of the company and been a constant disappointment to investors. However, he has gained a lot of experience along the way and quite a network: his chairwoman is Kate Swann, the former boss of WH Smith. While he has not decided what he wants to do next, it will be related to the worlds of tech and digital. 'I'm still early in my career, I've got plenty of time and capacity to take on new challenges and try new things,' he said. In this rapidly accelerating era of AI there is no shortage of tech excitement in the business world. No doubt the headhunters are already knocking. And it'll be the end of people singing 'Mooooooonpig dot com' at him.
Metro
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Buyagift has the ultimate summer experiences – from brewery tours to boat trips
Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more Summer is well and truly here, and if you've somehow exhausted your threshold for sunny walks and pub garden trips then Buyagift have you covered. Proving that the UK can actually be pretty fun, Buyagift's varied and exciting days out are the perfect way to add some spice to your routine – whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply looking to spruce up your Saturday. From theme park trips and royal garden strolls to theatre shows, brewery tours and even vineyard trips, Buyagift's curated experiences are the perfect way to create memories that last a lifetime. The best bit? These experiences won't break the bank, either, often coming to roughly the same as you'd pay for an evening in any London pub garden. Did somebody say £8 pints? One experience we've got our eye on is the Hawkstone Brewery Tour for Two, which costs just £50 for two people. More Trending This unmissable experience is perfect for beer lovers, allowing you to get exclusive access behind the scenes of the home of Hawkstone Lager, produced in partnership with Jeremy Clarkson. What better way to spend a sunny day? Looking to stay in London? The River Thames Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Cruise costs just £25 for two people, and enables you to hop aboard and set sail past the Capital's most iconic sights – from the majestic Houses of Parliament to the stunning St Paul's Cathedral. Ready to upgrade your summer? Explore our top picks from Buyagift's unmissable experiences below. Spend a sunny day sipping wines and exploring the grounds of a stunning vineyard and winery with this unmissable experience. Learning all about the process from growth to creation, you'll spend your day immersed in wine, complimented by an included lunch or afternoon tea. Pure bliss. shop £61.99 Discover the secrets of one of the UK's first independent lager breweries with The Hawkstone Brewery Tour for Two. Based in Bourton-on-the-Water, you and a friend can get exclusive access behind the scenes of the home of Hawkstone Lager, produced in partnership with Jeremy Clarkson. What better way to spend a sunny day? shop £49.99 Explore the vast 600-acre expanse of Port Lympne Reserve and its historic landscape with this unmissable 45 minute tour, ideal for any animal enthusiast. Indulge in a delectable afternoon tea after within the grandeur of the Grade II-listed Port Lympne Mansion, and revel in a feast of sweet and savoury delicacies (paired with an extensive array of loose-leaf teas or coffee). shop £115.99 (save £16.01) Take an unforgettable trip down London's West End with this unmissable Hercules experience for two. Inspired by the animated classic and based on the legendary myth, this wise-cracking, column-shaking musical will have you laughing, cheering, and singing along. What's not to love? shop £75 Fill your evening with pizza, drinks and a whole load of laughs with this comedy barge experience, yours with £35 off. Board the barge where you'll be greeted with a crisp G&T or a quality beer of your choice, alongside a pizza buffet and stunning views as you enjoy performances from top TV comedians and rising stars. Get ready for an evening of endless laughs on this one-of-a-kind river experience. shop £49.99 (save £35.01) Go behind the scenes of the iconic Liverpool FC stadium with an interactive and immersive tour for one adult and one child. You'll experience the magic for yourself as your personable tour guides and multimedia handsets take you on a unique journey through the stunning stadium – an excellent experience for fans. shop £41.99 Need a break from London? Enjoy some well-deserved time off surrounded by nature with an overnight stay at Bainside Coarse Fishery and Holiday Home. Enjoy a unique night in a cosy, furnished glamping pod with 12 hours of fishing in the nearby lake included. shop £81.99 Explore London like never before with a 24-hour City Cruises adventure (hopefully) in the sun. Hop aboard and set sail past the Capital's most iconic sights – from the majestic Houses of Parliament to the stunning St Paul's Cathedral, enjoying unbeatable views as you speed along. shop £25 (save £24) Anyone else for the vineyard tour? It's giving Sicily in Sussex. Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Share your views in the comments below MORE: The best-selling butter yellow midi dress from Nobody's Child is finally back in stock MORE: Huda Beauty teases two exciting new launches causing a stir on social media MORE: Struggling to sleep at night? These are the best fans to keep you cool in a heatwave
Metro
09-06-2025
- Metro
Plastic surgeon who stabbed rival doctor and tried to burn down his home jailed
A plastic surgeon who broke into a fellow doctor's home and stabbed him in the middle of the night has been jailed for life. Jonathan Peter Brooks, 61, poured petrol over the floor before attacking his colleague Graeme Perks in January 2021. The burns specialist was desperate to get Perks 'out of the way' because the fellow plastic surgeon had been a witness in disciplinary hearings against him. Brooks was sentenced at Loughborough Courthouse today to life in prison, with a minimum term of 22 years, after being found guilty of attempted murder in April. Judge Justice Pepperall said the plastic surgeon, who was absent during the trial on hunger strike, had been on a 'murderous expedition' to commit 'appalling crimes'. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Brooks's victim was woken up by a loud bang during the break in at his £1m home in Halam, Nottinghamshire and ran downstairs naked to confront the intruder. Perks told police in a video interview he thought he was talking to his son when he was confronted by Brooks, who had concealed his identity. Perks, who was recently retired at the time, added: 'Nothing was said, and the next thing I remember was feeling a blow to my body. 'I put my hands to the area where I felt it and it was warm and sticky, and I thought I felt something poking out from my abdomen and I decided that I must have been stabbed and that I needed to get back to the house.' A surgeon, who treated the retired doctor, said Perks had a 95% chance of dying when he arrived at the Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham for treatment. Brooks, 61, had cycled to Perks' home armed with a crowbar, cans of petrol, matches and a knife – all while dressed in camouflage. Prosecutor Tracy Ayling KC said: 'His intention was, say the Crown, to break into Mr Perks's house, set fire to it and if necessary, stab Mr Perks. 'In short, he intended to kill Mr Perks by either or both those means.' The plastic surgeon was found guilty on April 7 of two counts of attempted murder, attempted arson with intent to endanger life and possession of a knife. More Trending He had denied all those charges. It was revealed after the jury's verdict that Brooks went on hunger strike and failed to attend proceedings at Leicester Crown Court. He was not present during sentencing today because he felt too unwell to make the journey to court. Judge Justice Pepperall previously said Brooks had 'used hunger strikes or the threat of some other self-harm to achieve some advantage' on 'no fewer than eight occasions' since 2021. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Couple find their stolen car and take it back after getting fed up with police MORE: Buyagift has 20% off experience gifts perfect for Father's Day 2025 MORE: Here's why Keir Starmer thinks technology will actually make us 'more human'
