Latest news with #Colins
Scottish Sun
12-07-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
How you could pay 25% more for Colin the Caterpillar cake in M&S cafe than from store just yards away
We investigated the cost of Colin across the country and found that prices varied in supermarkets, cafes and petrol stations CONNIN THE CATERPILLAR How you could pay 25% more for Colin the Caterpillar cake in M&S cafe than from store just yards away Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE cost of Colin the Caterpillar is creeping up in M&S cafes – as The Sun on Sunday reveals you pay up to 25 per cent more for the cake than when it's bought in store. In Maidstone, Kent, the price of the mini-roll was £1.80 in the food aisles — but just a few feet away in the cafe, they sell for £2.25. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 The cost of Colin the Caterpillar is creeping up in M&S cafes Credit: Louis Wood News Group Newspapers Ltd 4 In the shops Colin costs £1.80 Credit: Supplied 4 Colin costs £2.00 in the garages Credit: Supplied 4 Colin costs £2.25 in shop cafes Credit: Andrew Styczynski It was the same story in Durham, Wilmslow, Cheshire and Pudsey, West Yorks, where the 52g cake cost 45p more to sit down and eat. And if you pick up a small Colin with your petrol, you can fork out ten per cent more than in the shop. At Leeds Central and London Bridge stations, they also cost £2.25. Consumer expert Martyn James said: 'In challenging times, we all need a little consistency. So why is the iconic Colin the Caterpillar costing more depending on where you find him? 'It's bonkers to see such a price hike for the pleasure of dining with Colin in the same building where he's much cheaper to take home. 'So come on M&S, keep Colin consistently priced so we can all enjoy him.' We investigated the cost of Colin across the country and found that prices varied in supermarkets, cafes and petrol stations. And while there was little difference in price between locations, you pay a premium for the cake in London's Lewisham, where the price of a 52g mini Colin was £1.90 — 10p more than in other M&S stores. In the M&S superstore in Durham's Arnison Centre, shoppers were surprised to find out they were being charged more for Colin in the cafe. The tiny sweet treat is £2.25 if you want to eat it at a table upstairs, but just £1.80 in the shop downstairs. M&S launches new 'cute' Colin the Caterpillar style Easter treat and shoppers are going wild Courier Mario Condurache, 27, is dad to three-year-old Andrei. Mario said: 'It's very greedy of M&S to charge so much more in the cafe. It's all about the profit. I have a little one and you are forced to fork out more money. It's a rip-off. 'This would definitely stop me from going to the cafe.' Grandmother Maureen Waugh, 69, said: 'I think it's greedy, especially when M&S markets itself as family-friendly. I have grandkids, and it would put me off buying mini Colins. It makes you wonder what else is more expensive in the cafe. I'm shocked.' Launched by M&S in 1990, Colin soon became a national favourite. The store typically sells more than 450,000 of the chocolate roll treats each year, with 15million sold since 1990. An M&S spokesman said: 'There are additional costs when it comes to dining in at cafes and coffee shops across the UK, including legislated 20 per cent VAT, which plays a part in why some prices may vary to those in store.'
Daily Mirror
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
The best last minute booze and food gifts for Father's Day 2025 from £2
Not sure what to get him - and fast? We've got you covered… Hands up if you've still got a gift to buy! Us too... And with Father's Day now just around the corner, you certainly won't be alone in wondering what to get your dad this weekend. Well don't panic, there's still time to choose the perfect present. And we're here to help, having hand picked some of this year's best booze and food gifts. Many available with next day delivery - and some you can even pick up on the high street. Happy shopping! Best for… WHISKY Torabhaig Legacy Series Ch.4 : Sound of Sleat, £58.00 An absolutely delicious single malt which takes its name from a narrow, powerful strip of sea dividing Skye and the mainland and offers a rich and fresh combination of orange, apricot, seaweed, bonfire smoke, honey and sea salt. Best for… CAKE M&S You're My Hero Mini Colin The Caterpillars, £3.90 Who doesn't love a Colin? It's impossible. And for Father's Day these mini Colins have had a cute little makeover, now reading You're My Hero. The perfect budget gift. Best for… SMALL WINE CASE Virgin Wines Best Sellers Red Wine Trio in Wooden Gift Box, £39.99 For the red wine loving dad, what could be better than a pick and mix of them? Packaged in a lovely wooden case, this set features three of Virgin Wines top sellers - a French Malbec, a Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon and a Spanish Tempranillo Syrah. Delicious. Best for… CHOCOLATE Cadbury Dairy Milk Biscoff Bar, £2 Milk chocolate - check. Biscoff - check. The ultimate mashup awaits, and it's a mouthwatering delight. The only issue will be handing it over to your dad on Sunday. Best for… LARGE WINE CASE Moonpig x Virgin Wines Epitome of Luxury 12 Bottle Case with Champagne, £179.99 He'll be spoilt for choice with this 12-bottle gift. It contains whites, reds and a Champagne from Italy, Australia, New Zealand, Spain, France and Chile. Highlights include The Black Pig The Prize Shiraz and Louis Moreau Chablis. Best for… CHAMPAGNE Aldi Veuve Monsigny Champagne Brut, £14.95 Yes you read that right - a Champagne for less than £15. Run, don't walk, to snap one up at your local Aldi store. It was recently crowned World's Best Champagne at the prestigious World Champagne Awards 2025 - outshining luxury rivals. Best for… CLARKSON'S FARM FANS Hawkstone Premium Lager (four pack), £7.95 If he's been following the shenanigans down on Diddly Squat Farm, a four pack of Jezza's lager is sure to go down a treat. The TV farmer describes his 'hard to make, easy to drink' beer as bold, yet balanced, with a smooth body and top notes of light citrus complemented by a subtle, crisp bitterness and malty backbone. Best for... FUDGE Fudge Kitchen Best Dad Fudge, £11.99 If it's fudge that takes your dad's fancy, this cute selection box of assorted flavours will make the perfect gift. And, the fudge is all handmade in the UK.
Daily Record
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
New Scottish bowling alley offering free game to anyone with this name
King Pins will open its first Scottish location at Silverburn Shopping Centre on Thursday, June 26 Glasgow's newest bowling and leisure venue is offering a free game of bowling to anyone with a specific name, as it matches their mascot. King Pins is set to open its first Scottish site in Silverburn Shopping Centre on Thursday, June 26. The eagerly-anticipated entertainment venue will be launched just in time for the summer holidays. And to mark the grand opening, they are offering a free round of bowling to anyone who shares a name with their mascot; King Pin Colin. The King Pins team are celebrating their friendly figure while also paying tribute to the Scottish Gaelic origins of his name. So if you're named Colin and fancy a freebie bowling session this summer, you know where to go. King Pins already has sites in Manchester and Bristol, with Glasgow, Leeds White Rose, and Belfast set to open soon. Bookings are now open for visitors eager to secure a fun day out at this brand-new 21,000 square foot Silverburn venue. King Pin Colin, the venue's charming mascot, promises to 'strike up fun wherever he goes,' making his Glasgow debut alongside the official launch. Anyone named Colin looking to claim their complimentary game of bowling simply needs to pre-book and email KingPinColin@ with a greeting stating, 'Hi, my name is Colin.' Beyond the free game for Colins, King Pins offers a wide array of family-friendly entertainment options. These include ten-pin bowling, the venue's signature Duck Pin bowling, tech darts, American pool, shuffleboard, ice-free curling, and a lively arcade. Their website describes it as 'a brand new bowling experience for all the family,' boasting 'state of the art Ten Pin bowling, as well as Duck Pin lanes, ice-free curling, shuffleboards, batting cages, air hockey, arcade games, karaoke booths and more!' The site promises 'altogether a different ball game' for visitors of all ages and interests. The venue will also feature a well-stocked bar and an onsite eatery, offering food and drink options 'right up anyone's alley' to complement the entertainment. Hungry guests can also enjoy delicious Neapolitan-style pizza and crispy fried chicken at Marvin's Pizza & Chicken, complete with tempting sides and house dips to round out the meal. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. For those with a sweet tooth, Royal Treats offers a tempting selection of soft serve ice cream, donuts, brownies, and a head-banging range of pick and mix sweets. James Travis, Brand Manager of King Pins, said, 'We couldn't think of a better way to celebrate King Pin Colin's Scottish debut than to offer any Scots sharing his name a free game of bowling. Colins – we can't wait to meet you!' He added, 'King Pins will be open just in time for Glasgow's bowling royalty to join us over the Summer holiday so we'd love to invite families to pop in for a game or two. See you soon!' To book a visit or find out more, head to and keep up with daily updates by following kingpinsbowlinguk on Instagram.
Glasgow Times
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
King Pins revealed opening date for Glasgow Silverburn venue
King Pins announced its first-ever Scottish site will be opening in the Southside shopping centre on Thursday, June 26. Ahead of its opening, the bowling alley has revealed guests can now make a booking at the venue. The new entertainment destination will offer a variety of family-friendly games and activities, including ten-pin bowling, King Pins' signature Duck Pin bowling, tech darts, American pool, shuffleboard, ice-free curling, and an arcade. (Image: Supplied) READ MORE: Leisure attraction to open first Scottish venue in Silverburn READ MORE: 'Not long': Popular clothing brand to open store in Glasgow's Silverburn It will occupy a 21,000-square-foot unit in the centre. On its opening day in June, King Pin Colin, the venue's friendly mascot, will be in attendance. To celebrate King Pin Colin's arrival and the Scottish Gaelic roots of his name, King Pins is giving away a free game of bowling to anyone named Colin who pre-books before the opening date. (Image: Supplied) (Image: Supplied) For any Colins looking to land their free game of bowling, they should email KingPinColin@ saying: 'Hi, my name is Colin'. James Travis, Brand Manager of King Pins, said: 'We couldn't think of a better way to celebrate King Pin Colin's Scottish debut than to offer any Scots sharing his name a free game of bowling. Colins- we can't wait to meet you!' 'King Pins will be open just in time for Glasgow's bowling royalty to join us over the Summer holiday so we'd love to invite families to pop in for a game or two. "See you soon!' (Image: Supplied) Since launching its first two sites in Manchester in Summer 2023 and May 2024, King Pins has quickly expanded across the UK, and its venue in Silverburn will be its first Scottish location.
