Latest news with #CourtneyPochin
Metro
2 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Metro
Supermarket's 28p own-brand Diet Coke is ‘so good' you can't tell difference
If you're a Diet Coke fan, I have no doubt that you take your allegiance to the fizzy drink very seriously. So the idea of swapping out the branded version for a supermarket own-brand cola might feel like a personal attack. But often these versions are much cheaper than the real thing, so we decided to put them to the test to see if we could save ourselves some money when it comes to our carbonated addiction. We tried five supermarket own-brand Diet Colas and while none of them were deemed to be better than the original, a bargain retailer had a surprising gem that was on par. Keep on reading to find out which drinks we liked and which didn't go down as well, starting with the least enjoyable and ending with the top scorer… Sorry Tesco, but your Diet Cola has nothing on the real thing. I could instantly tell wasn't actual Diet Coke – it just tastes fake. I don't think I'd be able to make it through an entire can… Reviewed by Kristina Beanland, lifestlye editor Rating: 2/5 This will probably sound a bit odd, but Asda's Diet Cola tastes thinner than the other drinks in this taste test. Almost like it's been watered down a little bit? It's notably less artificially sweet than the Tesco one, but certainly not the best of the bunch. Reviewed by Courtney Pochin, specialist food writer Rating: 2.5/5 For 49p, this one from Sainsbury's is a solid option if you're looking to save money. It's not anywhere near as crisp and fizzy as Diet Coke, but it's got a good flavour and doesn't taste too sweet. Reviewed by Courtney Pochin Rating: 3/5 Lidl Freeway Diet Cola, 49p for 2L bottle or £1.79 for a six-pack of cans Lidl came out on top in our full fat Coca-Cola taste test recently, but the retailer has just missed out on the top spot in this one. The Freeway Diet Cola doesn't have as much fizz and actualy tastes a bit flat, which is a shame as the drink itself is pretty nice with just the right level of sweetness – I'd definitely have another one. Reviewed by Courtney Pochin Rating: 4/5 Aldi Diet Vive, £1.69 for six pack (28p a can) As a Diet Coke superfan, it would take a lot for me to give up my favourite drink, but I might be willing (on occasion) to swap it for Aldi's version which is very good. More Trending It's really hard to distinguish between the two and in a blind taste test of both it took a while to work out which was which. The difference is so subtle, and again it just comes down to a little less fizz in the Diet Vive. Reviewed by Kristina Beanland View More » Rating: 4.5/5 Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: Sainsbury's aisle change could signal end of an era for classic shopping feature MORE: 'Mouth-watering' chocolate brand that disappeared from supermarkets five years ago is back MORE: 'Power picnics' are perfect for summer — but you have to follow five rules Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.
Metro
5 days ago
- Metro
England's top tourist experience is ‘perfect' — animal lovers want to live there
From historical castles and monuments, to brand-new food tours, shows and museums, England has so much to offer visitors who come in their droves. And it's not just those flying in from abroad who explore the likes of Cornwall's beaches or the Liverpool's nightlife – it seems we love being tourists at home, with Brits taking 906 million day trips and 90 million overnight trips in England last year. So, if you're looking for some staycation inspo, look no further: Visit England have announced the winners of their Awards for Excellence, which recognise the best tourism businesses across the country. And when it came to the best experience that the country has to offer, it was an unexpected visit to a farm that claimed the top spot. Head north to Yorkshire, and book yourself onto Dumble Farm's Cow Cuddling & Highland Cow Experience. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. Nestled in Arram, near to Beverley in East Yorkshire, Dumble is a working farm with a focus on conservation and sustainability. At the heart of their work is caring for their 65 plus strong herd of Highland cows. As well as educating visitors about this endangered species, Dumble Farm say spending time with the cows has a calming effect and a positive impact on general well-being. And that's where cuddling comes in. Visitors on the three and a half hour tour get up close and personal with the 'affectionate and gentle' animals. There's a meeting with the adorable young cows, which guests can groom and get to know. Then it's onto the cuddle cows who are 'nearly always lying down' meaning visitors can lie back and relax with the animals. Then there's a safari around the farm, during which there's an opportunity to feed Highland cows from a trailer, before heading back for tea and cakes. The £95 price tag goes towards supporting the farm's conservation work. More Trending And, tourists have certainly not been disappointed after booking onto the tour, calling it the 'best day ever'. 'I would live here if I could,' wrote a TripAdvisor reviewer who did the tour in April. While another said: 'Don't think about it, do it'. And a third called it 'moo-sively impressive'. If you want to book onto the tour, you'll need to plan ahead. Tickets are snapped up fast, with a release dropping a month in advance. Cow cuddling stops for the summer though, so you'll have to wait until autumn before you can have start snuggling. Metro's Lifestyle Reporter, Courtney Pochin, tried cow cuddling at Hopefield Animal Sanctuary in Brentwood. As well as dairy cows, Hopefield is home to donkeys, sheep, pigs, horses, Shetland ponies, cats, rabbits, alpacas, reindeer, a boa constrictor, parrots, and a fox. There are also several exotic animals such as tanukis and skunks. 'As I entered the field, two Friesian cows, Jude and Devon ambled over. I know it sounds silly, but as most of the viral cow cuddling videos I'd seen online had featured much smaller calves, when these two gentle giants plodded over, my jaw dropped. 'There was no way I was ever going to be able to get my arms around them for a proper cuddle, although a taller (and braver) person might have been able to do so. 'Despite their somewhat intimidating size, however, Jude and Devon were just like big dogs. They licked my hand, allowed me to scratch their necks and backs, and were playful when it came to getting treats. 'A fun fact I discovered about cows is that they drool rather a lot, so feeding them by hand gets pretty messy. I just about managed to escape without getting slobber in my hair (my clothes weren't quite as fortunate). 'While suffice to say it wasn't quite the therapeutic experience TikTok had sold me on, there's no denying that it was a great activity for my general wellbeing. It was something different, it was fun, and I felt like Jude and I had become pals by the end. I left with a big smile on my face.' Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: This mythical destination is a perfect Mallorca alternative — without the crowds MORE: Italy's 'village of villages' contest reveal 5 must-visit hidden gems MORE: Your favourite places to eat in Europe that aren't the usual tourist traps
Metro
23-05-2025
- Business
- Metro
Nutella is launching a new spread — and it's better than the original
Whether you slather it on toast, add it to cakes and brownies or spoon it straight into your mouth from the jar, there's no denying that Nutella is the superior choice when it comes to chocolate spread. As such, many fans will likely be overjoyed to learn Ferrero – the company that makes it – is launching a brand new version of the hazelnutty treat. Very soon a plant-based version of the iconic spread is going to be available in the UK, which contains a rather surprising ingredient – chickpeas. According to the manufacturers, the new product boasts the same 'flavour and creaminess fans know and love' but has been 'specially crafted to offer a delicious new choice, blending Nutella's signature roasted hazelnuts and cocoa with plant-based ingredients like chickpeas and rice syrup'. The vegan-certified spread hits Sainsbury's stores nationwide from May 25, but you won't find it in any other supermarkets for a while, as a full roll out isn't planned until 2026. Nutella, which was first created in 1964, has vastly remained the same for the last 60 years, with the brand's range expanding in recently to include biscuits, ice cream and dunkable &Go pots. However, this is the first time that a plant-based alternative has been offered here. Those across Europe have already had a taste, as it previously launched in Italy and beyond in September 2024. The UK release comes after research revealed that around 2.5 million adults (4.7%) in the UK now follow a vegan diet, with a furter 5.8% identifying as vegetarian and 13% choosing a flexitarian lifestyle. And it's been predicted that more than a quarter of adults plan to make plant-based eating part of their routine by the end of 2025, according to research by Speaking about the launch, Mathieu Maggi, Marketing Director Nutella UK&I, Ferrero, said : 'For over 60 years, millions of people around the world have, been enjoying the unique taste of Nutella, and we are excited to welcome even more consumers to the brand with the launch of Nutella Plant-Based. 'We developed this innovation to provide a delicious new choice that delivers the unmistakable Nutella experience in a plant-based version, replacing milk with vegetal ingredients without compromising on quality and taste.' Metro's specialist food writer, Courtney Pochin, gave the new spread a try ahead of its release in supermarkets and was a big fan. 'Whenever I hear a chocolate product is vegan, I become a little prejudiced towards it, convinced there's no way it'll taste as creamy or sweet as the regular stuff,' she said. 'However, Nutella's new spread well and truly proved me wrong. 'Despite containing some unexpected ingredients, it tastes almost identical to the original version and looks just as good too. More Trending 'If you handed me a piece of toast covered in this spread without saying a word, I honestly don't think I'd notice anything was out of the ordinary – it smells the same, is super creamy and is delicious. But if you really want me to nitpick the subtle differences between the two, I can… 'The plant-based Nutella is a little less sweet than the regular one. This might sound like a negative thing, but it actually just means it tastes nuttier. For those who find the OG too sickly, this will be a much better option for you.' View More » She added: 'I don't buy vegan products very often, but I can definitely see myself getting this instead of the other one from now on. I'm a convert.' Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: 10 unmissable Time Out deals — including 50% off entry to London's secret gardens MORE: Cheap £2.49 supermarket sausages officially crowned better than M&S and Jolly Hog MORE: What to do in London if you didn't get tickets to Chelsea Flower Show
Metro
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Kettle Chips just launched ‘epic' new crisps inspired by iconic holiday flavours
If there's one snack that's a must-have when you're on holiday, it's crisps. There's something about the unique flavours you can try in other countries that just beats anything you'll find on supermarket shelves back home. But that might all be about to change, because the team at Kettle Chips have just launched a new range in the UK that's been inspired by some truly tasty holiday eats. The brand has teamed up with Rachel Khoo to create new crisps inspired by the chef's time living in one of Europe's most iconic cities – Paris. There are two options to choose from Honey Dijon Mustard and Brie & Caramelised Onion and they're launching in supermarkets this month. For those that are curious, the Honey Dijon Mustard is said to 'deliver the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, with the warmth of authentic Dijon mustard mellowed by rich, golden honey'. The Brie & Caramelised Onion, on the other hand, is described as being 'pure indulgence, combining the creamy, nutty notes of brie with the deep, umami-rich sweetness of slow-cooked caramelised onions.' Priced at £2.65 for a 130g pack, the French flavoured crisps are available to buy in Waitrose and Morrisons as of right now, but Tesco shoppers will have to wait until June 14 to grab a bag and they won't be hitting the shelves in Sainsbury's until July 20. Online the new potato chips are already cooking up a storm, with fans branding the new range 'epic', and 'yummy' on Instagram, while Kettle Chips themselves have hailed them a 'game-changer'. Metro's specialist food writer, Courtney Pochin, got an early first try of the new crisps and one was an immediate favourite. She said: 'I've never been a big fan of Mustard, something about the tangy heat just doesn't do it for me, so the Honey Dijon Mustard flavour wasn't ever going to be up my street (sorry Kettle Chips!) 'What I do love though, is cheese. As such, the Brie & Caramelised Onion crisps were an instant winner. It's possibly the most decadent, flavour-packed cheese & onion crisp I've ever tried. 'If cheese & onion is your go-to crisp and you've always wished they could taste even cheesier – then these are going to be the ideal snack for you. These will be perfect poured into a big bowl and plopped on a table or picnic mat this summer to share with pals in the sunshine. You'll be transported straight to France with one bite.' Interestingly, Brie wasn't the only type of cheese Kettle Chips and Rachel considered when designing the recipe. The chef and self-proclaimed cheese-a-holic told Metro that several different cheeses were tested, but ultimately were found to be 'too strong' in taste. 'There were two cheese being tested by the end, which were brie and camembert and it all came down to consumer testing and research to refine the flavours and make the final decision. The team work was so important,' she said. 'We really wanted to make something people wanted to eat. More Trending 'For the mustard crisps, it was about getting the level of spice right. I love spicy things, so I was sold on Dijon Mustard.' Rachel adds: 'We felt like France was the right starting point for the crisps and the flavours we've got, they're quite classic, but there's a twist to them, so when you taste them it's like 'Oh, I didn't expect that'.' For those who want to have a little fun with the crisps, Rachel has been sharing some unexpected ways she uses the new flavours in her cooking – from making savoury eclair crisp sandwiches (yes, really) to crushing the Honey and Dijon Mustard crisps up and using the crumbs as a coating for chicken goujons. The chef also claims you can crumble the crisps and pop them over the top of a potato gratin, or even use them to make a savoury cheesecake base. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ View More » MORE: Burger King reveals biggest menu shake-up in years — with return of 'beautiful' burger MORE: Restaurant tipping rules are quietly changing — and service charges could rise to 20% MORE: Everything I ate in a weekend of pintxos hopping in San Sebastián
Metro
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
12 best things to do in London this weekend including 'stunning' rooftop bars
Welcome back to The Slice! We've been plunged back into chilly weather (with the odd peek of sunshine) in London. But that doesn't stop us from soaking up those few rays on suntrap terraces… we're just making sure we've always got a jacket to hand. And because London does know how to do its thing when it comes to outdoor dining, we're dedicating this issue to the best terrace spots in London, from Amélie's immaculate views and silky smooth mousse au chocolat to soulful jazz and acoustic vibes at Amano's Skyline Sessions. We're also telling you if Notting Hill's Dove is worth the hype. Nigella Lawson sure thinks it is. According to her, they serve up 'the best pork chops' and a 'sensational' Gorgonzola burger. But the catch? Dove only sells 10 of them. We managed to get a table, but did we get to try the oh-so-famous burger? Find out below. Plus: Metro's brand new food series, What's Cooking, sees Food & Drink Writer Courtney Pochin interview guests to find out exactly what's going on behind the scenes in the nation's kitchens. For the first instalment, Jamie Oliver shares what he really thinks of McDonald's. Read on for a whole range of recommendations for 10-11 May, handpicked as always by The Slice. The Slice is your weekly guide to what's happening in London, so if you're looking for restaurant reviews, drinks deals or just a great new exhibition to visit on a rainy Saturday in the capital, we've got you covered. Click here for this week's edit of the best things to do in town. The Slice newsletter also a brand new look! We'll still be in your inbox every week, bringing you all the very best things to eat, drink and do in the capital. So if you want get the next edition before anyone else, sign up here! If you want to do it all on the cheap, you can also find our latest batch of exclusive hand-picked offers in partnership with Time Out here. If you're looking for something to do this weekend, here are 11 of the best activities, dining, and drinking spots in the capital. By Courtney Pochin As someone who considers the words of Nigella Lawson to be gospel, I had to try Dove immediately after seeing she'd raved about the Notting Hill restaurant in not one, but three Instagram posts. According to the foodie queen, it sells a 'sensational' burger as well as the 'best pork chops' she's ever eaten. So good was this pork that she was reduced to 'mesmerised inarticulacy'. Unsurprisingly, she wasn't lying about the pork chops, they are indeed delicious. Tender and juicy, with a tangy sauce that I couldn't stop dunking the duck fat fries into. However, I think Nigella enjoyed them a lot more than me, as I wasn't rendered speechless. They were good, but not that good. As for the Gorgonzola Burger, I can't confirm whether or not it lives up to the hype… as there weren't any of them left. The off-menu item is made using trimmings from 50-day Highland Beef Sirloin Chop and there's just enough excess meat to make 10 patties each day. I arrived 30 minutes after opening time and all 10 had already been snapped up. They won't save them for anyone no matter how special you are. People have even tried to bribe them with cash. So lesson learned, if you want to try what some people are calling the best burger in London, you'll have to get there before the doors even open. Read Courtney's full review of Dove here. Small plates from £12. Sharing dishes from £44. 31 Kensington Park Rd, Notting Hill, W11 2EU. Book here. Best for: stunning views There are loads of rooftop with rubbish views, but this is not one. With beautiful views of St Paul's Cathedral, you can sit here and watch the world go by with a cooling glass of wine or a tasty Sabine Signature cocktail to sip on. We loved the refreshing Velvet Bloom – with Sabine gin, lychee liqueur, rose cordial, citrus solution. With the citrus cutting the sweetness, it's just right – a balanced gift of floral flavours. And the food feels just as chicken toast is a lovely invention – seriously crunchy (almost too crunchy) bread with creamy sweet n' sour gochujang sauce. Small plates from £6. Large plates from £18. Cocktails from £16.50. 10 Godliman St, St Paul's. Book here. Best for: a chic spot to unwind To usher in the return of longer, warmer evenings, glitzy Covent Garden hotel Amano is welcoming guests to its tranquil rooftop terrace bar to enjoy Skyline Sessions, a weekly live music series of soulful jazz and acoustic performances. The view up here is stunning – Covent Garden isn't exactly high rise, so you have a panorama from Battersea Power Station to the London Eye and beyond. Take it all in over exclusive cocktails from Elephant Gin – this is the ultimate way to wind down at the end of a long week. Skyline Sessions. 22 May. Entry and cocktail, £15. 34-43 Russell Street, Covent Garden. Book here. Best for: ultimate decadence If you love people watching, Amélie's terrace on Motcomb Street in Belgravia is the ideal spot to do it. You'll be shaded by a giant parasol, a crisp glass of Miraval Provence Rosé in hand. Just don't skip the mousse au chocolat. Expect an entire chocolate mousse trolley brought to your table, with a giant bowl of the rich, silky smooth pudding to generously scoop from. You can pick your own toppings – like hazelnuts or a glug of olive oil. For true decadence, opt for a little bit of everything and don't offer your dining companions a single spoonful – it's too good to share! Cocktails from £13. Mousse au chocolat, £12. Pantechnicon, 19 Motcomb St, Belgravia. Book here. By Josie Copson Toum is a true Parisian escape. The chicken restaurant mixes Lebanese flavours with a French twist, literally. They've stuck their poultry on a rotisserie, a giant French spit. With burgundy booths, bar seating to watch the chefs and art deco light fixtures, this is far from a cheeky Nando's. While the signature chicken is moist, it's little lacking in flavour. That's where the standout chicken jus comes in. The succulent and rich gravy is golden in both colour and taste, and it oozes seamlessly into the meat's skin. Our dessert pick is tarte tatin, so sweet it'll almost make you wink. The tart's sticky consistency marries well with its soft vanilla ice cream companion. If you've finished your food but the catchup isn't done, head downstairs to the atmospheric underground bar. Cocktails are a plenty and they even offer £8.50 mini cocktails for the sober curious (or those with a big day at work the next day). Rotisserie chicken. Half, £19. Whole, £38 (at lunchtime you can get a side and a green salad with it for £20). 18a Maddox Street, Mayfair, W1S 1PL. Book here. Plant-first chef Rishim Sachdeva is teaming up with vegan influencer superstar, chef and cookbook author Max La Manna in collaboration with Rishim's restaurant Tendril. Taking place on 9-10 May, they've curated a delicious six-course plant-first set menu. Expect dishes like crisp green strawberry salsa on blue corn tostada, and pickled rhubarb & nettle tempura. Get your tickets here! The first Permit Room restaurant in London, from the team behind the beloved Dishoom, has officially opened in Notting Hill. Expect a menu slightly different and more casual to Dishoom, but fear not – favourites like the bacon naan will still grace the menu. As part of their soft launch, you can get 50% off food until 9 May. Walk-in space is available! Hello JoJo, a bakery and restaurant opens on 10 May. It joins a big family of other brilliant eateries as the latest addition to foodie strip Camberwell Church Street. They'll be serving up tasty bread and pasties, as well as salads and pastas. A new wacky concept is here: FLOORS. At this pop-up by Bosch, diners will be eating on the floor showing just how well their new vacuum can clean. The pop-up is inspired by research revealing that 43% of Brits follow the 'five-second rule' (so we won't judge you if you do it too). Dishes like lychee ceviche and black sesame mochi cake will be on the menu. 9 May. 7pm – 9:30pm. Get your ticket here. Get 50% off Mildreds new lunchbox to go, which aims to bring some life to Soho's lunch scene. Brighten your day up with the Rainbow Connection, a crisp, colourful slaw with beetroot, carrot and plenty more lovely veggies. The offer is available 12-16 May, Monday to Friday, 12–2pm. But hurry, once they're gone they're gone. New restaurant Shakara popped up in December 2024, aiming to find a space in the ever-growing family of incredible high-end African restaurants in London. With Victor Okunowo in the kitchen, a semifinalist of MasterChef: The Professionals, and former Akoko executive chef Ayo Adeyemi helping to develop the launch menu. These are impressive names, so it's fair to say we had high hopes for Shakara. They've got some seriously inventive dishes, like peppered goat and smoked marrow croquettes – beautiful umami bites beneath a crunchy outer layer. And the cocktails have cool twists too, like the Suya Sour, with its punchy spiced rim and plum garnish filled with dried plantain chips. But long waiting times, overly salty jollof rice and underwhelming lamb skewers (they're tender but lacking in flavour) tell us that this restaurant has a long way to go if it wants to follow in the footsteps of critically-acclaimed Chishuru, Akara and Akoko. Snacks from £10. Cocktails from £16. 66 Baker St, Marylebone, W1U 7DJ. Book here. The humble fry has been taken to the next level with London's newest The Lobster Loaded Fries at Burger & Lobster are designed for sharing. You get two whole lobsters, gooey cheese sauce, and chives, drizzled with the cult-favourite Lemon and garlic butter sauce. To try it? Just tell a waiter that you know about the secret loaded fries in-restaurant. A literary festival is landing at Fleet Street Quarter on 14-17 May, with a pretty impressive line up of speakers. Expect events across the world of current affairs and journalism, fiction and screenwriting. More Trending Guests include Jeremy Vine, Larry Lamb, Reeta Chakrabarti, Iain Dale, Jimi Famurewa and more. Grab your tickets! The summer season has officially launched at the outdoors Shakespeare's Globe, featuring a whole host of wonderful plays centred around love, revenge, truth, power and peace. It kicked off with a brand new production of Romeo and Juliet starring Abdul Sessay (Dear England, National) and Lola Shalam (Women, Beware the Devil, Almeida) as the famous 'star-cross'd lovers'. Next to launch is an adaptation of Arthur Miller's The Crucible. On for a limited nine-week run, it's a gripping tale with paranoia and superstition sweeping through the town of Salem. Romeo and Juliet, until 2 Aug. The Crucible, 8 May-12 July. Shakespeare's Globe. Book tickets here. MORE: I tried the £60 meal Nigella Lawson keeps raving about — it wasn't what I expected MORE: I snooped through Jamie Oliver's kitchen — and discovered what he really thinks of McDonald's
