Latest news with #JonRowley
Scottish Sun
10-08-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
City's oldest shop set to shut after 160 YEARS within weeks as shoppers mourn ‘terrible loss'
It comes as shops across the country struggle to survive in the changing consumer landscape. END OF AN ERA City's oldest shop set to shut after 160 YEARS within weeks as shoppers mourn 'terrible loss' Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AN English city's oldest shop is set to pull the shutters down for the final time in weeks. WH Mogford & Son, a hardware shop in Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol, has been serving the community since the 1860s. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 & Son in Bristol Credit: Jon Rowley However, the shop will close permanently this September. Owner Paul Gillam, who has worked there for 30 years, said soaring costs have made it impossible to keep the business running. In a post on Facebook, he said: "After 30 years in the business and knowing it's long history, sadly I have come to a very difficult decision to close the business permanently by the end of September 2025. "I have come to this decision due to the continuing decline in customer numbers, the increasing costs of stock, staffing, bank and utility charges and the desperate state of repair of the rented premises. "I would like to thank the many local customers who have support us over the years." Reacting to the news, one shopper said: "Very sorry to hear this. Have known the shop my entire life." Another added: "A huge loss to the village, you will be very much missed. "My sons call your shop 'the shop that sells everything." A third said: "That's terrible loss to the village." It comes as shops across the country struggle to survive in the changing consumer landscape. Both chain stores and independents have closed at an alarming rate, citing decreased footfall and rising prices as the reason behind the closures. Popular bank with over 400 spots confirms it is shutting 18 branches in August – it follows 148 closures by rivals Retail sector struggles The retail sector has struggled in recent years because of the rise of online shopping, lockdowns during the coronavirus pandemic and decreased customer spending. Earlier this summer, the owners of Poundland confirmed they would shut 68 stores with 82 more at risk. Both Hobbycraft and The Original Factory Shop are also shutting branches as part of restructuring efforts. Higher inflation since 2022 has hit shoppers' budgets while businesses have struggled with higher wage, tax and energy costs. The Centre for Retail Research has described the sector as going through a "permacrisis" since the 2008 financial crash. Figures from the Centre also show 34 retail companies operating multiple stores stopped trading in 2024, leading to the closure of 7,537 shops.
Scottish Sun
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
From Colombia to Japan, Oasis fans from around the world descend on Cardiff for historic reunion
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) OASIS fans jetted in from half the world away for last night's extravaganza — as hundreds of excited followers tried to out-sing each other before the main event. Devotees from all parts of the globe were there to pay homage to Manchester's finest as Noel and Liam Gallagher reunited on stage for the first time since in 16 years. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 8 Oasis fans descended on the gig in Cardiff and held a sing-a-long outside ahead of the reunion Credit: Reuters 8 Hiro Iwane, 36, from Tokyo arrived at the stadium at 8:30am to soak up the pre-gig atmosphere Credit: Jon Rowley 8 Janneth Duenus, 38, flew 5,000 miles from Colombia and spent a small fortune on flights Credit: Jon Rowley Punters warming up in Bonnie Rogues on St Mary Street before the gig at Cardiff's Principality Stadium gave their best renditions of Supersonic and Cigarettes & Alcohol as the sun blazed down. Across the road, drinkers outside of O'Neill's belted out Stand By Me and Roll With It as banter flowed as to who was the loudest. Oliver Cheetham, 24, from Sheffield spoke for many when he said: 'You won't get this atmosphere anywhere else because we're all here for the same thing, Oasis.' Abril Sabia, 23, had jetted in from Argentina to see them, spending £3,000 on air fare and tickets for five gigs. She palled up with Spaniard Nacho, 22. She said: 'I was a huge Beatles fan and I wanted to download Stand By Me by John Lennon but I accidentally downloaded the Oasis song and I was like, 'God this is good'. I've loved them ever since.' Arim Park, 18, and 28-year-old Yeju Cho flew 5,500 miles from Seoul, South Korea. They also first came across the band on YouTube. Janneth Duenus, 38, made a 5,000-mile odyssey from Colombia, forking out £3,000 on flights, two gigs and a six-month visa. She said: 'It's my first time in the UK and the first time I'll see the band. "Oasis are amazing. Noel's compositions are profound and marked the entire generation.' Oasis fans line the streets on Cardiff ahead of eagerly awaited first reunion gig 8 Arim Park, 18, and Yeju Cho, 28, jetted in to Cardiff from their home in South Korea to see the band Credit: Jon Rowley 8 Nacho, 23, from Spain and Abril Sabia, 23, from Argentina made their way to Cardiff for the gig of a lifetime Credit: Jon Rowley Honda software engineer Hiro Iwane, 36, made a 8,660-mile trip and spent more than £7,000. He said: 'When I was 14 years old I got my first CD album. 'I was desperate to get tickets for today in case they broke up. 'It had to be the first day!' American Cameron Sutton, 22, said: 'I came from Virginia. 'I didn't want to miss this first night.' Chang Seop Lim, 31, from Suwon, South Korea, was outside the stadium by 9am. He said: 'Their music has soul. 'I'm very nervous to see them.' Hundreds of fans, including wearing Gallagher-style wigs, got gig ready by singing along to busker Tyler Andrew, 19, as he performed outside the Tiny Rebel pub near the stadium. They piled £5 and £10 notes into his guitar case. He said later: 'I've never raised this much before. 'It shows the power of their music.' A shop selling Oasis merchandise — from parkas to £85 football shirts and £35 bucket hats — opened in the St David's shopping centre, staff restocking throughout the day. Milo Newcombe, 47, from East London, who was going to the gig, said: 'They must be making a fortune. "All that money for a hat that probably costs about a pound to make. Ker-ching.' Anyone hoping to hear the band rehearsing, however, was left wanting when the 74,500-capacity stadium's retractable roof was closed to block out sound. The rush to get in began at 4.13pm when Gates 6 and 7 were thrown open. Carpenter Trev Spencer, 49, from Hampshire's New Forest, who was there pal Nick Robb, also 49, said: 'We paid £350 each for tickets and it's a rip-off but we'd have paid £1,000. 'We just wanted to see Oasis back together.' The support acts were former The Verve lead singer Richard Ashcroft and Liverpudlian indie rockers Cast, who kicked things off. 8 An Oasis fan from France held up a sign saying 'we love you' in admiration of the Gallagher brothers Credit: PA 8 Fans were in high spirits as they waited to get into the 74,500-capacity stadium Credit: Getty 8 Oasis fans donned Gallagher brother masks as they prepared for the sellout gigs Credit: Mirrorpix
The Irish Sun
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
From Colombia to Japan, Oasis fans from around the world descend on Cardiff for historic reunion
OASIS fans jetted in from half the world away for last night's extravaganza — as hundreds of excited followers tried to out-sing each other before the main event. Devotees from all parts of the globe were there to pay homage to Manchester's finest as Advertisement 8 Oasis fans descended on the gig in Cardiff and held a sing-a-long outside ahead of the reunion Credit: Reuters 8 Hiro Iwane, 36, from Tokyo arrived at the stadium at 8:30am to soak up the pre-gig atmosphere Credit: Jon Rowley 8 Janneth Duenus, 38, flew 5,000 miles from Colombia and spent a small fortune on flights Credit: Jon Rowley Punters warming up in Bonnie Rogues on St Mary Street before the gig at Cardiff's Principality Stadium gave their best renditions of Supersonic and Cigarettes & Alcohol as the sun blazed down. Across the road, drinkers outside of O'Neill's belted out Stand By Me and Roll With It as banter flowed as to who was the loudest. Oliver Cheetham, 24, from Sheffield spoke for many when he said: 'You won't get this atmosphere anywhere else because we're all here for the same thing, Oasis.' Abril Sabia, 23, had jetted in from Argentina to see them, spending £3,000 on air fare and tickets for five gigs. She palled up with Spaniard Nacho , 22. Advertisement READ MORE ON OASIS She said: 'I was a huge Beatles fan and I wanted to download Stand By Me by John Lennon but I accidentally downloaded the Oasis song and I was like, 'God this is good'. I've loved them ever since.' Arim Park, 18, and 28-year-old Yeju Cho flew 5,500 miles from Seoul, They also first came across the band on YouTube. Janneth Duenus, 38, made a 5,000-mile odyssey from Advertisement Most read in Music She said: 'It's my first time in the UK and the first time I'll see the band. "Oasis are amazing. Noel's compositions are profound and marked the entire generation.' Oasis fans line the streets on Cardiff ahead of eagerly awaited first reunion gig 8 Arim Park, 18, and Yeju Cho, 28, jetted in to Cardiff from their home in South Korea to see the band Credit: Jon Rowley 8 Nacho, 23, from Spain and Abril Sabia, 23, from Argentina made their way to Cardiff for the gig of a lifetime Credit: Jon Rowley Advertisement Honda software engineer Hiro Iwane, 36, made a 8,660-mile trip and spent more than £7,000. He said: 'When I was 14 years old I got my first CD album. 'I was desperate to get tickets for today in case they broke up. 'It had to be the first day!' Advertisement American Cameron Sutton, 22, said: 'I came from Virginia. 'I didn't want to miss this first night.' Chang Seop Lim, 31, from Suwon, South Korea, was outside the stadium by 9am. He said: 'Their music has soul. Advertisement 'I'm very nervous to see them.' Hundreds of fans, including wearing Gallagher-style wigs, got gig ready by singing along to busker Tyler Andrew, 19, as he performed outside the Tiny Rebel pub near the stadium. They piled £5 and £10 notes into his guitar case. He said later: 'I've never raised this much before. Advertisement 'It shows the power of their music.' A shop selling Oasis merchandise — from parkas to £85 Milo Newcombe, 47, from East London, who was going to the gig, said: 'They must be making a fortune. "All that money for a hat that probably costs about a pound to make. Ker-ching.' Advertisement Anyone hoping to hear the band rehearsing, however, was left wanting when the 74,500-capacity stadium's retractable roof was closed to block out sound. The rush to get in began at 4.13pm when Gates 6 and 7 were thrown open. Carpenter Trev Spencer, 49, from Hampshire's New Forest, who was there pal Nick Robb, also 49, said: 'We paid £350 each for tickets and it's a 'We just wanted to see Oasis back together.' Advertisement The support acts were former 8 An Oasis fan from France held up a sign saying 'we love you' in admiration of the Gallagher brothers Credit: PA 8 Fans were in high spirits as they waited to get into the 74,500-capacity stadium Credit: Getty 8 Oasis fans donned Gallagher brother masks as they prepared for the sellout gigs Credit: Mirrorpix Advertisement Oasis numbers 41 sold out shows on Oasis '25 tour 9 countries on 5 continents £3m per show EACH for Liam and Noel 1 documentary by Steven Knight £1bn to be spent by UK Oasis fans 900,000 tickets sold for UK concerts
Scottish Sun
17-06-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
English city's oldest shop is forced to shut after 160 YEARS in business as Brits mourn ‘huge loss'
Locals were saddened to hear the 'terrible news' END OF AN ERA English city's oldest shop is forced to shut after 160 YEARS in business as Brits mourn 'huge loss' Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ONE of Britain's oldest shops has been forced to shut after 160 years due to soaring bills. WH Mogford & Son in Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol has been serving customers in its 'Aladdin's Cave' hardware store since the 1860s. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 & Son in Bristol has closed after 160 years Credit: Jon Rowley 5 The 'Aladdin's Cave' hardware store has been open since the 1860s Credit: Jon Rowley 5 Owner Paul Gillam, 57, said rising bills and decreased footfall have forced him to close Credit: Jon Rowley Owner Paul Gillam, who has spent 30 years working at the shop, said it was time to close permanently due to rocketing bills. He told The Sun: 'It's a culmination of footfall dropping off, banks closing in the high street, people shopping online, and the cost of amenities, bills and staffing costs. 'It wasn't an easy decision. It's taken me a couple of years to come to the decision to close down. 'I'm disappointed for the regular customers but it's the right decision at this time.' Paul, 57, added: 'I will take a couple of weeks off then I need to find another job.' The shop, which serves a once bustling high street on the outskirts of Bristol, will pull down the shutters for the last time in September. One Bristol local, who grew up nearby, described the imminent store closure as 'terrible news'. Another replying to Paul's post on Facebook breaking the news, replied: 'Very sorry to hear this. 'I have known the shop my entire life. 'There will be many many saddened people when they hear this news. Popular bank with over 400 spots confirms it is shutting 18 branches in August – it follows 148 closures by rivals 'Mogfords has been a much loved and relied upon business in the village throughout generations.' Another said: 'You will be very much missed. My sons call your shop 'the shop that sells everything'." 'As a fellow business owner I am aware of the significant rise in operating costs over the last few years. I can't imagine how difficult this decision has been for you. 'On behalf of the local community a huge thank you and best wishes for your next 'chapter'.' 5 Locals were saddened to hear of the shop's closure Credit: Jon Rowley 5 The shop will close for good in September Credit: Jon Rowley It comes as shops across the country struggle to survive in the changing consumer landscape. Both chain stores and independents have closed at an alarming rate, citing decreased footfall and rising prices as the reason behind the closures.
Los Angeles Times
14-05-2025
- General
- Los Angeles Times
Can Fish Be Too Fresh?
Is the freshest fish always best? Common wisdom says yes. Seafood expert Jon Rowley says no. He says the perfect time to cook and eat a fish is as much as five to six days after it died. Can he be serious? 'Some of the best chefs in the country,' he says, 'have difficulty getting their minds around the idea that fish can be too fresh or that a fish coming out of rigor mortis five or six days after harvest (in ice, of course) can be far better eating than a fish less than one day out of the water. To my knowledge, this phenomenon has never been written about, even though an understanding of how a fish goes through rigor is essential to achieving the best flavor, texture and mouth feel of any fish.' About three hours after a fish dies, says Rowley, it goes into rigor mortis--the progressive muscle stiffening that results from a coagulation of muscle protein. How long this state lasts depends on how it was killed and how it was treated after death. A fish that is killed properly and immediately iced down will stay in rigor mortis up to five or six days; an improperly killed fish will stay in rigor mortis only a few hours. If a freshly caught fish is going to be frozen, says Rowley, it should be done quickly, before it goes into rigor mortis. Rowley's been talking about his rigor mortis theory for some time, but until now he has never actually put it to the test. In The Times Test Kitchen, Rowley wears the nervous, excited look of a kid attempting his first chemistry experiment. In front of him are three pieces of catfish: one purchased as a fillet from a supermarket fish case, a second Rowley cut himself from a whole catfish killed within 24 hours; and a third fillet Rowley just cut from a whole fish purchased live within the hour from a live fish tank in a Chinatown supermarket. All three fillets are brushed with butter and broiled at the same time, in the same pan. The first fish, a bit pinkish raw, acquires a slightly grainy texture when cooked. The flavor is muddy to the point of tasting slightly moldy. ('That's a fish from Mississippi,' says Rowley. 'It tastes different from the catfish that are farmed in California.') The second is slightly opaque and very white. The texture, when cooked, is very pleasant and the flavor clean and delicious. The freshest, when filleted, is clear and slightly green. On cooking it seizes and scrunches up into a sort of ball. The texture is both mushy and grainy and the flesh is almost tasteless. It is not delicious. The best of the three is clearly the whole catfish that had just come out of rigor mortis when purchased. Rowley has indisputably proved his point. Which leaves us wondering why live fish is so popular in Chinese restaurants. We ask Ken Hom, one of the most respected Chinese chefs in America. 'With really fresh fish,' he says, 'nothing is ever done to it except steaming. And it must be steamed very slowly, so it doesn't seize up. If you go into a restaurant and order fresh fish and say you want it fried, the Chinese will say, 'Are you nuts?' But if you steam it, then you can really taste the freshness and the flesh won't seize up.' 'Yes,' replies Rowley, 'but it will still be mushy.'
