Latest news with #LivClarke
Wales Online
25-05-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
The bizarre new airline flying from the UK to New York
The bizarre new airline flying from the UK to New York Global Airlines is promising to shake up the transatlantic market - but it's not the finished article just yet (Image: Liv Clarke ) A new airline is hoping to steal a slice of the lucrative UK to New York flight market, vowing to bring back the glamour of the 'Golden Age' of air travel. Global Airlines is planning to take on the might of British Airways, American Airlines, Delta, Virgin and the other major carriers that dominate the transatlantic air routes. And it's hoping its "Superjumbo" Airbus A380 will set it apart. Entrepreneur James Asquith's airline, which launched in 2021, bought a second-hand 12 year old A380 in May 2023. The Manchester Evening News reports that he wants the double-decker jet to offer five different travel classes. As well as seat, he wants to install a 'gaming' cabin, bar and other facilities. (Image: Liv Clarke ) The first Global flight, operated by Hi Fly, took off from Glasgow on May 15 bound for New York JFK. It received mixed reactions – not least because the 'gamer cabin' was missing, and the aircraft had a strong resemblance to its former life as a jet operated by China Southern. Article continues below YouTube reviewer Josh Cahill headlined his review: "Global Airlines STRANGE First Flight and it was VERY BAD!". He said the new carrier over-promised and under-delivered. However, The Independent's travel expert Simon Calder however said it was "very comfortable flight" and a "fascinating event". Despite its name, Global Airlines isn't an airline. Its operations are legally managed by Portuguese carrier Hi Fly while Travelopedia takes care of flight sales. The Manchester Evening News' writer Liv Clarke was on the second flight from Manchester to JFK and said it was "oddly remarkable". She wrote: "From check-in to takeoff, with crowds of aviation enthusiasts observing from the airport's boundary, the sense of anticipation was undeniable. "Clearly, there was the impression that we were part of something significant. Nevertheless, as the journey progressed, it was obvious that the Global Airlines service is yet to be fully realised. (Image: Liv Clarke ) "The branded headrest covers, vanity kits and flight menus couldn't mask the fact that you were sitting inside an aircraft showing 12 years' worth of wear and tear." Liv said the most impressive part was the jet itself. She wrote: "Several YouTubers were on board gushing over the experience with cameras popping up everywhere like periscopes above the seats. Among them were husband and wife duo Kara and Nate, who boast 4.2million subscribers. Another YouTuber had journeyed from Melbourne, Australia to be on board." (Image: Liv Clarke ) The jet was largely empty with just 80-90 passengers on the plane, which has a capacity of around 500. She said however that the seats "felt tired and dated". She wrote: "I noticed several scuffs and stains, and when I fully reclined my seat I could see what looked like tea or coffee stains on the plastic back of the seat. You could see where old stickers had been removed, and where new stickers were covering up old ones. China Southern patterns were still visible and it all felt a bit shabby." (Image: Liv Clarke ) Liv said that lunch was a starter of caprese salad, a choice of main course between herbed chicken ballantine, pan-fried sea bass or spiced white bean and aubergine cassolette, and a citrus tart for dessert. She wrote: "I opted for the chicken, which was delightful, accompanied by carrots, spring onion, and crushed potatoes with gravy. The salad was flavoursome, complete with a charming miniature bottle of dressing, while the tart was exceptional, offering a refreshing tanginess and lightness." (Image: Liv Clarke ) About an hour later, the crew distributed snacks such as crisps, olives and sweets, along with another drink. This time, I requested champagne and was duly served it, alongside some salted Kettle chips. Liv added: "Our menu also had an 'a la carte' section which included two types of afternoon tea, one for meat-eaters and one vegetarian. Roughly 90 minutes before we were due to land the crew came round asking if we wanted anything - but didn't explicitly say 'would you like the afternoon tea', it was only by me pushing for more information that they said the afternoon tea was available." (Image: Liv Clarke ) Inflight entertainment didn't impress Liv. She wrote: "To be told the screens wouldn't be working on board was a huge disappointment for me, particularly as I didn't have a tablet computer. I "I knew I wasn't going to bother watching anything but out of curiosity I scanned the QR code which connected me to the Global Times network. "A few films were available for viewing, including Beetlejuice, Barbie, Twister, and several others I hadn't heard of. There was a category labelled 'Europeen' - misspelled, with only a handful of TV shows, including the Fresh Prince of Bel Air. I opted to stick with my magazines and podcasts, often catching my blurred reflection in the redundant screen opposite me. In total, Liv's flights cost £697.28 for return flights from Manchester Airport to New York JFK, booked a week prior to departure. This price included 10kg hand luggage and 23kg hold luggage. However they were later on sale more cheaply with return economy tickets starting from £380 and return business tickets from £1999. Article continues below Liv concluded: "Global Airlines has a significant journey ahead to establish a robust brand identity, revamp its A380 (not to mention expand its fleet), and crucially, it needs to become an official airline. Until then, trusted brands such as Aer Lingus, Virgin and British Airways seem much more attractive for transatlantic routes from Manchester. "If Asquith manages to achieve this, Global Airlines will represent a new chapter in the history of aviation. But that's a very big, Superjumbo jet-sized if."
Daily Mirror
21-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
Beautiful town has hardly any tourists as everyone rushes to the Lake District
Grange-over-Sands is perched on the edge of Morecambe Bay and offers a delightful step back in time for day-trippers. The Victorian and Edwardian influences are still evident Grange-over-Sands, a quaint town perched on the edge of Morecambe Bay, offers a delightful journey back in time for day-trippers. Despite not having its own beach, the town exudes a unique coastal charm with a stretch of sand separated by marshland and the unmistakable salty sea air. The 19th-century arrival of the rail line transformed Grange-over-Sands into a fashionable destination. Today, the Victorian and Edwardian influences are still evident, with a lengthy seafront promenade, a charming train station, a neat row of cafes and shops, and ornamental gardens. Away from the bustling tourist crowds of the nearby Lake District, Grange-over-Sands has a relaxed atmosphere. Just a 12-minute drive away is the Lake District, a national park that attracts around 18.1 million people every year. Visitors can leisurely explore hidden gardens or stroll along the promenade, which offers views across the bay to Far Arnside and Silverdale. The town's sloping topography creates layered areas above the coastline, each offering a different place to discover. This means you can walk along a path directly alongside the town's railway line, while looking down at the sunken Ornamental Gardens on one side and the marshland on the other, reports Manchester Evening News. Nestled in the heart of the town is Hazelmere Cafe and Bakery, a delightful tea room that marries vintage charm with contemporary decor. During my weekend jaunt, it was brimming with customers relishing everything from traditional cream teas to light midday meals, writes Liv Clarke. Proudly offering an extensive tea menu with every conceivable blend (upstairs you'll find Dorothy's Teas, a shop devoted entirely to tea), I chose the China Rose, a revitalising brew with a delicate rose undertone. Given the cafe's location, one dish not to be missed is the Potted Morecambe Bay Shrimps served atop toast. Despite never having sampled potted shrimps before (their look always put me off), they were surprisingly enjoyable. We concluded our meal with a shared vanilla slice, boasting crisp flaky pastry, silky custard filling, and sweet icing - the perfect partner to the tea. The cafe also features an onsite bakery, open from Monday to Saturday. Although it was shut during our visit, it typically presents a broad selection of freshly baked breads and over thirty different cakes each day, ranging from Caramel Shortbread to Yorkshire Curd Tart. It's the perfect place to grab some goodies to savour at home after your visit or to nibble on as you wander around Grange-over-Sands. What you need to know A trip from Greater Manchester to Grange-over-Sands can be done in roughly 90 minutes, whether you opt to drive or hop on a direct train. There's ample parking available at various spots, including the Main Street car park near the promenade, with fees starting at £1.90 for an hour. The postcode is LA11 6DY. Hazelmere Tea House and Restaurant opens its doors every day from 10am to 4pm (no need to book), while the bakery shop is open from 7.30am to 3pm, Monday to Saturday. Visitors are strongly discouraged from venturing onto the saltmarsh at Grange-over-Sands due to the presence of perilous quicksand. Instead, they can savour the views from the safety of the promenade.
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Yahoo
The Mancunian Way: April sunshine
The sun is out, in Manchester, on a Friday. So we can expect all carnage to break loose in the city's beer gardens tonight as vitamin D-hungry Mancs clamour for a sunny pint. Nevermind that it only feels like 14C - we'll make it work. Our city is full of fantastic watering holes with access to the great outdoors, from Castlefield's The Wharf to the boozers of Stevenson Square and the Oast House in Spinningfields. But if you prefer something a little more old-fashioned, our tourism writer Liv Clarke has just the place. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Deansgate, the White Lion is located on Liverpool Road, just a few strides away from Mamucium Roman Fort in Castlefield. READ MORE: Attempted murder arrest as police descend on residential street after stabbing READ MORE: LIVE as Swinton police station taped off after man seriously hurt She describes the pub as 'cosy' and 'traditional' (tick, tick), with an 'extensive' garden to boot. And what's more, the words 'drinks' and 'affordable' are even in the same sentence. Really, what more could you ask for? You can read more about the pub with a view of the oldest part of the city here. Looking ahead to next week, it's Easter holiday season and we're expecting to be blessed with sunshine for at least a few more days. Keeping the kids entertained for two whole weeks can be a challenge, but our parents editor Emma Gill says there's loads to do over the Easter break this year. There are plenty of easter egg hunts to join, including trails at the likes of Heaton Park and RHS Bridgewater. Elsewhere, you could spend a day out at a huge inflatable theme park (I'm pretty tempted by this one to be honest), or making mini books at the People's History Museum. You can read Emma's full list bursting with things to do over Easter here. The sunny weather is set to last all weekend, so it's the perfect opportunity to get in that long walk you've always wanted to do. But if you're fresh out of ideas, never fear - Liv has come in clutch with this week's suggestion. It's a Victorian park with play areas for kids, a pond with a rockery, and a lovely little pavilion. It even boasts its own ice cream parlour for the sweet-toothed of us, with classic flavours from raspberry ripple and rum & raisin, to more adventurous options like Jaffa Cake and Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding on offer. You can read more here. Big changes are afoot at Greater Manchester's shopping paradise the Trafford Centre. In an announcement made today, Trafford Centre bosses have confirmed a major leasing deal with Inditex, the fashion giant that owns hit brands Zara and Pull&Bear. They are to take over the large site near John Lewis left vacant ever since M&S moved to its new megastore location at Regent Crescent. The current Zara and Pull&Bear stores already in the Trafford Centre are set to relocate to larger flagship stores in the new location, and the region will get its very first Bershka. You can read more here. Prestwich's rise to trendy status has been covered extensively over the last few years. But the town's ascendancy could be about to reach new heights with the appointment of a building contractor. Vinci, who have been handed the contract, are the firm behind a massive 10 year project to deliver the regeneration of the New Covent Garden Market site in central London. The wider project is being delivered by Prestwich Regeneration LLP, a joint venture between developer Muse and Bury Council They said the plans will 'overhaul the dated Longfield Centre site, revitalising Prestwich Village with shops, community facilities, public green spaces and much-needed new homes'. You can read more here. Every year as the weather heats up, moor fires become a sadly familiar story. Over the last few weeks, firefighters have been dealing with a number of moor blazes in Greater Manchester and its neighbouring areas including Stalybridge and Littleborough. Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, Stalybridge and Hyde station manager Martin Cain explained why wildfires are common this time of year. "People think that because it's rained, the moors are wet, and yes, underneath it is, but across the top it's very, very dry,' he said. "If it rains now, within half an hour the grass will be bone dry again because of the wind. People coming up with barbecues or naked flames is what is starting these fires. "They don't realise the danger of how embers of the barbecue will get blown and set fire to the moors on a sunny day. If you're coming to the moors, come and enjoy them, but do it without the flame. Come and enjoy it safely." You can read more here. Marcin Majerkiewicz, 42, was jailed for life last week after killing Stuart Everett by hacking him with a hammer before cutting him up and spreading his body across parks in Greater Manchester. Only around a third of Mr Everett's body has been found. James Holt and Lee Grimsditch sat down with Mr Everett's brother Richard Ziemacki, who spoke of his heartache over the tragic murder of his brother. You can read the piece here.
