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The Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
We've tested 1000s of products from blushes to brows kits & these are 2025 Fabulous Beauty Award winners to buy PRONTO
OUR expert panel have spent weeks testing thousands of beauty products to determine which beauty buys are the best on the market. From groundbreaking tech to cult classics, there's something to suit everyone… 8 MEET THE FABULOUS BEAUTY AWARDS 2025 JUDGES Our specially selected panel of 10 talented judges for the Fabulous Beauty Awards 2025 contains over 100 years of beauty expertise. Sinead McIntyre, Fabulous Editor-in-Chief, Tara Ledden, Fabulous Beauty Editor and Mia Lyndon, Fabulous Beauty Writer intentionally sought experts who they know and trust to build on their own encyclopedic knowledge of beauty - bringing opinions and experience from different backgrounds, to represent the diversity of Fabulous readers. Hair Stylists Lorraine Dublin and Samantha Cusick, Trichologist Hannah Gaboardi, Dermatologist Dr Emma Amoafo-Mensah, Make-up Artists Sarah Jane Froom and Adeola Gboyega, and multi-hyphenate Beauty Entrepreneur and Make-up Artist Ruby Hammer complete the line up. Between them, the judges have spent weeks testing thousands of beauty products - from £5 lip liners to £500 beauty gadgets, there's no beauty stone left unturned. It's official, these are the best beauty products of 2025. MAKE-UP 8 Best Base Product GOLD Clarins Skin Illusion Tinted Moisturiser, £40 [GREEN TICK] SILVER Maybelline Super Stay Lumi Matte Foundation, £12.99 BRONZE Vieve Skin Nova Complexion Balm, £34 Best Blush GOLD NYX Professional Make Up Buttermelt Blusher, £8.99 SILVER L'Oréal Paris Lumi Le Liquid Blush, £9.99 BRONZE Ruby Hammer Cheek Colour, £24 Best Bronzer GOLD Ilia Sunshift Cream Bronzer, £41 SILVER Sculpted by Aimee Liquid Lights Bronze, £19 BRONZE E.L.F Cosmetics Camo Liquid Bronze & Contour, £7 Best Brow Product GOLD Benefit Cosmetics Mighty Fine Brow Pen, £26 SILVER UKBrow by UKLash Brow Sculpt, £15 BRONZE Sweed Brow Serum, £42 Best Eye Shadow GOLD Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Palette of Beautifying Eye Trends, £49 SILVER Nars Total Seduction Eyeshadow sticks, £28 BRONZE Ilia Eye Stylus Shadow Stick, £32 Best Eye Liner GOLD Urban Decay, 24/7 Glide on Eyeliner, £21 SILVER Hildun Beauty Liners In Spiced Pecan By Hannah Martin, £16 BRONZE Valentino Beauty Colorgraph Eyeliner, £29 Best Lip Colour GOLD Nars Powermatte High Intensity Lip Pencil, £25 SILVER Mac Cosmetics Macximal Sleek Satin Lipstick, £25 BRONZE e.l.f. Cosmetics Glow Reviver Lip Oil Glimmer, £8 Best Mascara GOLD L'Oréal Paris Paradise Big Deal Mascara, £12.99 SILVER Benefit Cosmetics BADgal Bounce Mascara, £27 BRONZE Milk Makeup Kush High Roll Tubing Mascara, £35 HAIR Best Haircare Product GOLD Dyson Chitosan Styling Range, from £49 SILVER Living Proof Perfect Hair Day High-Shine Gloss, £30 BRONZE Nuxe Hair Prodigieux Pre-Shampoo Nourishing Mask, £29 Best Hair Styling Product GOLD Color Wow Texas Hold 'Em Big Hold Hairspray, £29.50 SILVER TRESemmé Lamellar Shine Ultra Gloss Spray, £5 BRONZE Cantu Weightless Curl Cream, £9 Best Scalp Product GOLD Alpha-H Healthy Scalp Exfoliating Treatment, £24.99 SILVER Beauty Pie Youthbomb 360° Hair Restore Scalp Serum, £40 BRONZE Olaplex No.0.5 Scalp Longevity Treatment, £41 SKIN 8 Best Skincare Brand GOLD CeraVe SILVER Medik8 BRONZE Dermalogica Best Lip Care Product GOLD Bobbi Brown Extra Color Shine, £32 SILVER Paula's Choice Pro-Collagen Peptide Gloss Balm, £26 BRONZE Tatcha The Kissu Lip Treatment, £42 Best Face Sunscreen GOLD Garnier Vitamin C Daily UV Brightening Mist SPF50, £12.99 SILVER Elizabeth Arden HydraPlay™ Daily Defense Nourishing Fluid Broad Spectrum SPF 40, £32 BRONZE Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh Rice + B5 SPF50+, £14 Best Body Sunscreen GOLD Bondi Sands Sunny Milk SPF50+ Body Serum, £14.99 SILVER Ultrasun Family Wet Skin Spray SPF50+, £22 BRONZE E45 Sensitive Spray SPF50+, £13.99 FRAGRANCE 8 Best Female Fragrance GOLD Arkive Headcare Future Bloom Fragrance, £30 SILVER Marc Jacobs Daisy Wild, £115 BRONZE Narciso Rodriguez all of me EDP intense, £134 Best Male Fragrance GOLD Mugler A*Men Fantasm Eau de Parfum, £105 SILVER AllSaints Shoreditch Leather Eau de Parfum, £69 BRONZE Roger & Gallet Cologne Twist Eau de Cologne, £39 BODY Best Bath/Shower Product GOLD Jo Malone Enrich Shower Cream, £25 [GREEN TICK] SILVER Joonbyrd Moon Swim Body Wash, £40 BRONZE Sol de Janeiro Delicia Drench Shower Oil, £23 Best Body Care Product GOLD Ceramidin Body Lotion, £22 SILVER Clinique Moisture Surge Body Hydrator, £29 BRONZE Nécessaire The Body Vitamin C, £55 [GREEN TICK] Best Fake Tan GOLD St Tropez Sunlit Skin, £29 SILVER Bare by Vogue Face Tanning Drops, £20 BRONZE Self Glow by James Read Sunbright, £39 Best Nail Colour GOLD Bio Sculpture Gemini Polish Blushed Boulevard, £15.50 SILVER It's Topless, £8.99 BRONZE Elegant Touch Petite Press On Nails, £6 Best Nail Care Product GOLD Essie To The Rescue, £10.99 SILVER Navy Professional Cuticle Serum Pen, £7.95 BRONZE Nailberry Miracle Corrector Pen, £13.50 TECH Best Beauty Gadget GOLD ZIIP Dot, £169 SILVER CurrentBody Skin LED Light Therapy Face Mask Series 2, £399 BRONZE PeepClub Heated Eye Wand LED+, £85 Best Hair Tool GOLD ghd Chronos Max, £299 SILVER Shark SpeedStyle Pro FLEX 4-in-1 High-Velocity Hair Dryer, £199 BRONZE Dyson Airwrap i.d. Multi-Styler and Dryer, £479.99 BEST OF THE REST Best Cult Product GOLD Eylure Dybrow, £8.75 SILVER Color Wow Dream Coat, £27 BRONZE Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Concealer, £36 Best Menopause Beauty Product GOLD Absolute Collagen Crystal Clarity Collagen Powder, £27.99 SILVER Evolve Organic Beauty Age Defying Multi Peptide Cream, £40 BRONZE Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Recovery Cream, £92 Best Beauty Innovation GOLD No7 Future Renew Damage Reversal Night Serum, £39.95 SILVER Inkey Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum, £15 BRONZE Medik8 Liquid Peptides Advanced, £79 Best Budget Product GOLD Morphe Reimagined Brushes, from £8 SILVER Rimmel London Lasting Finish 8 Hour Lip Liner, £3.99 BRONZE The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, £7.90 Best Supplement GOLD Boots Habi Apple Burst Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies, £10 SILVER Victoria Health DoSe by VH Collagen Tripeptide Complex, £45 BRONZE Gallinée Calm & Microbiome Supplement, £35 Best Viral Beauty Product GOLD Inkey Tripeptide Plumping Mocha Brown Lip Balm, £11 SILVER NYX Professional Make Up Face Glue Primer, £8.99 BRONZE Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm, £38 Best Men's Grooming Product GOLD Estrid Shave Gel for Face, £4.95 [GREEN TICK] SILVER L'Oréal Men Expert Derma Control Anti-Blemish Serum with 3% Niacinamide + Salicylic Acid, £19.99 BRONZE AKT London The Body Wash Concentrate SC.02, £26 Best Celebrity Brand GOLD Fenty SILVER Haus Labs BRONZE Rhode Best Independent Brand GOLD Glow For It SILVER Plenaire BRONZE Navy Professional Best New Brand GOLD OVA SILVER Joonbyrd BRONZE Daise Best Premium Brand GOLD Aromatherapy Associates SILVER ELEMIS BRONZE Clarins Best Sustainable Brand GOLD UpCircle Beauty SILVER Wildsmith BRONZE Antipodes Best Tween-Friendly Brand GOLD Starface SILVER Hero Cosmetics BRONZE indu Beauty Best Retailer GOLD Boots SILVER Sephora BRONZE Space NK Best Online Retailer GOLD LookFantastic SILVER M&S BRONZE Cult Beauty Editor's Pick GOLD Trinny London Take Back Time, £65 SILVER Aveda Miraculous Oil, £32 BRONZE Tangle Teezer The Ultimate Detangler Extra Gentle, £15 So there you have it! Months of testing more products than the average person will use in their life time, distilled into 40 of the most shopped categories, to crown the very best of the best so you know exactly what's worth the splurge.
Scottish Sun
14-06-2025
- Scottish Sun
From beautiful beaches in North Norfolk to Suffolk's stunning food – three staycations in the eastern counties
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) DIVE in to scrumptious staycays in England's eastern counties. From beautiful beaches in North Norfolk to stunning sustenance in Suffolk, we have it covered. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 12 The quaint beach huts in Wells-next-the-Sea in Norfolk Credit: Shutterstock The Nest Farmhouse, King's Lynn Beauty Writer Mia Lyndon and boyfriend Jamie found vineyards and seafood feasts in Norfolk. THE PAD Tucked away in the rolling fields of North Norfolk, guests are greeted with fizz from neighbouring Cobble Hill Winery at this former barn. Rooms are bang-on theme with farmhouse-chic decor – ours had a vintage tub, dried flowers, distressed furniture and a spacious balcony from which green vistas extend as far as the eye can see. 12 Flock to The Nest Farmhouse Credit: Neeve Photography Fragrant home-made negronis made from a concoction of aged local spirits and spices, £14, are literally on tap from a miniature barrel in the homely bar. Then tuck into rich bone marrow and crunchy focaccia, £12, followed by tender local Old Spot pork chop, £28, and barbecued cabbage smothered in a tangy, buttery anchovy dressing, £5. Fluffy doughnuts dunked in toffee sauce, £10, are the perfect pud, and we splashed out on a bottle of local Cobble Hill Bacchus Reserve, £55. Birdsong will wake you for an alfresco brekkie of local cheese, cured meats and trout, while you watch ducks bob about in the pond. EXPLORE Spy deer in the lush 667 acres of the palatial 18th-century Holkham Estate, before ogling rich tapestries, marble sculptures and the lavish guest rooms where Queen Victoria once slept. Entry costs from £24 per person ( Later, spot seals frolicking in the surf from the sweeping sand dunes of Holkham Beach. 12 Look out for deer in the woods of Holkham Park in North Norfolk The neighbouring town of Wells-next-the-Sea is postcard-pretty – duck into The Old Station for whimsical ceramics that are made on-site, before sipping on local Crisp Eastern Gold, £2.55 for a half pint, on the rooftop deck at The Globe Inn ( Pretty Norfolk coastline has sea lions and award-winning beaches- REFUEL Norfolk is renowned for crab, so tuck into a platter at family-run Wells Crab House and feast on creamy dressed crab, crayfish, oak-smoked salmon, juicy prawns, tangy cockles and rollmops, plus indulgent potato salad – £44 for two people. Sip cucumber and apple coolers, £5, as you go ( 12 Start your day with fluffy French toast Credit: Neeve Photography Meanwhile, in cobble-stoned King's Lynn, devour giant slabs of buttery ginger cake, £2.50, from indie cafe Norbury's ( Then plump for dinner by candlelight at Grade-II-listed The Bank House, a stylish eatery on the banks of the River Ouse. Order Pineapple Fogs, a blend of honey-lime juice, pineapple and tonic, £5, and savour flaky cod and seafood chowder with mussels, squid and prawn, £22.50 ( DON'T MISS Knowledgeable David at Burn Valley Vineyard (which has near-identical soil to the Champagne region), is the perfect host for wine-tasting, £25 a person. You'll get to swig six wines – our fave was sweet, acidic Solaris 2023 – before wandering around the vineyard to see where they're grown ( 12 Mia Lyndon in Norfolk with partner Jamie Credit: Mia Lyndon BOOK IT B&B at Nest Farmhouse costs from £160 per night ( The Crown and Castle, Orford Writer Sasha Cunningham and husband Grant checked into a foodie haven on Suffolk's coast. THE PAD Nestled in the sleepy town of Orford, you'll find 21 newly refurbished rooms and an intimate two-AA-Rosette restaurant. Our bright and spacious deluxe sea-view room had amazing glimpses of Orford Ness National Nature Reserve, plus a large bath, rainfall shower, Temple Spa toiletries and cosy armchairs. 12 Experience the charm of The Crown and Castle Credit: Matt Finch Grab an Aperol Spritz, £9, or a pint of Mosaic lager, £5, before digging into dishes such as the spectacular soy-cured monkfish with glass noodles and sesame, £28. Mains such as beef blade and fillet on a bed of spelt, celeriac and mushrooms, £32, won't disappoint, either. EXPLORE You're just over the road from 12th-century Orford Castle, which is well worth a visit for both the views from its tower and its captivating audio guide, £8.10 per adult ( Or take a wander down to the River Ore – pick the distance and difficulty of your walk by scanning the hotel's handy QR codes. 12 Brighten up your day at the Orford Ness Lighthouse Be sure to book your visit to the nature reserve in advance, from £4.50 per adult ( Once used during WW2 for atomic bomb testing, it's now home to many species of birds and a colony of 200 grey seals. REFUEL Share the griddled fish selection of prawns, squid, sardines and mussels brushed with garlic oil, from £19.50, at Butley Orford Oysterage, a short stroll from your bed ( Or hunt out Two Magpies Bakery in the nearby pastel-coloured seaside town of Aldeburgh for rich hot chocolate, £3.45 – it's the perfect drink for a walk by the beach, where you can snap the giant scallop sculpture ( 12 Tuck into fresh oysters with a squeeze of lemon Later, join a tour of Fishers Gin Distillery for tastings with a sea view, £35 for a 90-minute tour ( DON'T MISS Stop by Orford's Pump Street Bakery for bear-claw almond frangipane pastries, £4.50 – just go early before they sell out ( 12 Sasha Cunningham and husband Grant Credit: Supplied by Sasha Cunningham BOOK IT Double rooms cost from £145 B&B ( The Angel Hotel, Bury St Edmunds Fashion Assistant Emily Regan, boyfriend Harry and dog Ragnar enjoyed history and booze in Suffolk's charming market town. THE PAD This central Georgian hotel – once a favourite of Charles Dickens – blends vintage furnishings with modern touches. Book a Copper Room for a king-size bed, free-standing copper bath and a picturesque view of Abbey Gate. 12 Have a heavenly stay at The Angel Credit: Supplied Then dig into mouth-watering Surrey Farm 10oz sirloin with peppercorn sauce, £34, in the hotel's lively Eaterie. Finish with chocolate crémeux, honeycomb and brownie ice cream, £8.50, and a pornstar martini, £14. Come breakfast, a full English, plus sausage bites for Ragnar, were winners, and there are plenty of other doggy treats and toys on hand, too. EXPLORE A five-minute stroll away you'll find St Edmundsbury Cathedral ( and St Mary's Church, with its hammer-beam angel roof ( But to really learn more about the town's history, join a walking tour around Abbey Gardens and the ruins of an 11th-century monastery, £10 per person for 90 minutes ( Gift hunters should head to The Parsley Pot with its cute ceramics ( while dogs will love scampering through the scenic woodlands of Nowton Park ( REFUEL For mid-morning pick-me-ups, No.5 Angel Hill has excellent home-made sausage rolls, £4.95, and iced lattes, £3.90 ( Discover the town's hop history on Greene King's brewery tour – or just lunch on beef and ale pie for under a tenner at its Beer Cafe. 12 The Swan at Lavenham serves up cracking food, £28 for two courses Credit: The Swan/ Instagram Tours cost £20 per person ( Named the smallest pub in Britain, The Nutshell has some of the quirkiest artefacts on display ( while a 25-minute drive away, The Swan at Lavenham serves up a cracking Sunday roast, £28 for two courses ( DON'T MISS Sip a glass of English vino, £6.50, and enjoy a live gig, if you're lucky, at The Wine Cellar ( 12 Emily Regan, boyfriend Harry and dog Ragnar in Bury St Edmunds Credit: Emily Regan BOOK IT Double rooms cost from £157 a night ( Plan your trip at
The Irish Sun
14-06-2025
- The Irish Sun
From beautiful beaches in North Norfolk to Suffolk's stunning food – three staycations in the eastern counties
DIVE in to scrumptious staycays in England's eastern counties. From beautiful beaches in North Norfolk to stunning sustenance in Suffolk, we have it covered. Advertisement 12 The quaint beach huts in Wells-next-the-Sea in Norfolk Credit: Shutterstock The Nest Farmhouse, King's Lynn Beauty Writer Mia Lyndon and boyfriend Jamie found vineyards and seafood feasts in Norfolk. THE PAD Tucked away in the rolling fields of North Norfolk, guests are greeted with fizz from neighbouring Cobble Hill Winery at this former barn. Rooms are bang-on theme with farmhouse-chic decor – ours had a vintage tub, dried flowers, distressed furniture and a spacious balcony from which green vistas extend as far as the eye can see. 12 Flock to The Nest Farmhouse Credit: Neeve Photography Fragrant home-made negronis made from a concoction of aged local spirits and spices, £14, are literally on tap from a miniature barrel in the homely bar. Advertisement Read More on Travel Then tuck into rich bone marrow and crunchy focaccia, £12, followed by tender local Old Spot pork chop, £28, and barbecued cabbage smothered in a tangy, buttery anchovy dressing, £5. Fluffy doughnuts dunked in toffee sauce, £10, are the perfect pud, and we splashed out on a bottle of local Cobble Hill Bacchus Reserve, £55. Birdsong will wake you for an alfresco brekkie of local cheese, cured meats and trout, while you watch ducks bob about in the pond. EXPLORE Spy deer in the lush 667 acres of the palatial 18th-century Advertisement Most read in Beach holidays Exclusive Entry costs from £24 per person ( 12 Look out for deer in the woods of Holkham Park in North Norfolk The neighbouring town of Pretty Norfolk coastline has sea lions and award-winning beaches- REFUEL Norfolk is renowned for crab, so tuck into a platter at family-run Wells Crab House and feast on creamy dressed crab, crayfish, oak-smoked salmon, juicy prawns, tangy cockles and rollmops, plus indulgent potato salad – £44 for two people. Advertisement Sip cucumber and apple coolers, £5, as you go ( 12 Start your day with fluffy French toast Credit: Neeve Photography Meanwhile, in cobble-stoned King's Lynn, devour giant slabs of buttery ginger cake, £2.50, from indie cafe Norbury's ( Then plump for dinner by candlelight at Grade-II-listed The Bank House, a stylish eatery on the banks of the River Ouse. Advertisement Order Pineapple Fogs, a blend of honey-lime juice, pineapple and tonic, £5, and savour flaky cod and seafood chowder with mussels, squid and prawn, £22.50 ( DON'T MISS Knowledgeable David at Burn Valley Vineyard (which has near-identical soil to the Champagne region), is the perfect host for wine-tasting, £25 a person. You'll get to swig six wines – our fave was sweet, acidic Solaris 2023 – before wandering around the vineyard to see where they're grown ( 12 Mia Lyndon in Norfolk with partner Jamie Credit: Mia Lyndon Advertisement BOOK IT B&B at Nest Farmhouse costs from £160 per night ( The Crown and Castle, Orford Writer Sasha Cunningham and husband Grant checked into a foodie haven on Suffolk's coast. THE PAD Nestled in the sleepy town of Orford, you'll find 21 newly refurbished rooms and an intimate two-AA-Rosette restaurant. Our bright and spacious deluxe sea-view room had amazing glimpses of Orford Ness National Nature Reserve, plus a large bath, rainfall shower, Temple Spa toiletries and cosy armchairs. Advertisement 12 Experience the charm of The Crown and Castle Credit: Matt Finch Grab an Aperol Spritz, £9, or a pint of Mosaic lager, £5, before digging into dishes such as the spectacular soy-cured monkfish with glass noodles and sesame, £28. Mains such as beef blade and fillet on a bed of spelt, celeriac and mushrooms, £32, won't disappoint, either. EXPLORE You're just over the road from 12th-century Orford Castle, which is well worth a visit for both the views from its tower and its captivating audio guide, £8.10 per adult ( Advertisement Or take a wander down to the River Ore – pick the distance and difficulty of your walk by scanning the hotel's handy QR codes. 12 Brighten up your day at the Orford Ness Lighthouse Be sure to book your visit to the nature reserve in advance, from £4.50 per adult ( Once used during WW2 for atomic bomb testing, it's now home to many species of birds and a colony of 200 grey seals. Advertisement REFUEL Share the griddled fish selection of prawns, squid, sardines and mussels brushed with garlic oil, from £19.50, at Butley Orford Oysterage, a short stroll from your bed ( Or hunt out Two Magpies Bakery in the nearby pastel-coloured seaside town of Aldeburgh for rich hot chocolate, £3.45 – it's the perfect drink for a walk by the beach, where you can snap the giant scallop sculpture ( 12 Tuck into fresh oysters with a squeeze of lemon Later, join a tour of Fishers Gin Distillery for tastings with a sea view, £35 for a 90-minute tour ( Advertisement DON'T MISS Stop by Orford's Pump Street Bakery for bear-claw almond frangipane pastries, £4.50 – just go early before they sell out ( 12 Sasha Cunningham and husband Grant Credit: Supplied by Sasha Cunningham BOOK IT Double rooms cost from £145 B&B ( The Angel Hotel, Bury St Edmunds Fashion Assistant Emily Regan, boyfriend Harry and dog Ragnar enjoyed history and booze in Suffolk's charming market town. Advertisement THE PAD This central Georgian hotel – once a favourite of Book a Copper Room for a king-size bed, free-standing copper bath and a picturesque view of Abbey Gate. 12 Have a heavenly stay at The Angel Credit: Supplied Then dig into mouth-watering Surrey Farm 10oz sirloin with peppercorn sauce, £34, in the hotel's lively Eaterie. Advertisement Finish with chocolate crémeux, honeycomb and brownie ice cream, £8.50, and a pornstar martini, £14. Come breakfast, a full English, plus sausage bites for Ragnar, were winners, and there are plenty of other doggy treats and toys on hand, too. EXPLORE A five-minute stroll away you'll find St Edmundsbury Cathedral ( But to really learn more about the town's history, join a walking tour around Abbey Gardens and the ruins of an 11th-century monastery, £10 per person for 90 minutes ( Advertisement Gift hunters should head to The Parsley Pot with its cute ceramics ( REFUEL For mid-morning pick-me-ups, No.5 Angel Hill has excellent home-made sausage rolls, £4.95, and iced lattes, £3.90 ( Discover the town's hop history on Greene King's brewery tour – or just lunch on beef and ale pie for under a tenner at its Beer Cafe. 12 The Swan at Lavenham serves up cracking food, £28 for two courses Credit: The Swan/ Instagram Advertisement Tours cost £20 per person ( Named The Swan at Lavenham serves up a cracking Sunday roast, £28 for two courses ( DON'T MISS Sip a glass of English vino, £6.50, and enjoy a live gig, if you're lucky, at The Wine Cellar ( Advertisement 12 Emily Regan, boyfriend Harry and dog Ragnar in Bury St Edmunds Credit: Emily Regan BOOK IT Double rooms cost from £157 a night ( Plan your trip at
The Sun
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
From beautiful beaches in North Norfolk to Suffolk's stunning food – three staycations in the eastern counties
DIVE in to scrumptious staycays in England's eastern counties. From beautiful beaches in North Norfolk to stunning sustenance in Suffolk, we have it covered. The Nest Farmhouse, King's Lynn Beauty Writer Mia Lyndon and boyfriend Jamie found vineyards and seafood feasts in Norfolk. THE PAD Tucked away in the rolling fields of North Norfolk, guests are greeted with fizz from neighbouring Cobble Hill Winery at this former barn. Rooms are bang-on theme with farmhouse-chic decor – ours had a vintage tub, dried flowers, distressed furniture and a spacious balcony from which green vistas extend as far as the eye can see. 12 Fragrant home-made negronis made from a concoction of aged local spirits and spices, £14, are literally on tap from a miniature barrel in the homely bar. Then tuck into rich bone marrow and crunchy focaccia, £12, followed by tender local Old Spot pork chop, £28, and barbecued cabbage smothered in a tangy, buttery anchovy dressing, £5. Fluffy doughnuts dunked in toffee sauce, £10, are the perfect pud, and we splashed out on a bottle of local Cobble Hill Bacchus Reserve, £55. Birdsong will wake you for an alfresco brekkie of local cheese, cured meats and trout, while you watch ducks bob about in the pond. EXPLORE Spy deer in the lush 667 acres of the palatial 18th-century Holkham Estate, before ogling rich tapestries, marble sculptures and the lavish guest rooms where Queen Victoria once slept. Entry costs from £24 per person ( Later, spot seals frolicking in the surf from the sweeping sand dunes of Holkham Beach. 12 The neighbouring town of Wells-next-the-Sea is postcard-pretty – duck into The Old Station for whimsical ceramics that are made on-site, before sipping on local Crisp Eastern Gold, £2.55 for a half pint, on the rooftop deck at The Globe Inn ( Pretty Norfolk coastline has sea lions and award-winning beaches- REFUEL Norfolk is renowned for crab, so tuck into a platter at family-run Wells Crab House and feast on creamy dressed crab, crayfish, oak-smoked salmon, juicy prawns, tangy cockles and rollmops, plus indulgent potato salad – £44 for two people. Sip cucumber and apple coolers, £5, as you go ( 12 Meanwhile, in cobble-stoned King's Lynn, devour giant slabs of buttery ginger cake, £2.50, from indie cafe Norbury's ( Then plump for dinner by candlelight at Grade-II-listed The Bank House, a stylish eatery on the banks of the River Ouse. Order Pineapple Fogs, a blend of honey-lime juice, pineapple and tonic, £5, and savour flaky cod and seafood chowder with mussels, squid and prawn, £22.50 ( DON'T MISS Knowledgeable David at Burn Valley Vineyard (which has near-identical soil to the Champagne region), is the perfect host for wine-tasting, £25 a person. You'll get to swig six wines – our fave was sweet, acidic Solaris 2023 – before wandering around the vineyard to see where they're grown ( BOOK IT B&B at Nest Farmhouse costs from £160 per night ( The Crown and Castle, Orford Writer Sasha Cunningham and husband Grant checked into a foodie haven on Suffolk's coast. THE PAD Nestled in the sleepy town of Orford, you'll find 21 newly refurbished rooms and an intimate two-AA-Rosette restaurant. Our bright and spacious deluxe sea-view room had amazing glimpses of Orford Ness National Nature Reserve, plus a large bath, rainfall shower, Temple Spa toiletries and cosy armchairs. 12 Grab an Aperol Spritz, £9, or a pint of Mosaic lager, £5, before digging into dishes such as the spectacular soy-cured monkfish with glass noodles and sesame, £28. Mains such as beef blade and fillet on a bed of spelt, celeriac and mushrooms, £32, won't disappoint, either. EXPLORE You're just over the road from 12th-century Orford Castle, which is well worth a visit for both the views from its tower and its captivating audio guide, £8.10 per adult ( Or take a wander down to the River Ore – pick the distance and difficulty of your walk by scanning the hotel's handy QR codes. 12 Be sure to book your visit to the nature reserve in advance, from £4.50 per adult ( Once used during WW2 for atomic bomb testing, it's now home to many species of birds and a colony of 200 grey seals. REFUEL Share the griddled fish selection of prawns, squid, sardines and mussels brushed with garlic oil, from £19.50, at Butley Orford Oysterage, a short stroll from your bed ( Or hunt out Two Magpies Bakery in the nearby pastel-coloured seaside town of Aldeburgh for rich hot chocolate, £3.45 – it's the perfect drink for a walk by the beach, where you can snap the giant scallop sculpture ( 12 Later, join a tour of Fishers Gin Distillery for tastings with a sea view, £35 for a 90-minute tour ( DON'T MISS Stop by Orford's Pump Street Bakery for bear-claw almond frangipane pastries, £4.50 – just go early before they sell out ( BOOK IT Double rooms cost from £145 B&B ( The Angel Hotel, Bury St Edmunds Fashion Assistant Emily Regan, boyfriend Harry and dog Ragnar enjoyed history and booze in Suffolk's charming market town. THE PAD This central Georgian hotel – once a favourite of Charles Dickens – blends vintage furnishings with modern touches. Book a Copper Room for a king-size bed, free-standing copper bath and a picturesque view of Abbey Gate. 12 Then dig into mouth-watering Surrey Farm 10oz sirloin with peppercorn sauce, £34, in the hotel's lively Eaterie. Finish with chocolate crémeux, honeycomb and brownie ice cream, £8.50, and a pornstar martini, £14. Come breakfast, a full English, plus sausage bites for Ragnar, were winners, and there are plenty of other doggy treats and toys on hand, too. EXPLORE A five-minute stroll away you'll find St Edmundsbury Cathedral ( and St Mary's Church, with its hammer-beam angel roof ( But to really learn more about the town's history, join a walking tour around Abbey Gardens and the ruins of an 11th-century monastery, £10 per person for 90 minutes ( Gift hunters should head to The Parsley Pot with its cute ceramics ( while dogs will love scampering through the scenic woodlands of Nowton Park ( REFUEL For mid-morning pick-me-ups, No.5 Angel Hill has excellent home-made sausage rolls, £4.95, and iced lattes, £3.90 ( Discover the town's hop history on Greene King's brewery tour – or just lunch on beef and ale pie for under a tenner at its Beer Cafe. Tours cost £20 per person ( Named the smallest pub in Britain, The Nutshell has some of the quirkiest artefacts on display ( while a 25-minute drive away, The Swan at Lavenham serves up a cracking Sunday roast, £28 for two courses ( 12 Double rooms cost from £157 a night (
The Sun
28-04-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Shoppers heartbroken as M&S discontinues one of its popular perfume dupes
SHOPPERS have been left heartbroken after M&S discontinued one of its popular perfumes. The posh supermarket is well-known for creating bargain scents that smell similar to high-end perfume brands. But one of the perfumes in its range is no longer available in stores, much to the dismay of a customer who had been trying to stock up. They wrote on X: "Oh M&S please don't say this has been discontinued? Blue samphire and cassis perfume, I love it." The supermarket then responded: "Hi Amanda, I'm sorry to say this has now been discontinued. Our Beauty Team have instead suggested the new Warm Bergamot, which you might like". The Blue Samphire and Cassis perfume had come in a 100ml bottle and sold for £8. It was described on the M&S website as a "unique, heady fragrance" that "brings together samphire's wild, ocean-inspired scent and the sweet, berry notes of cassis". The scent came in a deep blue glass bottle. Although the perfume is no longer available at M&S, it is currently selling on eBay for £29.95 - much more than its original retail price. Shoppers can still get their hands on other popular perfumes in the supermarket's range, though. For £8, you can also get the Pink Pepper scene which is described as "fresh, uplifting and feel-good". The description reads: "Vibrant orange blossom mingles with floral pink pepper and intoxicating jasmine, all layered over a sweet base of patchouli, vanilla and amber musks." Shoppers say it is a great dupe for Lancome's La Vie est Belle, which costs £97 for a 50ml bottle. There is also Sweet Pistachio, which has notes of pistachio, tuberose and warm tonka bean. It's said to have "soft, nutty notes with a touch of floral sweetness". This one is widely considered to be a dupe for Huda Beauty's Kayali Yum Pistachio Gelato, which costs £79. Meanwhile Fresh Mandarin has a zingy citrus scent, with notes of fruity cassis, orange flower and mandarin. M&S says: "This develops into a floral heart of jasmine, rose and ylang ylang with the sweetness of tonka bean, rounded off with a creamy amber, vanilla and sandalwood base." Best perfumes from M&S M&S has now become one of the high street's coolest retailers. Fabulous' Beauty Writer, Mia Lyndon, tried and tested the latest perfumes from Marks and Spencer. "This summer, M&S introduced several new beauty brands to its shelves and extended its own-label offerings, meaning it's becoming one of the best beauty retailers on the high street. And the new Provenance perfumes piqued my interest; starring seven fragrances from earthy sandalwood to sugary rose - they're some of the best-value fragrances I've reviewed this year. Costing just £16 each, here are my favourite perfumes from the new collection..." Provenance No.1 Citrus Soleil Eau de Parfum Set Sugary, sticky and fresh, Citrus Soleil smells like a mouthful of boiled sweets with sparkling notes of lemon peel and orange blossom. It gives you an instant hit of sunshine. Provenance No.2 Neroli Blush Eau de Parfum Set Crisp and floral, Neroli Blush smells like fresh laundry and powdery pink musk. With sumptuous notes of jasmine with tangy grapefruit, it's perfect for hunkering down this autumn/winter. Provenance No.3 Coastal Breeze Eau de Parfum Set Coastal breeze smells like the first breath of morning air. It's totally unisex, it stars seaweed and crisp white musk, striking a balance between sweet and cool. You can read the full article, where Mia shares her thoughts on every perfume in the collection - here. It comes as M&S is dealing with a major cyber attack that has left it unable to take orders on both its website and app. The incident began a week ago when customers were unable to use contactless payments in store or pick up click-and-collect orders. On Friday, the supermarket said it was halting taking online orders as part of its "proactive management of the incident". It said it was "working extremely hard" to restore its online operations and that stores remain open and ready to serve customers. The full product range is still available to browse online and it's understood shoppers can still get the M&S range through the Ocado website as normal.
