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Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Lidl shoppers 'obsessed' with new ice cream and can't believe price
People are 'running to Lidl' after spotting a new Italian-style ice cream available in mouthwatering flavours, and some shoppers are saying they are the 'best ever' It's no secret that summer and ice cream go hand in hand. On average, each person in the UK eats around nine litres of ice cream per year. This puts Brits in the top 10 globally for ice cream consumption, according to Little Moons. While all types of ice cream are great, Italians are known across the world for their gelato - which is often handmade with less butter fat and air than other frozen desserts contain, making the flavours more intense with a creamy and smooth texture. Some historians believe gelato was first invented on the island of Sicily in the ninth century, with the recipe having been adapted since then. However, others think the gelato we know today was invented by Cosimo Ruggeri and Bernardo Buontalenti in the 16th century. While 'normal' ice cream is more easily accessible in the UK, there are still ways you can enjoy the Italian version without having to leave the country. And Lidl has now made it even more accessible, selling their version of Italian-style ice cream that has people 'running' to the shops to get their hands on a tub or two. Taking to TikTok, Freya Watkins shared a video clip she took as she was doing her shopping in Lidl on 31 May when she spotted the ice cream tubs in the freezer section. With flavours such as hazelnut praline, raspberry cheesecake, vanilla pecan crunch and banana chocolate caramel swirl, it's easy to see why people have shared their enthusiasm, which is retailing for £3.49 per tub. Another social media user, Lucy Gibb, decided to do a taste test, trying the hazelnut praline, raspberry cheesecake, and banana chocolate caramel swirl flavours, and they all got raving reviews. First up was the raspberry cheesecake which scored an 11/10, with Lucy explaining: "Reminds me of my childhood [favourite] Mr Whippy with raspberry sauce!" Next up was the hazelnut praline, which Lucy said tasted similar to a Kinder Bueno chocolate bar, earning it a score of 8.5/10. And scoring a 9/10 was the banana chocolate caramel flavour, which Lucy said she was surprised by. "Did not expect to like this as I don't enjoy artificial banana but it did not give this at all - really yummy," she wrote on her post. Several people quickly took to the comments of the two videos with many saying they were desperate to try the ice cream. "There are not enough banana flavoured desserts in this world this looks incred," one person said, as another viewer wrote: "seeing this video after buying the vanilla pecan crunch, it's soooo good." "I saw those .. I picked one up then put it down, I'll grab one next time," another viewer shared. A fourth person said: "The best ice cream range ever made." "I want all these, but just done the big monthly shop, so literally no freezer space for them," another person wrote.
Irish Independent
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Six things to do in Mayo this June Bank Holiday weekend
While sweltering May sunshine has long departed, there will still be plenty to do in Mayo this Bank Holiday weekend. With only the diehards likely to venture north to Omagh to see the struggling Mayo senior football team take on Tyrone, we picked out six of the best non-football-related things to do in Mayo this June Bank Holiday weekend. Mayo Pride Ten years on from the historic marriage equality referendum, Westport has established itself as the hippest, most progressive town in Mayo. Rainbow flags adorn the windows of local premises all-year round. So, it is only fitting that Westport will again be the centre of all things 'Pride' as the town gets ready to host Mayo Pride. The event itself is not one big spectacle, but several – 20, to be precise. Some of the highlights include of the four-day-long festivities include the Pride Boat Cruise on Clew Bay, the Pop-Up Gay Bar at the Clock Tavern, The Big Gay Hike up Croagh Patrick and the showpiece Mayo Pride Parade. Mayo Pride runs from Friday, May 30 to Monday, June 2. More information on Mayo Pride can be found at: Mr Whippy returns to Clare Island He's back. No, not the Terminator, Mr Whippy, aka Dermot McCabe, the man who has turned his 52-year-old ice cream van into a musical sound system that's bringing three days and nights of entertainment to Clare Island to this Bank Holiday weekend. The craic takes place at Bay View House and Sailor's Bar Beer-Garden, bedecked with neon palm, a sparkling mirror-ball, festival lights and colourful bunting, which will rock to the pulse of music selected by vinyl record collectors played through Mr Whippy's high-quality sound-system, which was hand-made at Cologne's VAS Audio workshop. 'Clare Island's magical feeling of 'time out of time' really lends to this unique ambiance,' said Mr Whippy. 'We have people from Belfast counting down the days to come back to Clare Island and digitally detox in the company of friends, old and new, and last year a couple travelled from the Portuguese island of Madeira to join in the Weekender.' The ferry crossing from Roonagh Pier to Clare Island takes is €17 return for foot passengers with Mr Whippy Soundsystem plays on Clare Island from Friday, May 30, to Sunday, June 1. Westport Horse and Pony Show While Westport will be hopping to the beat of Mayo Pride, they'll be clip-clopping out the road in the renowned Drummindoo Stud, which will be the go-to place for horse lovers this weekend. Since 1967, Westport Horse and Pony Show (not be confused with the centuries old Westport Horse Fair) has is one of the most popular horse shows in Mayo. On Saturday June 1, some of the finest mares, foals and fillies in the region will be on display in a variety of classes, including brood mares and foals, young horses, thoroughbreds, Irish draughts, and ponies. This show is not just for the equine aficionados though. With live music, face painting, pony rides, sheep showcases and much more, Westport Horse and Pony Show has something for all the family this weekend. More information can be found on Westport Horse and Pony Show's Facebook page. Ballyhaunis Summer Festival There's plenty happening east of Clew Bay, you can be sure of that. Look no further than the Ballyhaunis Summer Festival, which kicks off this Wednesday, June 27 and runs right through until Sunday June 1. There'll be fun for all ages in those five days, starting with crazy bingo in the local rugby club on Wednesday evening, followed by an interpub quiz on the Thursday and a performance from well-known Mayo vocal group, Coda, in the historic surrounds of St Mary's Abbey (The Friary). The festivities will shift gears again on Saturday with the Festival's Fittest Family at the GAA grounds at 12pm. Later on, motoring enthusiasts will gather for the Mayo Motor Meet at Johnston's Car Park (An Lochan). The festival concludes with a bang on Sunday with a kid's fun day from 1pm-4pm followed by live music on Knox Street from 7pm. No prizes for guessing where the heart of east Mayo will beat for the next few days. Ballintubber Abbey welcomes University of Southern Indiana Chamber Choir What's the only thing better than hearing one of America's best chamber choirs perform in one Mayo's finest churches? Not having to pay to see them, of course! Performing in Mayo as part of their 2025 tour of Ireland, the University of Southern Indiana Chamber Choir will join the Mayo Male Voice Choir in the historic setting of Ballintubber Abbey this Sunday for a not-to-be-missed evening of choral singing. Touring Ireland for the tenth time, the USI Chamber Choir will bring an eclectic array of choral music from sacred, to folk, and Irish traditional music. The concert beings on Sunday June 1, at 8pm (doors open 7pm) and while admission is free, all donations at the door will go towards the Ballintubber Abbey Restoration Fund. Ballintubber Abbey is set to undergo a multi-million-euro refurbishment that will see the construction of a state-of-the-art visitor centre at the abbey, which was founded back in 1216. George Murphy and The Rising Sons He made his name as a contestant on 'On You're A Star' during the peak of the Celtic Tiger. More than 20 years on, the man once compared by the great Phil Coulter to the legendary Luke Kelly is one of Ireland's best-known folk singers. This Saturday, Murphy brings some of the country's best folk musicians to Castlebar in the latest leg of his tour. Having shared the stage with Aslan and the High Kings over the years, Murphy's latest project sees him front a band of eight musicians delivering a unique blend of whistles, fiddles, banjos, electric guitars, bass, and percussion. Featuring original compositions and their unique take on old folk favourites, George Murphy and The Risings Sons promise a performance 'that will linger in your memory, showcasing the unparalleled energy and charm' that Murphy and his new band brings to the stage. The show commences at 9pm on Saturday, May 31, with doors at 8pm.
Wales Online
18-05-2025
- Automotive
- Wales Online
Welsh beach that's best in UK where cars get wrecked every week
Welsh beach that's best in UK where cars get wrecked every week Five vehicles were left stranded and likely written off on Traeth y Greigddu - or Black Rock Sands - in April alone as the coastguards and council warn drivers This Mercedes car was hauled from the surf before it was completely submerged (Image: Tomahawk Landscaping Service ) For beach lovers in the know, Traeth y Greigddu is the kind of place that feels like a well-kept secret—except for the part where you can actually drive straight onto the sand. Stretching out for three miles in a golden sweep, it's a summer haven made for slow days and salty air. The gentle slope of the beach makes it ideal for swimming—occasional visits from curious barrel jellyfish notwithstanding—and there's endless room for kids to run wild. If you're lucky, the Mr Whippy van will roll up just in time for a perfectly timed scoop of seaside nostalgia. And then there's the unintentional entertainment: the not-so-rare spectacle of another car being winched from the incoming tide, its driver now wiser but a little wetter. Lately, the sea hasn't had to wait long for its next offering. In April, a staggering five vehicles were reportedly trapped in Traeth y Greigddu's unforgiving waters. These mishaps can be attributed, in part, to the unusually favourable weather during the spring season, making it easy for drivers to underestimate the unpredictability of the tide. The casualties included a brand-new Mercedes coupe and a top-of-the-line Audi. The merciless teasing these incidents received online included comments such as, "Audi do that?" Traeth y Greigddu, nestled near Porthmadog in Morfa Bychan, has become a sensation on TikTok recently, with users from every corner praising it as "one of the best beaches in Wales", reports North Wales Live. Mirror journalist Liam Gilliver, having scoured the globe for the perfect beach declared: "I travelled the world hunting for the best beach but it's actually right here in the UK". Article continues below A pink VW campervan being used for a photoshoot was engulfed in 2020 (Image: Kitty Orme ) Visiting the spot, he found its appeal in the variety of activities and space. Detailing his experience, Liam shared: "It offered more than an Instagram picture opportunity and made me nostalgic of a time when a beach was an endless stretch of fun." Among its admirers are the Manic Street Preachers, who chose the beach's backdrop for their iconic 1998 album cover 'This Is My Truth, Tell Me Yours'. However, the idyllic image is sometimes marred by the unfortunate incidents where visitors find their day spoiled by inattention to their surroundings. Fresh footage has captured the latest mishap of a Mercedes being extracted by a tractor, as the disheartened owners watch their vehicle from the waters. These visitors join a long list of individuals who've underestimated the locale, including drivers of cars, vans, 4x4s and motorhomes who have either been submerged or stuck in soft sand – some narrowly escaping the grasp of the sea. One of the few North Wales beaches where vehicles can drive right onto the sand, offering convenience for those not keen on lugging sunloungers and picnic boxes, has become a potential trap for the unwary. Holidaymakers are urged to keep an eye on tide times – the beach's gentle slope may be perfect for swimmers but also means the tide rushes in quickly. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here Drivers are reminded to park above the high water mark and steer clear of soft sand areas to avoid getting bogged down. Leaving cars unattended is also discouraged. Cyngor Gwynedd's Maritime Service officers, who oversee beach management, don't tally car strandings but admit they're "not an uncommon occurrence" during peak season. Cars that have taken a dip in salt water often end up destined for the scrap heap, and many insurance policies won't cover the cost of replacement. A council spokesperson issued a caution about potential extra costs: "Where possible, during staffed hours, council officers will endeavour to recover any vehicles that get into such difficulties," they said. "However, in some cases it may be necessary to seek assistance from a third-party contractor, for which the driver or owner of the vehicle would be responsible for the associated costs." Traeth y Greigddu is just one of several beaches under the stewardship of Cyngor Gwynedd, drawing in thousands each year. The council stated: "We welcome everyone who wishes to spend time on our beautiful beaches and coastal areas; however, we want everyone to enjoy themselves safely." They continued, "We would remind people to plan their visit to the seaside by checking the weather forecast, tides times and to treat the sea and coastline with respect." Motorists were advised to avoid parking below the high tide line and to be vigilant of changes in weather and sea conditions. They explained that "Multiple signs are positioned along the beach at Morfa Bychan to warn users of the potential dangers, and to indicate areas of the beach where vehicles are prohibited from accessing. "On occasion, the vehicles of those who have not heeded the warning signs can become trapped on the beach due to soft sand having driven on to the sand banks, or because they have parked below the high tide line." Article continues below
North Wales Live
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- North Wales Live
Cost warning as footage emerges of another Mercedes drowned on 'fun' North Wales beach
For many people, Traeth y Greigddu is the perfect beach, even without the novelty of being able to drive onto it. The views are spectacular, of course, and the sand stretches for three miles. As the Gwynedd beach slopes gently, swimming here is excellent, even allowing for the occasional barrel jellyfish. There's plenty of space for kids to play games and a Mr Whippy van will draw up alongside for the ultimate in ice cream convenience. For some less sympathetic visitors, there's an added attraction: watching the latest totally ruined vehicle to be dragged ignominiously from the surf. In recent weeks, they've not had to wait long for the latest hapless victim. In April alone, it's thought five vehicles were stranded, recovered and, in all likelihood, written off at Traeth y Greigddu (Black Rock Sands). Partly to blame was the extraordinarily good spring weather: in serene conditions it's easy to drop your guard and forget the tides are unforgiving and avaricious. Neither were they old bangers - victims have included a new Mercedes coupe and a top-of the-range Audi. Online, the quips have been remorseless. 'Audi do that?' was one. Traeth y Greigddu, at Morfa Bychan near Porthmadog, is all over TikTok at the moment. Nearly all the clips are benign, extolling the virtues of 'one of the best beaches in Wales'. A recent visitor was Mirror journalist Liam Gilliver who proclaimed: 'I travelled the world hunting for the best beach but it's actually right here in the UK'. Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now He loved it because it's a truly "democratic" destination. On busier days, it hums with activity, from dog walking to metal detecting, yet doesn't feel crowded because there's plenty of space. Liam wrote: "It offered more than an Instagram picture opportunity and made me nostalgic of a time when a beach was an endless stretch of fun." Other fans include the Manic Street Preachers, who were photographed on the beach for the cover of their classic 1998 album This Is My Truth, Tell Me Yours. Which makes it all the more disappointing for the visitors whose trips are ruined by carelessness and inattention. New footage has emerged of another Mercedes being hauled out by a tractor, its owners standing in the sea looking forlorn. They're in good company. Over the years, over-ambitious drivers of cars, vans, 4x4s and motorhomes have all been caught out. Some were immersed, others trapped in soft sand. A few were lucky not to be washed out to sea. The beach is one of the handful in North Wales onto which vehicles can be driven. It means no long walks carrying sunloungers and picnic boxes, but this can catch out the unwary. Visitors here should be be mindful of the tide times – the gentle shelving beach might be good for swimming but it means the tide comes in fast. Motorists are advised to park above the high water mark and avoid designated areas to avoid getting stuck in soft sand. Neither should they leave their vehicles unattended. Overseeing beach management are Maritime Service officers at Cyngor Gwynedd. The local authority doesn't keep records of car strandings but it acknowledges they are 'not an uncommon occurrence", especially in the high season. Vehicles whose engines have been exposed to salt water have little chance of escaping the scrap yard. Neither will many insurance policies cover replacement costs. A council spokesperson warned there may be additional expenses. 'Where possible, during staffed hours, council officers will endeavour to recover any vehicles that get into such difficulties,' they said. 'However, in some cases it may be necessary to seek assistance from a third-party contractor, for which the driver or owner of the vehicle would be responsible for the associated costs.' Traeth y Greigddu is among several beaches managed by Cyngor Gwynedd, attracting thousands of visitors every year. The council added: 'We welcome everyone who wishes to spend time on our beautiful beaches and coastal areas; however, we want everyone to enjoy themselves safely. 'We would remind people to plan their visit to the seaside by checking the weather forecast, tides times and to treat the sea and coastline with respect. 'Motorists are advised to avoid parking below the high tide line and stay alert to changes in weather and sea conditions. Get all the latest Gwynedd news by signing up to our newsletter - sent every Tuesday 'Multiple signs are positioned along the beach at Morfa Bychan to warn users of the potential dangers, and to indicate areas of the beach where vehicles are prohibited from accessing. 'On occasion, the vehicles of those who have not heeded the warning signs can become trapped on the beach due to soft sand having driven on to the sand banks, or because they have parked below the high tide line.'
Daily Mirror
18-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Sainsbury's meal deal hack lets you get ice cream 'for free' in hot weather
Supermarket giant Sainsbury's is offering a free ice cream or lolly with your meal deal this summer but not everyone knows about the deal - here's how to get it Navigating the working day during the sweltering summer months can present a few challenges - from choosing an appropriate outfit, finding a spot to soak up some rays outside the office, to deciding on a suitable summer lunch. For many of us, a meal deal is a quick and convenient option for a work lunch - it's speedy to grab some snacks, making it perfect for those with short breaks, and it doesn't dent the wallet too much. Typically comprising a main or sandwich, a snack (like a pack of crisps or fruit) and a drink, meal deals are readily available in our local supermarket branches - from Tesco Express to Sainsbury's Local. But one thing you might not be aware of is that you can include an ice cream or lolly within your meal deal. And this even extends to the more expensive ice cream options - like a posh Magnum - meaning you can save a few quid while savouring a delicious cold treat in the sunshine, reports Bristol Live. Sainsbury's Meal Deals can be a bit perplexing, with various 'tiers' of meal deal - starting from the basic tier priced at £3.75, the second more premium tier offering a £5 meal deal, and the most expensive yet even more premium tier costing you £7. Just to the left of the entrance in the Bristol city centre store, and the array of meal deal food, was a small vat of ice creams and lollies to choose from - and if you look carefully, you'll notice stickers decorating the area, indicating that you can include one of these frozen delights in your meal deal. However, not everyone notices these. The selection ranged from Flake ice creams, to Cornettos, Fruit Pastille lollies, Calippos and Twisters - and even limited edition Magnums. I chose a Flake ice cream, as it reminded me of times when a Mr Whippy ice cream during the summer months cost just 99p with a flake from the local ice cream van, writes Ellie Kendall. While this one didn't cost me 99p, combined with a limited edition 'Nduja chicken and bacon caesar tortilla wrap and a bottle of classic Ribena, my lunch came to £5 and saved me a total of £3.90. And it hit the spot - the tortilla wrap was absolutely scrumptious. The Flake ice cream would have cost £2.75 on its own, while the wrap was usually priced at £4.30 and Ribena at £1.85. We grabbed our selection, headed to the self service checkouts and then ventured up to sit on Queen Square in the sunshine - and it took us hardly any time at all, meaning we could enjoy a nice sunny lunch break before duty called once more. The only thing I would say you may need to consider, is eating your ice cream or lolly before your main, especially in the hot weather. Unless, of course, you have access to a freezer in your office. All in all, it certainly made the otherwise rather mundane task of buying lunch feel a little more summery. And, if you're venturing out with the kids in the summer holidays, this could also be a neat little hack to treat them to an ice cream and get them to eat a bit of lunch.
