Latest news with #Newsquest
Glasgow Times
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
How does the new Glasgow Southside Paesano compare to the original?
From the moment rumours surrounding the future of the former Di Maggio's on Pollokshaws Road first began to swirl, right up until striking blue signage confirmed beyond doubt that a 'sequel' was on the way, their thoughts have been consumed with little else. It was not a drill. Paesano was coming to Shawlands. READ NEXT: First look inside Glasgow's new Paesano Southside READ NEXT: Paesano opening in Glasgow's Shawlands - what we know so far (Image: Newsquest) A Southsider myself, I have no shame in counting myself among those who scoured the Facebook community pages for updates on opening or snapped pictures of the unit's progress almost daily to share on the family group chat. Of all the wonderful restaurants and bars opened in the area of late, this one felt different. Not just the first major move since the brand was taken over by the DRG group last summer, but a demonstration of confidence that a high-volume operation like this could thrive on this side of the river. The often-regurgitated sentiment of the Southside morphing into the 'new West End' doesn't seem quite as glib now that we too have a Paesano branch to call our own. If you caught our recent Lunch Review of the original city centre restaurant, it will come as no surprise that I am thrilled to welcome the team to the neighbourhood. I love their fuss-free approach to Neapolitan Style pizza and will point-blank refuse to engage with anyone who claims their liberal use of tomato sugo makes for too soggy an affair. It's delicious, affordable and above all, reliable. In over a decade since my first visit, I've never regretted a meal on Miller Street. So, how does the new kid on the block compare? (Image: Newsquest) Well, for one, it's noticeably smaller. Though no less busy, the long shared tables don't stretch quite as far as those in place at the skinny city centre unit, and cleverly positioned mirrors play their part in making the place seem less tightly packed. A difference in layout further means that the Pollokshaws Road restaurant is filled with natural light from a wall of windows looking out towards a busy junction. It feels more open, and therefore less frantic, but an industrial-looking lighting fixture spelling out Paesano with exposed bulbs is a nice nod to the same one used to illuminate their big sister restaurant in town. A scroll of brown paper hung on the far wall showcases today's specials including a 'Carbonara pizza' with guanciale, pecorino and plenty of black pepper, but Paesano purists will be delighted to hear that otherwise the menu is a near carbon copy of the city centre and West End units, with options numbered one to 10. Pictured: The pizza from our Paesano city centre lunch review in February this year (Image: Newsquest) Keen to test the new restaurant under the same conditions as my previous review visit, I order once more the number five of cotto ham with mushrooms, tomato sugo, fior di latte mozzarella, basil and EVOO. There's snacking on sweet and tangy balsamic onions, firm nocellara olives coated in a thin sheen of oil and beautifully fresh slices of vibrant plum tomatoes cutting through creamy burrata to be done while waiting. It's all shared, because instead of my usual solo mission, this week's review mixes business with pleasure as a birthday is marked within my friend group. There are seven of us, but Alessio, our server for the evening, remains unfazed by requests for added chillis or extra dips and sides. He's a jolt of energy on weekday service – and will later make the experience all the more special when catching wind of cause for celebrations in our group, leading the whole restaurant in a spirited rendition of 'Happy Birthday'. Though I've never found fault with the service at Paesano before, none can compare to this team member's show-stealing performance. Pictured: The new Southside Paesano lives up to expectations, and then some (Image: Newsquest) But let's get back to the pizza, shall we? For the sake of this review, I'm glad to notice straight away that there are a few subtle differences between the number five in Shawlands and the one I devoured in the city centre a few months ago. There's still a generous amount of cheese here, but it's not quite the thick blanket of fior di latte that I had tackled the first time round. It feels lighter and better balanced, allowing that salty cotto ham that's just started to curl and crisp at the edges in the intense heat of the oven its chance to shine. The pillowy slow-proved crust, however, is less blackened, robbing the dish of that intense element of charred flavour but still suitably bubbled and blistered. Thankfully, there's the addition of a truffle aioli for dunking, which more than makes up for any peely-wally-ness. Never mind its intended purpose as a dip, I would happily take a teaspoon to this pot of punchy goodness and eat just that on its own as an appetiser. I suspect there's slightly less EVOO glugged across this pizza as a finishing touch, but every Paesano veteran knows that adding your own liberal amounts of the chilli oil which sits alongside seasoning on the tables, is a must anyway. There's a sense of relief as the final bites are finished, knowing now for sure that this new restaurant lives up to expectations. But beyond that, I'm surprised to find myself questioning whether it could even be better than the original? My intention for this week's review was never to play favourites. I only hoped to confirm that standards had carried over to the new home. So, at the risk of sounding biased, I'll simply sign off by saying this is very much the case, and then some. How soon is too soon for the next visit? Price: The number five pizza is priced at £12.50 - worth noting that this is 60p more than what I paid in the city centre branch for the same toppings in our February review. Wait time: Around 25 minutes after ordering. Rating: 5/5. I might anger some by giving this experience 0.5 points more than the city centre restaurant, but the team truly deserves it. Only time will tell if this is opening week magic or not. Paesano Southside is located at 1038-1040 Pollokshaws Road in Glasgow.
Glasgow Times
6 hours ago
- General
- Glasgow Times
25 years of Glasgow's fight against bigotry after shocking murder
The air is full of happy chatter, punctuated by the odd squeal of laughter when one of the balloons suddenly pops. Cara Henderson, founder of Glasgow's ground-breaking anti-sectarianism charity, is helping out. It says a lot about Nil by Mouth, and the quietly-spoken woman who created it in a maelstrom of grief and anger after the brutal murder of her friend, that this, rather than fanfare and fuss, is how they are marking their 25th anniversary. 'This is the heart of everything Nil by Mouth is trying to do,' explains Cara, simply. 'Engaging with young people, bringing people together in an inclusive, positive way… that's what it has always been about.' Cara with some of the young pupils (Image: Colin Mearns/Newsquest) In 1995, 16-year-old Mark Scott, wearing his Celtic scarf, was stabbed as he walked home past a Rangers pub in Bridgeton. It was a shocking flashpoint in Glasgow's decades-long struggle against religious intolerance and bigotry-fuelled violence, and it stunned the country. Cara, then also just a teenager herself, was the first person to do something about it. Mark Scott (Image: Newsquest) She began campaigning in the media, telling her story at community events and lobbying politicians and policy makers. She launched a Charter for Change, which outlined a vision for challenging sectarian attitudes in Scotland, and won a Philip Lawrence Award for her work in empowering young people. Cara in 2002 (Image: Newsquest) Since then, the charity has helped change attitudes through its work in schools, workplaces and community groups. While she no longer lives in Glasgow, Cara remains honorary patron, and she visits often to lend her support. 'It is a milestone, 25 years,' agrees Cara, adding in surprise: 'That rolls off my tongue, and then I realise, wow, 25 years - that is quite something. 'I am proud of what the charity has achieved but I don't take any credit for the work being done today - the team is fantastic and they work really hard to engage with communities across the city.' Cara Henderson (Image: Newsquest) She has not forgotten the abuse levelled at her in the early days of her campaigning, but above all, she says, she remembers 'a lot of support.' 'I know there was a lot of 'how can she do this, she's just a teenager' but I remember so many people, willing to help, opening doors for me, because they believed in the cause,' she says, simply. 'Sadly, after what had happened to Mark, it was the 'right' time for Nil by Mouth to happen.' She adds: 'It was tremendously important. And it remains so.' (Image: Newsquest) Today, Cara has joined Nil by Mouth director Dave Scott at St Joseph's Primary in the East Renfrewshire town of Busby, a few miles south of Glasgow. Cara Henderson and Dave Scott (Image: Colin Mearns/Newsquest) The school was targeted by vandals earlier this year, who reportedly set fires and sprayed abusive graffiti on the games pitch. Furious parents rallied support from local politicians, and First Minister John Swinney visited to talk to pupils and staff from St Joseph's and its neighbouring schools, primary and secondary. 'It was about presenting a united front,' says headteacher Suzanne Martin, calmly. 'We are all agreed there is no place for this in our school or our community or our society. "It was a huge shock, because our school is incredibly inclusive. Our children and the children from local non-denominational schools all live on the same streets, and play together.' Headteacher Suzanne Martin (Image: Colin Mearns/Newsquest) She adds: 'When Nil by Mouth reached out to us, I was delighted to invite them in to run STEM workshops. It has been really interesting for the children.' The STEM kits, which have been provided through funds from BAE Systems, are used by Nil by Mouth in schools across the country as part of its programme bringing children from different faiths, cultures and traditions together to better understand difference. Primary six pals Sahtanu, Iain, Oonagh and Nabeeha are enjoying the workshop, they nod. They understand what Nil by Mouth is, and why they are visiting the school, says Sahtanu. (Image: Colin Mearns/Newsquest) 'We know that the charity was set up by someone whose friend was murdered, which is really sad,' he says. Iain adds: 'I think it's important that we learn about this from a young age because sometimes people are not as kind about other people's beliefs as they should be.' Oonagh agrees. 'I think it should be taught in school that you should listen to people and try and work together. Then when you are older, you can actually do something about it." READ NEXT: Glasgow's newest mural has the East End talking - here is why 'Townhead was obliterated': Billy Elliot star on his Glasgow roots 'We're so lucky to have the Citz': Free drama lessons as Glasgow theatre re-opens Nabeeha said: 'Finding graffiti in our school was very sad for all of us but it has been cleaned up now. 'I'm proud of our school. Everyone works together.' On this particular Friday, as Nil by Mouth continues its message of 'united against division', Glasgow is preparing for another tense weekend of Orange Walks and football street celebrations. Cara sighs, softly. 'You always hope for change,' she says. 'There is still a lot to be done, of course. 'Whatever it is - sectarianism, racism, bigotry - I think as humans, we just have to keep remembering to talk to each other, to see beyond the divisions.'
Leader Live
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Llangollen: Wales Comic Con guests confirmed so far
Earlier this month, it was announced that the event had found itself a new home at Llangollen Pavilion. The popular event has traditionally been held annually at Wrexham University. Formed in 2009, down the years it has proven to be one of Wrexham's most well-attended events on the calendar. But, this year, the comic con team has found themselves a new nearby location to host the event. They have announced that Llangollen Pavilion will play host to the 2025 Wales Comic Con on September 20 and 21. And some recognisable faces have already been confirmed to attend. Breaking Bad star Dean Norris was the first to be announced and he was followed by Joseph Mazzello, who has starred in the likes of Jurassic Park and Bohemian Rhapsody. TOP STORIES Also confirmed so far are; Tickets to the event are available to buy now from here. Click the image above for more local events (Image: Newsquest) Guests are advised to keep an eye on the Wales Comic Con social media channels for the latest updates. In a statement, the organisers said that they have signed a 'multi-year deal' to host the event at the pavilion. They added: "Join us for the first edition at this new venue on September 20-21 – it's going to be a weekend to remember. With more space than ever before, we'll be packing the site with our biggest line-up of displays yet, plus a UK-first unique panel experience that we can't wait to reveal."
South Wales Argus
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
I tried Gordon Ramsay's beef wellington at the Savoy
The first purpose-built deluxe hotel in London, The Savoy is still to this day the only 5-star hotel on the River Thames. A magnet for the wealthy, the famous, and the glamorous. Or so you thought. 'Cos I went last weekend. I've always loved a trip to London. The train down itself evokes a sense of excitement in me, but this trip surpassed all others. It was, without question, unforgettable in every way. On the Northbank of the River Thames, it is equidistant from the City of London, the world's financial capital, as well as the luxury thoroughfares of Knightsbridge and Mayfair. (Image: Newsquest) So, as I approached the grand entrance - as a man who often looks like he got dressed during a power cut - I was somewhat nervous at what lay ahead. Thankfully, I had the foresight to plan ahead, there would be no sartorial faux pas on this occasion. Ha! No sir. I wore jeans. Jokes aside, it honestly was quite nerve-wracking at first. My girlfriend and I had experienced Gordon Ramsay's food before, at his incredible restaurant in Manchester, but this was on another level. To the uninitiated, The Savoy is daunting. At first, you don't know how to act, whom to speak to, or even where to look. We were at least three social classes below the local stray cat. But then came along the concierge at the reception, who set the perfect tone for the evening. Charming, warm, friendly, and to put it plainly, nice, we were set at ease seconds upon crossing the threshold. All those preconceived emotions dissipated immediately, we simply gave in to the experience. And we were in for some ride. The inside of the Savoy screams elegance, yet somewhat delicately. Now, you might think, how? But it somehow manages it. Subtle, decadent, yet still retaining an incredible allure. We passed through a lounge, which had a feeling reminiscent of 1950's jazz bars, to get to our table. Right in the corner of The River Restaurant by Gordon Ramsay. Perfect. (Image: Newsquest) The view of the Thames was quickly forgotten by the sudden arrival of Ethan, our server for the night and Champagne, complimentary from the River Restaurant. I'm not one for bubbles, typically, but I could have had an entire bottle of this. After mulling over the menu (lord knows why, we had perused the online version weeks beforehand obsessively), we decided on a bottle of Chablis, the seafood platter for two, Gordon Ramsay's signature beef wellington, and the haddock in Champagne sauce. When. In. Rome. Ethan told us the wait for the seafood platter would be about half an hour, so he suggested we get some sides for the time being. Do not threaten us. We went for some malted sourdough and whipped taramasalata with cured scallop roe. In hindsight, this was a mistake. The Chablis and sides arrived promptly, and we tucked into both. I'll be totally honest, I'm not overly familiar with taramasalata, but it was a pure revelation with that sourdough bread and butter. However, we were in danger of filling up too quickly. Thankfully, my favourite white wine on the planet soothed our palates just in time for the showstopper, the seafood platter for two. Or as it should be styled, 'half of Brighton's seafront, on ice'. I gawped at what lay in front of me, staring open-mouthed at the mountain of Finding Nemo extras. Oysters, snails, cockles, clams, mussels, crevettes and deviled crab. For myself, the oysters complemented by the vinaigrette and Tabasco were a marriage made in heaven. The snails, on the other hand, a lonely singleton. Not for me. (Image: Newsquest) The mussels were equally moreish; they are perhaps my favourite fish of all, so to be edged out by the oysters is truly saying something. The prawns, the cockles and the clams were all equally delicious. It all tasted so incredibly fresh, like that half-hour wait was giving the chef ample time to go and catch them, just for us. Stunning. Where we sat felt special. Right in the corner where we could chat, drink amazing wine, and take in the incredible aura of the restaurant. 'Bury me here,' springs to mind. I do like a spot of people watching from time to time, so this best seat in the house gave us the perfect opportunity. Forgive everything I said earlier about this being a place solely for the ladies, lord's and aristocrats, it was a place for normal people wanting an unforgettable experience. An anniversary, a birthday, a celebration, the Savoy listens to what you want to get out of it and responds tremendously. But before I became lost in the moment, the next round of showstoppers was about to arrive. Gordon Ramsay's beef wellington is arguably one of the most famous dishes on the planet. From TikTok to YouTube, I've seen this dish recreated a thousand times, and the end result never ceases to amaze me. Aesthetically, it appears to be one of the most succulent things in the world. But I've never had the opportunity to see if the taste matches the look until now. As the plate approached my table, I had a flashback. Have you seen the Top Gear episode when Jeremy Clarkson arrives at camp with a cow on his roof? Yep, that's what it felt like. Imagine that cow in pastry. Georgia's haddock in Champagne sauce felt a little more delicate. Anyway, le verdict. Does it stand up to the hype? Yes, it does, in droves. (Image: Newsquest) The beef was cooked perfectly medium rare and cut through like butter, each mouthful felt more tender than the last. The accompanying red wine jus elevated the flavour of the beef to new levels; it was without doubt one of the best cuts of beef I've ever tasted. The haddock, word. I went in expecting the beef wellington to just blow me away, but that honour has to go to the haddock. The Champagne sauce had a hint of anise to it, which felt like a soothing Ouzo cuddle in the belly. Of the haddock itself, it was quite honestly one of the nicest things I've ever had the pleasure of tasting. It's called the River Restaurant for a reason, after all. After all this food, you're probably thinking, how can you possibly fit more in? Well, his beef wellington is probably just a touch more famous than his sticky toffee pudding. So we shared one. If this were to be our Mr Creosote moment, then so be it. It would've been worth it. Recommended reading: Gordon Ramsay's restaurant review: An incredible experience I visited the Grand Hotel in Birmingham and owe an apology REVIEW: Marco's New York Italian - a sad disappointment The Savoy's River Restaurant by Gordon Ramsay was a once-in-a-lifetime experience to be frank with you. I felt so lucky to be able to experience a place that lives up to the hype and more. Yes, ok, it's obviously going to be an expensive experience. You don't need me to tell you that. But if you want to visit somewhere for a special occasion that will truly give you a taste of the high life, then consider this top of your list. From the staff at reception to the waiters, sommeliers and chefs, it was a place that made you feel wealthy, famous, and glamorous, no matter your background
North Wales Chronicle
18 hours ago
- Business
- North Wales Chronicle
Tesco set to change opening hours in some stores in the UK
The supermarket giant is reportedly looking to trial earlier closing times in different stores across the UK. It comes after the company was hit by a large rise in staff costs. Tesco said the change is to ensure these shops are running "in the most efficient way". A Tesco spokesperson told Newsquest said: 'Our Express format is a strong and growing business, providing great value and convenience for customers on their doorstep. "In a small number of stores, we are trialling some tweaks to our operational routines to make things simpler for our colleagues and to ensure that we are running these shops in the most efficient way. "These changes aren't visible to our customers, who will continue to receive the same great service they expect, and there are no changes to the range of products we sell.' The Express stores will remain branded the same way and there will be no redundancies. The Telegraph reports that the chosen Tesco Express stores will be shutting an hour earlier, at 10pm rather than 11pm. It is not confirmed which stores will be affected, however, the Telegraph claims workers have been told the trial is taking place in some of Tesco's "less profitable stores". It is also understood that Tesco will be speaking to colleagues ahead of any changes to roles, including possible transfers. The change to opening hours comes after Tesco's chief executive, Ken Murphy, said that the supermarket needed to offset a number of extra costs following the Spring budget. In April, Tesco said it was facing a large rise in its staffing bill, which included an increase of £235m in National Insurance contributions in the latest financial year. The trialling of new hours is not the only change at Tesco stores in the UK. Tesco has become the latest supermarket to roll out new "VAR-style" checkouts in some of its stores. The new self-service checkout systems feature a camera that records customers scanning and packing their shopping. Earlier this month, Sainsbury's also rolled out its own "VAR-style" checkouts. Tesco shoppers have also recently discovered a major change to bakery sections across stores in the UK. Customers have spotted notices being put up in bakeries stating that from 7pm, loose bakery products will be slashed to half price. It's been reported that this used to take place at 5pm, but it's been moved back by two hours, according to The Sun. The supermarket giant, which makes reductions to bakery items every day to help reduce food waste, confirmed to Newsquest that pastries and sweet treats are usually discounted at around 7pm, however, timings can vary by store. Tesco is also considering a major change at checkouts and to all products, according to Retail Gazette. Recommended reading: The supermarket giant has been trialling replacing traditional barcodes on 12 of its own-branded fresh produce and meat items at some of its stores across the UK. If successful, the move would see Tesco replace hundreds of product barcodes with QR code technology in its latest digital modernisation. The new scanning feature would provide shoppers with important nutritional information about the product they are buying.
