Latest news with #StMichael
Daily Mirror
03-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
Staycation dupes that are just like being abroad - without the cost or hassle
We've got a list of UK doppelgänger destinations that you can visit without breaking the bank or dealing with the inconvenience of international travel, perfect for the sunny months ahead If you're the kind of person who loves travelling, but more often than not are brought back to reality by the soaring costs and inconvenience of international travel, this is your lucky day. Why, you ask? Because there's a solution to your travel woes. Gone are the days where you have to spend thousands of pounds to reach that one remote island off the coast of Italy. Those stunning vistas — or at least really close copies — can now be explored right here at your doorstep in the UK. Yep, we've got a list of UK doppelgänger destinations you can visit without breaking the bank or going through all the hassle. Iceland vs The Isle of Skye in Scotland While Iceland may have an unmatched dramatic mountainous landscape bedecked with over 10,000 waterfalls — Scotland's very own Isle of Skye is not one to be left behind. Boasting striking landscapes dominated by waterfalls, volcanic terrain, and dramatic coastlines, Isle of Skye is the answer to your Icelandic prayers. Skye's famed Fairy Pools are an eye-catching stand-in for Iceland's Godafoss waterfall, as can clearly be seen in the pictures above. Skye's Old Man of Storr and the Quiraing feel almost otherworldly, much like Iceland's iconic Vatnajökull National Park and the Golden Circle. Both destinations offer a charm deeply submerged in local legend and fantastical folklore, except one is much, much closer to home. Mont-Saint-Michel in France vs Saint Michael's Mount in Cornwall While both are iconic tidal islands that are dedicated to St Michael and have a shared history, a trip to one will (figuratively) make you go for broke, whereas visiting the other will still leave some funds leftover for groceries. Crowned as one of 'France's most stunning sites' by the local tourist board, Mont-Saint-Michel attracts thousands of tourists every year, whereas its UK counterpart offers a quieter, more tranquil experience, making it the perfect alternative for those wanting to experience the stunning sight without the crowds. The two spots are often confused for one another, however Normandy's Mont-Saint-Michel was built between the 11th and 16th century, whereas the construction of the Cornish wonder began in 1135. Amalfi Coast Italy vs St Ives Cornwall While most of us may be familiar with Italy's famous Amalfi Coast, not too many others might know about UK's very own St Ives in Cornwall. The two spots share an alluring similarity that's hard to miss. Both are sun-soaked coastal towns which have pastel-coloured buildings perched on scenic cliffs that overlook azure waters. Boats (luxury and otherwise) can always be found dotting the harbours of both the Italian and British locales. Portugal's Albandeira Arch Dorset's very own natural wonder, Durdle Door, so closely resembles Portugal's Algarve that it's almost eerie. The Algarve, known for its rugged cliffs and picturesque quaint sandy coves, has an almost exact replica in Dorset's natural limestone arch. The two spots share a breathtaking similarity that can clearly be seen in their dramatic rock formations and the crystal-clear blue waters surrounding them. While Algarve offers a decidedly gorgeous Mediterranean feel, Durdle Door — where the waters of the English Channel meet the dramatic cliffs of Dorset — puts forth a distinctly British charm in a similarly exquisite landscape. Norway's Fjords vs Loch Torridon in Scotland Loch Torridon in the Scottish Highlands mirrors the awe-inspiring fjords of Norway — without putting you out of pocket. The dramatic cliffs surrounding the Scottish lake reflect the same majestic, rugged beauty seen in famous Norwegian fjords like Geirangerfjord or Nærøyfjord. Both locations are a haven for nature lovers, with Loch Torridon home to a bounty of marine life including seals, dolphins, and even whales (if you're lucky). Abundant wildlife, incredible opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and exploring, along with a sense of serenity and remoteness make the two spots outrageously similar.
Metro
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
M&S shoppers going wild over return of retro cake that disappeared in the 80s
The 80s are making a comeback… well, kind of. There's good news if you've been missing iconic treats from that period of time like OG Opal Fruits, or if you're feeling nostalgic about playing the Head Over Heels video game, as both have returned in recent months. And now another popular product that hasn't been seen in M&S since 1985 has made its way back onto supermarket shelves. Marks & Spencer has brought back a retro cake from its archive to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day. The Choc-O-Sandwich Cake was last sold at M&S 40 years ago and is comprised of two layers of Victoria sponge cake, strawberry jam and buttercream. The whole thing is then coated in a thick layer of chocolate to create a truly decadent treat. To mark VE Day, the limited-edition product comes in bespoke vintage packaging, featuring St Michael branding and the symbol for two shillings (don't get your hopes up though, it'll cost you much more than that). For those who might not be aware, St Michael was a brand owned and used by M&S between 1927 and 2000. It was mostly used for clothing, however there were a range of food products and cookery books sold under the trademark from the 1950s and beyond. The Choc-O-Sandwich cake recipe is thought to date all the way back to the 1960s. Sharing a closer look at the cake on social media, Sharry Carmond, the marketing director for M&S Food, said: 'The chocolate on this cake is SO thick, the best advice is to heat a knife before trying to cut it. 'This cake is the brainchild of @alex_mands_food and @kathrynturnermands who were visiting the M&S archive in Leeds, looking for ideas of how to mark the anniversary of VE Day. They stumbled across a forgotten gem from the 1960s – the Choc-O-Sandwich Cake. 'M&S has always been a key part of British celebrations and this cake was sold as a teatime treat during a time when ingredients like sugar and butter were finally becoming widely available again, following years of wartime rationing. Back in 1945, cakes were frugal and fruit-based, using vine fruits for sweetness. But by the early 60s, the Choc-O-Sandwich was a symbol of indulgence – real butter, chocolate coating, and proudly carrying the St Michael brand as a mark of M&S quality.' She added: 'Fast forward to today: we've reimagined that classic. Our new Choc-O-Sandwich Cake features an all-butter Victoria sponge, filled with strawberry jam and Madagascan vanilla clotted cream buttercream, all covered in M&S milk chocolate.' Priced at £12, the cake might not be the cheapest, but it's worth noting that it's for a good cause as 5% of all sales from the cake will be donated to the Royal British Legion. More Trending Online social media users are thrilled to see the cake back in shops, with @another_snack_reviewer saying on Instagram: 'Love the retro look of this!' Similarly Liz Lee wrote on Facebook: 'Brilliant!! M&S are coming up with some great products lately!' And Dee Murphy said: 'I remember this cake from years ago.' Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ View More » MORE: Best things to do in London this long weekend including Cinco de Mayo celebrations MORE: Lidl just launched brand new sweet treats for summer — with prices from 15p MORE: Michael Bolton's wife details 'very unusual' symptom that led to brain cancer diagnosis
