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North Wales Live
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- North Wales Live
I visited seaside town 90 minutes from Wales — living here would be like winning lottery
This quaint seaside town boasting everything you need for a quiet getaway has instantly become one of my favourites. A day trip drive from parts of Wales, it has boutique cafes, top-rated restaurants and two of the country's best fish and chip shops. Lytham is a charming coastal town in Lancashire, celebrated for its community atmosphere, peaceful beach and picturesque park. It's around a 90 minute drive from north-east Wales. Each year it comes alive with Lytham Festival, drawing some of the biggest names in music, with recent headliners including Stevie Wonder, Justin Timberlake, Alanis Morrissette (who also played in Cardiff recently) and Kings of Leon. I missed the festival by a matter of days but I wouldn't trade how my visit turned out for the world. The trip left me feeling rested, recharged and contemplating swapping my city lifestyle for a place by the seaside. My partner and I stayed on the water in the Queens Pub and Hotel, a Victorian Grade II listed building with fantastic views over Lytham Green. the centuries old accommodation was the perfect resting place that kept you well-fed on the ground floor or entertained throughout the evening with its lively outdoor beer garden. The decor was timeless, with four poster bed, ornate wood sculpted furniture, and a muted colour palette that made you feel like you were stepping back into a black and white picture. When I wasn't already outside, I was enjoying the view of countless runners and dog walkers from the window. Lytham's town centre is small and you can walk from one end to the other in minutes. What it lacks in distance it more than makes up for in an abundance of charming businesses that prove quality beats quantity any day. The Clifton Walk Shopping Arcade offers visitors a charming back-alley experience for those searching for gifts, cards or street food. It's been years since I've seen an arcade so well kept and full of people, which only solidifies the town's timeless character. The cafes were packed and I found myself at a loss to where to sit. Places like Apricot and Central Beach had brunch fans queuing out the doors but I eventually found a massive chicken and bacon ciabatta in Trevino Lounge to watch the world go by. Lytham also boasts two of the country's best chippies, Whelan's and The Haven, named as such by The Times recently. The centre is filled with flowers, trees, and lush greenery, creating a relaxed atmosphere where no one seemed in a hurry, allowing you take your time and soak it all in. During my visit, there just so happened to be a free ice cream festival taking place in Lowther Gardens, so naturally I went for a nosey. Although small and contained compared to most food and drink events, I spent 30 minutes perusing the craft stalls, enjoying the food fragrances wafting through the air, and simply admiring the scenery. There was plenty for kids to enjoy too, with fun fair rides and entertainment for all ages. Despite a few light showers appearing during my visit, everyone remained in high spirits regardless. I spent most of my time wandering around the town, admiring the scenery and enjoying the little secrets I'd find on my stroll. It was incredibly refreshing to put your phone away and feel like you're part of a little community away from the rest of the world. As evening approached, my partner and I stopped by the Ship and Royal pub, a traditional spot that gave us a taste of the town's lively nightlife. The once-quiet seaside town transforms after dark, with locals spilling out of pubs and beer gardens. I was genuinely surprised by just how vibrant the scene could be. Lytham is great for a drink but, while not the place for a night club crawl, I thoroughly enjoyed the pints and cocktails I put away over the weekend regardless, and I found the locals more than willing to strike up a conversation. We decided to spend the majority of our Saturday evening dining in Lytham's go-to restaurant, Lytham House. With an AA Rosette under its belt, the brasserie boasts stunning interiors across two floors, with a lively cocktail bar taking guests through the night. The menu offers a contemporary twist on British favourites, satisfying even the pickiest of palates. I went for a surf and turf selection featuring oysters, scallops, and spiced duck for the main course but the gluttonous side of me wanted a little bit of everything. From the warm welcome and charming setting to the flawlessly cooked pink duck, the experience lived up to venue's reputation. You'd think a walk home at night would be nothing special but even then there was beauty to behold. Lytham Windmill Museum comes to life in the dark, illuminated in a soft pink glow that captures your attention from miles away on the coast. We made a point to walk past our hotel just to see it up close - and it was worth it. Lytham felt like escaping into a bubble away from the rest of the world. Time felt slower and everything more relaxed as if there wasn't a care to be had. The scenery was gorgeous and there was quite an amount on offer for tourists or general visitors like myself. And don't even get me started on the massive houses that have been saved from a life of modern renovations to become multi-story apartments or BandBs. To own a home facing Lytham Green would be like winning the lottery. The quiet seaside town is one that should be at the top of your list to visit.
Daily Mirror
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
I visited seaside town with two of UK's best fish and chip shops — living here would be like winning lottery
I left feeling relaxed, refreshed and very full of good food — this town should be at the top of your list to visit It's a quaint seaside town boasting everything you need for a quiet getaway — and it has instantly become one of my very favourite places after one visit. Just a short drive from two of the UK's biggest cities is a quiet destination with boutique cafes, top rated restaurants, boutique cafes and even two of the country's best chippies. Lytham is a charming coastal town in Lancashire, celebrated for its community atmosphere, peaceful beach and picturesque park. Each year it comes alive with Lytham Festival, drawing some of the biggest names in music, with recent headliners including Stevie Wonder, Justin Timberlake, Alanis Morrissette, and Kings of Leon. I might have missed this but I wouldn't trade my visit for the world. The trip left me feeling rested, recharged and contemplating swapping my city lifestyle for a place by the seaside. My partner and I stayed on the water in the Queens Pub and Hotel, a Victorian Grade II listed building with fantastic views over Lytham Green. The centuries old accommodation was the perfect resting place though there was also plenty to keep us entertained throughout the evening with its lively outdoor beer garden. The decor was timeless, with four poster bed, ornate wood sculpted furniture and a muted colour palette that made me feel like I was stepping into a black and white picture. When I wasn't outside myself, I was enjoying the view of countless runners and dog walkers from the window. Lytham's town centre is small — you can walk from one end to the other in a few short minutes even at a slow pace. But what it lacks in distance it more than makes up for in an abundance of charm and businesses that prove quality beats quantity every time. The Clifton Walk Shopping Arcade offers visitors a charming back-alley experience for those searching for gifts, cards or street food. It's been years since I've seen an arcade so well kept and full of people, which only solidifies the town's timeless character. The cafes were packed and I found myself at a loss to where to sit. Places like Apricot and Central Beach had brunch fans queuing out the doors but I eventually found a massive chicken and bacon ciabatta in Trevino Lounge to watch the world go by. Lytham also boasts two of the country's best chippies, Whelan's and The Haven, named as such by The Times in a recent list. The centre is filled with flowers, trees, and lush greenery, creating a relaxed atmosphere where no one seemed in a hurry, allowing me to take my time and soak it all in. During my visit, there just so happened to be a free ice cream festival taking place in Lowther Gardens, so naturally I went for a nosey. Although small and contained compared to most food and drink events, I spent 30 minutes perusing the craft stalls, enjoying the food fragrances wafting through the air, and simply admiring the scenery. There was plenty for kids to enjoy too, with fun fair rides and entertainment for all ages. Despite a few light showers appearing during my visit, everyone remained in high spirits regardless. I spent most of my time wandering around the town, admiring the scenery and enjoying the little secrets I'd find on my stroll. It was incredibly refreshing to put your phone away and feel like you're part of a little community away from the rest of the world. As evening approached, my partner and I stopped by the Ship and Royal pub, a traditional spot that gave us a taste of the town's lively nightlife. The once-quiet seaside town transforms after dark, with locals spilling out of pubs and beer gardens. I was genuinely surprised by just how vibrant the scene could be. Lytham is great for a drink but, in a surprise to no one, not the place for a night club crawl, though I still thoroughly enjoyed the pints and cocktails I put away over the weekend regardless, and I found the locals more than willing to strike up a conversation. We decided to spend the majority of our Saturday evening dining in Lytham's go-to restaurant, Lytham House. With an AA Rosette under its belt, the brasserie boasts stunning interiors across two floors, with a lively cocktail bar taking guests through the night. The menu offers a contemporary twist on British favourites, satisfying even the pickiest of palates. I went for a surf and turf selection featuring oysters, scallops, and spiced duck for the main course but the gluttonous side of me wanted a little bit of everything. From the warm welcome and charming setting to the flawlessly cooked pink duck, the experience lived up to venue's reputation. You'd think a walk home at night would be nothing special but even then there was beauty to behold. Lytham Windmill Museum comes to life in the dark, illuminated in a soft pink glow that captures your attention from miles away on the coast. We made a point to walk past our hotel just to see it up close - and it was worth it. Lytham felt like escaping into a bubble away from the rest of the world. Time felt slower and everything more relaxed as if there wasn't a care to be had. The scenery was gorgeous and there was quite an amount on offer for tourists or general visitors like myself. And don't even get me started on the massive houses that have been saved from a life of modern renovations to become multi-story apartments or BandBs. To own a home facing Lytham Green would be like winning the lottery. The quiet seaside town should be at the top of your list to visit.
RNZ News
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- RNZ News
Ebony and Ivory: the film that isn't about Paul McCartney and Steve Wonder's duet on the Mull of Kintyre
Jim Hosking's third comedy feature Ebony and Ivory is one of the films opening Whanau Marama New Zealand International Film Festival in four centres soon. It is an unapologeticallybonkers fictional take on two superstars collaborating. Stevie Wonder rows across the ocean to visit Paul McCartney at his Scottish much use of comic exaggeration, visual gags and dodgy accents, the couple move from awkwardnes and grumpiness, through some rather stoned mishaps, to ultimately - as the 1982 hit of the same name goes - living in perfect harmony. Ebong and Ivory, the song doesn't even appear in the film, whose trailer begins with a legal disclaimer: "any resemblance to actual musical legends or duets that changed the world is purely coincidental and in no way intentional. " Jim Hosking's first feature was 2016's comedy horror hit The Greasy Strangler, in which a man who makes up stories about the Bee Gees on disco-themed walking tours, covers himself in food grease before strangling fellow town residents. Hosking's second feature, An Evening with Beverly Luff Linn features Aubrey Plaza and our own Jermaine Clement in dodgy wigs. The stars of Ebony and Ivory Sky Elobar (Paul) and Gil Gex (Stevie) appear in both films. We caught up with writer and director Jim Hoskings earlier this week. Tags: To embed this content on your own webpage, cut and paste the following: See terms of use.
Black America Web
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
Stevie Wonder Clears the Air on Blindness Rumors
Source: Justin Engelhardt / Radio-One Stevie Wonder recently addressed the long-standing rumor questioning his blindness during a stop on his 'Love, Light and Song' U.K. tour in Cardiff, Wales, as reported by Variety. Speaking to the audience on July 9, Wonder tackled the speculation with his signature humor and grace. In footage captured by fans, Wonder joked about the persistent rumors, saying, 'When did I want to let the world know this? But I wanted to say it right now.' He acknowledged the chatter about his ability to see, earning laughs from the crowd, before delivering a heartfelt response: 'Seriously, you know the truth.' Wonder clarified his condition, stating, 'Shortly after my birth, I became blind. Now, that was a blessing because it's allowed me to see the world in the vision of truth, of sight. See people in the spirit of them, not how they look. Not what color they are, but what color is their spirit?' The rumors, which have circulated for decades, have even been fueled by celebrities. Lionel Richie once joked on 'The Kelly Clarkson Show' about an incident where Wonder pretended to drive a car, leaving Richie momentarily stunned. Wonder's playful sense of humor has often added fuel to the fire, but his recent remarks in Wales offered a poignant perspective on his life and vision. By addressing the rumors head-on, Wonder reminded fans of his unique ability to see beyond physical appearances, focusing instead on the spirit and essence of people. His words resonated deeply, showcasing the wisdom and perspective that have made him a beloved icon for generations. RELATED: 1974: Stevie Wonder Makes History… Again | Black Music Month SEE ALSO Stevie Wonder Clears the Air on Blindness Rumors was originally published on
New York Times
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Summer Veggie Bingo!
I have to say, despite summer's relaxed reputation, this season has been anything but. Maybe you're shuffling the kids to art camp or swim lessons, planning an unruly family reunion, or trying to manage a calendar of competing birthday parties (Leos, am I right?). But eventually, all that summer fun can start to feel like a chore, and the actual chores start to feel like punishment. I refuse to let cooking feel like more work. So we're game-ifying dinner. You've heard of Wordle and Strands. Now allow me to introduce you to … Summer Veggie Bingo. Each week, for the next three weeks, I'm going to send you a little summer bingo card so we can all have a bit more fun with the season's best produce. Roasted Corn and Tomato Pie | Spicy Corn and Coconut Soup | Cold Sesame Noodles With Cucumber, Corn and Basil | Charred Corn and Chickpea Salad With Lime Crema | Elotes | Halloumi With Corn, Cherry Tomatoes and Basil | Corn and Miso Pasta Salad | Grilled Corn Panzanella | Fresh Corn Pancakes With Blueberry Sauce Cook your favorite row of three to eat especially well, cook all nine to show off (Leos, am I right?) or cook none at all and wait for the next card. Will it be eggplant? Or zucchini? There is but one way to find out. Our first card is sweet, sweet corn. I've got my eye on the vertical row on the right, starting with Hetty Lui McKinnon's cold sesame noodles with cucumber, corn and basil to offset the July heat, that Stevie Wonder muse. You need only three ingredients for the nutty dressing: Chinese or Japanese sesame paste (or tahini), sesame oil and chile crisp. Mix those with a little water, and you're already halfway to dinner. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
