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Daily Mirror
04-08-2025
- Daily Mirror
UK's 'most beautiful' village frozen in time - but it'll cost you £9.90 to visit
Once a hidden gem on the Devon coast, this ancient fishing village remained largely undiscovered until the mid-1800s - today, it attracts visitors with its charming cottages and lively seafood festivals If you're looking to escape the sounds of heavy city traffic, a trip to Devon may be the answer. This small, privately owned village on the north Devon shore has been left largely untouched thanks to its ban on vehicles entering the cobblestoned streets. The car-free haven has been hailed as the "dreamiest" spot in the country on social media thanks to its unique calmness and famous annual lobster and crab festival. The population stands in the hundreds, with a £9.90 entrance fee for those wanting to visit to help fund essential maintenance and upkeep that comes with the ancient village perched on a 400ft cliff. The tickets include parking, entry to the village, an audio-visual experience, entry to the Clovelly Court Gardens, entry to the Fisherman's Cottage and Kingsley Museum and general facilities. But be warned, there is a steep climb to reach the village. It comes after women claim 'Our Jet2 holiday was ruined because we flew to the wrong Spanish island by mistake'. If you stay at the village's historic hotel The Red Lion, entrance to Clovelly is included. The ancient village was once owned by the Queen of England and has been privately held since Elizabethan times. Originally the estate was owned by William the Conquero r who gifted it to his wife before it was eventually acquired by the Giffard family in 1242. Until the mid 19th century Clovelly was unknown to the outside world but today it is a well-preserved gem for travellers - with plenty of fishing and architectural points of interest. The village's fishing quay is one of its most popular attractions. Strolling through the village on foot also gives travellers the opportunity to explore hidden passageways and see the cottages up close. Travellers will see donkeys and sledges being used to transport goods. The village even has a donkey adoption program to help keep their beloved mules happy and healthy. Fishing is still a key part of life in Clovelly and the port remains well-known for its lobsters, crabs and mackerel. Seafood lovers will be happy to know that Clovelly's restaurants offer locally sourced food, serving the freshest in-season catch daily. The village is also part of a sustainable fishing partnership to ensure lobsters thrive in the nearby waters for years to come. Consider planning a trip for May to enjoy the Seaweed Festival which celebrates the coast's natural bounty. Another big festival for food-focused travellers to keep an eye out for its the Lobster and Crab Feast that takes place in August. The annual event showcases the village's famous seafood. There's also the Herring Festival in November to honour the village's fishing heritage. Clovelly Court Gardens are a must see whilst visiting the famous village. Plants thrive in this sheltered sunny corner of North Devon, which has the added benefit of the warmth the Gulf Stream brings. You'll find neat, carefully tended gardens and beautifully restored Victorian greenhouses within its old walls. The famous 630 miles long South west Coast Path also passes right through Clovelly, making it the ideal stopping point. The Quay and its bay are sheltered from all the strong westerly winds. The settlement has been here since the 13th century. Landing a boat on the treacherous North Devon coast with its cliffs and rocky foreshores has never been easy. As long ago as the 13th century a rudimentary quay was constructed. Small fleets of fishing boats from Clovelly sailed Bideford Bay in search of herring and mackerel. Shopping in Clovelly is pure retail therapy. Clovelly Pottery, Clovelly Silk and Clovelly Soap all have unique and exclusive handmade products. Walking down the village, taking in the shops and the living history of this unique place is a wonderful way to spend a day out.
South Wales Argus
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Victorian-age Newport pub hosts its first same sex wedding
Stepping into the traditional alehouse is like stepping back into time, with all the character of the last 177 years staring back at you through the wooden bar. The pub may physically be old, but they're moving well into today's times after hosting their first ever same sex wedding this month. The ceremony took place before they headed back to the pub (Image: Supplied) Locals Debbie French and Clare Clifton tied the knot in the pub, surrounded family, friends, and regulars. Landlord Craig Davies, 43, is extremely proud to have had The Red Lion pub host the reception. He offered up the pub as a venue for the happy couple's reception after they found themselves dealing with 'some tough times', and it was quickly transformed. The traditional wooden bar and furniture found themselves draped in white and purple, creating the fairy-tale wedding the brides had envisioned. Some help from the local community brought the day together, with everyone from caterers to a photographer pulling together to bring the big day to fruition and transform the space and turn their day into 'everything it should have been'. The happy couple are regulars the Red Lion (Image: Supplied) Craig said: 'It was something to be proud of. It was my locals, my community, and my pub coming together to do something incredible for these ladies.' A Cardiff native, Craig was given the extra honour of giving Debbie away at the wedding, something that he says he did with 'pride and love for the girls'. After a night of celebration (where Craig serenaded guests with karaoke), the landlord was poring over the pub's heritage with the brides, when they realised that this would be the first ever same sex wedding they had hosted in its extensive history. Though Craig himself identifies as gay, he says that the pub 'isn't really an LGBTQ venue'. Instead, they simply welcome people from all walks of life through their doors. Craig had the honour of giving bridge Debbie away (Image: Supplied) Craig said: 'We're not in the stone age anymore. It's seen as an 'old man's' pub, but we've really come a long way. We all just love the girls and wanted to do something for them. 'We have the community feeling that other places don't have. The pub is already on the map for community support but absolutely came together to celebrate the girls.' This traditional Victorian rugby pub has come a long way from the days of old, becoming an inclusive space that cares about its regulars and provides them a warmth you may not get elsewhere.
Wales Online
28-06-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
One of Wales' best burger restaurants announce opening date in Cardiff
One of Wales' best burger restaurants announce opening date in Cardiff It will become its fifth Welsh location Some of the burgers on offer at Burger Boyz (Image: Burger Boyz ) One of south Wales's most loved burger restaurants is opening a new location in Cardiff. Burger Boyz has announced it will be arriving in the capital on Friday, July 18. It will be located at Cowbridge Road east in the Canton area of the city, within the same unit Ansh once traded. The business was launched by school mates Marcin Sadlos and Jack Phillips back in 2021, who quit their full-time jobs in the engineering industry after finding success pursuing a career in the culinary world, first buying a food truck, before taking over the kitchen at The Red Lion pub in Port Talbot. They went on to secure a spot at Newport Market, before going on to open a restaurant in Port Talbot, and are also based at Albert Hall in Swansea. For the latest restaurant reviews, sign up to our food and drink newsletter here . They also bought a food truck which is used to attend events, called The Truck Norris, named after its best-selling burger the Chuck Norris. The truck has had a presence at Bridgend designer outlet for the last year. Speaking ahead of the opening of their new location, Mr Sadlos said: "It's an exciting time. Cardiff is a site that we've wanted to open for a while now. Article continues below "We were looking for the right opportunity. "When Ansh decided to close, we got in touch with the landlords and decided to take it over." The restaurant's menu consists of seven different burgers, along with loaded fries and sides, and has gained a great reputation for the quality of its food. We tried it ourselves. You can read about that by clicking here. It has been visited by professional competitive eaters at its Port Talbot restaurant, including Randy Santel, Katina Eats Kilos, Joel Hansen (modelvsfood) and Leah Shutkever. Mr Sadlos added: "We are going to be serving the same menu that people are used to, and we are actually working on developing a little prep kitchen where we can bring in some smoked meats and some more American-style barbecue items. Article continues below "That will be for down the line and not for opening. "It will be a few months down the line once we have settled."
The Irish Sun
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
A very extensive list of London's 35 best pubs – by the locals who drink in them
LONDON is chock full of fantastic pubs but knowing which ones to really go to can be tricky. It is estimated that the capital city has more than 3,500 pubs , in fact. 11 We've rounded up our 35 favourite boozers in London according to locals Credit: Instagram But whether you're looking for an old man's boozer (carpet, old stools, no frills), a gastro pub (fancy food) or a cosy pitstop with a roaring fire, there is the perfect pub for everyone in the capital. Here is a selection of our favourite heaviest drinkers we know. The Eagle, Farringdon Claiming to be the first gastropub in the UK, it opened in 1991 when the owners were said to want to have a restaurant, but couldn't afford it. Make sure to get the famous steak sandwich, but expect your food to all come out at different times. Read more on pubs The Red Lion, Crown Passage The Red Lion is one of the oldest pubs in London with an intriguing history - it was said to be where Charles II visited with his mistress Nell Gwyn. Expect to see locals heading here for a pint after work. Guinea Grill, Mayfair Having first opened in 1423, this this is where you want to go for some great steak or pieces- great steak and pies. Despite a huge renovation last summer , it retains a lot of its original charm and feels like stepping back in time. Most read in News Travel The Portman, Marble Arch Near Oxford Street, the gastropub has all of the classic pub foods as well as huge It is light and airy too, thanks to its huge window-clad front. Why Guinness tastes better in Ireland Star & Garter, Soho This isn't where you go to get the best service, but the tiny pub is one of the most traditional you will find in the city. Make sure to head to the top floor to find the secret bar. The George, Mortimer Street The 18th century The George pub is where you will find people piling to the streets on a sunny day, being on the corner of Mortimer Street. It's Grade-II listed, having some of the original glasswork and panelling too. 11 The George pub retains many of the original features Credit: Alamy Burlington Arm, Saville Row The Victorian pub faces the Savile Row police station, dating back to the 1700s. While there are great beers and wines, make sure to try the scotch eggs - you won't regret it. Ye Grapes, Shepherds Market The traditional pub isn't just for a beer, as it also has a Thai restaurant inside. You won't spot many tourists in here either, despite its central location. The Chesterfield Arms, Hertford Street You won't miss this bright red pub, as it certainly stands out. Visit on a Tuesday to "meet the brewer" with a new one every week. 11 The Chesterfield Arms stands out in central London Credit: The Chesterfield Arms, Hertford Street The Newman Arms, Fitzrovia Once a brothel, The Newman Arms is now a cosy pub with a Victorian-like side alley. There is even a "pie room" on the first floor - make sure to try the Fisherman's one. The Lamb & Flag, Mayfair The Georgian Lamb & Flag is near Hyde Park but far enough away to be quieter than more central pubs. Expect classic British beers as well as food. The French House, Soho Famous guests at The French House include Dylan Thomas and Francis Bacon so you can sit where some of the greats did. Leave your phones in your bag though - they have a no tech rule. 11 The French House is one with no phones or TVs Credit: Alamy The Crown & Two Chairmen, Soho The landmark pub is one of the more spacious pubs in central London and was rebuilt in the 1920s. Expect live music on Sundays as well as an extensive drink list. The Ivy House, Nunhead, South East London London's first Community Owned Pub, The Ivy House was saved by locals in 2013 who saved it from demolition. Now, come for the drinks, but stay for the events from pub quizzes and beerfests to live music and book clubs. The Sun in Splendour, Notting Hill The bright yellow pub if fitting of it's name, with a huge menu of craft beers and cocktails along with food menu of both small plates and larger classics. Come in the summer and head straight to the outdoor patio in the back. 11 The Sun in Splendour can't be missed Credit: Instagram The Toucan, Carlisle Street, Soho Guinness fans need to head to The Toucan as it has some of the best pints of the drink outside of Dublin. Its tiny though, so you will likely find yourself standing on the street along with the other but still an institution. Cutty Sark Greenwich, South East London This is the spot you want to head to for a view, with a riverside terrace overlooking the river. Spritz fans can try everything from a Hugo Spritz to an unusual Rhubarb Rose Spritz. Efra Tavern, Brixton Efra Tavern is just five minutes from Brixton station so its easy to get to. It's a pub for adults, with kids and dogs banned but it has some amazing live music as well as a small beer garden. 11 Cutty Sark Greenwich has some of the best views over the river Credit: Instagram Bradley's Spanish Bar, Hanway Street The hidden pub isn't Spanish or owned by someone called Bradley, so don't be put off by the exterior. There might not be tapas, but there is a full bar menu and a free-to-use vintage jukebox too. The Blue Post, Berwick Street, Soho Tucked on the edge of Chinatown, Blue Post might not serve food but have all the beer, lager and wine on offer. Just don't confuse it with others - there are actually three Blue Posts in Soho alone. The George, Borough As the last galleried inn in London, The George was even mentioned in Charles Dickens' Little Dorrit. Now a Greene King pub, there is more than enough on the menu to keep you happy, as well as having multiple bars to choose from. 11 The George is the last galleried inn in London Credit: Alamy The Prospect of Whitby, Wapping Rumoured to be the UK's oldest riverside pub, The Prospect of Whitby has amazing views of The Thames. Come with an empty stomach and make sure to grab the fish and chips. The Dog & Bell, Deptford The Dog & Bell is definitely a hidden gem, and a great Irish pub to choose in the city. The first Tuesday of every month is where you can listen to some amazing jazz too. Royal Oak, Columbia Road After trawling Columbia Road's weekly flower market, The Royal Oak is where you will find everyone. It's worth it though for the classic pub grub - the burgers are especially great. 11 Royal Oak is popular with Columbia Road Flower Market visitors Credit: Instagram Windsor Castle, Notting Hill Windsor Castle is a real hidden gem, with a tucked away courtyard garden at the back. It has amazing pies and fish and chips, but book ahead on a Sunday as the crowds visit for the Nellie Dean on Dean Street, Soho Nellie Dean is the owned by Pieminster, so you would be mad not to grab one when visiting. The staff are amazing too - and definitely some of the friendliest in the city. Skehan's, Telegraph Hill, South East London Another Irish pub is Skehans, one of the few independent pubs remaining in London. With live music six days a week, a Thai restaurant inside and a hidden garden at the back, its definitely one to visit. 11 Skehans Freehouse has a Thai restaurant and live music throughout the week Credit: Instagram The Parakeet Pub, Kentish Town One of the newest pubs on the list The Parakeet Pub only opened in 2023 after converting a Victorian building. The stained glass bar is definitely one of the most beautiful in the city - with the crab croquettes a must. The Lord Clyde, Borough If you want an old man pub, this is the one, with vintage carpet and red leather bar stools. Its small so you might have to queue a while for your drink, but is worth it to be surrounded by proper locals. The Albert, Primrose Hill, West London Right opposite Regent's Park, The Albert has some of the most modern interiors for a pub. Head here when its good weather to the beer garden at the back, made cosy by the huge trees overhead. 11 The Albert has a great beer garden for the summer months Credit: Instagram The Cow, Notting Hill If you love Guinness and oysters, you need to head to The Cow. And keep your phone on you when heading to the bar or toilets with some very interesting wall decor... The Spaniards Inn, Hampstead Owned by two Spanish brothers, The Spaniards Inn dates back to 1585 and even welcomed both Dickens and Keats. Now its one to grab a hearty lunch at before walking it off at the nearby Hampstead Heath. The Royal Oak, Tabard Street, Borough The Victorian pub is a great spot to try all of the Harvey's of Lewes Beers. Don't expect it to be quiet though - it's near London Bridge and has won a number of awards in recent years. Coach and Horses, Soho The old school pub is like a time capsule, with it looking the same as it did back in the 1980s. Ask the staff how to find the secret tea room above... and stay for the unusual piano singalongs. 11 The landmark pub is one of the more spacious pubs in central London Credit: The Crown & Two Chairmen on Dean Street, Soho
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Britain can't afford another spendthrift chancer in Downing Street
Nigel Farage believes in fairies. That was the only conclusion I could make, a year ago, after taking a look at the hopeless Christmas list of policies that made up Reform's manifesto.I half-suspected it had been doodled on the back of a fag packet after a particularly hearty afternoon at Boisdale. It was all too good to be true: lifting income tax thresholds to £20,000 while cutting NHS waiting lists to zero suggested Reform's leader takes the Bourbon approach to Trussonomics. Bond market chaos loomed, if Sir Humphrey hadn't packed a confuddled Farage off to The Red Lion first. But flush with his local election success, Farage claims he wants to get the fourth-place Tories of little consequence, today's big speech sought not only to flesh out Reform's prospectus, but to outflank Labour, punching at the chasm between Starmer's parsimonious chancellor and his austerity-phobe backbenches, appealing to those immiserated by Rachel Reeves's performative fealty to the OBR. The Red Wall – je vous ai compris!Having already committed to nationalising Britain's steel industry, the Damascene conversion of this lifelong Thatcherite to social democracy en route to Number 10 continued with a pledge to reinstate the winter fuel allowance to pensioners and to scrap the two-child benefit limit. On top of this, Farage committed to introducing a new transferable marriage tax allowance on the first £25,000 they earn – on top of his retaining his commitment to hiking the income tax threshold. Never one to downplay his ambitions, Farage couched his speech in civilisational terms. The UK's collapsing birth rate represents 'an existential crisis for our country'; Reform will 'do everything in its power to encourage British people who are able and want kids to have them'. Yes, he admitted, it will all be a little expensive. But isn't it worth it to get Britain bonking?Farage has alighted upon a grim fiscal dilemma. Spending on the elderly is surging just as the old-age dependency ratio – the number of potential workers per pensioner – is collapsing. Without more babies, Britain's economy will become even more dependent on human quantitative easing – the mass importation of migrant workers to fill the human shortfall. That is an outcome that few Reform voters would greet with enthusiasm, even if they were staffing their care Farage's solutions are just as shallow as last year's manifesto's. Evidence suggests that the two-child limit hasn't reduced birth rates. Questions as to how this largesse would be funded cued Farage's usual waffle about scrapping migrant hotels, net zero and DEI. Sounds splendid. But will tearing down a few pride flags really fund the £50 billion plus blackhole these policies would create? Rather than break from the past, Reform would only hasten our rush towards national is a useful tribune – a lightning rod for the frustrations of voters fed up with both old parties. But on today's evidence, he has a long way to go before he has a serious plan for government. Britain can't afford another spendthrift chancer in Downing Street. If Farage really is serious about tackling our existential challenges, he needs better policies than this. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
