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Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
McDonald's in holiday hotspot boasts 'beautiful' surroundings and DJ until 4am
While you might think McDonald's restaurants are not fancy, this chain in a popular holiday spot begs to differ - it is inside a beautiful building where DJs play until 4am and there are light shows People have been left gobsmacked and saying "where has this been all my life" after discovering a unique McDonald's in a popular European party spot. When we travel abroad, many of us like to try out the local cuisine and avoid food spots that we can easily get at home. But, often, some of our favourite brands offer different menus we wouldn't be able to try at home. Plus, if you're partying all night and get the munchies you know you can relay on McDonald's at the end of the night. While we all know what McDonald's restaurants looks like, the menus vary by location to reflect local tastes and traditions - and there are a few which look nothing like the other eateries, such as the biggest McDonald's restaurant is in Orlando, Florida. In New Zealand, there is also a McDonald's where food is served from an abandoned aeroplane, plus there is a floating McDonald's service in Germany. Plus recently, fans discovered a rather spectacular McDonald's in Goshen, Indiana, located in what looks like an entire Medieval castle. Holiday experts at Travel Republic say that there are many more unique McDonald's eateries that many are unaware of - and look completely different to a typical McDonald's. One viral TikTok with almost 128,000 views shows the fast-food chain in Budapest transforming after 10pm with a DJ set and lights. The burger joint is called McDonald's Nygati and it is close to Budapest train station. It first opened in 1990 and even then was said to be one of the most beautiful chains in the world. Some have compared it to a "five star hotel",reports the New York Post. In 2024 the spot was closed for eight months of renovations, said to have cost over £3.6million. Old features inside have been resorted, touch screen tills have been added plus a new outside area. It boasts antique lamps, painted stucco ceilings, huge glass windows, and large terrace area to enjoy meals outside. Recently a video went viral of one customer, named Elena, showing off the beauty of the McDonald's following a first time visit. The clip showed the eatery looking like a nightclub after 10pm. On Friday and Saturday nights you can order a Big Mac and boogie on down as the immersive events see the grand ceiling inside the restaurant transform into a light show. You will see everything from a journey through space, fish swimming in the ocean or the jungle. Plus, there are also DJs spinning live decks between 10am and 4am. There are even special food options, including the Goosey Gustav burger, which has foie gras on top, and gluten-free buns. Food can be seen moving through the restaurant on conveyer belts, Elena showed in her video. On Trip Advisor, one individual said: "Worth a visit if you're nearby. It;s situated beside the train station in a beautiful building unlike any other McDonald's I've been too. Service was quick." Another wrote: "The most elegant McDonald's in Europe, on Fridays and Saturdays you dance from 9pm onwards is on the roof are projected lights and animations. Characteristic is the building adjacent to the Budapest train station."
Daily Mirror
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
One of UKs best seaside fish and chip shops with Gordon Ramsay and a royal big fans
'Sophisticated' fish and chips in popular seaside spot are some of the best around - and you'll get a warm welcome, 'great' service along with 'excellent' posh food in an unpretentious atmosphere A seaside fish and chip shop is one of the best spots for the classic British summertime treat and diners are raving about the 'excellent experience'. As the holiday season kicks in with long warm days rolling out before us, many of us will be heading to popular coastal spots and no doubt fancying one of the all-time seaside favourites, fish and chips. The fish and chip restaurant is 'friendly and unpretentious' despite having a sophisticated vibe with Gordon Ramsay and even a royal being big fans. Riddle & Finns The Beach is a seafood restaurant almost hidden away in the narrow old Lanes in Brighton, an area which is historically linked to the old-time fishing trade. Food and Travel Magazine recently named Riddle & Finns as the absolute best in their list of the '10 Best Seaside Fish and Chip Shops' in the UK. The magazine reported that the seafood restaurant stood out 'as the very best' and counted Gordon Ramsay as 'a happy customer'. But this is not your takeaway paper-wrapped fish and chips, it's a full-on dining experience to be savoured while enjoying the view. Locally-sourced seafood is cooked up with expertise by chef David Roy. Fishermen are still working away nearby, providing catch for diners at Riddle & Finns to enjoy - from traditional fish and ships, to oysters, seabass or chowder - fish lovers will find everything they could wish for here. Queen Camilla's son, food writer Tom Parker Bowles, is also a big fan of the eaterie. Writing in the Daily Mail, he said: "There's a levelheaded confidence here, as well as natural, unforced charm, that you only wish could be spread across the entire service industry. Walking in, it feels like you're a guest at some top-secret feast, rather than mere punter in search of sustenance. "Every coastal town deserves a Riddle and Finns, small, unpretentious and confident. No fuss or faffing about, just fresh fish, well cooked." Recent online reviews describe an 'overall excellent experience' with diners proclaiming they 'will be coming back'. One five-star review on TripAdvisor describes 'a wonderful mid-week dinner here as a walk-in'. Another reviewer described the place as 'a sophisticated seaside treat' after visiting last month (June 2025). On TripAdvisor Matthew H wrote: 'On a blowy Brighton day, after an almost straight walk down from the train station, this pavilion offers a warm welcome and a sophisticated dining experience. 'Food – There is what you want here, whole fish, seafood, snacks. I went for the chowder to start – potato, a milky stock, carrots, smoky bacon, small clams and a basil oil drizzle, £10 EXCELLENT. 'Then a half lobster thermidor – cheesy, small but delicious. And fries – nicely cooked outer crunch and inner fluffiness.' Another described the 'great location' after scoring a balcony table with a sea view. They said they had 'excellent food, great service' and the staff were 'very welcoming'. As well as delightful seafood, the wines and bubbly are also reviewed as being good quality. Riddle & Finns has over 1800 five-star reviews on TripAdvisor and the restaurant has been serving happy customers since 2006.
Daily Mirror
8 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Man goes walking in forest at night but one thing makes him leave immediately
A man who explored New Forest, covering Hampshire and Wiltshire, at night has explain exactly why he decided to turn around and head back towards his car mid-journey It has been voted as one of the best national parks in Europe - but one man says he turned around mid-hike after the 'atmosphere started to change'. New Forest National Par k, covering Hampshire and Wiltshire, is one of the largest remaining tracks of Southern England's unenclosed pasture lands. Its history spans nearly 1,000 years with William the Conqueror taking ownership of the area for hunts in 1079. While the forest is home to wild ponies today, it's said to be haunted by various ghosts throughout the centuries. After finding himself trekking through the forest at night, TikTok user @saintjidz experienced how 'creepy' it can be at night. In his video, he said: "In 2022, it was voted the best national park in Europe [in TripAdvisor's 2022 Travellers' Choice Awards for Destinations] but what can go wrong when you're hiking at night? "We decided to slap on the Garmin, jump in the Mini, drive down south and visiting the New Forest. "It was meant to be a simple trail, exploring the forest. But after veering off course, I had to hike through the darkness." He then shows himself surrounded by ponies while trying to navigate his way through the forest. He added: "Also known as the Whispering Forest, it's been around for nearly 900 years and with wild ponies roaming around at night, it felt like the atmosphere started to change." When he came head-to-head with around seven ponies, he decided to turn back - not wanting to risk what could have happened otherwise. "It was like silence of the lambs," he said: "I'm walking up and I'm seeing about seven ponies. You can never underestimate animals because if you encroach their space, I was like it's 7v1 - how am I going to manage that? I had to do a 360." Commenting on his video, one user said: "New Forest is gorgeous don't know if it's your thing but in the New Forest is Beaulieu Motor Museum, which is in the Beaulieu Estate. If you don't like cars then the gardens, abbey ruins and palace house is a must." Another user added: "Nah all good down here. Lived here ages and been out in the woods plenty of times at night (have a dog that hates others) - it's even better night. Hope you had a good visit." A third user said: "Most haunted forest in England and home to the witches of burly... if you believe that stuff." One more user added: "Nah this is wild. I am not a forest in the dark their eyes lighting up too." A final user said: "You be brave."
Daily Mirror
11 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Inside 'cleanest town in Scotland' that's home to beautiful beaches and whale watching
Shetland has been named the cleanest place in Scotland, with almost 99 per cent of public spaces across the archipelago being litter-free - and the main town has plenty to offer tourists Scotland is battling a significant litter issue, reportedly worsened by the Covid-19 pandemic. Urban areas have been hit hardest, with Dundee and Glasgow topping the list of Scotland's most littered cities, as per a recent report from Keep Scotland Beautiful featured in The Herald. However, other parts of Scotland are being praised for their cleanliness. Shetland has earned the title of Scotland's cleanest place. The new data reveals that an impressive 98.7% of public spaces on the archipelago are predominantly free of litter - the highest percentage in the country. This honour allows Lerwick, Shetland's main port, to boast the title of Scotland's cleanest town. As the largest settlement on the island group, housing around 7,000 residents, it serves as the perfect starting point to discover this remote part of Scotland. Situated almost halfway between Bergen in Norway and Aberdeen, Lerwick offers a unique culture. Its quaint lanes and laid-back atmosphere make it an ideal holiday destination - with top attractions including the Iron Age broch of Clickimin and the Shetland Museum, reports the Daily Record. Visitors can also enjoy orca watching in the nearby seas or stay on land to explore the captivating marine life around the islands. Lerwick even boasts its own beach, Bain's, just a stone's throw from the town centre. If you fancy a bit of solitude, there are plenty of beaches scattered around the Shetland Mainland. Sumburgh, situated at the southernmost point of the island and just a half-hour drive away, is famed for its breathtaking white sands. Also nestled in the southern region of the island is Spiggie Beach. Its pristine waters have been likened to those of a Greek island, albeit with a cooler climate. After a day of adventuring, unwind with some grub or a drink at one of Lerwick's pubs or restaurants. The Lounge Bar, which holds the top spot on TripAdvisor, provides live music for its guests. For a bite to eat, No 88 Kitchen and Bar comes highly recommended. This local gem dishes up an intriguing blend of Scottish, British and Philippine cuisine.
Daily Mirror
12 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Huge boost for 'declining' UK seaside town as abandoned pier to get £13m refurb
Following years of outrage from locals and tourists a like, it seems one seaside town is finally ready to bring its abandoned pier back to life, thanks to a £13 million pot of funding A 164-year-old pier defining one of the UK's most popular seaside towns could be brought back to life by next year thanks to a hefty investment. Stretching out a staggering 3,600 ft (around 0.68 miles), Southport Pier is the second longest in the UK - and first opened back in 1860. For decades, it attracted swathes of tourists who walk around 10 minutes to reach the end of the pier and soak up the stunning sea-views, as well as to make use of the indoor cafe and small arcade. Visitors could also take the miniature railway, which whizzed Brits over to the end of the pier for just a couple of quid. But in 2022, the Victorian structure was closed due to safety fears, with necessary repairs estimated to cost a whopping £13 million. The three-year closure has sparked outrage amongst locals and tourists alike - with many arguing the abandoned site is the perfect omen for the 'declining' seaside town. In fact, one 'embarrassed' Brit dubbed Southport 'a very sad neglected town for tourists and residents' on TripAdvisor back in 2023. Another agreed, scathing: "It's time the council got this beautiful historical pier sorted and opened again! This is one of Southports main attractions and they cant afford to have the renovation. A real shame," while a third penned: "I still can't believe that Southport has been allowed to decline even further, the council do not seem to be bothered." Still, Visit Southport, the area's official tourist board, hailed the destination as being a 'fun-loving' seaside resort with 'attractions for all the family'. "[There's] an abundance of independent restaurants and bars making it a foodies' haven, and full of culture," it wrote. "When it comes to beaches, you're spoiled for choice. We have 22 miles of coastline from Formby Beach, Ainsdale Beach, Crosby Beach (where you can visit the famous Antony Gormley 'Another Place'), and Southport Beach itself. You can enjoy some of the most stunning views along our coast." However, last month Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed the pier would be eligible for cash from a new fund dedicated to speeding up 'forgotten' local projects. Speaking on BBC Radio Merseyside, Sefton Council leader Marion Atkinson said the authority would be ready to start work on the pier 'within six to eight weeks' of receiving the government funding. "We're absolutely wanting to get on with it," she said. The councillor stated that repairs would take between 12 to 14 months, adding: "We'll be looking at ways in which, if we can, to get it done as quickly as we possibly can. But, it does take a lot of time because there's a lot of work." When approached for comment, Sefton Council directed the Mirror to the Southport Pier's FAQ page. Here, the council explains that the pier endured a UK-wide extreme cold weather snap at the end of 2022 which caused 'further damage' to its structural condition. "Following an inspection by a team of independent Structural Engineers, Sefton Council was told to close the pier to protect the safety of anyone working on it or visiting the iconic tourist attraction," the council said. "A full and extensive independent structural survey was commissioned, the interim feedback from which has confirmed the need to keep the Pier closed until further extensive repair and replacement works are carried out. The final surveys state the same explicitly, and the Pier would no longer be insurable so had to be shut." Sefton Council says it has since engaged in several conversations with regards to external funding having already completed phase one of the decking replacement. The council also agreed to allocate £3 million to the Pier project. "Sefton Council has also made several appointments in order to specify the works that will be required to refurbish the Pier and we are preparing for appointing a contractor for the works, again reaffirming Sefton's commitment to the project," the authority added.
