Courtney Pochin

Frozen yogurt is experiencing a comeback in London after fading in the late 2010s, when market saturation, rising prices, and doubts about its health benefits drove consumers toward other dessert trends. The revival is being led by international brands including Los Angeles-based Go Greek, Madrid-founded MYKA, and Australian chain Yo-Chi, alongside the reduced but continuing presence of London pioneer SNOG. New venues are emphasizing premium ingredients, bright presentation, self-service, customizable toppings, and social-media appeal rather than positioning fro-yo as a healthier alternative to ice cream. Food trends expert Vhari Russell attributes the resurgence to millennial nostalgia combined with younger consumers discovering retro products through TikTok.

Courtney Pochin describes Aldeburgh in Suffolk as her preferred seaside escape from London, having visited at least annually for 17 years. She praises its pebble beach, colourful seafront, independent shops, restaurants, pubs and enduring local businesses, while highlighting morning sea swims and walks toward Thorpeness and Slaughden. Nearby attractions include the Scallop sculpture, marshland trails and RSPB Minsmere, although the main appeal is the town’s relaxing atmosphere and sense of continuity.

Asda has launched a £4 Hot Food To Go Meal Deal at participating UK stores with rotisserie counters. Customers can choose one main, one side and one dip from a range including chicken, pizza, breakfast baps, hash browns and sauces, but the deal does not include a drink. It is broadly in line with competing supermarket meal deals, although availability is currently limited and some rotisserie items, including half and whole chickens, remain excluded and must be purchased separately.

Many women say they find it highly arousing when male partners vocalise pleasure during sex, describing moans and other sounds as sexy, vulnerable and reassuring. Men interviewed online give varied reasons for staying quiet, including porn-influenced expectations, embarrassment and concentrating on lasting longer. Therapist Tiff Hudson says vocalisation provides clear feedback, reduces guesswork and can strengthen intimacy, trust and mutual consent. She recommends starting with natural breathing, quiet sounds and simple verbal feedback rather than performative theatrics, with solo practice as an option for those who feel nervous.

The phrase “I like that you like it” can be interpreted as a backhanded compliment during sex, making some people question whether their partner is genuinely enjoying the experience and pulling them out of the moment. Therapists Kayte Callaghan and Hannah Jackson-McCamley explain that the phrase is not inherently negative and may express genuine pleasure in a partner’s enjoyment, or freudenfreude, when communication and consent are present. They advise discussing sexual needs outside the bedroom, using “I” statements, choosing a calm and comfortable setting, and paying attention to power imbalances, passivity and whether both partners feel safe and able to consent.

Rain and thunderstorms are expected across parts of the UK after weeks of drought and high temperatures. RHS chief horticulturist Guy Barter advises clearing gutters, water butts and pipes; loosening compacted non-clay soil; applying coarse mulch to bare ground; suspending watering until storms pass; and avoiding mowing grass or cutting back plants so vegetation can reduce runoff and protect soil and wildlife.

Cadbury’s planned Christmas 2026 products—a Dairy Milk Buttons Smash Bauble and Biscoff-filled chocolate baubles—have drawn online criticism because shoppers say they closely resemble Easter eggs and contain too few buttons. Some consumers nevertheless praised the concept. Mondelēz International confirmed the products will join Cadbury’s Christmas range, while a Metro taste test found Morrisons’ cheaper milk chocolate matched Cadbury Dairy Milk’s score and contains no palm oil.

Burger King has offered breakfast in the UK for more than 30 years, but the menu is little known because it is available at only around 100 of the chain’s nearly 600 locations and is not actively advertised. The menu includes breakfast sandwiches, the Breakfast King, the Ultimate Breakfast and hash browns, with prices starting at £1.79. A Metro taste test found the food generally enjoyable, particularly the hash browns, Egg & Cheese Butty and Breakfast King, although some tasters criticized the lack of sauce. Burger King says breakfast availability and serving times vary by restaurant, with newer and remodelled locations more likely to offer it.

Discussing salaries with trusted colleagues can help employees assess whether they are underpaid and make better-supported pay-rise requests. Vivian Tu says learning a colleague’s salary helped both of them secure higher pay. UK employees are generally protected when discussing pay to investigate possible discrimination under Section 77 of the Equality Act 2010, although contracts and workplace policies should still be checked. Experts advise respecting colleagues’ privacy, considering legitimate differences in experience and performance, researching market rates, and basing negotiations on documented achievements. If a raise is refused, employees can seek alternative benefits, clearer progression, or opportunities with another employer.

McDonald's has launched its first Crocs-themed Happy Meal promotion in the UK and Ireland, replacing the previous World Cup Squishmallows offer. Each meal includes one of 12 Crocs mini character clip keyrings packaged in a tiny shoe box, while customers can request Rob Biddulph's book Gigantic instead. The promotion also includes activity materials and an online “Style your Crocs” game. Happy Meals start at £4.39, with McDonald's app users able to buy one for £2.99 during August, subject to redemption limits. Fans have reacted enthusiastically, although some are disappointed that the keyrings are all for the right foot and do not include actual shoes or charms.

Studland Bay’s designated naturist area at Knoll Beach in Dorset has been named among the world’s 25 best nude beaches. The 900-metre clothing-optional section, established in 1984, is clearly signposted and governed by rules requiring respectful, non-sexual behaviour, privacy and no indecent photography or filming. National Trust staff and police patrol the area, while visitors should note that facilities are limited, parking requires a walk, and there are no toilets or lifeguards directly on the naturist beach. The piece also highlights Cap d’Agde in France and the growing popularity of non-sexual nude cruises.

Nestlé has launched Milkybar Caramel Crunch, a caramel-flavoured white chocolate bar containing crunchy biscuit pieces, as part of its Christmas 2026 range. A food blogger praised its sweet, creamy and crunchy texture, while shoppers said it reminded them of discontinued products including Crunch White and Nestlé White Crisp. The bar costs £1.50 at Morrisons, or £1.25 for More Card holders. Nestlé and other confectionery brands are also releasing or returning several festive chocolate products.

Peterborough has developed a reputation for high-street decline and poor quality of life, with residents recalling a more prosperous city in the 1970s and 1980s. A series of regeneration projects aims to reverse that image, including a £65 million Station Quarter redevelopment, a £36 million swimming and leisure centre, the £8.3 million Cygnet Bridge, a potential £13 million Youth Zone, and government funding of up to £40 million through the Pride in Place programme. The Towns Fund is also supporting library and business-space improvements, while Amazon’s planned £107 million distribution centre is expected to create 1,400 jobs. MP Andrew Pakes says the investment can help the city rebuild, even though it cannot restore the former retail landscape.

McDonald’s UK is changing its menu every six weeks, with the July and early-August range centered on hot honey sauces and spicy variations of familiar items. New and returning products include Hot Honey McCrispy, Hot Honey breakfast items, bacon-topped Big Arch, Mozzarella Dippers and two Cornetto McFlurries returning after 17 years. The updated guide also catalogues 2026 launches and seasonal items, including McGriddles, the Friends Meal, World Cup-themed meals, new McCrispy variants, McFlurries, drinks and limited-edition sides.

Lidl has relaunched its Bakery Spin promotion for Lidl Plus Points members in the UK, running until 19 August 2026. Customers qualify by making a purchase of at least 1p and scanning the app, after which they can spin for a free bakery item. The game can be played once per qualifying purchase, with at least one day between purchases, and prizes are selected from a range of bakery products subject to availability.

After moving from London to Tunbridge Wells in January 2024, the writer quickly regretted the decision because long, unreliable commutes and the limited evening and cultural life left her unhappy. Her husband also missed London’s spontaneity and entertainment, despite initially expecting to enjoy the quieter surroundings. Using a rental with a six-month break clause, the couple returned to London and settled in Zone 3, where they retain some of the advantages of suburban life while having easier access to the city. The experience made them appreciate London more and confirmed that the commuter-town lifestyle was not right for them.

High temperatures can damage medicines or alter how the body absorbs them, particularly when products are left in hot cars, bags, bathrooms or direct sunlight. Guidance from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency recommends storing most medicines below 25°C, following package instructions and seeking advice from a pharmacist when unsure. Hormonal contraceptives—including the combined pill, mini pill, patch and vaginal ring—may be less effective after prolonged exposure above 30°C. People who suspect their medication has been compromised should consider replacing it, continue prescribed treatment unless advised otherwise, and use backup contraception such as condoms for at least seven days. Heat can also affect medical devices such as blood glucose monitors.

Tesco and easyJet holidays are operating a one-day “Back From Holiday Shop” pop-up at London Southend Airport on July 29. Passengers arriving on five eligible easyJet flights between noon and 5 p.m. can claim one complimentary bag of groceries per household, subject to availability. The bag includes essentials such as milk, bread, tea, cheese, fruit, vegetables, biscuits and detergent, though contents may vary. A separate Instagram competition offers ten £250 Tesco vouchers and one £1,500 holiday, open to UK residents aged over 18.

Eyeshadow has become associated by some Gen Z consumers with older, less fashionable makeup styles as beauty trends shift toward skinimalism, clean-girl aesthetics and subtle looks. Retailers are reportedly stocking fewer colorful palettes, frustrating makeup enthusiasts, while makeup artist Manisha Shah says clients increasingly prefer softer, more natural glam than the dramatic cut creases popular in the mid-2010s. However, eyeshadow remains part of Asian bridal makeup and is showing signs of a revival through Zara Larsson’s colorful Y2K-inspired looks. Shah expects the trend to return in a softer, more wearable form because beauty fashions are cyclical.

Chinatown Bakery, a London business founded in Chinatown in 2012, has opened its sixth capital location at Westfield White City and plans to open 20 sites across the UK within five years. Co-owner Simon Tang said the expansion aims to preserve the bakery’s Hong Kong-inspired flavours and techniques while reaching a wider audience. Customers particularly praise its fluffy sponge cakes, taiyaki, pork buns and other traditional treats, although some reviews criticize the prices and busy stores.

Lidl has launched Wellness Wednesdays for Lidl Plus users, offering 10% off its Live Well range, and partnered with chef Miguel Barclay to create seven recipes costing £1 or less per serving. Inspired by the Planetary Health Diet, the meals promote affordable healthier choices through ingredients such as beans, lentils, vegetables and wholegrains. The featured Chicken Kra Pow with Cauliflower Rice costs £1, provides 23.8g of protein and 296 calories, while the other recipes range from 74p to £1 per serving.

Center Parcs plans to expand its Dozing Duck gastropub concept from Sherwood Forest to Longford Forest and, subject to planning approval, Elveden Forest in Suffolk in 2027. Proposed improvements at Elveden’s Foresters’ Inn include an extension, refurbishment, new dining areas, play spaces, shuffleboard, crazy pool, a terrace, dining pods and a buggy park. The company says guests want a more premium experience, although reviews of The Dozing Duck are mixed. Center Parcs also intends to roll out its Entertainment Hive competitive-socialising concept to more villages after strong revenue and occupancy results at Woburn and Whinfell Forest.

Lidl has introduced two limited‑edition bakery items, a 59p Neapolitan Traybake and a 99p Chocolate Pistachio Tiffin, both receiving enthusiastic responses from shoppers. Additional deals for Lidl Plus members include discounted doughnuts, Pastel de Natas and reduced reward points for a cheese twist. The piece also notes returning Walkers MAX KFC crisp flavours and new KFC ‘Crispy Naan’ menu items, alongside references to other recent supermarket‑related food news.

Research from Amsterdam University Medical Center and the BeMother project shows that pregnancy produces structural and functional brain changes with each child, with the first pregnancy causing the most pronounced grey matter reductions and functional shifts. A second pregnancy builds on earlier changes, producing fewer alterations in previously affected regions but introducing new adaptations in attention and responsiveness networks to meet the demands of caring for multiple children. The degree of brain change appears linked to maternal–infant bonding, and researchers aim to further map pregnancy‑related neurological transformations to better understand conditions such as postpartum depression.

McDonald’s is removing several low-cost items from its UK delivery menu, including hamburgers, Mini McFlurries, small fries, small drinks, salads and porridge, while keeping them available in restaurants. The company cites customer feedback and operational efficiency as reasons for the change, though many customers online expressed frustration over losing cheaper portion sizes. The update coincides with the launch of new limited-edition items, including a Hot Honey range and the return of the Cornetto McFlurry.

A writer tests The London EDITION’s lobby as a remote work spot, finding it comfortable, welcoming, and productive thanks to its elegant atmosphere, helpful staff, free WiFi, and flexible seating. Despite high food and drink prices, the cost for a full workday remains far lower than co‑working alternatives. The hotel allows non‑guests to work in the lobby with minimal pressure to purchase more than a drink, making it a recommended option for remote workers seeking a pleasant change of scenery.

Dermot Murnaghan’s death from stage‑four prostate cancer highlights his call for men over 50 and high‑risk groups to undergo testing, underscoring the importance of early detection. A urological specialist outlines key warning signs including urinary changes, weak flow, dribbling, incomplete bladder emptying, blood in urine, and erectile problems, noting that symptoms may be caused by other conditions but should prompt medical evaluation. Research linking frequent ejaculation to reduced prostate‑cancer risk is also referenced, along with the need for increased awareness as global mortality is expected to rise.

Pandan is emerging as a major new food and drink trend in the UK, driven by growing Southeast Asian cultural influence, Gen Z’s interest in global flavours, and the appeal of its natural green colour. Long used across Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines, the fragrant plant is beginning to appear widely on UK menus and in new product launches. Food brands and cafés are adopting it for its versatility, clean-label advantages and aesthetic appeal. London bakeries and pop‑ups such as Pandan Bakery and Lil Wong Bakes offer cakes, cookies and traditional desserts, while cafés and bars are introducing pandan‑based drinks including matcha blends and cocktails. The ingredient is expected to enter the mainstream across categories from pastries to beverages, with experts predicting long-term growth rather than a passing fad.

A London restaurant, Napoli on the Road, has been named Europe’s best pizzeria for the third consecutive year by the 50 Top Pizza Awards. Owned by Naples-born chef Michele Pascarella, the restaurant is praised for its inventive dishes, including the award-winning Ricordi d’Infanzia pizza. A review of the Soho location highlights several standout items and celebrates the high-quality ingredients and innovative preparations. Other London pizzerias, including 50 Kalò, L’Antica Pizzeria, and Connie’s Pizzeria, also earned top rankings, with the leading venues advancing to compete for recognition among the world’s best pizzerias.

Public health officials warn that hot weather can reduce the effectiveness of many common medicines and medical devices, including contraceptive pills, insulin and inhalers, due to heat-related degradation of active ingredients. The MHRA advises storing medicines below 25C, keeping them out of cars and direct sunlight, and using cool bags when travelling. Pharmacist Jason Murphy highlights that hormonal contraceptives are particularly sensitive to temperatures above 30C, increasing the risk of unintended pregnancy. Users are encouraged to check for signs of compromised medication and consult healthcare professionals if concerned.

Gen Z are increasingly replacing pre-drinking alcohol with tea, with research from Twinings showing nearly half choosing it before nights out or high-pressure situations. Young adults describe tea as calming, grounding and a way to prepare mentally, with some even opting for it at festivals or before dates. Twinings notes a rise in interest in lighter, functional blends such as its Glow superblend, reflecting a shift toward intentional, wellness-focused rituals among younger consumers.

Cadbury and Krispy Kreme have launched a limited‑edition Double Chocolate Original Glazed doughnut made with Dairy Milk to mark World Chocolate Day, available from July 7 to 12. The collaboration has generated excitement online, though some consumers criticised Cadbury’s use of palm oil and changes they perceive in the chocolate’s quality. Mondelēz International clarified that palm oil has been part of the recipe for decades, is sustainably sourced, and meets UK and EU standards. Regulatory differences in cocoa‑solid requirements were also addressed to counter rumours about Dairy Milk’s classification. The launch follows other recent confectionery collaborations, including Jaffa Cake Digestives and a new Hobnob flavour.

A new Get Baked Feat. Godfrey’s dessert shop opened in Covent Garden, drawing huge queues as more than 500 visitors received free slices of the brand’s signature 24-layer Bertha cake. The launch highlighted Get Baked’s partnership with popcorn company Godfrey’s as part of a plan to expand into cinema and theatre snack markets. Founder Rich Meyers noted strong demand from early morning crowds and teased future collaborations and international pop-ups, including a joint project with ice cream brand Messina in Australia.

A 2,000‑year‑old French cheese called cancoillotte has gone viral on social media due to its runny texture, low fat content and high protein levels. Originating from Franche-Comté and protected under the EU PGI scheme, it is made from fermented metton and comes in several varieties. Influencers and French food lovers have praised its flavour and versatility, helping boost interest in the UK, where it can be purchased from The French Comte at Borough Market or select French delis.

A blind taste test by Which? ranked Aldi’s Specially Selected Madagascan Vanilla Ice Cream as the UK’s top supermarket vanilla, praised for flavour, creaminess and value. Sainsbury’s, Waitrose and Yeo Valley followed closely, with Morrisons, Tesco and Lidl scoring slightly lower. Premium brands Häagen-Dazs and Jude’s ranked at the bottom due to mixed flavour and texture feedback. The test involved 63 UK consumers who evaluated flavour, appearance, aroma and texture. The piece also highlights London’s Big Kid Ice Cream for its creative flavours and growing popularity.

Walkers selected Salt & Pepper Chicken and Grilled Cheese & Chilli Jam as finalists of its Do Us A Flavour competition, with both varieties launching in supermarkets this summer. Sales of the limited‑edition crisps will determine which becomes a permanent addition to the brand’s range. The flavour creators, Lydia Houghton and Becky Dibble, stand to win up to £500,000, while influencers and Walkers’ marketing team promote the campaign.

Ultrasound cakes featuring printed scan images are growing in popularity in the UK, driven by demand for personalised celebration cakes and increased sharing on social media. Cake Box reports a surge in orders as parents use the cakes for pregnancy announcements, baby showers and gender reveals. Prices vary by size and flavour, and customers can upload scan photos and customise designs with decorative elements or hidden colours.

Camden will introduce a Public Spaces Protection Order in July giving police and council officers authority to stop public drinking and confiscate alcohol when linked to anti-social behaviour. Those who refuse to comply may receive a £100 fixed penalty, reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days, with possible prosecution for non‑payment. The order will run for three years and excludes Hampstead Heath. Similar rules exist in several other London boroughs. An exemption applies for drinking outside licensed venues. Councillor Patricia Callaghan said the aim is to curb disruptive behaviour while allowing responsible drinking.

Men describe how frequently they think about past partners, with some recalling former loves daily despite being content in long-term marriages. Several recount nostalgia, missed timing, or personal mistakes that shaped these lingering thoughts. Relationship experts explain that occasional reflections on past partners are normal and often tied to nostalgia, unmet needs, or idealised memories, but may require deeper self-examination if they become obsessive.

A global community cake‑sharing event called Cake Picnic, created by Elisa Sunga, is returning to London with around 500 attendees expected. Participants must bring a homemade cake to gain entry and enjoy unlimited slices. The event has expanded internationally, and safety guidance is provided for baking and transport. Tickets for the London sessions have sold out, and Sunga plans further UK events. She has also released a cookbook inspired by standout cakes from the picnics.

CAMRA’s Pub Design Awards 2026 highlight outstanding restoration, refurbishment and conversions of pubs across the UK, with winners including Birmingham’s Woodman, multiple London pubs and Liverpool’s St Peter’s Tavern. Judges praised sensitive conservation, imaginative redesigns and community-focused revitalisation efforts, while industry leaders emphasised the importance of preserving historic and culturally significant pub spaces despite challenges facing the hospitality sector.

Spa Valley Railway in Kent is offering low‑cost vintage train journeys that pair with wine tastings at Birchden Vineyards and Wildwood Vineyard, both praised for their scenic settings and quality experiences. Birchden offers a tour and tasting for an additional fee, featuring three wines and time at its Tasting Den, while Wildwood provides a cheaper guided tasting with optional cheese pairing. Visitors are advised to coordinate train and vineyard tour times, with additional themed trips such as gin and whisky trains also available. Regular train links from London make the experience accessible within about an hour.

A blind taste test of 12 supermarket and branded pork sausages ranked Lidl’s £2.49 Deluxe Pork Sausages as the top choice for taste, texture and value, scoring 73%. Aldi and Morrisons followed closely with 72%. More expensive options, including Waitrose No.1 sausages and high‑welfare brands The Jolly Hog and Porky Whites, ranked near the bottom due to weaker flavour or seasoning. The test, conducted by 65 UK consumers, evaluated flavour, appearance, aroma and texture, with Lidl offering the strongest overall performance despite its higher saturated fat content.