Emilia Randall

A comparison of supermarket brown sauces finds Aldi’s Bramwells sauce the strongest performer, offering rich flavour, good consistency and exceptional value at 99p, beating even HP. Asda’s option provides decent flavour but suffers from watery texture, while M&S and Waitrose disappoint with weaker or off‑profile tastes. HP remains a dependable benchmark but is outmatched on value by Aldi’s budget alternative.

Snape Maltings in Suffolk was named East England’s top food destination by Which? after receiving high scores for its restaurants and tranquil setting. Aldeburgh and nearby venues offer renowned seafood, including the acclaimed Aldeburgh Fish and Chip Shop, Regatta restaurant, and The Suffolk, praised by critic Jay Rayner. The Aldeburgh Food and Drink Festival returns in September, complementing the area’s independent shops and scenic coastal walks.

A new study by NoDepositRewards.org identifies Brighton as the most expensive seaside destination in the UK, where a typical beach day costs £38.20 and £100 stretches just over two days. High parking fees and meal prices contribute to the total, with St Ives ranked second most expensive. Swansea is highlighted as the most affordable option at £16.71 per day. The findings aim to help families budget more effectively for coastal trips.

Blue Story, the London gang drama previously withdrawn from Vue cinemas after violent incidents in 2019, is now available on BBC iPlayer and receiving widespread acclaim from critics and viewers. The film, written and directed by Rapman and starring Stephen Odubola and Khali Best, is praised for its emotional depth and unique storytelling. Rapman disputes any link between the violence and the film, while Vue denies racial motivations, citing multiple related incidents and operational challenges. The film’s return to streaming reignites discussion around its past controversy and strong critical reception.

Cornwall’s Rame Peninsula, home to the quiet twin villages of Cawsand and Kingsand, offers secluded beaches, scenic coastal paths and preserved historic charm away from busy tourist hotspots. Recognised as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the area features safe swimming bays, rock pools, and local pubs and eateries, while nearby Whitsand Bay provides expansive coastal views. Its peaceful atmosphere and proximity to Plymouth make it an appealing option for a tranquil staycation.

Japanese maples are vulnerable to leaf loss in summer due to shallow roots and rapid soil drying. Applying mulch helps retain moisture, keeps roots cool, prevents sun damage and weed growth, and supports vibrant foliage. Lightweight organic mulches such as pine bark, wood chips, compost or leaf mould work best, while nitrogen-rich options should be avoided. A thin layer kept clear of the trunk combined with weekly deep watering keeps the trees hydrated and maintains their colour throughout the season.

Heythrop Zoo in the Cotswolds has closed permanently following the retirement of founder Jim Clubb, whose animal training facility supported major film and television productions for decades. All animals have been rehomed, and the site will be converted into storage units. Clubb plans to focus on personal projects, including caring for his remaining animals and co‑writing books with his son.

Adding natural stones or rocks to a garden bird bath offers small birds like robins a safe grip and makes the water feature more appealing. Flat, natural stones are recommended to prevent slipping, and positioning the bath near shelter while keeping it visible helps attract more species. Regular maintenance, including daily water changes and cleaning, keeps baths hygienic, while copper coins can help reduce algae. The RSPB advises against feeding birds seeds or peanuts between May and October due to disease risk.

Robins and other small birds can be attracted to gardens by adding natural, non‑polished stones to birdbaths to create stable perches. Shallow, gently sloping baths are ideal, and maintaining clean, fresh water is essential. Copper coins can help reduce algae buildup due to their natural biocidal properties. The RSPB has advised against providing seeds or peanuts during spring and summer to curb the spread of disease among garden birds.

The first three seasons of the psychological drama The Affair are now available free on ITVX, with additional seasons scheduled for release over the coming years. Viewers on IMDb have praised the series for its complex storytelling, character perspectives and emotional depth, frequently calling it a masterpiece. The show, created by Sarah Treem and Hagai Levi and starring Dominic West and Ruth Wilson, originally aired from 2014 to 2019 and is also available on Paramount+ and YouTube.

Letters from Iwo Jima, Clint Eastwood’s 2006 war drama depicting the Battle of Iwo Jima from the Japanese perspective, is receiving renewed acclaim as viewers and publications hail it as surpassing Saving Private Ryan. Critics and fans praise its humanistic focus, exploration of Japanese soldiers’ experiences, and emotional depth. The film is available to rent or buy in the UK through major streaming platforms.

Used coffee grounds provide nitrogen and acidity that support peace lily growth, improve soil structure, and help deter pests. Experts recommend applying diluted brewed grounds sparingly, about once a month, to avoid overly acidic or nitrogen-rich soil. Fresh, unused grounds should be avoided due to high caffeine levels that can inhibit plant growth.

A 1975 British war film, Overlord, is receiving renewed praise for its authentic portrayal of a young soldier’s path to the D-Day landings. Viewers and critics highlight its extensive use of archival footage, material from soldier diaries, and British Army training clips, arguing that these elements make it more authentic than Saving Private Ryan. Fans describe the film as moving, realistic, and focused on the personal experience of an ordinary soldier rather than dramatic battle scenes. Overlord is available to stream on Amazon Prime and Apple TV.

A Which? taste test comparing 12 instant gold-roast coffees placed M&S Gold Instant Coffee and Waitrose Gold Roast jointly at the top, both earning Best Buy status for strong performance in taste, aroma and packaging. M&S also stood out for Fairtrade certification and competitive pricing. Aldi’s Barissimo Gold Roast Freeze Dried Coffee was named Great Value for its low price and well-received aroma and bitterness balance. Leading brands Nescafé and Kenco performed reasonably well but fell short of the top ratings, with some testers noting insufficient strength.

The BBC mini-series Black Earth Rising, starring Michaela Coel, has been added to BBC iPlayer and is receiving strong acclaim from viewers who describe it as one of the best dramas in recent years. The show follows a British-raised survivor of the Rwandan genocide as she becomes involved in international criminal law and a major prosecution at the International Criminal Court. Reviewers highlight its powerful themes, striking visuals, sound design and storytelling, calling it compelling and at times near perfect.

A highly rated World War Two mini‑series, The Narrow Road to the Deep North, starring Jacob Elordi, is now streaming on BBC iPlayer. Viewers praise its emotional impact, striking cinematography and powerful storytelling, noting its mix of wartime brutality and romantic drama. The series follows Australian army surgeon Dorrigo Evans across multiple periods of his life, depicting his experiences on the Burma Railway. Reviewers highlight its strong character development and suggest it will appeal to fans of Band of Brothers or The Pacific.

Using olive oil instead of butter creates fluffier, lighter mashed potatoes with a velvety texture and added health benefits. The method involves cooking potatoes until soft, mashing them gently, and incorporating olive oil along with optional flavourings such as garlic or herbs. Olive oil prevents heaviness, reduces calorie load, and keeps the mash from becoming dry or lumpy. The simple three‑ingredient approach allows for additional dairy mix‑ins if desired, while avoiding over‑mashing ensures a smooth, airy result.

The crime drama The Jetty, starring Jenna Coleman as Detective Ember Manning, is praised by viewers for its powerful performances, complex themes and compelling storytelling. Set in a rural town, the series links a fire, a cold-case investigation and an illicit relationship. Reviewers highlight its thoughtful treatment of women’s experiences, strong cast performances and standout cinematography and score. Available on BBC iPlayer, the limited series has been described as gripping, hopeful and emotionally resonant.

England fans criticised ITV’s broadcast of the pre‑World Cup friendly against New Zealand, complaining about poor picture quality, missing commentary and audio issues. Some vowed to switch to BBC coverage for the World Cup, while others noted the problems stemmed from a third‑party feed rather than ITV itself. ITV declined to confirm whether the same provider will be used during the tournament. On the pitch, England secured a 1-0 lead before halftime with a header from Harry Kane.

A BBC drama recounts the wartime experiences of Geoffrey Wellum, the youngest Spitfire pilot in the Battle of Britain, depicting his early service, intense air combat and eventual psychological breakdown. Featuring performances by Sam Heughan, Gary Lewis and Ben Aldridge, the film earns praise from viewers for its realism, emotional depth and portrayal of pilots’ exhaustion and trauma. Based on Wellum’s autobiography, the drama is described as historically insightful and is available on BBC iPlayer.

A zoo once located in a Napoleonic-era fort on St Catherine's Island near Tenby closed in 1979 after repeated animal escapes, harsh coastal conditions and unsustainable supply costs. Founded by Christopher and Marion Batt, the zoo housed exotic species and became known for its mischievous monkeys, which frequently raided the nearby beach. Their daughter Ginny recalled eerie experiences and believes the fort is haunted. After periods of military use and private ownership, the island now functions as a seasonal heritage site highlighting both its military history and remnants of the former zoo.

New RSPB guidance urges gardeners to modify summer bird‑feeding practices rather than stop feeding altogether, emphasising that poor hygiene causes disease spread. Bird feeding specialist Richard Green explains that removing seeds and peanuts between May and October reduces risks for vulnerable species while alternatives such as mealworms, fat balls and suet remain beneficial, especially in urban areas where natural food is limited. Maintaining clean feeders and providing only small amounts of food that birds consume quickly is highlighted as the most effective way to support bird health during the summer months.

A viral optical illusion featuring a swirling patterned circle prompted widespread debate online as viewers reported seeing different hidden numbers. Twitter user Benonwine shared the image, leading to varied reactions ranging from concerns about eyesight to jokes and philosophical reflections. Some users suggested contrast sensitivity affects perception, while others used editing tools to clarify the image.

The film Blue Story, previously withdrawn from Vue cinemas after violent incidents in 2019, has been added to BBC iPlayer and continues to receive strong critical praise, including a 93% Rotten Tomatoes score. The article highlights positive audience reactions and revisits the earlier controversy, noting Rapman’s objections to perceived unfair blame and Vue’s denial of racial motives while citing multiple security incidents as justification for the ban.