Emily Malia

The Netflix film The Siege of Jadotville dramatizes the 1961 siege during the Congo Crisis, when an Irish Army unit serving under the United Nations resisted Katangan forces for five days before surrendering and spending a month as prisoners of war. Based on Declan Power’s book, the film was directed by Richie Smyth, stars Jamie Dornan, and aims to restore recognition to veterans whose actions were long overlooked. The production used military training in South Africa to improve authenticity, and the film received three Irish Film & Television Awards.

Netflix’s 10-part series Maid adapts Stephanie Land’s bestselling memoir about domestic violence, poverty and the struggle of a young mother to support her child. The drama follows Alex, played by Margaret Qualley, as she escapes an abusive relationship, works as a cleaner and navigates government assistance near Seattle. Qualley and her real-life mother, Andie MacDowell, have been praised for their performances, with Qualley receiving major award nominations. The series has earned strong audience acclaim, including a 94% Rotten Tomatoes score, and is available exclusively on Netflix.

Sam Mendes’s 2019 war film 1917 draws on the World War I experiences of his grandfather, Alfred H. Mendes, and follows two British soldiers delivering a message intended to halt an offensive during the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line. Viewers praise its intense, haunting realism and near-continuous-take cinematography, while its cast and technical achievements have earned major recognition, including three Oscars, seven BAFTAs and two Golden Globes. The film holds an 88% Rotten Tomatoes score and is available on Netflix and Amazon Prime.

The Mirror recommends Netflix's 2022 gothic mystery thriller The Pale Blue Eye, adapted from Louis Bayard's acclaimed novel. Set at West Point, the story follows detective Augustus Landor and a fictionalized young Edgar Allan Poe as they investigate the murder of a cadet whose heart was removed. Christian Bale, Harry Melling, Gillian Anderson and a prominent supporting cast receive praise for their performances and the film's eerie atmosphere; the movie is currently streaming exclusively on Netflix.

Netflix viewers continue to praise The Brothers Sun, an eight-episode action comedy starring Michelle Yeoh, Justin Chien and Sam Song Li. The series follows Bruce Sun, a Californian who discovers his family's Taiwanese criminal connections when his gangster brother Charles arrives from Taipei. Fans have celebrated its blend of action, comedy and Taiwanese-American cultural themes and are calling for a second season. Netflix did not renew the show after its January 2024 release, with Deadline citing insufficient viewership.

Gardeners are advised to plant autumn-flowering bulbs in July so they have time to establish before blooming in October. The recommended varieties are Hesperantha, Nerines, Gladiolus murielae, tuberous begonias and Cyclamen hederifolium. The article also outlines their colours, flowering characteristics, growing conditions and care requirements, including planting depth, watering, deadheading and lifting frost-sensitive begonias before winter.

Netflix’s four-part 2023 miniseries All the Light We Cannot See adapts Anthony Doerr’s bestselling 2014 novel about blind French girl Marie-Laure and German soldier Werner, whose lives intersect in Nazi-occupied France during World War II. Viewers praise the series’ emotional impact, casting and performances—particularly Aria Mia Loberti, Mark Ruffalo and Hugh Laurie—while some criticize its departures from the source material. All four episodes are available to stream on Netflix.

Around 27 beaches in Alicante province on Spain’s Costa Blanca have been closed or placed under red-flag restrictions because extreme heat, thunderstorms and strong winds could produce thermal blowouts. Alicante, Orihuela and Guardamar del Segura have taken safety measures affecting beaches, parks and wooded areas, while authorities advise avoiding exposed coastal locations, unnecessary travel and the hottest parts of the day. Inland temperatures could reach 45°C, although no national advice against travelling to Spain has been issued; nearby municipalities including Santa Pola and Torrevieja had not yet announced closures.

The Gunton Arms in Cromer, Norfolk was named the UK’s best pub at the National Pub and Bar Awards 2026, recognised for its deer‑park setting, British pub features, modern art collection and highly reviewed food by chef Stuart Tattersall. Set on an 18th‑century estate, it serves locally sourced ingredients, including beef from the estate and seafood from the Cromer coast, and offers accommodation for visitors. Guest reviews praise the atmosphere, service and quality of food.

Norwich is highlighted as the UK’s top city break for 2026 according to Time Out, celebrated for its medieval architecture, notably Norwich Cathedral, and its cultural attractions including the Sainsbury Centre. The city’s vibrant food and drink scene, energetic student culture, and historic pubs such as The Gardeners Arms and Unthank Arms further enhance its appeal as an affordable and characterful travel destination.

Cardigan in Wales is highlighted as a top seaside destination for 2026 due to its natural beauty, vibrant food scene, vintage shopping and cultural attractions. Time Out ranks the town highly for its blend of historic character and modern venues, including notable eateries, independent shops and the Hiut Denim factory. Cardigan Castle and nearby Mwnt Beach add to its appeal, offering historic experiences and coastal wildlife sightings. Reviewers and visitors consistently praise the area’s scenery and year-round charm.

The article highlights renewed attention for the BBC crime drama McMafia, praised for its tense portrayal of organised crime and James Norton’s acclaimed lead performance. Despite strong reviews and fan enthusiasm, the show was cancelled after its first eight‑episode season, with creator Misha Glenny confirming that plans for a second series were ultimately abandoned. All episodes remain available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

Hinterland, a bilingual Welsh-English BBC crime drama set in Ceredigion, is praised for its dark atmosphere, striking landscapes and strong performances across three seasons. Viewers highlight its gripping stories, compelling characters and distinctive Welsh setting, drawing comparisons to Broadchurch and Line of Duty. The series, originally aired on S4C and later in English, remains available to watch on BBC iPlayer.

Fruit trees naturally shed small fruits during the June Drop, and selectively thinning apples or pears to two fruits per spur helps improve ripening and prevent branch damage. Monty Don advises removing the smallest fruits and ensuring remaining ones do not touch for best results. He also recommends allowing grass to grow long until after the summer solstice to support wildlife and strengthen future growth.

A large British Medical Journal study drawing on nearly 10 million people links ultra-processed foods to more than 30 health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, asthma and certain cancers, though researchers note the findings do not prove direct causation. Ultra-processed foods are characterised as highly modified products with additives and high levels of sugar, salt and fat. UK dietary staples such as factory-made bread, ready meals, cereals and confectionery are highlighted as common sources. Expert Chris Van Tulleken recommends replacing ready-made pasta sauces with simple passata and herbs as a healthier option.

A new Netflix adaptation of Harlan Coben’s novel I Will Find You follows a father wrongfully imprisoned for his son’s murder who escapes after learning the boy may still be alive. The eight‑episode crime thriller features Sam Worthington in the lead role and has generated strong viewer engagement, including praise for performances and storytelling, alongside some criticism for implausible plot elements. The miniseries is a standalone production, and all episodes are now available to stream.

A Netflix drama titled Legends, inspired by real British customs investigations from the 1980s and set in the early 1990s, has earned strong praise for its realism and performances by Steve Coogan, Tom Burke, and an ensemble cast. Viewers compare it to The Wire and commend its grounded tone, strong writing, and compelling storytelling. The six‑episode series holds a 97% Rotten Tomatoes rating and is widely described as gripping and among the best recent crime dramas.

Sunderland is highlighted by Time Out as one of the top UK destinations for 2026, praised for its beaches, museums and growing food scene. The seaside city features Blue Flag beaches at Roker and Seaburn, cultural attractions including the National Glass Centre and Sunderland Museum, and acclaimed local eateries such as Si King’s Propa Pies. Positive visitor reviews emphasise its appeal for day trips and cultural exploration.

St Catherine’s Place in Bedminster, Bristol, long derelict and labelled the UK’s saddest shopping centre, is undergoing a £10 million regeneration led by Firmstone Developments as part of the broader Bedminster Green redevelopment. Once home to several retailers, the centre steadily emptied until closing in 2023. The project includes new housing, restored public spaces and improved infrastructure, with 14 initial flats already marketed under the name Catherine’s Yard and plans approved for up to 180 homes across multiple blocks.

Several common garden plants naturally repel slugs and snails, offering an eco-friendly alternative to chemical pest control. Lavender, marigolds, rosemary and daffodils deter pests through strong scents or natural compounds while remaining easy to maintain. Expert guidance highlights companion planting as a sustainable method that protects biodiversity and supports healthier gardens.

Marlow is highlighted as an increasingly popular Buckinghamshire town offering riverside scenery, independent shops and a highly regarded high street named the best in the UK by Knight Frank. Its historic charm, suspension bridge, boutique shopping and strong food scene, including Tom Kerridge’s two‑Michelin‑star pub The Hand of Flowers, contribute to its appeal for commuters, visitors and potential home buyers.

A small Margate attraction, the Crab Museum, was named Time Out’s top UK museum for 2026. Created by brothers Bertie and Ned Suesat-Williams and Chase Coley, the museum offers humorous, engaging exhibits about crabs while exploring broader scientific and social themes. Visitors praise its quirky and entertaining approach, and entry is free, with limited opening hours and occasional ticketed events. Co-director Ned Suesat expresses hopes for a wider appreciation of unconventional museums amid concerns about future global challenges.