Isobel Pankhurst

Rats become more active and breed more widely in the UK during warmer months. The article recommends a low-cost natural deterrent made by boiling cayenne pepper or chilli flakes in water, cooling the mixture, adding a drop of washing-up liquid and spraying it around likely entry points. Chilli oil or dry pepper can also be used, but the treatment should be reapplied after rain and handled carefully around children and pets because it can cause irritation.

Isobel Pankhurst compares instant coffees from Co-op, Morrisons and Sainsbury's with Costa, judging them primarily on flavour and value. Costa remains her favourite despite costing more than £7 per 100g, while Sainsbury's Gold Roast is the best supermarket alternative at £2.85 for 200g. Co-op's coffee is acceptable but bitter, and Morrisons is the cheapest yet receives the lowest rating because of its burnt flavour and aftertaste.

A two-ingredient mini bread loaf can be made with self-raising flour and yoghurt without kneading or proving. The dough is cooked in an air fryer at 200°C for five minutes, with additional time if needed, or baked in an oven for 12–15 minutes. A gluten-free version can be made using gluten-free flour and xanthan gum.

Drivers aged 70 and over in Wales and across Britain must renew their driving licences every three years rather than every 10. The DVLA encourages motorists to apply online through GOV.UK, where renewals are free for over-70s and new licences should arrive within a week. Applications can also be made by post, but drivers are warned to avoid third-party renewal websites that may charge unnecessary fees.

Food experts advise UK households to refrigerate eggs during hot summer weather, particularly when temperatures exceed 20°C, because heat and humidity can increase condensation and the risk of bacterial contamination. Eggs should be stored on a middle or lower refrigerator shelf rather than in the door, and kept away from strong-smelling foods because their porous shells can absorb odours.

A lemon studded with cloves can help deter fruit flies because citrus limonene and clove eugenol create scents that disrupt and repel them. Additional suggestions include placing mint near windows, using cinnamon around bins, and simmering lemon, rosemary, cloves, lemongrass essential oil and water to make the home less attractive to flies.

Pest-control expert Vicki Hall recommends roasting coffee beans in the oven to create an aroma that deters flies. Other suggested methods include placing apple cider vinegar and washing-up liquid in a bowl as a trap, making a fly trap from a recycled plastic bottle, and installing magnetic fly screens on open windows.

Barafundle Bay Beach in Pembrokeshire and Traeth Mwnt in Ceredigion have been ranked the UK's two best beaches for 2026, with both receiving 4.9 Google ratings and Excellent 2025 bathing-water classifications. The ranking, produced by Lapland Famille using Google Maps ratings, review volumes and official water-quality data, also places Woolacombe Beach third and Dunraven Bay fourth. Wales has three beaches in the top ten, while England has five and Scotland and Northern Ireland have one each. Visitors are advised to check live regulator updates, tides, weather and beach safety flags because annual water-quality classifications do not guarantee same-day safety.

A bin worker known as The No1 Binman advises households not to put used batteries or vapes in general waste or standard recycling because they can be crushed or punctured and ignite fires in collection vehicles and waste facilities. Batteries should instead be taken to approved retail or council collection points, although some councils offer special kerbside arrangements. The article also explains that recycling bins may be rejected when they contain significant non-recyclable material, including food, polystyrene and grease-stained pizza boxes.

Experts warn Welsh households that hot weather can make trampoline mats and springs more elastic, potentially increasing bounce height and the risk of awkward landings. Parents are advised to allow only one child on a trampoline at a time, supervise play, check anchor points as dry ground can reduce stability, and inspect wooden, plastic and metal play equipment for cracks, warping, loose fixings or dangerous heat.

A comparison of cheese toasties cooked in an oven, air fryer and frying pan finds that pan-frying produces the crunchiest and preferred result, although it requires more attention and the cheese melted slightly less than ideal. The air fryer was somewhat crispier than the oven but took a similar amount of time because the appliance was too small to cook the sandwich whole, while the oven was the simplest but least crispy method.

Nigella Lawson, previously skeptical of air fryers, says Poppy O’Toole’s The Actually Delicious Air Fryer Cookbook changed her view. The Scotch egg recipe that won her over involves soft-boiling eggs in an air fryer, encasing them in seasoned sausage meat, coating them in flour, beaten egg and breadcrumbs, and air-frying them until golden and cooked through.

Explains the distinctions between raisins, sultanas and currants, highlighting differences in grape varieties, drying processes, colour, texture, sweetness and typical culinary uses such as baking, cereals, savoury dishes and fruit cakes.

Consumer watchdog Which? identified four poorly performing products sold by major retailers, issuing “do not buy” warnings after safety and performance failures. Products highlighted include a Kinderkraft car seat with structural issues during crash tests, a Red Kite stroller that lost a wheel during durability checks, a Braun blood pressure monitor that failed accuracy standards, a Konsung at-home cholesterol monitor with unreliable readings, a Silentnight air purifier that struggled to filter small particles, and a House of Marley speaker with poor sound quality. Manufacturers responded by defending their products or launching reviews, while Which? offered alternative recommended products that performed strongly in testing.

A simple two-ingredient bread recipe using self-raising flour and yoghurt produces a soft mini loaf in about five minutes when cooked in an air fryer. Creator Laura explains that the dough requires no kneading or proving and can also be made gluten free with xanthan gum. The loaf can be baked in the oven if no air fryer is available, and cooking time may vary depending on the appliance.

Mary Berry presents a simplified summer pudding loaf recipe that repurposes leftover bread and mixed berries into an easy-to-slice dessert. The method involves preparing a berry mixture, lining a loaf tin with juice-brushed bread, layering with fruit, and refrigerating overnight under weight to set. The recipe reduces food waste and serves well for summer entertaining, with extra berries reserved for serving.

Describes the physical, behavioural and historical differences between llamas and alpacas, noting variations in size, fleece, temperament and traditional uses. Expert sources outline breeding purposes and behavioural traits, and the article adds that the species can interbreed to produce hybrids with mixed characteristics.

Chef Will Murray recommends frying eggs in hot rapeseed oil to achieve crispy edges and a runny interior, noting its high smoke point makes it superior to olive oil or butter. The method involves using a generous amount of oil, adding eggs from a low height, and spooning hot oil over the whites until set before draining and seasoning.

A writer explains that although she usually shops at Sainsbury's and Co‑op, she regularly travels to Tesco specifically for its ready‑made macaroni cheese, which she finds tastier and more satisfying than competing versions. She notes its convenience, acceptable price point and frequent Clubcard deals, contrasting it with what she describes as bland or oddly flavoured alternatives from other supermarkets.

Experts advise focusing on espresso extraction and using quality ice to make iced coffee at home. Jack Ellis highlights the ideal espresso extraction time and recommends bold beans such as Cafédirect’s Mayan Gold, while Emily Burkinshaw stresses starting with plenty of good-quality ice and using a cocktail shaker for froth if needed. The method involves preparing the espresso, sweetening it if desired, filling a glass with ice and milk, and pouring the espresso over to create a layered drink.

A chef recommends a three‑cheese blend of mozzarella, taleggio, and red cheddar for an enhanced grilled cheese toastie, using shokupan bread and clarified butter for cooking, with optional crispy chilli oil for added flavour. Culinary Cartel experts suggest mayonnaise as an alternative to butter due to its spreadability and higher smoking point.

Nigella Lawson shares her preferred potato salad recipe, replacing mayonnaise with mustard, rapeseed oil, cornichons and capers. She highlights the importance of steaming potatoes for better texture and offers optional additions such as anchovies, hard‑boiled eggs or crispy bacon. The recipe outlines ingredients and preparation steps, emphasising serving the salad warm or at room temperature and storing leftovers safely.

Peace lilies bloom better when kept in humid rooms such as bathrooms or kitchens, where warm moisture supports their tropical needs. Gardening expert Craig Wilson advises watering every few days and avoiding direct sunlight or dry air, which can damage leaves and flowers. East‑facing rooms with gentle morning light also help promote healthier, longer‑lasting blooms.

A food blogger recommends replacing mayonnaise with Caesar salad dressing in tuna pasta salad to add richer flavor and texture. The recipe, shared by Chelsea of Chelsea's Messy Apron, highlights the dressing’s seasoning as a way to enhance the dish without needing many additional ingredients. Preparation details and ingredient measurements are provided, along with guidance on assembling and seasoning the salad.

A food-storage specialist recommends placing cucumbers in an airtight container with a metal spoon to maintain stable temperatures and extend freshness for up to two weeks. Keeping the container on a moderately cool fridge shelf and avoiding proximity to freezer vents or ethylene‑producing tomatoes helps prevent chilling damage and premature spoilage.

Bob Mortimer’s beans‑on‑toast recipe replaces tinned beans with Queen Butter Beans cooked with roasted tomatoes, garlic and herbs, then served on toast with feta. Shared on Gone Fishing and reposted by Bold Bean Co, the recipe drew positive reactions from fans praising both Mortimer and the beans.

Rising energy costs driven by the conflict in Iran are increasing production expenses for Italian tomato producer Mutti, raising the possibility of higher UK tomato prices after the summer harvest. The company will review costs once the July-to-September season concludes, when most of its annual energy use occurs. British growers are already struggling with sharply higher fertiliser and electricity charges, leading to reduced supply and gaps on supermarket shelves.

Travel experts highlight top UK beaches, including Camber Sands in Sussex, Llangrannog in Wales, Yaverland on the Isle of Wight, the Bay of Skaill in Orkney, Weymouth Beach, Brighton and nearby Shoreham-by-Sea, and Cornish favourites St Ives and Gwithian. Their recommendations emphasise scenic coastal landscapes, local history, wildlife, and alternative quiet spots for visitors seeking less crowded destinations.

Experts advise watering plants and lawns early in the morning or late in the evening during hot weather to minimise evaporation and prevent leaf scorch. They recommend deep, infrequent watering, checking soil moisture, and keeping lawns slightly longer in summer. Containers and hanging baskets require extra attention due to faster drying. Adding organic mulch helps retain soil moisture. With growing pressure on water supplies, gardeners are encouraged to use rainwater harvesting through water butts and storage systems, which provide cleaner water for plants and reduce reliance on mains supply.

Explains the key differences between matcha and green tea, describing how each is processed, cultivated and prepared. Notes that matcha involves consuming the whole ground leaf and is traditionally shade‑grown in Japan, while green tea is steeped and historically rooted in China. Provides preparation instructions for both and compares caffeine levels, with matcha containing about twice as much caffeine as green tea.

Blueberries spoil quickly in plastic packaging because trapped moisture encourages mould, but transferring them to glass jars with loose lids improves air circulation and reduces humidity. Rinsing, fully drying, and storing the fruit on kitchen roll further slows spoilage, helping blueberries last up to two weeks longer. Val Riley recommends this technique as a simple step that reduces waste and keeps fruit fresher.

A comparison of hummus from Lidl, Morrisons, Co‑op and Ramona's finds Ramona's as the strongest option due to its depth of flavor despite its higher price. Among supermarket own brands, Co‑op ranks highest for taste and texture, Lidl offers good value with smooth consistency, and Morrisons is deemed the weakest because of its bland flavor.

Nigella Lawson’s 2002 Anglo‑Italian trifle from her book Nigella Summer is highlighted as an ideal summer dessert and praised by readers who describe it as one of the best trifles they have ever made. The article details the recipe’s ingredients and preparation steps, noting the blend of traditional British and Italian elements. Multiple user reviews commend the flavours, ease of preparation and overall quality, with many claiming they would not return to traditional trifle recipes.

The BBC’s 1996 adaptation of Anne Brontë’s The Tenant of Wildfell Hall is being rediscovered by viewers who praise its performances, production quality and fidelity to the novel. Widely regarded by fans as surpassing adaptations of Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre, the three-part series features a strong cast and earned multiple BAFTA nominations. Audience reviews highlight its emotional impact, period detail and enduring appeal, contributing to renewed interest in this often-overlooked Brontë adaptation.

Adding cottage cheese to avocado toast creates a creamier texture and increases protein, according to recipe creator Jessica Sepel. The dish combines sourdough toast, smashed avocado, cottage cheese, honey and chilli flakes, with optional eggs for extra protein. Followers responded positively to the recipe’s taste and simplicity.

Apple TV’s series Dickinson blends 19th‑century settings with modern language and style, earning strong critical acclaim including a 92% Rotten Tomatoes rating and a perfect score for its second season. The three‑season comedy‑drama follows Emily Dickinson’s life and relationships, appealing especially to viewers who enjoy unconventional period storytelling. Despite its success, the show ended after its third season following showrunner Alena Smith’s departure amid concerns about Apple’s lack of viewership transparency, and all episodes remain available to stream on Apple TV.

Chefs recommend cooking cheese toasties slowly over medium-low heat to ensure full melting and even browning, with several advising starting in a cold pan to control temperature. Choosing mature or mild cheddar and suitable bread such as sourdough improves flavour and texture. Many chefs highlight mayonnaise as a key ingredient, either spread on the outside for better browning or mixed into the cheese for a smoother melt. Additional techniques include sprinkling cheese on the outside for extra crispiness, adding maple syrup for balance, and using kimchi with cream cheese and cheddar for a spicy, savoury variation.

Suggests upgrading fried eggs by cooking them with crumbled feta, which adds flavor and pairs well with toast, avocado, or pesto. Describes a simple method using olive oil and moderate heat to prevent burning, emphasizing flexibility in desired crispiness and minimal extra cooking time.

A food creator's method enhances scrambled eggs by adding garlic, mushrooms and a small amount of flour to create a creamy, rich sauce before folding the eggs back in. The recipe details the ingredients and steps for making the dish, with optional additions like chilli flakes, herbs and cheese to elevate the flavour.

Nigella Lawson’s cheesecake ice cream recipe from her book Nigella Summer is highlighted as an easy, flavorful summer treat. Lawson explains her goal of capturing cheesecake flavour in ice‑cream form and offers serving suggestions with crushed digestive biscuits. Fans praise the recipe’s taste and simplicity. The article provides full ingredients and step‑by‑step instructions, noting that the ice cream is best within a week but keeps for up to a month.