Neil Shaw

Aldi wine expert Sam Caporn advises drinkers to reconsider misconceptions about rosé, noting that colour does not indicate quality and that adding ice can enhance enjoyment in hot weather. Aldi reports strong sales growth in several rosé varieties and introduces the Rosé Sip Swatch, a shade guide designed to help shoppers choose their preferred style. Research shows many UK adults judge rosé by colour, misunderstand how it is made, and often use unconventional glassware. The Sip Swatch is being launched through a giveaway to encourage exploration of different rosé shades.

Five Guys introduced a limited-time Big Kids Combo as part of the UK Government’s Great British Summer Savings initiative, providing families with customisable burgers, fries and drinks at reduced VAT rates. The offer runs through September 1 across England, Scotland and Wales and is designed to make the chain more accessible to families.

A Birmingham grandmother, Anna Andrews, completes her Christmas shopping months early each year by spreading purchases across the calendar and sticking to an £800 budget for her children and grandchildren. She starts buying as early as the Boxing Day sales, stores gifts around her home and avoids wrapping until December to ensure balance across the family. Her advance planning proved valuable during her cancer treatment in 2023, and she advises saving gradually or buying gifts throughout the year to reduce stress.

A seven-year-old girl from Telford suffered painful blisters after a NeeDoh squishy toy split and leaked liquid onto her hand, despite not being heated. Her mother sought medical help after the pain intensified, leading to treatment at Princess Royal Hospital and further care guided by Birmingham Children’s Hospital. Bigjigs Toys, the UK distributor for NeeDoh, is investigating the incident amid concerns about counterfeit products. The child continues to receive daily wound care while recovering.