Fancy a jaunt to Europe this Spring?

If you’re planning a getaway, Eurostar is often the most convenient way to get to the continent, with trains running to popular city break destinations like Paris and Amsterdam.

And in an exciting turn of events, the train company has launched a huge flash sale, with £35 off selected routes.

But, you’ll have to be quick. The sale will last for a handful of days, ending on April 3 at 22:59.

Which destinations can you book tickets to in the Eurostar flash sale?

The cheap tickets are only available for travel from:

• London and Paris, Lille, Rotterdam, Amsterdam or Brussels between April 23 and July 9, 2025.

How cheap are tickets in the Eurostar flash sale?

Eurostar say that £35 is for a Eurostar Standard one-way ticket from London to Paris, Brussels, Lille, Rotterdam and Amsterdam.

We headed to the Eurostar website to check it out, and there are indeed £35 tickets to be had. Tickets for a long weekend in Paris in May (May 3 to May 6) could be purchased for £35 each way (£70 return), while you can get to Lille for the same price the weekend (May 9 to May 12).

You might have to be a little flexible with your times though. The cheap £35 tickets tend to be available for either early morning or evening routes. On May 3, Eurostar currently only offers £35 tickets from London to Paris at 07:01pm.

However, on the return trip on May 6, you have more choice, with £35 tickets available between 07:12am and 05:10pm.

It’s hard to believe that the idea of the Channel Tunnel itself – the world’s longest undersea tunnel at 31.5 miles long – was actually first conceived way back in 1802, although construction didn’t start until 1988.

Since the high-speed train service began over 30 years ago, connecting the UK to mainland Europe, the fleet of 28 trains has carried an estimated 150 million passengers.

It was finally completely in 1993, and the Eurostar began its service in November 1994.

The best things to do in Lille

While you might have already been to Paris or Amsterdam, Lille is an often overlooked French city that has lots to offer tourists looking for a fun city break. Previously speaking to Metro, Sarah Ewing shared her top tips when visiting:

Don’t leave without: With its Flemish heritage and 17th-century red-brick townhouses, charming Lille has a vibrant art scene. La Piscine de Roubaix is an art museum in a former swimming pool – and a must-see.

Transport advice: The most efficient public transport options are trams and buses.

Best-kept secret: France might be famed for its wine, but Lille is the country’s beer capital, home to historic craft breweries. It hosts a beer festival every September – last year, there were 100 events dedicated to craft beer in bars, restaurants and breweries.

Budget tips: Looking to bring a taste of France home that won’t break the bank? Visit Marché Wazemmes on Place de la Nouvelle – it’s one of the biggest markets in France, selling produce, beautiful gifts like honey and soaps, and is a great place to get lunch-to-go.

Where to eat: ‘L’Atelier Street Food is great value and known for its pre-match atmosphere. Soho Urban Food is a contemporary buffet-style restaurant with a great brunch and cocktails.

Where to stay: Hôtel Brueghel is centrally located and close to Gare Lille Flandres.

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From a nation of experts on sarcasm and self-deprecating humour, to Sunday afternoons strictly consisting of roast dinners at the local, we Brits have plenty of traits and habits they’re fiercely proud of.

However, some traditions or rites of passage have ingrained themselves into British culture, despite not even originating from the United Kingdom.

In fact, some have become so ‘British’ that many people just assume they are.

Intrigued as to what has made the cut?

Here are seven things people think are British but actually aren’t.

1. Tea

There’s no denying that a ‘cuppa’ is a quintessential British staple. According to the UK Tea & Infusions Association (UKTIA), around 84% of the UK population drinks tea every day, consuming roughly 100 million cups daily.

And of course, you’ll also never step foot in a British household without being offered a cup of tea.

Despite this, tea does not come from the UK. Rather, Camellia Sinensis, the tea plant, is believed to have originated in the borderlands of China and northern Myanmar.

One of the earliest accounts of tea drinking dates back to China’s Shang dynasty, which took place between 1600 and 1046 BCE. During this time, tea was consumed for medicinal purposes. It wasn’t until the 17th century when tea drinking became popular in the UK.

The British East India Company introduced commercial tea production to British India to compete with the Chinese tea market

2. Fish and chips

This is a bit of a trick one, because the fish and chip concept we know so well today is British through and through. Not to mention the ‘chippy culture’ that has become so popular up and down the country. (Did you know there are about 11,000 fish and chips shops throughout the UK and Ireland?)

However, in terms of the origin of the humble battered fish, its roots date back to the Middle Ages in the Mediterranean. Like so many iconic dishes, it was created out of necessity, not culinary genius.

During the 16th century, when Jews were facing persecution across Portugal and Spain, many resettled in the UK.

As well as the clothes on their backs, they also brought their ‘pescado frito’ recipe, which literally translates to ‘fried fish’ in English

3. Pubs

From a cheeky after-work pint to a beer garden session as soon as the sun comes out, it’s no secret that the British love pub culture.

But even though 15 million people visit a pub at least once a week, according to London Drink’s Guide, we cannot claim the mighty pub as our own.

Instead, we owe our love of the pub to the Romans, who opened up establishments called ‘tabernae’ to serve wine to soldiers and travellers along the newly constructed Roman road network.

The Romans brought their ‘pubs’ to Britain when they invaded in 43 AD, which later evolved into ‘alehouses’ when they left. Finally, they morphed into the public houses we know today

4. Saint George

Yes, Saint George might be the English patron saint. Yes, there may have a whole day dedicated to him. And yes, the English flag may have a flag representing the patron saint of England. But the ironic thing about it? Saint George wasn’t even English.

He was born in Cappadocia (modern day Turkey) in the 3rd century AD to a Cappadocian father and a Palestinian mother, who was born in Lydda (modern day Lod, in Israel).

It’s also highly unlikely that Saint George ever visited or moved to England. However, his popularity in England grew in the Middle Ages because of his association with chivalry and bravery, especially during the Crusades and the Hundred Years’ War.

King Edward III also had a major influence on Saint George’s popularity. When he founded the Order of the Garter in 1348, he dedicated it to Saint George and made him the patron saint of the Order.

5. Remembrance poppies

Not to be confused with Remembrance Day, originally known as Armistice Day, which originated in Great Britain on November 11, 1919, in commemoration of the first anniversary of the armistice that ended World War I.

As for remembrance poppies, the idea was all down to American humanitarian Moina Michael, who campaigned to make the poppy a symbol of remembrance of those who had died in the war.

She was inspired by Canadian doctor John McCrae’s poem, ‘In Flanders Fields’, which he wrote whilst serving in Ypres in 1915. The line in question read: ‘And now the Torch and Poppy Red, we wear in honor of our dead’.

Following Michael’s campaigning, in 1921, French lecturer, fundraiser and humanitarian, Anna Guérin, had the idea to wear artificial poppies made by French widows and orphans.

Her aim was to remember those who gave their lives during the war, but also to raise funds to support the families of the fallen and those who had survived.

Later that year, the Royal British Legion adopted the poppy as a symbol of remembrance and ordered a million poppies from Guérin in France. Further production in Britain was also commissioned.

6. Werther’s Original

Though you may associate Werther’s Originals with British grandparents (every UK kid will have memories of their grandma or grandad offering them the iconic caramel candy from an old tin at one point in their lives), they’re actually a product of Germany.

Both the Werther’s Original brand and the flavoursome butter caramel recipe were created in the small town of Werther in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.

The founder was a confectioner called Gustav Nebel, who developed the recipe in 1909.

7. Tomato ketchup

There’s always been a debate over whether ketchup was invented in the UK or the US. But the funny thing about the whole argument is that the beloved condiment originates from neither.

And you’ll likely never guess its roots, mainly because tomato ketchup never actually featured tomatoes in its early days.

In the 17th century in early China, it began as a fermented fish sauce and resembled more of a soy sauce, dark and thin in texture.

British sailors bought the sauce from Chinese traders, which was called ke-tsiapor ke-tchup at the time, as a relief from the dry salt pork they ate on the seas.

After becoming a popular condiment along the Southeast Asian trade route, British sailors eventually brought it back to Europe, where various regional adaptations took place.

Some of these versions included tomato-based sauces created in the 19th century, which over the years, have evolved into the tasty ketchup we use today.

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A stone’s throw from the upmarket Hampstead Heath, Kentish Town is famous for its colourful houses, top-notch pubs, and diverse restaurant scene.

Now, it could be set to become the UK’s answer to Hollywood, as plans for a £1,000,000,000 quarter dedicated almost entirely to filmmaking have just been adopted by Camden Council.

It’s no secret that the neighbouring Camden Town already has its roots firmly in the creative scene. After all, it was famously the home of Amy Winehouse, The Clash shot the cover of their debut album there, and Pink Floyd played their first-ever gig at The Roundhouse.

Plus, to this day, The Hawley Arms – favoured by Amy as well as Pete Doherty, Kate Moss and even Noel Fielding – is still plastered in various pieces of signed memorabilia, including from Amy herself, who would often serve up customers behind the bar.

With planning permission pending, the new plans for Kentish Town – also in the borough of Camden – could see part of the north London neighbourhood turned into the aptly named Camden Film Quarter.

Spearheaded by real estate investment company Yoo Capital, the blueprint has been developed in partnership with the National Film and Television School and the London Screen Academy.

It envisages a ‘mix of creative space including film studios,’ as well as soundstages, workshop spaces and even studio tours for the public.

In 2024, Lloyd Lee, managing partner at Yoo Capital, told Deadline of the plans: ‘I think that you could see a family coming to do a studio tour, see how movies are made and going into spaces where someone was filming, seeing golf carts go back and forth. They should feel like they’re in the film and television corner of London.’

Plus, the wider Regis Road development will see 1,000 new homes built, 50% of which will be affordable, as well as new pedestrian and cycle-friendly connections connecting Kentish Town to Gospel Oak and Hampstead Heath.

There’ll be green spaces galore too, with the vision aiming to ‘support local biodiversity and enhance the area’s natural environment.’ And if it all gets given the go-ahead, work on the development could start as early as 2026.

It’s no secret that Kentish Town is already a lovely place to live.

Over on the r/London Subreddit, Kentish Town local @wmgregory notes that they love living in the area because it’s ‘not Camden Town (quieter),’ and has ‘nice pubs, cafés and shops’ as well as decent transport links in the form of ‘trains, tubes, overground, and buses.’

@Tubo_Mengmeng lived in Kentish Town for a year and a half, and ‘definitely rate[s] the area personally.’

‘[It’s] just [a] low key chill nice north London neighbourhood which floats my boat a bit more than somewhere trying too hard, def has overspill/seeping of the surrounding areas into it too which helps give it a bit more of an identity,’ they add.

And in @mejogid’s opinion, Kentish Town has ‘some of the best pubs in London,’ citing local watering holes The Pineapple, The Southampton Arms, Tapping the Admiral, The Rose & Crown and The Lion & Unicorn.

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Ribena has been a popular drink in the Uk for more than 80 years, having first been developed in the 1930s.

It was originally created as a blackcurrant syrup, high in vitamin C and was given out by the government to children and expectant mothers free of charge during World War II, as fruit with vitamin C was scarce at the time.

Today it’s enjoyed as a squash, but those who consume it regularly might have noticed it tastes a little bit different.

That’s because the drink’s recipe has recently undergone some changes, as has been confirmed by the brand itself. This included adding a natural blackcurrant flavour and removing the polydextrose.

They’ve also ‘very slightly’ reduced the amount of blackcurrant juice the product contains.

This confirmation follows complaints from customers who claimed it tasted ‘weird’ and demanded they ‘bring back the original’.

Taking to Facebook, Paul Thomas Spencer said: ‘I thought it tasted weird, I thought I’d got an odd bottle. It tastes cheap.’

As Kerry Enoch wrote: ‘Bring back the original Ribena from the 1970s, that was delicious.’

And Eddie Platt shared: ‘Nobody’s ever complained about the taste since day one, so why try and improve or fix things that are not broken?’

Mazy Von Peebles added: ‘It was perfect and now undrinkable. Thanks Ribena, kids crying now.’

Speaking about the changes, Sarah Fleetwood, head of marketing for Ribena, said: ‘We set ourselves the challenge of improving our Ribena Blackcurrant squash. The key ingredients remain – we’ve just re-balanced the recipe to deliver more of the unique Ribena taste that we know our consumers love.

‘After a year of trials, we’ve delivered a better tasting drink and in a taste test, two thirds of people preferred the improved recipe.

‘What hasn’t changed is the fact that Ribena is still made with 100% British blackcurrants and performs very favourably on “juice per serve” ratio compared to other squash drinks’.

This isn’t the first time the Ribena recipe has changed though, as it was also notably altered in April 2018, when artificial sweeteners were added to the drink, in response to the introduction of the government’s sugary drink tax.

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‘Barebacking’ the tube – also known as ‘rawdogging’ – involves passengers sitting without any form of entertainment and people-watching, staring at other passengers to pass the time.

The term was first coined by Curtis Morton, co-host of the Behind the Screens podcast, in a TikTok that’s since racked up nearly 100,000 views.

‘You’ve commuted enough times – why are you sitting there without a phone, without a book, just looking at me, looking at what’s going on? Keep yourself to yourself. Read a book – just do something,’ Curtis says in the clip, ranking the most annoying train travel habits.

Now, I’ll happily hold my hands up and admit that I take joy in ‘barebacking’ while I’m on the tube – but not for the reason you’d think.

For the vast majority of journeys, I’m usually either reading a book or listening to music, trying my best to look awkwardly at the floor so as not to irk other passengers.

As a rule, I try to avoid doomscrolling because it only sets my thoughts racing – and I’m trying to cut down on my screen time.

But every once in a while, I actively choose to put my headphones down and just sit with my thoughts. At the end of the day, I’m sometimes so overstimulated (I have ADHD) that I need to abandon all forms of entertainment and just decompress from it all.

And yes, I hate the screech of the tube – so I choose parts of the journey I know to be quieter if I’m going to remove my headphones completely, or sometimes, I just sit with them on top of my ears with nothing at all playing, so I get the muffled effect but without any music.

I never stare at people – I usually just sit and look at the floor, or if there’s a view to be found out of the window, I’ll admire that instead.

Living and working in London, it’s all too easy to become completely absorbed by our phones during the commute – so much so that we’re not really connecting with what’s around us.

So, every once in a while, I like to strip it all back and just sit and digest the day without anything at all. I consider it a treat, and one that’s necessary for me as a neurodivergent person.

Naturally, the concept of ‘barebacking’ has caused quite the stir among Metro readers, as @howard_hennes said that ‘staring at total strangers in a public place is rude and an invasion of privacy.’

However, there were plenty of commuters who, like me, admitted to regularly making it through their journey to work on straight vibes alone.

For @d_bell, it’s clear that ‘not everyone needs to be glued to a phone every minute of the day,’ while @MephistoPD127 said, ‘you often don’t have a signal on the tube’ anyway.

@lexxedit added that ‘staring is obviously rude,’ but they confessed that unless they have a long commute, they don’t use their ‘phone or a book.’

‘I like to see the scenery and look around. Could be my age, I’m nearly 75. But what is wrong with that? Times changed, but I didn’t.’ Fair enough.

And for @agach, ‘people watching’ is essential during their commute, as they ‘take pride in [the] fact that I am not glued to the phone all the time like the rest of the zombies.’

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As a frequent visitor to Dubai, I find myself regularly defending the city.

I’ve written about its varied food scene, desert scenery and local markets — urging travellers to reconsider all they think they know about what is often described as a ‘soulless’ and ‘superficial’ destination.

And so when I headed to Dubai earlier this year, there was one place at the of top my must-visit list, not least to prove yet again that there’s more to this famous emirate than meets the eye.

Located 90 minutes southeast of the city lies Hatta, nicknamed ‘the highlands of Dubai’. Formerly an Omani territory, the same Hajar Mountains that hug Hatta dam, also stretch into Oman. The place started life as a farming village, and is one of the oldest preserved heritage areas in the UAE.

When I first visited Hatta in the late 90s, it felt like the middle-of-nowhere. An ill-fated trip that involved a dead car battery and a mountain rescue made it feel all the more isolated.

But Hatta is enjoying a glow-up, with Dubai officials positioning it as a major tourist attraction — and it’s easy to see why it’s beloved by locals and tourists alike.

Things to do in Hatta

Hatta dam is perhaps the most popular spot for tourists. You can hire kayaks or a variety of different boats, depending on the size of your party (and how much effort you want to put in).

With the Emirati sun beating down, my group and I opted for a donut boat, which had an awning for shade and plenty of room for four adults and one child — we could have fitted more. For the equivalent of £60, we floated around the beautiful dam, taking in the stunning scenery for an hour.

While I was happy to relax on the water, there’s plenty for those looking for adventure. Bikes can be rented to explore the mountains, and there are myriad hiking trails.

The newly opened Aerial Adventure Park has the UAE’s only 12m ‘giant swing’, three zip-line experiences, and a bag jump where you free-fall onto a giant crash bag. There are different packages on offer depending which attraction you choose to swing, jump or hurl yourself off from.

Back on solid ground, a trip to Hatta Honeybee Garden and Discovery Centre is another fun excursion. The largest producer of honey in the UAE, it’s home to 4,000 bee colonies, which produce 20 tonnes of honey per season. Admission is just £10, and guests can don a beekeeping suit to get up close and personal with the buzzing creatures.

For animals that don’t sting, head to The Camel Farm, located inside the Al Marmoom Conservation Reserve (general admission is just £6). As well as a chance to ride the camels or try camel hugging therapy, you’ll also see other desert creatures, including gazelles, oryxes, and desert foxes.

And history buffs can learn all about Hatta’s past at the Hatta Heritage Village, and climb the towers of its centrepiece, Hatta Fort, built in 1896, for panoramic views of the region.

Where to eat in Hatta

Al Hajarain restaurant on the edge of Hatta’s heritage village is a top-rated spot, for good reason.

Opt for a seat outside under the awnings for a cool al fresco meal. The vibes here are friendly and laid-back with families and couples alike enjoying traditional Arabic fayre.

When in Dubai, you can’t go wrong with ordering a mixed grill, and the arayes here (a kind of meat-stuffed crispy pita) were particularly good. Sides of hummus and fattoush are also a must, and one of my favourite things to eat when I’m in the UAE.

Prices were reasonable too. Two mixed grills for £30 each were more than enough for five adults and one child (we had leftovers).

The restaurant was dry, but there’s fresh lemon mint juice on the menu (about £3) to quench your thirst.

How to get to Hatta from Dubai

For those staying in Dubai, getting to Hatta takes a bit of effort. If you’re willing to brave the city’s roads, you can hire a car and make the scenic 90-minute drive. Alternatively, you can take the Hatta Express bus.

The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) runs a shuttle from Dubai Mall to the Hatta Bus station for only 25AED (£5).

The journey takes an hour and 15 minutes, and operates every two hours from 7am to 7pm. You can get the same bus back, with the last leaving Hatta at 7pm.

The future of Hatta

In 2021, Sheikh Mohammed announced plans to transform Hatta into a major tourist destination.

Already, there have been dramatic changes. A Hollywood-style Hatta sign now sits on the Hajar Mountains, and what was once a make-shift carpark has been paved over to make way for a small shopping area, with empty buildings awaiting their retailers.

A huge waterfall rolls down the hillside against the world’s largest mosaic — an image of Dubai’s founding fathers. Future plans include a small beach and a mountain railway, and a new cable car route will offer tourists a unique way to view the area.

For those keen to explore an untouched gem, you might want to book your trip to Hatta now. But it’s no surprise that this beautiful area is finally getting the recognition it deserves.

Where to stay in Hatta

If you’re not content with a day trip to the region, book a stay at JA Hatta Fort, Dubai’s only mountain resort.

Perfect for adventurers, the hotel can arrange activities for you in Hatta, including kayaking and mountain biking.

There’s an adult-only pool, but it’s family-friendly too, with large grounds perfect for an evening stroll — you can spot some of the hotel’s resident tortoises and rabbits too.

It’s also pet friendly, and the hotel will provide food and water bowls for your furry friends should you wish to bring them along.

The rooms are spacious and cosy, with a natural aesthetic: think beamed ceilings and wooden accents. Soak up the sun on your balcony, and enjoy a delicious breakfast outside at Café Gazebo, which has panoramic views of the mountains. There’s also a spa when you need a well-earned break from being outdoorsy.

Low season (June – September) rates start from £75, while high season rates (January – June and September – December) start from £150.

For more information visit their website.

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The weather’s warming up we’re getting ready for the first cut of the season, but not without a reliable, sturdy lawnmower to make light work of a lawn that’s been left unkempt for months.

Enter Gtech’s CLM50 cordless lawnmower which is currently £300 off and just £299.99. All you need to do is order before May 31, and use the code: HW86.

Forget wrestling with heavy petrol mowers or getting tangled in extension cords. This lightweight, battery-powered mower is designed to make cutting the grass quick, easy, and stress-free all summer.

Gtech CLM50 Lawnmower

Gtech’s CLM50 Lawnmower has a powerful 48V battery, giving you 40 minutes of cutting time on a single charge and charges in just one hour. It also allows for total precision with a blade that can be altered in 10mm increments between 30mm and 80mm. Although it runs at 2800rpm, it actually senses when extra power is required and will rotate faster to 3500rpm – genius!

BUY NOW FOR £299.99 (WAS £599.99) – SAVE £300 when you use code hw86

Equipped with a 49V battery which allows for 40 minutes of usage time and charges in just 1 hour, the CLM50 is easy to use, with a simple push-button start.

It’s great for personalising the length of your lawn too, whether it’s the first cut of the season or just a quick trim, and features a blade which can be adjusted in 10mm increments between 30mm and 80mm.

The sizeable 50 litre grass bin means you won’t be stopping to discard of grass cuttings after every pass too!

The amazing features don’t stop there. What we’re really impressed with is the CLM50’s clever Omni Blade cutting technology. Its counter-balanced carbon steel blade runs at 2800rpm, but when it senses that extra power is required, it rotates to a faster 3500rpm, making a long, unruly lawn easy to tame.

The blade is also a generous 420mm, allowing homeowners to cover more ground and speed up the process so you can spend less time mowing and more time sipping cocktails in the garden.

When you’ve finished with the lawn, there’s no need to worry about safety as the CLM50’s safety switch key can be turned off. This keeps your mower secure when not in use. Plus, it takes up less storage than traditional mowers as it can be folded down – just remove the grass box and fold down the handles for more compact storage.

It’s not often a lawnmower is this impressive but if you don’t believe us, just look at the reviews.

One five-star review, left by Derek M, said: ‘I bought this to replace an old petrol mower that had packed up. It is much lighter and more manoeuvrable and so quicker and easier to use. I can mow a 250 square metre lawn on one charge, and then recharge in 1 hour.’

And a review from Mary F reads: ‘So easy to get going, and remarkably lightweight when mowing lawns. Large grass box is a bonus. All round winner.’

The CLM50 also had a five-star review from David P: ‘Exactly what we wanted and hoped for from this product! Plenty of battery life to complete our lawns, light enough to get into our little car and get to the allotment to mow the paths and stop the committee moaning. Someone said – “Look like you’ve got the Ferrari there!”

If you want to grab this amazing £300 saving, you’ll need to act fast as this deal won’t be around forever! Order by May 31, and use code HW86 to take advantage of the offer, and as a bonus, enjoy free next-day delivery.

Your lawn will be looking fresh in no time.

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As we count down to the end of Amazon’s Spring Deal Days sales event for another year, there’s still time to bag an absolute bargain!

If you’re wondering where the real bargains are and what’s worth your investment, you’re in luck.

Our seasoned shopping expert, Sarah Bradbury, has five years of experience covering this event, and meticulously curated the top deals you absolutely need to check out.

From the latest TVs, perfect for binge-watching your favourite movies and Netflix shows, to top-tier headphones, must-have air fryers, children’s toys, washing detergent, beauty items, household goods, and even Ring Doorbells – we’ve got you covered.

And we haven’t forgotten about your furry friends; essential pet supplies, including cat snacks, are also on the list.

Every department has been scoured to bring you the best of the best.

Best last-minute deals from Amazon’s Spring Sale 2025

Ring Battery Video Doorbell Plus by Amazon + Echo Pop

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Sage – The Barista Express – Bean to Cup Coffee Machine with Grinder and Milk Frother

Transform your coffee experience with the Sage Barista Express, merging precision engineering and innovation for exceptional espresso at home. Featuring integrated Precision Grinding, its conical burr grinder offers 16 settings to deliver freshly ground coffee directly into the portafilter, ensuring maximum flavour in every cup. The water temperature of 93°C and low-pressure pre-infusion gradually increases pressure to draw out flavours evenly, producing a creamy, caramel-coloured espresso. Take charge of milk texturing with the powerful steam wand, crafting smooth microfoam with a silky texture ideal for latte art. Sage simplifies the journey to the perfect cup, from café favourites to personalised brews, making it your dedicated partner in mastering coffee at home.

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Remington Shine Therapy hair straightener

This straightener from Remington has an impressive nine, different temperature settings – allowing you to choose the heat that suits your hair. Best of all? It aims to heat up in just 15 seconds.

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Virgin Group has said there are ‘no more major hurdles to overcome’ in its rail project to operate cross-channel trains, offering travellers an alternative to Eurostar.

Sir Richard Branson recently announced plans to raise £700million to fund a new train service connecting UK passengers with Paris, Brussels, and potentially Amsterdam later on.

The company made the positive claim after the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) confirmed that Eurostar’s Temple Mills maintenance depot could be used by other train operators.

The depot, trains can maintained and stored, is crucial for other operators to be able to compete. The ORR confirmed that ‘operational and maintenance arrangements’ could be made to make this possible.

The ORR’s statement was welcome news to Virgin, who then responded, saying that this was ‘a green signal for competition.’

A spokesman added: ‘Virgin is therefore very pleased with the outcome… There are no more major hurdles to overcome. We expect to be able to make an announcement very soon.’

Having previously operated trains around Britain between 1997 and 2019, Virgin is now keen to get back on the tracks, looking to become Eurostar’s first direct rival in 30 years with a high-frequency service along the same route.

They previously shared aspirations to raise £300m in equity and £400m in debt to fund the project, claiming it plans to be the ‘cornerstone equity investor’ by providing a chunk of the initial funds required.

A spokesperson said of the developments: ‘The cross-channel route is ripe for change and would benefit from competition.

‘While Virgin is not committing to launching a service just yet, we are seeking investment from like-minded partners to invest alongside Virgin, and we are delighted with the progress made so far.’

Despite ideas still being in their infancy – with the company saying in a statement it is ‘not committing to launching a service just yet’ – a Financial Times report claims the hope is to launch as soon as 2029.

Alongside improving choice for passengers, Metro understands that Virgin’s aim is to inject some joy into their journey across the Channel, which suggests the onboard experience itself will be a priority for the firm.

In an effort to win over Eurostar customers, they’ll also be sweetening the pot, with bookings connected to its Group-wide rewards programme, Virgin Red.

Of course, the project will be no small feat, as getting a service like this up and running poses a range of challenges. For one, Virgin Group will need to ensure its trains are compatible with the Channel Tunnel’s safety rules. There’s also the matter of space in overcrowded stations to contend with.

Setting up the service will be a ‘huge undertaking,’ admits Phil Whittingham, a rail project lead at Virgin Group.

However, he adds: ‘We think Virgin is the right brand to signal a new era in cross-Channel travel.’

It comes after a collaboration agreement between the Channel Tunnel operator Getlink and London’s St Pancras railway station to increase the number of services running between Britain and France, and also to open up routes to Germany and Switzerland.

Last month, it was reported that St Pancras station hopes to triple peak time passenger numbers, taking the amount from 1,800 to 5,000 per hour.

And Eurostar is hot on the tracks of its potential competitors, already taking steps of its own to expand.

Last year, it revealed plans for up to 50 new trains and more international services to tap into the ‘huge demand’ for rail travel throughout Europe.

Gwendoline Cazenave, chief executive of the train operator, said the ‘race’ was on to increase capacity, having become one of the continent’s biggest high-speed rail operators.

But more Eurostar trains threaten to thwart Virgin Group’s proposals before the cash has even been raised for them, as it means limited depot space.

Both Virgin and Evolyn have previously argued they would struggle to secure funding or order trains for a new service without access to the depot.

Consequently, the operators have asked the rail regulator to intervene.

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From gate lice, to confusing queuing systems and stuffy waiting areas, boarding a flight is often a less-than-pleasant experience.

But British Airways is aiming to fix this familiar headache with new boarding rules, designed to streamline the process.

Back in 2017, BA introduced a system that divided passengers into not one, not two, but nine boarding groups.

While the intention was to reduce overcrowding, so many groups often had the opposite effect: small gate areas can mean not often seats, and passengers are left standing around, waiting to finally get on the plane.

But now, the UK flag carrier has quietly overhauled its system, scrapping some of its boarding group all together.

On long-haul flights, Groups 7 to 9 have been removed, and Groups 6 to 9 have been removed from short-haul boarding.

This leaves economy passengers boarding in just three groups on long-haul flights (4, 5 and 6) and two groups on short-haul flights (4 and 5).

The approach is organised by seat rows: Group 4 comprises the rear part of the economy cabin, while Group 5 (and Group 6 on long-haul flights) comprise the front part. 

This means passengers in the back can access their seats quickly without being blocked by those at the front. 

Groups 1 to 3, meanwhile, will be called first and are reserved for priority boarding customers, including Executive Gold, Silver and Bronze members.

As usual, your group number can be found printed on your boarding pass.

According to BA’s website, the system is intended to ‘simplify boarding, reduce congestion at the gate and make things easier for you’. 

It’s set to be a welcome relief to BA passenger, who complained that the previous system was difficult to navigate.

On the British Airways Reddit thread user, r/djmno3 wrote: ‘Having flown BA quite a few times, there’s been so many times when I’ve had to squeeze past people queuing for the gate, which created mayhem.’

Another user, r/txe4, said they hated the ‘chaotic’ boarding process. They wrote: ‘Groups not respected, crowds around the gate so you can’t tell what’s going on, displayed going immediately from “boarding at XX:XX” to “final call”, no explanation for delayed.’

Another r/Odd_Bus618 added: ‘Half the time, they never update the signs from group 1 or call later groups, so that’s why people mingle and chance their luck.’

This isn’t the first time BA has tweaked its boarding system. Last year, the airline introduced a Group 0 for select premium passengers, consisting of invite-only Premier card holders, Gold Guest List and Gold Guest List for life.

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