Ever since avocados became a bonafide millennial icon, brands have been quick to jump on the fruit wagon to pocket some sweet Gen Y cash.
This has led to a few painful business ventures, like a year of free avocado toasts with the purchase of a luxury condo, Asda’s avocado on toast jellies, and more recently Disney’s release of inexplicably avocado-themed Mickey Mouse wares.
Finally, there’s an avocado venture we might be able to stomach.
The home of smashed avo, Australia, is celebrating National Avocado Day on 31 July. In honour of this momentous occasion, fans of the old alligator pear can spend a night in the ‘avo-condo’ on Sydney Harbour.
For £56, or the cost of eight avocado on toasts at your favourite brunch haunt, you can spend a night in a custom-built caravan for two.
A cozy avocado caravan for two. (Picture: Booking.com)
You’ll be seeing green with avocado-themed décor, plus a swag of avocado goodies for you to take home. Would you just look at those socks.
Sure, you’ll get little to no privacy in the tourist-haven that is Circular Quay, but just consider those Harbour Bridge and Opera House views, plus the timeless content for the ‘gram.
The avo-condo is available for two nights only: 31 July 31 and 1 August. Reservations open July 29 at Booking.com.
Have you heard of this nifty comb hack? (Picture: Getty)
There’s more than one way to use the humble comb. It’s long been a favourite on DIY websites and those weirdly watchable life hack videos. The comb can work wonders in de-fuzzing knitwear, hammering nails and if you can believe it, untangling hair. It’s the eternal life hack tool.
A Wisconsin-based birth coach and photography business recently posted a comb hack to their Facebook, and it’s received praise from mums all over the world.
According to Fox Valley Birth and Baby, holding a comb during labour can help women cope better with the pains of childbirth.
‘When gripped in your hands, a comb can help hit acupuncture points in your hands,’ the post reads.
‘It also plays into the gate control pain theory. This theory states that the brain can only focus on a select number of sensations. Because the nerve endings are closer on your hands they reach your brain faster. Helping your body forget about the contractions.’
The post has received more than 20,000 comments, as well as several mums-to-be vowing to bring a comb into the delivery room.
Women have also shared similar pain control measures in the comments, such as squeezing a ‘little plastic hedgehog with sharp spikes’ or having partners, sisters and mother-in-laws ‘create pain elsewhere’ by digging ‘fists’ into the back of their backs.
According to some users, the power of the comb in pain control extends beyond childbirth.
‘I do this when I get a tattoo,’ wrote one user.
‘Next time I have a painful poop I’ll use the comb trick,’ wrote another.
The photography business suggests that the comb sit at the base of the fingers with the teeth pressing into the palm of the hand.
It might not work for everyone but next time you’re facing a painful situation, it’s worth a try.
Don’t simply drink your canned drink… make love to it!
Probably not a phrase any one in existence has actually remarked.
Nevertheless, American drinks brand Four Loko and Fleshlight have birthed this.
For £55, or $69 – what other price would be listed, let’s be real – you can treat yourself to The Four Loko x Fleshlight Sex In A Can. Talk about canned heat.
The hellish new product means you can cart your synthetic vagina around town with people thinking you’re simply enjoying a ‘premium malt beverage’. If you’ve heard of a weirder cross-promotional product, do speak now.
Meet ‘sex in a can’. (Picture: Four Loko/Fleshlight)
One can only imagine the chaos this concealed toy could cause if it fell into the wrong hands, or other. Earlier this month, we reported the tale of the grandmother who unfortunately mistook her 21-year-old grandson’s silicone vaginas for thermal socks and popped them on her feet.
Sex In A Can was created by Pizzaslime, a Los Angeles-based streetwear company that creates products inspired by internet culture. They’ve been responsible for other essentials like a cross body bag constructed of a Crocs shoe and a cushion bearing the infamous Kris Jenner shart tweet.
‘Inspired by the spirit of Steve Jobs and Leonardo Da Vinci we embarked on a quest to bring the world an innovative sexual experience. The result was the orchestration of combining the two legendary brands that are Fourloko and Fleshlight,’ Pizzaslime said in a tweet.
The Four Loko brand is no stranger to pushing the beverage boundaries. Up until 2010, the drink was a popular caffeinated alcoholic energy drink. After a string of hospitalisations linked to the dangerous mix and it facing multiple state bans throughout the U.S., the manufacturer removed caffeine from the beverage. It still lives on as an alcoholic mix, and now as a novelty sex instrument.
Ruby was diagnosed with the rare condition as a baby (Picture: Katie Galloway / SWNS)
A baby was diagnosed with a rare tumour-causing disease thanks to her freckles.
Ruby Galloway, now four, was born with little dark marks on her cheeks, head and chest, and parents Katie, 30 and Tom, 31, thought they were just freckles or birth marks.
However, when Ruby was four months old, a health visitor said she thought they might be a sign of something more serious – and eventually she was diagnosed with a rare condition.
Ruby has neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) – a disorder which causes tumours to grow along the nerves, and also causes dark marks, called cafe au lait spots.
It caused non-cancerous tumours to grow on Ruby’s optic nerve – that carries vision from the eyes to the brain – and she was at risk of going blind.
The brave youngster started 19 months of weekly chemo in April and a few weeks later bravely allowed her mum to shave off her hair, after it started to fall out.
Her parents initially thought Ruby just had freckles (Picture: Katie Galloway / SWNS)
The family from Plympton, Devon, are kept strong by inspirational Ruby who admired her new hair do in the mirror and told Katie: ‘Mummy I’m beautiful’.
Katie, who is Ruby’s carer, said: ‘I was a bit worried because we’d thought it was just birthmarks.
‘She had two on her face and two on her chest, and other freckles dotted around.’
Katie and husband Tom, a self-employed courier, weren’t initially concerned by the marks on Ruby’s skin when she was born in March 2015.
When a health visitor came for a routine check-up when Ruby was four months old, Katie asked her to take a look.
She was stunned when she recommended they go to the GP that same day, who said it could be a sign of neurofibromatosis.
The GP arranged for Ruby to meet with a geneticist at Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, Devon, a week later.
Katie said: ‘It was really overwhelming.
‘There just wasn’t much information given to us, so we had a look online – which is always the worst thing you can do.
She is now undergoing chemotherapy (Picture: Katie Galloway / SWNS)
‘We tried not to read too much as it was so worrying and Ruby seemed fine.’
The geneticist explained the marks were actually café au lait spots – which are associated with NF1.
Childhood Tumour Trust Charity said the NF1 gene can result in an increase of melanin, which can result in cafe au lait marks.
They also measured the circumference of Ruby’s head, which although wasn’t noticeable to the eye, was larger than normal – another indicator.
She went for more blood and eye tests, but still didn’t have an official diagnosis until doctors noticed she also had some developmental delays.
She did not crawl until she was one or walk until she was 15 months old.
An MRI scan revealed Ruby’s optic nerve had started to gradually thicken from the age of two, and doctor’s worried she would lose her vision.
By February 2019, an MRI found it had got worse again, and in April the family were called in to hospital.
Ruby says she looks beautiful with no hair – and she does (Picture: Katie Galloway / SWNS)
Katie said: ‘We thought it was just a check-up but the doctors said they had been in talks with Bristol Royal Hospital for Children and that, to prevent it from growing, Ruby would have to start chemotherapy.
‘It hit me like a ton of bricks.
‘She was sat next to me playing happily and it was hard to believe she’d be having chemo when she seemed fine.
‘The team were really great and supportive. We met the nurses that would be looking after Ruby right away.’
Days later she started her first round of chemo and she now visits every week for the treatment via a Hickman line – a central venous catheter for medicine.
‘We were worried she’d struggle with the Hickman line and just with sitting still for the hour, but she was amazing,’ said Katie.
‘She sat patiently and did some colouring, then as soon as they unplugged her she just got up and started playing. I couldn’t believe it.
‘I knew I had to be strong but it was a really emotional day.
‘She’s such a character.
‘You can always hear Ruby before you see her, she’s so infectious and lovable.
‘She loves the nurses that do her chemo. She’s always giving them cuddles and making them laugh.’
Ruby showed just how strong a spirit she has when she lost her hair in May.
Katie explained: ‘I was very hesitant, it was another hard reality to face.
‘She had such beautiful hair, but I asked her “shall we cut it?” and she said yes and fetched the clippers.
‘It took me a while to even turn them on, but she was totally fine. Once it was done she looked in the mirror and said: “Mummy I’m beautiful”. The second Ruby said that, I was happy.’
Ruby has recently been fitted with a feeding tube after losing weight – up to 3lb a week – and she has 16 months left of chemotherapy.
Katie continued: ‘It was a massive shock when we found out she’d need chemo – it was like I’d had the wind knocked out of me.
‘But it makes it easier when Ruby is so calm and positive.’
Katie, who gave up work as a housekeeper to be her daughter’s full-time carer in December, has a son TJ, 12, who dotes on his sister and is part of the Young Carers of Plymouth network.
Childhood Tumour Trust Charity is campaigning for a body map to be included in the Child Development ‘Red’ Book so any marks seen on a baby or young child can be documented.
The majority of those who have six or more coffee coloured marks on their skin which are larger than 0.5cm will have NF1.
They’re discussing your order (Picture: Sainsbury’s)
In our series The Future of Everything, we said that in the next few years we won’t have to trek to a supermarket when we run out of toilet paper or pet food.
And it seems we’re closer to achieving that as Sainsbury’s has just announced it will now be on Deliveroo.
The supermarket is set to be part of the delivery service starting from next week.
It will be part of a two-month trial but hopefully will carry on if there’s enough demand.
But contain your excitement, folks, it will only be available in Cambridge, Selly Oak, West Hove, Pimlico and Hornsey.
Should it be successful, it may be rolled out country-wide. And soon, you won’t even need to leave the house.
Beautiful romance (Picture: Sainsbury’s)
And good news for everyone, the prices of all their products – which include freshly-baked sourdough pizzas, a range of sweet and savoury snacks, dips and soft drink – will be the same.
According to Deliveroo, more than 50 items from Sainbury’s will be available on the app from 22 July.
‘With more and more shoppers looking for convenient and affordable meals delivered to their doors, our trial with Deliveroo brings our great value hot food direct to customers’ homes,’ said Clodagh Moriarty, Sainsbury’s group chief digital officer.
It’s not the first time a supermarket has teamed up with a delivery service.
Morrisons also joined forces with Amazon, offering same-day grocery deliveries.
The service, which was launched in 2016, is already available to Amazon’s Prime Now customers in Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham and parts of London.
They wrote: ‘I’ve woken up with my cat nose to nose just staring me dead in the eyes in the middle of the night.’
Lots of people made jokes that the cat was trying to kill the owner.
One joked ‘Killing me softly with his paws’, while another said ‘that cat seems sweet but believe me, he’s tryin’ to kill you slowly’.
‘Looks like your cat may be trying to stop you from snoring,’ quipped another.
My cat used to do that to me! I only found out because when I woke up from my recurring dream of suffocating, the fat bastard was sprawled out on my face.
Just Eats Food Fest returns! (Picture: Antony Jones)
If there’s something London knows how to do well, it’s a food festival. There’s Taste Of London, London Seafood Festival and Gelato Festival, plus the regular street food favourites like Borough Market, Whitecross Market, and Dinerama serving up the goods weekly.
This weekend sees the return of another annual foodie event, the Just Eat Food Fest.
To get you off the app/couch and into Shoreditch, the takeaway company is bringing gems like crunchy Japanese tacos from Sugoi JPN, Filipino fare from Romulo, authentic Caribbean chicken from Mama Jacq’s and croissant muffin hybrids to this year’s event.
Now in its fourth year, the festival has switched to a new Shoreditch venue, 93 Feet East. Here, there will be six different ‘taste trails’ which will lead festival goers through ‘secret staircases’ to different foodie experiences. There’s even a retro 1950s Americana games room.
It’s not just for foodies. Expect cocktails flowing and live music and DJs playing over the two days.
The festival is also primetime for star spotting, with guests such as Dua Lipa, Nicole Scherzinger, and Pixie Lott attending in the past.
Would you try the vegan pizza doughnut? (Picture: Paul Grover)
You can also expect to see a star who’s cheesier than most… the vegan margherita pizza doughnut.
This unique culinary hit topped the list of a recent survey which asked Brits to name the artisanal doughnut flavour they’d be most curious to taste.
The doughnut, made by Dum Dums Donutterie, will be handed out free at the festival. Expect melt-in-your-mouth vegan mozzarella, peppery fresh basil and sweet tomato sauce housed within a savoury doughnut.
Just Eat Food Fest will take place at 93 Feet East, 150 Brick Lane on Friday 26 July 2019, 5pm – 11pm, Saturday 27 July 2019, 12pm – 11pm. Entry is free.
Frank is the best ice cream seller around (Picture: Lee McLean / SWNS)
An elderly man has been serving ice cream for 70 years, and in that time hes sold over three million cones.
Frank Penna started working in the family business when he went out in the ice cream vans at just 14 years old – 73 years ago.
In that time the 86-year-old father-of-five has sold in excess of 3,000,000 cones – all of them vanilla.
The married grandfather-of-nine is still going strong, manning the kiosk at Hull’s Pearson Park; this year celebrating a tenure of 50 years.
To celebrate the milestone anniversary, Frank and his family hosted an event at the park on Saturday, which was attended by customers from three generations.
Frank, who is of Italian descent after his grandfather Francesco arrived in Hull via New York in 1889, said: ‘We moved into Pearson Park in 1969 and have been here ever since.
‘It’s a beautiful park and a perfect place to enjoy one of our ice creams.
He’s sold over 3 million cones (Picture: Lee McLean / SWNS)
‘The secret is giving good value for money and being nice to people and treat customers all the same. There is nobody better than anyone else.
‘We took the place on, liked it and the rest is history. I never dreamed we would be here after 50 years.
‘We have all good memories right from day one.’
The family history is in an interesting one, his grandfather Francesco, a mariner, ended up in Brooklyn, New York, in the 1800s, where he learned the ice cream trade.
He returned to Italy where he met his wife, Frank’s grandmother, Giuseppa, and together they embarked on a life-changing visit to Hull, with them staying in the UK for good.
Francesco started making his own ice cream to sell on the streets of the gritty northern port city.
Frank said: ‘Back then there wasn’t much going for business in Italy. You either worked in oranges or lemons. In Hull, the opportunities were many.’
Frank in his van at 17 (Picture: SWNS)
Back in 1889 there was only one flavour going: vanilla.
Frank said: ‘Because we made our own ice cream it was always vanilla.
‘Over time they did introduce ice lollies and such but we never added any other flavour ice cream.
‘Vanilla is the best selling flavour, I do sometimes get asked for others but nobody ever seems disappointed when we say we only have the one flavour.
‘It might not be your favourite, but it is not disliked.’
The first Francesco developed his business and opened up premises in the Little Italy area of Hull, in North Street.
He made ice cream which would be sold to vendors and hired out in Penna’s ice cream barrows on a daily basis.
The family’s fortune rose, with the Pennas owning 15 barrows – ice cream stalls, three tricycles and three horse-drawn ice cream carts, stables and horses.
During the Second World War, when Mussolini declared Italy allies to Hitler, Winston Churchill responded by announcing the head of every Italian family living in Britain be interned – most were sent to Canada.
Worried that Francesco was too frail, Francesco Junior, who was just six months old when he arrived in Britain with his dad, volunteered to take his father’s place.
Four months later, Francesco Junior was returned to his family as a naturalised citizen and, having fought in the East Yorkshire, Corps in the British Army in the First World War, was deemed as no threat.
Frank says vanilla is the best flavour! (Picture: Lee McLean / SWNS)
However, it was not business as usual as ingredients needed to make ice cream were no longer available during WWII.
Instead, enterprising Francesco Junior bought a sawmill and sold kindling for fires on the barrows.
By this time Frank was starting to work in the family business but it was only after the war, and with the introduction of ice cream vans, that he went out selling to the people of Hull.
Frank said: ‘Back then you could buy penny, tuppence and threepence cornets, then you had 9p and shilling cones in the 60s.
‘Ice cream was something that you could buy with your pocket money.
‘The big difference to ice cream over the years that I’ve noticed is the cost.
‘Nowadays it is not unusual to cost a family of four £10 for ice creams.
‘We still have a 70p cone and sell a 99 for £1, we get some families coming to us especially, because we sell the cheapest ice cream in Hull.
‘We do it for the kids. We know that if people have more than two kids then buying ice cream can be costly, but we keep the prices down.’
Frank no longer manufactures his own ice cream and instead buys it in.
He split from the family business after his father died in 1959.
Frank said: ‘My cousins continued running the factory while I got a few vans of my own and started up myself.
‘Eventually I got the contract for the kiosk and the rest is history. We have been running this as a family, with my wife, Anne, also 85, and most of the children, by my side.’
The factory making ice cream no longer exists.
He sells scoop ice cream at the kiosk, along with chocolate, crisps and refreshments.
Frank said: ‘Personally my favourite has got to be Cornish ice cream.
‘There’s nothing better than a cool ice cream shared with the family on a hot day.’
Frank reckons he has single-handedly sold on average around 200 cones a day during the seven-day-a-week ice cream season between April and October.
This accounts for having much higher sales in hot weather – think of the queues at the ice cream van – and sometimes working outside the season in nicer weather.
Over 73 years this amounts to at least 3 million cones.
A hilarious video showing a man being caught still having Tinder by his girlfriend while on a jet ski has gone viral.
The video, tweeted by Ahkeem Murphy, 26 – known online as Luxury Prince – has had two million views since it was posted last Friday.
In the footage, Ahkeem’s girlfriend, Lynn Burton, 26, can be seen enjoying the couple’s three-day holiday in Wisconsin Dells, as they ride a jet ski together.
Although the pair appear to be having the time of their life, Lynn’s facial expression quickly drops as she stares at Ahkeem’s phone and asks:
‘Wait, is that Tinder?’
Ahkeem appears worried, as he responds: ‘What are you talking about?’
Lynn quickly replies: ‘I thought you deleted that, who is that?’
The couple continues to bicker as Ahkeem is left speechless while Lynn demands to see her boyfriend’s phone.
Akheem was caught on Tinder (Picture: @Too_Luxury/ Jam Press)
In the video, which Ahkeem captioned ‘got caught slipping’, Ahkeem speeds the jet ski away instead of letting Lynn see his phone.
Despite the argument, the couple are still together.
Ahkeem said: ‘I attempted to distract her by accelerating the jet ski which resulted in her laughing instead.’
Twitter users were in hysterics as the video raked in over 30,000 likes.
One user replied with handy advice: ‘Just throw the phone in the ocean.’
Another commented: ‘I would have accidentally on purpose flipped the jet ski!’
On a final note, Ahkeem believes he did the right thing by making Lynn laugh. He said: ‘You can’t be too mad when you’re having fun on a jet ski!’
Today’s fitness challenge is dive bomber press-ups – how many reps can you do?
Start with one and once you have perfected the move – ramp it up.
Our daily challenges are perfect to try at home, at the gym or in the park. They are designed to get you moving every day.
Throughout this Staying Active summer series, fitness experts Elia and Amanda – both qualified instructors at Flykick – will be on hand to show you how to do each challenge and give you their top tips.
Check back every weekday to see what the next challenge is – you can even film your progress to make a record of how far you’ve come.
The aim is to be active every day for six weeks over summer. And today’s challenge is a tough one that will test your explosive strength and really work your core.
These daily challenges can be done in isolation, or you can include them in larger workout – it’s totally up to you. As long as you’re moving, that’s what matters.
This move should be fluid and smooth – practice makes perfect (Picture: Getty)
We know doing the same fitness routine every week can get really tedious, trying a new challenge every day will keep your fitness fresh and fun – and you might even learn some new moves.
How to do dive bomber press-ups
It may have a slightly odd name, but this press-up variation is actually really easy to master – and it can do wonders for your upper body strength.
Start on all fours with your hands on the floor, slightly wider than your shoulders.
Push your hands into the floor and pull your hips up and back until you’re in a downward dog position.
Your arms will be straight, shoulders down, bum in the air. You should be up on your toes with your body forming an upside down V shape.
With your legs straight, bend your elbows and move your chest forward and down toward the floor.
When your head is at the bottom of the movement, press up to straighten your arms, finishing in an upward dog position.
Reverse the movement to return to the starting position.
Your chest should hover above the ground throughout the move.
I am Team GB
Toyota has teamed up with Team GB to re-launch the hugely successful participation campaign ‘I am Team GB’.
Inspired by the achievements of Team GB athletes and the amazing efforts of local community heroes, Team GB has created ‘The Nation’s Biggest Sports Day’, which will take place on the 24thAugust.
Over the weekend, there will be hundreds of free and fun activities across the country, put on by an army of volunteers; the ‘I am Team GB Games Makers’.
To Join the Team and be part of The Nation’s Biggest Sports Day sign up at: www.IAmTeamGB.com
But one mum has proved that making sure your child has a great prom night doesn’t have to be expensive.
Debbie Hills, 47, managed to cover the entire cost of her daughter’s prom night for just £12.50.
Aimee, 18, initially refused to attend her school’s prom due to bullies.
But just three weeks before the event, the teenager changed her mind, meaning Debbie had to scramble to get everything sorted.
Debbie said: ‘Aimee wasn’t very confident, like a typical teenager she had body confidence issues when she’s a size eight.
‘She didn’t have a large friendship group and was bullied at school – she didn’t want to go to school and didn’t really do well in her exams.
Aimee, 18, with her great auntie Ann (Picture: Mercury Press)
‘I’m a single mum and I struggle for money anyway, so I had no idea how I was going to do it because dresses cost a fortune.
‘Everyone should go to prom and Aimee’s really glad she went. She has some lovely memories, she would have regretted it if she hadn’t.
‘Prom shouldn’t be about the pressure of money, it should be about the kids spending time together and having memories to look back on.’
Thankfully, Debbie knows how to stick to a budget, and set herself a challenge of making her daughter’s night special without splashing a load of cash.
School cook Debbie managed to find a dress for Aimee being offered for free on Facebook – which Aimee ended up loving.
The dress needed some alterations, which cost £5, and Aimee wore her own shoes and did her own hair and makeup.
They found the dress for free through Facebook (Picture: Mercury Press)
Aimee’s prom ticket cost £5 and she needed a new pair of tights for £2.50. The student was chauffeured to prom for free by her great uncle Percy in his Jaguar.
That brings the total spent on the night to just £12.50. Bargain.
This isn’t the first time Debbie’s managed to cut down costs for school dances. Her older daughter Rihannon’s prom night cost £24 thanks to a donated dress, while her son’s event cost £55, including a new suit, shoes, and a bottle of whiskey for a neighbour who dropped him off in his Porsche.
‘We know that we’re lucky,’ said Debbie. ‘It is nice to spend a lot on your child’s prom and treat your kids if you can afford it, but we’re more grateful than greedy.
‘We don’t do the whole ‘look what I’ve got’.
Aimee’s great uncle drove her to prom (Picture: Mercury Press)
‘My kids will go into Primark and look for the stuff that costs a pound, they don’t go into Hugo Boss and want a £500 t-shirt.
‘Aimee really deserved to go – when my dad was diagnosed with cancer her only priority was making sure she visited him every day and making sure he was eating.
‘Even now, she still visits him twice a week and does things for him.
‘She’s a great kid – she rarely thinks of herself and always wants to help everyone else.’
Aimee’s purple halterneck and diamante studded dress has now been passed on to another school leaver, while Rihannon’s was donated to the school.
Debbie said: ‘We’ve passed the dresses on for other people to enjoy.
‘One of the conditions when we picked up Aimee’s dress was that we weren’t allowed to sell it, but we wouldn’t have done that anyway.
‘We’ve always struggled, and it was nice to be able to do something for families in a similar position.
‘Money is tight for most of the people I know, and most of those are working families.’
Rocket? Hatha? Power? How to choose? (Picture: Ella Byworth)
Yoga is an ancient collection of physical and spiritual exercises that work to improve the body and the mind.
Originating in India, yoga has now become a staple of Western fitness – with boutique studios popping up all over the country.
You only have to take a quick look at the number of Lululemon-clad women walking to their local gym on a Sunday morning to know just how popular it has become.
But how many of us actually understand the kind of yoga that we’re practicing? If you’re a beginner, the sheer list of different yoga options can be completely overwhelming.
We asked MoreYoga instructor and studio coordinator Becky Crepsley-Fox for an explainer on the different types of yoga – to help you find the perfect class to suit your needs.
Hatha
This class is brilliant for beginners.
Hatha is a general category for most yoga styles and includes the practice of asanas (yoga postures) and pranayama (breathing exercises).
It is slow-paced, allowing you to spend the perfect amount of time in each posture to learn the correct techniques.
Hatha is a general category for most yoga styles (Picture: Ella Byworth for Metro.co.uk)
Vinyasa flow
This is a wonderful ‘all levels’ class.
Linking the breath to movement is the key, designed to build heat, endurance, flexibility and strength.
Using sun salutations (also known as surya namaskar) as a template to heat the body and focus the mind.
Power
This is a more advanced variation of a vinyasa flow class.
A fast-paced class with an emphasis on strengthening work, inversions are sometimes practiced too.
Power yoga has an emphasis on strengthening work (Picture: Ella Byworth for Metro.co.uk)
Ashtanga
Also known as the eight-limbs form of yoga, this is a dynamic practice formed out of a traditional series of postures.
It is structured to start with sun salutations followed by standing sequence, seated sequence and then closing.
Rocket
Rocket has its roots in ashtanga. This dynamic practice was created to get you there faster.
By adding inversions and arm balances, a more intense standing sequence plus lots of extra strengthening poses.
How to practice yoga at home safely
Always warm up. Every yoga class starts with breathing, stretching and smaller postures that articulate the spine, create space in the body and stretch the fascia to prepare you for your practice.
Start small. There is no point jumping into inversions or some of the more ‘Instagram-able’ poses. Especially if you don’t have trained eyes keeping you safe.
Nail the basics. Some of the simplest postures are the most difficult to do, and the easiest to do incorrectly. It’s important to get the essentials correct before progressing to a more challenging practice.
Anna Clifford, yoga instructor
Jivamukti
This class incorporates meditation, chanting and sometimes philosophy alongside a fiery yoga practice. Expect hands-on adjustments and a creative flow.
Dharma
Based on the teaching of Sri Dharma Mittra, a beloved and renowned yogi master, this is a devotional graceful practice. It is a strong practice but at a slower pace than the power classes.
This practice is a moving meditation (Picture: Ella Byworth for Metro.co.uk)
Expect lots of backbends, twists and inversions with a variety of options to choose from. Finishing with a blissful relaxation and pranayama.
This practice is a moving meditation that empowers the whole body on a physical, spiritual and mental level.
Yin
If you love the restorative vibe but you need a bit more of a challenge, Yin is for you.
This class is formed of mainly seated or lying down postures. Holding the postures between two-seven minutes (or even longer). This is to get that deep stretch in key areas such as the hips and shoulders.
Using props to support you as you relax into the stretches. A must for those seeking to balance their practice with rocket or ashtanga.
I am Team GB
Toyota has teamed up with Team GB to re-launch the hugely successful participation campaign ‘I am Team GB’.
Inspired by the achievements of Team GB athletes and the amazing efforts of local community heroes, Team GB has created ‘The Nation’s Biggest Sports Day’, which will take place on the 24thAugust.
Over the weekend, there will be hundreds of free and fun activities across the country, put on by an army of volunteers; the ‘I am Team GB Games Makers’.
To Join the Team and be part of The Nation’s Biggest Sports Day sign up at: www.IAmTeamGB.com
Plant-based diets have been linked to a lower likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes (Picture: Getty/ metro.co.uk)
Going vegan or vegetarian could lower your risk of type 2 diabetes, a new study suggests.
Researchers in the United States analysed nine studies on 307,099 participants with 23,544 cases of type 2 diabetes.
They found a significant decrease in the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes and following ‘plant-based dietary patterns’ – veganism, vegetarianism, and the general higher consumption of plant-based foods and lower consumption of animal-based foods.
Those who stuck to plant-based diets most strictly (vegans) were found to have the lowest risk of developing the disease.
But before you go scoffing vegan sausage rolls, it’s important to note that the link was strengthened when healthy plant-based foods were eaten, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts.
Unhealthy plant-based foods, such as grains, sugar, and starches, were linked to a higher risk of type 2 diabetes.
The authors, from Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, say they believe the study provides ‘the most complex evidence on the association between plant-based dietary patterns and incidence of type 2 diabetes’.
The study also suggests that you don’t have to worry that a vegan diet is cutting you off from essential nutrients.
Is it time to go veggie? (Picture: Getty)
The study’s authors said: ‘Concerns have been raised that strict vegan diets that exclude dairy and fish may lead to inadequate intakes of certain nutrients in the general populations, including vitamins B12 and D and calcium, consumption of which is associated with lower risk of type 2 diabetes.
‘However, consuming animal products is not the only way to prevent nutritional deficiencies for these specific nutrients.
‘The consumption of a balanced, plant-based dietary pattern with the inclusion of fortified foods and the use of dietary supplements can help individuals who practice a vegan or vegetarian diet meet their needs for these nutrients.
‘The dose-response association observed in our analysis suggests that, in general populations that do not practice strict vegetarian or vegan diets, replacing animal products with healthful plant-based foods is likely to exert a significant reduction in the risk of diabetes.’
Clinical trials have shown diets rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts and wholegrains individually and jointly improve insulin sensitivity and blood pressure and reduce long-term weight gain.
People following these diets tend to avoid red and processed meats, which have been linked with an increased risk of developing the disease.
Dr Emily Burns, head of research communications at Diabetes UK, said: ‘We know that eating a healthy diet can help people lower their risk of developing type 2 diabetes, a serious condition which can lead to devastating complications.
‘This study adds to the evidence that following healthy plant-based diets are one way to do this.
‘We also know that specific foods in healthy plant-based diets such as fruits, vegetables and wholegrains have been associated with reducing risk of type 2 diabetes.
‘However, more research is needed to fully understand how plant-based diets are beneficial in helping people minimise their risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and who is more likely to benefit from this approach.’
But that’s the point, really. We’re not here to make everyone feel better about throwing their money into a renting pit, but to take an honest, no holds barred look at the real state of renting in the UK.
This time around we’re in the fancy bit of London, Chelsea, with Matthew and Charles – a married couple sharing a one-bedroom flat and splitting the costs down the middle.
Matthew’s the one on the left, with some excellent glasses, Charles is on the right (Picture: Jerry Syder/Metro.co.uk)
Hi, Matthew! How much do you pay to live here?
We pay £515 a week which is about £2,230 a month. We split this down the middle.
Bills are around £200 to £300 a month.
And what do you get for what you pay?
We have a very small entrance, a living room, a bedroom, and one bathroom.
Do you think you have a good deal?
Yes and no. The flat is quite small and storage is minimal but we have an amazing location, a huge window at the front, the front door to the old house (with classic Chelsea columns), and a balcony at the front where we have plants and flowers, so this balances everything back out.
How did you find the flat?
Charles found this online on Rightmove while he was home in Canada and agreed to the flat while having only seen it on Facetime… Rather brave.
We’ve lived together for a year and a half and Charles had this flat for a year prior to that. Before we lived together I lived in Marylebone and Little Venice.
The couple share a love of antiques and unusual finds (Picture: Jerry Syder/Metro.co.uk)
Do you like the area?
Yes, absolutely. Chelsea has a snooty reputation but we couldn’t love living here more.
Our neighbours on our street are lovely and are actually neighbourly, unlike places we’ve lived in elsewhere.
We’re seconds away from the Saatchi, the Royal Hospital, the King’s Road, Peter Jones, and a short walk from the V&A, the river, and Battersea Park. It couldn’t be better.
Do you feel like you have enough space?
Again, yes and no. We’ve had to be ruthless with what we own and there’s a huge amount of stuff packed under our sofa and bed – airtight ziplock bags are a godsend – but we don’t feel like we’re on top of each other and have just enough room for Charles’ obsession with chairs… Although he does have a further four in storage.
The couple describe their interior style as ‘retirement home chic’ (Picture: Jerry Syder/Metro.co.uk)
How have you made the flat feel like home?
We’ve gone through rounds and rounds of decorating the flat. Starting off with Ikea furniture we then sold or recycled before buying antique furniture and pictures at auction.
Buying antiques is usually a lot cheaper than buying brand new furniture and it’s also much more environmentally friendly, which is something we all have to consider now.
The chairs in the flat are between 300-250 years old and still solid and almost as good as new. We’ll keep them for the rest of our lives and repair them if they break.
How would you describe your interior style?
Retirement home-chic. Our friends like to tease us that we’re old before our time but we both like antique furniture and old pictures and it’s something we’re pretty sure very few young people share, so we’re glad we found each other.
We haven’t been able to make any changes to the flat, unfortunately, and that’s something we really wish we could do. Our landlord has been ok with us using the front balcony for plants and flowers, though, which has helped a lot.
Honestly, we’re big fans (Picture: Jerry Syder/Metro.co.uk)
What’s it like living with your husband?
Great! We’ve heard scare stories from friends who moved in together and had major issues but we couldn’t be happier.
When we’re home we spend our evenings scouring auction sites for antiques and incorrectly catalogued paintings we can get for a steal or researching our new-found love of 18th century French porcelain – we really are a pair of 75-year-olds, and we like it like that.
Recently we spent many an evening looking into the big picture above the drawers as we didn’t know who it was and fancied finding out. It turns out it’s a portrait of Prince George of Denmark who was the husband of Queen Anne (back in the news recently for The Favourite) and was a gift from the royal couple to the Earl of Jersey who was the head of her royal household in the late 1600s!
Charles found the flat online and said yes to renting it after a FaceTime call (Picture: Jerry Syder/Metro.co.uk)
Do you have any plans to move again?
We aren’t planning on moving any time soon, but who knows! We’d really like somewhere with more storage or a second bedroom so guests wouldn’t have to sleep on the sofa when they visit, but we shall see.
And what about buying a place?
In this economy? All jokes aside, yes, but it’s definitely a way off.
If you haven’t guessed, we’re semi-nutty people so we often think about working towards buying a dilapidated chateau in rural France and restoring it ourselves and then turning it into a a part-time holiday rental/wedding venue part-time getaway location. But, again, this is some time off but definitely what we want to do in the future.
Buying in London probably isn’t that feasible for us at the moment and also isn’t really something we’d desperately want to do.
The chateau sounds dreamy and we’ll be expecting an invite. Shall we have a look around the flat?
The couple love living together, and spend their evenings looking for more antiques to fill their home (Picture: Jerry Syder/Metro.co.uk)
Walking through the flat, there’s so much to stare at (Picture: Jerry Syder/Metro.co.uk)
The living room is pretty special (Picture: Jerry Syder/Metro.co.uk)
The table, the chair, the artwork! Incredible (Picture: Jerry Syder/Metro.co.uk)
Just look at those portraits! (Picture: Jerry Syder/Metro.co.uk)
Apparently Charles has a real thing for chairs (Picture: Jerry Syder/Metro.co.uk)
It’s like being in a museum (Picture: Jerry Syder/Metro.co.uk)
(Picture: Jerry Syder/Metro.co.uk)
There’s a writing table in the corner, of course (Picture: Jerry Syder/Metro.co.uk)
A close-up of some of the artwork in the living room (Picture: Jerry Syder/Metro.co.uk)
(Picture: Jerry Syder/Metro.co.uk)
Here’s the kitchen (Picture: Jerry Syder/Metro.co.uk)
It’s less busy than the living room, but just as lovely (Picture: Jerry Syder/Metro.co.uk)
We do appreciate a fruit bowl (Picture: Jerry Syder/Metro.co.uk)
The bedroom isn’t massive, but it does just fine for Matthew and Charles (Picture: Jerry Syder/Metro.co.uk)
We’re strangely envious of that snazzy headboard (Picture: Jerry Syder/Metro.co.uk)
Finally, the bathroom. Yes, there’s a tub (Picture: Jerry Syder/Metro.co.uk)
Anyone with neatly folded towels is a proper adult, fact (Picture: Jerry Syder/Metro.co.uk)
And a squeegee for the shower door! (Picture: Jerry Syder/Metro.co.uk)
We think this is the first What I Rent place with a proper toothbrush holder rather than a mug (Picture: Jerry Syder/Metro.co.uk)
What I Rent is a weekly series that’s out every Tuesday at 10am. Check back next week to have a nose around another rented property in London.
How to get involved in What I Rent
What I Rent is Metro.co.uk's weekly series that takes you inside the places in London people are renting, to give us all a better sense of what's normal and how much we should be paying.
You'll need to have pictures taken of your kitchen, living room, bathroom, and bedroom, plus a few photos of you in your room. Make sure you get permission for your housemates!
You'll also need to be okay with sharing how much you're paying for rent, as that's pretty important.
Sharon Tate was murdered in 1969 (Picture: Michael Ochs)
A summer selfie, swatches of a dreamy eyeshadow palette, and a close-up of winged eyeliner are the kind of aspirational posts you’d expect on the official Vogue Beauty Instagram account.
But you probably don’t expect a reference to a tragic, gruesome murder.
‘With this summer marking the 50th anniversary of the Manson Family murders and the tragic death of Sharon Tate, the catalyst for the ’60s revival is a secret to no one. Tap the link in our bio to see how five It girls have modernized throwback looks,’ read the caption under an image of singer Jorja Smith.
In 1969, 26-year-old actress Sharon Tate was heavily pregnant when she was savagely killed in her own home in Los Angeles, California, U.S. by members of Charles Manson’s cult.
The Vogue Beauty post has been deleted, but the caption was quickly labelled as ‘deranged’, ‘the worst’ and ‘bad taste’ in the comments section.
‘Someone’s family member was murdered and you want to base a beauty trend on that!’ said one Instagram user.
The screenshot of the post has also been circulating on Twitter, with one user writing: ‘Woo some summer intern about to get fired.’
While the Instagram post has been removed, the article still remains on Vogue.com, and features a series of celebrity beauty looks inspired by Sharon’s style during her ‘short but fruitful career’.
Vogue has been contacted for comment and we will update the article accordingly.
It’s too hot for gym kit OK?! (Picture: Ella Byworth for Metro.co.uk)
It’s getting hot. Really hot. And none of us can cope.
Sleeping is impossible, commuting is a nightmare, sex is a no-no. We were not built for this.
But what about working out? How on earth do you go about exercising when the temperature climbs to the dizzying heights of 30 degrees and above? And is it even safe to workout in a heatwave?
The thought of purposefully making yourself warmer than necessary during a heatwave might seem like sheer lunacy – but when you have fitness goals to stick to, you really don’t want a little bit of heat to knock you off course. And if you’re smart and safe about it, there are ways to keep exercising – even when it’s blistering outside.
It’s tempting to ditch the gym altogether when it’s hot. Heat exhaustion and dehydration are real concerns – particularly when you’re not used to the hot weather.
So we asked the experts how to do it right; get the most out of your workout without putting yourself at risk.
Choose breathable, light clothing to reduce your risk of overheating (Picture: Ella Byworth for Metro.co.uk)
David Wiener, training specialist at fitness app Freeletics shares his dos and don’ts of working out in a heatwave:
Forget your PB
Exercising in the hot weather puts an extra strain on the body, so it’s important to know your limits, and pay close attention to your body and what it needs.
If at any time you feel lightheaded, it’s best to stop training or significantly reduce the intensity until you’re feeling better.
It’s also really important to remember that the heat will affect your workout, so don’t push yourself too hard, and take regular breaks so that your body can cool down and you can take on water.
Be an early bird
An early morning workout is always a better option in the hot weather. Not only does it set you up for the day, it is also far cooler at dawn then it is at sunset, with higher levels of humidity towards the end of the day.
Even in the morning try to protect yourself from the sun and work out in shaded areas.
Drink up
Guidelines state that you should be drinking between six – eight glasses of water each day, which equates to around two litres.
In the summer months, try to up this to around ten glasses to ensure you’re properly fuelling your body, especially if you’re working out.
Up your water intake as the temperature rises (Picture: Ella Byworth)
If you’re doing moderate exercise for less than an hour, water should be fine to ensure you do not become dehydrated, but anything more intense will require an isotonic sports drinks to guarantee you’re replenishing your body properly.
It’s also a good idea to carry a cloth which you can dampen to cool your head and neck.
Be mindful about your workout
In the heat of the summer, be mindful of the kinds of exercises you do.
Try swapping your long run for intense interval training, but again make sure you are training at the coolest times of day.
This kind circuit training is quick and effective, also leaving you feeling energised to tackle the day ahead.
Choose sweat wicking, breathable fabrics
Opt for breathable, lightweight, and light-coloured workout attire that permits sweat to evaporate, so that you can cool down effectively.
Not only will these types of materials help you stay cooler during your workout, but they can help you avoid the skin irritation, breakouts, or heat rashes.
Don’t worry about not achieving your best results (Picture: Ella Byworth)
Replace lost nutrients
It’s likely that you’ll sweat more when training in a heat wave, so it’s important to take steps to
replenish and restore the nutrients your body will lose through excess sweating.
Be mindful of your meals and strive to eat whole, unprocessed foods as much as possible. These foods will prevent lethargy and help with any cramping or muscles fatigue while training.
Is it safe to workout in a heatwave?
As keen as we might be to keep going with our fitness – safety has to be the primary concern.
Everybody reacts differently to the heat and some people are more prone to suffering from symptoms and illnesses if they get overheated – so listen to your body.
‘It can be dangerous to push yourself hard in extremely hot weather, when you’re not accustomed to it,’ says Doctor Clare Morrison, GP and medical advisor at Medexpress.
‘Dealing with the heat can be enough of a challenge, without doing a workout as well, so caution is advised.
‘If, despite the heat, you are keen to work out, I would suggest that you choose a time of day when it’s not so hot – i.e. early in the morning or late at night. Alternatively use an air-conditioned room or gym.
‘Avoid direct sunlight, and wear loose cotton clothing. Make sure you drink plenty of water, and avoid alcohol and other diuretics such as coffee.
‘Stop before you feel exhausted, and be aware of the signs of heat stroke, which include dizziness, nausea, headache and muscle cramps.
‘Continuing to exercise under these circumstances, is very dangerous and can even be fatal.’
As intense summer heatwaves become a worryingly regular occurrence in the UK – us Brits are going to have to adapt. We can’t spend weeks every year melting into a sweaty puddle, inhaling Magnums and refusing to move faster than a snails pace.
Following these safety tips could mean that you can keep your regular fitness schedule going even when temperatures soar – the heatwave doesn’t have to stop you in your tracks completely.
Although you might need to take it slower, and you will definitely need to stop for more water breaks – and that’s more than OK.
I am Team GB
Toyota has teamed up with Team GB to re-launch the hugely successful participation campaign ‘I am Team GB’.
Inspired by the achievements of Team GB athletes and the amazing efforts of local community heroes, Team GB has created ‘The Nation’s Biggest Sports Day’, which will take place on the 24thAugust.
Over the weekend, there will be hundreds of free and fun activities across the country, put on by an army of volunteers; the ‘I am Team GB Games Makers’.
To Join the Team and be part of The Nation’s Biggest Sports Day sign up at: www.IAmTeamGB.com
Put aside the personal crises we all should be having about the impending end of the world, and worries turn to how we’re supposed to live our lives without melting into puddles.
The commute is one such melty place, with the infrastructure in Britain extremely unprepared for the mercury to skyrocket. Some trains and buses have no windows, while congestion means we’re often jam-packed into these sweaty spaces in our regular work clothes.
Essentially, the words ‘central’ and ‘line’ strike fear into most people’s hearts. There are ways around this inferno, though. Here’s how to stay cool on your travels during the heatwave.
Although it may take you extra time to get a bus or walk part of the way, if it stops you getting to your destination covered in sweat stains, it’s worth it.
As well as choosing different public transport, you could opt for a Boris Bike in London, or similar cycle sharing scheme in your area. Why not make the most of the sun?
Bring a fan
Whether you go analogue or electric, a fan will save your life on a busy commute.
For extra drama, go for a jazzy folding fan like this one from Accessorize. Alternatively, most techy shops on the high street (such as Clas Ohlson and Currys) have handheld battery-powered options.
Hack your clothes
Although you can’t wear a bikini or trunks to your job, there are still ways not to flash the flesh while staying cool.
If you have to wear a suit or something heavy, stick it in your bag before you get into the office.
The caffeine in tea and coffee that gets you through the working day can increase your heart rate, which subsequently increases your blood flow and causes your internal temperature to rise.
As well as this, caffeins is a diuretic, so will dehydrate you, undoing all your good work of drinking water and making it more likely you’ll feel dizzy.
If all else fails, get off the train
Particularly on the tube, if you feel faint, the worst thing you can do is stay on the train.
Not only is the crowded and humid atmosphere going to make you feel worse, there’s no one to help you on the carriage, whereas there will be assistance on the platform.
Get off at the next stop, try to sit down, and ask for help if you think the heat has gotten the better of you.
Your kitty might not be handling the heat (Picture: Getty)
How can you make sure your cat is healthy and happy in the UK heatwave?
We all know how dangerous hot weather can be for dogs – that’s why we rage if we spot a dog in a car with the window closed.
But it’s easy to forget that cats need some extra care to handle the hot weather, too, especially when they seem to be so relaxed lounging in the sun all day.
We spoke to some experts to find out what we need to be doing to keep cats cool, happy, and healthy in the hot weather.
Keep your cat indoors
Alison Richards, central veterinary officer for Cats Protection, advises keeping your cats indoors during the hottest part of the day, so you can guarantee they won’t be exposed too harsh sun for too long.
‘Like many of us, cats love the warm weather and enjoy spending time in the sun,’ she tells Metro.co.uk.
‘However, too much sun exposure can be dangerous to cats, especially to those with white or pale-coloured eyes or noses.
‘The best way to protect your cat during the summer is to keep them indoors during the hottest part of the day, traditionally between 10am and 3pm.’
Provide shade
If you can’t keep your cat indoors, make sure to provide plenty of sources of shade for your cat to take cover.
Open up your shed if you have one, add some cat-friendly plants, and pop a box in your garden so your cat can retreat when they’re feeling a touch too warm.
Provide plenty of water
Cats aren’t always great at drinking lots of water, so they need reminders. Make sure that throughout the heatwave you place multiple water bowls around your home, keeping them topped up so your cat doesn’t have to dive their head into the bowl.
A glass, ceramic, or metal bowl will be better than plastic, which can taint the taste of the water.
If your cat will be outside during the day, pop a bowl of water in a shady spot outdoors, too.
Cats need shaded areas (Picture: Getty)
Use sun cream
Yes, cats can get sunburnt – especially if they have lighter fur.
The experts over at Battersea tell us: ‘Fur protects the cat’s skin to some extent, but if your cat allows, apply animal friendly sun cream to put on the areas most exposed, especially the end of the nose and tips of the ears.
‘The sun cream used for your pet should be Titanium Dioxide-based and avoid any that contain Zinc Oxide. Always speak to your vet first if you are unsure which sun cream to use.’
Put a fan at their level
Just as you won’t feel great sitting inside all day when it’s hot, your cat will overheat and get exhausted even if he or she is kept inside all day.
An easy fix is investing in a fan that you can keep running throughout the day. Adjust it so it’s at your cat’s height so they can enjoy a nice breeze.
Don’t get them too excited
It’s always fun to play with your cat, especially if they’re in a good mood and actually want to chase a toy mouse around for hours.
But be careful not to overexert your cat in the heat.
‘On really hot days, an active cat will quickly become exhausted and dehydrated,’ say the team at Battersea. ‘Instead, encourage a more relaxed approach to the day.’
Don’t get cats overexcited in the heat (Picture: Getty)
Let cats play with ice cubes
A spokesperson from the Mayhew recommends giving playful cats some ice cubes to play with. They can bat them around, lick them, and have fun while staying cool. Genius.
Only do this if you have hard floors that are okay getting wet. That’s quite important.
Provide damp towels to rest on
You know how it’s really difficult to sleep when it’s boiling hot outside? It’s the same for cats.
They want all the comfort of blankets and cushions, but without the excess warmth.
A damp towel provides a cooling area for cats to rest their weary paws.
Know the signs of heatstroke in cats
Cats are affected by the sun in the same way humans are. They can get heat stroke in the same way and develop skin cancer from sun burns – even on cloudy days. Keep an eye on your cat’s behaviour and know the signs of heatstroke:
Agitation
Stretching out and breathing rapidly
Extreme distress
Skin hot to the touch
Glazed eyes
Vomiting and drooling
Take your cat to the vet if you notice any of these symptoms.
Make your cat a makeshift ice pack
This tip comes from Cats Protection, and it’s a good ‘un.
Freeze a bottle of water, wrap it in a towel or pillowcase and place it where your cat goes regularly. This will work as a sort of reverse radiator to cool down their favourite spot.
Ensure your cat can get away from the bottle if they choose and that the bottle doesn’t leak.
A scotch pie, devon doughnut and corned beef bake Picture: Triangle news)
We’re all pretty familiar with Greggs treats like the steak bake and the sausage roll (vegan or otherwise).
But it turns out Greggs has a range of regional menus with 25 items that only appear in certain areas.
The secret menu doesn’t appear online and the items are not publicised on any of the bakery’s social media.
Among the 25 specials include stotties – flat loaves with an indent in the middle – that are only on sale in the North East.
Equally Peach Melbas – an ice cream dessert, encased in pastry and filled with cream – are available just in that region.
But Tottenham Cakes – a light sponge traybake covered with raspberry and coconut icing – can only be found in Greggs’ south eastern eateries.
In Scotland, you can get Empire Biscuits – two pieces of shortbread sandwiched together with jam and covered in icing, topped with a glace cherry.
So if you notice your favourite is missing when you move elsewhere, don’t worry – it will still be available when you head back.
A Greggs spokesman said: ‘Historically our regional bakeries had responsibility for making their own products which resulted in some local Greggs delicacies.
‘Some of these were so popular that as the business has grown, we are still selling them today.
‘Our product range reflects the preference of our customers.
‘So sometimes a small percentage of the products in your local shop will be unique to your area and will be decided on to reflect local tastes and demand.’
This calls for one thing – a Greggs road trip.
The full list of Greggs specialities
Greggs specialties in Scotland
Bloomer sandwiches – These sandwiches are made using bloomer loaf, a dense bread with a thick, crisp crust, and usually filled with ham and cheese.
A Scotch pie (Picture: Triangle news)
Scotch Pie – A double-crust meat pie filled with minced mutton and often enjoyed with a drink of Bovril.
A French fancy (Picture: Triangle News)
French Fancy – A small sponge cake topped with buttercream and covered with pink, white or yellow icing.
Pineapple Cake – A sweet pastry filled with pineapple sponge and exclusive to Greggs bakeries in Scotland.
A Devon doughnut (Picture: Triangle News)
Devon Doughnut – Despite its name, this doughnut filled with cream and topped with a glace cherry is only available to customers in Scotland.
Jumbo Choc Ring Doughnut – A giant super-chocolately ring doughnut covered in sprinkles.
A Vanilla doughnut (Picture: Triangle News)
Vanilla Doughnut – Greggs’ twist on the traditional jam doughnut, instead filled with vanilla custard.
Empire Biscuit – A delicacy up north, the empire biscuit contains two pieces of shortbread sandwiched together with jam and covered in icing, topped with a glace cherry.
Fruit Scone – The humble fruit scone may be a very British cake, but is only available in Greggs bakeries in the north east and Scotland.
Greggs specialties in the North East
The Empire biscuit (Picture:Triangle News)
Empire Biscuit – A delicacy up north, the empire biscuit contains two pieces of shortbread sandwiched together with jam and covered in icing, topped with a glace cherry.
Fruit Scone – The humble fruit scone may be a very British cake, but is only available in Greggs bakeries in the north east and Scotland.
The Stottie (Picture: Triangle News)
Stotties – A round flat loaf with an indent in the middle. Greggs used to fill them with ham and pease pudding, but now only sell plain stotties.
A peach melba (Picture: Triangle News)
Peach Melba – Greggs fans in the north east can enjoy this modern slant on the traditional ice cream dessert, encased in pastry and filled with cream.
Savoury Mince Pie – This treat isn’t reserved for Christmas – the pie is made by filling shortcrust pastry with minced beef.
Cheese scone (Picture: Triangle News)
Cheese Scone – These plain scones are covered with cheese and baked, and best enjoyed slathered with cold butter.
Pink Iced Finger – A sweet bread bun covered with pink sugar glaze.
Greggs specialties in the North West
Meat & Potato Bake – A twist on Lancashire’s famous meat and potato pie, this pastry bake is filled with beef mince, onion and sliced potatoes.
Greggs specialties in Wales
Choc Flake Cake – Greggs customers in Wales can enjoy this treat of two chocolate sponge slices sandwiched together with chocolate spread, covered in chocolate icing and topped with a chocolate flake.
Welsh Cake – A Welsh delicacy, these griddle cakes are filled with currants and spices and dusted with icing sugar.
Greggs specialties in the South West
Egg Custard Tart – A pastry crust filled with egg custard and baked.
Greggs specialties in the South
Bread Pudding (Picture: Triangle News)
Bread Pudding – Only available to customers in the south of England, bread pudding is made by soaking chunks of bread in egg, milk, fruit and spices and baked in the oven.
Greggs specialties in the South East
London cheesecake (Picture: Triangle News)
London Cheesecake – More like a Bakewell tart than a cheesecake, a London cheesecake is made up of layers of puff pastry filled with almond cream and a dollop of jam, topped with coconut shavings.
Tottenham Cake (Picture: Triangle News)
Tottenham Cake – Another Greggs sweet treat only available to customers in the south east, Tottenham cake is a light sponge traybake covered with raspberry and coconut icing.
Apple Danish – South East, Scotland, West
This sweet pastry is filled with spiced chopped apple and covered in icing sugar.
Corned beef bake (Picture: Triangle News)
Corned Beef Bake – West, North East, Leeds, Wales
Greggs’ classic flaky pastry bake stuffed with corned beef, potato and onion.
James and Amy were born on the same day (Picture: SWNS)
A couple who were born at the same hospital just hours apart have got married 23 years later.
James Barsby was born alongside his twin brother Christian just metres away from his now-wife Amy, also a twin, who was born five-and-a-half hours later with her brother William.
The couple’s parents had met at an antenatal class before the pair were born at Queen’s Park Hospital Blackburn in 1995.
And, over two decades later, Amy’s mum Judith was heavily involved in the wedding preperations which were held earlier this month.
Despite growing up just a few miles apart in Clitheroe, Lancashire, the couple, now 23, only knew of each other at school.
James and Amy at their high school prom (Picture: SWNS)
It was not until in a science class in year ten they discovered they had real chemistry and began dating.
The pair married at St Peter’s Church in Salesbury just days before James’s graduation from Manchester Medical School and Amy’s graduation from Lancaster University.
The couple were the third generation of Amy’s family to marry there, as Amy’s parents got married at the church in 1990 and her grandparents wed there in 1965.
Christian was a joint best man at the wedding with James’s other brother Oliver, while Amy’s twin William played a vital role in the big day as an usher.
The pair, who spent a ‘lovely romantic’ honeymoon in Slovenia, after the wedding, are now set to embark upon a career as junior doctors at the same NHS Trust in the North West.
Amy and her twin William as babies (Picture: SWNS)
Amy said the fact the couple were born on the same day made their relationship ‘extra special’.
She said: ‘It makes it more like it was just meant to be. I wouldn’t have it any other way, even if it means I can’t have my own birthday.
‘Growing up, we’ve always shared our birthday with our twin brothers, now we share it with each other.’
James proposed two years ago while the couple were on holiday in Lanzarote after secretly arranging with the hotel to find a romantic spot on the beach for dinner.
Amy said: ‘It was really cute – he did well. He got down on one knee and asked me. There was no way I was going to say no.
‘I kind of guessed something was happening when he was leading me to a romantic, secluded spot, but I was very happy.
‘The wedding day was just amazing, I thought I’d be nervous but I was not at all.
James and Amy on their wedding day (Picture: SWNS)
‘We went to Slovenia for a few days for our honeymoon, which was really nice.’
She added: ‘My mum helped a lot with the wedding and is really happy for us – she remembers talking to his family at the antenatal class.’
The teenagers officially began dating in 2011 and did not let moving away to university affect their relationship.
Amy added: ‘I was in Lancaster and James was in Manchester. It’s only an hour on the train, it was nothing really. Not a weekend went by that we didn’t spend together.
‘We both applied for medicine degrees, we both got into uni and we both passed. Now we are both starting as junior doctors at the same NHS Trust.’
James said: ‘Everyone says to us “what are the chances of that?”.
‘On the first day of school, our parents said to us both “the other sets of twins will be starting today”. Whenever I saw Amy around school, I thought “there’s that other twin”.’
