Beer

ONE of Scotland’s Wetherspoon pubs could soon house guests as it has been proposed that it turns into a hotel.

If approved the pub that’s in one of busiest areas in Aberdeen could have 29 hotel rooms an a beer garden.

The boozer called The Archibald Simpson sits on one of the busiest streets in Aberdeen and could well become a place for city explorers to have a good night’s sleep as well as a beer.

It has a grand entrance with huge columns, and was designed by local architect Archibald Simpson – who also designed St Andrews Cathedral.

Built in the 1800s it was originally home to the Head Office for the North of Scotland Bank.

It later became the headquarters of Clydesdale Bank, before opening as a Wetherspoon pub in 2003, and could soon be a hotel too.

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Earlier this year, the pub submitted proposals for development which would see its unused first and second floors being converted into 29 hotel rooms.

Inside would be comprising 21 double rooms, three family suites, two twin rooms and two singles.

It wouldn’t just be built upon though, as part of the project would require some demolition.

At the back, the pub’s rear extension would be knocked down to make way for a 51-seat beer garden to encourage al fresco dining and drinking during the summer.

On Tripadvisor, most of the reviews go on to compliment the pretty building. One visitor wrote: “Huge building high vaulted ceilings marbled pillars and tiled floors. Lovely bar.”

If the plans go ahead, it will join the other 55 Wetherspoon hotels across the UK.

One Wetherspoon pub that has been converted is The Cabot Court Hotel in the coastal town of Weston-super-Mare

It’s also been listed in CAMRA’s The Good Beer Guide naming the UK’s best pubs.

Along with having a bar, the Cabot Court Hotel also has 21 rooms for visitors to stay in, and lots have views across the beachfront.

All of the rooms are en suite with Freeview TV, tea and coffee making stations, and unlimited free Wi-Fi.

In the morning, visitors can head down to the bar to enjoy a Wetherspoons breakfast and classic pub meals at dinner.

The pub sits right on the waterfront, on Knightstone Road, so it’s in a great spot for anyone heading onto the beach or taking a walk along The Grand Pier.

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Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding visited the smallest Wetherspoons in the world…

Here’s what Cyann had to say when she headed to the tiny pub…

WHO can say no to a Wetherspoons? And what if I told you the smallest one in the world is just as good as the rest, if not better.

Not only is it the smallest Spoons, but it is also in a rather bizarre location – a train station.

Of course, some UK airports have Wetherspoons, but I have never come across one in a train station before.

Sat at one end of Cannon Street Station in London, you will find the Sir John Hawkshaw, complete with just 42 tables.

Whilst that might sound a lot, compared to the usual London Spoons, this is considerably less.

And the obscurities about this spot just continue – if you need to use the toilet, well then you’ll need to head to the other end of the station and down a set of stairs.

For those who love to train spot, sit outside on the terrace, which is essentially like sitting on one of the platforms.

Despite its small size, the pub still features Spoons’ extensive menu and the service isn’t impacted either.

For more Wetherspoons, here are the best ones from one man who has spend £30K visiting every one in the UK.

And for Wetherspoons fans, there’s more good news as a new location has opened inside an abandoned UK attraction.

IF you miss the 1990s, then there is a place in Europe where you can feel like you are back there.

Sitting on the shores of Lake Altausseer in Austria is a small village of Altaussee that’s home to less than 2,000 people.

While it might be small, the village is mighty and there’s plenty still to do there, including a big annual festival.

The village hosts an annual beer festival called Altausseer Bierzelt where you can expect traditional Austrian food, beer, and music.

Each year the Oktoberfest-style experience appears in a tent with locals wearing Lederhosen and Dirndl and brass bands play.

One visitor said: “Altausseer Bierzelt feels like stepping back in time; it’s basically Oktoberfest as it was 30 years ago.

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“Smaller crowds, authentic traditions, and a truly breathtaking backdrop.”

Outside of this, visitors can explore the lake with hikes having incredible views of the towering Loser mountain.

Brown and white alpine-style houses as well as churches and waterfalls can be spotted along the way.

One of the other things to do in the village is head on a salt mine tour where you also get to see the former Nazi Stolen Art Repository, with deep tunnels and even slides in the mine.

If you are visiting during the winter season, there is the ski resort of Loser, which boasts around 29km of slopes with all levels of difficulty.

The village has a few restaurants to choose from including Schneiderwirt, which features an ornate wooden facade and serves comfort dishes.

As for where to stay, accommodation ranges from boutique alpine hotels to guesthouses and family-run inns, many within easy walking distance of the festival.

The easiest way to get to the village is by flying to Salzburg and then hopping on a train for just under two hours.

Flights to Salzburg cost as little as £30 return and from the UK takes an hour and 55 minutes.

Discover more on Salzburg from Lifestyle Editor Catherine Bennion-Pedley who visited the city and discovered mountain top fortresses.

To entertain children, one spot you have to see is the Toy Museum where kids can construct palaces, test marble runs and draw in the chalkboard caves.

And hear more about the places where she found tasty Austrian dishes and sweet treats like Salzburger Nockerl.

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Plus, discover the overlooked European city that’s a better summer holiday alternative with ‘bread’ saunas and new Ryanair flights.

Also in Austria is the terrifying European tourist attraction that people say they ‘wouldn’t try for millions of pounds’.

Air Canada has announced it has begun serving complimentary beer, wine and snacks to economy passengers on every flight across its network, in a major win for those who love free stuff

“Two pints of lager and a packet of crisps please.”

No longer will this request be met with an eye-watering bill when made at 30,000 feet, at least on one airline.

Air Canada has announced it has begun serving free beer, wine and snacks to economy passengers on every flight across its network.

That is a significant change, as previously the airline only served free alcohol and food to economy passengers on long-haul flights.

As generous as it may sound, the policy is designed to be a cost-effective way to keep passengers flying with Air Canada. Scott O’Leary, vice president of loyalty and product, explained the rationale in a statement.

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“Food and beverage tend to have a disproportionate impact on customer satisfaction. As part of our commitment to elevating the onboard experience, we’re delighted to introduce even more exciting new options to our menus,” he said.

“These upgrades offer something for everyone and proudly showcase Canadian brands so that our customers can sit back, relax and kick-start their travels no matter where they’re going.”

What customers can expect to get for free on economy flights varies significantly.

Unsurprisingly, budget carriers such as Wizz Air, Ryanair and easyJet provide nothing for free.

Airlines offering free drinks on short-haul flights include KLM, which offers a free snack and drink on all European flights, and LOT Polish Airlines, providing free beer, wine, or juice on their short-haul routes.

Free water and snacks are also typically available with British Airways, though the extent of the service can vary by division and route. For other airlines like Lufthansa and Swiss, only a complimentary bottle of water and perhaps a small snack are provided.

For short and medium-haul flights within Europe, Lufthansa offers a paid “Onboard Delights” service where passengers can purchase food and drinks.

Air France offers free food on many of its flights. While a “buy on board” system is being tested on some routes, most flights still provide complimentary meals, snacks, and beverages, depending on the flight duration and class. Passengers on short and medium-haul flights can expect a free sandwich, pastry, or snack, along with a drink.

On short and mid-haul TUI flights (less than seven hours), a variety of hot and cold snacks and drinks are available for purchase from the onboard café.

Most full-service airlines do still include meals and drinks on long-haul routes. Think flights to the US, Asia, or the Caribbean.

• British Airways: Even on the cheapest economy fare, you can get complimentary meals, snacks, and drinks.
• Virgin Atlantic: Offers free meals and drinks, and they’re known for a decent veggie option.
• Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines: All offer full meal service in economy, and it’s usually good quality. You’ll get at least two meals plus snacks and unlimited drinks.
• Turkish Airlines: Generally provides free meals on their international flights, including both economy and business class. On longer flights, passengers are typically offered a choice of main courses, side dishes, bread, and dessert. Drinks are also complimentary on all flights.
• Air France: On long-haul flights, an extensive selection of meals is offered, including hot dishes, and passengers can also purchase a la carte meals in advance.
• American Airlines: Meals and drinks are typically included on international flights, including wine and beer
• United: United Airlines offers complimentary food on most flights, especially on longer distances and for higher class tickets.
• Air Canada: Generally offers complimentary meals and snacks on international flights. On flights longer than 2 hours, you’ll typically receive a complimentary meal and beverage service, including salad, warm bread, a hot entrée, and dessert.
• Tui: On long-haul flights (seven hours or more), a complimentary meal is included. Additional drinks and snacks can still be purchased on these flights as well
• Lufthansa: Lufthansa generally provides complimentary meals and drinks on long-haul flights
• KLM: Provides complimentary meals and drinks on most of its flights. The specific offerings vary depending on the flight duration and class of travel, but generally include snacks and drinks on shorter flights and more substantial meals on longer routes.

The Post Office Money report highlights how Hoi An isn’t just a cheap place to visit, but that it’s getting cheaper. Across a basket of ten holiday items visitors are likely to buy, Hoi An was the cheapest of the long-haul destinations looked at, and 10% cheaper than it was in 2023

A 15th century city with rows of colourful houses has been named as the best value destination for winter-sun breaks.

Hoi An in Vietnam returns to the number one spot it last held in 2023 in the Post Office Money rankings of the best long haul destinations, ideal for jetting away from our miserable shores to in the long, wintery days ahead.

The town is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a South-East Asian trading port dating from the 15th to the 19th century. The unique heritage site show influences from Vietnam and further afield, coming together to produce a unique public space.

In the evenings the lights from the yellow painted buildings and orange sun reflect off the water in a captivating way. Thanks to an Unesco decree, more than 800 buildings have been preserved, meaning the village looks much like it did several centuries ago.

“My favorite way to explore any new city is by walking and seeing what hidden treasures I can find. Because cars and motorbikes aren’t allowed to drive in the Ancient Town for the majority of the day, the area is prime for exploring on foot,” suggests blogger Travel Lush.

“Wandering aimlessly around the Ancient Town is easily one of the best things to do in Hoi An. And sure, it is very touristy, but I always love marveling at the old buildings, snapping photos of the postcard-perfect alleyways, sampling street snacks and popping into all of the little shops – you honestly never know what gems you’ll stumble upon in Hoi An’s historic center. The people-watching is pretty great too!

“Getting the chance to take in Hoi An’s magical scenery from a bicycle is one of my all-time favorite Hoi An activities. Cycling is big in Hoi An and most hotels here offer complimentary bicycles. It’s an incredible way to check out all of the city’s beautiful temples, emerald rice paddies and everyday street scenes.”

The Post Office Money report highlights how Hoi An isn’t just a cheap place to visit, but that it’s getting cheaper. Across a basket of ten holiday items visitors are likely to buy, Hoi An was the cheapest of the long-haul destinations looked at, and 10% cheaper than it was in 2023.

Visitors can bag a bottle of lager for £1.23 and a cup of coffee for slightly less.

Another big draw of the destination is how pleasant its weather is. Throughout the year the Vietnamese city enjoys temperature of around 29C on most days. However, it does have a long rainy season, from November through to January, so it may be wise to visit before, during the autumn, or from February.

While it may be cheap once you’re there, getting to Vietnam will cost you. Right now Skyscanner is listing return flights from the UK for £780.

There are plenty of other revelations in the Post Office Money report, which saw places in India and the Far East dominate the value top ten, taking seven of its places.

Last year’s leader Cape Town, in South Africa, is still a good bet for value in second place. Bali, Indonesia is in third. A three-course meal with wine costs just £35.48, the cheapest in the survey.

Mombasa, Kenya moved up to fourth place, beating Tokyo, which got more expensive. Penang, Malaysia and Phuket, Thailand are now in the top 10 after prices falls there. Lower prices in Colombo, Sri Lanka too saw it jump ahead of Delhi, India in our tables

RORY MCILROY said he wished the police “let the dogs off the leash” during the “unacceptable” fan behaviour at the Battle of Bethpage.

But he admitted it was “very f***ing satisfying” to stick it back to the abusers by walking away with 3.5 points and, more importantly, the Ryder Cup trophy in Europe’s grasp.

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McIlroy was abused all week long in New York but it boiled over during his wins on Saturday.

He swore back at the crowd for the incessant vitriol – telling one yob to “shut the f*** up” in the morning before declaring “I’m really f***ing good” later during his fiery fourballs victory with Shane Lowry.

And things got so out of control that the police stepped in with troopers lining the ropes and dogs on hand to restore order.

But while some idiots were ejected for their conduct, McIlroy would have liked to see them have to deal with the K9s.

Speaking in a jubilant winning press conference after a nervy 15-13 European win, he said: “I wish they had let the dogs off the leashes.

“The police out there and the amount of security presence was insane.

“Look, nothing was going to happen. There wasn’t going to be physical altercation [but] there was a lot of language that was unacceptable and abusive behaviour.

“We should ever accept that in golf.

“It was a rough week for all of us. But at the same time, we shut them up by our performance and how we played.

“I chirped back a few times because it got to me a few times, but we tried to handle everything that came our way with class and poise, and for the most part, I felt like we did that.”

McIlroy had to deal with shocking heckles about his personal life throughout the weekend – all within earshot of wife Erica.

And he heaped praise on her for showing “class, poise and dignity” after she was verbally and physically assaulted by the horrific New York crowds, including having a beer thrown at her on Saturday.

An emotionally drained McIlroy, who lost his “pillow fight” of a singles match to world No1 Scottie Scheffler, continued: “It should be off-limits, but obviously it wasn’t this week.

“Erica is fine. She’s a very, very strong woman.

“She handled everything this week with class, poise and dignity like she always has.

“I love her and we’re going to have a good time celebrating tonight.”

As applause broke out among the European players, close pal Lowry then added: “I was out there for two days with Erica McIlroy, and the amount of abuse that she received was astonishing.

“The way she was out there supporting her husband and supporting her team was unbelievable, and kudos to her for that.”

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SEIZURES of beer smuggled  to   Britain   have   nearly quadrupled in five years.

Some 5.6million pints were confiscated at ports compared to 1.5million in 2019, according to ­government figures.

Many cans and bottles from mainland Europe are hidden in trucks and routed through Ireland.

Customs bosses said checks had been increased at ports such as Heysham and Birkenhead, in the North West, and Cairnryan in Scotland.

Illegal booze is now estimated to cost the UK around £1billion a year in lost duty payments.

The British Beer and Pub Association said: “A third of the price of an average UK pint goes to the taxman.

“No wonder illicit trade is booming.”

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A study found the cheapest city in the world for a beer – and unsurprisingly it’s not the UK. According to experts at Magnet Kitchens, it’s somewhere in Europe

Beer enthusiasts, rejoice! A study has revealed the location of the cheapest pint on the planet.

Unfortunately for Brits, the most affordable city in the UK for a brew was Nottingham, coming in at 99th place – where a pint could cost you a reasonable £1.63. But across the Channel, it’s a whole different ball game.

Italy, Germany and Spain were identified as having the lowest prices for a bottle of beer, according to the boffins at Magnet Kitchens. The study examined 190 cities using crowdsourced data from Numbeo on the price of a bottle of beer in cities worldwide in 2024.

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The top 10 was dominated by Germany, with Wandsbek in the north of the country being the tenth best-value – with a bottle costing party-goers a remarkably low 74p. Nuremberg, Bielefeld and Bremen were tied at a penny less, while Zaragoza, in the northeast of Spain and known as the ‘city of beer’, offered an enticing 72p pint, reports the Express.

Four more German cities came in joint-second, with 71p bottles in Wuppertal, Bochum, Bochum-Hordel and Dresden. However, it was a seaside city in the south of Italy that took the top spot – where drinkers can enjoy a beer for as little as 65p.

According to Numbeo, beer in Taranto is a staggering 11.5 times cheaper than the world’s priciest – found in Darwin, Australia (£7.48). It was the only Italian city to make the top 10, while the next highest-ranking Italian town was Messina, a port city in the northeast of Sicily, which came in 51st.

OPINION

Taranto also secured a spot in the top 10 for the world’s cheapest bottle of wine, ranking seventh with a price tag of just £3.87 – outdone only by Rome, where you can nab a bottle for a mere £2.80.

An impressive 20 German cities made it into the top 50 for beer, while eight locations in the country also featured in the top 30 for wine lovers – including Bochum, where a bottle will cost you a modest £4.29.

Zaragoza turned out to be more than twice as cheap as the priciest Spanish city, Cordoba, which charges £1.57 for a bottle of beer.

In total, 18 Spanish cities made the cut in the top 50, with Las Palmas on the island of Gran Canaria coming in second at 77p – narrowly missing out on a spot in the global top 10.

Going to a beer spa sounds like a dream come true for many people, now one man recently tried out the experience for himself and was left speechless by the one small detail

Spa day with some beer, sure why not? It’s not unheard of that most places in Europe might offer some seriously cheap booze with £1.60 beers. But if you’re looking for pints with a bit of relaxation, you might want to visit this beer spa.

One man recently flocked to Czech Republic’s capital city Prague and booked himself a unforgettable experience at the Bernard Beer Spa. Beer baths have been one of the most popular types of baths since the Middle Ages with a very old and unique spa therapy that uses natural ingredients in the form of hops, yeast and other natural substances.

And at the Bernard Beer Spa, not only are you benefiting from the incredible effects, you also get unlimited booze that happens to promise “energy and health to your whole body”.

In a recent Instagram post, Blaine, who boasts 86,700 followers, had to try it out for himself and was very impressed by it all.

He wrote: “Soaking in a bubble bath full of beer with unlimited beer on tap is honestly the self-care that I think we all deserve.”

Recommending the Bernard Beer Spa, Blaine recalled how his skin felt “silky smooth” after dunking his body into the booze.

“I had this whole room to myself for an hour,” he added. “You have unlimited beer for the whole hour and you can have as many pints as you can physically drink. You just pour it yourself from the tap besides the beer bath.”

He went on: “They had a sauna and a bed for you to take a nap in and they give you the classic Czech pickled cheese with bread, this stuff actually changed my life bro. I literally came back the next day when they opened just to buy another jar.”

Detailing his first hour at the spa, Blaine said the resort takes you in for a massage then at the end, give you a little goody bag with some of their products.

He concluded: “This was a really cool experience, all the staff are really nice, they treat you well, perfect way to unwind and refresh during a trip.”

Since Blaine shared his experience on Instagram, many people rushed to the comments section as one said: “How is this not in Britain?”

Another added: “This is amazing! Where are the champagne spas!”

So what can you expect at the spa?

First of all, the workers take care of your body from the outside and inside in a “unique way”.

You also get unlimited beer for the duration of the event, guests can just tap their own beer as they wish.

There are also massages available, as well as refreshments and rental services, should you wish to try this out with a group of pals.

For the Beer Spa Bernard package, 60 minutes for 1-2 people costs €125 (around £108). Meanwhile, 90 minutes for the same amount of guests will set you back €189 (£164).

In addition to the Bernard Beer Spa, there is also a range of massages, with 60 minutes for one person costing €75 (£65), or €139 (£120) for two guests.

You can find out more about Bernard Beer Spa by visiting the official website.

BOOZERS are giving away one million free tasters of beer during Cask Ale Week, which begins today.

In a bid to kick-start a cask ale comeback, more than 10,000 pubs will each be offering punters hundreds of samples of freshly poured beer.

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It is hoped that the “Try Before You Buy” campaign will breathe life back into Britain’s signature beer amid a steady, long-term decline in sales as well as in the numbers of pubs selling it.

Hampered by its clichéd reputation as an “old man’s drink”, traditional hand-pulled beers have been slowly bumped off the bar by highly carbonated lagers and craft ales.

However, a growing popularity among younger pub-goers suggests “real ale” may be ripe for a ­renaissance.

Research has revealed that an increasing number of Gen-Z drinkers are choosing cask beers which, in general, are more affordable, lower in alcohol and brewed more naturally.

Heritage status

Figures show that 25 per cent of 18 to 24-year-old beer drinkers ­regularly order cask ales at the pub — an increase of more than 50 per cent on the previous year.

Cask ale’s unique, traditional form of dispense means it is the only type of beer that can’t be sold in shops or supermarkets.

“If more people chose cask ale on just one more of their visits to the pub, it would make a big difference to the future prospects for our ­national drink — and to pubs, which are the only place to sell it,” said Fergus Fitzgerald, head brewer at Suffolk brewer Adnams.

“Ironically, cask beer seems to be more appreciated globally than it is in Britain.

“Incoming tourists put a visit to a traditional pub to enjoy a pint of foaming cask ale close to the top of their ‘must do’ list.

“Equally, many of the world’s top craft beer brewers cite British cask ale as their biggest influence.”

Earlier this year, passionate pub- goers set up a petition calling for the Government to grant cask ale and its surrounding culture Unesco heritage status.

The Unesco accolade, which acknowledges its cultural significance and artisanal practices, has already been granted to Belgian beer, French baguettes and even the “Mediterranean diet’.”

“Local pubs really need local ­customers in order to thrive,” added Fergus.

“Cask Ale Week is an opportunity for drinkers to find the style they most enjoy and show their support for British pubs and British beer.”

WHY WE LOVE IT SO MUCH

IN a bid to highlight the problems facing pubs, The Thinking Drinkers Ben and Tom recently completed “The Great British Pub Ride” – a tandem bike journey from Land’s End to John O’Groats relying ENTIRELY on the hospitality of beautiful British boozers.

At the end of each gruelling day in the saddle, they rewarded themselves with a pint of cask ale.

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Here, Ben explains why he loves cask ale so much:

“The envy of the brewing world yet criminally under-appreciated in this country, cask ale is naturally carbonated beer that undergoes secondary fermentation in the barrel.

It’s unfiltered, unpasteurised, brewery-fresh beer that is poured – alive and kicking – straight from the barrel into your glass.

Comparing cask ale in the pub to a can of mainstream lager is like comparing a freshly baked, warm crusty loaf to a bag of sliced white.

But it’s not a warm beer (served properly, it should be gently sparkling and served at between 11C-13C) and spans a broad spectrum of styles from light, hoppy pale ales and softly sweet amber beers to smooth, rich velvety stouts and super-session friendly low-alcohol brews.

In these austere times, it’s an absolute bargain compared to other beers at the bar.

Even though publicans need to work harder to keep it fresh in the cellar, cask ale costs considerably less than many mainstream lagers.

Lest we forget, it’s a more patriotic pint, too.

When you pay for a pint of cask ale, chances are you’re putting valuable pennies in the pockets of both British brewers and British farmers who provide the succulent barley and aromatic hops.

You simply cannot replicate the joys of real ale while sat on your sofa, so get down to your local, order a fresh pint of cask ale and breathe life back into the beleaguered British boozer.

If we don’t use them, we’ll lose them.”

MOST holidaymakers love a tipple, and one destination in Europe has been crowned the best for boozy breaks.

The Telegraph declared Portugal to be the best destination for drinking as it’s not only “amongst the higher per capita drinkers of wine in the world, they also have some of the cheapest prices”.

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Weighing up the stats like annual alcohol consumption, cheapest capitals for pints and cities with the most bars per capita, Portugal came out on top.

In particular, the country landed in second place when it came to the annual consumption of wine – which was 52.3 litres per person.

Writer Lauren Clark who has relocated to Lisbon added that you can get a glass of wine “for the price of a UK coffee” in the country’s capital.

And the reason that wine is so affordable is because Portugal is covered in vineyards – around 4,700 of them.

Portugal is widely known for producing its very own Port wine in the Douro Valley.

It’s a sweet wine typically served with dessert, and has a high alcohol content usually ranging between 19 and 22 per cent.

When it comes to bagging affordable booze, Portugal’s capital, Lisbon, is especially well-known for it.

According to HikersBay, the price for a domestic beer in the city is €3 (£2.61) and a glass of wine at the table might set you back €5.50 (£4.78).

If anyone decides to pop into McDonald’s for a bite to eat, you can even order a can of Sagres beer to have with your burger and it’s priced just over €2 (£1.74).

Earlier this year, Drinks Merchants even revealed Portugal to be the cheapest place to buy a bottle of wine.

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The average bottle of wine is just £3.91 with the cheapest being as little as £2.53 – in the UK buying a bottle of wine in the supermarket averages £9.36.

You can regularly find cheap bottles of wine in Portugal for under €5 (£4.35) at the supermarket, including Esteva, Evel, and Porca de Murça.

Around the country, there are even attractions dedicated to telling the story of its alcohol production, in Porto, the World of Wine museum even holds free tastings.

The venue has seven museums, 12 restaurants, a bar and café, a wine school and shops.

The seven themed museums in the Wine Experience take guests on an “extraordinary journey from grape to bottle”.

And a new addition called the Pink Palace immerses visitors in the concept of rosé wine.

Time Out described World of Wine as ” basically a big theme park for those who like a tipple (or three)”.

A few years ago, Lisbon was named the best ‘party city’ in Europe thanks to its plentiful number of bars and pubs.

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One of the most famous in the capital is ‘Bar A Parodia’, one of the oldest cocktail bars in Lisbon which visitors have described as “a real treasure”.

Another unique bar in the city is well-known for its live shows and events – and it used to be a brothel.

The bar is called Pensão Amor and is found on one of Lisbon’s promenades and is tucked inside an 18th century building spanning across five floors.

It’s decorated with vintage posters from burlesque shows and punters can enjoy a drink on velvet sofas and armchairs.

It regularly holds events like burlesque presentations, themed parties and even poetry meetings.

Cocktails include a Pornstar Martini which is priced at €11 (£9.57).

Of course, Portuguese pubs and restaurants outside major tourist destinations like Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve will be generally cheaper.

One example of this is Silves in Portugal that used to the be capital of the Algarve.

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Last year, it was revealed as being the most affordable spot in Portugal with the average price of a hotel was around £73, while a beer costs as little as £2.50.

Flights from the UK were under £50, on average – and it’s very pretty too with cobbled streets, cafes and independent shops selling handcrafted gifts and ceramics.

As for getting to Portugal, it’s not that expensive, Sun Travel found return flights to Lisbon from £38 in October – and the flight time is two hours 50 minutes.

A trip to Porto takes even less time at two hours 20 minutes – and you can fly directly from Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester, London and Edinburgh.

Plus, here’s more on an underrated Portuguese city an hour from Lisbon – and it’s known for its amazing wine.

And discover the secret side to Portugal crowned one of the best places in Europe to visit this year.

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Chuck E. Cheese is all grown-up. Sort of.

Brea Mall is now home to a Chuck’s Arcade, the first location in California and 10th in the U.S. When the company unveiled the concept earlier this year, headlines branded it as an “adult” Chuck E. Cheese. There’s some truth in that, but it’s not the full story.

Combine the word “adult” and “arcade” and recognizable spaces — say, Dave & Buster’s — instantly come to mind. Here in SoCal, we also have Two Bit Circus in Santa Monica, which marries retro and modern games with beer and cocktails. Chuck’s Arcade isn’t all that similar to either.

Chuck’s Arcade has a merchandise booth with vintage looks.

(Gabriella Angotti-Jones / For The Times)

But we were intrigued by its promise of retro gaming and its attempts to appeal to a less kid-focused audience. You won’t, for instance, encounter a pizza party full of 7-year-olds here.

So what will you find? And will it possess the vintage arcade vibes many of us are craving? With the company and its mouse mascot now a cool 48 years old, we weren’t sure what to expect. So we took a visit to Chuck’s Arcade seeking answers.

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Where an adult can be a ‘kidult’

It’s not surprising to encounter a grown-up with fond memories of Chuck E. Cheese. For me, I was hooked by the stilted-yet-charming robotic performances from their once ubiquitous animatronic bands, in which tunes were delivered amid the clickety-clack of machinery. Yet a Chuck E. Cheese today is a fully-realized kid-focused video-game-inspired rec room, one where digital floors encourage a more active form of play. David McKillips, president and chief executive of the company, says the firm’s core locations heavily target those between the ages of 3 and 8.

And thus, Chuck’s Aracade, says McKillips, will fill a void. He’s hoping it taps into the marketing segment known as the “kidult” — grown-ups, perhaps, who were raised on games and still cherish the thought of crowding around a “Ms. Pac-Man” console. The kidult sector is booming, encompassing everyone from the so-called “Disney adult” to those who carry a Labubu doll as a fashion accessory. Think anyone who believes that a childlike openness to play and silliness doesn’t have to be eradicated by maturity.

David McKillips, president and chief executive of Chuck E. Cheese, poses for a portrait with a retired Mr. Munch figure.

(Gabriella Angotti-Jones / For The Times)

So how does Chuck’s Arcade plan to reach the kidult? Its 3,600-square-foot space boasts 70 games, including a small — emphasis on small — retro section where one will find coin-op cabinets of “Tron,” “Centipede,” “Mortal Kombat” and a “Ms. Pac-Man” head-to-head arcade table. And while a modern Chuck E. Cheese is school-cafeteria bright, Chuck’s Arcade is dark, its black walls and low lighting recalling the arcades of the ’80s and ’90s.

McKillips says Chuck’s Arcade “is appealing to the collectible market,” betting large on grown-ups being drawn to its plethora of claw machines. There are also prize apparatuses dedicated largely to Funko’s plastic figurines.

It’s near the mall food court — which is part of the business strategy

The Chuck E. Cheese company has long had it eye on the Brea Mall.

In an era when malls are being refocused to cater to a more experience-based economy — see, for instance, the escape rooms of Westfield Century City, or Meow Wolf eventually taking over a portion of what is currently the Cinemark complex at Howard Hughes L.A. — Chuck E. Cheese saw an opportunity in Orange County.

One game at Chuck’s Arcade may drop Chuck E. Cheese plushies.

(Gabriella Angotti-Jones / For The Times)

“We’ve been trying to get in here for a year and a half,” says McKillips. “The foot traffic is phenomenal. The anchors are strong. They have a really solid food court.”

The food court was a massive selling point.

“That’s where teens are congregating,” he says. “That’s where parents and kids are together. They’ll have a bite to eat and come over and play some games.”

There’s no booze … or even pizza

Here’s one way to think about Chuck’s Arcade: Imagine a Chuck E. Cheese, but subtract the pizza and detract the drinks. In one corner of Chuck’s Arcade rests a giant Skittles machine, and there is more candy available at the front counter. But the company decided to go without a proper food and beverage program for Chuck’s Arcade, meaning those grown-up kidults won’t be sipping on booze or mocktails.

I told McKillips I was surprised. At home, I’m more than 40 hours into “Donkey Kong Bananza,” but I wind down by playing the game and enjoying a beer — one of the core benefits, I believe, of being a certified kidult.

McKillips argues this is actually an advantage for Chuck’s Arcade, allowing it to reach a grown-up audience but still feel family-friendly. Just one Chuck’s Arcade, he says, is equipped to serve beer, wings and pizza, and it’s in Kansas City, Mo.

“This is an arcade destination,” he adds. “We’re not hosting birthday parties. We don’t do [food & beverage] here. You’re going to come here and play games.”

Where’s the nostalgia?

Chuck’s Arcade staffer Sabrina Hernadez checks out games at the new Brea location hours before it opens it doors.

(Gabriella Angotti-Jones / For The Times)

I should be the audience for Chuck’s Arcade. I have fond memories of the brand.

Chuck E. Cheese, the character and the pizza chain, was the brainchild of Nolan Bushnell, best known as the founder of Atari. The franchise launched in 1977 in San José, first branded as Chuck E. Cheese Pizza Time Theatre. As Chuck E. Cheese flourished throughout the early ’80s, the original animatronic figures were a bit more bawdy (Chuck was a smoker). Bushnell envisioned the initial Chuck E. Cheese robotic characters as entertainment that appealed to the grown-ups while the kids played games in the neighboring room.

When I first heard of Chuck’s Arcade, I hoped the company was getting back a bit to its roots. And there’s a nostalgic touch here and there. Aside from the aforementioned selection of vintage games, there’s also a Mr. Munch figurine, who is displayed in a clear case and does not turn on. Munch, a friendly, purple-ish hairball of a creature, was once the anchor of Chuck E. Cheese’s Make Believe Band.

Seeing that one figure treated as a museum piece felt like a half-hearted wave to fans who grew up with Chuck. And while claw gizmos and plastic figurines aren’t my thing, I understand their popularity and wouldn’t mind their presence if there was a greater supply of old-school games, and perhaps some pinball machines.

With a digital key card for Chuck’s Arcade starting at $10, the buy-in to try out the space isn’t large, but this felt like a tentative step into adulthood. After all, Chuck is well beyond drinking age. The mouse deserves a cocktail.

There are happy hours that function as post-work gatherings, fueled by discounted pitchers of beer, buckets of chicken wings, sliders and the sort of commiserating that can only happen between colleagues. If the beer is cold and the chicken wings properly sluiced in hot sauce and ranch dressing, this happy hour can be the happiest of hours.

But it wasn’t until I was seated at the bar of Josiah Citrin’s Citrin in Santa Monica that I understood a happy hour’s full potential. Here, happy hour is known as Glass Off, a 90-minute stretch of food and drink specials at the bar. Instead of a truncated list of fried foods intended to coat your stomach while you sip on discounted wine, you’ll find tasting-size portions of some of Citrin and fellow chef-partner Ken Takayama’s signature dishes.

Those spot prawns with young turnip and green tomato finished with a nori sabayon that normally cost $52 an order? You can enjoy a smaller portion at the bar for $22. The $49 risotto studded with Dungeness crab, artichoke and peas with aged Parmesan and Meyer lemon? During Glass Off, you can taste a portion of it for $24.

At the following restaurants, happy hour is designed to give diners a glimpse at a kitchen or bar’s full potential, at a more accessible price point. It’s not simply about ordering as many discounted drinks as possible during a limited window. That’s the sort of thinking that prompted the state of Massachusetts to ban happy hours in 1984. It’s prohibited in six other states, and allowed but highly regulated in a handful of others.

In the great state of California, happy hours abound. Just make sure you indulge responsibly.

Here’s a list of my current favorite happy hours. Save me a seat at the bar, will you?

A WETHERSPOONS pint always goes down a treat – and even more so at this one venue that has a rooftop garden and sits right by the beach.

Back in 2015, The Admiral Collingwood in Ilfracombe, North Devon, scooped up the prize of best new pub at the National Pub Design Awards.

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And since, the boozer has become an icon of Ilfracombe’s seafront after judges described it as “an uncompromisingly modern building where the glass dome offers urban presence, while the rest of the main elevation is understated yet sophisticated”, according to Harrison Ince Architects.

Inside, new artworks were commissioned for the pub at the time, and a steel sculpture of a wave breaking was installed.

On the roof of the pub, there is a beer garden which is open between March and October and boasts amazing views across the coast.

One recent visitor said: “The view of the sea is amazing; the roof terrace is lovely and the drinks are true spoons quality.

“We love Ilfraspoons!”

Another added: “The view and the amazing prices make the THE place to go”

According to Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), the pub serves three changing beers which often include ales from Fat Belly, GT Ales, Exmoor, Cotleigh and Bays featuring regularly.

In the summer, this increases to four beers.

And then additionally, there are three regular beers on offer to punters.

Visitors also get to learn a bit of histroy about the purpose built pub when they visit, as the menu states: “Until its very recent closure, the Collingwood Hotel had welcomed visitors to north Devon’s Ilfracombe for over 130 years.

“The imposing five-storey building was named after Admiral, Lord Collingwood, Nelson’s second-in-command at Trafalgar (who fought just off the Spanish coast in 1805).

“Cuthbert Collingwood fired the first shot in the battle (one of British naval history’s most famous and crucial) and took over command of the British fleet after the fatal wounding of his friend Horatio Nelson.”

Just a short walk away from the pub is Wildersmouth Beach, which is sheltered and shingle.

Despite being central to Ilfracombe, the dog-friendly beach is often less crowded than other sandy beaches nearby.

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Ilfracombe is also home to the Landmark Theatre, in Jubilee Gardens.

For art lovers, make sure to follow the coast around to Ilfracombe’s harbour where you will find Damien Hirst’s bonze sculpture called Verity – a half-skinned pregnant woman, who stands 20 metres tall.

The high street is also said to be a “thriving hub of independent shops”, according to Visit Ilfracombe.

There are many craft shops, gift shops and cafes to explore – and even a coffee-cum-craft shop.

Sweet tooths will also enjoy the Ilfracombe Chocolate Emporium, which sells handcrafted chocolates and has a chocolate museum – which is free to visit.

And make sure to check out the department story Chas N Pedlar & Son, which has been running for over a century.

The seaside town has a lot of choice for accommodating too, with lots of holiday homes.

How can I save money at Wetherspoons?

FREE refills – Buy a £1.50 tea, coffee or hot chocolate and you can get free refills. The deal is available all day, every day.

Check a map – Prices can vary from one location the next, even those close to each other.

So if you’re planning a pint at a Spoons, it’s worth popping in nearby pubs to see if you’re settling in at the cheapest.

Choose your day – Each night the pub chain runs certain food theme nights.

For instance, every Thursday night is curry club, where diners can get a main meal and a drink for a set price cheaper than usual.

Pick-up vouchers – Students can often pick up voucher books in their local near universities, which offer discounts on food and drink, so keep your eyes peeled.

Get appy – The Wetherspoons app allows you to order and pay for your drink and food from your table – but you don’t need to be in the pub to use it. 

Taking full advantage of this, cheeky customers have used social media to ask their friends and family to order them drinks. The app is free to download on the App Store or Google Play.

Check the date – Every year, Spoons holds its Tax Equality Day to highlight the benefits of a permanently reduced tax bill for the pub industry.

It usually takes place in September, and last year it fell on Thursday, September 14.

As well as its 12-day Real Ale Festival every Autumn, Wetherspoons also holds a Spring Festival.

A Devon local has walked the South West Coast Path numerous times – these are her best spots The Salt Path movie doesn’t show.

Plus, Devon is also home to the best fish and chips in the UK.

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AN OASIS fan says she slipped over just yards from where a man plunged to his death at the reunion concert.

The man – aged in his 40s – was understood to be sitting in the upper tier of the stadium when he plunged to his death at Wembley on Saturday night.

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The highest stands in the 90,000-seat venue are some 170ft above the ground.

Police and paramedics attended to the man but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Gallagher brothers said they were “shocked and saddened” to hear about the fan’s death.

Now, other fans have blasted the “deathtrap” Wembley stadium, calling for the venue to be “held accountable”.

Gig-goers who danced the night away to Wonderwall say they were forced to hobble along low railings with a steep drop and a “lethal” slippery floor that was “like an ice rink.”

Some are labelling it “horrendous” given “the amount of money they’ve spent on this new Wembley”.

Jade, 31, from Essex, was at the gig and stumbled in a domino effect of falling fans, suffering minor injuries.

A man a few rows up from her fell down, tumbling into her and knocking her down too.

“The floor was slippery from loads of spilled drinks,” she told The Sun.

“My bag got soaked. Everyone in the seated section was jumping and dancing and way drunker than other concerts.”

She fell onto the row in front of her about halfway through the concert, and people helped her up.

“I just got up and carried on. But today I have a dodgy ankle, a few bruises and hurt knees.”

“People were absolutely w***ered,” recalled another on Reddit.

“A bloke near us collapsed, tumbled over a couple of seats and had to be evacuated by the medics – everywhere you looked people were out of their minds.

“It occurred to me that all it would take is one wrong step up there and you’d be a goner.”

One fan said on Facebook: “You’d think a modern venue like Wembley would have sufficient guards for this kind of thing.”

“The top tier is bloody steep. It’s dreadful the barrier is so low,” added another on Facebook.

Not everyone agrees that the stadium is to blame.

One fan said on a fan group: “18 years worth of events, most with 90,000 people attending, and never an incident like it. It’s a tragic accident, and blaming it on the venue or security is ridiculous.”

An eyewitness to the fatal fall wrote on Facebook: “He fell from the top tier into our block. My friend’s daughter did CPR until the paramedics arrived.”

Another shaken onlooker, who was sitting just three seats away, recalled: “Hearing the bang and seeing the aftermath was just something that will stay with you forever.”

“The atmosphere was incredible,” commented a third on Facebook.

“We were nearing the end of the concert, when in the middle of Wonderwall, he fell right in front of us, a few metres away.

“It was very shocking and we left Wembley very upset.”

Oasis released a statement about the man, saying that they are “shocked and saddened to hear of the tragic death of a fan at the show last night.

“Oasis would like to extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of the person involved.”

Before singing Live Forever on Sunday, Liam Gallagher appeared to pay his respects to the late fan.

He said: “This one’s for all the people who can’t be here tonight, but who are here if you know what I mean, and aren’t they looking lovely.”

But Liam has used that line before singing that hit song on the other tour dates.

In the gig after Ozzy Osborne passed away, the Britpop duo paid tribute by displaying an image of the Black Sabbath singer on stage during Live Forever, then dedicated Rock ‘n’ Roll Star, to Ozzy.

In a statement on Sunday, the Metropolitan Police confirmed a man in his 40s was pronounced dead at the scene after sustaining “injuries consistent with a fall”.

A Wembley Stadium spokesperson said: “Last night, Wembley Stadium medics, the London Ambulance Service and the police attended to a concert goer who was found with injuries consistent with a fall.

“Despite their efforts, the fan very sadly died.

“Our thoughts go out to his family, who have been informed and are being supported by specially trained police officers.

“The Police have asked anyone who witnessed the incident to contact them.

“Tonight’s Oasis concert will go ahead as planned.”

Saturday’s gig was the fourth of seven London shows on Oasis’ blockbuster reunion tour.

The band crashed ticket sites when they announced they were making a comeback last year – as more than 14 million fans tried to secure a seat at the highly-anticipated gigs.

Last month Liam and Noel reunited on stage in Cardiff for the first time since a backstage bust-up broke up the band 16 years ago.

The Britpop icons returned to their hometown of Manchester for five dates in July.

They performed a 23-song setlist of classic hits, including Wonderwall, Don’t Look Back in Anger and Live Forever to a roaring crowd of 80,000 people at Heaton Park.

They will head to America later this month before returning to London for two more gigs in September.

Wembley Stadium said in a statement to The Sun: “Wembley Stadium operates to a very high health and safety standard, fully meeting legal requirements for the safety of spectators and staff, and is certified to and compliant with the ISO 45001 standard.

“We work very closely and collaboratively with all relevant event delivery stakeholders – including event owners, local authorities, the Sports Ground Safety Authority and the police – to deliver events to high standards of safety, security and service for everyone attending or working in the venue.”

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Óbidos in central Portugal may not be on the radar for many Brits, but it’s a hidden gem that boasts stunning landscapes, historic sights, cheap beer and delicious food.

There’s a breathtaking hidden treasure nestled in central Portugal that blends scenic beauty with a genuine, relaxed vibe that’s increasingly rare in major tourist destinations during peak season.

This charming pocket of the country captivates visitors with its winding cobblestone lanes, lime-washed homes adorned with blue and yellow accents, and cascading bougainvillaea tumbling from terraces. Whilst these characteristics are common across southern Europe, they typically come accompanied by summer hordes and sky-high prices.

The beauty lies in how it retains its original character whilst offering a serene alternative to Portugal’s busier metropolises such as Lisbon or Coimbra, reports the Express.

TikTok creator Mari Andreu has likened Óbidos’ splendour to that of Santorini in Greece, positioning it as a more tranquil escape compared to the neighbouring party hub of Mykonos with its beach clubs and buzzing nightlife.

Óbidos boasts a magnificent setting dominated by an impeccably preserved medieval castle, now transformed into a pousada, or heritage hotel, offering sweeping views that are “postcard-perfect,” according to Dimitris Floros, CCO at Welcome Pickups.

Dimitris highlighted the allure of this delightful town as a stopover spot, explaining: “While compact, [the town] is packed with character, making it ideal for a half-day stop or overnight stay.”

For budget-conscious travellers, it’s probably a delightful discovery that a pint of beer costs just £2 here, particularly when compared to Lisbon’s £3 average.

Yet there’s far more to this town than simply delicious cuisine and affordable pints. It boasts an extensive heritage stretching back to the pre-Roman era, when Celtic settlers established themselves before it became a Roman outpost. The Moors later fortified it during the 8th century.

The Moors were driven out of Óbidos in 1148 by Portugal’s first monarch, Afonso I, and the town served a crucial defensive function for the newly established Portuguese realm.

In 1210, King Afonso II presented Óbidos to his spouse, Queen Urraca. This custom of bestowing the town upon Portugal’s queens persisted for generations, leading to its moniker “Town of the Queens.”

The settlement prospered under King Manuel I’s rule during the 16th century, evident in its magnificent architectural legacy, featuring Manueline doorways and the remarkable aqueduct constructed to provide the town with water.

A British expat proved just how far a fiver can get you in Benidorm after finding a ‘hidden gem’ in the Old Town where you can fill up on beer and tapas without breaking the bank

A British woman who has lived in Benidorm for 40 years found a “hidden gem” bar – and the price of beer and tapas was “outstanding”.

Michelle Baker used to run a newspaper in the holiday hotspot for two decades and she now shares valuable information on her Benidormforever Facebook page. And it was here that the mum, who has raised her children in Spain, revealed her latest find. After strolling through the Old Town, Michelle discovered Rumbo Bar, which she said has been there since 1968, and was recently taken over by Juani and Nico.

Writing on her page, she said: “Regular followers know I’m a HUGE supporter of the small bars, and in the Old Town yesterday I stumbled across this little gem; Bar Rumbo.”

She added: “Realising their location is just off the busy square that overlooks the little Mal Pas beach is slightly hidden, the couple have put their heart and soul into making their pet friendly pub as welcoming as possible, with quirky decoration, a selection of board games and they’ve some outstanding offers too.”

And as for the incredible prices, Michelle explained how a beer and two tapas cost just €4.90 (approx £4). A glass of wine meanwhile is just €2.20 while a coffee is priced at €1.50. For something fancier, the owners also sell two cocktails for €10.

Michelle pointed out that the air conditioned space provided a “peaceful escape” from the raucous part of Benidorm.

Explaining why she was keen on highlighting it, she said: “I love to point out the hidden places in the hope more of you will support them before they are all swallowed up by the big boys; your choice to pop in for a round or two of drinks makes all the difference to their day and it shows in their eagerness to please their customers.”

Speaking to Michelle during her pleasant visit, Juani joked that he had no music playing in the bar, but being a musician, he sometimes sings to customers.

He added: “What we really want is for people to feel welcome and meet new friends and they do. Once they find us they come back night after night.”

After posting on her page, one person replied: “In all the years visiting Benidorm I have never seen this bar and we always stay and eat, drink in the old town. I will certainly be looking for it next time we visit.”

Another said: “We used to live above the Rumbo bar it’s a lovely little bar I know the original owner and his son who took over. Miss living in the old town such good memories.”

A third went with: “I don’t want to be in a bar full of English people I know that sounds bad but it’s how I like to spend my time when over in old town.”

Monza, Italy’s Grand Prix home since 1949, offers year-round F1-fuelled attractions at a fraction of the cost. The capital of the Province of Monza and Brianza is about 15km from Milan.

Italian glamour, local history and cheap drinks are all part of the charm in the home of Ferrari.

Whether you’re a long-term F1 fan, are inspired by next week’s F1 film premier, or just have an appreciation of Charles Leclerc, Monza is a good summer holiday spot for racing and non-racing fans alike. It also happens to deliver a lot of trackside vibes, without the eye watering prices.

With the average cost of a Grand Prix ticket costing upwards of £360 and flights, accommodation and expenses bringing the average for travelling to watch a race up to around £790, increasingly popular F1 tourism remains out of reach for many.

Monza, Italy’s Grand Prix home since 1949, offers year-round F1-fuelled attractions at a fraction of the cost. According to travel company First Choice, a two-night trip to Monza starts from £150 for flights and accommodation.

The capital of the Province of Monza and Brianza is about 15km from Milan, with a similar sunny climate and the same Italian charm, but with less of the tourists and a much more relaxed vibe. Compared to the high-energy, fashion-meets-finance, high-flying feeling of Milan, Monza offers a much more laid back, off-the-beaten-track approach.

During race weekend, the city is a hive of F1 activity, but the home of Ferrari is just as motor-mad throughout the year. The Autodromo Nazionale Monza, or the ‘temple of speed’ as it’s locally known, is set in the woodland park of the Royal Villa of Monza and is the oldest purpose-built racetrack in Europe, having been built in 1922. The track is part of F1 lore, hosting the Italian Grand Prix almost every year since the championship began in 1950.

The track offers year-round tour experiences of the paddock, control room, podium, and track for €20 (£17), while on Sundays, you can rent bikes and cycle the track yourself for €10 (£8.50).

For an alternative track experience, the Old Monza Oval, an abandoned high-speed race track from the 1950s, still exists in the Parco di Monza. The Old Oval was constructed in 1955 and operated until 1961 when it was abandoned following a series of deadly crashes caused by the dangerously steep banked track floor which reaches a gradient of 80%.

The track still exists as an overgrown silent homage to Monza racing history, and in 2014 opened to pedestrians and cyclist keen to experience this eery part of F1 history up close.

For a more up-to-date immersive experience, Saint Georges Premier restaurant is a firm favourite of F1 drivers and team-mates as the official hospitality partner for the race. Outside of race weekend, it’s open to the public, with a high-end premium menu of dishes ranging from €18 – €35.

But Monza isn’t all about high price tags. In fact, there are plenty of places to secure a very cheap deal. Speedy Pub is a casual spot, with sandwiches, deli goods and a large range of international beers starting from €3 (£2.50), while Solobirra is a dedicated beer bar with a big local reputation for the owner who knows a thing or two about draft.

For a fully immersive F1 drinking experience, Pit Stop Café is located near to the race circuit, with signed F1 cars on the wall, amazing food, beers and cocktails.

A few days is probably all you’ll need to soak in Monza’s charm, but those looking to stay a little longer can take a day trip to Milan where you’ll find the Ferrari flagship store as well as the Alfa Romeo museum; or an hour train to Maranello which is home Ferrari Factory, Fiorano test track and the Museo Ferrari Maranello.

Trips to Monza with First Choice start at £150 per person, staying at the BandB Hotel Milano – a modern, clean B&B a 15-minute drive from the racetrack.

Price is based on two adults sharing a double standard room, on a room-only basis for two nights, flights departing from London Stansted airport on 29 July 2025. Hand luggage only and transfers not included. For more information check out First Choice.

SIX of the best-looking pubs have been revealed in the UK, including new modern wonders as well as historic beer houses.

The Pub Design Awards 2025, created by Campaign for Real Ale’s (CAMRA), looks at hundreds of drinking establishments around the UK.

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The awards also works with design and conservation experts alongside Historic England.

Andrew Davison, Chair of the Pub Design Awards judging panel, said the awards “recognise the highest standards of pub architecture, rewarding artistic flair and painstaking historical conservation.”

He added: “From inviting street corner locals to striking medieval coaching inns, there are some stunning pubs in the UK, and the craftmanship involved in making these venues a gorgeous place to enjoy cask beer and real cider or perry should rightfully be applauded.”

The best new build pub – meaning any that were built in 2024 – was bod Lichfield in Stratford.

The “industrial chic design” with “recycled wood, distressed paintwork,  quirky light fittings and exposed ceiling pipes,” were praised.

It comes after the bod Alsager in Cheshire was named one of the best by CAMRA last year.

However for a more authentic pub, the Historic England Conservation award (which preserves many of the features) was given to Swan in Suffolk.

Dating back to the 17th century, a new conservatory bar has been added, while many of the Grade-II listed timber frames have been restored.

One person wrote on Tripadvisor: “Love this place. The refurb has just added to just how wonderful this place is.”

When it comes to the best refurbished pub, the Druid Inn in Wales was given the top spot , after it was restored and reopened last year.

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Lots of previous guests called it a “gem” of a pub and praised the staff as well.

Sadly, one of the joint winning pubs has since had to close for good.

Two pubs were named the best when it comes to converted pubs, one being Borough Beer House in Surrey.

Once a Bailiffs Hall, dating back to the 1600s, has renovated it and turned it into a pub.

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However, the Python’s Arms in Herefordshire was praised for being a converted farm building.

The owners, who had run the pub for nine years, cited financial difficulties.

Sadly it has since had to close, with Gary Timmins Chair of CAMRA’s Awards Committee adding: “Within just a year from being converted into a beautiful pub, this rapid closure should be ringing alarm bells.

“Real action is needed to support the pub industry, otherwise we will lose many more locals in the near future.”  

The community local winner pub was Forester in West Ealing, London.

Here are the winning pubs last year.

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Journalist Adam Maidment felt like a “daylight robber” after ignoring warnings and ordering a €1 beer in Benidorm but the cut-price pint turned out to be far better than expected

While researching his trip to Benidorm, journalist Adam Maidment came across cautionary advice urging tourists to steer clear of the famously cheap drinks.

Many claimed these €1 offers at the popular Spanish resort were best avoided, describing them as subpar or suspiciously watered down.

Benidorm, with its beachside bars, themed pubs and sprawling expat scene, is a well-oiled machine when it comes to luring in tourists. More than 830,000 British tourists visit Benidorm each year, with many attracted by the number of sports bars, Irish pubs, and other themed venues offering lucrative deals.

However, many warn that the bargain booze may not be all it’s cracked up to be. In one popular TikTok video, viewed more than 450,000 times, creator Frank the Stag Man bluntly told 227,000 followers: “You get what you pay for”, labelling the drinks “absolute rubbish”.

READ MORE: ‘Lowest priced’ Sky TV and broadband package returns

Still, not everyone heeded Frank’s warning. Adam, though, a true professional, decided to fall at the first hurdle in the name of journalism. In an article penned for the Manchester Evening News, Adam wrote: “I practically fell at the first hurdle and ignored all warnings after a very sunny afternoon stroll through Levante Beach, it’s perhaps the very exact reason why these bars have beer at such a ridiculous price point in the first place.”

Hoping to head into the Old Town, Adam spotted a venue advertising a too-tempting deal. “I spotted the La Parada lounge bar, which offered both €1 beer and even €1 Pintxos dishes. Whilst not feeling brave enough to try my chances with the culinary options, I was prepared to give the very cheap beer a go – all in the name of journalism, of course.”

The bar, located just up from the beachfront near Tiki Town Beach Club, was in a shaded spot and not too crowded. A scattering of locals were inside enjoying the calm. Adam said: “The very lovely server was happy to take my order for a €1 beer and, not quite knowing what I had set myself in for, I contemplated what would be arriving at my table and whether it would be as watered down or ominous as social media had suggested it would be.”

The beer arrived in minutes. “The dinky little glass of beer was pretty much as expected: certainly not a pint, and perhaps not even a half (maybe more of a third). But it was a freshly-poured serving of Amstel, so it certainly wasn’t the worst choice of beer.”

Most importantly, it tasted fine. “It was ice cold and it tasted normal – I didn’t get the impression it was watered down.”

And the price? Almost laughably low. Adam said: “Most impressively, it was an absolute bargain of a drink for what was the equivalent of essentially just 84p – a price that nowhere in Manchester [or anywhere in the UK] would ever consider charging.”

Curious how the economics worked, Adam asked the server why they bothered offering such a low price. Her response was basic marketing: “It gets people in.” Once through the door, people then order food and smoothies or become repeat customers.

The bar’s menu and signage promoted other items, like €3 hotdogs and €5 smoothies, far more than the beer, but perhaps what keeps the tills ringing.

After sipping his drink in a relaxed atmosphere, Adam faced a very first world problem. He said: “Then came the moral dilemma that has been playing in my mind ever since: how do you pay for an 84p beer without feeling like you’ve just committed daylight robbery?”

He considered ghosting the bar with a euro left behind. He said: “I considered leaving the euro on the table and just making a dash for it in order to avoid having to make any pleasantries, but that just felt rude.”

He even thought about tipping. “I also contemplated tipping an extra euro in order to lessen the guilt I felt, which I appreciate is the very epitome of a first-world problem.” In the end, instead of dashing, Adam used his cool logic to reason. He reflected: “It was their offer, they chose to sell it, and they decided to promote it to get punters in – and it certainly worked, even if I didn’t stay to branch out into €5 smoothie territory.”

While he said he wouldn’t recommend spending an entire day bouncing between €1 beer bars, he gave La Parada credit for being a calm and pleasant place to sit and sip. “Whilst I definitely wouldn’t want to spend a whole afternoon stocking up on €1 beers, my time at La Parada was good. It certainly wasn’t one of the rowdier venues in the town; it was chilled and quiet, so I am sure there might be other popular options for people when it comes to going cheap on the beer.”

But he added a word of caution. “Of course, I cannot vouch for €1 beers at the other bars, and I’m sure there are some which warrant the level of caution.”

Adam also rightly pointed out: “It also goes without saying that it is always important to drink responsibly too, whether you are in Benidorm drinking €1 beer or not.”

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A weekend break in Debrecen, known as Europe’s cheap pint capital, is a fine idea for those seeking a value-packed city break, as well as a thirst for a cheap pint

Europe’s most affordable city for a pint continues to offer beer at five times less than the UK average – and it’s just a short, budget-friendly flight away. Located in Hungary’s Northern Great Plain region, Debrecen isn’t merely known for its inexpensive beverages. It’s an excellent choice for a weekend escape and with careful planning, it could be the best value trip you’ve ever taken.

According to price comparison site Skyscanner, return flights from Luton Airport to the city can cost as little as £23 if you choose the right time of year. The journey is well under three hours, and Debrecen has earned its title as Europe’s cheap pint capital.

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Thirsty travellers can enjoy a Soproni lager for a mere 79p, with the average lager costing around 82p. This is a staggering 6.6 times cheaper than the average price of a pint in London, where a drink now costs a hefty £5.90 on average.

Even Derby – deemed the UK’s cheapest place for a pint in one study – can’t compete with these prices, with the average cost in the Midlands city being £3. But Debrecen offers more than just affordable drinks; it’s a captivating city in its own right.

The vibrant university town boasts the grand yellow Reformatus Nagytemplom cathedral, an extensive museum dedicated to Hungarian culture, a zoo, and a theme park.

The inflationary pressures of recent years have significantly impacted the cost of alcoholic beverages in the UK. Data from the Office for National Statistics released last year revealed that the average price of a pint of draught lager in a pub rose by 12.1% between August 2022 and August 2023, from £4.12 to £4.65.

With many people’s wages failing to keep up, an evening at the local might start to feel like an indulgence.

However, there’s good news – Debrecen isn’t the only place in Europe where you can find a bargain pint, and we’ve highlighted a few other destinations here. But if you’re looking to avoid places where you’ll be charged an arm and a leg for a beer, you might want to give Iceland a miss – a pint there now costs an average of £8.33.

Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife – £1.60 a pint

A tried and true favourite, this Canary Island gem continues to offer excellent value for money. With stunning sea views, a tranquil atmosphere, and incredibly cheap pints, it’s no wonder why.

If you visit in June before the school summer holidays, you’ll find pleasant weather and great value for money on-site, all while avoiding peak season airfares and hotel rates.

Faro, Portugal – £2.18 a pint

The Algarve is known for its crystal-clear waters, sunshine, delicious cuisine, and budget-friendly drinking spots. Consider Faro for your next European getaway for wallet-friendly prices on flights, hotel stays, and in-destination expenses – beers start at just £2.

Zagreb, Croatia – £2.44 a pint

Zagreb conjures images of sun-soaked beaches during the day and lively socialising with mates at night, all made more appealing by a remarkably affordable pint price of just £2.44. To make the most of your savings, steer clear of the school holidays and plan your visit for May-June.