Breakfast

The historic island of Syros in the Cyclades is home to a cat sanctuary where volunteers from around the world can stay for free in exchange for caring for animals – and it’s been described as a quieter alternative to Santorini and Mykonos

Holidaymakers can seize the opportunity to live on a stunning Greek island with free accommodation, breakfast, and utilities in return for volunteering at a cat sanctuary and assisting with animal care. The position is based on the historic island of Syros, situated in the Cyclades within the Aegean Sea, where the Syros Cats sanctuary operates.

Since the 1990s, the sanctuary has led the way in feline welfare, implementing trap, neuter and return (TNR) schemes, overseeing animal health, and facilitating the safe integration of stray cats within the local community.

The sanctuary welcomes volunteers from across the globe to join its team and embrace animal care while discovering life on a Greek island. They are seeking volunteers who are physically capable, responsible, healthy, and self-sufficient, able to commit to staying for at least one month.

Applicants must be prepared to dedicate five hours daily, five days a week, to vital duties. These include cleaning living areas, preparing and serving meals, socialising kittens, and providing a secure, nurturing environment for the cats.

Those with veterinary expertise or experience handling feral cats are especially encouraged to apply, though the programme welcomes anyone prepared to roll up their sleeves, demonstrate reliability, and genuinely interact with the animals. In exchange, volunteers are provided with free lodgings, breakfast, and access to amenities, enabling them to fully concentrate on their tasks while basking in the Mediterranean sun, reports the Express.

The sanctuary’s efforts have revolutionised the dynamic between the island’s inhabitants and its cat population. Richard Bowell, co-founder of God’s Little People Cat Rescue, which works in partnership with Syros Cats, stated: “We want to show the world that we really care about animals. The way we treat them reflects something of our own humanity.”

As a result of these endeavours, the local community now regards cats with respect and pride, marking a significant departure from the apathy or animosity previously displayed.

Syros is often touted as a quieter, less touristy alternative to more renowned Greek islands such as Santorini and Mykonos. YouTubers Katie and George from Intersection Voyage highlighted the island’s allure during a recent trip: “Every year, millions of people travel to Greece’s most famous islands, Santorini and Mykonos. However, after travelling to both Santorini and Mykonos, I have come to realise that there are some other, way less commercialised islands, which are amazingly rich in history and scenery.”

They added: “We will be spending the next three days on one of Greece’s most historic and beautiful Greek islands, exploring hidden cave churches, local beaches, unique cuisine and the island’s famous tourist attractions.”

Reflecting on their experience, they said: “Looking back on this island, there was something just magical about it. It was unique and authentic and it had something for everyone. I found the locals were extremely kind and generous and were always willing to help if you needed it. We didn’t even scratch the surface of how many hidden places there are to see.”

Applications for the 2026 volunteer season are now closed, but those keen to participate in 2027 can apply when registration reopens in September 2026 via the official Syros Cats website or sign up to their newsletter for updates.

The BBC Breakfast presenter shared a major career announcement as he was supported by fans

Former BBC Breakfast presenter Ben Boulos has announced his new TV role, weeks after his exit from the broadcaster.

Ben recently shared his final day on the red sofa, saying: “Just before we finish, just to share a bit of news about me. It’s my last appearance on Breakfast for the time being, I am off to take a new job elsewhere.

“But I will miss this place, I will miss this programme a lot.”

Becoming emotional, he continued: “I have had the most wonderful time on Breakfast.

“I just want to say thank you to the brilliant teams that we work with and above all thank you to everyone watching at home for letting me be a part of your mornings.

“It has been a real pleasure and a privilege.”

The presenter had appeared on Business Live, Talking Business, BBC World News and more over the last 16 years, and has now confirmed his new role.

Taking to Instagram, he shared: “Here it is… Very excited that I can now share news about my new job with you all – and delighted to be joining the brilliant team @cnbcinternational @cnbc in London where I’ll be an anchor on #SquawkBoxEurope alongside Karen & Steve, 5 mornings a week. More details on how you can watch and when, coming soon. Cannot wait to get started!”

Ben joins Karen Tso and Steve Sedgwick in early February, as Julianna Tatelbaum begins maternity leave, a press release announced.

It read: “Together, Ben, Karen and Steve will cover the most important market-moving and complex stories of the day.”

“I am delighted that Ben is joining the CNBC International team,” Head of TV News for Europe, Middle East and Africa, Leonie Kidd said.

“His specialist knowledge of global business and economics, combined with years of experience presenting to audiences across the UK and worldwide, will be an incredible asset. Ben’s ability to make complex financial stories clear and engaging is exactly what we need as we continue to grow our coverage and connect with new audiences.”

Ben was showered in support from his followers, with one writing: “Wishing you the very best in this new chapter!”

Another said: “Congratulations! This is very exciting news! Good luck on the new adventure. Least you are used to those morning alarms!”

“Just wonderful. Well done,” a third wrote, as another said: “How exciting. You’ll be fabulous I’m sure.”

Ben had previously teased his new role on social media, saying: “After 16 years of working at the BBC I will be leaving at the end of this week. My last shift will be presenting BBC Breakfast on Sunday 11 January.

“I’ve had the most wonderful decade and a half here, working with many brilliant people, a lot of that time spent working in that building there, but of course, those of you with long memories will remember that my BBC journey started in Chelmsford at BBC Breakfast, then onto Look East, Five Live, before coming here to work at BBC World News, BBC News Channel, World Service Radio, and then of course Breakfast up in Salford, where I’ve been working for most of the last three years.

“However, it is time for a change, a new challenge, a new year. I’m leaving to go and take up a very exciting opportunity elsewhere.

“All I will say at the moment is that I will still be in broadcasting, I will still be presenting on television, but I will share more details about it with you soon.

For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new **Everything Gossip** website

“But in the meantime, I just wanted to say, thank you for the messages and comments of support and encouragement over the past years, and a thank you for taking an interest and following me on here and I cannot wait to share the next chapter of my journey with you.”

He captioned the clip: “New year, new start, new challenge. A big change for me in 2026 and exciting times ahead!”

BBC Breakfast airs from 6am on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

BRITAIN’S first-ever Michelin breakfast tasting menu has just arrived – but how does it really compare to a cheap fry up?

The five-course meal is found at the Four Seasons Hotel’s Pavyllon restaurant on London’s swanky Park Lane, setting you back a whopping £70 for the ‘basic’ option.

On the menu are lobster dishes and decadent French toast – for an extra slice of luxury, you can even add a side of caviar at an extra fiver A GRAM. 

Bizarrely there’s not even a whiff of a Full English listed on the extravagant menu, and a morning cuppa will add even more to the extortionate price.

And if you go for the £20 juice pairings and add 15 per cent service charge, the bill tops £100 a head.

But is it worth it? I decided to give the fine dining option a go and compare it to my favourite fry-up at the Regency Café just over a mile away in Pimlico – which is a tenth of the price.

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Pavyllon’s £100 breakfast

The tasting menu, only available at weekends, kicks off with a sweet pastry. 

From the tray of delightful-looking tarts our friendly waiter brought over I picked out the ‘special’ – a light, crisp and buttery pastry filled with gooey pistachio cream and glazed with clementine marmalade. 

As I’d added in the drinks pairing I washed it down with a tiny cold moka, a chocolate-infused coffee topped with Chantilly cream. 

Up next was a lobster croast – a Pavyllon invention where the topping sits on a toasted croissant. 

As tasting menu diners are seated at a counter around the open-plan kitchen I could watch senior sous chef Nicholas Bussi prepare it, delicately dolloping spoonfuls of lobster mayo onto the croissant followed by rocket leaves and heaps of freshly grated parmesan.

It tasted out of this world, while the pineapple and cherry juice pairing added a sharp hit.

Then came a chia seed pudding soaked overnight in coconut milk and served with sticky mango and pineapple pieces. 

A sprinkling of salt added a twist, although the celery and apple juice pairing failed to excite. 

Next, eschewing the egg muffin which came with the optional caviar – the Benedict version had the menu’s only bacon – I chose instead the chef’s weekly special.

The beautiful wafer-thin omelette filled with prawns and cod roe in a lobster bisque was the stuff of dreams and came paired with a beetroot flavoured alcoholic-free kir royale.

Somehow I managed to squeeze in an indulgent French toast, made with brioche-style bread and caramelised hazelnut and tasting like your gran’s best-ever bread and butter pudding. 

A couple of cappuccinos added a further £16 to the bill so with the 15 per cent service charge, my bill ended up coming out to a staggering £121.90.

The Regency Café’s £10 breakfast

This well-known greasy spoon is decidedly down-to-earth, with formica tables, traditional half-mast checked café curtains and black and white photographs.

The 80-year-old caff may seem familiar – it’s appeared in films and TV shows like Layer Cake and Judge John Deed. 

If you go on a Saturday (it’s closed on Sundays) you’ll likely have to queue to get served at the counter. 

But when I visited on a wet Wednesday I could order immediately and opted for the popular set breakfast – two bacon rashers, a sausage, a fried egg, tomatoes or beans plus bread or toast and a mug of tea or instant coffee. 

Priced at a very reasonable £9.99 you can also add extras like bubble and squeak for £1.75 or chips for £3.50.

I managed to find myself a table, and tucked in. My bacon was done to perfection – thick cut and browned to a crisp yet chewy in the middle. 

The chunky banger was beautifully seared while the tomatoes were lightly singed on top yet juicy inside. 

My egg was slightly overdone – no oozing yolk – and if I was being picky I’d have liked more butter to smear on my white sliced toast. 

The tea however was tasty and piping hot.(Just don’t ask for anything fancy like a cappuccino – I’d asked for decaf tea and was told sternly, “Eh? We have tea.”). 

None of the meal was greasy and afterwards I was comfortably full without that sickly-stuffed feeling. 

Verdict

When it comes to the Pavyllon breakfast taster menu, the variety and the surprise element kept adding exciting twists.

I’m still dreaming of that lobster croast which I would happily have by itself without the rest of the menu.

And with the experience lasting a leisurely two hours, I didn’t need to eat again for most of the day.

But I’ve got to agree with social media reviews – The Regency Cafe is surely London’s best fry-up.

While the eggs were the slightly let down, I was seriously impressed with how well cooked the bacon and sausages were.

And at £10 it’s fantastic value for money – so with the alternative being a £120 pricetag? I’ll stick with the greasy spoon, thanks.