WHETHER you fancy a retro 80’s disco weekender, a relaxing spa staycation, or a cocktail masterclass and overnight stay – we’ve found your next British break.
Best Western has launched a massive wave of budget-friendly summer staycation and hotel deals across the UK.
Bag a stay at the glamorous Hotel Collingwood, BW Signature Collection by Best Western for cheapCredit: Best Western
Click below to browse all Best Western hotels offering free breakfast, from gorgeous country manors to bustling cities across the UK.
To sweeten the deal, if you lock in your getaway before July 31, you can bag a FREE breakfast with your break at selected hotels.
Best Western has 200+ hotels across the UK. Click hereto browse which ones are offering free breakfast.
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To make a proper weekend of it, the hotel group have also rolled out their exclusive ‘GEM’ packages – which stands for Great Escapes, Memorable Stays.
Instead of just booking a hotel room, these thoughtfully crafted breaks combine your stay and food with unique activities perfect for couples or families.
To save you the scrolling, we’ve tracked down some of the best value hotel packages on offer right now.
From dancing the night away at 80’s weekenders to serene wellness stays by the sea, here are our top Best Western staycations to book this summer.
Seaside escape to Bournemouth
Book a break to Bournemouth with this Best Western package hotel dealCredit: supplied
Explore the best of Bournemouth and indulge in some serious pampering with a three-night escape to BW Signature Collection Hotel Collingwood.
This glamorous hotel also packs in the perks with a 24-hour hop-on, hop-off bus ticket so you can cruise around the seaside town easily.
When you aren’t out exploring, you’ll have unlimited access to the heated pool, sauna, and hydrotherapy facilities at the on-site Eden Spa – plus a generous 25% discount to use on treatments.
Not only this, but you’ll also enjoy a delicious three-course dinner in the evening and a hearty Full English breakfast in the morning – plus access to the classy Bubble Lounge Bar for a late-night cocktail.
Stay from £180 per night (for two)
Swing and Stay golf break at Southcrest Manor Hotel, Redditch
Book the Swing & Stay package deal for a hotel break and an 18-hole round of golf, plus breakfastCredit: Redditch gold club
If your idea of a perfect weekend involves playing on a championship fairway before soaking in a hydrotherapy hot tub, this one’s for you.
The “Swing & Stay” deal gets two people onto the greens of the prestigious Redditch Golf Club for a full 18-hole round, with the flexibility to play on either your arrival or departure day.
Once you’ve finished playing you can retreat to this grand 1901 manor house, which sits inside 10 acres of gorgeous countryside grounds. The package also includes access to the hotel’s spa, which has infrared saunas to soothe those aching arms.
Wake up to a cracking breakfast in the morning, and tuck into delicious cakes and traditional afternoon tea at the on-site Laura Ashley Tea Room.
Stay from £238 per night (for two)
VIP Jazz and Blues Festival break, Birmingham
Enjoy two hours of bottomless Prosecco at Birmingham’s Jazz & Blues Festival with this weekend breakCredit: Best Western
This VIP package lets you drink your weight in bottomless Prosecco while live jazz bands play right in front of you but instead of standing in the crowds, you’ll be lounging in reserved VIP seats for an in-house hotel performance from Birmingham‘s Jazz & Blues Festival.
You won’t even have to stand up to get a refill, thanks to a personal waiter serving bottomless Prosecco, draught lager, and wine for a glorious two-hour window.
Stay at a grand 1704 Victorian mansion in leafy Edgbaston: Best Western’s Plough & Harrow Hotel. And of course enjoy that cooked breakfast in the morning.
After enjoying the music and drinks, you can chill out on the garden terrace or catch a quick tram into the city centre to explore.
Stay from £166.95 per night (for two)
Cocktail Masterclass and countryside escape, Canterbury
Book the Art of Mixology package to escape to Canterbury for a cocktail-making weekendCredit: Best Western
Countryside manor Abbots Barton Hotel in Canterbury is swapping traditional quiet country weekends for something with a bit more kick.
With Best Western’s ‘Art of Mixology Escape’ package, you’ll check into a gorgeous hotel surrounded by two acres of stunning, manicured lawns before heading out into Canterbury.
Guests will then step into The John in Canterbury for a hands-on cocktail masterclass. A welcome glass of bubbly gets the session started, and you’ll soon be shaking and stirring your own custom creations.
The deal also lines your stomach with a fresh stone-baked pizza dinner at the hotel, and includes a full English breakfast the next morning.
Stay from £229.49 per night (for two)
80’s party night – The Hatfield Hotel, Lowestoft
Attend Lowestoft’s Original 80’s Party Night with a stay at the Best Western The Hatfield HotelCredit: Best Western
Dust off your neon leg warmer for Lowestoft‘s 80’s party weekend. The event takes place over the weekend of September 26–27, and you can secure a free ticket by booking this stay with Best Western.
Stay at the seafront Hatfield Hotel and spend Saturday night on the dance floor boogieing to DJ Chica’s 80’s playlist.
The night is packed with everything from rock and roll anthems to cheesy power ballads.
Your booking covers your event ticket, a double room right at the seafront hotel and a free cooked breakfast the next morning.
Stay from £103.68 per night (for two)
Stay at Best Western’s posh Southcrest Manor hotel on your weekend golf breakCredit: TRIP Advisor
BBC Breakfast hosts Lewis Vaughan Jones and Luxmy Gopal shared some sad news on Sunday
08:59, 19 Jul 2026Updated 08:59, 19 Jul 2026
The hosts of BBC Breakfast announced a sad death(Image: BBC)
The hosts of BBC Breakfast announced a heartbreaking death during the latest show.
Lewis Vaughan Jones and Luxmy Gopal were on the red sofa on Sunday (July 19) to deliver the latest headlines from across the UK and around the world.
Later in the programme, the presenters announced the death of beloved Australian actor Terence Donovan. The 90-year-old actor was best known for playing Doug Willis in Neighbours, Senior Detective Mick Peters in Division 4, and Detective Sergeant Vic Cameron in Cop Shop.
Terence’s son, Jason Donovan, confirmed the news on Instagram, posting a joint statement with his brother, Paul.
The statement read: “It is with great sadness but also a sense of celebration of a long, full life that myself and my brother Paul announce our father Terence died peacefully last night here in Melbourne.
“Obviously, this is an extremely emotional time, and we ask you to respect our privacy. We want to pay tribute to all the wonderful staff at Cabrini Hospital, Melbourne, who looked after him in his final days.”
Jason and Paul added, “Our dad was a huge character. Larger than life. He was our best friend… Our world. We will desperately miss him, but we take comfort knowing we were all here by his side in his final days.
“Knowing that he lived life to the max. Knowing that in life it’s either a daring adventure… or nothing at all! How lucky are we to have a dad like you.”
Announcing the news on the latest episode of BBC Breakfast, Luxmy shared: “The Australian actor Terence Donovan has died at the age of 90.”
Lewis added: “He was best known for his role as Doug Willis in Neighbours, who returned to the show several times over the years. His son, the actor and singer Jason Donovan, announced the news on social media.
“[He] described his father as a huge character and his best friend, saying he lived life to the max.”
Jason Donovan has been supported on social media after announcing his father’s death, with Dannii Minogue writing: “I am so sorry you have lost your father.”
Someone else added: “Sending lots of love to the family at this very sad time. What a legacy to leave, an absolute trailblazer. Fly high, Sir Terence.”
A third said, “So sorry for your loss, Jason and Paul. What an absolutely fantastic actor and man your dad was! Sending love and condolences to you all.”
Another fan wrote: “What an amazing man, thinking of you and all your family at this difficult time.”
On Saturday (July 11), presenters Charlie Stayt and Naga Munchetty were back at the helm, discussing a range of topics. But according to viewers, football appeared to take precedence.
During the show, the news anchors discussed England playing against Norway in the World Cup later on in the day a number of times.
Not only this, but later on in the show a BBC sports journalist reported outdoors amongst children playing football; this was then followed by a discussion on football stickers.
With all the footie content on show, viewers had enough and demanded a change. Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, those who were tuned in shared their frustrations.
One viewer said: “Give the football a frigging rest now.” Another fumed: “I’m going to watch the match later but ffs no more of these football fans fillers, I’m not interested in their input.”
A third chimed in and wrote: “I wish that British tennis bloke had won yesterday so they could concentrate on something rather than the football.”
A fourth added: “Four people sitting around a table pointlessly yakking rubbish about football just to fill 30 minutes of #bbcbreakfast.”
Another penned: “Just imagine how football would dominate #BBCBreakfast if England was in the final.”
One more groaned: “Right thats enough now. What a boring lot of old farts.”
For those who are interested in the upcoming England match, England’s quarter-final against Erling Haaland’s Norway will be played at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, with a far more fan-friendly kick-off time of 10pm BST.
It’s a welcome change from the last-16 clash with Mexico, which didn’t get underway until 2am in the UK and left plenty of supporters battling through work the following morning after a sleepless night.
The quarter-final gets underway at 5pm local time in Florida on Saturday, July 11, which means a 10pm BST kick-off for fans watching in the UK. If England can get the job done inside 90 minutes, the match should wrap up by around midnight.
If the match can’t be settled in 90 minutes, extra time and a penalty shootout could keep fans watching for another 45 minutes or more. In that scenario, the final whistle may not come until around 1am on Sunday.
From World Cup watch parties to spa breaks and seaside getaways, guests can enjoy a slap-up breakfast on the house
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Best Western has more than 200 properties across the UK(Image: Getty)
If this current heatwave has got folks fantasising about a proper summer getaway, they’re certainly not alone. There’s something about not having to make the bed or sort out breakfast that makes a morning on holiday feel infinitely more relaxing.
But with household budgets under pressure, finding a getaway that won’t break the bank is more crucial than ever. Hotel breakfasts alone can easily set a family back £40 or more per day, which is why Best Western’s latest summer offer really catches the eye.
Holidaymakers who book a break with Best Western before the end of July can bag a free breakfast for the duration of their stay. To help you capitalise on this, we’ve explored how a tasty start to the day can be teamed up with their newly launched “GEMS” (Great Experiences, Memorable Stays) packages.
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With the 2026 World Cup currently taking over our screens, attempting to host watch parties in a stuffy living room isn’t exactly appealing. With selected Best Western locations offering dedicated sports packages or lounge bars, escaping for a football-watching break could prove an inspired choice, reports Wales Online.
These convenient bundles combine a hotel room with local experiences, meals or added extras, making the entire trip simpler to arrange. Whether you’re sticking closer to home in Wales or venturing further afield, here are some of the smartest ways to maximise the offer this summer.
Enjoy a free breakfast at over 200 Best Western properties
Of course, the UK is also home to some of the finest golf courses in the world, and many Best Western hotels provide specially designed packages for golfers. Trade the confines of the office for the fairways with a package that includes your stay and course access.
If the summer heat is leaving you feeling more exhausted than energised, a spa package might be exactly what you need. Guests can enjoy a short break with accommodation and spa access, with optional treatments available at a selection of Signature Collection Hotels.
As temperatures rise, many Brits are drawn towards the coast. Best Western boasts a range of seaside hotels positioned along some of the UK’s most breathtaking coastlines, including Brighton, Blackpool, Newquay and Scarborough. Before venturing out to build sandcastles in the sun, a complimentary breakfast awaits.
City breaks are equally popular with families seeking entertainment during the summer holidays. With over 200 Best Western properties scattered across the UK, there are as many as 12 places to stay in London, with many more in sought-after destinations such as York, Manchester, Bristol and Edinburgh, offering numerous heritage and urban escapes.
With a growing number of Brits opting to holiday on home soil this summer, Macdonald Hotels is offering a range of breaks for golf enthusiasts and spa-goers, with discounts available at selected venues. For families seeking great-value getaways with entertainment and activities on their doorstep, Parkdean Resorts boasts more than 65 parks in coastal spots across the UK.
One guest who stayed at the Best Western Aberavon Beach Hotel described it as a “Brilliant hotel”, adding: ” A first class experience, pleasant stay, staff very helpful, rooms good, breakfast just what you want, good place to stay.”
Another traveller who opted for a more tranquil semi-rural stay near the Heritage Coastline chose the Premier Heronston Hotel and Spa, saying: “We were looking for somewhere to stay that was local to a beach and luckily this hotel is near Ogmore by Sea. We had a lovely, spacious room. We have 2 small children, and the hotel went above and beyond to help us with all our needs.”
A third guest who stayed at the upscale Best Western Lamphey Court Hotel and Spa remarked: “Absolutely spot on. The staff on arrival were excellent, kind and patient. Went out of their way to accommodate us. Nothing was hurried. Room was spacious and spotless. I wanted to take the bed home. Food in both restaurants was really good and breakfast although buffet style was all fresh ( I’m a fussy breakfast eater ) A perfect stay – trying to find an excuse to go back.”
Not every visitor was quite so enthusiastic, however, with one reviewer of the Pontypool Metro Hotel commenting: “The views from the hotel are not brilliant, however, everything else was very good. The room was spacious and clean and tidy. The staff were friendly and efficient. The lounge area was small but adequate. Breakfast was well-cooked and tasty. All in all a very satisfactory stay.”
A separate guest who stayed at the very same hotel offered a contrasting perspective, writing: “I came and stayed here when I was setting up a new retail store on the park. Safe car park, friendly staff. The bar is 24/7 which for me was great as I was working overnight shifts. Thank you for an easy stay, my partner and I are already planning to come back.”
The biggest hotel guest faux pas have been revealed – including jumping the breakfast buffet queue and stealing from rooms.
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Jumping the breakfast buffet queue was one of the biggest hotel faux pas(Image: Hotels.com)
Frowned upon acts when staying in a hotel include reserving pool chairs with towels for long periods, leaving rooms excessively messy and being loud in the hallways late at night. Other divisive acts include hanging damp laundry on the balcony, not leaving a review after staying and being rude to hotel staff.
Smoking or vaping in hotel rooms is also considered a no-no, as are putting the incorrect number of guests on the reservation and leaving alarms or phones to ring for long periods of time without turning them off. While not reading reviews when booking and not collecting or cashing in rewards points are also viewed unfavourably.
In response to a survey of 2000 people who have ever stayed in a hotel, Hotels.com, which commissioned the research, is offering holidaymakers £100 in ‘Hotels.comCash’ for future trips after staying for 10 eligible nights through its rewards programme.
Melanie Fish, travel expert and spokesperson for the global marketplace, which has also teamed up with William Hanson for a ‘Grand Etiquette Hotel’ guide, said: “Small tweaks can make a world of a difference.
“Taking the time to check reviews or making the most of rewards can turn a good trip into a great one, and help your travel budget stretch further, too.”
Researchers found the vast majority (90%) consider themselves to be considerate guests – although 39% think residents have become less respectful in recent years.
Sneaking extra guests in and constant public displays of affection around the pool are also frowned upon by hotel guests.
Those polled were also asked which nationalities they consider to be the gold standard for politeness – and which ones they think tend to be rudest.
Japanese tourists were ranked as the most considerate, followed by Sweden in second place, with U.K. respondents placing themselves third.
At the other end of the scale, Americans are regarded as the most impolite.
They ranked just beneath those from Germany, according to Hotels.com research conducted through OnePoll.
William Hanson said: “Better hotel etiquette doesn’t just benefit others, it can directly enhance your own stay.
“At the heart of my guide is the idea that small, thoughtful behaviours add up to big rewards: from a better night’s sleep and improved service to savings on future trips.”
TINA Daheley’s BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show replacement has been revealed just a day after she announced she’s quitting.
The newsreader has spent nearly eight years on the programme and was dubbed former host Scott Mills’ “work wife”, but now she’s moving on.
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Tina Daheley is leaving the Radio 2 Breakfast ShowCredit: InstagramMatt Carter is taking over the newsreader job from TinaCredit: @thatmattcarter/Instagram
Filling her sizeable shoes is journalist Matt Carter, and he can’t wait to get going.
Writing on Instagram, he said: “Thrilled to finally be able to spill the beans and tell you I’ll be joining a stellar cast of @djsaracox, @theelliebrennan and the fantastic prod team as your newsreader on the NEW breakfast show next month! Big (and very stylish) shoes to fill – wish me luck…
“See you on the 6th!”
The news was well received by listeners and station legends.
While OJ Borg posted: “Mate this is wicked! You were wicked when we did breakfast together.”
Tina, 45, told how the role had been “one of the greatest privileges of my life” and admitted it was “humbling” to “deliver the biggest breakfast show in Europe”.
She then made the reveal she is staying in the Radio 2 fold and on Jeremy Vine‘s 12-2pm show over summer.
In an emotional statement, she wrote: “After more than seven years of early alarm calls on Radio 2, I’m stepping away from Radio 2 breakfast.
“It’s been one of the greatest privileges of my life to wake up with you every morning, and humbling to have been trusted to deliver the news on the biggest breakfast show in Europe.”
Tina went on to reminisce about her time with the BBC and said: “My breakfast run ends on Radio 2 but it all started on 1Xtra where I landed my dream job reading the news on Trevor Nelson’s Breakfast Show.
“From there, I spent a decade broadcasting to one in four young people in the UK on Radio 1.
“After 18 years and six back to back breakfast shows (probably a record) in there somewhere, I am looking forward to a lie in”.
Tina, who began her BBC radio career on Trevor Nelson’s show, reads the early-morning news and contributes to lively discussions.
Earlier this year, she went “missing”amid an “awful week” after being struck down by illness.
Scott Mills Scandal in Brief
SCOTT Mills has been sacked from BBC Radio 2 – yet what’s happening?
She was absent at the same time as her former co-host Scott was pulled off-air.
As well as losing his role on Radio 2, Mills was also sacked from working on the BBC’s Eurovision coverage and from a new podcast spin off from Race Across The World, which he won the celebrity series of in 2024.
IF you’re into amazing food, glam hotels and total peace and quiet in the countryside, you’re in luck.
Wowcher have a deal offering a luxurious overnight stay for two at Marco Pierre White’s Country House Hotel, The Rudloe Arms, for only £139.
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The Wowcher deal is for a stay for two at the Rudloe Arms with dinner and breakfast for £139Credit: CollectRooms at the Rudloe Arms each have a unique design and a cosy countryside feelCredit: therudloearms.com
The offer saves you a massive 42% off a full-price stay and includes an overnight break for two, as well as a three-course dinner and a cooked breakfast in the morning.
Whether you’ve got an occasion coming up, want to treat someone special or just want to switch off in the countryside – this bargain break is the ultimate excuse to pack your bags.
The four-star Wiltshire hotel sits in the pretty village of Corsham near the Cotswolds, surrounded by rolling hills and forest with plenty of scenic woodland walks.
The Rudloe Arms is an adults-only property built for relaxation, with its own orchards, gardens and a pond for scenic strolls.
Inside you can sit down for a cocktail in the snazzy Mousehole Bar, plus the Garden Room Restaurant in which dinner is served is full of warm lighting and vibrant greenery.
When it comes to rooms, each is individually designed with a charming countryside feel.
Large beds are topped with plush bedding, plus an ensuite bathroom stocked with luxurious toiletries.
Plus you can dine like royalty with a three-course dinner menu curated by celebrity chef, Marco Pierre White.
The dinner menu is seasonal and uses many local, high-quality ingredients with tasty meat, fish and vegetarian options.
If you fancy extending your trip to a two-night stay, the deal gets even better because dinner is included on both evenings.
After a restful night’s sleep guests can head back down to the Garden Room for a hearty cooked breakfast to fuel your next day.
The scenic villages of the Cotswolds are on your doorstep, just under 20 minutes’ drive awayCredit: GettyThe Rudloe Arms is owned by celebrity chef Marco Pierre WhiteCredit: Alamy
Breakfast comes as your pick of a hot dish served with toast, marmalade and tea or French-pressed coffee.
While it might be tempting to hide away in your luxury room all day, there is plenty to see right on your doorstep.
The hotel is perfectly positioned for exploring top sights in the West Country. You can easily wander into the market town of Corsham for its pretty stone buildings and traditional pubs.
If you want to venture a little further, you’re on the edge of the Cotswolds here, plus the famous architecture of Bath is within easy driving distance.
Deals this good rarely stick around for long. This offer is available until June 30, so make sure to get in early to bag your early summer break.
To redeem the deal simply select the dates you’d like to visit on Wowcher’s website. Once you’ve booked and paid you’ll receive a code by email.
Then simply redeem the code, pack your bags and enjoy your break!
The Wowcher offer is available until June 30, 2026Credit: therudloearms.com
Netflix subscribers will wake up to a video livestream of “The Breakfast Club” starting next month, marking the platform’s first daily live podcast.
The deal is part of the streaming platform’s ongoing focus on live programming, and the latest video podcast offering through its partnership with iHeartRadio, the company said on Thursday. The nearly three-hour show will include a live video feed exclusive to Netflix and will air every weekday morning.
“Taking this show live every day to a global audience on Netflix is a powerful example of how we’re expanding the reach of our biggest brands while giving audiences entirely new ways to experience them,” Bob Pittman, iHeartMedia’s chairman and chief executive, said in a statement. “Whether it’s morning in NYC or the afternoon in London, the conversation is live and reaching the world in real time.”
“The Breakfast Club” will air simultaneously on Netflix, the iHeartRadio app and it will continue to be syndicated by Premiere Networks on more than 100 broadcast radio stations nationwide. Netflix’s video feed is meant to provide more behind-the-scenes content, as radio formats will still need to include commercial breaks. Instead of pausing the program, Netflix watchers will get an uninterrupted stream, where those traditional breaks will be filled with exclusive segments and extended discussions.
“The media landscape will always evolve, but one thing consistently cuts through: live programming,” Charlamagne tha God said in a statement. “That’s a big reason ‘The Breakfast Club’ has sustained its reign for so long. We’re building something powerful — real‑time conversation, real community, on a global scale. The future belongs to those who can see what’s possible — and trust me, the vision for ‘The Breakfast Club’ and Netflix is crystal clear.”
The radio program first got its start in 2010 on WWPR-FM in New York. Over the years, it has become one of the most popular morning shows, rooted in Hip-Hop and R&B culture and known for its lively interviews and entertaining commentary from hosts Charlamagne Tha God, DJ Envy and Jess Hilarious. The show has welcomed guests like former President Barack Obama, and artists like Kendrick Lamar and Cardi B. In 2020, the talk show was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame.
BBC Breakfast has been hit with complaints by angry viewers following a major shake-up
BBC Breakfast viewers ‘fuming’ as show ‘bins’ popular segment ‘completely in tatters’
BBC Breakfast viewers have been left rather unimpressed following a segment shake-up.
The morning show returned to screens on Saturday (May 9) for another instalment. Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt were back at the helm, to discuss some of the biggest stories hitting the headlines.
BBC Newswatch is a weekly show offering viewers and listeners the opportunity to respond to BBC News. The segment sees Samira presenting viewer feedback on the BBC’s reporting of major stories, with audiences either praising or critiquing the coverage.
But fans hoping to watch the latest Newswatch were left disappointed as the segment was conspicuously missing from BBC Breakfast. As the clock approached the typical Newswatch time, Naga and Charlie continued their interview with Labour’s deputy leader Lucy Powell.
And when the interview stopped and the hosts moved onto the next topic, angry fans soon took to X to fume over there being no Newswatch. One person wrote: “Hope newswatch hasn’t been binned for repeats of the same political news.” A second added: “Never thought I’d be desperate for news watch.”
A third comment read: “Fuming it’s dropped.” Another person penned: “Mean buggers binning newswatch, it’s only 10min long sods.” Someone else said: “Saturday viewing fun completely in tatters lol.”
This is not the first time Newswatch has taken a break from screens. In March, Samira announced the segment would be off air for several weeks – but reassured viewers that it would return to screens.
“We are off air next weekend over Easter but we will be back to hear more of your thoughts about how the BBC covers the news, in a fortnight,” Samira told viewers.
Meanwhile, journalist and broadcaster Samira has 20 years’ experience in print and broadcast and has hosted Newswatch since 2012. In 2020, Samira was named British Broadcasting Press Guild audio presenter of the year.
She has presented many news and arts programmes over the years for BBC TV and radio, including The World Tonight, PM, Sunday Morning Live on BBC One, Night Waves on Radio 3 and The Proms on BBC Four.
BBC Breakfast airs Monday to Sunday from 6am on BBC One.
A point of view shot of a mid-adult caucasian same-sex female LGBTQI couple sitting in the airport waiting for their flight toasting with their beers.Credit: Getty
THE BOSS of Wetherspoons has hit back at Ryanair after the airline proposed to scrap the beloved airport breakfast pint.
Sir Tim Martin, 71, boss slammed the idea to ban the sale of alcohol before early morning flights as a “Big Brother” approach.
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Tim Martin has hit back at Ryanair after the airline proposed to limit airport drinkingCredit: Louis Wood News Group Newspapers LtdThe Wetherspoon boss said it was a ‘Big Brother’ approachCredit: Getty
Ryanair boss, Michael O’Leary, recently called for a ban after saying the rise in badly behaved passengers is causing huge problems for the airline.
He said it had become a “real challenge for all airlines” and questioned why punters needed a pint in the early hours of the morning.
O’Leary has also previously suggested a two-drink cap, something he says the airline tends to follow onboard, in an effort to clamp down on bad behaviour by passengers.
But JD Wetherspoon chief Martin said it could lead to passengers being breathalysed and added that any drinks limit would be hard to manage, The Times reports.
Ryanair chief Michael O’Leary recently called for a ban on the beloved airport breakfast pintCredit: ReutersHe claimed that badly behaved passengers are causing the airline huge problemsCredit: Getty
He told the outlet: “It is in everyone’s interests to have good behaviour at airports and on flights.
“A two-drink limit would be extraordinarily difficult to implement, short of breathalysing passengers, and would, in our opinion, be an overreaction — especially since many of the problems stem from incoming flights.”
Wetherspoon also claimed that the majority of its airport sales were not alcohol and any ban would result in passengers buying alcohol elsewhere prior to arriving at the airport.
But O’Leary said the problem with passengers is getting worse – previously the airline would have around one flight diversion a week, which has since increased to “one diversion a day”.
Current rules allow pubs and restaurants in airports to serve alcohol at any time as they do not have to follow the same licensing rules elsewhere in the country.
Passengers drunk on a plane can face being jailed for up to two years, and huge fines if they force a plane to divert of up to £80,000.
RYANAIR boss Michael O’Leary has made the headlines today, calling for an early-morning ban on airports serving alcohol to passengers.
He’s calling for the big change following a rise in badly behaved passengers that have caused flights forced to divert.
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Caroline McGuire, Head of Travel (Digital) says banning airport bars from serving any booze outside of normal UK licensing hours – typically from around 10 or 11am – seems pretty unfair
He told The Times: “It’s becoming a real challenge for all airlines
“I fail to understand why anybody in airports bars is serving people at five or six o’clock in the morning. Who needs to be drinking beer at that time?
“There should be no alcohol served at airports outside [those] licensing hours,” he said. “We have been calling for many years for a limit of two drinks per person per airport, why don’t you limit people by boarding pass?”
So should we be banning morning beers at UK airports? Our travel experts go head to head…
‘Please don’t deny hard-working Brits this small holiday pleasure’ says Caroline McGuire, Head of Travel (Digital)
AIRPORT breakfast beers are one of those quirky British traditions, much like the Wetherspoons table number game and the dirty birthday pint.
It is pretty much guaranteed that you will see a number of sleepy-eyed Brits sinking a lager at the airport pub, no matter what time of day you arrive.
While I personally can’t stomach a drink before midday, I’m also not a fan of telling hard-working Brits how they can spend their precious seven days of holiday that they’ve been saving for all year.
Michael O’Leary has long called for there to be a two-drink limit on people drinking at airports and that is something that feels like a reasonable compromise to me.
But to ban airport bars from serving any booze outside of normal UK licensing hours – typically from around 10 or 11am – seems pretty unfair when passengers can still buy a drink on the actual Ryanair flight.
Pubs are under a huge amount of financial stress these days, thanks to a raft of anti-hospitality measures introduced by our current chancellor, Rachel Reeves.
Add to this the fact that pubs pay an extremely high rent for their airport locations, do we want to see boozers also disappearing from here too?
I’m not sure that cutting out morning drinking will see the solution to the problem that airlines are clearly having such a huge issue with, because it won’t have any effect on the thousands of flights that fly out of the UK post-midday.
I’ve been on more late-evening Ryanair flights to Ibiza than I care to remember, when I have deep sympathy for the cabin crew serving very rowdy passengers.
Mr O’Leary has been in the industry for a long time, in fact he’s one of the most experienced airline bosses in the business, and we should be listening when he says it’s a huge problem that needs sorting.
But banning the small joy of a breakfast beer in these stressful modern times, with everything that’s going on in the world? Please no.
Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey says that without airports willing to put a cap in place, more drastic measures are needed
‘More drastic measures are needed’ says Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor
LOOK, I get it – you finally got that time off work, and you’re ready for a week of sunshine and relaxing.
But it has forever baffled me as to how that translates to a pint of beer or glass of champagne at 6am when normally you wouldn’t even be awake.
I can’t think of anything worse than sinking a Guinness when I’m waiting for my flight, and certainly don’t want that sloshing around in my stomach before a long journey.
If people could restrain themselves then a ban wouldn’t be needed but sadly, without airports willing to put a cap in place, it seems more drastic measures are needed.
Haven’t we all been on that awful flight where rowdy passengers just make it worse for everyone?
With Ryanair saying that as many as a flight a day are being diverted, those costs are likely to be passed onto the passenger too.
So those drunken idiots are essentially going to make your flight more expensive.
Maybe a full ban is too far, but I would say that a drink limit is definitely needed.
I’d back airports being required to scan boarding passes, with a cap on 1-2 boozy beverages before you get on a plane.
Lets save it for the all-inclusive pool bar, guys.
Luxmy Gopal and Roger Johnson brought viewers up to speed with the latest news on BBC Breakfast
09:40, 03 May 2026Updated 09:41, 03 May 2026
The news presenter shared the breaking news announcement live on air(Image: BBC)
BBC Breakfast hosts issued a devastating breaking news announcement live on air.
During Sunday’s (May 3) episode of the popular morning show, Luxmy Gopal and Roger Johnson brought viewers up to speed with the latest news from across Britain and internationally.
They were joined in the studio by Elizabeth Rizzini , who provided regular weather updates, whilst Olly Foster covered the sports news.
However towards the end of the show, Luxmy made the tragic announcement following the news that two migrants have died after a boat sank in the Channel while attempting to cross over to the UK overnight.
Speaking to viewers at home, Luxmy revealed: “Some breaking news to bring you. Reports have just come through in the past few minutes that two people have died off the coast of northern France after a boat carrying migrants came into difficulty overnight.”
Co-host Roger continued: “Lets go live to our reporter Simon Jones, who has got the latest on this for us. Simon what more do we know about what happened.”
The show then cut over to Simon, who appeared on the breakfast show via video link and updated viewers on the devastating news.
A huge rescue operation was launched in the early hours, after a migrant dinghy carrying 65 people got into difficulties off Hardelot beach, south of Boulogne.
French authorities have confirmed two female migrants died in the incident involving a so-called taxi boat, as dozens of people tried to scramble on board.
Authorities say a second migrant boat nearby continued on its journey to the UK, as the incident unfolded around 3am.
It is believed that there were 82 people packed on the boat that “ran aground” on a beach at Neufchatel-Hardelot, about 12 kilometers (seven miles) south of the port of Boulogne, said Christophe Marx, a regional government official.
It comes as at least eight people have now died this year on small boats trying to make the risky trip across the English Channel to the southern coast of the UK.
Last month, Britain and France signed a new three-year deal on security operations to stop the crossings.
France will increase the number of police and gendarmes patrolling the coast while the British government will increase its contribution to the cost, according to an AFP tally based on official French and British sources.
BBC Breakfast airs daily from 6am on BBC One and iPlayer
