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A PUB chain in the UK has been named the best for hotels in the UK – beating some very big names.

A new study conducted by Which? looked at both large and small hotel chains across the UK.

The research – which spoke to 1,776 people – looked at eight categories such as customer service and cleanliness as well as breakfast, bed comfort and value for money.

And coming in first place was Coaching Inn Group, which scored 81 per cent.

While you may not have heard of the pub/hotel chain, there are 35 inn-style hotels in the UK.

Dating back to 1996, this includes ones such as The Kings Arms & Royal in Surrey, The Pheasant Hotel in Norfolk and The Swan Hotel in Somerset.

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They recently closed The Warwick Arms ahead of a huge £1million renovation.

It was even named the ‘Best Accommodation Operator’ at The 2025 Publican Awards earlier this year.

When it comes to the Which? study, it scored a full five stars for customer service, as well as it matching the description online.

Despite the average room price being around £128, it still was given four out of five stars for value for money.

One person said it was a “very good mid-price range chain that does all the basic things well”.

Yet a surprising entry for the top five large hotel chains was Wetherspoons, who have a number of hotels across the country.

It was also the only hotel chain to be given the Which? Great Value badge, the first time for Wetherspoons.

With 50 hotels to choose from across the UK, rooms start from just £69 – most likely why it was given four stars for value for money.

Breakfast can be found for as little as £2.99 as well, with free tea and coffee refills.

Previous guests raved about it, calling it “clean, comfortable and good value”.

Other winners included Intercontinental, (80 per cent) and Hotel Indigo (79 per cent).

Sofitel followed suit with 78 per cent.

Premier Inn dropped in the survey with a score of 73 per cent, with one saying “prices are no longer budget level”.

Coming in last place once again was Britannia, which is often named the UK’s worst hotel chain (and the 12th year in a row for Which).

With a score of 44 per cent, it scored one star for bedroom quality.

The study also looked at small hotel chains, with the top going to both Andrew Brownsword and Brend Hotels, scoring 83 per cent.

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The world’s best hotels were recently revealed.

And here is what it is like to stay at an all-inclusive hotel in the middle of London.

Incursion follows series of drone incidents and airspace violations that have prompted fears that Russia is testing NATO.

Two Russian military aircraft have briefly entered Lithuania’s airspace in what appeared to be a new provocation from Moscow as European Union leaders discussed how to strengthen their defences amid deepening concerns the war in Ukraine could spill over into their nations.

Lithuania’s armed forces said in a statement that the two aircraft – an Su-30 fighter and an Il-78 refuelling tanker – may have been conducting refuelling exercises in the neighbouring Russian exclave of Kaliningrad when they flew 700 metres (0.43 miles) into the country at 6pm local time (15:00 GMT) on Thursday.

“This is a blatant breach of international law and territorial integrity of Lithuania,” said President Gitanas Nauseda on X, adding that his country would summon Russian embassy representatives to protest against reckless and dangerous behaviour.

Two Spanish Eurofighter Typhoon jets from the NATO Baltic Air Police were scrambled in response and were patrolling the area, the Lithuanian military said.

Russia’s Defence Ministry denied the incursion had taken place, saying the flights were conducted “in strict compliance” with rules and “did not deviate from their route and did not violate the borders of other states”.

The incident occurred after Nauseda and his fellow EU leaders attended a Brussels summit on Thursday, endorsing a plan dubbed Readiness 2030 to ensure that Europe can defend itself against an outside attack by the end of the decade.

It follows a series of mysterious drone incidents and airspace violations by Russian warplanes in recent weeks that have heightened anxiety that Russian President Vladimir Putin might be testing NATO’s defensive reflexes.

Three Russian military jets violated Estonia’s airspace for 12 minutes on September 19 in what was described by Tallinn as an “unprecedented and brazen intrusion”.

Nine days before, NATO jets had shot down 20 Russian drones that entered Polish airspace, marking the first time an alliance member had engaged directly with Russia since the start of the Ukraine war.

Fellow Baltic state leaders Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal and Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braze both expressed full solidarity with Lithuania.

Polish Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz said the incident showed that “Russia is in no way calming down or retreating” and that continued vigilance is required.

Thursday’s EU summit also saw the bloc greenlight a major package of sanctions against Russia for its war on Ukraine.

It stopped short of endorsing the use of Russian frozen assets to give Kyiv a large loan. Russia had threatened a “painful response” if its assets were seized.

Appointment clinched via a last-minute coalition deal, but government remains without a majority, leaving the risk of instability.

Japan’s parliament has elected ultraconservative Sanae Takaichi as the nation’s first female prime minister.

A protege of assassinated former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Takaichi received  237 votes in the 465-seat lower house of parliament on Tuesday to confirm her in the role.

The victory follows a last-minute coalition deal by her Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) with the right-wing Japan Innovation Party (JIP), also known as Ishin, on Monday. However, her government is still two seats short of a majority, suggesting a risk of instability.

Takaichi replaces Shigeru Ishiba, ending a three-month political vacuum and wrangling since the LDP – which has governed Japan for most of its post-war history – suffered a disastrous election loss in July.

Her victory marks a pivotal moment for a country where men still hold overwhelming sway. But it is also likely to usher in a sharper move to the right on immigration and social issues, with little expectation that it will help to promote gender equality or diversity.

Takaichi has stonewalled measures for women’s advancement. She supports the imperial family’s male-only succession and opposes same-sex marriage and allowing separate surnames for married couples.

The LDP had earlier lost its longtime partner, the Buddhist-backed Komeito, which has a more dovish and centrist stance.

Komeito ended the partnership due to its concerns that the LDP was not prepared to fight corruption.

“Political stability is essential right now,” Takaichi said at the signing ceremony with the JIP leader and Osaka Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura. “Without stability, we cannot push measures for a strong economy or diplomacy.”

JIP will not hold ministerial posts in Takaichi’s Cabinet until his party is confident about its partnership with the LDP, Yoshimura said.

After years of deflation, Japan is now grappling with rising prices, something that has caused public anger and fuelled support for opposition groups, including far-right upstarts.

Like Abe, Takaichi is expected to favour government spending to jumpstart the weakened economy. That has prompted a so-called “Takaichi trade” in the stock market, sending the Nikkei share average to record highs, the most recent on Tuesday.

But it has also caused investor unease about the government’s ability to pay for additional spending in a country where the debt load far outweighs annual output.

Shortly after the lower house vote, Takaichi’s elevation to prime minister was also approved by the less-powerful upper house. She will be sworn in as Japan’s 104th prime minister on Tuesday evening.

Takaichi is also running on a deadline, as she prepares for a major policy speech later this week, talks with United States President Donald Trump and regional summits.

It has been used as a location for a number of blockbuster movies and TV shows known for the stunning views and ‘timeless architecture’ with lots to do for everyone to enjoy

A Northumberland castle, known for its appearances in blockbuster films and hit TV shows, has been named one of the top film locations to visit in the UK.

The castle has been praised for its ‘timeless architecture’ and ‘stunning’ surroundings. For years, the cast and crew of the popular drama Vera have descended upon the North East each summer to film new series of the beloved show.

While Gateshead, Newcastle and South Shields have all featured, it’s Northumberland that has been the primary filming location, with numerous spots in the area taking centre stage as Brenda Blethyn retired from her iconic role earlier this year.

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Northumberland also made waves on the big screen in 2025, following the release of Danny Boyle’s zombie sequel 28 Years Later. The film shot straight to the top of the UK film charts after its summer release.

The Oscar-winning director utilised various locations in the region for his story, including Rothbury, Kielder and Holy Island, reports Chronicle Live.

While it didn’t make an appearance in 28 Years Later, Alnwick Castle is no stranger to the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, having now been named one of the top film locations in the UK by travel gurus at Holiday Cottages.

The castle, which served as the backdrop for key scenes in the first two films, including the iconic flying lesson in The Philosopher’s Stone, has also played host to the cast and crew of big-budget blockbuster Dungeons and Dragons, as well as the acclaimed period drama Downton Abbey and Star Trek: The Next Generation.

In their glowing review of the famous landmark, Holiday Cottages wrote: “Northumberland has long been a favourite location for filmmakers because of its captivating history and landscapes that seem almost otherworldly, and one of its most famous landmarks is Alnwick Castle, which will be instantly recognisable to fans of a certain wizarding franchise as Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the first two films.

“Visitors can wander through the Outer Bailey, where Harry first learned to fly on a broomstick with Madame Hooch, and children and adults alike can experience the magic themselves by taking part in the castle’s Broomstick Training Lessons, while the courtyards recall the memorable scenes when the flying car came crashing down in the early films.”

The travel site heaps praise on Alnwick, describing it as a ‘joy to explore’ with its enchanting cobbled streets, unique shops and stunning coastline, all contributing to its ‘magical’ staycation appeal.

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New research has shown the UK towns and villages that have been developing new housing, with the new build capital likely to surprise many as it’s a quiet UK village

A quaint UK village has been crowned as the ‘UK’s new build capital’, according to recent research.

The Labour Government had pledged in their election manifesto to construct 1.5 million new homes by 2029, a promise that is central to their housing policy.

So far, it’s estimated that the Government has managed to erect around 200,000 homes since taking office, falling short of the average annual target by 100,000. Despite this, New Housing Secretary Steve Reed remains hopeful about reaching their goal, stating last week his ambition was to “build baby build,” echoing Donald Trump’s oil drilling pledge.

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Fresh research conducted by buy-to-let insurance specialists at Alan Boswell Group reveals the UK towns and villages leading the charge in new housing development, with the top spot likely to raise eyebrows.

Banwell, a charming village in Somerset, tops the list with 180 new build sales in 2023-24, offering some food for thought for the housing department as they strategise on delivering much-needed homes.

New builds made up over 65 per cent of all house sales in Banwell, the highest percentage across the UK, marking the village as a contemporary housing hotspot, reports the Express.

The town, which boasts a history dating back to the Bronze Age, has a modest population of just over 3,000 but witnessed 275 house transactions in the year 2023/24. Kent’s Swanscombe secured second place, with the compact town also witnessing a building surge.

Research experts behind the study explained: “Thanks to its proximity to London and lower property prices, Swanscombe offers a realistic alternative for those seeking a new build lifestyle near the capital without the hefty city price tag, making it ideal for both first-time buyers and landlords seeking rental demand near the commuter belt.”

The ancient, medieval settlement of Arundel claimed third spot, with 359 new builds sold out of 766 total transactions, representing a 46.87% new build share.

Speaking for the buy-to-let insurance specialists at Alan Boswell Group, Heath Alexander-Bew commented: “The UK’s housing demand remains intense, especially in large cities where new build construction often can’t keep up with population growth.

“However, this data clearly shows that regional development hotspots, even in smaller towns like Banwell or Swanscombe, are filling that gap.

“For buyers, especially families or first-time homeowners, these areas represent opportunities to secure modern, energy-efficient homes in growing communities.

“The proportion of buyers moving into detached homes has grown from 25% to 32% over the past decade, highlighting a steady shift in preference toward more spacious living. In our study, detached properties made up 13.87% of all new build sales between 2023 and 2025, underlining their continued appeal.”

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U.S. stocks are doing relatively well as of September 4, up by 10.6% year to date. That’s right in line with the average annual gain of about 10% for the S&P 500 index since that benchmark’s 1957 inception.

That’s not bad at all, considering that the index posted robust gains of more than 23% both last year and the year before. But this year, another nation’s stock market is outperforming the American market… by a lot.

I’m talking about Germany. The DAX index, the benchmark and barometer for that nation’s economy that tracks 40 German blue-chip companies trading on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (analogous to the all-American S&P 500), is up about 17% this year, almost twice the gain of the S&P 500. And the broader MSCI Germany index, which tracks 54 large and mid-cap stocks, is up about 35% in 2025.

There may well be much more upside to come. German stocks look to move higher into next year, as profits for the nation’s companies in 2026 are forecast to rise 14%, slightly higher than the projected earnings growth for the S&P 500. Always remember that share prices ultimately follow earnings growth.

The German economy

Germany is an economic and industrial powerhouse. Its gross domestic product of about $4.4 billion makes it the largest economy in Europe and the third largest in the world behind the U.S. and China.

The Reichstag building, seat of the lower house of Germany’s legislature. Image source: Getty Images.

So, what’s driving German stocks higher right now?

There are several factors. A major one is a recently enacted huge federal spending package of some 500 billion euros (about $582 billion) for infrastructure across the country, as well as legislation that removed the so-called “debt brake” on defense spending, which is driving an expansion of military and defense manufacturing and cybersecurity investment.

A less discussed factor is the growing popularity of investing among Germans. For decades after the hyperinflation of the 1920s, many people in the nation harbored a level of risk aversion that caused them to avoid the stock market. But that’s finally changing, and the number of Germans who own equities is up 44% over the past decade. So savings flowing into the stock market have given German equities an added lift.

And the European Central Bank, which controls the money supply for the European Union (which includes Germany), has been steadily cutting its key interest rate since June 2024, from 4% to 2%. That monetary stimulus is providing an extra boost to company revenue and profits across the E.U.

Investing in German stocks

One way to gain exposure to the German economy is through the iShares MSCI Germany ETF (EWG 0.47%), which tracks the MSCI Germany Index and covers about 85% of Germany’s total stock market. That exchange-traded fund rose almost 10% last year and more than 23% in 2023.

The fund’s assets under management are about $2.8 billion, and its top four holdings are:

• SAP (SAP 0.46%), an information technology company, accounts for 14.5% of assets.
• Siemens (SIEGY -0.19%), an industrial conglomerate, at 10.8%.
• Allianz (ALIZ.Y 0.30%), a financial services provider, 8.4%.
• Deutsche Telekom (DTEGY 2.01%), a telecommunications giant, 6.6%.

No other stock in the fund accounts for more than 5% of the assets, which makes it relatively diversified and a good proxy for the German economy.

The ETF is up 31% in 2025, and its expense ratio is 0.5%, which is considered about average for an ETF.

Generally speaking, investors need to diversify their portfolios. That means putting your money into a mixture of growth and value stocks, and ideally also includes a mix of U.S. and international stocks. Germany’s market is soaring, and the iShares MSCI Germany ETF is a great way to participate in that ascent.

Wright’s Food Emporium, is a cafe, deli, and wine store that’s rarely not busy – and it’s easy to see why

The UK is packed full of towns and villages with hidden gems, whether that’s cafes, restaurants, or bars. One such spot is Wright’s Food Emporium in Llanarthne.

Writing for WalesOnline, reporter Kathryn Williams has recalled a recent visit to this food outlet, sharing how it’s quickly become a must-visit destination. She wrote: “Wright’s Food Emporium is a cafe, deli, and wine store in the heart of the village and is rarely not busy, but even I’ll navigate their tight car park for one of their Cubano sandwiches.”

Wright’s opened at the start of 2014 by food industry experts Simon and Maryann Wright inside a former Brains pub – which was a prominent feature in the small village but had been yet another rural local to shut its doors.

Kathryn writes: “When you walk in you’re confronted with a dining space to the left but turn right and it’s business time. A bustling, well-stocked deli with fresh, local fruit and veg, wine, Welsh cheeses, meats and the best shelves of condiments west of Wally’s in Cardiff.

“But, you want to know about the sandwich. The Cubano is so good I don’t think I’ve seen it off the menu – which rotates weekly thanks to what’s fresh or fancied that week – in a good few years.”

So, what’s in a Cubano? At Wright’s, their ciabatta is generously filled with pork belly, Hafod cheese (from Lampeter), Myrddin Heritage ham (sourced just eight miles away in Tanerdy), pickles, Sriracha and mayo.

Kathryn continues: “The pleasing chew of the bread and pork belly is offset by the fresh pickles and sharp, creamy dart of the mix of mayo and Sriracha runs through each bite. And as you [me] try, but ultimately fail, to keep the whole shebang together, the bonus of the hidden ham comes through at the end a winner as you switch the sticky, dense and lovely pork belly to a side portion.

“It’s a bloody triumph of a sandwich – all in one go, and if or when it falls apart. The individual components work hard to stand out but also marry as harmoniously as they should.

“Wright’s Cubano is not the only winner on the ever-changing menu; you’ll do well do try their amazing salads that feature items from Blaencamel Farm, a past favourite of mine featuring charred nectarines, walnuts and Brefu Bach cheese all delicately decorated with edible flowers.

“Veggie sides come in shapes like aubergine fritters, patatas bravas, Welsh asparagus. If I really want to ensure a taste of Wright’s in the moment I usually insist my other half – or anyone else I can coerce – into sharing half a Cubano and half the salad. It’s a bloody win-win.

“And if you’ve already had lunch, don’t like sandwiches (not sure who those type of people are) and fancy coffee and cake, there’s still a reason to stop off at Wright’s. Earlier this year I bought one of their apple and cinnamon pastries and, not to be over the top, it was so heavenly up my street I’ve been waiting for it to be back on their Instagram ever since. The fact there is no photographic evidence of this proves how irresistible it was.”

Unlike in the UK where the vast majority of beaches are open to the public all year round and there is a culture of bringing picnics and wind‑breakers from home, renting loungers and parasols is a normal part of heading to the beach in Italy.

Italian beaches are unusually empty this summer as high prices drive sunseekers away.

Citizens of the boot‑shaped country appear to be snubbing beaches amid claims they are rebelling against the high prices charged by kiosk and sun‑bed owners.

Unlike in the UK where the vast majority of beaches are open to the public all year round and there is a culture of bringing picnics and wind‑breakers from home, renting loungers and parasols is a normal part of heading to the beach in Italy. This comes after plans to stop influencers from flooding the Dolomites badly backfired.

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This year however, there has been a big slump in visitors to private stretches of beaches, the Guardian reports. In July, there was a 25% fall in beach‑goers, compared to the same month last year. The problem is particularly acute during the week, when the throngs of the weekend are increasingly replaced by empty stretches of sand. What’s particularly worrying for business owners is that those who are going are spending less.

Fabrizio Licordari, the president of Assobalneari Italia, said the problem is to do with the decreased spending power of Italians generally. “Even with two salaries, many families struggle to reach the end of the month. In such circumstances, it’s natural that the first expenses to be cut are those for leisure, entertainment and holidays,” he told Ansa news agency.

The price of hiring a sun‑lounger is a serious point of contention in Italy, in part due to sudden sharp increases. The cost has risen 17% in four years, according to the latest figures from the consumer group Altroconsumo. Those heading for a spot of relaxation in Lazio will end up spending at least €30 (£26) a day for two sunbeds and an umbrella. If you head for the more up‑market areas, such as parts of Puglia, you’ll end up splashing out three times that much.

According Si Viaggia, the title of most expensive beach in Italy in August goes to Alassio, in the north of the country. There, to enjoy the sea with a beach umbrella and two sun loungers positioned in the front rows, you have to fork out an average cost of €340 per week.

Alessandro Gassmann, a famous actor in Italy, has started a debate at the cost of Italian beaches by posting a photo of a row of deserted sun‑beds. “I read that the season is not going well. Maybe it’s because the prices are exaggerated and the country’s economic situation is forcing Italians to choose free beaches? Lower the prices and maybe things will get better,” Allessandro wrote in the caption.

Consumers association Codacons has argued that going to beach resorts had become “a drain” on people’s finances, suggesting that those profiting from renting beach furniture were “shedding crocodile tears” when they complained of rising costs.

Alnwick Gardens in Northumberland is a popular spot among those who know about it but I fear there are not enough have discovered this gem in the north of England.

Alnwick Gardens, a hidden treasure in Northumberland, is a favourite among those who’ve had the pleasure of discovering it, but there are many more who are yet to stumble upon this northern gem.

During a road trip with friends, Alycia McNamara of the Express chanced upon this enchanting spot and it’s been on her mind ever since. They were there at the peak of summer when the gardens were awash with a sea of pink, white and red roses, all the more stunning under clear blue skies. It felt less like an English garden and more akin to the romantic settings of Romeo and Juliet, reminiscent of Italian landscapes, she said.

“The garden is perfectly kept which, for such a large space, is very impressive,” she said. “There are events all year round which make this an experience much more than just leaves, trees and flowers and it also means there’s something for everyone who visits. You can view upcoming events on Alnwick Garden’s website but some which stood out to me are the summer music nights and the winter lights shows which are on every year.

“It is also home to the UK’s deadliest garden which holds more than 100 toxic, intoxicating, and narcotic plants. The boundaries of the Poison Garden are kept behind black iron gates and only open on guided tours. The highlight for me was most certainly the rose gardens, which feature 300 shrub roses and can be booked for weddings. The area was created by David Austin roses and was unveiled at the Chelsea Flower Show in 2001.”

Adult tickets are £192.0 on the day and up to four children can enter for free.

While she didn’t stay in Alnwick itself, there are numerous nearby attractions worth exploring. Alnwick Castle, a favourite among history buffs and Harry Potter enthusiasts (it served as Hogwarts in the first two films), is one such spot.

Additionally, just a 25-minute drive away lies Bamburgh beach, recently crowned Britain’s top coastal destination.

A tiny UK airport boasting just one newly refurbished runway and two direct routes has been crowned the quietest in the country, attracting fewer than 3,000 passengers in the entirety of 2024

With just one runway and two direct routes, it’s no surprise this tiny UK airport has been ranked the country’s quietest.

Built back in 1976, this mini aviation hub is located near Gott, a small village in the Shetland Islands, an archipelago stranded 110 miles from mainland Scotland. Operated by Shetland Islands Council, Tingwall Airport (also known as Lerwick Airport) provides inter-island air services to the outer isles of Shetland.

During the summer period, the airport offers just two routes – including 11 weekly flights over to Fair Isle – the southernmost of the Shetland Islands, and 11 weekly flights to Foula, the UK’s most remote permanently inhabited island. Passengers wanting to book one of the flights should contact Airtask Group Limited on 01595 840246 or by email: [email protected].

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Back in May, the airport underwent a £1.3m refurbishment to resurface its runway. The four-week project saw over 3,300 tonnes asphalt laid along the 805 metre length of the runway, with over 2,700 tonnes of crushed aggregate material also laid around the runway perimeter. During this time, flights were temporarily moved to Sumburgh Airport, but have resumed at Tingwall.

“The resurfacing was needed to improve the condition of the runway, which has deteriorated in recent years, needing increasing maintenance,” Shetland Islands Council explained. “The next phase of work, planned for next year, will see upgrades to the runway lighting and resurfacing of the runway apron

Moraig Lyall, Chair of the Council’s Environment and Transport Committee added: “Resurfacing the entire runway has been a major project and I’d like to thank passengers for their patience in recent weeks while this work has taken place. It’s great to see this job completed. It is a significant investment in the future of the airport that provides vital flight links for our island communities.”

Using passenger data from the UK Civil Authority, experts over at El Bella Villa and Online Marketing Surgery have ranked the UK’s top 10 quietest airports. Based on the amount of terminal passengers throughout the entirety of 2024, Tingwall came out on top – attracting less than 3,000 visitors last year.

Top 10 quietest UK airports

Airport