dupe

WITH temperatures falling and nights drawing in, it’s offically hot chocolate season.

That means it’s time for me to pull my Salter Chocolatier from the back of the cupboard.

Even at full whack, it’s less than a quarter of the price of the famous Hotel Chocolat Velvetiser, and Amazon has just discounted it for Prime Day, meaning that it’s now just £28.24, down from £34.99.

Read on for my full Salter Chocolatier review.

Salter Chocolatier Electric Hot Chocolate Maker, £34.99 £28.24 from Amazon

I spend a lot of time outdoors walking my dogs and in winter that’s often a freezing few hours in the mud, snow and rain.

Once home, a hot drink is essential and while I doubt my kitchen could create that country-inn atmosphere, I was intrigued to find out if the machine could create a rival to my pub-bought favourite.

I’m not a fan of instant hot chocolate so tend to swerve it as a drink option.

Thankfully, the Salter Chocolatier is a different matter entirely.

Pros:

• Easy to use
• Affordable
• Handy milk frother
• Works with plant milk
• Easy to clean
• Also great for lattes and cappuccinos

Cons:

• Small capacity
• Takes a few minutes
• Sometimes chocolate isn’t fully mixed
• May not be hot enough for some

Rating: 8/10

How I tested the Salter Chocolatier

It’ll come as no surprise that my main focus during testing was how well the Salter Chocolatier makes hot chocolate, and this function is the one I used the most.

However, I also prepared other drinks with it, including cappuccino, latte and iced coffee.

I considered how easy the hot chocolate maker was to use and how easy it was to clean afterwards.

I was also interested in the quality of the instructions.

I don’t like it when manufacturers supply just a brief product leaflet with their products and then expect users to download a full manual from their website.

Who has time for that? And what about those people who don’t use the internet, such as older consumers?

Finally, I considered how the product looked – was it merely a functional item or did it look good sitting on the kitchen worktop?

Salter Chocolatier review: quick summary

This is a great product. It makes amazing hot chocolate from scratch, though it doesn’t always mix the grated chocolate as well as I would like.

The milk frother is also good, but when using the thick hot froth function I found it impossible to get all of the froth from the jug to the cup.

It’s quite stylish in a minimalist kind of way, and it’s easy to clean.

It doesn’t take long to make your drink but the downside is that it only makes one cup at a time.

Salter Chocolatier review: full review

Salter Chocolatier Electric Hot Chocolate Maker, £34.99 £28.24 from Amazon

If you have purchased this then chances are you’re a bit of a hot chocolate connoisseur, or at the very least a big fan.

The machine itself is pretty simple. There’s a jug, lid, frothing ring, heating ring and base.

It’s very much like a mini kettle. with the addition of a function button.

This button has four options:

• Thick hot froth
• Light hot froth
• Hot milk/ hot chocolate
• Cold milk froth

Unboxing and setup

The box contains the jug, lid, frothing ring, heating ring and base so it’s simple enough to set up the machine.

There’s also a quick start guide and if you want a product manual you have to download it from the Salter website (sigh!).

However, if you’re hoping for a bit more detail on using the machine, you’ll be disappointed.

The instruction manual on the website is the same as the leaflet in the box and does not provide any further information.

Still, I guess that shows how simple the Chocolatier is to use.

Design and features

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Salter Chocolatier Electric Hot Chocolate Maker, £34.99 £28.24 from Amazon

There’s an easy-to-see level guide inside the jug for the different drinks and froths.

For example, if you’re after a light or thick froth then you need to add 115ml of milk, but if you’re making a hot chocolate then you would fill to the max 240ml level.

There’s also a minimum level and if the liquid doesn’t reach this then the chocolatier will switch itself off as a safety precaution.

The jug comes with the frother already attached inside, but if you want to clean it or swap it with the heating attachment, you can simply lift it off.

This is tiny, but lives in the lid so you’ll always be able to find it if you remember to pop it back there after use.

The design is minimalist and there’s only one button to get the hang of.

Other than that, the chocolatier sits on its base like a regular kettle.

Operation and performance

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Salter Chocolatier Electric Hot Chocolate Maker, £34.99 £28.24 from Amazon

The inside of the jug is smooth and easy to clean, which is always a bonus.

I found that both plant and dairy milks simply rinsed off the sides and even residual chocolate shavings came off cleanly without any effort.

You can’t pop the jug in the dishwasher, but you can use hot soapy water to clean the inside if anything does stick.

I never had that problem, though, and I think as long as you stick to the functions as set out in the guide then you’ll be fine.

You don’t need to wait long for your drink either – it takes about 4.5 minutes for a hot chocolate and around two minutes for a jug of froth.

A kettle is quicker but we’re not talking instant gratification here.
It’s well worth the few minutes’ wait.

A kettle is quicker but we’re not talking instant gratification here. It’s well worth the few minutes’ wait

You need 35g of chocolate shavings per cup and you can buy these ready-grated, or as a powder from an array of retailers.

I decided to go for the real deal though and did it myself.

My favourite hot chocolate drink was made using 75% cocoa chocolate, which I grated before adding to the jug (be prepared for the grated chocolate to go everywhere!).

I’m a big white chocolate fan, but when I tried it as a drink, I found it a bit too sweet.

I also tried the Chocolatier with dairy and soya milk and both worked well, though as I don’t like dairy, my preference would always be plant milk.

For some reason I was surprised the finished hot chocolate wasn’t frothy; however, it’s not supposed to be, that’s a separate function.

You can always dress it up with a cream topping and mini marshmallows for the full pub/café effect.

It also wasn’t as hot as I expected but it was a pleasant drinking temperature, which was fine. I think some people might be disappointed it’s not warmer though.

I did experiment with the thick and light froth for coffee, but I wasn’t too impressed with the thicker option as it’s impossible to pour all the foam from the jug, resulting in a lot of waste.

There’s also a cold froth setting, which my daughter tried as she’s a big iced coffee and frappe fan.

I have never seen the point of cold coffee so avoided that one.

Salter Chocolatier review: the verdict

Wow! I loved the hot chocolate I made with this.

The texture was rich but not overly thick, while being creamy and smooth at the same time.

For me, it certainly beats standing over a saucepan of milk to make hot chocolate from scratch, or going for a cup of instant using the kettle.

I can see myself using this a lot.

Though I generally used a high-cocoa content chocolate it was perfectly sweet enough and not bitter at all.

I wasn’t so impressed with the frothing functions though, so will most likely save the machine specifically for hot chocolate.

The major downside to it is you can only make one cup of hot chocolate at a time and because it is drinking temperature when ready, the first person will have almost finished theirs in the time it takes to prepare a second cup.

Either that or one of you will be drinking it cold.

At £34.99 it’s less than half the price of the Hotel Chocolat Velvetiser.

The Velvetiser wins out on looks though – this is functional, rather than pretty. However, the Salter model wins on capacity – 240ml compared to 200ml.

If you’re going to use the frother function regularly, or if you’re a big hot chocolate fan and want to invest in an automatic maker without spending a fortune, then I think the Salter Chocolatier is worth it.

Where to buy the Salter Chocolatier Electric Hot Chocolate Maker in the UK

You can buy the Salter Chocolatier Electric Hot Chocolate Maker from the Salter website.

It’s also available from:

LIDL will be selling a Thermomix dupe that is significantly cheaper than the original.

Savings of more than £1,000 can be made with this middle aisle purchase from the discount retailer.

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Lidl is about to sell a dupe of the Thermomix worth £1,349 for just £299 for Lidl Plus customers.

Called the Monsieur Cuisine Smart, this exciting kitchen appliance will be in stores from Thursday, September 4.

It is a multi-functional device that can be used for everything you need, from food processing, cooking, searing, steaming, kneading, blending, and stirring.

There are even programming options available for it to chop, shred, grind, pure or emulsify ingredients.

You can therefore make anything from soups, sauces, or vegetable, meat or noodle dishes.

The smart device has WiFi functions that provides free monthly recipe updates with a registered user account, along with over 600 pre-installed recipes with step-by-step instructions through its cooking pilot.

There is also guided video cooking for selected recipes, that can be played on its fast-reacting 8-inch display screen.

On top of that, there is voice control capabilities that can be activated via Google Assistant.

Kitchen scales have been integrated into the device to enable weighing of ingredients that have been placed directly into the pot.

With 1000W power, up to 1kg of dough can be processes, through 10 speed settings including turbo function for pulse blending.

Kneading dough or stirring soups and stews can be carried out in the anti-clockwise motion the Monsieur Cuisine provides.

Furthermore, its facilitates precise cooking with temperatures from 37-130C that can be set in five degree increments.

There is also a 99 minute timer.

All the accessories are dishwasher safe, including the 4.5L stainless steel blender jug and various attachments that include a steamer, blade, and mixer.

The product is exclusively available for Lidl Plus customers to reserve from August 21 to 25 on the Lidl Plus App.

Regular customers can then purchase the Monsieur Cuisine once they are available in store next month.

Lidl’s version of the Thermomix seems to come with many functionalities of the original, at a much more affordable price.

This deal comes after Lidl was also found selling another kitchen appliance that can be used for baking at a price £400 cheaper than others.

It was their Silvercrest Kitchen Tools Stand Mixer, that was sold for only £49.99.

The budget-friendly retailer also had XL dual view air fryer available for just £79.99 this summer.

Lidl’s 15L Salter air fryer was half the price of Curry’s version, with six cooking functions and a sleek LED display.

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Not too far from the UK’s capital, there’s a coastal gem that bears a striking resemblance to the gorgeous and dreamy Mediterranean Greek island – but it’s cheaper

Escaping the city for a couple of days and going to a paradise with poor phone signals and ocean views is something many of us dream about. Now, with the cost of living cutting short our annual trips, who said there’s a need to fly out of the country? Walking sandal experts FitFlop found the UK’s best lookalike locations to dreamy destinations like Italy, Greece, India, Iceland and even the Caribbean.

A five-hour drive from London to Cornwall will take you to a magical place with gorgeous coastline and crystal clear waters. Called Pedn Vounder Beach in Cornwall, it has positioned itself as one of the must-visit places this summer.

Nestled among the cliffs of Treryn Dinas in Cornwall lies one of the most beautiful beaches. Interestingly, but not surprisingly, Big 7 Travel named Pedn Vounder Beach as one of the must-visit beach destinations in 2023, competing against well-known holiday spots like South Africa and Iceland.

Cornwall’s hidden gem

The site wrote: “Tucked beneath rugged cliffs near the famous Logan Rock, Pedn Vounder is a tidal beach that looks more Mediterranean than British. Its crystal clear turquoise waters and soft white sands are reminiscent of Greek islands like Zakynthos or Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda.”

“At low tide, a sandy causeway connects it to neighbouring Porthcurno Beach, adding to the magical, untouched feel. With more than 40,000 monthly Google searches for ‘Greece holiday’, this Cornish gem is a hidden hack for a faux Grecian staycation.”

The famous Logan Rock, a 80-ton rock stone located on the east headland of the beach, is known for its turquoise waters and picturesque views. It’s a good area for those who love outdoor activities, such as walking and hiking.

However, if you’re looking for a quiet holiday, you might want to reconsider visiting during the summer months. Pedn Vounder Beach is extra busy during the holidays, and, of course, when the temperatures go above 20 degrees Celsius.

With a 4.4 rating out of five stars on TripAdvisor, visitors seem to have been left impressed. Many were happy to enjoy swimming, tanning and participating in water activities.

One holidaymaker said: “The beach cove really is gorgeous, the water is crystal clear and a stunning turquoise colour, you wouldn’t believe it’s in the UK!” A second one added: “Beautiful, unspoiled beach, much quieter than other beaches because it is not easy to get to.”

Pedn Vounder Beach is not easy to get to

Although it’s one of the most remote spots in Cornwall, it’s always been one of the most popular to visit. However, those who wish to dip in the beautiful waters and lie down in the white sand have to be careful, as it can be dangerous to get there.

The majority of comments recommended that future visitors wear appropriate clothing and footwear, as it might be tricky. The review continued: “The last bit requires you to climb, literally, holding on with both faces, face to the rock and being very careful not to slip or you risk falling 5 or 6 meters onto hard rock. Proper shoes are a must, plus a rucksack with your stuff, you don’t want anything in your hands.”

So, if you’re heading to Cornwall this summer, don’t drive past Pedn Vounder Beach. It might be challenging, but it’s so worth it.

Woolacombe in North Devon is a popular holiday destination for tourists, who flock to the sandy beach in the summer time. But locals say it’s a different story in the winter.

Woolacombe, located off the A316 in North Devon, isn’t the most straightforward destination to reach. It requires careful navigation along narrow, winding country lanes bordered by towering hedges, where oncoming traffic can prove challenging.

However, the journey is absolutely worthwhile. The initial panorama that greets you is merely the beginning of this magical experience. The view is simply stunning and stands apart from any other location.

Multiple car parks sit at the village’s base, with the two most popular ones charging £12 per day. Whilst this may appear costly, they’re positioned directly beside the shoreline, reports Devon Live.

One pair, Ben and Teagan, currently on holiday in North Devon, believe Woolacombe offers everything visitors could want.

“Everything you need is just down the road. Once you’ve parked, you don’t need to leave all day. It’s very small roads to get here, I can imagine it can be an issue because of all the traffic,” said Ben.

The shoreline and surrounding territory at Woolacombe initially belonged to the Chichester family in 1133. Stanley Parkin subsequently acquired Woolacombe alongside its neighbouring village Mortehoe.

His son, Ray Parkin, a village native, assumed the chairman role in 1995 and advanced the Parkin Estates company until his death in 2021.

Today, substantial investment, both financially and in terms of effort, ensures Woolacombe remains remarkably pristine with thoughtfully designed amenities. The beach, the first in North Devon to be awarded the European Blue Flag, has now been recognised by The Times as one of the UK’s top beaches.

Lynn and Karl, who travelled from Stafford, commented: “It’s just a beautiful beach, you have to travel a long way to find a beach like this.”

John, a tourist from Berkshire, shared: “This is my first visit, we’re staying in North Devon in Ilfracombe. It’s a beautiful beach, the north coast is a bit grey on sand, it’s nice to see some gold.”

The beach is divided into two sections, one permitting dogs and the other not. Parkin Estates are making excellent use of the three-mile stretch of beach.

“I love how one side of the beach doesn’t allow dogs, there’s so much space so it makes sense to do that,” remarked one holidaymaker.

“There’s so much room on the beach and so there’s space to sit. It’s not overwhelming,” added Teagan.

Woolacombe boasts a variety of amenities including pubs, restaurants and cafes, and plenty of activities such as mini golf. There are also surf hire facilities and very ‘tourist style’ shops reminiscent of those found in Europe. The single road running through the village contributes to its European vibe.

During summer months, Woolacombe gives you that Spanish beach resort sensation, yet when winter arrives, the place becomes remarkably tranquil. Will, an Ilfracombe resident employed at Steve’s Surf Hire on the seafront, explained that rainy weather leaves visitors with virtually no activities.

“It’s not nice when it’s raining, no-one comes down except dog walkers who come and have a look but then they just go,” said Will.

Louise, his colleague at the same establishment, shared this view but noted that residents take advantage of the peaceful atmosphere.

“In the winter, it’s a ghost town, the majority of pubs shut in the winter too. It’s quiet because it’s a seaside town. There’s just shops, which are closed in the winter,” she said.

“Locals make use of that, to come in the winter because there’s nobody here.”

A brief stroll from the shoreline leads to a family-run eatery called The Captain’s Table. The venue has built its reputation on hearty breakfasts whilst offering an array of seafood-based lunches and evening meals.

Patrons can also order sandwiches, burgers, pizzas and jacket potatoes, all sourced locally in Devon.

General Manager Nigel expressed his delight in welcoming both tourists and residents to the establishment, highlighting how they witness entire family lineages returning year after year.

“We have new customers but also regulars. We get some that only come here for two weeks of the year, but we know them and we quite often know what they’ll be having,” he said.

“We see generations of people coming in. We have grandparents whose parents brought them, they bring their children, who bring their children.”

Woolacombe beach boasts an excellent reputation for surfing, and its reef break delivers some fantastic waves, catering to both experienced and novice surfers.

The beach features numerous surf schools and may have inspired the name of The Surf Takeaway, a mobile food outlet positioned directly on the beach.

Paul and Teddy, who launched their business within the past year, commend the beach for its pristine condition and express their desire to serve some of Devon’s finest produce.

“Parkin Estates keep [the beach] immaculate, it’s clean, they look after it which is a big commitment,” Teddy said. “People come to Devon because they want a pasty, we have links with local suppliers and we choose the best pasties, they might not be as cheap, but it’s what we prefer.”

A holiday in Woolacombe is enchanting, though several tourists expressed concern about one particular issue.

One tourist remarked: “There are seagulls everywhere, they have the tendency to steal food.

Another, Maisie, said: “I hate them I do, it literally landed on a kid’s head to get his food. I heard someone shouting that their finger was bitten by a seagull!

Tourists can hire one of 70 beach huts along the shoreline. Parkin Estates construct a sandbank during the summer months at the rear of the beach where the huts are located. There’s a five per cent reduction available for those booking more than seven days, which includes two deckchairs, two patio chairs, a table and windbreak. Their vibrant colours make a striking statement at the rear of the beach.

Local residents and workers in Woolacombe describe it as a wonderful place to call home, praising its beauty and declaring “you can’t get a better place.”

Yet, the surge in tourism at Woolacombe is raising concerns amongst some locals.

Will explained: “Everything is expensive in Woolacombe, people aren’t down for as long as they normally would be. A lot of people are moving out of Woolacombe, rich people move here, live here for a month and then rent their place out to holiday makers.”

Louise added: “People stay for three or four days instead of for the whole week.”

Despite these issues, tourists absolutely love Woolacombe and insist it’s completely worth any minor hassles.

Ellie and Nathan, holidaying from Essex, shared their thoughts: “We’re staying in Ilfracombe and came to Woolacombe for the day. The parking is expensive, but totally worth it,” Nathan remarked.

Ellie chimed in: “It’s unlike anywhere else I’ve been, there’s loads of facilities, nice places for lunch.

Their youngsters, Jasper and Sam, were absolutely delighted. Jasper exclaimed: “[The beach] is so big, we had a race, and I won!”

Sam boasted: “We’re going in the sea later, and I’m not even going to wear a wetsuit. “.

This small seaside hospot is perfect for those who want to jet away but keep the costs down – and it’s based right on the picturesque coast, perfect for catching some sunrays

If you are dreaming of a summer holiday but don’t want to fork out thousands, this gorgeous European city might be your answer. With summer in full swing, you may be thinking about jetting off, and now this Turkish city has been labelled as a ‘Dubai dupe’.

With flights to Antalya for a five day trip costing around £640, it’s much more convenient than the same trip to Dubai costing a huge £896. The sunny spot is located on Turkey’s picturesque Turquoise Coast, and is the largest city on Turkey’s western Mediterranean coastline, which is both classically beautiful and stylishly modern.

Spanning across West Asia and Southeast Europe, Turkey (Türkiye) boasts a balmy climate, sugar-like sand, cobalt waters, and acclaimed water parks – making it a great seaside resort for tourists.

READ MORE: Brits ditch Spain and Portugal for scorching countries with cheaper breaks

Travel site Lonely Plant said Antalya is “very much a destination in it’s own right and said: “The old city wraps around a splendid Roman-era harbour with clifftop views of hazy-blue mountain silhouettes that are worth raising a toast to. Just outside of the central city are two beaches and one of Turkey’s finest museums.”

One of the most popular and best-rated attractions on Tripadvisor is Kaleci, its seafront historic district that dates back to the Roman era. Lonely Planet said it “offers atmospheric accommodation in the finely restored Ottoman houses on its winding lanes.” And within its windy streets, visitors will come across Hadrian’s Gate, the city’s clock tower and the Tekeli Mehmet Pasa Cami, an Ottoman-era mosque.

But aside from the attractions, what makes Antalya so special are the beautiful beaches, and tourists can explore the best of the Turquoise Coast’s spectacular views.

Konyaalti Beach is the region’s best-rated on Tripadvisor, where holidamakes can enjoy crystal-clear water and gorgeous views of the mountains. Whle another popular area on the Turquoise Coast is Lara Beach, which is renowned for its golden sand and stretches for 8km long.

It’s an easy destination to get to, with Jet2, British Airways, easyJet, Pegasus and TUI all offering direct flights from the UK to Antalya and the duration is around four and a half hours long. If you’re a true savvy bargain hunter you can get the flights for anywhere between £70-£90.

There is also another spot in Turkey that is quickly becoming a bucket list hotspot four tourists. Goreme, a small town with just over 2,000 residents, is located in the Cappadocia region of central Turkey. It’s close to other notable cities like Nevsehir, Urgup, and Avanos. Despite its modest population, Goreme attracts over a million visitors annually, making it a popular destination for those seeking something different.

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READ MORE: Glow-boosting Liz Earle set that leaves skin ‘dewy and refreshed’ is slashed by £28

CHOCOLATE fans are dashing to Aldi as the budget supermarket unveils a £3.99 version of the viral ‘Dubai-style’ chocolate bar.

Now available in Aldi stores across the UK, the 100g bar promises a rich and indulgent experience—without the luxury price tag.

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The treat features creamy pistachio layers and crunchy kadayif pastry, all wrapped in silky milk chocolate. Inspired by a viral hit that exploded on social media, the chocolate has already caused a stir online.

AldiUK teased the launch on Facebook, writing: “THIS IS NOT A DRILL. The Dubai Style Chocolate Bar lands in store tomorrow! Will you be picking one up.”

Fans flooded the comments with excitement. One wrote: “More temptation.”

Another added: “You knocked it out of the park with this. Absolutely amazing.”

A third asked: “Hey dear Aldi, are these a special or permanent fixture? Xx”

The chocolate is part of Aldi’s Specialbuys range, meaning once it’s sold out, it may not return.

With no buying limit, shoppers are expected to stock up quickly.

This isn’t the first time retailers have tried to cash in on the Dubai chocolate craze.

Lidl’s JD Gross version flew off the shelves, and Waitrose offers a similar pistachio white chocolate bar for £2.75. Morrisons stocks its own version—Bolci Dubai Chocolate—for £5.

The trend shows no signs of slowing down, as chocolate lovers continue to seek out these premium-style treats at lower prices.

If you’re keen to try one, it’s worth getting to your local Aldi early to avoid disappointment.

As word spreads, demand is expected to spike.

To get the best deal, savvy shoppers are encouraged to compare prices using online tools like PriceSpy, Google Shopping, or Idealo.

These platforms let you check price histories and spot deals across retailers.

SAVE MONEY AT ALDI

Grabbing hot Specialbuys like this chocolate bar is just one way to save at Aldi.

The discount chain frequently tops Which? rankings for the cheapest supermarket, offering consistent value for everyday essentials.

In April, a typical basket of 79 items cost an average of £135.95 at Aldi—cheaper than rivals including Lidl and Tesco.

Bargain hunters should also keep an eye out for Aldi’s red sticker items, usually marked down in the morning.

These offer major discounts on products close to their sell-by date or with minor packaging damage.

Aldi’s budget-friendly alcohol selection is another way to save, with own-brand options often coming in much cheaper than big-name labels.

Don’t forget about Too Good To Go “Surprise Bags”, available in selected stores.

These offer a low-cost mix of near-date groceries that would otherwise go to waste.

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The short-term rental platform, Airbnb, has named one Albanian city a “White Isle dupe” – offering resplendent and pristine beaches and a vibrant nightlife at a fraction of the cost of Ibiza

Airbnb has named this city a ‘White Isle dupe’ in a report detailing the UK’s top travel trends for summer 2025. Offering beach clubs and an ever-growing nightlife scene, this Albanian city is ideal for those that want an Ibiza experience on a budget.

“Brits are increasingly seeking vibrant fun-filled settings that offer the same bohemian charm and buzzing nightlife as Ibiza’s White Isle – but without the hefty price tags,” according to Airbnb.

Durrës, Albania is one such gem. Airbnb confirms that searches for the city situated on the Adriatic Coast are “booming” at the moment as Brits explore cheap holiday destinations. But Durrës is more than a destination dupe, it has a rich history that is ready to be unpacked by tourists.

READ MORE: Underrated EU beach just 22-miles from party town looks just like the Caribbean

Durrës is one of the oldest and most significant port cities in the Balkans, with a history that dates back nearly 3,000 years. Its impressively storied history has earned Durrës the title “eternal city” on the Adriatic Sea.

One of the biggest draws to the area are undoubtedly its sandy beaches. Durrës is home to some of Albania’s most stunning beaches, equally equipped for water sport enthusiasts and lazing sunbathers.

The most popular beach in the city is its namesake beach: Durrës Beach. The golden arc of sand has been compared to the French Riviera and is defined by shallow water and soft sand. Keep in mind though that there are hidden rocks that lurk in port-adjacent areas so you may want to pack water shoes.

Travellers looking for a bit of adventure can rent jet skis or try parasailing on Durrës Beach. Beach volleyball is also commonly found on the north end, as are yoga sessions hosted by the bigger beach clubs.

Heading north from Durrës Beach, travellers will arrive at another local gem: Golem Beach. Located 20 kilometres south of Durrës’ city centre, Golem beach is worth a visit with about 3.5 kilometres of soft, golden sand and turquoise waters. There are plenty of other beaches – both hidden gems and hotspots – that are fairly easy to reach from the city centre.

Beaches near Durrës

• Spille Beach
• Portez Beach
• Kallmi Beach
• Cape of Rodon
• Kavaja Cliff
• Currila Beach

If you’re looking for a more cultured experience, there are also numerous galleries, theatres and museums to explore within Durrës. One of the most frequented is the Archeological Museum showcasing artifacts spanning multiple eras.

If you’re looking for more modern amenities and cultural enrichment, the southern side of the city is the better bet. Here, you’ll find buzzy restaurants and resorts, as well as the much-raved about nightlife scene.

In its list of White Isle destination dupes, Airbnb also names Tivat, Montenegro and Agadir, Morocco as places to keep on your radar. Tivat is tagged as a “Monaco-meets-Ibiza” coastal city and its pier recently enjoyed a multi-million dollar makeover.

Contrastingly, Agadir in North Africa promises laidback charm and surf-friendly shores for those interested in hitting the waves.

B&M shoppers are snapping up a dupe of The White Company’s iconic table lamp – priced nearly £100 less.

The lamp features a sleek white concrete base with a large matching shade and sells for just £20 at the popular British discount retailer.

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The White Company’s Clayton Table Lamp, currently priced at £110, has been popular for its minimalist design.

The upmarket home brand advertises the lamp as a versatile piece made from natural linen, ideal for bedside tables, consoles and sideboards.

B&M claims to offer a knockoff of the sought-after lamp.

The discount chain shared a video on social media promoting its own white lamp, with on-screen text that reads, “White Company who?” and “£20 base & shade”.

The post drew comments from shoppers tempted by the bargains displayed in the video.

One user wrote: “I’ve got to stop looking at these posts, too much temptation.”

Meanwhile, B&M shoppers can buy a three-person tent for just a fraction of the cost of the North Face equivalent.

B&M is selling the Outdoor Adventure 2-3 Person Camping Tent for £18.

North Face’s Stormbreak 2-Person Tent is currently available for a total of £225.

Offering a similar capacity, the more expensive model is described as water-resistant, breathable and lightweight.

B&M shoppers have also recently spotted a chair originally priced at £100 now selling for just £30.

The Louise chair, available in cream and green, measures 58cm wide, 72cm high and 68cm deep, and supports up to around 100kg.

Meanwhile, a garden gadget is available for just £1 at B&M.

The Modern Solar Table Lamp has been further reduced to £1, down from £1.50.

The lamp is 21cm tall and has a rechargeable battery, making it an affordable way to light up an outdoor space on summer nights.

It emits a soft, warm white LED light.

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LIDL has launched a range of Father’s Day bargains that will make perfect presents for those on a budget.

The discount supermarket is famous for offering great deals in its Middle Aisle.

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The Father’s Day offers are no different as they start from just £1.99.

This latest drop of Middle Aisle buys will be available in stores from June 1 – but you’ll have to be quick as once they’re gone, they’re gone.

This year Father’s Day falls on Sunday, June 15.

Here are all the deals you can get…

Parkside Cordless Screwdriver Set – £14.99

At just £14.99, this is a great alternative to the Bosch version.

It’s 4V and it comes with four BBQ attachments: a BBQ blower, corkscrew, and salt and pepper mill.

For reference, the similar Bosch 3.6V 1 x 2 Li-ion Cordless Screwdriver IXO 7 costs £35 and doesn’t come with the accessories.

Lidl says the screwdriver set can be used around the house, in the kitchen and with your BBQ.

It has a USB-C charging port and a USB-C charging cable, although it doesn’t come with a mains adaptor.

It has a 15-piece bit set with standard screwhead profiles, plus a bit extension.

The screwdriver also comes with a three-year warranty.

Braun All-In-One Style Kit – £34.99

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For the dad who likes to keep well-groomed, you could pick up this trimmer kit.

The 9-in-1 kit can be used to style your hair, beard, ears, nose and more.

Lidl describes the trimmer as having “ultra-sharp blades for precise and effortless grooming”.

Its RRP is £67.49 on the Braun website but it’s selling on there currently for £44.99.

That means you can make a £10 saving by heading to Lidl and also save on delivery fees.

Auriol Watch – £14.99

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Keep your dad looking sharp with this trendy-looking watch which comes in a range of colours.

It has a silver strap but you can get the face in either green, black, yellow or blue.

The link strap is adjustable and it’s also water resistant.

Plus, it comes with a three-year warranty.

T-shirts – £4.99

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Nerdier dads might like these T-shirts featuring Captain America, Spider-Man or The Mandalorian.

Of course, they’re all dad-themed as well.

The Mandalorian T-shirt says “The Dadalorian, this is the way” with a black-and-white cartoon of The Mandalorian holding Baby Yoda.

The Spider-Man one says “Dad, you’re my super hero” while the Captain America one reads “Honorable Dad”.

All are made with cotton and come in the sizes medium to extra-large.

Socks – £3.99

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If your dad has ever told you just to buy him socks for Father’s Day, you’re in luck.

Lidl has a range of three bargain-friendly pairs of socks.

You can get a pair of comic-book-style “Super Dad” ones, a pair with taches and glasses, or a black chequered pair for the more serious man.

Father’s Day picture books

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Dads of younger children may like these picture books all themed around Father’s Day.

They include Just One Hug, My Daddy and Me, and I Love You Daddy.

Lidl’s description says each book has “a gentle, rhyming story and beautiful illustrations” and is “perfect for sharing with your little one”.

Puzzle books – £1.99

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Get his mind working with these bargain puzzle books.

All are priced at £1.99 and they include a Wordsearch Puzzle Book, Sudoku Puzzle Book and three Crime Puzzle Books.

THE Lady-Datejust, the Pearlmaster, the Oyster or the Yachtie – whatever your favourite Rolex is, it’s probably worth well over £10,000. 

The Swiss watch brand is synonymous with luxury, and us normal folk will probably spend our whole lives dreaming of owning one of its timepieces. 

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But where do we turn when saving up the five figures needed for an opulent watch is impossible? As it goes, Primark. 

The fast fashion giant has released a Rolex dupe for a mere £10. 

The affordable design is a copycat of the luxury brand’s Lady-Datejust in oyster steel and yellow gold – which costs a staggering £17,300 to buy direct. 

“Gold is coveted for its lustre and nobility,” a Rolex blurb reads. “Steel reinforces strength and reliability. 

“Together, they harmoniously combine the best of their properties.”

Money-saving content creator Aimee Michelle unearthed the imitation watch in her local Primark and took to Instagram to alert fellow fashionistas. 

“The comparison is uncanny,” she said. 

“Everything down to the fluted bezzle, the stainless steel with the gold and even the ‘mother of pearl’ face.

“It’s the only one they have currently in store… but this is big news.”

The Primark watch’s official name is The Edit Metal Watch, and it is made from 80% steel and 20% zinc. 

“Add a touch of luxury to your accessories edit with this timelessly sophisticated metal watch,” high street bosses said. 

The timepiece has a classic and timeless design that will be relevant and stylish throughout every season, meaning you’ll get way over your £10’s worth of wear. 

Like the Lady-Datejust, it is smaller and more delicate compared to many other watches.

As such, it’s ideal for women who prefer a more understated and elegant size without compromising on style.