pints

NOT many things are more rewarding than the first gulp of a crisp, cold pint on a sunny day.

And it’s even better when that pint only sets you back £1.69 – less than the price of the £1.80 bus ticket getting you there.

We all know Wetherspoons is home to some of the cheapest pints in the UK – but unless you want a Worthington’s Creamflow Ale or Ruddles, you’ll be paying more.

But I recently headed to one of the UK’s most famous seaside towns of Blackpool.

And lo and behold, not long after arriving, I had a pint in hand that claims to be the cheapest in the entire country.

The Ardwick sits a road back from the main promenade in Blackpool, not far from all the main sights including Blackpool Tower and the three piers.

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You can pick up a cold crisp pint of John Smith’s, Foster’s, Strongbow and Murphy’s all day long on Thursdays for the tiny price of £1.69.

That’s less than the price of a bus ticket from the train station to the pub which costs £1.80.

Even if you visit on a different day of the week, the pint will only set you back £1.90 – still a steal.

Sipping on my John Smith’s, I somewhat expected it to be lukewarm and not the nicest, but it was one of the coolest pints I had.

The average price of a pint in the UK today is around £5.50, soaring past £6.50 in the capital.

The Ardwick’s Thursday prices are actually more in line with what you’d spend on a pint three decades ago.

The average price of a pint of beer in the UK in 1996 cost between £1.68 and £1.73.

And it’s not just the prices that are a throwback to the 90s…

Classic pub betting machines and dartboards lined the walls of the drinking establishment and the carpet has a nostalgic paisley pattern straight out of your gran’s living room.

It even has the odd historic stain here and there.

The traditional wooden bar is stacked with spirits too.

You’ll also find a number of TV screens around the pub broadcasting live sports and a pool table for a bit of competitive fun.

And if you want to soak up the sunshine, you can head to the outdoor beer garden.

Though, you’ll have to head elsewhere for food as the boozer doesn’t serve any grub apart from behind-the-bar packets of crisps.

But with plenty of spots nearby serving chips for under a fiver, you could spend less than a tenner on your day out.

Overall, the watering hole has the classic pub vibe with chatty locals and football fans glued to the match being broadcast on the screens.

Though, if you prefer a bar vibe and happen to not be visiting on a Thursday and want to pay less than £1.90, head to Tommy Cutler’s just a one-minute walk away where you can grab a pint for £1.75.

After enjoying your pint, make sure to head to Blackpool Beach which stretches on for miles and features golden sand.

It is a great beach for the family to enjoy a day building sandcastles or even heading for a swim, and thanks to being so big, even when it is busy there is plenty of space.

This city break is one of those places where you can do everything on foot – perfect for soaking up the history, incredible food and affordable drinks

When it comes to holiday destinations, we in the UK are truly spoilt for choice, with continental Europe practically on our doorstep. It’s precisely why people travel from the far corners of the globe to settle here – drawn by the unrivalled access to a continent they might otherwise never explore.

Each year, my mum and I jet off together for a blissful and adventurous getaway, with me desperate to return to Italy while Mum was keen to add a fresh destination to her ever-growing list. After minimal deliberation, we agreed on Sicily as our next adventure – a magnificent fusion of rich history, sweeping coastline and an irresistible array of regional dishes we’d yet to sample.

Just over half of our trip was spent in the island’s second largest city, Catania, while the remaining days were whiled away exploring the capital, Palermo. It was the perfect blend of relaxation and excitement, indulgence and discovery – precisely what we both needed.

I’m a huge fan of a city break, and Palermo delivers on every front, while also offering easy access to the rest of the island – ideal for those seeking respite from the tourist crowds. The Sicilian capital is one of those rare cities where public transport becomes completely unnecessary, as virtually everything is within comfortable walking distance.

Just be prepared to dart between buildings for shade from the blazing sun. If you’re fond of impressive churches, atmospheric theatres and magnificent palazzos, Palermo has them in abundance, reports the Express.

Cattedrale di Palermo, Palazzo dei Normanni, and Teatro Massimo di Palermo are traditional must-sees, but the authentic city reveals itself amongst the twisting side streets and cobblestone lanes.

Architectural treasures are plentiful, though some might suggest they merely mask the island’s more recent violent past. We’d been advised beforehand against mentioning the mafia while in the city, yet one of the most compelling aspects of my visit was exploring the No Mafia Memorial.

While the activities and offences of the mafia and criminal gangs are portrayed in films and television, nothing truly prepares you for the overwhelming number of photographs documenting the harsh reality. The connection between the corrupt powerbrokers and sinister underworld was undeniable.

You’re left bewildered by just how much violence occurred. Nevertheless, this free museum provides a perspective you simply won’t discover on screen.

Naturally, all the architecture and heritage makes Palermo undeniably striking, yet the primary attraction for us was the regional food. Endless servings and dishes of fresh seafood and handmade pasta represents my gastronomic paradise.

You absolutely cannot skip a visit to Mercato Ballarò, a hidden alleyway brimming with stall after stall of meat, fish, vegetables, cheese, and fruit; whatever you’re after, Mercato Ballarò stocks it. The market is definitely not for the faint-hearted.

It’s a feast for all the senses, with a dazzling array of colours, aromas and sounds. It can be incredibly overwhelming, with vendors desperately trying to hawk their wares or entice you into their eatery.

Instead, try a comforting bowl of Zuppe Di Mare at Osteria Villena on Via Maqueda, a seafood stew generously packed with calamari, prawns, mussels and cod, all brought together with a San Marzano sauce. It’s salty, warming, satisfying and absolutely divine. I could have happily devoured several bowls.

For pasta lovers who still crave that seafood fix, the Tonnarelli Mare Mare is an absolute must. Yes, it may appear to be packed with tourists, but Osteria Villena is clearly doing something right, as every lunch and dinner sitting was completely full.

However, no visit to Sicily is truly complete without sampling one of its most abundant fish: swordfish.

Think of it as a white fish with the texture of a tuna steak when cooked, but with a distinctive flavour you simply won’t get from eating the likes of cod or haddock. Best enjoyed served with caponata.

If you enjoy a spot of people watching, my favourite haunt was Enotequa, a dark and atmospheric wine bar serving up crisp Sicilian wines in all varieties, €7 (£5.99) Aperol spritzes, and a meat and cheese board to round it all off for just €30 (approximately £25) for two people. If spritzes aren’t your cup of tea, a bottle or pint of beer will set you back between €4 to €5 (£3.42 to £4.28), according to Numbeo. London could never!

And make sure you sample a cannolo, packed with fresh ricotta cream and topped with as many nuts, chocolates and glace fruit as your heart desires.

Palermo is a paradise for anyone seeking a getaway that’s not too far from home. It boasts glorious weather, stunning architecture, and incredible food to match. Despite only spending two days there, I could quite easily have stayed far longer.

I’m still daydreaming about that seafood stew… and the spritzes, naturally.

WHEN booking a holiday to Italy, most will head to the likes of Naples, Sicily or Rome.

But if you’re looking for a lesser-known spot that still has beautiful beaches and a unique fortress, the port city of Crotone could be one for you.

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Crotone in Italy‘s region of Calabria was revealed to be one of the best ‘under-the-radar’ destinations for 2026 by Conde Nast Traveller.

It came just below Turku in Finland and Thunder Bay in Canada – but for Brits, Crotone is much easier and cheaper to get to.

The publication said: “A little lower down from Bari, on the heel of the “boot” of Italy, lies Crotone: a port city overlooking the Ionian Sea.

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“Surrounded by luscious hills and littered with ancient remnants of the acropolis built in the mid-16th century, Crotone is also known for its floating fortress – Capo Rizzuto – that protrudes out on a small peninsula.”

The port city, which is sometimes referred to as the ‘pearl of Calabria’ sits on the boot of Italy in the south of the country.

The seaside spot was also once a Greek colony that was the home of Pythagoras.

Now, the city is home to around 58,000 people – meaning it’s much quieter than other popular spots like Rome which is home to millions.

As for what to do there, Crotone’s harbour is central to the city where visitors will discover a lively spot for local seafood markets and restaurants, or you can explore the history of the Old Town.

The Old Town is the spot for nightlife too, with plenty of bars and a pint can be picked up for only €3 (£2.59).

If lazing about on the beach is what you want to do, there are lots of pretty ones to see in Crotone along the Ionian coast like Le Castella and Marinella.

Further down the coast at Capo Colonna, snorkelling and diving is popular as swimmers are likely to see parrotfish, and potentially loggerhead turtles.

While it might not be the most-visited place, it is popular amongst those who have.

On Tripadvisor, one person described it as an “indescribable place, almost every year I visit and always bring people who have never seen our Calabrian beauties and it is always a discovery.”

During peak summer Crotone can be as high as 35C – ideal if you’re looking for a hot holiday.

One draw back to Crotone is that Brits can’t fly there directly – with Ryanair, you can get to Crotone by flying via airports at Milan or Bologna.

But this does keep flights affodable though – the cheapest average price of flights are around £62 return.

Michael O’Leary, who has served as Ryanair CEO since 1993, said his airline is being forced to divert flights almost daily because of drunken, aggressive passengers

Airport bars should stop serving alcohol early in the morning, the boss of Ryanair says.

Michael O’Leary, who has served as Ryanair CEO for more than 30 years, claimed his airline is being forced to divert flights almost daily because of drunken, aggressive passengers. He said these tourists often drink in bars at airports for hours before they board their planes.

Pubs in airports do not currently need to follow the same licensing rules as bars outside these environments do. Mr O’Leary, 65, believes changing this will support his airline and others because it would help cut out aggressive behaviour in the skies.

The businessman said: “I fail to understand why anybody in airport 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.”

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A man was recently jailed for becoming abusive, causing widespread alarm throughout the Ryanair aircraft on which he was travelling from Poland to Bristol. Stephen Blofield’s case is one of several recent examples of passengers behaving aggressively after consuming alcohol.

According to The Times, Mr O’Leary has been calling for a two-drink per-person limit “for many years” and accused airports of “profiteering” off the troublesome travel ritual and “exporting the problem to the airlines”.

But father-of-four Mr O’Leary, from Kanturk, County Cork, stressed Ryanair is “reasonably responsible” with their drinks, rarely serving a passenger more than two drinks onboard. He insisted, though, drug use has entered the alcoholic mix too, worsening the issue as passengers then “want to fight”.

Footage recently emerged of a “shocking and frightening” brawl which broke out aboard a Jet2 flight from Antalya, Turkey to Manchester. The dramatic exchange, during which two people were seen grabbing at the phone and another passenger’s face culminated in airline bans for two of the people involved.

Mr O’Leary says he takes a similarly strict approach with his company, and has reminded passengers it is a criminal offence to be drunk on an aeroplane anyway, punishable by up to two years in prison and a hefty fine. Threatening and abusive passengers can be further prosecuted, as well as facing large compensation fees and prosecution in the country where the aircraft is forced to land.

It is reported flights from Britain to Ibiza, Alicante and Tenerife have been particularly problematic. Last year, a former soldier who sexually assaulted four Jet2 cabin crew during a flight to Tenerife was jailed. Joseph McCabe groped and slapped the buttocks of two flight attendants before grabbing a third around the waist and attempting to hug a fourth. The dad of two, from Glasgow, had been given for his drunken conduct on the plane.

A STAYCATION can often be the ultimate way to relax, but what if you could make it better by having your own private lock-ins…

A former village pub in the Peak District has been transformed into the ultimate group retreat.

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Called The Crewe & Harpur, the pub which is in the village of Longnor, sleeps up to 34 people across 17 bedrooms in four buildings – the main building (which is the converted pub), Abbey Cottage, Calke Cottage and Etwell Cottage.

But what makes this spot truly special is that in the main building, there is still the original bar, where you can pour yourself a pint.

If guests want to do this, they just have to ask their hosts to put in a keg of local ale.

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The oak bar boasts typical boozer stools, shelves of glasses, fridges to keep beverages cool and an ice machine at your disposal.

One of the best things about cosy pubs is the mismatched furniture, which you’ll also find inside the converted pub, such as corner benches and different chairs.

Of course, a boozer isn’t complete without some form of entertainment, so guests can get competitive with a round of darts.

But if that wasn’t enough entertainment, there is also a smaller games room with table tennis and table football.

There’s a comfortable living area as well as a fully equipped kitchen too.

Most of the features you see inside are original as well, such as the beams and fireplaces, as the pub is Grade II listed.

And ideal for the sunny weather, outside you’ll find three different areas including a courtyard with picnic benches and a brick barbeque, a paved patio with views of the valley and a grass garden.

Even where the pub is located is special as it sits in the middle of the old market square of the village, where at the edges you’ll find a fish and chip shop, village shop, local pub and a tea room.

The main building dates back two centuries and used to be a coaching inn for people travelling between Manchester and London.

A three-night stay between Friday and Monday costs from £4,000 which works out around £41 per person per night.

In the surrounding area you can visit the spa town of Buxton (also the home of the famous bottled water brand), with independent shops and weekly markets.

In the town you can head to Pavilion Gardens, which is a Victorian event venue surrounded by 23 acres of landscaped gardens.

The attraction has a number of play areas for kids as well, and over the year has around 100 events and festivals including Comic Con, antique fairs and toy fairs.

In the town centre, don’t miss out on filling up your bottle with fresh mineral water from St Ann’s Well.

If you are with the kids, Buxton has a Go Ape adventure attraction too with a treetop challenge and swing drop.

The market town of Bakewell – where the jam and almond-filled pastry Bakewell Pudding was created – is also not too far away.

And for those who love a thrill, Alton Towers theme park is less than a half hour drive away.

This lesser-known city break destination is less than two-and-a-half hours from the UK, and it’s a great place for people who love walking as its city centre has a huge car-free zone

A new easyJet route will connect London-Luton Airport with an often overlooked European city break destination that’s ideal for long weekends away.

With a flight time of under two-and-a-half hours, this Central European destination may not be on your radar for a short break, yet it offers fairytale castles, a medieval old town, and the opportunity to explore on the river.

The new route to Ljubljana begins on October 26 and prices start at £40.99 one-way. Autumn is a great time to visit this leafy city, or you could book later in the year and visit the Festive Fair Christmas market to enjoy traditional sausages and mulled wine from stalls along the river.

Ljubljana Castle dominates the skyline thanks to its position on a green hill overlooking the city. This medieval fortress looks like something from a child’s storybook, and it’s either accessed by road through a forest trail or on a funicular railway that gives great views across the city.

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Inside, it’s just as spectacular. You’ll find an ornate chapel, vast formal gardens, and even the quirky Museum of Puppetry. There are also restaurants with outdoor terraces where you can sit and watch the sun go down.

If you love simply walking around and exploring new cities, then Ljubljana is perfect as it’s compact and easy to get around. As a bonus, it has the largest car-free zone in the European Union, taking up a large part of the city centre. This means you aren’t navigating your way through traffic and roads when you explore.

Some places to explore on foot include Prešernov Trg Square, famous for the distinctive pink Franciscan Church of the Annunciation. In this cobbled square, you’ll also find Področje lastnega vremena, a unique and interactive artwork that translates as The Area With Ljubljana’s Own Weather. Step onto it and you’ll feel the rain on your face no matter what the weather.

Cross the Tromostovje, or triple bridge, and you’ll find the medieval old town, full of colourful baroque architecture and winding lanes to explore. Another option is to see the city by boat. Old-fashioned wooden boats glide along the river, and can be an excellent way to see the bourgeois townhouses and sights such as the Dragon Bridge with its dramatic sculptures.

Compared to major European city break destinations, Ljubljana can be a more affordable option. According to Numeo, a meal at an inexpensive restaurant can be found for around £13, while local beers cost around £2.60.

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There are lots of accommodation options to choose from right in the car-free centre. Zlata Ladjica Boutique Hotel is a 5-star property that overlooks the river and has individually designed rooms with warm, rustic accents. Rooms start from around £250 a night. Or for a simpler, budget option, try Cacao Rooms, which offers clean, comfortable rooms steps from the historic squares at around £107 a night.

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