pubs

In St Albans, Hertfordshire you can wander medieval streets, browse boutique shops, sip something warm in cosy pubs, and soak up the festive vibes at the 1,000-year-old market

A city that is a surprisingly short train ride away from London has a millennium-old market and some of the oldest pubs in the UK.

Such is the speed of the connection from St Albans to St Pancras in London, locals affectionately refer to it as the Shinkansen or Bullet Train of Hertfordshire.

But it’s not just ease of transport that makes the cathedral city worth visiting. In fact, one could argue that as the golden leaves begin to fall and rooftops frost over, St Albans is the picture-perfect spot for a short break.

There you can wander medieval streets, browse boutique shops, sip something warm in cosy pubs, and soak up the festive vibes at the 1,000-year-old market.

Here are six reasons to visit St Albans:

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The magical St Albans Cathedral

The jewel of the city, St Albans Cathedral, is the oldest site of continuous Christian worship in Britain. Step inside and you’ll find the Shrine of St Alban, Britain’s first saint and after whom the city was named, which has been a focal point for visitors and pilgrims alike for over 1,700 years.

It has the longest nave of any cathedral in England, at 85 metres long, and visitors can climb 211 winding steps to the top of the spectacular Norman Tower, where they may spot the tall buildings of the City of London.

Simply magical during the colder months, the Cathedral’s programme is packed with seasonal events and activities to enjoy, including stunning candlelight concerts, creative workshops and awe-inspiring exhibitions.

Its popular Live Nativity Trail, which on Saturday, December 13, features actors reenacting characters from the Christmas story and bringing the nativity scene to life for families and people of all ages. The fun and festive trail guides visitors around the Cathedral grounds, encountering shepherds, wise men, angels, innkeepers, and even a somewhat grumpy King Herod. Also on 13 December is the popular Carols on the Hour.

The great outdoors

Wrap up warm and embrace the beauty of the season with an invigorating walk, leisurely stroll, cycle or dog walk — St Albans is packed with picturesque, cobbled streets and has an abundance of gorgeous places to enjoy the fresh air.

Venture to Nomansland Common and Heartwood Forest for woodland or take The Alban Way trail, a flat and traffic-free disused section of the Great Northern Railway, ideal for cyclists and walkers.

Named after the Roman City on which it stands, Verulamium Park boasts over 100 acres of parkland just steps from the city centre. It features an ornamental lake, a rare Roman mosaic and hypocaust, café, and more.

And just a five-minute walk from the city centre is Clarence Park, home to an old-fashioned bandstand, but if you’re more of a sports enthusiast, then Clarence Park is also the home of St Albans City Football Club, which always has a great buzz on match days.

Delicious food and drink

After a long walk, there’s nothing quite like a hearty pub lunch with roast potatoes and Yorkshire puddings, a customary pint or a glass of red and a blazing open fire. Whether it’s The Cock Inn, The Peahen, The Boot, The Six Bells, The Lower Red Lion or Ye Olde Fighting Cocks (reputed to be one of England’s oldest pubs), there are plenty of traditional hostelries across St Albans where you can while away a winter afternoon in the company of good friends, excellent food and a welcoming atmosphere in front of the flames.

Fine dining restaurants including Thompson St Albans and Lussmanns Sustainable Kitchen offer award-winning, refined, flavour-filled dishes from the finest seasonal ingredients, matched with meticulous service.

For sweet treats and stop-offs, get your taste buds tingling at wonderful bakeries dotted throughout the city centre. You can try Proto Artisan Bakery brimming with the most delicious twists of Real Sourdough Bread such as cranberry and walnut.

To help discover the best eating and drinking in the city, a new food and drink Map has been created by St Albans City Centre BID, listing 120 locations including the finest dining on offer.

Historical pubs

You can become fully immersed in the fascinating history of hostelries — the term for a traditional coaching inn. From November, St Albans Museum and Gallery will present Inns and Alehouses in Victorian St Albans, an exhibition inspired by the 1884 song The City Pubs, composed by ‘Baron’ Martin and first performed at the annual dinner of the St Albans Licensed Victuallers’ Association.

The lively composition lists the many pubs, inns and taprooms of the city (some still open today) and provides a fascinating glimpse into a time when St Albans boasted nearly one hundred commercial drinking establishments.

The exhibition explores the diverse venues that shaped social life in the late nineteenth century — from bustling beerhouses to traditional taverns — shedding light on the reasons behind their success or decline as the city moved into the twentieth century.

Something for film and theatre fans

Film enthusiasts can head to the Art Deco Odyssey Cinema which dates to 1908 and shows an incredible range of titles that can be enjoyed from plush seats with your choice of drinks, snacks and delicious food plates.

OVO’s production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol returns this year at two brand-new venues, including the enchanting walled Vintry Garden, overlooking the Cathedral in St Albans. This open-air venue offers a unique festive experience that immerses audiences in the spirit of Christmas past, present and yet to come.

Spectacular shopping and ancient markets

St Albans is a great shopping destination where old meets new with charming independent boutiques offering cutting-edge and unusual items set in beautiful, Medieval buildings and three large shopping areas playing host to well-known brands.

Support small businesses at the award-winning St Albans Charter Market, established over 1,000 years ago. Every Wednesday and Saturday, shop for everything you could possibly want and enjoy the buzz and energy of the legendary market through the quirky cobblestone streets that are at the heart of the St Albans story.

The Second Sunday Market specialises in local food and drink and sustainable arts and crafts while at St Albans Vintage Market you can find all manner of antiques, vintage, brocante and architectural salvage. St Albans Vegan Market brings a big variety of vegan street food, artisan bakers, craft brewers, ethical jewellers, sustainable chandlers, local artists, zero-waste champions, environmental charities and loads more.

In all human endeavours undertaken within Britiain’s isles, the provision of tea and cake is the most vital consideration. When a walker or cyclist delivers the damning judgment “there’s no decent caff” to a group of friends, the ghastly silence is followed by everyone crossing the accursed region off their map. The sheer importance of this staple dietary ingredient is obvious from our island geography: Dundee, Eccles, Bakewell, Chelsea …

So it was with some trepidation that I set out to walk around the Llŷn peninsula in Gwynedd, Wales, on part of what is called the Seafood Trail. I mean, I love a lobster, but what about the fruit scones? Bangor University’s school of ocean sciences has produced a map of seafood producers and outlets to encourage hikers as they stride along the coastal path. Fine, but it’s the late afternoon sugar lull that I worry about.

We start on the north coast in Nefyn, a place that boasts an excellent brewery and a good beach with one of the most Instagrammed pubs in Wales, the Tŷ Coch Inn. Me and my friend Andy are both nervously scanning the weather apps as the forecast is stormy. The plan is to walk and camp, but only after a gentle start in the Nanhoron Arms hotel. This proves doubly beneficial as the dinner includes a delicious Anglesey sea bass and, next morning, we can stay dry while watching a barrage of lashing rain come down. We have each brought a tent, but neither item has been tested at this level of downpour.

I am already a convert to the Welsh Coast Path, one of the finest walks in the world, but I have never done this particular section. Immediately, we are off to a great start: the rain stops and we cross Nefyn golf ccourse and settle into a rhythm of cliff and cove. In one sheltered spot, a few Atlantic grey seals play in the shallows while the older ones snooze on the beach. A kestrel hovers overhead and butterflies skip around a few late flowers. In May this would be a floral bonanza, but now we have blackberries to keep us going.

Then, with lunchtime approaching, we start scanning ahead and almost immediately we see Cwt Tatws. The translation is roughly the Potato Shed but the name belies the true magnificence of this cafe, all the more splendid for its ideal location close to a beautiful stretch of sandy beach in Towyn. A rich selection of sandwiches, salads, pies and, of course, cakes, is augmented by cosy seating, a vintage clothing section and a range of Welsh products. Neither of us, unfortunately, has space in our rucksacks for a sack of sea salt or a bottle of Welsh whisky. However, we do manage an extra slice of coffee and walnut sponge before heading off.

After 3 miles (5km), we drop down on to a sandy beach at low tide and weave through a set of sentinel rocks. This long lovely stretch, Traeth Penllech, is a real gem, leading us up to the first campsite at Moel-y-Berth. Run by Mike and Joanna Smith, this is the kind of place people return to every year. There is a shop and a handy cafe for breakfast where, the next morning, we sit and watch another rampaging storm come blasting through. When we emerge, however, the sun is out again.

Our luck holds all day, but by midafternoon a crisis is looming. Without tea and cake, I reckon, I’ve only got a few miles left in my legs. But then at Porthor’s Whistling Sands beach, Caffi Porthor pops up, another gem, serving a vast range of delicious homemade cakes, including a Welsh stalwart, Bara brith. If you’re not familiar with this heavenly manna, it’s a fruit cake made with tea and spices. And Caffi Porthor makes the best I’ve ever tasted. Andy, foolishly, turns it down and the result, three miles later, is that he runs out of steam, taking a short cut across the headland to Dwyros, our second campsite. Meanwhile, powered by tea and cake, I stride on for a further seven miles around what is the best section so far: the actual tip of the Llŷn peninsula. The spectacular cliffs offer a fine view of the tidal race between the headland and Bardsey Island. On a day like this one, when the wind is gusting powerfully and the current is running at about four metres per second, it’s a fearsome sight.

Aberdaron, just around the corner, is a lovely village with an excellent fish and chip shop, Sblash, and a fine pub, The Ship, a good spot to try out a few words of Welsh as that’s the main language here, as on most of the Llyn.

Unfortunately, the following morning my own language skills fail. When I ask some teenage boys for the path to Rhiw, the next village, I’m met with sniggers. Apparently I’m asking for sex.

The seafood, however, has really kicked in now. At Rhiw I meet Brett and Nia who harvest crab and lobster for their Top Cat Caffi where we eat a lobster salad lunch. However, the weather is deteriorating fast so we can’t get out to help with the day’s catch, something Brett encourages visitors to do. That evening, camped at Rhydolion farm, we stagger an extra mile to the pretty inland village of Llanengan and eat bowls of delicious mussels at the Sun Inn.

The final day is a bracing stomp across surfers’ beach, Hell’s Mouth, a notorious shipwreck spot in the past, then around Mynydd Cilan headland to Abersoch where there’s plenty of cafes to hide from the storm. The seafood has been great, but it’s the memories of tea and cakes that I will treasure.

The trip was provided by Natural Resources Wales

THERE is something to be said for an English seaside trip in autumn, when all the crowds have gone home.

And historic Broadstairs in Kent is certainly one of the UK’s finest coastal spots.

The beach town was loved by Charles Dickens, who called it the “freshest and freest little place in the world”.

However, it has come a long way since the author visited, with trendy new bars and hotels springing up.

I tied my windswept hair back and ventured into the bracing sea air of Viking Bay, Broadstairs’ main sandy beach.

Due to the time of year I was joined by just locals — and their dogs rolling in the sand — as well as sailing teachers and their students.

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You can’t come to the coast without trying the fish and chips, and some of the best is dished up at The Mermaid.

“Phwoah, shall we get some?” I heard a passer-by say as they ogled my overflowing portion.

I should have offered them some of mine as I had to admit defeat halfway through.

The seaside town is pint-sized and walkable, with both the Dickens House Museum and The Charles Dickens pub right beside each other.

The museum is housed in the cottage that inspired the home of Betsey Trotwood, the great-aunt of David Copperfield in Dickens’ novel of the same name.

It is only open from April to the end of October.

But time it right and you could experience a real-life Christmas Carol, with it reopening for a number of festive weekends in December, alongside live music and crafts.

And while you can’t go inside Dickens’ former holiday home Bleak House, you can enjoy it from the outside when it opens to the public for the monthly farmers’ market.

The town’s pretty high street is also a step back in time, with a quaint mix of old-school butchers and gift shops alongside modern coffee places.

My bag quickly became heavy after giving into the temptation to shop, stocking up on early Christmas presents and trinkets.

With the nights drawing in even earlier, dinner came round all too quickly.

And one of the best spots in town for a bite is Bar Ingo.

Opened in 2024, the tiny restaurant is a cosy affair — just five tables crammed against steamed-up windows. But it is worth the squeeze.

Bohemian auntie

It’s run by Swedish chef Tomas Eriksson, who once worked in the kitchens of celebrity-loved Soho House in London.

I gorged on small plates of rich braised beef, juicy octopus and crispy ham croquettes, alongside a glass of Portuguese orange wine.

It’s a place where you end up chatting to your table neighbour after they spot you eyeing up one of their dishes.

I had never been so grateful that my bed was just a few yards away.

Smiths Townhouse is one of the newest spots on the block, originally a coffee shop before reopening as a boutique hotel last month.

The six bedrooms take up most of the space in the pretty converted Georgian building. Each one feels like it’s been decorated by your bohemian auntie.

Think antique rugs and mid-century beds (one of which is rumoured to have been owned by Elton John).

The rooms are intimate and chic, with dark blue walls and floorboards that creak underfoot while padding over to make a cup of tea.

It’s tucked down a side road off the main high street, which means you’ll get a blissfully uninterrupted night of sleep.

I awoke to the smell of freshly brewed coffee coming from the downstairs cafe.

I thought I’d woken up early but I came down to find it already full of locals chatting about their night out over full English breakfasts and toasties.

The hotel has big plans for the future too, including an on-site bar, DJ sessions and a Pilates studio.

If you’re visiting during the summer, Broadstairs always has so much to offer, with big events including the Dickens Festival in June and Folk Week in August.

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But for some bracing sea air, Michelin-worthy restaurants and stylish new hotels without the crowds? Maybe a trip is the best saved for an October weekend.

I get why ol’ Charlie sung its praises . . . 

IT’S that time of year again where it’s cosy pub season – and one UK spot takes it to the next level with an extravagant Christmas display.

The Churchill Arms in Kensington, London may just be the most Christmassy pub in the country.

Each year it glows with over 22,000 lights over the festive period and is adorned with 80 Christmas trees.

This isn’t the most Christmas trees the pub has boasted, though – back in 2019 the pub featured 105 trees, which were dedicated to the NHS.

And if you head there on November 13 at 6pm you can watch the lights get switched on.

During the event, guests can grab some mulled wine and mince pies.

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The pub’s Christmas menu includes lots of Thai dishes such as Jungle Curry for £14, which features coconut milk and vegetables cooked in Thai herbs.

Alternatively, you can grab some chicken wings for £7.50.

For dessert, a classic apple pie will set you back just £5.25.

When it comes to having a tipple, you can expect everything a normal Fuller’s pub would have, including craft lager and seasonal ales.

During the period the pub’s tables are first-come, first-served and the restaurant is walk-in only.

The pub was built back in 1750, making it one of the older pubs in London.

Plus, the pub has even had some notable visitors, including Winston Churchill‘s grandparents – which ultimately led to the pub being called what it is today.

And inside guests can look up to the ceiling which is full of items from the world wars and lots of garlands.

On the walls there are evening newspapers, such as an old copy of the Daily Mail with the headline ‘Stalin Attacks Churchill’.

There are multiple different areas to explore too, including one section with lots of hanging plants and another cosy area with a fireplace.

Look out for a small plaque ’round the back of the pub as well, which is dedicated to Gary O’Brien who was the pub’s landlord for 32 years before retiring in 2017.

It isn’t just Christmas when the pub has a spectacular display either.

In the summer, the pub is known for its extravagant flower displays which have even resulted in the spot becoming a Chelsea Flower Show winner.

One recent visitor said: “Such an adorable spot.

“We grabbed two pints of some tasty raspberry cider just to try out the place and it was very busy on a midday Friday.”

Another added: “Cool Christmas lights, definitely gets you in the festive mood.”

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NESTLED in the Northumberland countryside is a pretty village that dates back to the second century.

It has Roman roots, and looks like it goes back years thanks to its stone buildings and nearby historical ruins.

The village of Corbridge is 16 miles out of Newcastle and it caught the attention of The Times last year, all thanks to its high street.

The publication ranked it as number four in its list of seven loveliest high streets in the UK, praising its unique independent shops and cafés.

It said: “If you’re visiting this postcard-pretty Northumberland town to indulge one of these niche interests, the good news is there’s a fantastic high street too.

“Try Baby at the Bank for cute kidswear, sold in a former bank (babyatthebank.co.uk); or there’s RE for furniture (“an eclectic mix of the raRE, REmarkable, REcycled, REscued and REstored”; re-foundobjects.com) and Corbridge Larder, where you can stock up on fine local foods — chutneys, pies, cakes — after taste-testing them in the adjoining café (corbridgelarder.co.uk).

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“The Angel of Corbridge, built in 1569, is a lovely pub with rooms, moments from St Andrew’s Church and Market Place — the venue for many of the above events.”

Lots of the shops are independent, and there are lots of beauticians, hairdressers, cafés, restaurants, pubs and delis.

Part of the village’s charm is thanks to its buildings with stone exteriors that give it an old English look.

But Corbridge does itself have a rich history dating back to the Roman period.

On the outskirts of the village is the famous Hadrian’s Wall where visitors can walk on the original surface of its Roman main street.

The museum has artefacts like the Corbridge Hoard, which is a Roman time capsule that was buried in the 2nd century AD.

The site of Hadrian’s Wall is managed by English Heritage and is open daily, 10am – 5pm. Tickets for adults start from £12.70 and children from £7.70.

There’s the Steam Rally which annually takes place in the summertime, where there’s over 700 exhibits of steam engines, vintage cars, and tractors.

There’s also a bar, fairground, live music and food stalls.

It holds A Midsummer’s Evening in Corbridge which has market stalls, street food, live music, dance and late night shopping.

Each year on the first Monday in December, the village hosts Christmas in Corbridge with carol singing, food stalls and late night shopping.

To get to Corbridge, the best link is up to Newcastle then jump on the Tyne Valley Line to the village which takes just under 40 minutes.

Plus, there’s read more on the tiny pretty village in ‘trending’ English county that has its own castle and beach.

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And a historic English town in Northumberland that used to be a city and is now one of the happiest places to live.

Here’s The Times’ list of the seven loveliest UK high streets…

1. Lymington, Hampshire
2. Narberth, Pembrokeshire
3. North Berwick, East Lothian
4. Corbridge, Northumberland
5. Greenwich, London
6. Royal Hillsborough, Co Down
7. Stamford, Lincolnshire

One village has been named as a ‘perfect quiet alternative’ to a popular seaside resort, which has also been labelled one of the UK’s happiest places

Bamburgh, with its stunning castle and picturesque beach, was recently crowned one of the UK’s happiest places. But there’s another Northumberland gem that’s giving it a run for its money.

Last month, travel gurus at holidaycottages.co.uk revealed Bamburgh had made the top five ‘happy places’ for a staycation, as voted by thousands across the country. Now, they’ve highlighted Warkworth as the “perfect quiet alternative”.

“Just down the coast from Bamburgh, Warkworth offers the same fairytale feel but with fewer visitors and a riverside twist,” the experts said. “Like Bamburgh, it boasts an imposing medieval castle with sweeping views, but instead of a clifftop perch, Warkworth’s fortress rises above a peaceful loop of the River Coquet.

“You’ll still find golden beaches nearby, but here the pace is gentler. Explore craft shops, row to a hidden hermitage carved into the rock, or unwind in a cosy pub where the fire’s always lit.”

Situated a 40-minute drive from Bamburgh and just 30 miles from Newcastle, Warkworth has been receiving well-earned praise this year. It was also recently named by experts at Sykes Holiday Cottages as one of the top “up-and-coming” destinations for UK staycations.

The 12th-century Warkworth Castle, which towers over the village from its elevated position in a curve of the River Coquet, welcomes visitors throughout the year, with tickets available to purchase through English Heritage.

Featuring its distinctive cross-shaped keep and remarkable stone carvings, plus hosting everything from falconry displays to medieval tournaments, the castle represents just one of numerous historical treasures that guests can discover during their visit to Warkworth.

Another essential destination for history enthusiasts exploring the village is Warkworth Hermitage, an impressive 14th-century chapel and priest’s residence hewn into a cliff face that lies concealed along the river and can only be reached by boat journey.

Meanwhile, Castle Street serves as the principal thoroughfare in Warkworth and boasts some of the “most scenic views in Northumberland,” according to the county’s tourism board. Warkworth Castle is positioned at one end, and the village’s 12th-century church is at the opposite end.

There are numerous unique accommodation options in Warkworth, ranging from a 200-year-old stone cottage situated directly on the riverbank to a converted dairy and cow byre transformed into a holiday lodge. Additional highly-rated cottages available for booking for brief stays in the village include:

There are also some top-rated hotels in the village where visitors can rest their heads, with the number one option according to reviews on Booking.com being Bertram’s, a boutique B&B that is also a café during the day and a bistro at night. It is closely followed by Warkworth House Hotel, a dog-friendly hotel with 14 rooms to choose from.

SEIZURES of beer smuggled  to   Britain   have   nearly quadrupled in five years.

Some 5.6million pints were confiscated at ports compared to 1.5million in 2019, according to ­government figures.

Many cans and bottles from mainland Europe are hidden in trucks and routed through Ireland.

Customs bosses said checks had been increased at ports such as Heysham and Birkenhead, in the North West, and Cairnryan in Scotland.

Illegal booze is now estimated to cost the UK around £1billion a year in lost duty payments.

The British Beer and Pub Association said: “A third of the price of an average UK pint goes to the taxman.

“No wonder illicit trade is booming.”

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A CROSSBOW wielding man has died following a police stand-off after destroying a village pub.

Police were called to Chequers pub, in Wootton, Bedfordshire, at around 10.15am on Friday after concerns were raised for the welfare of a man inside.

Shortly after officers arrived, a blaze broke out and fire crews also responded at the scene.

Paramedics rushed the man to hospital but he died on Sunday after succumbing to self-inflicted injuries.

A spokesperson for Bedfordshire Police said: “Following information that the individual was in possession of a crossbow, specialist officers, including negotiators, were deployed and extensive efforts were made to ensure the safety of all at the scene.

“At around 12.45pm, the man exited the premises before sustaining self-inflicted injuries. He was taken to hospital, where he died yesterday (Sunday). His next of kin have been informed.”

An investigation is ongoing and the case has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

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THE best pubs across the country have been revealed – so does your local make the list?

The Great British Pub Awards has announced its shortlist of finalists across categories including Best Beer Pub, Best Pub Garden and Best Country Pub.

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The awards are aimed at celebrating the best boozers in the UK.

Six pubs have been nominated in each category, with the eventual winners revealed later this month.

The nominations for Best Beer Pub include the Cask Pub & Kitchen in Pimlico, London.

It claims to have the UK’s first and only vintage beer cellar, which includes beers from the 1950s.

There’s also The Riverhead Brewery Tap in Marsden, Huddersfield, which has its own microbrewery inside.

Blind Jack’s in Knaresborough is a family owned independent traditional pub founded in 1991 that sells highly rated craft beers.

The other nominations for Best Beer Pub include Bowland Beer Hall at Holmes Mill in Clitheroe, Granville’s Beer & Gin House in Horsforth, Leeds, and The Tamworth Tap in Staffordshire.

If you’re a fan of a pub lunch after a walk in the countryside, there’s also a list of the Best Country Pubs.

The Sun Inn in Great Easton, Leicestershire, is in the heart of the Welland Valley.

It says “wet wellies and muddy paws are welcome” and it has a roaring fire to warm you up after your walk.

Meanwhile The Tally Ho Inn in Bouldon, Shropshire, is within the stunning Corvedale Valley.

It’s located centrally between the historic towns of Ludlow and Bridgnorth.

Reviewers say it’s a hidden “beautiful find” with an “outstanding” Sunday lunch.

If you’re heading to the Peak District, it could be worth stopping at The Ashford Arms in Ashford in the Water.

The pub is a stone’s throw from the famous medieval Sheepwash Bridge and there are also hiking opportunities along the River Wye.

The other nominees include The Tollemache Arms in Harrington, Northampton, The Turkey Inn in Laycock, Keighley, and The Fleece Inn in Eversham, Worcestershire.

If you’re looking to make the most of outdoor dining before the weather gets chillier, six pubs have also been nominated for Best Pub Garden.

The Gaggle of Geese in Buckland Newton is set in rural Dorset with five acres of gardens.

It’s got everything you could want, with a skittle alley, crazy golf, pygmy goats and a playbus, as well as camping and glamping.

Meanwhile The Mutton at Hazeley Heath overlooks Hazeley Farm and its garden has boasts blooming flowers and greenery.

A previous Sun review said it has “amazing views, private dining experiences and a huge selection of drinks”.

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The historical Black Friar pub in Salford was built in 1886 but laid derelict for over 15 years before it was restored in 2021.

It now has an award-winning garden and outdoor tavern, as well as its famed Glass Room.

The other nominees are Myrtle Tavern in Meanwood, Leeds, the Hare & Hounds in Tingley, Wakefield, and The Old Crown in Digbeth, Birmingham.

Other categories in the awards include Best Pub for Food, Best Pub for Families and Best Pub for Dogs.

You can see more of the nominations below…

CCTV has been released showing the last time a British round-the-world sailor was seen before he disappeared.

James Nunan, 34, was five months into a global solo sailing trip when he mysteriously vanished on August 18.

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James from Reading, better-known to family and friends as Jemsie, had been at the pub, Paddy’s Anchor, in the island capital Las Palmas.

Hours later, he vanished after going for a late-night snack at the kebab shop six minutes away from the pub.

Spanish cops have now released an image of James, in their desperate attempt to locate him.

He is pictured ordering food at the kebab joint wearing a blue T-shirt with his Jack Russell on his lap.

In one photograph, three diners appear to be enjoying a meal behind him as he stands at the checkout.

It comes as official records show James reported his passport as lost or stolen at the Irish Embassy on August 19 – a day after he was last seen or heard from.

At the time, his half-sister Nikita said: “We know he’d had a drink but as a family we don’t believe he would recklessly set sail in the dark at night,” she said.

“It doesn’t make sense for it to be ‘oh he fell overboard’ because he was drunk, there are a lot of holes in the story.” 

Paddy’s Anchor previously shared appeals by James’ worried family on social media saying: “Many of you have been asking, so we want to share this post from Jemsie’s family.

“His sister is still searching for him after he was last seen here in Las Palmas.

“His boat has since been found off the coast of Gran Canaria, but there has been no contact from him since.”

A call was made between August 24 and 25 in relation to James’ boat as police found it a day later 50 miles offshore.

At first they said James’ Jack Russell, known as Thumbelina, wasn’t on board but later said she was found with the boat.

There remains no information on where James could be.

A witness came forward to claim he spoke to James as he said the Brit was drunk but not acting in any unusual manner.

He had reportedly told him about his sailing adventures and that he planned to head to Lanzarote.

Some pub staff also claimed they were told not to speak to anyone about his mysterious disappearance.

A man reportedly answered phone calls at the pub saying: “It’s an open investigation and we’ve been told not to speak to anyone and I’ve just got to go with that I’m afraid.”

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Asked if it was local police or Mr Nunan’s family who had asked him not to speak, he said: “I can’t talk about it, sorry.”

After his boat was found with the dog on board, it was towed back to Argineguin in the south of Gran Canaria.

A spokesperson for the Civil Guard said: “We are looking into this case. Several lines of investigation are being pursued.”

Jemsie had been about five-and-a-half months into his solo sailing trip when he vanished – and had been planning to travel to Brazil.

Nikita added that a distress signal was sent out in relation to his boat between August 24 and 25.

The dog found on board has since been taken to an animal shelter.

Jemsie’s father has travelled to the island searching for any signs of the missing 34-year-old. 

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has confirmed it is “supporting the family of a British man who has been reported missing in Spain“.

The National Police in Las Palmas and court officials on the island have been approached for comment.

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BOOZERS are giving away one million free tasters of beer during Cask Ale Week, which begins today.

In a bid to kick-start a cask ale comeback, more than 10,000 pubs will each be offering punters hundreds of samples of freshly poured beer.

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It is hoped that the “Try Before You Buy” campaign will breathe life back into Britain’s signature beer amid a steady, long-term decline in sales as well as in the numbers of pubs selling it.

Hampered by its clichéd reputation as an “old man’s drink”, traditional hand-pulled beers have been slowly bumped off the bar by highly carbonated lagers and craft ales.

However, a growing popularity among younger pub-goers suggests “real ale” may be ripe for a ­renaissance.

Research has revealed that an increasing number of Gen-Z drinkers are choosing cask beers which, in general, are more affordable, lower in alcohol and brewed more naturally.

Heritage status

Figures show that 25 per cent of 18 to 24-year-old beer drinkers ­regularly order cask ales at the pub — an increase of more than 50 per cent on the previous year.

Cask ale’s unique, traditional form of dispense means it is the only type of beer that can’t be sold in shops or supermarkets.

“If more people chose cask ale on just one more of their visits to the pub, it would make a big difference to the future prospects for our ­national drink — and to pubs, which are the only place to sell it,” said Fergus Fitzgerald, head brewer at Suffolk brewer Adnams.

“Ironically, cask beer seems to be more appreciated globally than it is in Britain.

“Incoming tourists put a visit to a traditional pub to enjoy a pint of foaming cask ale close to the top of their ‘must do’ list.

“Equally, many of the world’s top craft beer brewers cite British cask ale as their biggest influence.”

Earlier this year, passionate pub- goers set up a petition calling for the Government to grant cask ale and its surrounding culture Unesco heritage status.

The Unesco accolade, which acknowledges its cultural significance and artisanal practices, has already been granted to Belgian beer, French baguettes and even the “Mediterranean diet’.”

“Local pubs really need local ­customers in order to thrive,” added Fergus.

“Cask Ale Week is an opportunity for drinkers to find the style they most enjoy and show their support for British pubs and British beer.”

WHY WE LOVE IT SO MUCH

IN a bid to highlight the problems facing pubs, The Thinking Drinkers Ben and Tom recently completed “The Great British Pub Ride” – a tandem bike journey from Land’s End to John O’Groats relying ENTIRELY on the hospitality of beautiful British boozers.

At the end of each gruelling day in the saddle, they rewarded themselves with a pint of cask ale.

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Here, Ben explains why he loves cask ale so much:

“The envy of the brewing world yet criminally under-appreciated in this country, cask ale is naturally carbonated beer that undergoes secondary fermentation in the barrel.

It’s unfiltered, unpasteurised, brewery-fresh beer that is poured – alive and kicking – straight from the barrel into your glass.

Comparing cask ale in the pub to a can of mainstream lager is like comparing a freshly baked, warm crusty loaf to a bag of sliced white.

But it’s not a warm beer (served properly, it should be gently sparkling and served at between 11C-13C) and spans a broad spectrum of styles from light, hoppy pale ales and softly sweet amber beers to smooth, rich velvety stouts and super-session friendly low-alcohol brews.

In these austere times, it’s an absolute bargain compared to other beers at the bar.

Even though publicans need to work harder to keep it fresh in the cellar, cask ale costs considerably less than many mainstream lagers.

Lest we forget, it’s a more patriotic pint, too.

When you pay for a pint of cask ale, chances are you’re putting valuable pennies in the pockets of both British brewers and British farmers who provide the succulent barley and aromatic hops.

You simply cannot replicate the joys of real ale while sat on your sofa, so get down to your local, order a fresh pint of cask ale and breathe life back into the beleaguered British boozer.

If we don’t use them, we’ll lose them.”

STRICTLY Come Dancing star Thomas Skinner has revealed that he had terrifying death threats after meeting up with the vice-president of the United States JD Vance.

The American politician reached out to him after seeing his social media posts saying he admired his positive attitude for life.

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And he invited him to the barbecue of the summer at 18th-century Dean Manor near Chipping Norton in the Cotswolds.

But afterwards The Apprentice star and market stall holder proudly posted a photo of them together on social media – and received a shocking backlash.

In an exclusive interview he admits: “Since I posted that picture I’ve had loads of death threats. People saying they want me dead, saying I am this political figure that I’m actually not. I actually really ain’t. I couldn’t tell you what’s going on in the world right now.

“Now the left seems to be attacking me every day on social media. The right seems to see me as this figurehead and it’s all been a bit much for me, if I’m honest with you.

“I was getting death threats and people calling me controversial. I was thinking, what have I ever done? What have I ever said that’s controversial? When you actually go through my tweets, apart from saying that knife crime is bad in London, yeah?

“I’m not this political figurehead that people believe that’s got my hand.

“I’ve had loads of death threats over the years, you know.

“I didn’t see it as anything more than a barbecue, if I’m honest with you. But I’ve been turned into this political figure that I’m actually not.”

But the East Londoner does admit he was nervous after accepting the invite along with Cambridge academic James Orr and Tory MP Danny Kruger.

He said: “I was very nervous about it, I didn’t know what to wear. When I arrived he literally was like, ‘Why have you got a suit on?’

“He was actually a normal bloke. We spoke about English cheese being so much better than American cheese, West Ham United and how they call football ‘soccer’.”

Fry-up fan Thomas was blown away by the food, laid on by the local pub, describing it as “the b******s.”

He said: “There was a pub in the town, and Jay wanted to go to a traditional English pub, but he knew by going to this pub it would obviously have to shut, because I’ve never seen so many security guys in my life… a proper entourage… he didn’t want it to affect the locals.

“So he asked the pub if they would kindly – he paid them a lot of money – bring some of their staff to cook at the place, and they did, they actually left this beautiful pub in the Cotswolds, they’d come round to the garden, and they cooked this fantastic spread, it was steaks, kebabs, halloumi, honestly it was unreal.  Everyone was really friendly.”

He didn’t take pictures, he says, because he didn’t want to “disturb his privacy”.

Joking, he adds: “When Trump comes he might invite me to a BBQ too.”

NO REGRETS

Despite the furore online Thomas insists he doesn’t regret posting the picture. He said: “I don’t regret it, I am a normal bloke and it was an amazing opportunity.

“Put yourself in my shoes. What would you do?  You’re a normal person.  And, I’ve been given this opportunity to sit with the Vice President of the most powerful country in the world, the United States of America. To me that was, “Wow’.

“And I would have gone, whether it was the leader of France, Germany, I think to sit there and learn, and experience that, whether you agree with him politically or not, it wasn’t about that for me, it was literally to say, ‘I’ve sat there and met the Vice President of the United States of America’.”

Yesterday, dad of three Thomas told how he had cheated on his wife – but bitterly regrets his mistake.

Sinead has been by his side since they got together nearly a decade ago.

Thomas began working part time as a market trader at 13 after being expelled from school. He found several businesses before starring on The Apprentice in 2019 after Sinead encouraged him to apply.

Since then he has appeared on Celebrity MasterChef, 8 Out of 10 Cats, and Michael McIntyre‘s Big Show.

But he is also known for his motivational videos on social media where he shares his love of kebabs and pints.

It was his conservative political views that led to US Vice President JD Vance actually getting in touch with him.

SPREADS POSITIVITY

He says he loves spreading positivity.

He said: “Even when JD Vance sent me a DM, he was like, ‘Look I love your energy, keep it up, I love seeing the high energy and the positivity you spread’.

“Which is literally all I do, all I do is share videos of me having a roast dinner, and do a morning video to say, ‘Have a good day’,  because I know what it’s like to wake up and feel like you can’t do this. I’ve been there, and that’s why I won’t ever give up spreading the positivity.”

Throughout the ups and down in his life Sinead – who he dubs Super sensible Sinéad – has been at his side throughout.

He admits the past few weeks have been tough and he has struggled with the public scrutiny.

He said: “It does affect you. I’ve always put on this brave face. But it’s alright to be vulnerable and be down and be upset. There are times I’ve felt low.”

CLOSE PALS WITH RYLAN CLARK

His close pal Rylan Clark also faced backlash recently over his views on migrant hotels which sparked over 700 Ofcom complaints.

Thomas said: “Rylan has been a friend of mine since I was a teenager. I love him. He’s a family friend, he comes to our family events. I go round to his and I bring him round to ours.

“He’s a top guy. And the thing that I just worry about is nowadays, whether someone’s got a different opinion to you, or you say something that might be slightly incorrect or you don’t agree with, everyone should be allowed to have their opinion, and everyone should be allowed to express it and argue it and talk about it.

“But if your opinion is different to someone else’s, people shouldn’t be able to attack you and ram it down your throat, and I think that’s wrong, if I’m honest with you.

“Poor old Rylan got a bashing, and obviously I know what it feels like, because I’ve had a bashing in the last couple of years.”

What Rylan said was: “How come if I turn up at Heathrow Airport and I’ve left my passport in Spain, I’ve got to stand at that airport and won’t be let in? But if I arrive on a boat from Calais, I get taken to a four-star hotel?

“I find it absolutely insane that all these people are risking their lives coming across the Channel like they are. But when they get here, it seems, ‘Welcome, come on in’.”

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He later said he was angry at being “put in a box” over his opinions and called for more intelligent debate. Rylan posted on X: “You can be pro immigration and against illegal routes. You can support trans people and have the utmost respect for women.

“You can be heterosexual and still support gay rights. Stop with this putting everyone in a box exercise and maybe have conversations instead of shouting on Twitter.”

Thomas says the pressure that he and other celebrities receive due to fame can be hard to deal with.

And key to helping keep his mental health stable is the group of friends from the market that he still meets every Friday for “a pint”.

He said: “I think that’s so important, they think it’s funny I’m going on Strictly.

“Every Friday, and I’ve done this for years, you know, since I started out, no matter what, me and my group of little pals have a pint on a Friday afternoon.

“Some of us could be skint on our arse, some of us could be flying, we’re all having the same beer, in the same circle, talking the same thing, and we always, we always talk about what’s been a bad week, sad week, a happy week, a good week, a great week, and we all support each other, and I think that’s so important.”

And his biggest fan – his mum couldn’t be prouder.

Both his parents still work and are real “grafters” – which is where he says he gets his work ethic from.

His mum works in a call centre – but until this week hadn’t revealed who her famous son was, because she says they “never asked”.

He said: “She’s one of the people, when your boiler goes, she’ll ring up, my mum’s the one that you abuse on the phone saying, ‘My boilers gone,” she’s got one of the hardest jobs in the world. bless her.

“When she asked for the day off she said her son was on Strictly. They said, ‘What who’s your son? What do you mean?’ She showed them a picture of me.”

Her son is still a market trader with his own stall selling mattresses and pillows. He survives on just five hours sleep a night and even when rehearsing for the BBC show he says he will set up his stall first.

He still loves his work and feels proud to be helping Britain’s High Street.

Thomas said: “I’m going to try and set up at 6am. Markets help the shops, but then the shops are suffering, the high street’s dying.”

One thing that isn’t dying is his fan base.

Thomas confesses that he has been inundated with direct messages from celebrities on social media offering support for the new dance show.

He said: “I’ve had hundreds of messages, footballers, TV stars, all sorts.

“But I don’t think it’s fair to say who, because they’ve said that to me confidentially, and I respect that.

“People like my energy and the positivity I spread, which is literally all I do.”

Thomas has experienced financial highs and lows, and even homelessness.

He said: “I know what it’s like to have a few quid in my pocket, when everything’s going well, and your business is flying, and you’ve got everyone around you.

“But I also know what it’s like to be on your a***, not having anywhere to live, and not knowing how you’re going to pay your next bill. I’ve been at both spectrums.

“It’s taught me to be strong, and taught me to try and help other people, because life can be so hard.”

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A MAJOR pub chain has launched a new loyalty rewards scheme where customers can get freebies including pints and food.

Greene King has relaunched its app and now has a feature where customers can get complimentary drinks and win prizes.

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These include free pints and vouchers to spend in its 2,700 pubs across the UK.

It’s the first time Greene King has offered loyalty rewards to customers.

The pub chain says customers can now “earn perks, unlock surprises, and access exclusive offers – whether they order at the bar or through the app”.

Among the new features for loyalty customers is a chance to “spin the wheel” to win a prize.

If you spin the virtual wheel on the new Greene King app, you’ll win either a free main meal, drink or dessert.

The free drinks include Peroni, Birra Moretti, Rekorderlig, Aspell, Hazy Day, Coca Cola, Schweppes Lemonade and Madri.

And if you place an order through the app worth at least £1, there’s a chance to win a £50 voucher.

There’s also a “Pub Match” game where every time you spend through the app or scan your membership ID at the till, you are in with the chance of winning more freebies.

The aim of the game is to make it onto the interactive leaderboard of loyal customers, and you have a chance to win up to £50 each month. 

The more you use the app, the higher the chance of winning a prize.

The rewards are redeemable at Greene King Pubs, Belhaven Pubs, Flaming Grill, Chef & Brewer, Farmhouse Inns and Hungry Horse.

Kevin Hydes, group marketing director at Greene King, said: “Pubs are about creating feel-good moments, but we know many people are keeping a close eye on costs.

“That’s why we’re always looking for ways to make visiting our pubs even more rewarding and to give back to our customers.

“With Spin to Win, we’re giving new customers a little something extra – a chance to enjoy a free treat on us, just for joining our loyalty programme.”

How can I get my rewards?

You can download the new Greene King app for free on your app store.

The Spin to Win game will appear on the homepage of your app.

You can also click into the Rewards section to see the rewards you’ve earned.

You can claim the reward either when you pay through the app or at the bar.

On the app just add all your items to the basket and then apply the reward at checkout.

If you order at the bar, you need to show your Membership ID to the bartender.

You can find this at the top right of your Rewards section on the app.

What other features are on the app?

The app will also let you make and manage your bookings, customise orders and pay.

Greene King says it will reduce wait times and let you order quickly.

There will also be the option to repeat orders with one click.

Which other pubs have loyalty schemes?

Greene King is not the only chain which has a loyalty scheme.

Butcombe, which runs more than 120 pubs across the UK, lets customers access exclusive discounts for downloading the app.

These include earning points, where you get five points for spending £1. Once you reach 500 points, £5 will be added to your account to spend.

You can also get 25 per cent off food every Wednesday.

O’Neills also gives members signed to its loyalty programme the chance to collect stamps that can be exchanged for rewards.

WETHERSPOONS is opening 15 new pubs in a tie-up with a firm known for its chain of fish and chip shops. 

The budget boozer will launch the venues across the UK as part of a new franchise working with The Papas Group. 

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The first will open on October 1 in Gateway Park, Lincoln, and will be called The Hykeham Manor. 

A further three will open in October and November at sites in Annitsford, Northumberland, Stockton-on-Tees, Co Durham, and Emersons Green in Bristol. 

The pub chain’s commercial director, Michael Barron, said: “We are delighted to have signed agreements with The Papas Group.

“We are looking at further opportunities and are confident that more franchise agreements will be signed.”

The Papas Group is a family-owned business which runs casual dining restaurants such as Papa’s Fish and Chips and Wendy’s, mostly in the north of England. 

Wetherspoons already has several franchise agreements. They include tie-ups with the holiday park operator Haven and the universities of Newcastle and Hull — running a pub at each campus. 

These arrangements are common in the hospitality sector and allow an independent operator to run an established chain using their brand and products. 

Wetherspoons has opened pubs at several locations this year, including in Fulham, West London, and Kenilworth, Warwickshire. 

LOW-DEPOSIT DEALS RISE 

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THE number of low-deposit mortgages has hit the highest level in 17 years, according to Moneyfactscompare. 

There are currently 1,360 90 and 95 per cent deals available, representing 19 per cent of the residential mortgage market. 

The news comes after Homes England, the Government’s housing agency, and Countryside Properties signed a long-term deal to build more homes. 

The partnership will be backed by £150million of investment and will focus on building houses as part of the Government’s housebuilding target. 

SUNNY SALES 

RETAIL sales were up 3.1 per cent in August driven by good weather and an interest rate cut, official figures show. 

The year-on-year uptick beat last August’s 1 per cent. Tech items did well but school uniforms and shoes disappointed as families tried second-hand, said the British Retail Consortium-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor. 

Home appliances, DIY and garden goods all saw sales growth last month. 

OIL PRICE HIKE 

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OIL prices rose by more than a dollar a barrel yesterday as increases in supply looked set to stall and Russia braced itself for the impact of new EU sanctions. 

OPEC countries have voted to lift production by 137,000 barrels per day in October — far less than previous monthly increases. 

Experts have warned of a glut of oil next year as demand falls. Nevertheless Brent crude rose to $66.70 per barrel. 

MOST holidaymakers love a tipple, and one destination in Europe has been crowned the best for boozy breaks.

The Telegraph declared Portugal to be the best destination for drinking as it’s not only “amongst the higher per capita drinkers of wine in the world, they also have some of the cheapest prices”.

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Weighing up the stats like annual alcohol consumption, cheapest capitals for pints and cities with the most bars per capita, Portugal came out on top.

In particular, the country landed in second place when it came to the annual consumption of wine – which was 52.3 litres per person.

Writer Lauren Clark who has relocated to Lisbon added that you can get a glass of wine “for the price of a UK coffee” in the country’s capital.

And the reason that wine is so affordable is because Portugal is covered in vineyards – around 4,700 of them.

Portugal is widely known for producing its very own Port wine in the Douro Valley.

It’s a sweet wine typically served with dessert, and has a high alcohol content usually ranging between 19 and 22 per cent.

When it comes to bagging affordable booze, Portugal’s capital, Lisbon, is especially well-known for it.

According to HikersBay, the price for a domestic beer in the city is €3 (£2.61) and a glass of wine at the table might set you back €5.50 (£4.78).

If anyone decides to pop into McDonald’s for a bite to eat, you can even order a can of Sagres beer to have with your burger and it’s priced just over €2 (£1.74).

Earlier this year, Drinks Merchants even revealed Portugal to be the cheapest place to buy a bottle of wine.

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The average bottle of wine is just £3.91 with the cheapest being as little as £2.53 – in the UK buying a bottle of wine in the supermarket averages £9.36.

You can regularly find cheap bottles of wine in Portugal for under €5 (£4.35) at the supermarket, including Esteva, Evel, and Porca de Murça.

Around the country, there are even attractions dedicated to telling the story of its alcohol production, in Porto, the World of Wine museum even holds free tastings.

The venue has seven museums, 12 restaurants, a bar and café, a wine school and shops.

The seven themed museums in the Wine Experience take guests on an “extraordinary journey from grape to bottle”.

And a new addition called the Pink Palace immerses visitors in the concept of rosé wine.

Time Out described World of Wine as ” basically a big theme park for those who like a tipple (or three)”.

A few years ago, Lisbon was named the best ‘party city’ in Europe thanks to its plentiful number of bars and pubs.

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One of the most famous in the capital is ‘Bar A Parodia’, one of the oldest cocktail bars in Lisbon which visitors have described as “a real treasure”.

Another unique bar in the city is well-known for its live shows and events – and it used to be a brothel.

The bar is called Pensão Amor and is found on one of Lisbon’s promenades and is tucked inside an 18th century building spanning across five floors.

It’s decorated with vintage posters from burlesque shows and punters can enjoy a drink on velvet sofas and armchairs.

It regularly holds events like burlesque presentations, themed parties and even poetry meetings.

Cocktails include a Pornstar Martini which is priced at €11 (£9.57).

Of course, Portuguese pubs and restaurants outside major tourist destinations like Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve will be generally cheaper.

One example of this is Silves in Portugal that used to the be capital of the Algarve.

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Last year, it was revealed as being the most affordable spot in Portugal with the average price of a hotel was around £73, while a beer costs as little as £2.50.

Flights from the UK were under £50, on average – and it’s very pretty too with cobbled streets, cafes and independent shops selling handcrafted gifts and ceramics.

As for getting to Portugal, it’s not that expensive, Sun Travel found return flights to Lisbon from £38 in October – and the flight time is two hours 50 minutes.

A trip to Porto takes even less time at two hours 20 minutes – and you can fly directly from Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester, London and Edinburgh.

Plus, here’s more on an underrated Portuguese city an hour from Lisbon – and it’s known for its amazing wine.

And discover the secret side to Portugal crowned one of the best places in Europe to visit this year.

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A SEASIDE town made famous by former world heavy-weight boxing champ Tyson Fury is on the ropes.

Gritty ITV cop drama ‘The Bay’ attracts five million viewers, but has done nothing to restore Morecambe’s fortunes as a tourist and holidaying hotspot.

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Dilapidated buildings, boarded up shops, closed hotels, and vandalised shopping arcades blight the Lancashire seaside resort.

And homeless down-and-outs, swigging cans during the day, plague the streets.

Morecambe FC has been besieged with talks of going under after 105 years, with the beleaguered club enduring a chaotic summer since being relegated from League Two, with staff and players not even paid.

Some football club workers have been offered food parcels. As it stands, the National League club is on the brink of extinction, though takeover talks continue.

Eden Project Morecambe – a sister to the popular Eden bio-spheres in Cornwall – is hoped to breath new life into the area and bring tourists flocking back to the resort. But that is at least three years away.

Brother and sister Liam, 14, and Lola, nine, were visiting Morecambe from their native Canada and were drawn to the vandalised and graffitied former shopping arcade, which is fenced off to the public due to a rusted and collapsing roof.

They were accompanied by their aunt and nan Kay Robinson, 73, who remembers the good old days of the seaside resort.

It used to boast such attractions as the Super Swimming Stadium lido, the pleasure park Frontierland and sea life centre Marineland.

“It’s gone down hill since the 1970s,” said Kay.

“There used to be fairgrounds, illuminations, an amazing swimming pool, there used to be everything. We liked coming here better than Blackpool.

“Even the outdoor market has gone now. Everything has gone or is going now.

“You can’t go round the pubs like you used to, it used to be a great night out around Morecambe, but not now.”

Visitors love taking selfies beside the statue of the late comedian Eric Morecambe, which was unveiled on the promenade by Queen Elizabeth II in 1999.

Holidaymakers Paul and Alison Johnson, from Glossop, posed with grandson Ralphie, eight, as they enjoyed the summer sunshine.

Paul, 59, who has visited Morecambe over the years, said: “It seems to be getting cleaner, now this sea front has been done up.

“We have a caravan near here.”

Alison, 51 said: “It’s lovely in the sunshine.”

But directly opposite the iconic bronze tourist attraction stands reminders of the resort’s decline.

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Standing side-by-side, Eric’s Cafe and the Tivoli Bar, are closed down at what should be the height of the summer season.

And the town centre, just a streets from the prom, is lined with abandoned shops, closed down pubs and eateries and empty banks.

A homeless rough sleeper was slouched by the entrance to the tired Arndale Centre, which stands beside a boarded-up pawnbrokers and opposite empty shops and the shell of the former Santander bank.

In a shaded doorway down a run-down street a couple of scruff-looking men, one sitting beside his crutches, were swigging from cans of super-strength Oranjeboom beers, as parents and kids walked past.

Back on the sunny promenade where the popular outdoor swimming pool, which used to be home of the Miss Great Britain beauty contest between 1956 and 1989, John and Lynda Ritchie were taking a stroll.

“This is where they are going to build the Eden centre, if it ever gets off the ground,” said John, 80, visiting with wife Lynda, 80, from Kendal.

“It can’t come soon enough. It’ll hopefully save the town.”

“We used to bring our lads here to swim in the pool, but it is such a shame what it is like now,” said Lynda.

“Hopefully things will change when the Eden Project comes, but I wish they’d hurry up, I’d like to see it.

“The place has very much gone down hill, as many seaside towns have since people started to go abroad.”

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First-time visitors David and Lynn Buswell, from Leicestershire, were walking their Staffie Tyson – aptly named as Morecambe is the home town of former world heavyweight champ Tyson Fury – along the prom after parking up their motorhome.

“Never been here before. I’m here because my mum and dad had a photo taken with the Eric Morecambe statue and we want to recreate it,” said David, 64, a music producer.

“It looks like an average, typical English seaside town, nothing special. Okay for the kids, but not us.

“We will be parking up the motorhome for one night – not for two though. I think we will be moving on.”

Lynn, 69, said: “We have just come down from the Lake District, which was beautiful. This is a stark contrast.”

South of the town centre, the Cumberland View pub is boarded up.

Beside the former almost seafront railway station – closed now and turned into a pub – is the Festival Market.

Trains, no longer full or excited holiday makers and day trippers from West Yorkshire, now pull in to a dowdy wooden platform next to a boarded up former restaurant 500 yards of more inland.

Festival Market trader Karen Brown, 66, has been running her stall The Beauty Box for 50 years, and has seen the decline of the town.
“The place has gone really down hill since the glory days. The job is tougher now,” said Karen.

“I don’t do too bad in summer with the tourists. They come to buy things. But, in winter, the locals don’t tend to to use the market. They should do, they’ll whinge if it goes.

“The visitors come round saying what a lovely market it is and they appreciate it, but the locals, not so much.”

Fellow market trader Julie Norris, 58, has run sweet stall, Sweet Tweets, for five years.

“I’m finding trading in Morecambe alright because all the other sweet shops are shutting down,” said Julie.

“The kids are coming here for their holiday treats. And we also do well from people coming here to buy snacks and sweets before going to the cinema next door.

“They don’t want to pay rip-off cinema prices so stock up here before going to see a film.

“I love working here and if the Eden Project comes it will be fantastic. It’ll be very family orientated.”

Tyson Fury

Fury is arguably the town’s biggest name, living in the area with his wife Paris and their seven children there.

And today, it was revealed that he had sold a property in the area – for a knockdown price of £700,000.

Speaking last year, he told TNT: “17 years, it’s become my home. A new home, away from home. I actually cast myself now as from Morecambe, I don’t say I’m from Manchester anymore.

“It’s been keeping me grounded – I have always likened Morecambe to Alcatraz island… because if you go 200m that way you hit the sea, and if you go a couple of miles that way you hit the M6 motorway, and you’ve got to drive an hour to get to any city.

“It’s a big island, there’s not much distractions, there’s not much stuff to do, you can’t spend your money here because there’s nothing to spend it on, apart from Asda… That’s it, really, it’s a good place for a fighter…

“It’s kept me grounded, away from all the limelight.”

He added that locals are very respectful and leave him alone when he goes for runs. “If I go to any other city in the world, oomph Elvis has landed.”

The “Gypsy King” has previously expressed interest in buying Morecambe FC and told talkSPORT: “I was thinking I invest X amount of millions in them. Basically throw it at them and keep them going up. I’ve been offered to buy Morecambe Football Club.

“I own all the training facilities anyway and the training gym. So who knows? You might be looking at a football club owner.”

The Tyson Fury Foundation sits in the north-east corner of the football club’s Mazuma Mobile Stadium.

However, the Telegraph has claimed that Fury currently has no interest in buying the Shrimps.

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BANK Holiday revellers donned fancy dress at the booze-fuelled Otley Run as they kicked off celebrations for the three-day weekend.

Hundreds of rowdy drinkers took to the streets in their best and brightest for the famous pub crawl with pals.

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The booze trail is seen as a rite of passage for many and happens multiple times a year attracting thousands.

James Bond, Ginger Spice and the Fantastic Four were all out in force as they trekked all 17 venues on the trail.

The iconic Otley Run starts at Woodies pub in Far Headingly and finishes at The Dry Dock at the edge of Leeds city centre.

The aim of the game is to have a drink in each of the 17 pubs along the way.

One group of girls were all spotted wearing bridal gowns and wedding dresses

While another group donned cowboy hats and colourful dresses for the West Yorkshire drinkathon.

Another girl was even snapped all smiles in a toothpaste tube outfit.

The lads were also dressed up for the Bank Holiday bonanza as James Bond and The Joker with others wrapped in St George flags wielding swords as English knights.

Others were kitted out in lederhosen with one even spotted with a traffic cone on his head – but that might just be the booze talking.

Pirates, princesses and policewomen alike were also spotted in the excited crowds as they enjoyed the three-day weekend.

Participants begin at Woodies before swilling snifters at 15 other watering holes during the challenge, which takes place several times a year.

Drinkers sip a final brew at the aptly named Dry Dock – a narrow boat-turned-pub.

The list of boozers you’re supposed to stop at has changed over the last few years but still stands at 17 strong.

Punters are tasked with a drink at every stop in their best fancy dress with themes ranging from the simple to the outlandish.

It’s particularly popular among students and locals in Leeds and is often a vibrant and chaotic journey through some of the city’s most beloved watering holes.

Revellers often opt for superheroes, animals, or film characters but, honestly, anything goes.

It can often make for hilarious encounters as multiple themes and characters all mingle in one pub.

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IT’S 3am at The Red Lion pub in Gatwick Airport and British Gas field engineer Sam Singleton is in a French maid’s outfit, waving a feather duster and clutching a pint of Guinness.

His 17-strong stag group is having the typical pre-flight drinks that have become a rite of passage for Brits jetting off abroad.

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While many pubs are struggling to survive during the cost-of-living crisis, those operating at UK airports are reporting that business is on the up and up.

And it’s not just plentiful food offerings and the sociable atmosphere that are bringing in travellers in droves — terminal pubs remain one of the only places where it is socially acceptable to have a pint at 5am.

Sam, 34, from Crawley, West Sussex, says: “I’m dressed like this because I’m getting married in four weeks to my beautiful fiancee, Erin.

“We’ve had a few drinks and a really good laugh. I couldn’t imagine starting a stag in any other way, to be honest.”

The Sun on Sunday spent 24 hours at JD Wetherspoon’s The Red Lion in Gatwick’s North Terminal to see why Britain’s airside bars are hitting new heights.

This is what we found . . . 

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04:00   

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Nicole Briggs, 29, from    Essex, is heading to the Greek island of Mykonos to celebrate her birthday, wearing a pink cowboy hat and matching sash.

Her pal Danielle Grimes, 30, also from Essex, tells us: “Having drinks at this time is just the law of the airport. It’s the only way to do it.”

On the other side of the pub, siblings Alicia, Adan, 17, and Heart Evanelio, 20, from Medway, Kent, are tucking into an early-morning breakfast before they fly to Basel, Switzerland, with 20 family members.

Alicia, 27, says: “We come here because the food is always good. It’s affordable, comfortable, welcoming and the staff are fantastic.”

05:00   

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 Another stag party has    arrived. Robert, James, Jay, Jimmy and John are in their 30s and from different parts of the UK, but they are all flying to Benidorm.

Robert says: “There will be 28 altogether and we’ve had a fantastic day and night already.”

Jay adds: “We came to Wetherspoons because it’s better value and you know exactly what you are getting.”

06:00   

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 Actor David Green, 58,    from Brighton, and Sam Peters, 52, from Croydon, South London, clink pint glasses, having only just met.

Sam says: “The Red Lion is very different to the average pub where people are scared to strike up a conversation with strangers. No-one bats an eyelid here.”

07:00    

Factory worker Jay Law,    34, and Sasha Cross, 35, from the Isle of Sheppey, Kent, are going to Malta for the weekend.

They eat eggs Benedict and drink coffee with Guinness and a bourbon. Jay says: “It is the rule at airports — have a proper drink with your brew.”

08:00  

 Broker Lorna Stevens, 42,    and special educational needs worker Amanda Sargent, 38, from Tunbridge Wells, Kent, met in their local pub 20 years ago.

They are drinking pink gin and tonic before flying to Marrakech, and Amanda says: “We always take a photo of ourselves at The Red Lion — the start of the holiday, the obligatory picture.”

09:00   

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Team   leader and    mum- of-two Megan Gardner, 23, from Crawley, West Sussex, does four seven-hour shifts a week at The Red Lion.

She says: “I haven’t a bad word to say about working here — that’s why I’ve been here seven years.”

10:00  

Tasha Clements, 28, from    Horsham, West Sussex, has been a bar worker at The Red Lion for two years.

She says: “Every day someone makes the same joke — ‘It’s five o’clock somewhere!’. And it is.”

11:00  

 Jhonny Da Corte has  been    the pub’s kitchen chief leader for five years. He is overseeing 13 people today.

Venezuelan Jhonny, 30, from West London, says: “We go through around 20,000 eggs per week.

“Our most popular dish in the morning will be our traditional breakfast and, at lunch, burgers take over as the top sellers.”

12:00 

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  Spandau Ballet star Steve Norman has popped into The Red Lion ahead of a gig in Leipzig, Germany, with his new band, The Sleevz.

Over a pint of Doom Bar, he opens up about his ambition to reunite the band.

Steve, 65, says: “It would be great, before one of us pops our clogs, to be in a room together at the very least — and maybe, who knows, do a last farewell tour.”

13:00  

 Dad Zesh Sadique,    46, and    his wife Sadia are en route to Bodrum, Turkey, for four days with their children, Zidane, eight, and Arya, three.

Tucking into fish and chips, Sadia, 37, from London, says: “We came here because there is a great range of food. We’ll be back.”

14:00   

Electrician John    Penny, 38,    and his wife Lucy, who live near Crowborough, East Sussex, are celebrating their first child-free holiday in 12 years.

They’re off to sunny Palma, Majorca, and John is celebrating with a pint, while community helper Lucy, 35, is content with a Pepsi.

She says: “We always come here with the kids, too. You order on an app, so it’s easy.”

15:00   

Beccie    Simms, 47, and her    nine-year-old neurodivergent twins Poppy and Ethan are having pizza and chips before flying to Crete.

Maternity ward worker Beccie, from Surrey, says: “This suits the twins. It is relaxed and has a great choice of food. The twins are very picky!”

16:00   

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Portsmouth students    Poppy Davinport, Hannah Wilson and Alice Richardson, all 21, together with Millie Parker, 20, are heading to Majorca.

They are drinking Proseccos, gin and tonics and apple juices. Millie says: “The plan is to get tanned, drink and eat lots of paella.”

17:00   

Londoners Olivia Moris-Brown, 19, who works for M&S, and her partner Jason Pham, a 20-year-old insurance broker, are off to Pisa in Italy to celebrate their sixth anniversary.

Tucking into chips and curry sauce, a spicy Korean chicken bowl and fish and chips, Jason says: “We love Spoons, we are fans. The food is always banging.”

18:00   

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Guinness-drinking Leon    Ojukwu, 43, from East London, and his wife Abbie, 40, are primary school teachers.

They’re celebrating their tenth anniversary in Majorca with kids Esme, eight, and Zac, five. Abbie, who has had a Prosecco, says: “We always come here before a flight.

“Everyone has a smile on their face, the drinks come quickly and you don’t need to dress up.”

19:00   

Ian Gordon, 62, is waiting    for the Inverness flight, heading home to Lhanbryde, Moray, after a work trip.

Tucking into a ham and mushroom pizza, the salmon fisherman says: “The Guinness is good at Wetherspoons.

“I just came back from Iceland — you’re paying at least double for a pint there.”

20:00 

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Wearing a sparkly hat,    facilities manager Nicola Sandhu is heading to Vilamoura, Portugal, with nine friends for her 40th.

Nicola, from Bexleyheath, Kent, says: “We’ve got wines, Prosecco and lemon spritzes, nachos, fish and chips and an ultimate burger to set our trip off on the right note.”

21:00   

Five pint-sipping friends    from Selsey, West Sussex, are en route to party capital Prague in the Czech Republic.

Yet NHS service manager Mike Brooks, chef Ryan O’Hara, builder Riley Evans, all 25, carpenter Jenson Holden, 20, and carer Will Jenkinson, 26, insist they are “going to see the local sights”.

Riley says: “We will be in bed by 10pm, reading our Kindles.”

22:00   

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Teaching assistant Millie Horner and HR worker Bella Caesar, both 21, from Hedge End, Hampshire, are eating chicken strips and are on their third round of vodka lemonade and rum and Coke.

They got here early for their Ibiza flight and Millie says: “It’s a debrief before the main event begins.”

23:00   

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The passengers have all  gone, and now The Red Lion worker Holly Taplin, 19, from Burgess Hill, West Sussex, is mopping up after a long shift.

She says: “I am a bar associate, which means I host, clean, serve, make drinks — the whole lot.”

00:00   

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Ollie Wilcox, 29, from    Crawley, West Sussex, is a shift manager at the pub.

He says: “We stay open until the last flight goes, then we get ready for the morning shift.

“Passengers start coming through at 2am, and by 4am, the pub’s chock-a-block — there is a queue all the way down to WHSmith.”

SIX in 10 Gen Zers reckon music gigs are overpriced – but are making financial sacrifices so they don’t miss out.

A study of 2,000 adults found 46 per cent of 21- to 24-year-olds believe concerts are out of reach for most people.

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Gen Zers are nonetheless determined to make it work, with 67 per cent having been to at least one gig in the past year – and spending an average of £117 on their priciest ticket.

To cover the cost, nearly one in five young adults (18 per cent) cut back on essentials, while 26 per cent scrapped a subscription – and 15 per cent admitted to spending more on a live music event than on their monthly bills.

The study was commissioned by Greene King, which staged the ‘biggest pub gig ever’ – with Sam Ryder giving a surprise performance at the iconic pub The Anchor on London’s South Bank.

As one of 800 acts in Greene King Untapped – a competition to find the next big music talent – Sam performed a 35-minute set, free for fans to watch.

The BRIT-nominated Eurovision star, who has also been appointed the pub chain’s Head of Gigs, said: “Playing in pubs and smaller venues was where it all started for me, with intimate venues, borrowed PA systems, and a handful of pub-goers who might become fans.

 “Grassroots music is at the heartbeat of the scene and those early gigs shaped who I am as an artist.

“These spaces allow live music to be an experience available to everyone, that’s why they’re so important, and I’m stoked to be a part of the team helping to keep that alive.” 

The study also found that 40 per cent of adults have skipped live music because of high ticket prices – missing an average of three events in the past year.

Half of those surveyed said they’ve wanted to attend a music event but couldn’t because tickets sold out too quickly.

The study also found that 53 per cent believe live music ticket prices are unfair, with 67 per cent saying prices have become unreasonable in recent years.

Meanwhile, 61 per cent claimed they would go to more gigs if tickets cost less.

The research also revealed that 41 per cent feel most alive when attending a gig, while 63 per cent admit the energy of a live performance doesn’t translate the same way digitally.

And 38 per cent have suffered FOMO (a Gen Z term meaning Fear of Missing Out) after seeing concerts on social media they couldn’t attend.

Zoe Bowley, managing director at Greene King Pubs, said: “Pubs have long been the heartland of grassroots music, a place where emerging talent takes root, stars are born, and communities come together. 

“It’s where British people do what they do best: connect, celebrate, and create lasting memories.”

In other news, The Sun recently revealed Oasis are getting big-money offers for more shows almost daily.

Insiders told Bizarre editor Ellie Henman last month the brothers are flooded with bids from across the globe.

This comes after their epic 41-show reunion tour sold out in minutes on 31 August.

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HUNDREDS of travellers have descended on a tiny village for a huge pony and trap “drive” which is the biggest of its kind in the UK.

The massive two-day event in the New Forest has come at a cost for locals with all but one pub shutting down in Lyndhurst, Hampshire.

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The sole bar manager has boasted about owning the “bravest pub in the village” as he opened his doors this weekend to the travellers.

Nearly every pub for miles around the village have closed signs plastered outside other than The Stag Hotel.

Manager Jake Ellis said: “I don’t know if we are brave, or mad!

“To be honest I feel it’s no different to a large group of stags, or hens, turning up.

“You can have all sorts of trouble with them, and we have a simple rule here, if you’re lairy you leave.”

Owner of the popular high street pub, Maria Harris, said one main factor behind her staying open was because a “task force” being set up around this year’s event.

Comprised of the local council, the police and Forestry England, dozens of people kept a close eye on the drive to keep everyone safe.

It comes after the 2024 pony and trap drive in the New Forest was described as “complete carnage”.

Maria said: “If it wasn’t for the task force, we would be shutting like most pubs.

“There have been meetings with all the businesses where they outlined the plans, they had to keep control of it, what was being done to ensure the welfare of the ponies and what support we will have if any trouble starts.

“The drive is a heritage event which should keep going. But respect is a two-way thing.

“I am giving my trust to the travellers by saying they are welcome here, but I am also asking them to behave – hopefully they will.”

Many travellers heading down for the annual get together were left upset by the lack of pubs open – especially the one they normally congregate at.

The Happy Cheese – just up the road from the The Stag Hotel – won’t be open for business across the two days.

Their owners have plastered big signs saying “No tethering of horses” to fences surrounding the establishment as an extra message.

In response, the travellers carried out a drive by the pub in their pony and carts.

Some even left piles of horse manure behind as a calling card.

Organiser of the drive Tracy Cooper – which the event is named after – slammed the pubs which have shut as “being guilty of disgusting racism“.

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She said: “It is total discrimination. We have so much hate directed at us. It’s ignorance of our ways.

“To be honest I am so sick of the abuse I get over this I think this will be the last one. I just can’t take it anymore.”

Last year’s gathering was marred by the death of a horse that was driven over a cattle grid.

Witnesses said the animal had “died in agony” and there were calls for the drive to be banned.

Tracy responded: “That pony and trap wasn’t even part of our drive. It was nothing to do with us.

“We care for our animals; anyone can see for that themselves.”

She was also happy over the introduction of the task force and welcomed them to patrol the event.

She said: “We have been working closely with it. We are glad the police are around, it shows people we are doing nothing illegal.”

Part of the police initiative includes the involvement of a “Gypsy, Roma, Traveller Liaison Officer”.

PCSO Steve Hull, who is part of a travelling fair community, is visiting all major traveller and Gypsy events in the UK, including the world famous Appleby Horse Fair.

He wants to “help break down barriers between us and them”.

Pointing at his uniform he said: “The biggest problem is this, they see it and think ‘Oh police’ and the mistrust comes in.

“But then the see the sign on my back which states what I am, and they start opening up.

“My aim is to build links between us and them and educate the police about what their communities are about.”

Steve, who is a member of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight police force, gives talks to police bosses about Gypsy, Roma and traveller communities.

He said: “They are an ethnic minority like any other. The more trust we can gain with them the easier it is to police events like this.

“We can work together to ensure they run safely and without incident. I am not saying they are all law abiding but a lot of what is said about them on social media is false.”

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Apart from Steve other new measures this year include tall temporary yellow CCTV towers which have been placed on Lyndhurst high street and at “hotspots” where the travellers gather.

These include beside a river near the Balmer Lawn hotel in Brockenhurst where they go to wash their horses after a drive.

Last year angry locals scattered glass and metal screws on the riverbanks to stop the travellers doing it.

The area then had to be closed for over a week while a clear up operation to prevent harm to wild animals was undertaken.

Some residents of the New Forest, while not agreeing with that action, can understand why some locals have been driven to it.

Local Evelyn Warren explained: “It’s a shame because the drive is actually wonderful to see with all the ponies and the carts.

“But then they go to a pub, get drunk and do all sorts. I don’t think the drive should be banned but it needs to be controlled more.

“There are so many travellers it can get scary at times.”

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