The history of Christmas dinner, from steamed sheep’s head to traditional turkey December 22, 2025 For me, Christmas is always about indulging, with a slap-up dinner at the heart of things. When most people think Christmas dinner, they think turkey, roast potatoes, Brussel sprouts, parsnips, pigs in blankets, stuffing, gravy, and cranberry sauce. For many, turkey is the centrepiece. December’s favourite dish has come a long way from humble origins [...]
What I have learned from eight years of sober Christmas December 22, 2025 The last time I had alcohol on Christmas Day was 2017, at the age of 40. This year will mark—excuse me while I count on my fingers—my eighth sober Christmas, enough to make a statistically valid sample. So I thought I would distill any wisdom I’ve gathered from the two slopes of the mountain into [...]
First Equity sets sights on Northwest expansion December 22, 2025 Historic London-based stockbroker First Equity is set to expand into the Northwest of the UK with a fresh presence in Liverpool. The firm, an independent broking boutique dating back to the 1980s, offers investment services to companies listed on the London Stock Exchange, AIM, Aquis Exchange, and JP Jenkins Private Markets. Senior Investment Manager Neil Blankstone, [...]
Private sector slump to drag on to Spring 2026, businesses say December 22, 2025 UK business leaders have warned that the sharp downturn in the private sector is likely to continue until Spring 2026, after firms put plans for future investment on ice in the run-up to the Labour government’s Autumn Budget. The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) anticipates private sector output to fall in the fourth quarter after [...]
Smithfield Christmas Meat Auction: London’s oldest festive tradition returns December 19, 2025 One of London’s oldest festive trading traditions returns this Christmas Eve, as the gates at Smithfield Market’s Grade II listed Grand Avenue are set to open at 09:30, for the iconic Smithfield Christmas Meat Auction. The Auction began around a century ago, as traders prepared for their well-earned festive break and sold off excess supplies [...]
The Wolf is Coming to Win for Shum December 19, 2025 RACING in Hong Kong reverts to Saturday from Sunday this weekend for an 11-race programme at Sha Tin and features the Class Two Ivy Handicap (9.05am) over six furlongs. With the Christmas festivities fast approaching, it will be paramount for many racegoers to top up their balances to pay for the turkey and presents under [...]
On this day in 1783: A 24-year-old is made British Prime Minister December 19, 2025 In 1783, the King needed a fifth Prime Minister in two years. Despite the doubts of some, he turned to William Pitt, then 24, to turn the country around.
Budget uncertainty dampens November spending December 19, 2025 Black Friday discounts failed to significantly boost consumer spending in November, as Budget uncertainty kept shoppers away from the high street. Sales declined 0.1 per cent last month, following a 0.9 per cent fall in October, as households opted to hold off spending in the run up to Christmas and wait to see the outcome [...]
Last minute gift guide: Top presents from tech to games and books December 18, 2025 Whoever you’re buying for, we have the perfect present ideas in our guide to the best Christmas gifts 2025. Whether you want cutting edge tech for the nerd in your life or fancy socks to keep dad happy until Boxing day, we have you covered. Christmas gifts 2025: Books Always Remember the Boy, the Mole, [...]
Premier League Predictions: Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal enjoy pre-Christmas cheer, but it’s misery for Manchester United December 18, 2025 The final round of English Premier League (EPL) fixtures before Christmas takes place this weekend. It has been an absorbing season so far, but who will head into the festive period on the back of a win? Here, we analyse the matches and offer up some thoughts on the likely victors. City AM’s journalism is [...]