‘Lavish’ spending culture of government ministers including £345,000 ‘restaurant and bar’ bill revealed February 13, 2023 Ministers are accused of overseeing a “lavish spending” culture in Whitehall with taxpayers’ money wasted on luxury items, after Labour analysis of government procurement cards. Concerns were raised over alcohol and dining purchases by the Labour Party including almost £345,000 by foreign office officials in 2021 under the heading “restaurants and bars”, as well as [...]
Why the Turkey earthquake shouldn’t stop you booking a holiday in a disaster zone February 12, 2023 The crisis in Turkey reminds Justine Gosling of her trip to the Dominican Republic after the hurricane hit in 2022. Her message is that visiting countries affected by natural disasters – safely, of course – can help strengthen their economy. Donate to the Disaster Emergency Committee appeal here to help the search for survivors and [...]
A naughty midnight swim at the top of The Shard? That’s Valentine’s Day sorted February 9, 2023 Let’s get this clear: Valentine’s Day is a commercialised hellscape. A disastrous day ruled by anxiety for those of us not in couples. If you’re not smooching your partner in a twee restaurant, making valiant waiters interrupt you to take your order, does Valentine’s Day even exist? It’s not that I mind romance, I just [...]
Deliveroo cuts 350 jobs as cost of living dims British and Irish appetite for takeaways February 9, 2023 Deliveroo has been forced to slash 350 job roles across all levels as it attempts to navigate a difficult economic outlook and a decline in take away sales post pandemic. Will Shu, chief executive of the food delivery app, revealed the news to staff on Thursday – blaming high inflation, recession fears and a decision [...]
Simpson’s Tavern: City of London favourite challenges winding up order as it battles closure threat February 9, 2023 City chophouse Simpson’s Tavern has been successful in challenging a winding up order and will now fight the forfeiture of its historic premises. Its boss said the victory means the business has now been reinstated and is no longer wound up – allowing it to challenge the forfeiture. This comes after Simpson’s Tavern in Cornhill, [...]
Pub firm Fuller’s sues insurance giants Aviva and Liberty Mutual in fight over ‘business interruption’ claim February 9, 2023 Fuller’s pubs has filed a lawsuit against insurance giants Aviva and Liberty Mutual in a dispute over a “business interruption” claim. Fuller Smith & Turner confirmed to City A.M. it is suing the two insurers “in relation to a claim under our business interruption insurance” but refused to comment further. Fuller’s filed its claim against Liberty [...]
McDonald’s signs deal with UK equality watchdog to protect staff from sexual harassment February 8, 2023 McDonald’s has signed an agreement with the UK’s equality watchdog to promise to better protect its staff from sexual harassment following reports of alleged abuse. The fast food chain has penned an agreement with the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) to pledge to communicate a “zero tolerance” approach on sexual harassment and deliver anti-harassment [...]
John Cleese announces Fawlty Towers reboot – everything you need to know February 8, 2023 It sounds unlikely but apparently it is true: John Cleese is rebooting one of the most iconic British comedy series ever made, Fawlty Towers. Fawlty Towers ran for two two seasons in the 1970s, both with six episodes, and is celebrated for being a near-perfect example of a British sitcom. However, 44 years after Fawlty [...]
House prices are poised to slide in 2023 but straight into the hands of the lucky few February 7, 2023 There’s a pretty wild variety of house price predictions doing the rounds. Capital Economics have forecast they could fall 12 per cent, while experts at property search site Zoopla are a bit more optimistic. The consensus seems to be somewhere around a six per cent fall in 2023. One thing is certain: house prices are [...]
Hanging out with tortoises in turquoise cottages on the Caribbean island of St Barts February 5, 2023 The descent into Gustaf III Airport on the Caribbean Island of Saint Barthélemy – otherwise known as St Barts – is not for the faint hearted. We depart nearby Saint Martin strapped into a 12-seater Twin Otter plane and soar over the sea towards a small landmass. We spot yachts and catamarans sailing aquamarine waters [...]