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food and drink
Spain In Four Bottles: From Ribera's Muscle To Priorat's Elegance
Nathan Lane
Wine Correspondent
The very best way to discover a country is through its wine. A bottle encompasses the history, tradition, food and culture of a place, sometimes more effectively than any guidebook. Grapes tell you about the landscape and climate, while the way a wine is made reveals something about local tastes and customs. Spain is particularly good at this.
12:00 AM 12th September 2026
How Donkeys Communicate
Allison Lee
Smallholding Correspondent
Inquisitive
Donkeys communicate with humans and with each other in a variety of ways, including body language, touch and, of course, vocalisations. It is always worth taking the time to notice what a donkey is trying to communicate, and such an assessment process can be done by looking for signs of anger, pain, annoyance, or happiness.
12:00 AM 12th September 2026
Bluetongue Virus
Allison Lee
Smallholding Correspondent
Protecting sheep from the virus is essential
The UK has seen cases of the deadly Bluetongue virus steadily increase this year, with dozens of new cases reported. Bluetongue virus is an insect-borne viral disease that affects sheep, cattle, goats, deer and camelids such as llamas and alpacas.
P.ublished 5th September 2026
Consumers
Using AI To Complain: Consumer Expert’s Guide To The Do’s And Don’ts
Jane Hawkes
Consumer Expert
Arturo Añez.
Our consumer champion, Jane Hawkes, shares essential guide to using AI effectively when making a complaint - and reveals the mistakes consumers must avoid. Consumers are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence to help them make complaints against companies but there can be significant pitfalls.
P.ublished 5th September 2026
Weekend Money
Why The Best First-Time Buyer Mortgage Might Not Come From Your Bank
Sam Fox
Weekend Money Columnist
Image: Monstera Production on Pexels
Our mortgage expert Sam Fox, founder of UKMC, explains why first-time buyers should look beyond their existing bank when searching for a mortgage. First-time buyers could be missing out on mortgages better suited to their circumstances by limiting their search to their existing bank.
P.ublished 29th August 2026
food and drink
Behind the Kitchen Door: Sonya Venugopal
Liz Coggins
Features Editor
Sonya Venugopal considers herself a foodie. “My family all love food, and we have a group family chat called Foodies, where we tend to share recipes.
P.ublished 29th August 2026
What Will It Take?
Sophie Roberts
Crafting Correspondent
Photo: SJ Burton Photography
We can no longer ignore how we’re spending our time. It causes us to stop and think about where our energy goes. We book the trip, meet that friend, start the crafting project. Personally, I’ve read so many stories over the years of people who’ve made changes in their lives, big and small, because of something traumatic that has happened to them or someone they know.
P.ublished 29th August 2026
Lovingly Artisan Set To Feature On BBC Countryfile
Lovingly Artisan Grain Harvest
Award-winning Northwest bakery welcomes national TV crew to explore its story. Leading Northwest bakery Lovingly Artisan, which operates in Cumbria and Manchester, is set to feature on national television, as BBC Countryfile discovers what makes the multi-award-winning bakery tick. The episode is due to air on Sunday 6th September at 7.00pm on BBC One.
P.ublished 2nd September 2026
What Makes A Premium Bespoke Kitchen Worth The Investment?
Bespoke solid-oak kitchen designed and manufactured by JS DECO in West Yorkshire
A premium kitchen earns its value through coordinated design, technically appropriate materials, controlled manufacturing and precise installation. Premium value comes from purposeful specification: the right material, the right construction and the details that improve the kitchen every day. A kitchen is a working system.
P.ublished 29th August 2026
Health
Struggling With Swimmer’s Ear? Expert Comments From An Audiologist On How To Prevent It
Wild swimming seems to be everywhere at the moment. From Three Shires Head in the Peak District to the Bude Sea Pool in Cornwall, Brits are turning out in droves to unwind and enjoy the fresh water during the many heatwaves this summer.
P.ublished 22nd August 2026
The Power Of Herbs
Earlier this year, one of my miniature Mediterranean donkeys, Jasper, sustained an injury, the cause of which was unknown. Despite a couple of visits from the vet, no diagnosis was made, and the only advice I was given was to give him box rest and painkillers. Unhappy with the vet’s advice, I decided to look into the matter further myself.
P.ublished 22nd August 2026
food and drink
Forty Floors Up And Forty Years Back: Leeds Gets Its Thai Fix At Rambuttri
Andrew Palmer finds himself looking back across the Leeds skyline towards the Pinnacle tower — once the tallest building in the city, and once the site of his first taste of the view from the top — while getting reacquainted with Thai food that has rather more to offer than its postcode suggests. There is a particular strain of nostalgia that comes from sitting i…
P.ublished 22nd August 2026
Health
How To Manage Stress Caused By Events You Cannot Control
Wars, political instability and polarisation, climate change, rising living costs and growing distrust of leaders and institutions can create a sense that the world is unstable and nobody is really in control. This presents a particular psychological challenge. Someone frightened of spiders, dogs or flying may be able to avoid the trigger, at least temporarily.
P.ublished 15th August 2026
The Impact Of The Drought On The Smallholding
Allison Lee
Smallholding Correspondent
The Wildlife Pond showing clear signs of drying out
This summer’s drought has had a huge impact on farmers across the UK, and my heart goes out to them. The same can be said of smallholders like me. Although on a much smaller scale than traditional farmers, many smallholders have suffered greatly because of the lack of rain. Wildfires across the country have been an added worry, causing further stress to those already at breaking point.
P.ublished 15th August 2026
food and drink
Cupper’s Journey Earns Great Taste Star For Rwandan Single Origin
Luxury speciality coffee company, Cupper’s Journey, has strengthened its credentials with chefs, restaurants and hospitality operators after its Rwamatamu Rwanda coffee was awarded a 1-Star Great Taste Award 2026.
P.ublished 13th August 2026
food and drink
Yorkshire Whisky Distilleries Collaborate In A First For English Whisky
(L-R)David Thompson, Chris Jaume, Abbie Jaume and Joe Clark
As Yorkshire’s first whisky distillery celebrates a decade of distilling with a series of events and anniversary bottlings, it has announced another first.
P.ublished 13th August 2026
Cumbria's Food And Drink Producers Shine In Great British Food Awards 2026 Shortlist
Andrew Palmer
Group Editor
Hawkshead Relish and The Lake District Tea Co. among the county's finest as national judges name their finalists for this year's awards, Andrew Palmer reports Cumbria's food and drink producers are celebrating a strong showing in the Great British Food Awards 2026, with Hawkshead Relish and The Lake District Tea Co.
P.ublished 12th August 2026
It's Showtime!
I really enjoy the summer months in the North Yorkshire countryside, as almost every village hosts its own show, so there is somewhere to visit most weeks! Often kicking off as early as May, country shows offer something for everyone.
P.ublished 8th August 2026
food and drink
Grasmere Distillery Wins A Second Medal At The Global World Whisky Masters
Grasmere Distillery has done it again. The tiny Lake District distillery's Single Malt New Make Spirit has taken silver at the prestigious Global World Whisky Masters, following last year's gold with back-to-back recognition on the world stage. The Global World Whisky Masters exists to find the best whiskies on the global market.
P.ublished 6th August 2026
“Leeds - Your Next Date Needs To Be Here!”
As a lifelong Leeds lad, I didn’t think there was much I didn’t know about the city. Then I discovered The Hole in Wand nestled right next to St John’s Park. I’d seen a glowing review from a friend, and looking for a fun date venue with my partner, decided to book its immersive wizard-themed mini golf experience.
P.ublished 5th August 2026
World Firework Championships Head To Blackpool
World Fireworks Championship Blackpool return for 2026 Dates have now been confirmed for this year’s spectacular World Fireworks Championship Blackpool, one of the resort’s most iconic autumn events. Three countries will compete across three nights: Saturday 12 September, Saturday 26 September and Saturday 10 October.
P.ublished 4th August 2026
Out and about
Kynren The Storied Lands
After years of planning, design and construction, Kynren – The Storied Lands one of the country's most ambitious new visitor attractions Is a must to visit Created by the team behind the award-winning Kynren – An Epic Tale of England, the new daytime attraction transforms a 150-acre site in Bishop Auckland into a series of immersive worlds where history, myth and legend are brought to life thro…
P.ublished 1st August 2026
Health
Understanding Skin Cancer… What To Look Out For This Summer
Photo: The Mole Clinic
Throughout the summer months, as we spend more time outdoors, it’s a good moment to pause and think about protecting our skin. Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK, and rates have been rising in recent years.
P.ublished 1st August 2026
food and drink
Limited Edition Whisky For Yorkshire Day
Joe Clark
The team at Yorkshire’s first single malt whisky distillery, Spirit of Yorkshire, will launch a limited edition special release whisky to celebrate Yorkshire Day at its forthcoming Open Weekend on 1st and 2nd August. Filey Bay Yorkshire Day 2026 Special Release is the seventh bottling in a limited run of releases that are launched annually to celebrate the iconic day.
P.ublished 1st August 2026
Sourcing A Smallholding
Allison Lee
Smallholding Correspondent
Land comes in all shapes and sizes.
Sourcing the right smallholding can be a nightmare. Anyone who has ever been house hunting will know that what looks ideal on paper rarely proves so in reality. When you are looking for more than a house, in the form of a smallholding that might be needed to start a business, keep animals, and maybe grow crops, the problems intensify, and the search can sometimes seem impossible.
P.ublished 1st August 2026
5 Portable Crafts Perfect For Summer Crafting
If you want to spend more time crafting this summer, portable crafts are a great way to do just that. Of course, portable crafts work well all year round, but for this particular season where you can be out of routine, not at home, trying to grab opportunities where you can, they can be particularly effective.
P.ublished 1st August 2026
food and drink
Mâcon-Igé Blanc 2022: White Burgundy Without The Price Tag
Mâcon-Igé Blanc François Carillon 2022. White Burgundy has long been the benchmark for Chardonnay. At its best, it combines ripe fruit with bright acidity and the unmistakable mineral character that comes from Burgundy's limestone soils.
P.ublished 1st August 2026
food and drink
Behind Captain Von Trapp's Kitchen Door
Edward Bennett freely admits he gets pleasure from cooking and making meals. “I’d love to do more of it, but unfortunately pressure of work doesn’t allow me the time," says Edward, who is currently playing Captain Von Trapp in Opera North’s production of The Sound of Music. “That’s why I really appreciate staying in an apartment during the run of the show.
P.ublished 25th July 2026
From Cattle Trailer To Countryside Icon: The Flower Belt Celebrates Its 5th Season
The Flower Belt lies between the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (Howardian Hills Natural Landscape) and the North York Moors National Park. It’s just a 40-minute drive from York, a region rich in cultural, historical, and natural attractions, and only a couple of minutes’ drive from Helmsley.
P.ublished 25th July 2026
Weekend Money
Mortgage Holidays Can Offer Valuable Breathing Space, But Understand The True Cost First
Sam Fox
Weekend Money Columnist
Image: Monstera Production on Pexels
Mortgage holidays can offer valuable breathing space, but those taking one need to understand the true cost, a leading mortgage expert has warned. A mortgage holiday can be a genuinely useful tool for the right circumstances, so long as borrowers go in with a clear picture of how the debt, and the interest it accrues, will be repaid afterwards.
P.ublished 25th July 2026
No Occasion Needed: Flying Flowers Guide To Gifting Blooms
Blooms Of The Month July2026 £33.
With endless occasions to celebrate throughout the year, finding the right gift can often feel overwhelming. But showing your appreciation doesn’t have to be complicated, and nothing speaks louder than a fresh, vibrant bunch of flowers as an unexpected gift.
P.ublished 22nd July 2026
Ticked Off: Why Ticks Are Thriving This Summer — and How to Stay Safe
Allison Lee
Smallholding Correspondent
Sheep dogs with the sheep
With the hot weather of recent weeks, we have been inundated with ticks in the paddocks. It hardly seems like a day goes by without us extracting a tick from one of our four dogs after they have been out for most of the day.
P.ublished 18th July 2026
food and drink
Behind the Kitchen Door Luke Baker
Liz Coggins
Features Editor
Luke Barker as Frankie Valli
Luke Baker sees food as more than something to fuel your body with – in fact, it's true to say that Luke loves everything to do with food. The actor, singer and musical theatre star, playing the marathon role of Frankie Valli in the 20th anniversary tour of Jersey Boys, traces his love of “all things food” back to his childhood.
P.ublished 18th July 2026
Tackling PTSD
Many associate PTSD with soldiers returning from war, but trauma can come from many different experiences; I have worked with people affected by accidents, medical trauma, violence, domestic abuse, loss, workplace incidents and repeated exposure to distressing situations.
P.ublished 18th July 2026
food and drink
Five Glasses That Explain Why Port Deserves Far More Than Christmas
There are few more atmospheric wine experiences than descending into the Sandeman cellars on the banks of the Douro in Vila Nova de Gaia. Behind the famous silhouette of the caped Don logo lies a labyrinth of granite tunnels where port has matured for generations, surrounded by bottles dating back well over a century. The first thing you notice is the coolness.
P.ublished 18th July 2026
Health
Supporting A Local Homeless Charity During The Hottest Week Of The Year
Columnist Claire Kenny has been supporting Focus4Hope as its team delivers emergency support across West Yorkshire. I had a thought the other week: We talk at length about dogs in heatwaves – but why aren’t we talking about its impact on humans too?
P.ublished 18th July 2026
Summer Party Drugs - What Every Parent Should Know
Summer party drug use among young people peaks over the warmer months with end of exam celebrations, parties, festivals and increased socialising with peers. So what should parents and young people be aware of? Party drugs are psychoactive substances used in social settings to heighten energy, mood, and sensory perception.
P.ublished 11th July 2026
food and drink
Everyone's an Influencer – Whether They Know It or Not
Woody Barlow
Hospitality Correspondent
Woody Barlow
If you believed social media, you'd think the hospitality industry now revolved around people photographing every meal before taking a bite, carefully angled cocktails and people announcing they're "collaborating" with a café in return for a free brunch. The word ‘influencer’ has become one of the most overused labels of the last decade.
P.ublished 11th July 2026
food and drink
Brits Have Been Eating Strawberries Wrong: Chef Reveals
Image by Th G from Pixabay
As Wimbledon takes centre stage and millions of Brits tuck into the nation's favourite courtside snack, Gousto's Lead Recipe Developer Sophie Nahmad says many people are missing a simple trick that can dramatically elevate the flavour of fresh strawberries.
P.ublished 11th July 2026
Health
Many Neurodivergent Women Hide How They Really Feel During Pregnancy
Kate Mortimer
Birth Trauma Awareness Week rightly encourages important conversations about difficult births and traumatic deliveries, but as both a midwife and a neurodivergent woman, I believe we also need to pay greater attention to what happens long before labour begins.
P.ublished 11th July 2026
Weekend
Lily's, Manchester: Proof That Vegetarian Indian Cooking Needs No Apology, And Neither Does A Shopfront
Andrew Palmer
Group Editor
Lilys
There is a particular kind of restaurant snobbery reserved for buildings. We are trained, whether we admit it or not, to expect that good food arrives behind good glass—that the promise of the meal should be legible in the frontage before a single poppadom has been ordered.
P.ublished 11th July 2026
Steven Nesbitt And Rusty The Bull
Steven Nesbitt is a fourth-generation farmer. His grandfather lived to 96, and his father is 93, so he was confident his healthy lifestyle of exercise and fresh air would see him through to a ripe old age. That was until April 2025, when, to his astonishment, he was diagnosed with heart problems and told he had to change his lifestyle immediately.
P.ublished 11th July 2026
Beautifully Illustrated Greetings Cards With A Range So Extensive There Is The Perfect Card For Everyone
The beautifully illustrated range of cards from Driftwood Designs is so extensive that it is easy to find the perfect card to suit your loved one – a card with an image that evokes memories personal to the two of you.
P.ublished 9th July 2026
Kendal Farmers' Market Food School Serves Up Special Q&a With Local Food Experts
Visitors to Kendal Farmers' Market are invited to discover the stories behind their food when the popular Food School returns on Friday 10th July, featuring a packed programme of guest speakers with an interactive question-and-answer session led by two experienced nutritionists.
P.ublished 7th July 2026
food and drink
An Authentic Taste Of Thailand
Step into the stunningly refurbished independent Thai restaurant Sukhothai, and you’ll be blown away by the ambience, the food and the service.
P.ublished 4th July 2026
How To Keep Crafting When Your Routine Changes In Summer
Sophie Roberts
Crafting Correspondent
All photos Sophie Roberts
Just when you think you’ve settled in to a nice routine, things change again. It might happen with warning or unexpectedly. Summer is one of those times routines change for a lot of people. It can be easy for your crafting hobby to fall by the wayside whether you have children or grandchildren off school, demands shift at work or you’re planning your own holiday, for example.
P.ublished 4th July 2026
Progress On The Wildflower Meadow
Allison Lee
Smallholding Correspondent
Regular readers of my column will know that, with my husband’s help, I sowed wildflower seeds in one of our paddocks towards the end of last year. To be honest, I wasn’t expecting much this year, as sowing seeds in a grassy area can be notoriously difficult. Given that we had decided to sow just two patches in a paddock of almost an acre, I thought I might be asking for too much.
P.ublished 4th July 2026
Health
The Real Cost Of Alcohol This Alcohol Awareness Week (6th-12th July)
Noel McDermot
Mental Health Correspondent
This Alcohol Awareness Week (6th-12th July), Mental Health Expert Noel McDermott looks at how alcohol is costing us more than just money. Alcohol is a drug, and one that creates physical dependency, and drinking too much creates health problems. Everyone knows this, and many people tell themselves they will stop drinking if they experience negative health consequences.
P.ublished 4th July 2026
food and drink
Beyond Port, Discovering The Red Wine That Defines Portugal
Nathan Lane
Wine Correspondent
Porto is often introduced through its namesake fortified wine, but that does the city a disservice. Spend a long weekend here and you quickly realise that food, rather than Port, is the heartbeat of northern Portugal.
P.ublished 4th July 2026
Hoof Care For Goats
There is no fixed schedule for trimming goats’ hooves. Much depends on the ground they are kept on. For example, if they are kept in wet, grassy paddocks, their hooves will require trimming more often than if they are kept on rough, rocky terrain where the hooves can wear down naturally.
P.ublished 27th June 2026
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