3 days agoNews TalkComments Off on This is the coldest photo of Tyrese Haliburton’s game-winner you’ll see
Indiana Pacers sharpshooter Tyrese Haliburton added to his pantheon of playoff heroics on Friday. His game-winning buzzer-beater in Game 1 of the NBA Finals left Oklahoma City Thunder fans stunned and Pacers fans jubilant as they watched from Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The images of the shot are, without a doubt, indelible, but one in […]
3 days agoNews TalkComments Off on Nets land one player on The Ringer’s top 100 after tanking season
With the 2024-25 NBA season nearing its close, a new hierarchy is emerging amongst the league’s players. The Ringer released its updated top 100 players list on Thursday. Only one member of the Brooklyn Nets made the cut, with Cam Johnson coming in at No. 75. “Older NBA prospects—like Cam Johnson, who was 23 years […]
3 days agoNews TalkComments Off on Thunder’s Mark Daigneault ripped to shreds for questionable Game 1 coaching decisions
The Oklahoma City Thunder were not able to close out Game 1 of the NBA Finals and lost 111-110 to the Indiana Pacers. The Thunder were in control for the entire game until the final seconds, when they were not able to execute. Head coach Mark Daigneault made a few decisions toward the end of […]
3 days agoNews TalkComments Off on Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton’s clutch sizzle reel needs to be seen to be believed
Tyrese Haliburton continues to deliver when it matters most, adding another signature moment to his growing collection of clutch performances in the Indiana Pacers’ dramatic 111-110 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. The 25-year-old guard finished with 14 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, and a block on Thursday […]
3 days agoNews TalkComments Off on Major US star slammed as he plays to unimpressed UK arena and fans demand their money back
A MAJOR US star has been slammed by fans who have likened his concert to a ‘child’s talent show’.
The rapper played to an unimpressed UK arena leaving fans demanding their money back.
Tiktok/@laureng2044A major US star has been slammed by fans who likened his concert to a ‘child’s talent show’[/caption]
Global superstar Nelly kicked off the European leg of his Where The Party At tour last month.
He is making his way to through the UK shows this week.
The 50-year-old was joined by other big names such as US singer Eve and rapper Fabolous.
He just performed at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena and at The O2 in London.
Some members of the crowd took to social media to share videos of the concert, branding it ‘awful’ and the ‘worst’ they had ever been to.
“Remind me never to see a concert that’s 2-4-1 on tickets- it was watching a child’s talent show,” one user said.
“Was awful wasn’t it,” replied another.
A third penned: “Is it possible to get a refund ? worst concert I’ve been to”
“I’m a Nelly fan but he was yelling and his hype men drowned him out entirely,” chimed a fourth.
Nelly is still set to play in Manchester and Glasgow before finishing his euro stint in Dublin.
He is a Grammy Award winner and actor best known for Billboard No. 1 hits such as Hot in Herre and Dilemma.
His real name is Cornell Iral Haynes Jr.
The Texas born star spent much of his childhood and adulthood estranged from his father after his parents divorced when he was seven.
He rose to fame in the early 2000s after his debut album Country Grammar sold over 8.4 million copies in the US.
He dominated the hip-hop industry for years and was ranked as the number three Top Artist of the Decade (2000s) Billboard in December 2009.
GettyThe rapper rose to fame in the early 2000s[/caption]
GettyNelly is still set to play in Manchester and Glasgow before finishing his euro stint in Dublin[/caption]
3 days agoNews TalkComments Off on 8 best fake tan for face 2025: tried & tested
PERFECTING a tanning routine is key to maintaining a sunkissed glow all year round.
And that includes, of course, finding the best fake tan for the face.
I’ve put some of the most popular face fake tans to the test
Face tanning isn’t as easy as whipping on a body tan, as the skin on the face is sensitive to breakouts and clogged pores.
There’s a sea of different fake tans for face (think mists, drops, serums), and I’ve tried and tested some of the most popular options on the market.
I’ve used my fair share of face tans over the years, so I can confidently say I have it down when it comes to spotting a good tan that won’t leave me orange or patchy.
The best face fake tans often incorporate skincare ingredients, to provide a golden glow without leaving the face feeling dry.
Most options can be mixed with a moisturiser to help get an even tan with minimal effort, just remember to wash your hands after applying to avoid orange streaks!
Investing in a face fake tan that actually works can leave you looking like you’ve just returned from a week in the sunshine all year, but which ones are worth the money?
How I tested
I’ve been an avid fake tan user for a decade
I’ve been fake tanning almost every week for a decade, so I can consider myself a bit of a connoisseur.
Some of the fake tans included have been my favourites for years, while others have been tested across several weeks.
When testing, I considered basics such as ease of application, value for money, scent and application process.
Tanning mists, serums, waters and foam have been put to the test, and I’ve kept an eye on whether they go patchy, how they blend on the skin and how the colour fades.
I’ve also considered the packaging of the facial tans, like whether the bottle leaked and whether the tan has dropper for controlled application.
Pros: Feels weightless on skin, thin pipette for controlling how much product is used, buildable, moisturising, scentless, affordable
Cons: Need quite a few drops to make a difference
Rating:9/10
Garnier’s tanning drops have been on my radar for some time, after Mrs Hinch revealed that she’s “obsessed” with the affordable beauty buy on Instagram.
After finally taking the plunge, this first thing I was impressed by was the small pipette, which gives great application control.
The drops are clear on the skin, developing across several hours to give a bronzed glow.
The formula is enriched with hyaluronic acid and coconut water for added hydration, so it’s great for people like me who have dry skin.
I use fake tan every week, and I needed quite a few drops to achieve the same level of tan to match my body, so I can imagine I’ll get through the bottle quite quickly.
That being said, I love how weightless the drops feel on the skin, and I’ll be reaching for them on no make-up days during the summer to get a healthy glow.
Pros: Hydrating, long-lasting, easy to use, subtle scent, customisable per droplet amount
Cons: Expensive
Rating:9/10
I bought this on an EasyJet flight home from Croatia, with the fear of losing my summer tan looming over me, and it was one of the best impulse purchases I’ve ever made.
I love the Tan Luxe drops for multiple reasons, from the lack of a strong tanning scent to the even coverage provided by the formula – these drops are easy to use and streak-free.
The recommended number of drops ranges from two to twelve, allowing you to customise your usage while building your tan.
The tan also stays put, no matter what your skincare routine is. I double cleanse with an exfoliator, and it still doesn’t budge.
Just be sure to thoroughly wash your hands afterwards, as it can leave a lingering stain (which is also a testament to the strong pigment of the product!).
Formula:Development time: 6 to 8 hours Size: 30ml Vegan: Yes
Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Water, £18.95
The tanning water can be used on the face and body
Firstly, I love the spray bottle, which can be sprayed directly to the face or applied on the hand and mixed with moisturiser (my preference).
I find I need around four spritzes to get a decent glow, which I apply before bed and wake up with a subtle but sunkissed tan.
The main feature that converted me from Isle of Paradise’s tanning drops to the tanning water is that I find the lighter consistency prevents me from ever going patchy.
It glides on without feeling sticky, and it doesn’t cling to areas like the hairline or eyebrows.
I would be nervous to use the tanning water on my body as there’s no guide colour (you can read my tried-and-tested roundup of the best fake tans for my recommendations), but it’s a trusty favourite for my face.
Pros: Dries quickly, not sticky, buildable, skin-loving ingredients, smells nice, no need to blend in, refreshing
Cons: Needs up to eight hours to develop
Rating:9/10
For me, tanning mists are as much about the added skincare ingredients and the pleasurable experience of spritzing myself to cool down during a heatwave.
And this one from St Moriz is affordable enough that you can spritz it to your heart’s delight.
The tropical coconut scent is pretty addictive and makes you feel as if you’re on holiday somewhere exotic.
Plus, the particles are so fine that you don’t need to blend the product in with a mitt or brush, so you can apply the mist on the go or in a slap-dash manner.
With that being the case, I’ve found myself misting away at any opportunity and in any location — from my office desks to the post office queue.
I tried it in the medium shade and found that, after around six to eight hours, it gave me a subtle golden glow.
And, because it’s packed with coconut oil and coconut water, it’ll quench the thirst of even the driest skin.
Formula: Mist Development time: 6 to 8 hours Size: 150ml Vegan: Yes
Pros: Suitable for face and body, a little goes a long way, three shade options, doesn’t go patchy, good value for money
Cons: Drops formula isn’t ideal for applying to the body
Rating:8/10
Lottie Tomlinson’s brand Tanologist launched its face and body drops back in 2020, and the serum has been a hit ever since.
I mix the tanning drops with my moisturiser every time I fake tan to ensure my face matches my body, and the buildable formula makes it easy to colour match.
As it comes in three shades, I didn’t need to use as many drops at once, meaning the bottle lasts a lot longer than other alternatives.
I always wake up with a really nice glow whenever I use the drops, and they’ve never left me looking orange or patchy.
The drops claim to be for the face and body, but with the small bottle and pipette, I think it would be pretty challenging to get a good tan on the body with this (especially if you’re pale).
Pros: Easy to customise, good for sensitive skin, easy to dispense, natural
Cons: Small packaging, orange hands, if used too much can look orange around eyebrows etc
Rating: 7.5/10
I’d been hoping to try Clarins Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster for Face and was pretty happy with the results.
You can customise the intensity of your tan by adding two to three drops with your own moisturiser – great if you have sensitive skin.
However, I found that when mixing the moisturiser and the tan, you could easily get left with orange stains on your hands.
With no smell and light formula, you really can’t tell it’s in your moisturiser upon application, but the tan after is natural, sun-kissed and even.
The colour develops within a couple of hours, leaving you with a natural glow, and I recommend using it on alternative days to avoid telltale signs and an orange tint.
There were no marks on my white pillows, and it simply faded as with everyday cleansing, making it the perfect way to keep your natural (or fake) tan topped up.
Pros: Perfect for those wanting deep tans, good price, easy to use, two shades to choose from
Cons: Have to be mindful of other skincare ingredients
Rating: 7/10
When it comes to tanning, Bondi Sands is my holy grail, and I’ve raved about Liquid Gold to everyone I know, so of course I had to try the tanning drops.
I used the shade Dark as, despite both Light and Dark shade options being buildable, the darker shade has a higher level of tanning actives than the lighter shade.
If you’re looking for that deep tan to match a rich body tan, then this is definitely for you.
However, you may need to avoid any skincare products containing Vitamins A, B, C, or D, as well as retinols, AHAs, and BHAs (commonly found in exfoliating products), as the exfoliation can lead to an uneven tan.
Also, despite claims on the site that the drops can be used on sensitive and blemish-prone skin, I did find that after using the drops for a while, I experienced small breakouts, which disappeared once I stopped using them.
On the whole, the drops are perfect for those wanting a deep, dark, and long-lasting even tan, and I would recommend them to anyone with non-problematic skin.
Pros: Easy application, generous size, deep colour development while also being natural
Cons: Caused breakouts, quite concentrated spray
Rating:6/10
I applied the Coco&Eve Antioxidant Face Tanning Micromist before bed and let the spray develop overnight.
The spray nozzle was quite concentrated and was definitely more of a squirt than a mist and dried relatively quickly, taking only a few minutes even with a generous amount.
The tan had developed really well overnight: the colour was deep and sunkissed, while also being natural.
It left no streaks, but there was a subtle transfer on my linens.
After using a foam cleanser in the morning, I loved that it developed into a natural glow and worked with makeup.
While I loved the delivery of this tan in terms of ease of use, colour and development, I don’t think the blend agreed with my dry skin as I noticed breakouts.
Like fake tanning for the body, it’s important to prep the face before applying tanning products to ensure the best results.
It’s worth exfoliating the skin 24 hours before application to remove dead skin, as this will help the tan to go on nicely without clinging to dry patches.
The type of face fake tan you’re using will depend on how you moisturise, but in most cases, it’s recommended that you go in with a light moisturiser to hydrate the skin before application.
Most tanning drops can also be mixed with a moisturiser, which helps to evenly distribute the product across the skin.
Fake tan for the face can be applied using a mitt, tanning brush or your hands, but make sure you wash your hands after to remove any residue.
Once the tan is applied, use circular motions outwards to spread across the face, blending carefully around the hairline and eyebrows.
What is the best face fake tan for older skin?
As mature skin can be drier with deeper lines, it’s worth looking for a face fake tan containing hydrating ingredients.
The serum features a Tri-Collagen Booster that works to restore dull skin, while the glycopeptides, Raspberry Seed Oil, Aloe Vera and Vitamin E hydrates for a glowy finish.
Fake tan sprays for the face often include skincare ingredients which helps to hydrate while bronzing the complexion.
The method is also an easy way to apply tan to the skin, but beauty fans should be careful to not miss any spots in order to ensure an even application.
Unlike tanning drops that can leave residue on the hands if not washed off quickly, face mists are efficient for tanning with minimal effort, and can even be used on the go.
How to get fake tan off your face
As the skin on the face is far more sensitive than the body, it’s important to be super gentle when it comes to removing fake tan.
Gentle exfoliation will help to break down the tan, which can be done through a facial scrub, toner or mask.
Over-using an exfoliator can irritate the skin and damage the skin’s barrier (which can take months to repair), so it may not be the best option for sensitive skin types.
Fake tan on the face tends to fade at a faster rate than on the body due to the use of skincare products like cleansers and oils (which is handy if you overdo it on the tanning drops).
Where can I buy fake tan for face?
If you’re looking for a face self-tan, you can find some of the best ones online at beauty shops. It’ll most often be in the tanning or suncare section and you can shop from more niche sites to find specific products. Here are some of our places to buy self-tan.
3 days agoNews TalkComments Off on Emmerdale star confirms fan favourite’s return after months off-screen
A FAN favourite on Emmerdale is making a long-anticipated return.
Dylan Penders, played by Fred Kettle, will be returning toITV screens soon after months off the show.
Not known, clear with picture deskEmmerdale’s Dylan Penders (Fred Kettle) is returning to the soap[/caption]
Not known, clear with picture deskHis character left to go to rehab after overdosing[/caption]
ITVMarlon Dingle was not happy about Dylan’s friendship with April Windsor (Amelia Flanagan)[/caption]
The character was first introduced to Emmerdale viewers earlier this year when he befriended April Windsor (Amelia Flanagan), during her stint being unhoused and living on the streets.
Despite caring for April and becoming good friends, her dad Marlon Dingle, was not a fan on Dylan and resorted to planting drugs on Dylan in a desperate bid to force him out of April’s life.
But his plan backfired dramatically when Dylan ended up overdosing and left to attend rehab.
Emmerdale producers revealed earlier this month that Dylan would be returning to the village, but Amelia, who plays April on the soap gave a hint when exactly fans can expect to see him again.
“April has had an incredibly tough year with what she has been through, with the pregnancy and the homelessness storyline,” she told Mirror Online.
“April and Dylan didn’t leave things on the best terms, but I think what is important now is that he’s back.”
Amelia added: “Who knows what will happen. It will be great to explore that relationship further, I think fans want to see that which is great.”
It’s been a big week for Amelia who took out the gong for Best Young Performer at Thursday’s British Soap Awards.
She managed to win the prize ahead of her brother William Flanagan, who was nominated for playing Joseph Brown on Coronation Street.
Emmerdale boss Laura Shaw confirmed Dylan’s return earlier this month.
“Lovely Fred Kettle, who plays Dylan, is coming back to the show,” she told media.
“He’s going to be bringing his past back to the village with him. And that’s going to cause huge problems for April and the wider family there.”
Laura added: “We’ve got a couple of exciting new castings that are joining us for that story, but I’m not allowed to tell you who they are. Watch this space, because it’s very exciting.”
GettyAmelia Flanagan confirmed the news at the British Soap awards[/caption]
Shutterstock EditorialShe won best young performer at the awards[/caption]
It means most people will still have to pay for it privately – which can cost hundreds of pounds a month.
“The drugs are expensive but weight loss is strongly desired, so as a commodity, these drugs are hotly sought-after,” said Professor Naveed Sattar, a cardiologist and obesity expert at the University of Glasgow, said.
“It’s no surprise people are going to such extraordinary lengths,” she told the inews.
Medics say the DIY hack is dangerous and could lead to infection, overdose or death.
“People are reading these tips on online forums and being tempted to use them to save money,” said Professor Penny Ward, a pharmaceutical expert at King’s College London.
“But they’re risking serious side effects from overdosing by doing this – as well as the potential to develop a life-threatening infection.
“The potential to develop a life-threatening infection. It’s not a good idea at all,” she told MailOnline.
Talk of the so-called ‘golden dose’ is also spreading on Reddit weight-loss forums.
In one thread with more than 50 comments, a user wrote: “After four pumps of your uk injection pen they tell you to throw it away.
“But there is an extra dose or thereabouts in the pen you can self inject with an insulin needle.”
Another replied saying: “Known much more on here as the fifth dose.”
AlamyThere’s also the danger of taking too much Mounjaro, experts warn[/caption]
Slimmers have also taken to TikTok to rave about the ‘discovery’.
In one video, a nurse demonstrates how to use a needle to extract leftover medicine from the pen.
She wrote: “I do not condone or encourage anybody to take their golden dose this is just what I am doing.”
Huge risks
Professor Penny warned that this practice can be dangerous for “several” reasons.
“These injections contain a slight overfill to ensure the full recommended dose is delivered each time,” she said.
“But by drawing this out with a separate syringe and using it as a so-called fifth dose, you’re exposing yourself to serious risk of infection.”
Once the pen has been used, it’s no longer sterile, meaning any leftover liquid could be contaminated with harmful bacteria.
Injecting it could lead to abscesses or, in extreme cases, life-threatening sepsis.
The bigger the dose, the bigger the risk of pancreatitis
Professor Penny WardKing's College London
There’s also the danger of taking too much.
“If you’re using your own syringe, it’s difficult to measure the correct amount – you may end up taking more than intended,” she warned.
Overdosing on the jab can trigger nasty side effects like vomiting and diarrhoea, or in rare cases, pancreatitis – a serious and painful condition that may need hospital treatment.
Around one in five cases result in serious complications, with up to 30 per cent proving fatal.
The risk rises sharply with higher doses, as the drug can trigger digestive enzymes that begin attacking the pancreas itself.
Symptoms include sudden, severe tummy pain, often spreading to the back, along with fever, nausea and a racing heartbeat.
“The bigger the dose, the bigger the risk of pancreatitis,” Professor Ward warned.
Everything you need to know about fat jabs
Weight loss jabs are all the rage as studies and patient stories reveal they help people shed flab at almost unbelievable rates, as well as appearing to reduce the risk of serious diseases.
Wegovy – a modified version of type 2 diabetes drug Ozempic – and Mounjaro are the leading weight loss injections used in the UK.
Wegovy, real name semaglutide, has been used on the NHS for years while Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a newer and more powerful addition to the market.
Mounjaro accounts for most private prescriptions for weight loss and is set to join Wegovy as an NHS staple this year.
How do they work?
The jabs work by suppressing your appetite, making you eat less so your body burns fat for energy instead and you lose weight.
They do this my mimicking a hormone called GLP-1, which signals to the brain when the stomach is full, so the drugs are officially called GLP-1 receptor agonists.
They slow down digestion and increase insulin production, lowering blood sugar, which is why they were first developed to treat type 2 diabetes in which patients’ sugar levels are too high.
Can I get them?
NHS prescriptions of weight loss drugs, mainly Wegovy and an older version called Saxenda (chemical name liraglutide), are controlled through specialist weight loss clinics.
Typically a patient will have to have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, classifying them as medically obese, and also have a weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure.
GPs generally do not prescribe the drugs for weight loss.
Private prescribers offer the jabs, most commonly Mounjaro, to anyone who is obese (BMI of 30+) or overweight (BMI 25-30) with a weight-related health risk.
Private pharmacies have been rapped for handing them out too easily and video calls or face-to-face appointments are now mandatory to check a patient is being truthful about their size and health.
Are there any risks?
Yes – side effects are common but most are relatively mild.
Around half of people taking the drug experience gut issues, including sickness, bloating, acid reflux, constipation and diarrhoea.
Dr Sarah Jarvis, GP and clinical consultant at patient.info, said: “One of the more uncommon side effects is severe acute pancreatitis, which is extremely painful and happens to one in 500 people.”
Other uncommon side effects include altered taste, kidney problems, allergic reactions, gallbladder problems and hypoglycemia.
Evidence has so far been inconclusive about whether the injections are damaging to patients’ mental health.
Figures obtained by The Sun show that, up to January 2025, 85 patient deaths in the UK were suspected to be linked to the medicines.
This makes people feel fuller for longer and therefore less hungry.
It appears to be to be more potent than Wegovy – another popular weight loss jab – causing about 20 per cent weight loss after a year’s use, compared with Wegovy’s 15 per cent.
Mounjaro‘s active ingredient is tirzepatide, a lab-made compound that mimics two gut hormones – GLP-1 and GIP – which help control blood sugar and appetite.
This is why it was initially approved to treat diabetes type 2, which happens when people can’t control their blood sugar.
But in December 2024, it was also cleared for use on the NHS for weight loss in people with a BMI of over 30, or over 27 plus one weight-related condition.
‘Excess solution’ should be ‘discarded’
If you notice there is a considerable amount of medication left in your pen after the last dose, Professor Penny added, it may mean that you’re not using the injection properly.
“Speak to your pharmacist about your technique, or check that you definitely have the right size syringe, as this can impact the amount of medication left over,” she said.
A spokesperson for Lilly – the drug’s manufacturer – said users should not do this, as the remaining liquid may not be a full dose.
“It is important to note that there will be a residual amount of medicine left after the fourth dose,” they said.
“This does not correspond to a full dose.”
“Any excess solution in the pen after use should be discarded.”
Dr Alison Cave, chief safety officer of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, added: “Medicines are approved according to strict dosage guidelines.
“Failure to adhere with these guidelines, such as tampering with pre-dosed injection pens, could harm your health or cause personal injury.
“People should follow the dosing directions provided by their healthcare provider when prescribed weight-loss medicines and use as directed in the patient information leaflet.”
What are the other side effects of weight loss jabs?
Like any medication, weight loss jabs can have side effects.
Common side effects of injections such as Ozempic include:
Nausea: This is the most commonly reported side effect, especially when first starting the medication. It often decreases over time as your body adjusts.
Vomiting: Can occur, often in conjunction with nausea.
Diarrhea: Some people experience gastrointestinal upset.
Constipation: Some individuals may also experience constipation.
Stomach pain or discomfort: Some people may experience abdominal pain or discomfort.
Reduced appetite: This is often a desired effect for people using Ozempic for weight loss.
Indigestion: Can cause a feeling of bloating or discomfort after eating.
Serious side effects can also include:
Pancreatitis: In rare cases, Ozempic may increase the risk of inflammation of the pancreas, known as pancreatitis, which can cause severe stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting.
Kidney problems: There have been reports of kidney issues, including kidney failure, though this is uncommon.
Thyroid tumors: There’s a potential increased risk of thyroid cancer, although this risk is based on animal studies. It is not confirmed in humans, but people with a history of thyroid cancer should avoid Ozempic.
Vision problems: Rapid changes in blood sugar levels may affect vision, and some people have reported blurry vision when taking Ozempic.
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): Especially if used with other medications like sulfonylureas or insulin.
3 days agoNews TalkComments Off on Major bar chain to shut ALL 250 venues across the UK for 24 hours next week in unusual business move
A CHAIN of popular cafe bars will close for 24-hours next week.
The closure will affect more than 250 branches countrywide on Monday June 9.
instagramThere are over 250 Lounge bars across England and Wales[/caption]
instagramThe chain will close countrywide on Monday June 9[/caption]
Loungers opened their first store in 2002 in Bristol and have since expanded across the country.
They are known for their wide range of food, cocktails and coffees, as well as each lounge having its own unique decor – with some customers not realising it’s even a chain.
The closure is so that it’s staff can enjoy a grand celebration, which they call LoungeFest.
Beginning in 2013, the event celebrates the company’s 9,000 staff.
“All of our Lounges will be closed on Monday, 9th June, as we will be heading to our annual staff party – Loungefest!
“We do this every year to celebrate everybody’s hard work.
“Regular Lounging will resume on Tuesday, 10th June.”
Photos of the event show an exciting mix of music, fairground rides, and a healthy dose of partying.
Guy Youll, Loungers’ Chief People Officer told Wales Online: “Back in 2013, Loungers was one of the first in the hospitality industry to host a party like this and I’m delighted we’ve kept close to our roots by continuing every year getting bigger and better.
“Our teams work incredibly hard all year round so LoungeFest is our way of celebrating them and showing how much we appreciate the dedication and care they put in every day at all our sites to deliver great hospitality. It’s going to be quite a party!”
Facebook commenters were pleased to see the company showing appreciation for their staff.
One wrote: “Well done for treating your staff I hope the staff and you have a brilliant time.”
While another commented: “Oh that’s a lovely thing to do for all the hard working staff.”
This year’s LoungeFest will take place at Ragley Hall in Warwickshire.
Its theme is ‘at the movies’ as the event will be equipped with funfair attractions, DJ sessions, music stages featuring live bands and performances by Loungers’ employees – as well as games, activities and complimentary food and drink.
instagramEach cafe-bar has a unique interior[/caption]
instagramThey serve a wide range of food, cocktails and coffees[/caption]
Loungers was founded in 2002 by a group of three friends on North Street in Bristol.
They also run the popular Cosy Club chain of restaurants, as well as the roadside eatery Brightside.
As of March 2025, the company operates 291 sites in England and Wales across the three brands.
Its 250th Lounge – Pionero Lounge – opened in Rochdale in January 2024.
With plans to expand with 10 more restaurants, loyal customers have been begging the company to come to their town.
The company won the employer of the year award at the Casual Dining Awards 2025.
3 days agoNews TalkComments Off on BBC presenter and GAA star share heartbreak of miscarriages and failed IVF in powerful podcast discussion
BBC sports presenter Thomas Niblock has opened up about the heartbreak he and his wife Kirstie have experienced through multiple pregnancy losses.
The popular broadcaster revealed the couple have suffered three miscarriages.
Johnny Glynn of New York revealed his personal heartache in a recent discusiionx - @thomasniblockOisin McConville, Johnny Glynn and Thomas Niblock opened up on the GAA social podcast[/caption]
He shared their emotional journey during an episode of the GAA Social Podcast alongside co-host Oisin McConville and guest Johnny Glynn.
The conversation spurred former Galway hurling star Glynn to reveal that he also shared his own fertility struggles.
Gynn, who is based in New York, revealed that his wife Serena has endured failed IVF rounds and miscarriage heartbreak of their own.
Glynn initially retired from inter-county hurling in 2020 after he had had enough of commuting from New York to play for the Galway senior hurlers.
He briefly returned for Galway 2024 under Henry Shefflin, before returning to represent New York.
The player also represented New York in the Connacht football championship in their first-ever championship win against Leitrim in 2023.
The 31-year-old captained New York to Lory Meagher Cup success at Croke Park, but just days earlier the couple had received devastating news that their latest IVF attempt had not worked.
Former Armagh star Oisin McConville described the episode as a privilege to be part of as both men spoke candidly about loss and grief.
Before Glynn shared his experiences, Niblock opened up about nearly losing his wife during a pregnancy complication.
He stated: “It is not an exaggeration – my family and friends would know this – we were very close to losing Kirstie.
“That shapes you. When you go through something like that, your priorities change. You still want to have children, of course, but when you come that close to losing the person you love, that becomes everything.”
He explained that while IVF might be a future option for them, they’re still on the path of trying to figure things out with wife Kristie.
He revealed: “She’s a strong person with a good head on her shoulders,” Niblock said. “But it’s still heavy. I’d feel like a hypocrite not putting myself out there, even if it’s a bit weird to talk about.”
Glynn’s experience echoed those sentiments.
“We’ve had miscarriages. We’ve had an ectopic pregnancy. We’ve done multiple rounds of IVF.
“We’ve just finished our fifth round of IVF transfers and they’ve all failed so far. Honestly, I don’t know how we’ll get there – but I know we will.
“If one day we have healthy kids, I’ll take all these tough years. We’ll be fine because we’ve got each other.”
He added that further heartbreak was watching his wife in pain.
Glynn adeed: “It’s the one thing I can’t fix. And that’s a f*****g killer.”
The pair also reflected on moments where people casually asked them when they were having children.
Niblock recalled that he fronts up about the past heartbreaks.
He added: “To be honest, we’ve had three miscarriages.”
“Their face just drops. But I think that’s important.”
“When you’re in the middle of it, and you don’t have kids – you’re in a very different place. And the truth is, we don’t talk about this enough. It’s not normalised. And I include myself in that.”
He ended with an emotional message as he revealed some different paths that he and his wife may take.
“We’re still clinging on to hope – and hope is a powerful thing. If that was gone, we’d start looking at other paths, maybe adoption or fostering, or accepting life without children.
“But whatever happens, me and Kirstie will have a brilliant life. As long as she’s there – that’s what matters.”