Latest news with #ArtDeco-style
Metro
3 days ago
- Business
- Metro
‘Elite' US fast food chain to open new sites across the UK
When Dave's Hot Chicken opened its doors in London for the first time in December 2024, a massive queue stretched along Shaftesbury Avenue. The US fast food chain, which was born in Los Angeles, was an instant hit and even six months later, fans are so desperate to get a taste, they continue to wait up to an hour to order. If you haven't managed to try it yet, you might not have to travel to London to do so, as the fried chicken business is expanding across the UK. Dave's Hot Chicken (DHC) has confirmed two new major sites will be opening soon in Birmingham and Manchester – with the first to open in a matter of weeks. Those in Birmingham will be able to try the chain's Nashville Hot Chicken from July when a restaurant opens at 56 New Street. The new location is inside an iconic Art Deco-style building with a space-themed interior complete with UFO installations, holograms, and graffiti art inspired by renowned L.A. based street artists Splatterhaus and Dehmq. And following hot on the heels of this, on August 8, Dave's Hot Chicken will open its doors in Macnhester's Printworks. This site will take its cue from Manchester's warehouse rave scene and feature an industrial interior design, with towering ceilings, exposed steelwork and laser lights. Speaking about the expansion plans, Jim Attwood, managing director of Dave's Hot Chicken UK, told Metro: 'Birmingham and Manchester are on the up, with food scenes to rival London's. Opening up our next two locations here kicks off our national expansion, and we can't wait to welcome our first fans through the doors. 'Kicking off in July, Birmingham is our first major moment – the first UK site outside London, whilst our new spot in Printworks Manchester is right in the heart of one of the UK's most exciting cities. 'We're taking Dave's Hot Chicken nationwide. Watch this space.' Metro's Courtney Pochin, gave the chicken chain a try and it was love at first bite. She said: 'I've only had food from DHC the once, but it easily blows KFC out of the water and that meal was all it took for it to shoot right up there to join Popeyes in the top tier of my fast food rankings. 'The chicken is nice and juicy and the Medium spice level is perfect for those who want food that's full of flavour with a kick of heat. They're big on pickles, which I love, but the best part was hands down the loaded Cinnamon Toast Crunch Shake – that's a drink that dreams are made of.' DHC brought a number of US favourites over to the UK, with prices starting from £8. Interestingly, there are just two main chicken items on the menu — tenders and sliders (sandwiches) — which are made using halal certified British chicken. However, they also recently launched chicken bites in London. To pair with your chicken, there are a range of sides available including fries, pickles, and slaw, and you can also order combinations of these to make for a bigger meal, with four combo options to choose form. Customers can also personalise their order by selecting a spice level for the dish, with seven different levels to choose from: No Spice, Lite Mild, Mild, Medium, Hot, Extra Hot and The Reaper. The latter is so hot that anyone who dares to try it has to sign a waiver before they're allowed to tuck into their food. Alongside this, there are soft drinks such as Coca-Cola, Fanta, and Sprite, and those feeling the heat can cool off with an indulgent top-loaded shake for £4.49. Flavours include chocolate, vanilla or strawberry and these can be topped with Oreo or M&Ms. Dave's Hot Chicken was founded in East Hollywood back in 2017, when four friends who loved chicken tenders scraped together enough money ($900) to buy a fryer and launch a pop-up business in a car park. More Trending They began serving Nashville-style hot chicken and soon people were flocking to get a taste, with Drake, Samuel L. Jackson, and Usher all being counted amongst the brand's biggest fans, and investing in the company. The business was recently named America's Fastest growing Restaurant chain, as it now has 200 restaurants across America. The chain signed an agreement with Azzurri Group in the UK to open 60 sites across the country, so we can expect to see much more from them. View More » And if you're still wondering how it tastes, fans on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram have praised the food as 'unreal', 'amazing', 'elite' and a '10/10'. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: Brain dead woman Adriana Smith gives birth after being kept alive due to law MORE: Man found 'tortured' to death in home was bound by ankles, court hears MORE: McDonald's just launched its 'most McDonald's burger ever' in the UK Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.
Edinburgh Live
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
Antiques Roadshow guest gobsmacked as five-figure value of family heirloom unveiled
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A guest on Antiques Roadshow was visibly moved after learning the surprising auction value of her family heirloom brooch during a repeat episode from series 45, broadcast on Sunday 8th June. The programme transported viewers to Brodie Castle, where numerous guests had their prized possessions evaluated by the show's experts. In a particularly touching moment towards the end of the show, one woman was astonished when Susan Rumfitt, an expert from Antiques Roadshow, revealed the potential auction price of her treasured brooch. Susan praised the Art Deco-style brooch during her conversation with the owner, playfully remarking, "I hope you wear it every day." The owner replied in jest: "I do," but then clarified that she actually wears it for evening occasions, reports the Express. (Image: BBC) When asked if the brooch was part of a larger collection, the owner admitted to having additional pieces, but highlighted the diamond brooch as the standout item. Susan delved into the brooch's past, prompting the owner to recount its lineage from her grandmother, who, despite being a farmer's wife, dressed extravagantly for social events, hence the opulent brooch. Susan disclosed that the brooch dates back to the 1930s. She elaborated on the design philosophy, noting: "The style of jewellery was very similar to the '20s in regards to being bold and impressive as we're seeing here." Susan noted, "But we've moved away from colour and also concentrating on diamonds as well, which is quite extraordinary considering that in 1929 we had the Wall Street Crash and The Depression." (Image: BBC) She added, "Suddenly we're now concentrating on diamonds which does seem rather strange." The expert informed the guest that the diamonds were of modern brilliant cut, a characteristic uncommon in pre-1930s jewellery, when diamonds tended to be cushion-shaped and less refined. Susan explained that by the 1930s, advancements in diamond cutting led to more precise, symmetrical designs. While examining the piece, the expert highlighted its uniqueness, pointing out that most bow brooches typically come apart, but this one surprisingly did not. Intrigued, Susan asked the owner about her estimate of the diamond's carat weight, to which the woman guessed three carats. As Susan pulled a surprised expression, the guest hesitated: "Shall I reduce that slightly?" The expert's unexpected response followed: "How about 14? Obviously, that's going to help with the value, isn't it?" (Image: BBC) The owner was astonished, laughing and optimistically commenting on the potential boost to the brooch's worth. Susan concluded, "It's stunning. It makes us smile. In an auction, I'd expect this to fetch an excess of £20,000." Overwhelmed by the high valuation, the lady exclaimed: "Oh my goodness! That's taken my breath away that one, brings tears to my eyes!" Despite discovering its staggering value, she affirmed her decision to continue wearing the brooch. The crowd erupted into cheers as the woman admitted that learning about the real value of her grandmother's brooch was quite a surprise. Antiques Roadshow is currently available for streaming on BBC iPlayer.
Metro
04-06-2025
- Business
- Metro
Former BBC studios where EastEnders was filmed riddled with asbestos
A crumbling production complex where EastEnders and other iconic BBC TV shows have been filmed has been found to be riddled with asbestos. A pre-demolition survey of BBC Elstree Centre — sold to investment giant AXA IM Alts — shows that the substance is present across the buildings. Asbestos material was found in studios, a restaurant, the Central Technical Area, Hart House, the historic Fairbanks, a maintenance building and Neptune House, where Holby City was filmed. The new owners commissioned the survey as they turn the world-famous site in Borehamwood, north west London, into a film-making complex meeting modern standards. At the Art Deco-style studios where EastEnders, Children in Need and the BBC's General Election coverage have been filmed, the material was found in more than 150 different places. One sample was taken from insulation within a wall void and given a high priority classification. The inspectors found that the material was likely to be 'easily disturbed' and flagged it as 'remove.' Another sample taken from a restaurant block was classed as 'high priority'. However the material, used for thermal insulation, was judged 'usually inaccessible or unlikely to be disturbed.' Another sample was taken from stairs on the ground floor of studios M and C, according to the document released this week. The presence of the material was judged 'low risk' but Asbestos Consultants Europe Ltd recommended it be removed. AXA IM Alts said in January 2024 that it had exchanged contracts with the BBC for the 16-acre campus, with the deal due to be completed early this year. EastEnders will remain in an already modernised part of the site under a deal between the old and new owners to lease back part of the studio campus over the next 25 years. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video The investment company has said in a planning application that 'the existing premises are no longer fit for purpose' and the redevelopment 'will boost the Elstree film industry.' The buyers, who are working with Oxygen Studios on the plans, intend to create a major new film and TV production complex with modern day requirements able to attract large-scale productions. The new development has been named Fairbanks Studios in tribute to actor Douglas Fairbanks, who leased studios on the site in 1952. The report was carried out to protect workers and others from 'asbestos containing materials' which might be unknowingly disturbed during demolition work. A spokesperson for AXA IM Alts said: 'We are fully aware of the presence of asbestos on the site which is common in old buildings and those that have been added to during their lifespan. More Trending 'These buildings are not currently in use and have not been occupied since we acquired them. 'Our development plans to transform the site into a fit for purpose, modern media campus already account for the safe removal of any asbestos using experts in this field and according to current regulations.' The BBC forwarded a request for comment from Metro to AXA IM Alts. Do you have a story you would like to share? Contact MORE: Elstree & Borehamwood: Tinseltown's less glamorous movie twin put EastEnders, Star Wars and Indiana Jones on the map MORE: BBC show branded 'completely unwatchable' triggers complaint from epilepsy group MORE: BBC releases Match of the Day 'porn noises' report it tried to keep secret
Time Out
26-05-2025
- Time Out
I spent 48 hours in this riverside Sydney suburb and never expected to feel this way
It's funny how you can live somewhere your whole life and still overlook whole chapters of its story. For me, Parramatta was one of those skipped pages – a place I'd passed through, not somewhere I'd lingered. A bit too far for a casual dinner, a bit too close to feel like a getaway. But when my friend and I were after an easy mini escape, we took a chance on this riverside city in Sydney's west. What we found wasn't only great food, a buzzing high street, top bars, culture, history, nature (who knew?), but also a whole new perspective on our own city. We check into the Parkroyal Parramatta because it's in the middle of the action, and the rooms have just had makeovers. From our room we can see the whole town: a mix of new and heritage buildings, Western Sydney Stadium, a glimpse of the river, and Church Street, which is lined with restaurants and serviced by the brand-new light rail. We start our first evening at the Club Lounge for some complimentary bubbles and canapés, and then dinner in the hotel restaurant, Table 30. Then we hit up one of Sydney's best bars, Nick & Nora's – a glamorous, Art Deco-style cocktail and Champagne bar 26 storeys in the air. From up here, the city sparkles. Next morning after brekkie (omelettes on demand, hashbrowns, waffles!), we take the Australian Heritage Walk along the river. The track is dotted with signs that trace the history of the Burramattagal people of the Dharug Nation – their deep connection to this waterway, the devastating impact of colonisation, and the river's enduring role in shaping Parramatta's story. What I find most surprising about the walk is that we're just a few minutes away from a buzzing metropolis, yet it feels bushy and wildlife-packed, with loads of birds, and we see some for-real Parramatta eels. (I learn that the name 'Parramatta' comes from the Aboriginal word 'Burramatta', meaning 'place of eels'.) We head to Parramatta Park, towards our lunch spot, and it gets even bushier. Then we see it – Misc is an arch-roofed restaurant perched on the water's edge, surrounded by grass and bushland. It's way more beautiful than the photos I've seen, and I realise we're in for a very special time. There are bottles of Veuve in a bucket of ice at reception, and we're taken to our river-view outdoor table – covered by a mint-green and white umbrella. We order a bottle of bubbly and settle in, watching birds flit around the trees. To start we order some blue swimmer crab rillettes on fried sourdough, then continue with the cheesiest baked rigatoni with spiced prosciutto bolognese (yum!), and fish with a moreish sauce made from burnt butter, capers and toasted almonds (so yum!). We have the most magical afternoon – this restaurant, alone, is worth coming to Parramatta for (they serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, depending on the day). Setting off back to the hotel, we stop to explore the World Heritage Listed Old Government House, Australia's oldest public building. Built from 1799 by convicts, on the foundations of Governor Phillip's original 1790 thatched cottage, this joint served as one of the residences of Australia's first ten governors. As we explore the building – full of original colonial furniture, homewares and clothing – I feel icky. It's an extremely 'old English' home propped up on a grassy hill overlooking the river that was once the lifeblood of the traditional owners. If this feels out of place now, I imagine how out of place it would have felt back when this was all bushland declared 'terra nullius'. It's good to see things that confront you, I tell myself – that's why museums are here, to remind us of our past, and of the future we hope for. In the evening, we head to the Riverside Theatres – the Sydney Comedy Festival is on, so we thought we'd get around it. We buy a couple of drinks and snacks, and head into the 'Festival Gardens' – a fairy-lit bar area. TBH, we weren't sure about the idea of the show we're going to see: Malaysian Comedy Allstars. But, several seconds into the show – which features an Indian comedian, followed by Malaysian, followed by Chinese (all from Malaysia) – we're already cacking. A multicultural comedy show that playfully riffs on our differences and quirks seems an apt prelude to a stroll back up Church Street, which is pumping. Couples, families and groups of friends spill onto the footpaths, gathered around outdoor tables, feasting on everything from Italian to Indonesian, Nepalese, Filipino, Greek, Japanese, Spanish, Thai and more. We duck into a cool little Lebanese street food eatery called Sambousek to pick up some Lebanese pizzas for a steal ($8 for a big zaatar and cheese manoush, and $11 for a chicken, garlic sauce and cheese). Back out on the pavement, I take a moment to look around – at people with backgrounds from all over the world, all having fun in this eclectic stretch of city – and although I was confronted by the weight of history earlier at Old Government House, being here makes me feel grateful, and all the more hopeful for our future. After checking out of the hotel the next morning, we stop at the delightful Lucien Baked Goods – by the same crew as our , Circa Espresso – for coffee and a very good almond croissant. Fuel for the bike ride we're about to take. We hire our wheels from Bike Hire @ Sydney Olympic Park, then (think) we set off towards the Parramatta River Cycleway. We probably don't head in the right direction (hot tip: map out where you're keen to ride, then ask the people at the hire co. to point you in the right direction before you set off). Regardless, we end up on some beautiful foresty paths and riding by some pretty mangroves. Again, I didn't realise just how much wilderness there is right on the doorstep of this concrete jungle. After a cycle – in the words of Aussie band The Chats – all I want and all I need, all I crave is a good pub feed. I've heard good things about the revamped Guildford Hotel, so we head there for fish and chips and a steak, and it delivers. Great food, excellent prices, in a welcoming dining room with a stylish glow-up. As we roll back towards Marrickville, full of food and fresh air, I think about how much Parramatta surprised me – not just because we had fun, but because of what the place reveals about Sydney as a whole. Parramatta played such a significant role in Sydney's history – it was the second European settlement after Sydney Cove. Now, it's where the future of Sydney is being built, and a place where people from all over the world are shaping our city's story. Parramatta may be just down the road, but spending a couple of days here felt like travelling somewhere far richer than I expected – not just a getaway, but a glimpse into the layered, complicated and hopeful heart of modern Sydney. And that's a trip I'd take again.
France 24
25-05-2025
- Sport
- France 24
Union Saint-Gilloise end 90-year Belgian title drought
They finished three points clear of defending champions Club Brugge, held to a 1-1 draw by visiting Antwerp, at the close of the the playoff between the six best teams from the regular season. USG qualify directly for the group stage of next season's Champions League when they will have to stage matches away from the Joseph Marien Stadium, their home since 1919. The 9,000-seat stadium's Art Deco-style facade may have earned it a place on the Brussels heritage list, but the ground perched on the wooded hills of Forest, one of the 19 municipalities of the Belgian capital, does not meet UEFA standards. "I know many who wondered if they would ever win a title again and who have since died. It's them I'm thinking of," said the 76-year-old former club president and former mayor of Saint-Gilles, Charles Picque. The club, founded in 1897, won the Belgian league 11 times between 1904 and 1935 but experienced a long period of decline, dropping to the fourth division in the late 1970s, and struggling to survive financially. One fan, Patrick, 57, on Sunday described the period as "the descent into hell." USG was bought in 2018 by Tony Bloom, who is also chairman of Premier League Brighton and fellow Englishman Alex Muzio, who has since become majority shareholder and chairman. The club returned to the top flight in 2021 after a 48-year absence. The "Old Lady" narrowly missed the title in each of the last three seasons. In 2023 they led the table until the 89th minute of the final matchday. They conceded three late goals to Club Brugge while Toby Alderweireld scored an injury-time equaliser to lift Antwerp to the title. Last season, they won the Belgian Cup for the first time since 1914 and reached the quarter-finals of the Europa League, where they were eliminated by Bayer Leverkusen, the eventual finalists, but they blew an eight-point lead in the league and finished second by one point. Sebastien Pocognoli, a 37-year-old Belgian who played a season on loan at Bloom's Brighton in 2016-17, took over as coach. "For me, Union represents the true spirit of football, just like in England. Win or lose, we support the club!" said Paty, a British expat who became a supporter "charmed by the friendly atmosphere."
