Latest news with #CourtneyPochin
Metro
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Lidl just dropped ‘spectacular' new bakery item — and it only costs 79p
Lidl's in-store bakery boasts more than 40 items, with everything from brownies to boules and Belgian buns. But eagle-eyed shoppers have noticed a brand new item was just added to the line-up and it stands out from the rest thanks to its colourful toppings. The budget retailer has launched a Birthday Cake Bun in the bakery, priced at 79p and it features a pale pink icing and rainbow sprinkles. From the outside, it looks like a rather standard iced bun, but inside it's hiding a fabulous fruity pink swirl. Online reactions to the new supermarket product have been mixed so far, after @newfoodsuk shared a snap of the bun on Facebook and Instagram. Some thought it looked 'yum' and 'nice' while others claimed they'd tried it and it was 'too dry for them'. So Metro decided to put the Birthday Cake Bun to the test and find out if it's worth buying, and it certainly went down a treat. James Besanvalle, Metro's assistant opinion editor, rated it a 4.5 out of 5, hailing it as 'fantastic'. He said: 'Lidl's new Birthday Cake Bun combines all the best elements of a doughnut (pink icing and sprinkles) with a scroll-like bun (jam-filled and soft in the middle). Sure, it's sweet – but who really wants a birthday cake that's not? Supremely satisfying.' And Metro's specialist food writer, Courtney Pochin, also gave one a try. While James ate his on the day of purchase, Courtney took hers home to see how it would fare the next day and she was pretty impressed by how it held up. 'As someone who eats cake and pastries for a living, I've never been the biggest fan of supermarket baked goods. They just can't compete with homemade treats from independent bakeries,' she said. 'However, the Birthday Cake Bun was a pleasant surprise.' She continued: 'After a day sat on my desk and a night in the cupboard, I didn't have high hopes for the bun, which looked rather sad and dry when I plated it up. But I'm pleased to report that somehow it had managed to stay soft instead of going stale (not going to think too much about why this might be right now). 'It's a fun twist on a classic and I have to admit I probably enjoyed it more than most people will as I realised I haven't actually had an iced bun in years. 'There's something so spectacularly nostalgic about the taste of one and it went down very nicely with a cup of tea. 'My only real gripe is that Lidl has scrimped on the hundreds and thousands on top and they're not spread out evenly. In my book, there's no such thing as too many sprinkles. 'It loses a point for poor sprinkle form, so it's a 4 out of 5 from me' Lidl isn't the only supermarket with new baked goods on its shelves, as Tesco recently wowed shoppers with its brand new chocolate cake. The retailer has teamed up with Studio Bakery, a family-run bakery business from Lancashire, to start selling the brand's giant slices of cake inspired by a nostalgic favourite – you know, that one you always wanted to reach through the screen and smash your face into in Matilda. The aptly named Matilda Cake, is a beast of a chocolate cake slice that claims to serve 10 and sees 12 layers of chocolate sponge and 12 layers of ganache stacked one on top of the other. More Trending Priced at £16 for the slice, (which is meant to serve 10 people) the product can be found in Tesco's bigger stores, but not the Express ones. On social media, shoppers have hailed it the 'best chocolate cake they've ever had', with Frankie French posting in the Food Finds UK Official group to say: 'Best chocolate cake I've ever tried, this Studio Bakery Big Matilda Cake. Can't wait to be able to buy it in Tesco.' But Metro's Courtney Pochin thinks there's a better chocolate cake out there and that's Bertha. View More » She claimed the Matilda Cake came a 'close second' to the one sold by Leeds-based bakery, Get Baked, but the overall quality just wasn't on par. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: Urgent recall of Lidl's Harvest Basket hash browns over fears they contain metal MORE: Shoppers say supermarket has 'lost its mind' over £80 Father's Day gift MORE: I tried the world's best champagne — and it's only £15 Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.
Metro
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
I tried the world's best champagne — and it's only £15
When you hear the words 'world's best champagne', you might picture Dom Perignon, which sells for hundreds of pounds a bottle. But it turns out the best in the world doesn't actually come with a hefty price tag and you can get your hands on it for less than £15. The winners of the World Drinks Awards 2025 have been revealed and in the champagne category, it was Veuve Monsigny Champagne Brut that took home the gold. Even more surprising? This is Aldi champagne and it costs just £14.95 to buy from the budget retailer. The bubbly drink is crafted from a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier and has ripe apple, soft red fruit and delicate floral notes. It beat out competition from champagnes that were more than three times the price of it to be crowned the champion. This included G.H. Martel Honoré de Balzac Edition Limitée Brut Champagne, which retails at £49.68 – making it over 70% more expensive. Balzac Honoré de Balzac Rosé Brut came in second place, while the limited edition Brut came in third. Speaking about the win, Julie Ashfield, chief commercial officer at Aldi UK, said: 'To have our £14.95 Veuve Monsigny Champagne Brut recognised as the best in the world is proof that exceptional quality doesn't have to come with an eye-watering price tag. It's a proud moment not just for Aldi, but for our customers who can enjoy world-class champagne without breaking the bank.' Metro's specialist food writer, Courtney Pochin, put the world's best champagne to the test, and she was very impressed. 'I love a glass of something bubbly to celebrate a special occasion, but I often find champagne is a bit too dry for my taste buds. 'Clearly, I just hadn't found the right champagne. 'The Veuve Monsigny is dry, but refreshingly light at the same time. I found myself pouring more into my flute before it was even empty – it was so delightfully drinkable. 'Each sip is vibrant, crisp and beautifully bubbly. If I'd been handed a glass of this as part of a blind taste test, I'd have bet all my money that it had a much higher price tag than it does, because it tastes expensive. 'This is by far the best champagne I've ever had.' Those in Manchester who want to grab a bottle of the award-winning wine will soon be able to get their hands on a rather special limited-edition one at Aldi's Bury New Road store. From July 7, the retailer will be lining the shelves in that specific shop with a version of the champagne that's a tribute to Oasis. A Supernova edition of Aldi's Veuve Monsigny Champagne Brut will be available to buy, just a stone's throw from where the Oasis story began. Fans outside of Manchester will be ale to enter a prize draw online to be in with a chance of winning a bottle. More Trending Stock is limited for the Supernova edition and once it's gone, it's gone, so you'll have to be quick if you want it. The regular version of the champagne isn't going anywhere though, so don't panic. And if bubbles aren't for you, the retailer recently launched the UK's first bubble-less prosecco. Priced at £5.99 the Still Prosecco proved a hit with Metro's drinks expert, Rob Buckhaven, who said it was 'bone dry and lively with flavours of lime, nectarine and tangerine.' View More » He added: 'Not only is it a brilliant talking point, I'm a huge fan of the flavour, the price and will be stocking up over the summer.' Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: Tesco shoppers going wild over £16 chocolate cake that's 'best they've ever had' MORE: Waitrose updates popular hot drink loyalty perk — but shoppers face a £3 charge MORE: 'Totally overrated' restaurant crowned the best in the UK — as top 100 revealed Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.
Metro
08-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Metro
Supermarket's 28p own-brand Diet Coke is ‘so good' you can't tell difference
If you're a Diet Coke fan, I have no doubt that you take your allegiance to the fizzy drink very seriously. So the idea of swapping out the branded version for a supermarket own-brand cola might feel like a personal attack. But often these versions are much cheaper than the real thing, so we decided to put them to the test to see if we could save ourselves some money when it comes to our carbonated addiction. We tried five supermarket own-brand Diet Colas and while none of them were deemed to be better than the original, a bargain retailer had a surprising gem that was on par. Keep on reading to find out which drinks we liked and which didn't go down as well, starting with the least enjoyable and ending with the top scorer… Sorry Tesco, but your Diet Cola has nothing on the real thing. I could instantly tell wasn't actual Diet Coke – it just tastes fake. I don't think I'd be able to make it through an entire can… Reviewed by Kristina Beanland, lifestlye editor Rating: 2/5 This will probably sound a bit odd, but Asda's Diet Cola tastes thinner than the other drinks in this taste test. Almost like it's been watered down a little bit? It's notably less artificially sweet than the Tesco one, but certainly not the best of the bunch. Reviewed by Courtney Pochin, specialist food writer Rating: 2.5/5 For 49p, this one from Sainsbury's is a solid option if you're looking to save money. It's not anywhere near as crisp and fizzy as Diet Coke, but it's got a good flavour and doesn't taste too sweet. Reviewed by Courtney Pochin Rating: 3/5 Lidl Freeway Diet Cola, 49p for 2L bottle or £1.79 for a six-pack of cans Lidl came out on top in our full fat Coca-Cola taste test recently, but the retailer has just missed out on the top spot in this one. The Freeway Diet Cola doesn't have as much fizz and actualy tastes a bit flat, which is a shame as the drink itself is pretty nice with just the right level of sweetness – I'd definitely have another one. Reviewed by Courtney Pochin Rating: 4/5 Aldi Diet Vive, £1.69 for six pack (28p a can) As a Diet Coke superfan, it would take a lot for me to give up my favourite drink, but I might be willing (on occasion) to swap it for Aldi's version which is very good. More Trending It's really hard to distinguish between the two and in a blind taste test of both it took a while to work out which was which. The difference is so subtle, and again it just comes down to a little less fizz in the Diet Vive. Reviewed by Kristina Beanland View More » Rating: 4.5/5 Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: Sainsbury's aisle change could signal end of an era for classic shopping feature MORE: 'Mouth-watering' chocolate brand that disappeared from supermarkets five years ago is back MORE: 'Power picnics' are perfect for summer — but you have to follow five rules Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.
Metro
05-06-2025
- Metro
England's top tourist experience is ‘perfect' — animal lovers want to live there
From historical castles and monuments, to brand-new food tours, shows and museums, England has so much to offer visitors who come in their droves. And it's not just those flying in from abroad who explore the likes of Cornwall's beaches or the Liverpool's nightlife – it seems we love being tourists at home, with Brits taking 906 million day trips and 90 million overnight trips in England last year. So, if you're looking for some staycation inspo, look no further: Visit England have announced the winners of their Awards for Excellence, which recognise the best tourism businesses across the country. And when it came to the best experience that the country has to offer, it was an unexpected visit to a farm that claimed the top spot. Head north to Yorkshire, and book yourself onto Dumble Farm's Cow Cuddling & Highland Cow Experience. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. Nestled in Arram, near to Beverley in East Yorkshire, Dumble is a working farm with a focus on conservation and sustainability. At the heart of their work is caring for their 65 plus strong herd of Highland cows. As well as educating visitors about this endangered species, Dumble Farm say spending time with the cows has a calming effect and a positive impact on general well-being. And that's where cuddling comes in. Visitors on the three and a half hour tour get up close and personal with the 'affectionate and gentle' animals. There's a meeting with the adorable young cows, which guests can groom and get to know. Then it's onto the cuddle cows who are 'nearly always lying down' meaning visitors can lie back and relax with the animals. Then there's a safari around the farm, during which there's an opportunity to feed Highland cows from a trailer, before heading back for tea and cakes. The £95 price tag goes towards supporting the farm's conservation work. More Trending And, tourists have certainly not been disappointed after booking onto the tour, calling it the 'best day ever'. 'I would live here if I could,' wrote a TripAdvisor reviewer who did the tour in April. While another said: 'Don't think about it, do it'. And a third called it 'moo-sively impressive'. If you want to book onto the tour, you'll need to plan ahead. Tickets are snapped up fast, with a release dropping a month in advance. Cow cuddling stops for the summer though, so you'll have to wait until autumn before you can have start snuggling. Metro's Lifestyle Reporter, Courtney Pochin, tried cow cuddling at Hopefield Animal Sanctuary in Brentwood. As well as dairy cows, Hopefield is home to donkeys, sheep, pigs, horses, Shetland ponies, cats, rabbits, alpacas, reindeer, a boa constrictor, parrots, and a fox. There are also several exotic animals such as tanukis and skunks. 'As I entered the field, two Friesian cows, Jude and Devon ambled over. I know it sounds silly, but as most of the viral cow cuddling videos I'd seen online had featured much smaller calves, when these two gentle giants plodded over, my jaw dropped. 'There was no way I was ever going to be able to get my arms around them for a proper cuddle, although a taller (and braver) person might have been able to do so. 'Despite their somewhat intimidating size, however, Jude and Devon were just like big dogs. They licked my hand, allowed me to scratch their necks and backs, and were playful when it came to getting treats. 'A fun fact I discovered about cows is that they drool rather a lot, so feeding them by hand gets pretty messy. I just about managed to escape without getting slobber in my hair (my clothes weren't quite as fortunate). 'While suffice to say it wasn't quite the therapeutic experience TikTok had sold me on, there's no denying that it was a great activity for my general wellbeing. It was something different, it was fun, and I felt like Jude and I had become pals by the end. I left with a big smile on my face.' Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: This mythical destination is a perfect Mallorca alternative — without the crowds MORE: Italy's 'village of villages' contest reveal 5 must-visit hidden gems MORE: Your favourite places to eat in Europe that aren't the usual tourist traps
Metro
23-05-2025
- Business
- Metro
Nutella is launching a new spread — and it's better than the original
Whether you slather it on toast, add it to cakes and brownies or spoon it straight into your mouth from the jar, there's no denying that Nutella is the superior choice when it comes to chocolate spread. As such, many fans will likely be overjoyed to learn Ferrero – the company that makes it – is launching a brand new version of the hazelnutty treat. Very soon a plant-based version of the iconic spread is going to be available in the UK, which contains a rather surprising ingredient – chickpeas. According to the manufacturers, the new product boasts the same 'flavour and creaminess fans know and love' but has been 'specially crafted to offer a delicious new choice, blending Nutella's signature roasted hazelnuts and cocoa with plant-based ingredients like chickpeas and rice syrup'. The vegan-certified spread hits Sainsbury's stores nationwide from May 25, but you won't find it in any other supermarkets for a while, as a full roll out isn't planned until 2026. Nutella, which was first created in 1964, has vastly remained the same for the last 60 years, with the brand's range expanding in recently to include biscuits, ice cream and dunkable &Go pots. However, this is the first time that a plant-based alternative has been offered here. Those across Europe have already had a taste, as it previously launched in Italy and beyond in September 2024. The UK release comes after research revealed that around 2.5 million adults (4.7%) in the UK now follow a vegan diet, with a furter 5.8% identifying as vegetarian and 13% choosing a flexitarian lifestyle. And it's been predicted that more than a quarter of adults plan to make plant-based eating part of their routine by the end of 2025, according to research by Speaking about the launch, Mathieu Maggi, Marketing Director Nutella UK&I, Ferrero, said : 'For over 60 years, millions of people around the world have, been enjoying the unique taste of Nutella, and we are excited to welcome even more consumers to the brand with the launch of Nutella Plant-Based. 'We developed this innovation to provide a delicious new choice that delivers the unmistakable Nutella experience in a plant-based version, replacing milk with vegetal ingredients without compromising on quality and taste.' Metro's specialist food writer, Courtney Pochin, gave the new spread a try ahead of its release in supermarkets and was a big fan. 'Whenever I hear a chocolate product is vegan, I become a little prejudiced towards it, convinced there's no way it'll taste as creamy or sweet as the regular stuff,' she said. 'However, Nutella's new spread well and truly proved me wrong. 'Despite containing some unexpected ingredients, it tastes almost identical to the original version and looks just as good too. More Trending 'If you handed me a piece of toast covered in this spread without saying a word, I honestly don't think I'd notice anything was out of the ordinary – it smells the same, is super creamy and is delicious. But if you really want me to nitpick the subtle differences between the two, I can… 'The plant-based Nutella is a little less sweet than the regular one. This might sound like a negative thing, but it actually just means it tastes nuttier. For those who find the OG too sickly, this will be a much better option for you.' View More » She added: 'I don't buy vegan products very often, but I can definitely see myself getting this instead of the other one from now on. I'm a convert.' Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: 10 unmissable Time Out deals — including 50% off entry to London's secret gardens MORE: Cheap £2.49 supermarket sausages officially crowned better than M&S and Jolly Hog MORE: What to do in London if you didn't get tickets to Chelsea Flower Show
