Author: Lucy Contrino

Home security begins at the front door, yet many homeowners are unaware that the type of lock they have could be making them an easy target for burglars. According to Master Locksmith Craig Andres from The Perspicacity Life, the difference between a 1-star and 3-star euro profile cylinder lock isn’t just about security, it could also impact home insurance claims and leave tenants and homebuyers vulnerable. “Most people assume that all locks provide the same level of protection, but that’s simply not the case,” says Craig. “A 1-star rated lock may meet basic standards, but it lacks the anti-snap, anti-bump, and anti-pick…

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Pancake Day is just around the corner, and the debate over the best toppings is heating up yet again. From Canadian pancakes topped with maple syrup to the delicate flavours of French crepes, people are searching for the ultimate pancake experience. With over 2 million searches for “Pancake Day” and a 781% surge in demand for “pancake toppings” this past month, it’s clear that foodies are ready to celebrate. To help you decide on your perfect pancake pairing, experts at Travel Republic have revealed the top trending pancake toppings and where to travel to enjoy them authentically. The trending pancakes for 2025…

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Spring is in full swing at Danish-Japanese restaurant group, Sticks′n′Sushi, as it brings the magic of Japan’s Sakura season to the UK this April. Adding a floral flair to its signature combination of sushi and grilled sticks, enjoy creative cocktails and Sakura inspired dishes in honour of hanami, the Japanese tradition of enjoying cherry blossom in bloom. Complete with lobster, avocado, Sakura rice, miso aioli and lumpfish roe, indulge in the Sakura House Roll (£15.20), or for the ultimate sweet treat, opt for the perfectly pink Sakura Cherī Fondant (£9.80) with a gooey Amarena cherry and white chocolate core, served with vanilla ice cream and cherry…

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As part of its 10th anniversary celebrations, London’s highest public garden has partnered with Aperol to launch a vibrant summer terrace from 12 June, complete with panoramic city views, live music and seasonal spritzes plus a one-off Aperol Spritz Birthday Party on 11 July, set to be a seasonal highlight. Located 35 floors above the city, the Aperol Terrace is the ultimate spot for golden hour drinks, after-work catch-ups or spontaneous summer evenings. Sip on a sunshine-filled, classic Aperol Spritz (£14.50) or gather your friends for the showstopping Aperol Spritz Tree (£50), serving four drinks at once. Other highlights include the…

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Oakheart Property is proud to announce the appointment of Joseph Hall as its new Area Director of Lettings, marking a significant step forward in the company’s ambitious growth plans. This appointment comes at a pivotal moment for Oakheart, following the company’s successful launch in Essex and its recent acquisition of a prominent lettings business in Suffolk. These strategic moves have rapidly expanded Oakheart’s footprint across the region, positioning the company as a leading force in the local property market. With over two decades of experience in the property industry, Joseph brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to Oakheart. His career…

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Home expert reveals the lesser-known culprits behind summer infestations – and how to stop them fast As the UK heads into warmer weeks and temperatures as hot as northern africa, households are being urged to check their kitchens for unexpected fruit fly hotspots – and it’s not just the fruit bowl causing problems. According to Neil McKenzie, home expert at Halton Stairlifts, items as ordinary as left open tomato ketchup, dirty dishcloths, and even sink strainers can become breeding grounds for fruit flies if left unchecked. “Most people think fruit flies only swarm around overripe bananas, but they’ll actually gravitate to…

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A radical overhaul of the way local searches are carried out is required if the Government’s housebuilding targets are to be met, according to an industry expert. Richard Bray, managing director of the UK’s largest independent searches specialist Move Reports, said the time some Local Authorities are taking to complete local searches for property purchases is “completely ridiculous” and threatens to put the brakes on the Government’s pledge to build 1.5 million homes over the course of this parliament. “Some Local Authorities have managed to cut their waiting times for local searches, but others are still performing woefully,” said Richard,…

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Last week, thousands of seafood professionals came together from more than 150 countries to celebrate the best fish and shellfish at the world’s largest seafood trade event in Barcelona, Spain. Flying the flag from the UK were over 50 exhibiting companies, who reeled in praise as one of the world’s best sources of marine delicacies. The annual Global Seafood Expo presents a unique opportunity for the UK to showcase its seafood excellence on a global stage. Attracting over 35,000 seafood industry professionals, the exhibition offers a platform for buyers, suppliers and industry experts to connect, share innovations and explore new…

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With forecasters predicting that this Monday could mark the UK’s hottest June day on record since 1976, it’s clear the heat is on. Earlier this month, temperatures reached a sweltering 33.2°C, the highest of 2025 so far, sparking over 4 million Google searches for “ice cream” across the UK in the past month alone. In celebration of the sunshine, Parkdean Resorts has also spoken with the owner of viral Lake District ice cream parlour, The Little Ice Cream Shop, to uncover the UK’s most in-demand ice cream flavour of summer 2025 – just in time for the next heatwave. To also help…

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Brits turn to their spice racks to beat ants, flies and fruit bugs – with cinnamon and cloves leading the charge As summer heats up and pests invade patios, gardens and kitchen windowsills across the UK, a wave of homeowners are skipping the sprays – and heading for the spice cupboard instead. According to home and garden expert Neil McKenzie from Halton Stairlifts, several little-known herbs and spices can naturally deter common summer pests – without relying on harsh chemicals or expensive treatments. “You’d be surprised what a handful of bay leaves or a dusting of turmeric can do,” says Neil. “These are…

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