Latest news with #EnglishRose
Rhyl Journal
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
Dyserth star ‘overwhelmed' after winning Hollywood award
Katie Benbow, with co-star Adam Houghton, won 'Best Acting Duo of the Year' at the IndieX Film Fest for their performances in English Rose. The IndieX Flim Fest is an international short film festival held at the Regal LA Live in Los Angeles, California. Katie outside Regal LA Live in West Hollywood. (Image: Katie Benbow) The film, directed by Alexander Bather from Llandudno, follows a crazed young couple as they do the unthinkable on a thrill ride to freedom, with no one to stop them. Katie, a singer who has appeared on BBC talent show The Voice, said she initially accepted the part 'to do my friend [Bather] a favour' and did not expect the film to be received the way it has. 'My friend from home wrote this film and I wasn't going to do it but ended up doing it last minute - I was just doing my friend my favour,' Katie told the Journal. 'We didn't think it was going to win an award and then won.' Win it did, despite English Rose being one of more than 7,000 films submitted to the awards. Katie composed six original, 'sixties swing soul' songs for the film and also put together the entire music score. READ MORE: Meet the Prestatyn woman who has been awarded an MBE Rhyl officer who delivered baby on first solo shift retires But brushing shoulders with big names in Hollywood was the icing on the cake. Katie continued: 'I didn't expect it to be fancy as it was – there were lots of Hollywood actors and directors there and lots of big actors up for the same awards. 'Frank Sinatra's granddaughter, Nancy Sinatra's daughter, had a film and I didn't realise who she was. 'When she sat and watched our film and she loved it, and I said I loved her dress.' The awards were held at Regal LA Live, a 'super swanky' cinema in the heart of West Hollywood. Director Alexander Bather from Llandudno. (Image: Katie Benbow) Katie said: 'It was quite cool being seen as someone in the industry for a minute and was really good networking there. 'We ended up going to this fancy restaurant with people who had worked on a Ben Affleck film. 'I'd never been to LA before and I lived my American fantasy.' The group behind English Rose hope to arrange a premier-type event in Colwyn Bay, which would show their short films and including workshopping with young actresses and directors from the region.
Scottish Sun
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Sunday Brunch star chef suddenly closes ‘legendary' greasy spoon restaurant after 5 years in ‘very tough' decision
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AN ICONIC chef has been forced to close his 'legendary' greasy spoon after just five years. The Sunday Brunch star shared that he closed the restaurant in what was a 'very tough' decision. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Norman's Cafe in London first opened in 2020 Credit: Instagram 5 The cafe was a hub for the capital's most stylish inhabitants Credit: Instagram 5 The cafe specialised in British classics Credit: Instagram The North London eatery Norman's Cafe has long been a hub for influencers and fashion-forward people looking for a greasy spoon with a difference. Opened by Sunday Brunch chef Elliot Kaye and Richie Hayes, the posh restaurant first opened its doors in 2020. Norman's Cafe began as a sandwich shop before widening its menu to include a range of British classics. Despite its immense popularity, however, the shop's owners announced that it will close its doors in June 2025. The pair took to Instagram to break the news. They wrote: 'We would like to thank all of our customers & regulars who have dined with us & have shown the cafe support since we have opened. 'To all our amazing staff past & present, Thank you for all your hard work. 'We are both excited to progress and develop with what we have started at Norman's through other avenues & look forward to hopefully seeing some of you again soon.' The closure has come as a shock to many - particularly as it has partnered with some of the world's biggest fashion houses. The Archway based restaurant was taken over by Burberry in 2023, as part of the world-leading London Fashion Week. Sunday Brunch guest chef Elliot Kaye shares a beans on toast recipe Norman's was decked out in the brand's signature blue colour, while cabs across the capital were adorned with an English Rose print. The major Tube stop Bond Street also saw its name being changed to Burberry Street. The shop's closure comes as luxury eateries have been forced to close across the UK. Soaring rent prices have led many to shut their doors, with some blaming the Government's decision to raise national insurance contributions for employers. However, Chancellor Rachel Reeves has said that her decision was necessary to stabilise the economy - which unexpectedly grew in April. Others, like La Goccia in Covent Garden, blamed 'Covid' and 'Brexit' for making it difficult to hire trained staff. 5 Elliot Kaye rocketed to fame on Sunday Brunch Credit: Channel 4
