Latest news with #LEON
Metro
20-06-2025
- Business
- Metro
From Finery dresses to Phlur fragrances - here's 22 things we're buying
Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more Well, what a week! And the weather? Glorious. So it's only fair that you take five, maybe 10 minutes – and have a scroll at this week's edition of Trend Trove. Our in-house shopping expert has been searching the internet, high and low, for all the gorgeous fashion, beauty, home items – plus the news you need to know about. Starting with O2 and Virgin Media broadband customers can enjoy exclusive perks through Priority, including early access to top UK gig tickets, VIP treatment at venues like The O2 and O2 Academies, and weekly giveaways through the new 'Blue Mondays' campaign – featuring prizes like £300 holiday vouchers from With added benefits like inclusive EU roaming up to 25GB and free membership via the Priority app, it's a must-have for fans of live entertainment and travel. Talking of freebies, summer might be sizzling, but LEON is turning up the holiday cheer early with the return of LEON Day on Wednesday, June 25 – marking six months to Christmas and the brand's birthday. To celebrate, the Naturally Fast-Food chain is giving away free mains to anyone who shows up between 11am and 3pm dressed in a Christmas jumper and utters the secret phrase: 'I'm here to speak with Santa.' Whether you're craving the cult-favourite Peanut Chicken Satay Rice Box or the fiery Spicy Firecracker Chicken Wrap, it's all on the house – just bring the festive vibes. Available at LEON restaurants nationwide, but only in-store and only for those bold enough to bring a bit of December to June. Now for some random news, it turns out, we're a nation of bottle-opening improvisers – with one in five Brits admitting they've risked their teeth to crack open a cold one, and some even reaching for house bricks or three-pin plugs! In response to this DIY chaos, Kopparberg has teamed up with Tuff Tooth to launch limited-edition gold 'tooth bling' bottle openers – yes, really. Inspired by hip-hop grillz and Gen Z's love of bold self-expression, these stylish caps double as functional openers, engraved with Kopparberg's signature 'K' and a nod to their cult Strawberry & Lime cider. With 77% of Gen Z open to rocking tooth jewellery (damaged teeth or not), these custom caps are the ultimate summer flex. Want one? Head to @KopparbergUK on Instagram or TikTok to find out how to win. Now for those wanting to escape the heat over the weekend, Don Papa – the premium single-island rum from the Philippines – is whisking Londoners away to the lush, mythical world of Sugarlandia with an immersive takeover at Future Stores on Tottenham Court Road. Running until this Sunday, June 22, the experience blends art, flavour, and Filipino heritage in a sensory celebration. Expect a striking installation by ASAL Studio's Ada Sokol, guided tastings of Don Papa's award-winning rums (including a UK-first look at the new spiced Masskara), and tropical touches like traditional Araw ice cream and custom scent stations. It's a bold, beautiful escape – no passport required. Now for the even better bit, all the goodies you can shop right now – yes, now. What are you waiting for! Easy, effortless, and made for everyday wear, the Essie dress is crafted from lightweight mid-blue denim in a relaxed fit. With a sleeveless cut, tiered skirt, and classic crew neckline, it's the perfect throw-on-and-go piece for laid-back days. Buy Now for £49 Stay energised and recover faster with RECHARGE – a mango-flavoured hydration mix packed with sodium, potassium, magnesium, and L-Glutamine to support muscle function, replenish electrolytes, and boost energy. Perfect for workouts or busy days. Buy Now for £16 (was £20) Arguably the most sought after tower fan. This chic design may be on the higher end of the scale, but it has the specifications to back it up. It promises to be 60% quieter than other fans so not to disturb you in the night thanks to the night mode function. It can oscillate up to 350 degrees, and uses Patented Air Multiplier™ Technology, which draws in surrounding air that is then projected in a high velocity airflow to keep you cool. Buy Now for £349.99 (was £449.99) Brighten up your routine with the new Daffodil Yellow shade, designed for 3C to 4C hair types. The Large Ultimate Detangler Naturally Curly gently tackles tough knots with firmer-flex teeth that reduce frizz and keep curls defined. Suitable for wet or dry hair, it cuts detangling time in half – making wash day quicker and easier than ever. Buy Now for £16 Crafted from stainless steel, and plated in 18k gold if you opt for the gold version, for a sturdy and stylish design. The chunky ring appears like two rings, and the inner ring rotates to help alleviate anxiety. The inner band can be personalised with up to six characters, symbols or precious in gold, silver, or a hybrid of both, it also comes in four sizes. BUY NOW FOR £79 A C&S classic, this irresistible cake features five layers of fluffy vanilla sponge, swirled with raspberry buttercream and tangy raspberry compote. Berry-licious, beautifully layered, and perfect for any celebration. Buy Now for £47.45 SURI Restore Toothpaste is a fluoride-free, dentist-approved formula designed for sensitive teeth. It uses nano-hydroxyapatite to strengthen enamel, malic acid to gently whiten, and cornmint oil for long-lasting freshness. Free from SLS, palm oil, and artificial additives, it's sustainably packaged and works best when used without rinsing. Buy Now for £8.99 This 13-piece edit has been expertly curated to include haircare, bodycare, skincare and make-up cosmetics to see you from day to night and for days on end. Big brands including Luna Daily, Kylie Cosmetics, Biore, Milk Makeup and Too Faced are included in the bundle. BUY NOW FOR £45 (Worth £161.34) A timeless wardrobe staple, this slim-fit knitted vest is crafted from a soft cotton blend with a flattering V-neckline and subtle textured detailing. Part of the M&S Collection, it's an easy-to-style piece that blends classic charm with modern simplicity. Buy Now for £29.50 Bright, creamy, and irresistibly warm, Phlur's Vanilla Nectar Body Mist blends juicy papaya, apricot, and sugared tangelo with soft florals and a comforting base of amber and cedarwood. Infused with orange peel oil and ethyl vanillin, this lightweight, long-lasting mist is perfect for layering or wearing solo—your new go-to for a sweet, sun-kissed scent. Buy Now for £38 Doughlicious Mint Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough & Non-Dairy Gelato Bites are vegan, gluten-free frozen treats featuring mint chocolate chip gelato wrapped in chocolate cookie dough and coated in cookie crumbs. Each bite is just 102 calories, made in London with quality ingredients, and perfect for a refreshing, indulgent snack. Buy Now for £4.50 A beauty essential turned icon, this elliptical-shaped sponge delivers a flawless, airbrushed finish and fits seamlessly into every contour of your face. Reusable and perfect for all makeup types, it's a staple in pro kits and beloved by stars like Oprah, Beyoncé, and Gwen Stefani. A true cult favourite for a reason. Buy Now for £17.50 A soothing mid-muted green with warm yellow and grey undertones, Green 14 brings a sense of calm and balance to any space. Restful yet uplifting, this grass-toned shade is perfect for creating a serene, grounded atmosphere. Buy Now for £49 Add a bold splash of colour with Eylure's Rainbow Burst lashes, featuring vibrant rainbow-tipped ends for a playful, standout look. Handmade and reusable for up to 5 wears, each set includes long-lasting, latex-free glue. Proudly supporting LGBT+ youth charity Just Like Us, Eylure celebrates diversity and self-expression with every lash. Buy Now for £7 Escape to paradise with this tropical, sun-soaked scent inspired by Mona's honeymoon. Maldives in a Bottle blends banana blossom, ylang-ylang, and white plumeria with creamy sandalwood, coconut milk, and juicy starfruit for a serene, beachy fragrance. Part of the Vacay in a Bottle collection, it's playful, luxurious, and perfect for layering to create your own signature scent. Buy Now for £79 Elevate your everyday with this beautifully crafted Acacia breakfast tray. Made from rich acacia wood, its deep sides and rectangular shape make it perfect for serving breakfast in bed, garden drinks, or stylish home organisation. A versatile piece that blends natural elegance with practical design. Buy Now for £16 (was £23) Enriched shea butter, vegan squalane, and peptides, this nourishing lip oil works to soothe, hydrate and condition the lips. Available in three colours, including Pink Lady, a sheer light pink, a brighter pink tone Guava, and Peach (clue is in the name). BUY FOR £21 Califia Farms Matcha Almond Latte is a plant-based, ready-to-drink beverage that blends real matcha green tea with creamy almond milk. It's dairy-free, vegan, and lightly sweetened, offering a smooth, refreshing taste with a gentle energy boost. Ideal for on-the-go sipping, it's a convenient alternative to traditional matcha lattes – just shake, pour, and enjoy. Buy Now for £2.95 Built for adventure, the Orbea Kemen ADV 30 combines a powerful EP6 motor with a long-range battery to take you further – whether it's beach days, trail rides, or spontaneous escapes. Its low, centred weight and balanced geometry offer stability and control on rough terrain, while the 100mm suspension fork and wide tyres smooth out the ride. With intelligent built-in lighting and rugged design, it's ready for wherever the trail leads. Buy Now for £2,799 (was £3,399) Stylish, spacious, and built for travel, the Lisbon Weekender is your go-to for short getaways. It features a roomy interior, smart organisation with a key clip, a suitcase sleeve for easy airport navigation, and a detachable shoulder strap for versatile carrying. Form meets function in this travel-ready essential. Buy Now for £69 A fresh take on a timeless classic, the Jakomini frames feature a clean, modern silhouette in the beloved panto style. Part of the Accent Shade collection, their delicate shape adds effortless elegance to any look. Buy Now for £375 Add a chic touch to your summer look with this stylish woven hat from Laines London. Featuring hand-embellished detailing, signature gold trim, and an adjustable fit with hidden Velcro, it's perfect for holidays, beach days, or elevating everyday outfits. Pair it with matching sandals, bags, and pieces from the new summer collection. Buy Now for £79 Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Share your views in the comments below MORE: Huda Beauty teases two exciting new launches causing a stir on social media MORE: Astrid & Miyu launch unmissable summer sale on jewellery for a limited time only MORE: Western fashion is back – these are the pieces to nail cowgirl chic this summer
The Sun
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
'Just accept it' – Jordanian says M'sian nasi goreng beats Indonesia's, netizens back him up
A casual conversation between friends has unexpectedly ignited a wave of online debate over one of Southeast Asia's most beloved dishes — nasi goreng. In a now-viral video posted on X, an Indonesian woman asked her Jordanian friend to name his favourite dish. Expecting an answer close to home, she was visibly surprised when he confidently replied, 'nasi lemak and nasi goreng,' crediting Malaysia for both. ALSO READ: School canteen accused of exploiting students, charging RM3 for soggy burger sparks outrage When she pointed out that nasi goreng originated in Indonesia, he didn't argue the history — but he also didn't budge on his preference. 'Just accept it, Malaysia is better,' he said coolly, wrapping up the exchange with a line that had viewers both laughing and debating in the comments. The woman tried several times to make her point, reiterating the dish's origins, but the man stood firm. 'While the dish may not have originated in Malaysia,' he explained, 'I still preferred the way it tasted there.' Malaysian netizens were quick to jump into the comments, proudly backing the Jordanian's bold claim. 'Suddenly, nasi goreng is from Indonesia. Nasi goreng can't really be claimed by anyone since it's a worldwide dish found in every country. But as usual, Indonesians love to claim it,' one user called @kaukoyakketu commented. 'That Jordanian guy looked super annoyed with her. But his reply was spot on!' LEON wrote.
The Sun
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Jordanian says M'sian nasi goreng beats Indonesia's
A casual conversation between friends has unexpectedly ignited a wave of online debate over one of Southeast Asia's most beloved dishes — nasi goreng. In a now-viral video posted on X, an Indonesian woman asked her Jordanian friend to name his favourite dish. Expecting an answer close to home, she was visibly surprised when he confidently replied, 'nasi lemak and nasi goreng,' crediting Malaysia for both. ALSO READ: School canteen accused of exploiting students, charging RM3 for soggy burger sparks outrage When she pointed out that nasi goreng originated in Indonesia, he didn't argue the history — but he also didn't budge on his preference. 'Just accept it, Malaysia is better,' he said coolly, wrapping up the exchange with a line that had viewers both laughing and debating in the comments. The woman tried several times to make her point, reiterating the dish's origins, but the man stood firm. 'While the dish may not have originated in Malaysia,' he explained, 'I still preferred the way it tasted there.' Malaysian netizens were quick to jump into the comments, proudly backing the Jordanian's bold claim. 'Suddenly, nasi goreng is from Indonesia. Nasi goreng can't really be claimed by anyone since it's a worldwide dish found in every country. But as usual, Indonesians love to claim it,' one user called @kaukoyakketu commented. 'That Jordanian guy looked super annoyed with her. But his reply was spot on!' LEON wrote.
Forbes
26-03-2025
- Politics
- Forbes
Modern Slavery Act Ten Years On: Many Victims Still Going Unprotected
Britain's then-Home Secretary Theresa May on August 29, 2014. (Photo credit should read LEON ... More NEAL/AFP via Getty Images) The United Kingdom's Modern Slavery Act, enacted on March 26 2015, has turned ten years old. The legislation, which nominally introduced and strengthened protections for people who survived situations of trafficking and modern slavery in the country, has been both praised and criticized ever since and remains a controversial topic to this day. 'Modern slavery is a brutal crime which knows no boundaries and does not discriminate on gender, age, creed, culture or race,' said then-home secretary (the U.K. minister for immigration and other interior affairs) Theresa May in 2013. The Modern Slavery Act (MSA) was introduced and passed into law under May's stewardship, and she has been a vocal defender of it since. The law introduced and brought together a number of different measures designed to protect survivors and punish offenders. It also introduced more stringent requirements for large British businesses to say what they were doing to prevent forced labor and exploitation in their own operations and supply chains. The legislation was praised at the time, and has been seen as a model for other countries to follow. But, in practice, many have observed that it has often failed the vulnerable people it in theory seeks to protect. One of those critics in recent years has been Theresa May herself. '10 years ago, 200 years after the abolition of slavery, the U.K. led the world with the Modern Slavery Act,' wrote May - who went on to become Prime Minister - on Twitter on the day of the anniversary. 'But as the numbers enslaved increase and protections for victims are watered down, we must ask: why we are showing less compassion today than we did two centuries ago?' After May was ousted as PM by her own Conservative party, the new government under subsequent leaders began to attack the MSA, arguing that it was being abused by people fraudulently claiming to be survivors in order to circumvent asylum procedures and stay in the country. These claims have been roundly debunked - not least because the government's own figures establish the veracity of the overwhelming majority of claims, and a large part of trafficking victims are in fact already British citizens or residents. Nonetheless, in 2022, the government quietly changed the rules on how much evidence would be needed for a person to be entered into the protection system within the MSA (specifically, the National Referral Mechanism, which technically predates it). As a result, far fewer people are being recognized as survivors, being left without protections as they try to rebuild their lives. At the same time, far more survivors are choosing not to be entered into the system at all, for fear of prolonged periods of destitution with minimal protection and support, a general distrust of the authorities, and even a well-founded fear of being themselves prosecuted for the crimes they were forced to commit by captors. Prosecutions of traffickers and exploiters have been virtually unheard of, with only 2% of survivors seeing their traffickers prosecuted, according to the Modern Slavery and Human Rights Policy and Evidence Centre (PEC) at the University of Oxford. 'Ten years on, the Modern Slavery Act's promise of justice remains unfulfilled, says Professor Alex Balch, Director of Research at the Modern Slavery and Human Rights PEC. 'Thousands of people referred every year suggests the U.K. failed in its prevention efforts." The numbers do indeed suggest that prevention efforts are failing to stop people falling into situations of extreme exploitation and slavery, with 2024 seeing a record high of people referred into the NRM - 19,125 people. At the same time, in recent years there have been myriad reports of people forced into slavery across the country, including at some of the country's biggest employers such as McDonald's, as well as major supermarket chains Asda, Marks and Spencer, Sainsbury's, Tesco and Waitrose. Other parts of the U.K.'s immigration system have been criticized as well, including the Seasonal Worker Visa scheme, which NGOs say leaves people open to various forms of exploitation, debt bondage and forced labor. Advocates and modern slavery experts argue that a more coherent, proactive and ambitious strategy is needed to prevent slavery in the U.K., one which goes further than just nominally offering protection for survivors and prosecutions for offenders, and takes into account the larger socio-economic structures which see people put in states of vulnerability in the first place. They argue that any strategy based on a view of trafficking and slavery as being simply individual incidences of 'bad actors,' rather than the product of socio-economic inequality and power imbalances, will always fail. 'To truly tackle modern slavery, we need a clear strategy focused on prevention that focuses on addressing conditions that put people at risk of exploitation, such as poverty, exclusion or lack of opportunities to provide for their families," said Alex Balch. In response to concerns raised over perceived failures in the U.K.'s modern slavery system, government minister Jess Phillips previously said: 'Modern slavery is a cruel, barbaric and totally unconscionable crime, and I have witnessed firsthand how it dehumanizes its victims. That's why I am using every lever at my disposal to identify and protect survivors, and ultimately punish their abusers."
