Latest news with #MetroLifestyleTeam
Metro
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Iconic 00s product back on supermarket shelves after 10 years away
Oasis is back, baggy jeans are cool, and Cher Horowitz will soon hit screens once more in a Clueless TV reboot — the 90s revival has officially reached its peak. But the cherry on top comes in alcopop form, as the Barcardi Breezer is making a comeback after 10 years away. The iconic drink – a fizzy concoction of Bacardi rum and fruit flavouring – was first launched in 1993, and quickly became a staple for young people. For a while, every student unions and sweaty nightclub dancefloor was a sea of brightly-coloured glass bottles, with punters lapping up the sweet, low-alcohol offering. As the years went by however, alcopops fell out of favour, and the Breezer was eventually discontinued in 2015. Millennials have been getting by on cocktail tinnies and BuzzBallz ever since, but Bacardi's announcement of a UK return offers a welcome taste of nostalgia. The new iteration of Breezer is now available in bars and stores nationwide, priced at £2 for a 275ml bottle. With a slightly lower alcohol content than before (3.4% compared to 4%) it comes in three familiar flavours: Zesty Orange, Zingy Lime and Crisp Watermelon. The bottle itself is familiar too, designed in the same signature shape by Bacardi in an effort to evoke 'happy memories of good times'. Following successful launches of a number of axed 90s favourites – from Hooch to Reef – it looks like the alcopop craze is being reignited once more. More Trending And the brand is hoping to appeal to Gen Z audiences as well longtime fans. 'We know there is a lot of love for Breezer in the UK and we are confident a new generation of consumers will fall in love with the new Breezer,' said Steve Young, business unit director for Bacardi in the UK & Ireland. 'RTDs (ready-to-drink products) are booming, however, the FAB (flavoured alcoholic beverage) category could do with a bit more excitement. By bringing back Breezer, we're definitely putting the fruity taste into FAB. View More » 'The early response from our trade partners has been overwhelmingly positive. Everyone is excited to see Breezer back for the summer.' Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: We found one of the best deals on London's seafood scene – £1 oysters MORE: M&S has dropped a 'phenomenal' new bakery item and it's already selling out MORE: Get 1.36kg of chocolate bars for less than 22p each during Amazon July Prime Days Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.
Metro
06-07-2025
- Business
- Metro
Map shows how much you need to earn to be considered rich in each UK region
Despite the fact the average UK salary sits at £37,430 per year, you'll need to earn significantly more to be considered rich. In fact, research shows that nine in 10 Brits who take home a six-figure annual wage before tax don't see themselves as well off. And the amount required to be classed as wealthy eclipses £100,000 in most parts of the country. The figures, from HSBC, reveal a wide wealth perception gap, with people underestimating their earnings relative to others by roughly 30 percentage points. Those in the top 4% also tended to identify as the 'squeezed middle',positioning themselves in the top 52% relative to the rest of the population. Overall, an average annual income of £213,000 was judged to be the amount needed for 'wealth', while higher earners put the figure at a whopping £724,000. Perceptions aren't just affected by income level either, as different regionsshared vastly different views on what constitutes well-to-do in 2025. Respondents in the North East of England said £80,000 would make someone affluent; still higher than the nationwide average, but far less than the £367,000 sum from the South East. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Londoners thought earnings of £289,000 meant someone could be considered wealthy, a figure which was (perhaps surprisingly) lower than than Scotland's £331,000 and South West England and Gibraltar's £323,000. When it comes to other signifiers of affluence, 51% of the people saidowning a private jet and 48% owning a yacht. However, high earners are likely to consider non-material factors – such as retiring early (48%), frequently travelling abroad (45%) or having investments (54%) – as more relevant symbols. Additionally, a third of 18 to 24-year-olds believe having a strong work-life balance is a strong signifier of wealth – something 41% are aspiring to achieve in the next two years. Vicky Reynal, financial psychotherapist, commented: 'HSBC UK's findings reveal a paradox: despite having high earnings and ambitious financial goals, many mass affluent individuals still don't feel wealthy. More Trending 'This disconnect underscores the psychology behind people's perceptions of wealth. 'Anxieties about rising costs, inadequate savings, and the pressure of social comparison create a sense of scarcity, even when objective wealth exists. 'By redefining wealth beyond the bank balance, focusing on our achievements, reducing unhelpful comparisons, and prioritising financial actions within our control, people can move confidently toward the future they aspire to.' View More » This article was originally published on March 3, 2025. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: I'm a sex worker, here's a look inside my finances MORE: People are making financial decisions based on weather forecasts — and it's working MORE: I tried a 'hybrid holiday' and discovered the secret to work-life balance Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.
Metro
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
The origin story of Baby Guinness reveals you've been doing the shots all wrong
Whether you're at a hen do, birthday party, bottomless brunch or just on a random night out, the Baby Guinness has become a go-to drink for many. And if you've never heard of it, no, it's not actually Guinness. The miniature 'pint' is made with coffee liqueur and topped with a layer of Irish cream – the combination of which looks just like the classic Irish stout. It can be made in several different ways, with a base of either Kahlua, Tia Maria or Patron XO Cafe, but no matter which version you prefer, you might be surprised to learn that you've probably been drinking it wrong. With new research revealing that a third of Brits now enjoy shooters like Baby Guinness on a night out, it's about time we did a deep dive into its origins. Here's everything you need to know… 'It looks cheeky and fun, but Baby Guinness began as a very low-key toast to new life,' claims Jonathan Sitson, the founder of Quick Whip, which helps people craft bar-quality drinks. The tipple is thought to date back to the late 1980s and, of course, like its larger namesake, it comes from Ireland. It's creation is often attributed to a now-closed pub in Dublin, known as The Waxies Dargle, which was located next to the Rotunda Maternity Hospital. It is said to have been served to new parents, particularly fathers, alongside a regular pint of Guinness, as a fun way to toast the arrival of their baby. If this story is true, then that means the name is not only a reference to its lookalike beverage, but also a nod to the little ones it was used to celebrate. More Trending So really, to keep the tradition alive, you shouldn't be cracking out the Baby Guinness whenever you feel like it, but saving it for a special occasion like welcoming a newborn into the world. Ingredients: 25ml coffee liqueur (e.g. Tia Maria or Kahlua) 12.5ml Irish cream (e.g. Baileys) Chilled shot glass Bar spoon (or the back of a teaspoon) Method: Pour the coffee liqueur into a shot glass. Slowly layer the Irish cream on top by pouring it over the back of a spoon. The result should resemble a perfect tiny pint of stout — rich, creamy, and photo-ready. View More » 'The trick is to chill your liqueurs in advance and pour the cream very slowly,' Jonathan adds. 'And a curved bar spoon makes all the difference.' Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: Irish musician and comedian cancels all of his gigs for the year MORE: We tried London's 'incredibly chic' fried chicken – this is how it compares to KFC MORE: Teacher drank alcohol in class and got pupils to do the Macarena, tribunal told Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.
Metro
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Chocolate fans overjoyed as ‘best' Maltesers return 11 years after being axed
Maltesers fans, the moment you've been waiting for has finally arrived! The chocolate brand, owned by Mars Wrigley, has just confirmed that the white chocolate version of the iconic treat is making a comeback after 11 years. First launched in 2003, White Chocolate Maltesers were a fan-favourite before being discontinued in 2014 and people have spent more than a decade begging for them to return. And now the prayers of chocolate lovers across the nation are being answered, as the sweet treat will hit superm a rket shelves once more next month. For those who haven't had a chance to try them before, the sweets feature the classic crunchy centre that we all know and love, coated in a thin layer of white chocolate. When they make their triumphant return, White Chocolate Maltesers will be available in treat bags, single bag and sharing bag formats from June 16. You'll be able to find them in major supermarkets along with independent retailers too, so you won't have to go far to get your fix. Prices for the products haven't yet been revealed, but retailers are usually able to set their own. A spokesperson from Mars Wrigley said: 'We're delighted to bring Maltesers White Chocolate back for the passionate fans who have been anticipating their return for years! Maltesers is all about encouraging people to look on the light side of life and so definitely try them if you've not done so before.' On social media, rumours of the product's return have been swirling since early May, with many sharing their joy over the news after it was teased by @johns_snackreviews. An Instagram user named @holliexrobyn shared that the chocolates held sentimental value for her, saying: 'My uncle used to buy me these as he could only get them from shops near him. He passed in 2017 unexpectedly, these always make me think of him, so happy they're back.' @greedysisterz_review_snacks branded them the 'best Maltesers' as @purplehairedholly said: 'They were top tier'. Similarly, @ wrote: 'The best news this year!!!!' And @claire_peachy1985 added: 'Omg yessssss finally […] These were amazing why did they ever stop them?' Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@
Metro
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Chocolate fans overjoyed as 'best' Maltesers return 11 years after being axed
Maltesers fans, the moment you've been waiting for has finally arrived! The chocolate brand, owned by Mars Wrigley, has just confirmed that the white chocolate version of the iconic treat is making a comeback after 11 years. First launched in 2003, White Chocolate Maltesers were a fan-favourite before being discontinued in 2014 and people have spent more than a decade begging for them to return. And now the prayers of chocolate lovers across the nation are being answered, as the sweet treat will hit supermarket shelves once more next month. For those who haven't had a chance to try them before, the sweets feature the classic crunchy centre that we all know and love, coated in a thin layer of white chocolate. When they make their triumphant return, White Chocolate Maltesers will be available in treat bags, single bag and sharing bag formats from June 16. You'll be able to find them in major supermarkets along with independent retailers too, so you won't have to go far to get your fix. Prices for the products haven't yet been revealed, but retailers are usually able to set their own. A spokesperson from Mars Wrigley said: 'We're delighted to bring Maltesers White Chocolate back for the passionate fans who have been anticipating their return for years! Maltesers is all about encouraging people to look on the light side of life and so definitely try them if you've not done so before.' On social media, rumours of the product's return have been swirling since early May, with many sharing their joy over the news after it was teased by @johns_snackreviews. More Trending An Instagram user named @holliexrobyn shared that the chocolates held sentimental value for her, saying: 'My uncle used to buy me these as he could only get them from shops near him. He passed in 2017 unexpectedly, these always make me think of him, so happy they're back.' @greedysisterz_review_snacks branded them the 'best Maltesers' as @purplehairedholly said: 'They were top tier'. View More » Similarly, @ wrote: 'The best news this year!!!!' And @claire_peachy1985 added: 'Omg yessssss finally […] These were amazing why did they ever stop them?' Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: I ate at the little-known Home Bargains Café — an 'immense' 99p treat blew me away MORE: 9 best BBQs and pizza ovens from Dunelm ideal for this bank holiday weekend MORE: 'Glorious' dessert chain is set to open 10 new restaurants across UK
