Latest news with #RickStein
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Daily Mirror
I'm a regular to UK's 'poshest' seaside town is just like Spain but I have mixed feelings about it
It is known for its millionaire's row and incredible scenery - but it's also a place I've been going to all my life, and there's one thing that anoys me Sandbanks may be renowned for its millionaires, celebrities and for Harry Redknapp talking to Sky Sports News near his home, but my family has been visiting for over a century and it seems the rest of the world is finally catching up. With an exclusive postcode attracting the wealthy and famous, Sandbanks has gained a reputation for having one of the highest land values globally. However, having visited all my life, it feels like home to me. I'm the sixth generation of my family to visit Sandbanks, where my great-great-grandfather and his brothers constructed one of the first properties on what was once just vast sand dunes - a property that still stands a century later. As the weather improved, I decided there was no better place to soak up the sun than the stunning Sandbanks in Dorset. With its expansive beaches, breathtaking views and just over two hours from London, what's not to adore? We've always considered it a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life. With Banks Road being the sole access point to the beach from the mainland, Sandbanks strives to maintain its tranquil and luxurious appeal, reports the Express. However, with new bars and restaurants popping up and a sprinkling of celebrities calling Millionaires' Row home, it's quickly becoming the destination of choice for Brits seeking sun and sand without venturing overseas. The weekend was no different, with the warm weather causing a bit of a kerfuffle. With only one road leading into the peninsula, be prepared for a battle to find parking and expect queues due to the one-way system, particularly when the Swanage ferry disembarks. Setting an early alarm is certainly advisable to secure a prime spot. I'd also suggest booking a table for dinner over the weekend, as popular spots like Rick Stein's and new eateries The Tandy and Rockwater tend to fill up quickly. Having visited cocktail bar Lazy Jack's and The Tandy, it's clear why Sandbanks is fast gaining a reputation as the 'new Palm Beach'. The Tandy features a DJ behind the bar and a daily happy hour, making it a hotspot for beach-goers over the weekend. I've often been turned away from Lazy Jack's due to it being too crowded. To dodge the crowds, I opted for the quieter side of Sandbanks where paddle boards and kayaks are available for hire. You can sail around the luxury boats in the marina and bask in the sun next to the yacht club, with kayak rentals starting from £15 per hour. No beach day is complete without a sunset stroll. In the evening, I ventured past the iconic Millionaires' Row, home to eight-figure properties boasting stunning views and expansive driveways. I continued past the renowned Haven Hotel, along the sandy beach with a breathtaking view of Old Harry Rocks in the distance. It was truly unparalleled. Sandbanks offers a number of splendid walks, with Bournemouth just shy of four miles away and the breathtaking Canford Cliffs roughly two miles distant. For those who relish long strolls, the awe-inspiring Hengistbury Head along the beach is an excellent choice, with its nine-mile stretch dotted with various beach pit stops for a refreshing drink and a rest. However, my top pick, and indeed my personal favourite, is the walk from Shell Bay to Old Harry Rocks. A brief trip on the chain ferry, costing a mere £1 return, leads you to tranquil, unpopulated beaches en route to Swanage. This route rewards you with a magnificent view of Sandbanks, allowing you to avoid the throngs and enjoy a serene walk without the worry of stumbling over someone's beach towel. As a frequent visitor to Sandbanks, I admit to being somewhat partial, but in my opinion, nothing surpasses the silky sand of the award-winning beach and the spectacular scenery. When the weather is favourable, there's no need to jet off to Italy or Spain for your fix of sea, sand and sun. My only gripe is that it seems impossible to keep such a gem under wraps, and what was once a secluded spot for a weekend getaway is now a bustling and somewhat pricey holiday destination.
Daily Mirror
08-07-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Garlic and lemon chicken traybake is the 'perfect easy family summer dinner'
This easy chicken traybake recipe by Rick Stein is packed with flavour, packed with crispy chicken, tender vegetables and roasted potatoes all cooked in a garlic and lemon sauce Whipping up a culinary storm in the kitchen doesn't have to be a drag, especially when you've got Rick Stein's effortless traybake recipe on hand - filled with golden chicken, succulent veggies and mouth-watering roasties all simmered in a zesty garlic lemon marvel. In less than a tick – precisely 10 minutes – you can have this fuss-free feast prepped and ready to sizzle in the oven for 35 to 40 minutes, ideal for a laid-back yet scrumptious end-of-week dinner with your loved ones. This genius creation stems from Stein's 'Simple Suppers' cookbook, where he confesses his muse was none other than Lulu Bonneville, who dished up an unforgettable rendition that left a lasting impression. Rick's words encapsulate the spirit of no-nonsense cuisine: "I love getting recipes from those understated but really good cooks who manage to produce something delicious and are also so organised that they are around for the glass of champagne on arrival. They just seem to magic the food up." How to make a garlic lemon chicken traybake with potatoes You'll need the following ingredients and kitchen gear: 12 chicken thighs Eight potatoes Five garlic cloves Three courgettes Two fennel bulbs Thyme leaves Lemon juice Four tablespoons of olive oil Salt and pepper Kitchen equipment needed Frying pan Roasting tin Method Start by preparing your components. Crush the garlic cloves, slice up the courgettes, fennel bulbs, and potatoes into hefty chunks. In a mixing bowl, combine lemon juice, garlic, thyme, and the surplus olive oil until you've got a well-blended concoction, reports the Express. Drizzle a bit of oil into a frying pan, crank up the heat to medium-high, and scorch the chicken thighs for a spell, just until the skin is tantalisingly crisp and brown. Lay out the potato, courgette and fennel slices in a large roasting tin, drizzle over two-thirds of the garlic lemon concoction, season with salt and pepper, then give the veggies a good toss until they're all coated. Next, place the chicken thighs on top, skin side up, and pour over the remaining lemon garlic mixture, followed by another seasoning of salt and pepper. Pop it in the oven for 35 to 40 minutes until the chicken is crispy and golden and the vegetables underneath are tender. Your speedy yet scrumptious chicken traybake is now ready to be served.
Daily Mail
03-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
UK's cheapest and priciest seaside towns to buy a home
By Buying a home in Dorset's exclusive Sandbanks is a dream for many downsizers looking to relocate to the coast. It's a stone's throw from a beautiful sandy beach, surrounded by luxurious yachts and is popular among celebrities. The catch? An average price tag of a cool £1.28million – which is the most expensive for a seaside town the UK, new research reveals. That's according to property portal Rightmove, which has crunched the numbers for the costliest and most affordable seaside spots in the country, based on their asking prices. Of course, buyers may well negotiate to shave tens of thousands of pounds off the listed price - or end up offering more than the asking price to secure their home in these in-demand hotspots. All of the top ten town Rightmove says are the most expensive are along the south coast – but the very top spots are not in the typical staycation destinations of Cornwall and Devon. Homes in the luxurious Sandbanks are listed for an average £1.28million– some three times the national average, Rightmove says. It's the only seaside town in the country where asking prices are more than £1million. And it's not hard to see why, with it's proximity to the beach and clear blue water. Plus, your neighbours would be former football manager Harry Redknapp and television chef Rick Stein. However, homes with the average price tag are unlikely to buy you a house as £1.25million typically only stretches as far as a three-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment or maisonette. Mary Lou Press, of estate agent industry body Propertymark, explains in the past decade prospective buyers have been hunting for different characteristics in their home – and picturesque areas such a seaside spots are now much more appealing, which has driven up their price tag. The pandemic sparked a major race for space in the property market as families flocked out of economic hubs such as London in favour of working from home in coastal destinations. While the trend has cooled slightly in recent years as workers return to the office, the seaside spots are clearly still in demand. Press says: 'Seaside locations are desirable for many people of all demographics, and with popularity comes heightened house prices, which can price many locals out of the housing market. 'Considering that the average house price of coastal homes has only slightly dipped, and buyer demand has increased, ongoing economic turbulence doesn't seem to have overly affected the market or dented the confidence of buyers of coastal locations.' But despite the high asking price, the price tags for homes in Sandbanks have fallen by 3 per cent year-on-year. And it's not alone. In fact, across the top 50 most expensive seaside spots, average asking prices fell by 1 per cent – and that's despite demand rising by a healthy 8 per cent. After Sandbanks, it's neighbouring area Canford Cliffs which is the second most costly coastal town. A home in the town will still set buyers back some £974,635, which typically buys a four-bedroom, three-bathroom home. The area is home to Canford Cliffs beach, which has been awarded the coveted Blue Flag status, the gold standard for beaches. Plus, it is also close to Shore Road beach and Branksome Chine beach. The area is just a 35-minute walk from Sandbanks, ideal for those who want to shave more than £300,000 from their hose purchase but still want to be close to the glamorous Sandbanks. However, Canford Cliffs has also seen a slight sip in house prices with the average price tag falling by some 9 per cent year-on-year. Taking the bronze spot is village Milford-on-Sea in Hampshire, where colourful beach huts line the shore. Homes here are listed for £728,460. Also in Hampshire, Lymington takes fourth place as property asking prices are £639,316. Classic coastal destinations in holiday hotspots Cornwall and Devon also make the top ten. Budleigh Salterton is the fifth most expensive town with a price tag of £535,761. Then it's popular second home area St. Ives (£507,139), Dartmouth (£500,006) and Sidmouth (£494,811). Rounding out the top ten is Whitstable in Kent – where asking prices average £469,586 – and Hythe, where homes are listed for £466,898. And if you want a cheaper spot? Head up north, according to Rightmove. Saltcoats – a town on the west coast of North Ayrshire in Scotland and around a 50 minute drive to Glasgow – has been crowned the most affordable seaside resort by Rightmove. Homeowners list their properties here for just £122,208 – some £256,032 lower than the average across the nation. Plus, prices have soared by some 13 per cent year on year, the highest growth on the list. But despite the low price tag, there's plenty to do in this small town with seaside classics such as bowling, a museum, cafes and a cinema to keep you busy. In the silver spot for the most affordable seaside town is Peterlee in County Durham. Properties here are listed for just £38 more, on average, than those in Saltcoats. At £122,246, asking prices have seen a 6 per cent growth in prices in the last year. Next is Ashington in Northumberland where asking prices are £135,050 and Bootle in Merseyside, with price tags of £135,208. In fact, not one town in the bottom ten is more than £160,000, making these locations good value for seaside seekers on a tight budget. Grimsby, Blackpool and Fleetwood also make the list of the most affordable seaside spots with listed prices of £142,072, £142,804 and £148,101, respectively. Birkenhead in Merseyside (£149,527), Blyth in Northumberland (£153,487) and Workington in Cumbria (£158,956) finish the top ten cheapest spots.
Daily Mail
03-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
The UK's cheapest and priciest seaside towns to buy a home in 2025 revealed
Buying a home in Dorset's exclusive Sandbanks is a dream for many downsizers looking to relocate to the coast. It's a stone's throw from a beautiful sandy beach, surrounded by luxurious yachts and is popular among celebrities. The catch? An average price tag of a cool £1.28million – which is the most expensive for a seaside town the UK, new research reveals. That's according to property portal Rightmove, which has crunched the numbers for the costliest and most affordable seaside spots in the country, based on their asking prices. Of course, buyers may well negotiate to shave tens of thousands of pounds off the listed price - or end up offering more than the asking price to secure their home in these in-demand hotspots. All of the top ten town Rightmove says are the most expensive are along the south coast – but the very top spots are not in the typical staycation destinations of Cornwall and Devon. Homes in the luxurious Sandbanks are listed for an average £1.28million– some three times the national average, Rightmove says. It's the only seaside town in the country where asking prices are more than £1million. And it's not hard to see why, with it's proximity to the beach and clear blue water. Plus, your neighbours would be former football manager Harry Redknapp and television chef Rick Stein. However, homes with the average price tag are unlikely to buy you a house as £1.25million typically only stretches as far as a three-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment or maisonette. Mary Lou Press, of estate agent industry body Propertymark, explains in the past decade prospective buyers have been hunting for different characteristics in their home – and picturesque areas such a seaside spots are now much more appealing, which has driven up their price tag. The pandemic sparked a major race for space in the property market as families flocked out of economic hubs such as London in favour of working from home in coastal destinations. While the trend has cooled slightly in recent years as workers return to the office, the seaside spots are clearly still in demand. Press says: 'Seaside locations are desirable for many people of all demographics, and with popularity comes heightened house prices, which can price many locals out of the housing market. 'Considering that the average house price of coastal homes has only slightly dipped, and buyer demand has increased, ongoing economic turbulence doesn't seem to have overly affected the market or dented the confidence of buyers of coastal locations.' But despite the high asking price, the price tags for homes in Sandbanks have fallen by 3 per cent year-on-year. And it's not alone. In fact, across the top 50 most expensive seaside spots, average asking prices fell by 1 per cent – and that's despite demand rising by a healthy 8 per cent. After Sandbanks, it's neighbouring area Canford Cliffs which is the second most costly coastal town. A home in the town will still set buyers back some £974,635, which typically buys a four-bedroom, three-bathroom home. The area is home to Canford Cliffs beach, which has been awarded the coveted Blue Flag status, the gold standard for beaches. Plus, it is also close to Shore Road beach and Branksome Chine beach. The area is just a 35-minute walk from Sandbanks, ideal for those who want to shave more than £300,000 from their hose purchase but still want to be close to the glamorous Sandbanks. However, Canford Cliffs has also seen a slight sip in house prices with the average price tag falling by some 9 per cent year-on-year. Taking the bronze spot is village Milford-on-Sea in Hampshire, where colourful beach huts line the shore. Homes here are listed for £728,460. Also in Hampshire, Lymington takes fourth place as property asking prices are £639,316. Classic coastal destinations in holiday hotspots Cornwall and Devon also make the top ten. Budleigh Salterton is the fifth most expensive town with a price tag of £535,761. Then it's popular second home area St. Ives (£507,139), Dartmouth (£500,006) and Sidmouth (£494,811). Rounding out the top ten is Whitstable in Kent – where asking prices average £469,586 – and Hythe, where homes are listed for £466,898. And if you want a cheaper spot? Head up north, according to Rightmove. Saltcoats – a town on the west coast of North Ayrshire in Scotland and around a 50 minute drive to Glasgow – has been crowned the most affordable seaside resort by Rightmove. Homeowners list their properties here for just £122,208 – some £256,032 lower than the average across the nation. Plus, prices have soared by some 13 per cent year on year, the highest growth on the list. But despite the low price tag, there's plenty to do in this small town with seaside classics such as bowling, a museum, cafes and a cinema to keep you busy. In the silver spot for the most affordable seaside town is Peterlee in County Durham. Properties here are listed for just £38 more, on average, than those in Saltcoats. At £122,246, asking prices have seen a 6 per cent growth in prices in the last year. Next is Ashington in Northumberland where asking prices are £135,050 and Bootle in Merseyside, with price tags of £135,208. In fact, not one town in the bottom ten is more than £160,000, making these locations good value for seaside seekers on a tight budget. Grimsby, Blackpool and Fleetwood also make the list of the most affordable seaside spots with listed prices of £142,072, £142,804 and £148,101, respectively. Birkenhead in Merseyside (£149,527), Blyth in Northumberland (£153,487) and Workington in Cumbria (£158,956) finish the top ten cheapest spots. Best mortgage rates and how to find them Mortgage rates have risen substantially over recent years, meaning that those remortgaging or buying a home face higher costs. That makes it even more important to search out the best possible rate for you and get good mortgage advice, whether you are a first-time buyer, home owner or buy-to-let landlord. Quick mortgage finder links with This is Money's partner L&C > Mortgage rates calculator > Find the right mortgage for you To help our readers find the best mortgage, This is Money has partnered with the UK's leading fee-free broker L&C. This is Money and L&C's mortgage calculator can let you compare deals to see which ones suit your home's value and level of deposit. You can compare fixed rate lengths, from two-year fixes, to five-year fixes and ten-year fixes. If you're ready to find your next mortgage, why not use This is Money and L&C's online Mortgage Finder. It will search 1,000's of deals from more than 90 different lenders to discover the best deal for you.
RNZ News
01-07-2025
- Climate
- RNZ News
NSW bracing for wild weather
The NSW State Emergency Service has over 300 volunteers on stand-by around the state with concerns a "bomb cyclone" is intensifying off the coast. Plus, the jury is deliberating in the mushroom murder trial that's been dominating headlines, and news that celebrity chef Rick Stein is opening a new restaurant in Sydney. To embed this content on your own webpage, cut and paste the following: See terms of use.
