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Metro
09-07-2025
- Metro
I spent a weekend in one of Britain's 'worst places' and fell in love
In the 12th installment of Metro Travel Hot Takes, Jon Fellowes makes the case for Stoke-On-Trent, a city variously described as crap, unsexy and the worst place to live in the Midlands. If you're planning a weekend away in the UK, it's safe to say that some places come to mind quicker than others. It's even safer, perhaps, to say that Stoke-On-Trent was not at the top of your list. Despite getting some love as an underrated destination for 2025, the six towns that make up the city rarely feature in British tourist guides. Some residents even describe it as 'smoke on stench', a not-so-subtle nod to its industrial past. On YouTube, there's a video grimly titled 'Stoke: the city with no hope'. I was born less than an hour away, but Stoke has never featured in my travels. However, after my trip to the worst destination for a UK city break turned out to be nothing short of a roaring success, I am determined to, once again, give another of England's underrated spots a chance to shine. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. So, what does a weekend in 'the potteries' hold in store? As it turns out, a lot more than you might think. My first night in Stoke is spent just outside the city in one of its many 'satellites', a charming village named Swynnerton, 15 minutes drive from the city centre. My destination is The Fitzherbert Arms. Simply put, the Fitzherbert is everything you could want in a country pub. The interior is charming, the food delicious, and the accommodation both comfortable and affordably priced. Dating back to at least 1834, it's hard to miss after you drive down the unfortunately named 'Stab Lane' and into the lovely village of Swynnerton. After check-in, I'm taken to my room in 'the farmhouse' across the road. The rooms average £140 a night, but that can vary between midweek and weekend depending on which you choose to stay in. The tiny details are what really make this place stand out. From marble coat hangers on the backs of the doors to the intricate wrought-iron toilet tissue holder and 'Farmer's Wash' products, they all add up to a rustic aesthetic that somehow never feels dated or shabby, just charming. After check in , it's time to check out the pub and take a table for dinner. (Sorry.) The pub's aesthetic is what you might imagine — button-back armchairs, open fires, and cosy corners. It has a delightful little terrace at the back, which proves to be a nice spot for an early evening pint. I opt for some pub classics for dinner – starting with the traditional scotch egg (£4.95) and the 'legendary' Steak and Ale pie with chips and mushy peas (£17.95). Both are sumptuous comfort food, exactly what you want from a country boozer. Another highlight is the boozy vanilla pod ice cream (£7.95), which comes with a 'tot' of port and homemade carrot cake. The pub has a close relationship with the Symington family, known for their Port production in the Douro Valley. That's where it gets its nickname, the 'port pub'. And it's a name well-earned. The pub has what it describes as a 'bible' for all the ports behind the bar, and I feel like it would be rude not to opt for a measure before I retire for the night. For the rest of my stay, I am put up at the Hilton Garden Inn Stoke-on-Trent. I've always considered Hilton Garden Inn among the best affordable hotel chains, and this one is no exception. The rooms are clean, comfortable, and spacious for a city-centre hotel, and at around £90 (room only), they are reasonably priced. The views from my near top-floor room are magnificent, especially towards the evening when the sun sinks below the city skyline. However, the location is undoubtedly the best thing about the Hilton Garden Inn Stoke-on-Trent. Located in the middle of Hanley, it's within walking distance of many of the places I visit during my stay and just a short drive or Uber ride from the rest. The Hilton buffet breakfast is something to shout about and stands head and shoulders above its rivals in terms of quality and choice. Early on in the trip, I got to grips with what Stoke is best known for: the pottery industry. Long before it became the home of ceramics, the land around Stoke-on-Trent was mainly farmland, but not especially fruitful. However, what it lacked in crops, it made up for in resources for pottery, sparking a boom that would shape the city's identity for centuries to come. At one point, hundreds of potteries were spread around the city, with up to 6,000 'bottle ovens' firing thousands of pieces. Half the town was directly or indirectly employed in the industry, and the six towns of Stoke each specialised in their own styles and products. With such a rich history, it would be remiss not to get a good grounding in what has so obviously helped form the city I am in today. As such, one of my first stops is the Gladstone Pottery Museum, which proudly featured on Channel 4's The Great Pottery Throwdown. The site is easy to identify; the bottle ovens towering above its walls can be seen from all over the surrounding area. Formerly the Gladstone China Works, our tour proves to be a fascinating look into the history of potting in Stoke. During the visit, I'm also offered a chance to throw my own pot. I'll confess to being more than a little nervous at the thought of actually trying my hand at the practice. My head is filled with visions of walls covered in clay as I attempt to battle something not unlike the Robin Williams film Flubber. However, our guide, Kate, is patient and methodical in her instruction, and I somehow managed to fashion something that vaguely resembles a small vase – a complete win in my book. Prices for throwing start from just £1, plus admission (£8.75 for adults). One of the most surprising elements of my trip was my wander around the award-winning Trentham Gardens, a sprawling hub of nature and tranquillity minutes away from Stoke's busy centre. I don't know whether it's the beautiful weather or the good mood that avoiding pot-throwing oblivion that morning has engendered, but walking around Trentham Gardens proves to be the most wonderful part of the whole trip. The gardens centre around a mile-long lake designed by a man (with apologies to fans of landscaping) who I am astounded to learn was genuinely called 'Capability'. There was definitely some nominative determinism going on there, as strolling around Trentham Gardens and its lake on a summer's day is nothing short of enchanting. Once you have parked and walked through the main entrance, you cross the bridge into the site and are immediately confronted with a choice: head straight into the Italian Gardens or turn left and follow the water's edge. It doesn't matter which way you go; it's all stunning. After that, lunch at the Garden Tearooms is an excellent choice, with views that stretch right out across the lake. If your visit took you nowhere else but here, you would still consider it value for money. However, the woodland walks around the lake's edge create a stunning tapestry of nature, and it's well worth taking the time to do the whole loop. With families having picnics on the lush green lawns, children laughing and playing near the sparkling water, and swans and geese gliding across the surface, it's like being stuck in a Victorian oil painting in the best possible way. It's worth pointing out that The Trentham Estate is home to all sorts of activities, from extensive retail and hospitality offerings to its famed 'monkey forest', so even if the weather turns, there are still things to do. Entrance to Trentham Gardens is £13 for adults, with a 10% discount on early bird online tickets. While I'd definitely recommend a summer visit, they offer an excellent 50% off deal for a return trip if it rains for more than two hours between 10am and 3pm. While Stoke might not be the first city that comes to mind when you hear the phrase 'fine dining', the food and hospitality offerings in the potteries are yet another surprise on a trip already filled with them. On the second night of my three-day trip, I dined at Bar Fiesta, a restaurant that does not hold back with its decor. It's awash with a sea of colour, from fairy lights and bunting on the ceiling to multi-coloured stripes on the walls. My initial reaction was how decently priced everything seemed. Individual tapas plates start at £5.95, and there are plenty of deals on everything from Tacos to burgers and beyond. But it's the second night of my trip that delivers the culinary highlight. Little Dumpling King boasts 'HEAVY SCRAN. NATURAL WINE. LOUD MUSIC.' as their tagline, and they deliver on every front. The food is superb and is a combination of various Asian-inspired favourites mixed with surprising flavours. Some of my personal highlights were the Haggis Dumplings (£6.75), Salt & Pepper Hashies (£4.25), and LDK Chicken Rice (£13.75), all washed down with a delightfully refreshing Matt Gregory Bacchus/Seyval blend (£32 for a bottle). Every dish is delicious. If you're looking for a unique food offering in Stoke, LDK is highly recommended. Stoke is the ancestral home to a litany of musical stars, including pop god Robbie Williams and legendary bass player Lemmy of Motörhead. My hopes were high. On Friday night, I visited one of the city's bigger music venues, The Sugarmill. It hosts a healthy mix of touring bands, tributes and other events, but I'm here for a unique experience that proves quite the nostalgia trip: The 900 – the UK's first (and only) Tony Hawk's Pro Skater cover band. For those of a certain age (late 20s and early 30s in particular), the soundtrack of the Tony Hawk Pro Skater video games has something of a legendary status. Music-wise, my second night in Stoke proved a little more relaxed in tone (and volume) but no less enjoyable. I headed a little away from the city centre to a venue called Artisan Tap. If you imagine what an independent live music venue should look like, you're probably thinking of something like the Artisan. With a lighting rig that wouldn't be out of place in one of the smaller O2 venues, the sense of occasion that can be created from such a small venue is genuinely astounding. I'm here to see a band called Greg Murray & The Seven Wonders, who immediately deserve kudos for coming up with a cool band name in an age when this is no mean feat. Gigging a lot around Stoke and the wider Staffordshire area, Greg seems very much on home turf at the Artisan, and their music is well received by everyone in the audience right from the off. James Gregory Murray's superb songwriting is evident throughout the set, and the positive mix of upbeat pop-rock (infused with hints of Americana and even Latin in places) makes for a thoroughly enjoyable evening. A big shout-out also goes out to The Seven Wonders, who prove to be a tight band of excellent musicians. Sadly, I can't stay until the bitter end, as I have a late-night appointment at King's Hall for the night's final stop: Soul On Trent. Celebrating 60 years of Northern Soul, Motown, and Philly in Stoke, the event features a whole range of DJs spinning brilliant music late into the night. More Trending King's Hall is a stark contrast to the Artisan. The venue is vast and has seen some of the biggest names in popular music take to its stage, including The Beatles and The Rolling Stones in 1963. The selection of music for the event is excellent, and, while the average age range is perhaps a little older than my good self, the punters clearly have a ball. However, the day's packed schedule has taken its toll, and with tiredness creeping in, I don't spend a huge amount of time at the venue before it's time to call it a night. What is evident is that the music scene is very much alive and well in Stoke. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: Going to the Maldives with children isn't 'brave', it's brilliant MORE: I veered inland in Vietnam and saw a side few tourists see MORE: I tried a 'hybrid holiday' and discovered the secret to work-life balance
Time of India
19-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Israel-Iran conflict: Why Pakistan never helped 'brother' Iran develop nuclear weapons
As the fiery tensions between Israel and Iran escalate into a full-blown conflict, with Israel launching deep strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and former US President Donald Trump hinting that America might soon join the fray, the spotlight turns to the complex web of alliances and rivalries in the region. Amid this turmoil, a puzzling question emerges: why did Pakistan , often calling itself Iran's "brother" in the Muslim world and a nuclear-armed state itself, refrain from openly helping Tehran develop nuclear weapons? Despite clandestine proliferation links in the past, Pakistan has consistently stopped short of enabling Iran's nuclear weapons ambitions. This restraint reflects a tangled mix of geopolitical calculations, sectarian divides, and international pressures that have shaped Pakistan's cautious stance toward Iran's nuclear program — even as both nations share strategic interests and a history of cooperation. Pakistan did help Iran — sort of Pakistan became a nuclear weapons state in 1998, while Iran has long sought nuclear technology -- officially for peaceful purposes, but with suspicions of developing a weapons programme. Despite both being Muslim-majority states with some historical cooperation, Pakistan did not openly or officially help Iran build nuclear weapons, and their nuclear trajectories diverged for several reasons. However, it turns out Pakistan did secretly aid Iran, but only to a point. In the 1980s and 1990s, Pakistan's A.Q. Khan network clandestinely transferred sensitive centrifuge technology, blueprints, and components to Iran, which significantly advanced Iran's uranium enrichment capabilities. T he centrifuge designs Iran used in its Natanz enrichment plant closely resembled those developed at Pakistan's Kahuta facility, which were themselves based on stolen European designs. The facility was recently targeted by Israel and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has confirmed that both above-ground facilities as well as the underground centrifuge halls have been destroyed. Why didn't Pakistan go further? International pressure : Once the A.Q. Khan proliferation network was exposed in the early 2000s, Pakistan came under immense international scrutiny and pressure, especially from the United States and the IAEA, to halt any further proliferation activities. The threat of economic and military sanctions, as seen in the past with legislative actions like the Symington, Glenn, and Pressler Amendments, made continued assistance to Iran's nuclear weapons ambitions too risky for Pakistan's national interests Strategic calculations: Pakistan's nuclear programme was primarily aimed at countering India, not at empowering Iran or other regional rivals. Openly helping Iran develop a bomb would have risked destabilising the regional balance and undermined Pakistan's own strategic position, including its unique status as the only declared Islamic nuclear power. Sectarian dynamics: While both countries are Muslim-majority, Pakistan is predominantly Sunni and Iran is Shia. This sectarian divide, combined with different regional ambitions, has often made their relationship cautious and competitive. Pakistan has also sought to maintain good relations with Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states, who are rivals of Iran and strongly oppose a nuclear-armed Iran. Legal, diplomatic constraints: Pakistan, though not a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), has faced ongoing international demands to adhere to non-proliferation norms, especially after the exposure of the A.Q. Khan network. Iran, as an NPT signatory, was subject to IAEA inspections and international oversight, making overt assistance from Pakistan highly risky. Could recent conflict change Pakistan's stance? Regional tensions and the escalating Israel-Iran conflict have intensified speculation about Pakistan's stance on Iran's nuclear ambitions. While Pakistan has openly expressed political solidarity with Iran — calling for Muslim unity against Israel and condemning Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites — it has firmly maintained a defensive nuclear doctrine and denied any commitment to actively support Iran's nuclear weapons program or engage militarily, including with nuclear weapons. Despite fiery rhetoric from some Iranian officials claiming Pakistan would retaliate against Israel if Iran were attacked with nuclear weapons, Pakistani leaders have categorically rejected such claims as fabricated and irresponsible. What was the AQ Khan network? The AQ Khan network was a clandestine nuclear proliferation network led by Abdul Qadeer Khan, the Pakistani metallurgical engineer known as the "father of Pakistan's nuclear bomb.". Starting in the 1970s, Khan acquired uranium enrichment centrifuge technology and parts primarily from European countries such as the Netherlands, Germany, and France. He used this technology to build Pakistan's nuclear programme but simultaneously established a black market network that sold nuclear technology and equipment to countries including Iran, North Korea, and Libya. The network operated through a complex web of international suppliers and middlemen spanning over 20 countries, including Malaysia, Singapore, Turkey, South Africa, Switzerland, South Korea, and Dubai. Khan's network supplied not only centrifuge components but also technical expertise and even nuclear weapons designs, effectively offering turnkey nuclear weapons programmes to buyers. This illicit trade was financially lucrative, with Khan reportedly receiving over $100 million from sales to Libya alone. The network was exposed in 2003 after international intelligence agencies intercepted shipments, most notably the German-registered cargo ship BBC China bound for Libya carrying centrifuge parts. This led to Libya's decision to dismantle its nuclear programme and name Khan as the supplier. Khan publicly admitted to his role in nuclear proliferation in 2004 and was placed under house arrest by Pakistani authorities, though he was released in 2009. The network's operations involved shell companies based in Dubai used to facilitate shipments and obscure transactions. Khan's activities blurred the line between state and non-state actors, with evidence suggesting possible awareness or complicity by elements within the Pakistani military and government, although official denials persist. The network's impact was profound, spreading nuclear weapons capability to multiple states and raising ongoing concerns about nuclear proliferation risks worldwide.
Irish Times
30-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
Two great table wines from a family with port pedigree
The Symington family is one of the most successful English/Portuguese producers of port, with a portfolio that includes Graham's, Warre's, Dow's, Cockburn's and Quinta do Vesuvio. They also produce table wines made from the same vineyards in the Douro valley, but much lower in alcohol. As well as these two, O'Briens has the excellent Altano Rewilding Red 2.5-litre Bag in Box for €36.95 and the equally good Altano Organic Red for €18.95 a bottle. [ Is wine from the United States good? ] Altano Branco 2022, Symington, Douro Altano Branco 2022, Symington, Douro 13.5% €15.95 down to €12.50 from O'Briens Medium-bodied with attractive peach fruits and good fresh acidity. Enjoy with grilled sardines, mackerel and other oily fish. Altano Tinto 2022, Symington, Douro Altano Tinto 2022, Symington, Douro 13.5% €15.95 down to €12.50 from O'Briens Smooth, rich dark fruits with a spicy note. Plenty of flavour and a pleasure to drink. Try it with a barbecued burger or roast red meats.
Hamilton Spectator
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
Conservative support growing in Sudbury, Symington says
Despite considerable gains for the Conservative Party across Canada in Monday's federal election, the momentum was not enough to flip the traditionally Liberal-leaning Sudbury riding. Locally, the Conservatives made a leap, capturing 40 per cent of the vote, nearly doubling their support in a few short years. This time, the party finished second, pushing the NDP into a distant third with less than 10 per cent of the vote, signalling a shift in local politics even though the Liberals held onto the seat with about 50 per cent of the vote. While disappointed by the loss, Conservative candidate Ian Symington expressed pride in the campaign's achievements. 'We had a great team and we had a lot of fun this time,' he said late Monday night with supporters at Lot 88 Steakhouse. 'Our crew this time round was so much more motivated. Yes, I'm disappointed but it's a tough city. It's not built for people like me, maybe, on the political side of things.' Symington, a family doctor, said he will not put his name forward in the next election. He extended his congratulations to re-elected Liberal MP Viviane Lapointe and wished her well as she continues to serve the riding. However, he also offered words of caution to Lapointe and the returning government to exercise fiscal responsibility and avoid overspending. 'I got into this because I'm concerned,' he said about his reason for running in this election. 'I am hoping that we see the Conservatives and the Bloc put the balance in power because I don't want a Liberal-NDP-Green coalition because that will be extremely expensive … it worries me.' Symington also said he was concerned that while Sudbury remains a Liberal stronghold, it is now surrounded by ridings, like Manitoulin-Nickel Belt and Kapuskasing-Timmins, that have elected Conservative candidates, creating a political divide in the region. Campaign manager Todd Robson said he wouldn't have changed anything about the campaign's strategy. He said the party has made significant strides locally in both federal and provincial elections and that there is only room for further growth. Over the last 10 years, and the last four federal elections held in the Sudbury riding, the Conservatives have placed third, trailing behind the Liberals, who have maintained power, and the NDP, who, until now, held steady at second. In 2015, the Conservatives earned about 21 per cent of the vote. In 2019, their support dipped slightly to 20.6 and then in 2021, as Symington became the party's candidate, they increased to 27.7 per cent of the vote, still half of what the Liberals pulled in at the time. Although Conservative support grew between 2019 and 2021, their overall position in Sudbury remained steady, consistently finishing third. That changed Monday as NDP support fell dramatically and Conservatives shared the majority of votes with the Liberals, mirroring the national outcome. Symington had garnered 18,915 votes with 228 of 247 polls reporting, while Lapointe had 23,508 - or almost half the ballots cast. The Local Journalism Initiative is made possible through funding from the federal government. Bluesky: @ X: @SudburyStar
CBC
17-04-2025
- Business
- CBC
Trade, housing and economic development the focus at Sudbury candidates debate
The three main party candidates running in the federal election in the Sudbury riding all agreed on some key issues facing the city and the country when they sat down for a debate Wednesday evening. Asked about encouraging inter-provincial trade, Liberal incumbent Viviane Lapointe said the biggest barrier has been a lack of cooperation and no strong incentives for provinces to trade with each other. "They actually saw themselves as competitors, but suddenly now you have a common enemy," said Lapointe. "And that common enemy is the Trump administration. And now premiers really and truly are coming to the table and recognizing the value in being able to work together." In response, the NDP's Nadia Verrelli blamed the federal government for historically overstepping, suggesting they need to step back and let provinces handle trade among themselves as partners and not enemies. Conservative Ian Symington pointed to the fact that reducing trade barriers is supported across all party lines. "We all want to get rid of inter-provincial trade barriers. They are barriers. They're not tariffs in the sense, but they act the same way," Symington told the crowd at the event organzied by the Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce. Attracting investments and speeding up permitting processes Many questions focused on the importance of attracting new businesses and investments to Sudbury, particularly when it comes to the mining and critical mineral sections. Verrelli said the economy needs to diversify and she suggested the best way to do that is for Ottawa to listen to the needs of municipalities. "The federal government needs to use its federal spending power and transfer money to municipalities so that they're able to put the projects in place to get small and medium sized businesses here in Sudbury and to support small and medium size businesses," said Verrelli. Lapointe pointed to her party's successes over the years with increases to FedNor grants and new programs like the Northern Ontario Black Economic Empowerment program and the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot program. "Those are all very important tools for avenues for our businesses and attracting businesses as well as helping existing businesses and helping businesses to expand," explained Lapointe. Critical minerals and the Ring of Fire mineral deposits in northwestern Ontario were also brought up several times by the candidates, with Lapointe and Symington both agreeing that permitting processes need to be sped up to get more projects approved. "Red tape doesn't mean environmental issues. It doesn't mean blowing through the environment, it doesn't mean not consulting with our Indigenous partners. What it means is getting things off of bureaucrats desks and into the workplace," said Symington. "So right now in Canada, it can take up to 8 to 10 years to open a new mine and that's too long," Lapointe said. "And that has been the case for decades in our country. And we know that we need to reduce that." The housing crisis An audience question that was read by the moderator asked the candidates what they see as the reasons behind the housing crisis and what they could do to help. While Symington referred to Canada's high immigration numbers over the last few years as a main reason for the housing shortage, Verrelli said a lack of investment in housing from both the provincial and federal government have contributed to low inventory. "We're seeing that it's a building of those big mega mansions, those unaffordable homes," said Verrelli. "What we need to do is we need to invest in affordable, sustainable living. We need to build homes and apartments that everyday people can afford." Lapointe pointed to the Liberal government's $130 million in investments for housing projects in Sudbury over the last few years, including current developments like the Manitou project and the new seniors housing complex in Coniston. Protesters interrupt closing remarks As the moderator asked candidates to begin their closing remarks, protesters stood up in the audience at College Boreal and demanded to know why audience questions about the government's approach to the conflict in Gaza were not answered during the debate. One man repeatedly interrupted the moderator and candidates, asking them to clarify their stances, to which none of the candidates responded.
