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Daily Mirror
07-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Daily Mirror
I went to my first British barbecue - and it was nothing like I expected
New Zealand journalist Vita Molyneux moved to London last year - and was shocked at how Brits run a BBQ The London weather has been absolutely amazing these past few weeks. With the sun beaming down and clear blue skies, it's been screaming "barbecue" at every turn. However, as a Kiwi who moved to London last year, I've made a startling discovery: Brits don't quite grasp the art of a good barbecue. I recently had my first taste of an English barbecue and was utterly gobsmacked by how it all went down. When the invite landed in my inbox, I was over the moon. It felt like a slice of home, where we New Zealanders know our way around a backyard bash, so I got straight to planning. I pinged off a message offering to bring a couple of salads, perhaps a jug of margaritas, and naturally, no barbeque would be complete without a sweet treat - a pavlova seemed just the ticket, reports the Express. Imagine my shock when the reply came back: "No, we don't need to make anything; we've got it all already." I was rather taken aback! Catering a barbecue for 15 is no small feat, so I enquired about the menu. The response? Sausages, burger patties, bread with tomato sauce, and a few veggie patties and skewers for the non-meat eaters. No sides? I ventured, though I suspected I knew the answer. No sides. I was utterly flabbergasted. The sides are the star of any backyard barbie, how on earth could one go ahead without them? In New Zealand, it's customary for guests to bring a plate to a gathering - and no, we're not talking about dinnerware, but rather a side dish. The host typically takes care of the meat and might whip up a salad or two, while everyone else contributes either sweet or savoury sides or perhaps the makings of a charcuterie board. The result is a veritable banquet with plates piled high not only with burgers but also salads, corn, fresh produce, cheeses and, naturally, an ample supply of ice-cold beers, wines and cocktails. I couldn't fathom having a barbecue without these elements, so I bucked the trend. I arrived with an orzo salad and my freshly made pavlova, despite being told not to bring anything else as it wouldn't be eaten. To the host's surprise, though not mine, both dishes were a hit. The second thing that left me scratching my head was the way the meat was cooked. To me, a barbecue is a luxury item. In New Zealand, they're gas-powered hot plates, large enough to cook at least 10 burgers at once, and if you've got one then you're the designated host for the summer. Here, I was taken aback by a circular knee-high contraption powered by coals, firestarters and the isobutane from a broken Bic lighter. How on earth can you cook that much food efficiently on something so small? The answer is - with military-like precision. I must admit, I was rather taken aback by the swift manoeuvres of the men in charge of the grilling - and to be fair, the burgers were quite tasty, though I could have done without having to constantly shift upwind to avoid the smoke stinging my eyes. Despite it not being quite what I had anticipated, my inaugural British barbecue was a delightful affair. At its core, a barbecue is about gathering with those you hold dear, sharing a meal and savouring not just the weather, but the sense of community. Nevertheless, I am resolute in my decision to host the next one at my place, and demonstrate how it truly ought to be done.


Daily Mirror
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Tourist tries 'world's hardest drive' that's 'more insane than rollercoasters'
The Dakar Rally is a two-week rally race across the desert that only true athletes can achieve - and even a small taste of what they do left Vita Molyneux exhuasted I have always been a careful, borderline anxious driver. I like to drive at the speed limit, within the lines and obey all the rules. Despite my cautious nature, I have always enjoyed being driven fast - as long as it's safe. This week I got the opportunity to ride alongside a five-time Dakar Rally champion, who has made a career out of the most jaw-dropping, heart-stopping driving you have ever seen. Nasser Al-Attiyah is an Olympic champion clay shooter and one of the best rally drivers in the world. Fresh off his fifth win at the Dakar Rally with the Dacia Sandriders, Nasser invited me and a group of journalists to his Race Camp in the outskirts of Barcelona to experience what it's like to be inside the brand new Dacia Sandrider - a custom built rally car that had its first competition and first win in the 2024 Dakar Rally. Although I didn't get the chance to drive the Sandrider - hardly surprising as it's more like a spaceship than a vehicle - I did have a chance to be up close and personal with Nasser himself as he drove round the rally track he has built in his 200-acre property. I had thought the hard part of this would be the drive itself - a thrilling high-speed whip around the challenging track - but in fact, the trickiest aspect was be cramming myself into the co-driver's seat of the Dacia Sandrider. These seats are comfortable once you're in, but incredibly cramped to access. Being almost 6' I" found myself having to physically lift my own legs inside before being able to be harnessed in. The pros, like Nasser and his co-driver Eduoard Boulanger, have to prove they can do this human tetris in under seven seconds - including the six point harness. I estimate my time was more like seven minutes - it is no easy feat to cram yourself through the door wearing a full racer suit and massive helmet Once I was finally inside the Sandrider, securely fastened and linked by a mic in the helmet to Nasser, we were off. This drive was like nothing I have ever experienced in my life. Imagine the most insane rollercoaster you have ever been on, then triple it. The speed at which Nasser was able to navigate the car through the twists, jumps, and curves of the off-road track was absolutely awe-inspiring. Whipping through the Spanish countryside at what must have been 160km/h at least, it was all I could do to stop from swearing. In my helmet intercom, I could hear Nasser chuckling to himself as I shrieked in excitement for the entirety of the ride. At one point, Nasser told me to 'prepare for the big jump'. Nothing could have prepared me for that - the Sandrider crested the top of a hill, and the earth fell away beneath us as the car flew forwards, entirely airborne and suspended above the dirt for what had to be at least five seconds. It's a testament to how well built these cars are that the landing felt like nothing - a small bump upon landing. I had been told the car weighs around two tonnes, but it floated like a butterfly over the rough terrain. I didn't want the drive to end, and as soon as we pulled up to the house, a huge dust cloud in the wake of the car, I wanted to go straight round again - but there was more to learn. After I manoeuvred myself out of the vehicle, and the adrenaline rush had died down, we were lucky enough to be taught all about rally driving by Nasser's co-driver Eduoard Boulanger. What rally drivers go through to be able to participate in the Dakar Rally truly pushes the limits of human endurance. They are in the cars for up to ten hours a day, speeding through the remote desert in search of waypoints they have to mark on the map - but these waypoints are not signposted. It is up to the co-driver to navigate this incredibly harsh terrain at neck-breaking speed, anticipating every move with just seconds to convey the information to their driver. For two weeks, these athletes sacrifice comfort, sleep, food and water to drive. Boulanger told us the process is draining both mentally and physically. He took part in physical and cognitive tests before and after the last Dakar Rally. By the end of the two-week rally, his performance in both tests had dropped by a whopping 75 percent. When it comes to water, he said that each person must have three litres - but with no toilet stops, choices need to be made. He joked about wearing adult nappies - at least I think it was a joke. However, the physical exertion of the rally means that a lot of the water you consume is just sweated straight out. As for food, it's not glamorous, catered dinners. Boulanger said: 'You eat breakfast, and then the next meal could be at 6pm. Between that, you're eating gels and bars, and at the end of 15 days you really can't have any more gels or bars.' You are entirely cut off from the outside world - no contact with friends or family, and just a satellite phone in the car for emergencies. Any mechanical issues with the cars need to be solved right there and then - so it pays to know exactly what you are driving and how it works. I was truly in awe of these two men. Their dedication to driving, and what it takes for them to reach the level they are at is astounding. Not only is it immensely physically demanding but mentally too - however Nasser and Eduoard make it seem easy. I don't think I'll be participating in any rally driving anytime soon - I know I don't have the strength - but I'll definitely be cheering them from the side-lines. Book it The Nasser Race Camp is located on the outskirts of Barcelona, 70km from the city. It is exclusive to drive on its tracks, meaning you'll have to haggle for an invitation. To see the Dacia Sandrider in action, head to Portugal for the bp Ultimate Rally Raid Portugal from 22-28 September. Rally Portugal has several Spectator Zones in each stage that are completely free. The Sandrider will also drive the Rallye Du Maroc in Morocco from October 10 -17.


North Wales Live
18-05-2025
- General
- North Wales Live
I tried seven brands of salted butter and the difference was a major surprise
In my opinion, there's nothing quite like the simple joy of bread and butter. So, when I was given the opportunity to try seven different types of salted butter, I leapt at the chance. Little did I know that this seemingly simple taste test would push me to the limits of human endurance, writes Vita Molyneux. Until you've tasted seven distinct butters in a mere 30 minutes, you can't truly understand what the body is capable of. By mid way, I was struggling. Maybe I was being too generous with my spreading, or perhaps it was the 23-degree heat in my bedroom, but I did not feel great. I stared down at three more butters feeling my arteries beginning to clog. My head was spinning and I needed a drink of water and a lie down. I needed a piece of fresh fruit, I needed a hug. Instead I took a deep breath, reminded myself that this is my job and I'm extremely lucky to have it, and cracked on. By the end, I believe I had transcended. But the results were in and I have declared a winner - and a loser. All the butters were left out on my counter for an hour to achieve the perfect spreadability, reports the Express. The seven salted butters I sampled were: All Things Butter, Lurpak Slightly Salted, Kerrygold, Anchor, Tesco own brand, Aldi Cowbelle and Lidl Dairy Manor. Lurpak This is a classic. It's my usual purchase, but I must confess, I rarely indulge in just bread and butter, so I most often use it in cooking. I had high expectations but, to be honest, Lurpak left me somewhat disappointed. It tasted a bit oilier than I anticipated, and the salt was more subtle than I prefer. However, the texture and spreadability were good. Overall, Lurpak scores OK. Rating: 6/10. All Things Butter The colour of this was a stunning rich yellow. When I sliced off the piece I was going to taste I was taken aback by its crumbly texture. However, after softening, the butter was rich, creamy and indulgent with the perfect level of salt. This butter tasted like luxury, and I loved it! Rating: 9/10. Aldi Cowbelle This one had the best spreadability so far - it went on the bread perfectly and was the saltiest of the bunch. There was an aftertaste of the sea, but I like the sea, so that's fine. It had a rich, golden colour, and almost had a hint of garlic about it (although that could be the chopping board). Really lovely. Rating: 8/10. Kerrygold The spreadability was a little poor, but it didn't tear the bread, which is always a good sign. It had the most gorgeous colour of all the butters, a stunning yellowish gold - I suppose it's in the name. However, it wasn't very salty at all, and the texture was pretty nondescript. Overall, OK. Rating: 6/10. Lidl Dairy Manor This butter was nearly white, and quite salty, with a slightly bitter aftertaste. It had top-notch spreadability and I favour the saltier ones, so this gets an extra point. Rating: 7/10. Tesco Tesco's own brand was a real let down. It was overly oily and lacked flavour with no real salty tang. Despite its spreadability and appealing colour, I can only award Tesco a modest score. Rating: 4/10. Anchor The final hurdle! The end was in sight. This butter had a pleasing texture and was rich and creamy, although not as salty as I might prefer - instead it had that peculiar garlic undertone like the Aldi butter. But again, that could very well have been my wooden chopping board. It was satisfactory, but nothing exceptional, so it receives an in-between score. Rating: 5/10. Final thoughts All Things Butter clinched the title for the best butter, and sadly, Tesco's own brand needs to be cast aside. But overwhelmingly, I learned a crucial lesson - too much of a good thing is indeed a real phenomenon. The next time I'm offered such a decadent taste test, I am calling for reinforcements. sent twice daily to your inbox Look for places near you


Daily Mirror
30-04-2025
- Daily Mirror
'I was urged to avoid a holiday to this popular Italian city - but I went anyway'
Planning an Italian getaway is always exciting, especially if you want to go somewhere very few people want to venture. That was the task Mirror Travel Writer Vita Molyneux and her brother faced when they were preparing to jet off. "We were keen to explore somewhere off the beaten track," she said. "We'd already experienced the coastal charm of Moneglia in Genoa – a tranquil village known for its warm hospitality and close proximity to the renowned Cinque Terre." She added: "We'd also taken in the stunning Tuscan cities of Florence and Siena, marvelling at their magnificent cathedrals and rich culture." With those places ticked off their bucket list, one place was left for them to conquer – and it was one they found, to their astonishment, many people had a dim view of. "We set our sights on Naples, the southern Italian city famed for its pizza, vibrant nightlife and bustling cobbled streets," Vita recalled. "With flights booked, accommodation sorted and anticipation mounting, we encountered an unexpected response. Almost everyone we told about our plans reacted with 'Naples? Why would you go to Naples?'" She added: "The city was painted as 'dodgy', 'dangerous' and 'frightening'. Shaken, I turned to social media and found a plethora of TikTok videos warning against visiting Naples, with comments ranging from it giving off 'kidnapping vibes' to claims it was 'the most dangerous city in the world '." To say Vita was alarmed would be putting it mildly, but this served as a stark reminder not to believe everything you read online, reports the Express. Their journey got off to a bumpy start, as the trek from the airport to their accommodation in the Quartieri Spagnoli (Spanish Quarter) was somewhat tense. Naples, Vita found, was unlike any other Italian city she had visited. "Admittedly, it's a bit rough around the edges, with potholed roads and graffiti-laden walls. However, there was already something endearing about it," she wrote. "Our flight was delayed, and we didn't touch down in Naples until around 1am. Our Airbnb host, showcasing the incredible kindness of the Neapolitan people, personally drove to the airport to pick us up despite the late hour. "On our first day, we ventured out to explore our neighbourhood, the Quartieri Spagnoli. I instantly fell for its labyrinthine maze of cobbled streets, markets, shop fronts and homes all festooned with bunting." Vita and her brother could not have arrived at Naples at a better time – the local football team Napoli had just clinched their first Serie A title in 33 years before they arrived. She said: "Images of the late Diego Maradona, Napoli's Argentine legend who is almost worshipped as a saint here, were plastered on every other wall and hung above the streets. The atmosphere was electric and utterly intoxicating. "Simply strolling through the city was an adventure. Mopeds whizzed past on the narrow streets, and there were people everywhere – it was hard to know where to look. "We chose to hike up to Castel Sant'Elmo, perched high above the city. Our journey took us past beautiful villas and layers of pastel-coloured apartments." In the spring heat, climbing the steep stairs to the castle was a challenge, but the breathtaking view from the top made it all worthwhile for the pair. "This medieval fortress, dating back to 1275, served as an autonomous military outpost," Vita said. "Our exploration of the castle and its walls provided breathtaking views over the Bay of Naples and towards Mount Vesuvius, which ominously towers over Naples from the south." A highlight of Vita's trip was Naples' proximity to the ancient site of Pompeii – somewhere she had yearned to visit since she was a child. "The ancient village, obliterated by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD, is one of the most well-preserved historical sites globally, boasting everything from homes to law courts to vineyards for visitors to explore," she added. "Just a half-hour train ride away, we reached the site early in the morning, with the sun already blazing overhead. We decided against a guided tour, opting instead for audio guides that allowed us to explore at our own pace. "After consulting with a guide on site, he marked our maps, highlighting areas he thought we'd find most intriguing. Given Pompeii's vastness, it's nearly impossible to see everything in a single day. Taking our time, we meandered through the ancient village, absorbing the stories of its former inhabitants." After a full day of exploration, Vita and her brother returned to the city for some evening refreshments and a bite to eat. She was "completely blown away by the nightlife." Vita remarked: "Naples' nightlife is second to none – kicking off with an Aperol spritz in one of the city's numerous bars, watching life pass by, before moving on to taste some truly amazing Neapolitan pizza, hailed as the world's best by many. "We spent a thrilling three days in Naples, and every moment was a delight. Sure, it's bustling and crossing the road requires bravery and a certain level of recklessness, but the city is teeming with life. "The city buzzes with activity, the views are breathtaking, and the locals are fantastic." What advice would Vita give to anyone hesitant about visiting this southern Italian gem? "Don't trust everything you read online, as I discovered. But if you're reading this and pondering whether to visit Naples – take my word for it, you should."