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Things to do in London tomorrow

The ianVisits guide to cheap and free things to do in London tomorrow (Friday 19th April).

Top events in London tomorrow

Soe operatives: the secrets of their success, captives: prisoners of war and internees 1939-45.

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Traveling to London this summer? 8 questions to ask yourself before you go

Jul 12, 2022 • 8 min read

A musician performs on the streets of East London © Symeonidis Dimitrios / Shutterstock

There’s no city like London .

Pub gardens, Hyde Park and West End plays are some of the city's well-known attributes, and a visit during summer ensures visitors will see the city at peak vibrancy. Hectic at the best of times, London travel has become even more unpredictable thanks to the knock-on effect of the pandemic.

If you're planning to visit in 2022, here are some questions and key things to consider:

1. Have you checked that Tube and train strikes aren’t happening?

The UK saw the biggest train strike for a generation this summer in June, with thousands of workers staging a walkout in protest of poor pay and job losses. Half of all rail lines were closed and the London Underground service was disrupted too.

While no further strikes are officially planned - yet - hundreds of staff at British train services London North Eastern Railway and c2c voted to strike further, suggesting this summer could see more industrial protest. 

If you plan to visit London and are relying on train services, we recommend double-checking for any planned strikes and considering alternative transport such as coach, cycling or car. If you happen to visit during a train strike, be aware that all other forms of travel experience delays and increased crowds from the knock-on effect. Take extra time for travel if so.

How to navigate London amid transport strikes and airport disruptions

2. Have you checked if your flight is okay?

UK airlines are canceling thousands of short-haul flights due to staffing shortages causing thousands of holidaymakers to re-plan their trips.

British Airways (BA) has cancelled 10,300 extra flights between August and the end of October, bringing their total to 30,000 canceled journeys across London Heathrow, Gatwick and City airports, while easyJet similarly cut thousands. Thankfully, further BA strikes are on hold after an agreement was reached in negotiations this week. 

But travelers still face disruption from the aftershocks of Covid on the travel sector. Heathrow aviation fuel staff voted to strike over pay last week, meaning further disruption could be coming.

If you’re planning to fly into or out of the UK with one of these airlines in July, August or September, keep an eye out to see if your flight is canceled. Make sure the company you booked with has all your up-to-date contact information as they will usually send a link to rebook flights if the flight is grounded.

If your travel is time sensitive, it might be wise to establish a plan B just in case. If you do book a second flight you will only be able to get a refund if the flight is canceled however so bear that in mind.

Airport chaos in Europe: how to manage delays, cancellations and strikes

3. Are you allotting enough extra time at the airport?

So your flight looks good to go; you’ve gotten to the airport and suddenly spot a snaking queue for bag check-in that looks like it could take hours. Twitter is full of terrifying anecdotes from holidaymakers who have found themselves close to missing a flight. Don’t fret.

Staff shortages have also led to hours-long queues to check-in or get through security - but you can plan accordingly. Heathrow looks to be the worst affected by travel chaos so maybe look to a different airport if possible.

The next best thing to do is check in online, if your airline allows it, as this streamlines the airport process and means you can go straight to security if you don’t have a bag to check in.  If you do need to check in a bag, allow for extra time. We would recommend an extra hour minimum just for this queue.

Also baggage havoc is, unfortunately, a reality if you enter the UK too. If you’re coming into a London airport, be prepared for long waits at baggage claim due to…. staffing shortages. 

Top tips for first time visitors to London

4. Have you located the city’s best rooftops (especially the ones less central)?

London rooftops are some of the best places to relax and unwind (especially after any airport trauma). The city is host to several spectacular bars where you can see the skyline and feel a moment of calm in the otherwise bustling city.

The problem is: Everyone has the same idea once the weather climbs anywhere above 17 C. 

We recommend getting to one before 5pm if it’s a work day and staking out a spot before the work crowd descends, as most places don’t take bookings. Some of our favorite spots are Frank's Cafe at Bold Tendencies in Peckham, Madison in St Paul’s, Queen of Hoxton in Shoreditch, Pergola in Paddington and Jin Bo Law in Aldgate.

Top things to do in London

5. What are some of the amazing new shows or exhibitions happening this summer?

How could you come to London and not explore the incredible culture on offer? This summer promises to immerse you in a dizzying display of art, theatre and music. The highly anticipated theatre adaptation of Studio Ghibli’s My Neighbour Totoro starts 8 October at the Barbican. Tickets can be found here . Also, Emilia Clarke (known for playing Daenerys Targaryen in Game of Thrones ) makes her West End debut in The Seagull at Harold Pinter theatre. Tickets can be found here and are available from £15.

Or what about Abba Voyage, the critically acclaimed virtual Abba concert at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park? Concerts go on from July to May next year, with all of the band’s best hits promised for those who join. Tickets are still available for July here.

If you fancy a futuristic, out-of-body art experience make sure to check out Future Shock at 180 The Strand. The exhibition presents a truly immersive visual and auditory experience through digital technology and is on until 28 August. Tickets are available here and are £20 for adults. 

Alternatively, celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee by visiting a special display at the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace. It is on from 22 July to 2 October and explores the Queen's accession to the throne in February 1952. Included in the exhibition is a special diamond tiara gifted to Princess Victoria Mary of Teck, then Queen Mary. Tickets are available here.

12 must-see events in London this summer... including Europe's biggest street party

6. Why not try swimming or an urban beach?

You’ve seen all the tourist sites and are lost for something to do. Why not try an urban beach or swim in one of the city’s outdoor lidos? 

No, an urban beach won’t match Mykonos but it does the job in London. Ruislip lido beach is a great option and easy enough to get to. It’s less than an hour via the Piccadilly or Metropolitan line to Ruislip then a bus. For something closer to home there’s  London Secret Beach in South Kensington. We recommend booking ahead to ensure you get a spot.

London is also host to a handful of outdoor swimming venues. Some of our favourites include the Hampstead Heath ponds (£4.05 for adults and £2.43 for concessions for a single day ticket. Book here ); Brockwell Lido in Herne Hill (£8 for adults and £5 for concessions for a 50-minute slot. Book here ) and Serpentine Lido in Hyde Park (£5 for adults, £3.80 concessions, and £1.80 children. Book here ). It makes for an amazing hot-weather activity. 

The UK's 10 best beaches you won't want to leave

7. Have you booked ahead for restaurants?

Self-explanatory but London is host to some incredible restaurants and their popularity never wanes. Getting a spot at some places is impossible even a month in advance, so plan ahead and target your spots as soon as possible.

Lunch times are slightly easier than evenings and some restaurants such as Hoppers in Soho, a frills-free Sri Lankan restaurant, or Dishoom , a great spot for Indian food, particularly loved for its brunch menu (try the bacon naan roll if you're not veggie!). Dishoom has spots all across London's popular spots - Shoreditch, Kings Cross, Carnaby Street, Covent Garden and Kensington, making it a great addition to sightseeing as you'll likely be in those areas. They both take walk-ins at certain times but be aware everyone will likely have the same idea during peak dining times. If you fancy a fan-favorite for pasta, Padella - also notorious for huge queues - then you can join an online queue and grab a drink nearby. Padella has spots in Shoreditch and London Bridge and is known for classic but fresh pasta dishes. Padella has become a cult food institution in London because of its growing fanbase. Just scan the QR code on the window and keep checking your phone for updates. 

Secret London: 9 unusual sights hidden in the city

8. Have you considered grabbing the Elizabeth line?

Why not catch the Elizabeth line - London's latest rail line unveiled in time for the Queen's Jubilee? The project cost £19 billion and once unveiled was a novelty for Londoners and tourists who haven't seen a new completed underground line in 30 years. 

The project delivers new stations at Paddington, Bond Street, Tottenham Court Road, Farringdon, Liverpool Street, Whitechapel, Canary Wharf, Custom House and Woolwich.

If you land at Heathrow (any terminal) jump onto the Purple line and you'll be taken to Paddington where you would need to change to go further into central. At the moment the line is split into three separate sections but plans are to make it one route in 2023 from Reading/Heathrow to Paddington, Paddington to Abbey Wood and Liverpool Street to Shenfield.

Getting around in England is simple with these top tips

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If you're planning a trip to London, consider these COVID and weather advisories first

• If planning a trip to London, there are COVID- and weather-related advisories you should know.
• Keep reading for important details regarding mask mandates and more ahead of your visit.
• Visit Insider's hub for travel guides, tips, and recommendations .

You might be packed and ready for your trip to London, but to make your visit as smooth as possible, there are a few important things to keep in mind before arriving. Keep reading for the latest details on advisories regarding COVID, weather, and more.

COVID-19 advisory

Anyone who enters the the United Kingdom must take a PCR test by the end of the second day after arrival and self-isolate until they have received a negative result. Vaccinated individuals must also complete a passenger locator form within 48 hours of arriving in the UK.

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Wearing a face covering is no longer mandatory for most public indoor and outdoor spaces. However, the website of the London government notes that "There are exceptions to this, and businesses can continue to encourage and require their customers and workforce to wear a facemask. This is most common in areas like healthcare, transport, and retail."

The National Health Service is also continuing to require patients, staff, and visitors to wear masks in healthcare settings. 

Face coverings remain required by law on all Transport for London (TfL) services. Passengers on the Tube, bus, tram, DLR, Overground, and TfL must continue to wear a mask in stations and the duration of their journey unless they are exempt.

Weather advisory

London has moderate weather year-round. But no matter the month, be sure to bring rain gear because you never know when it might drizzle or start full-on showering.

View Insider's comprehensive guide to visiting London.

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When is Eid al-Fitr 2024 and how is it celebrated?

The three-day festival celebrates the completion of the fasting month of Ramadan by Muslims across the world.

As a new moon was not sighted on Monday evening after Maghrib prayers, Muslims in Saudi Arabia and neighbouring countries will fast one more day, completing 30 days of Ramadan. The first day of Eid will then be celebrated on Wednesday, April 10.

The first day of Eid al-Fitr is determined by the sighting of the crescent moon marking the start of the month of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic (Hijri) calendar.

Keep reading

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Lunar months last between 29 and 30 days so Muslims usually have to wait until the night before Eid to verify its date.

Other countries follow independent sightings.

When the sighting has been verified, Eid is declared on television, radio stations and at mosques.

How do Muslims celebrate Eid?

Traditionally, Eid is celebrated for three days as an official holiday in Muslim-majority countries. However, the number of holiday days varies by country.

Muslims begin Eid day celebrations by partaking in a prayer service that takes place shortly after dawn, followed by a short sermon.

On their way to the prayer, which is traditionally held in an open area, Muslims recite takbeerat, praising God by saying “Allahu Akbar”, meaning “God is great”.

It is customary to eat something sweet before the prayer, such as date -filled biscuits known as maamoul in the Middle East. This particular festival is known as the “sweet” Eid – and the distribution of sweets is common across the Muslim world.

Muslims usually spend the day visiting relatives and neighbours and accepting sweets as they move around from house to house.

Each country has traditional desserts and sweets that are prepared before Eid or on the morning of the first day.

Children, dressed in new clothes, are offered gifts and money to celebrate the joyous occasion.

Girls and women in many countries decorate their hands with henna. The celebration for Eid begins the night before as women gather in neighbourhoods and large family gatherings for the application of henna.

In some countries, families visit graveyards to offer their respects to departed family members right after the morning prayers.

It is common for Muslim-majority countries to decorate their cities with lights and hold festivities to commemorate the end of the fasting month.

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For some 2.3 million Palestinians in Gaza this Eid, this will be the first Muslim religious holiday after more than 33,000 people have been killed in Israeli attacks. With little food aid, and very limited water, Gaza’s Eid al-Fitr will be mired in destruction amid the continuing attacks.

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The most popular greeting is “Eid Mubarak” (Blessed Eid) or “Eid sa’id” (Happy Eid). Eid greetings also vary depending on the country and language.

The video below shows how people say Eid Mubarak in different languages around the world.

Money latest: New savings account offers 7% interest

A complaints expert has warned local authorities are making it "increasingly difficult" to claim for pothole damage. Read this and all the latest consumer and personal finance news in the Money blog. Listen to the latest Sky News Daily podcast about inflation as you scroll.

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Virgin Media has topped the rankings of the most complained-about broadband, landline and pay-TV providers, Ofcom figures show.

The regulator said Virgin Media received the most complaints between October and December last year. 

The company received 20 complaints per 100,000 broadband customers in the three-month period. 

But this was an improvement on the 32 per 100,000 in the previous quarter.

Complaints handling was the cause of 43% of customer complaints, compared with an industry average of 32%.

Some 22% of its complaints were about faults, service and provisioning, well below the industry average of 37%.

It was slightly ahead of Now Broadband, which received 18 complaints per 100,000, but lagged behind the industry average of 12.

Virgin Media complaints for landline came in at 13 per 100,000, just ahead of Shell Energy and Now Broadband.

It also received 13 complaints per 100,000 for pay-TV, almost double that of BT.

A Virgin Media O2 spokesman said: "We're committed to providing an excellent service to our customers, and while overall these complaints represent a very small proportion of our customer base, we acknowledge there is a need for improvement, which is under way, and we're focused on getting this right.

"We are investing heavily and making changes across our business to deliver tangible improvements, for example through multi-skilling our teams and rolling out new IT platforms that will make it easier for customers to get support when they need it, and empowering our people to resolve any issues quickly and effectively first time."

By James Sillars , business reporter

The FTSE 100 has recovered a bit more ground in early dealing after Tuesday's sharp losses. 

The index opened 0.4% higher at 7,880, building on a 0.4% gain yesterday. 

The Tuesday rout, on fears of US interest rates remaining higher for longer, saw more than 1.8% of its value lost. 

While the issue remains a concern for investors, miners have dug the FTSE's way to recovery. 

Among other sectors making strides were airline and holiday stocks. That was after easyJet reported strong summer bookings and an easing of first-half losses. 

The no-frills carrier, which makes all its profits in the six months to the end of September, said it expected to be among the fastest growing European airlines. Shares took off by 4.5%. 

Deliveroo stock also gained, by 2.3%, after it returned to order growth in the first three months of the year. 

One deal making waves is a takeover of troubled British music investor Hipgnosis Songs Fund. The FTSE 250 firm, which has a catalogue including rights to work by artists including Shakira, Ed Sheeran, Blondie and Red Hot Chili Peppers, is set to be bought by Concord Chorus. Under the terms of the deal, shareholders of Hipgnosis will get $1.16 per share in cash, valuing the company at $1.4bn (£1.1bn). 

The price, musical and theatrical rights holder Concord said, represented a 30% premium on the recent value of Hipgnosis shares. 

Hipgnosis has been mired by troubles since mid-last year, including valuation concerns, board and legal battles, and a shareholder revolt against a catalogue sale deal that forced a strategic review. 

By Emily Mee, Money team 

A complaints expert has warned local authorities are making it "increasingly difficult" to claim for pothole damage. 

The AA reported last October that pothole breakdowns had hit a five-year high - with the incidents causing tyre punctures, distorted wheels, damaged shock absorbers and broken suspension springs. 

Drivers can expect to pay an average of up to £440 if they hit a pothole and their car sustains damage more serious than a puncture, according to RAC data. 

Scott Dixon, also known as The Complaints Resolver , says an increasing number of drivers are being forced to pay out themselves or claim through their insurance because local authorities are making it "virtually impossible to claim direct". 

In fact, insurer Admiral said pothole-related claims rocketed by 40% in 2023. 

Mr Dixon says it's a "lottery" in terms of whether claims will be upheld, with some authorities paying out for less than 1% of claims. 

Who is responsible for paying out? 

Whoever controls the road must maintain it to a suitable standard and pay for repairs.

That means drivers whose cars are damaged by poorly maintained roads are able to claim compensation. 

In England, Scotland and Wales, local roads, B roads and smaller A roads will be maintained by the council.

Motorways and A roads in England are controlled by Highways England, and in Scotland by Traffic Scotland. 

Roads listed as red routes in Greater London are under Transport for London, while all road types in Northern Ireland are controlled by Dfl Roads. 

Should you make a claim? 

It's up to you whether you want to make a claim, or whether you will pay for the repairs yourself or through your insurance. 

It is worth remembering that if you make a claim through the local authority, this is taxpayers' money and could put councils under strain. 

Even if you choose not to claim, you should still report the pothole to prevent it remaining a danger to other road users. 

How to claim 

If you decide to make a claim, you should first report the pothole through  www.fixmystreet.com  or  www.fillthathole.org.uk  - or contact the local authority directly. 

Take photos of the pothole if it is safe to do so, and if you can put your foot by the hole for scale. 

To count as a pothole, it must usually be at least 40mm deep, or the height of two 20p coins. Mr Dixon says the width of the hole is seen as "irrelevant". 

The local authority will want to know exactly where the pothole is so you should provide a sketch (or you can use Google Earth for this). 

You should also get an estimate for the damage to your vehicle so the council knows how much to compensate you. 

Your claim will then be passed on to claims handlers - and you should be prepared for it to be rejected. 

Mr Dixon says authorities often "won't make it easy for you" and you've got to be ready to "put the leg work in" if you want your money back. 

So what can you do next? 

If your claim is indeed rejected, you don't have to give up there. 

Your next port of call is to put in a freedom of information request to your council. 

Every citizen has the right to ask for recorded information held by public authorities, and you can do this by letter, email, social media, online form or fax. 

In your request, you can ask for 12 months' worth of inspection reports on the road in question, how many times the pothole was reported, when the last repair was made and whether it was reported before you hit it. 

FOI requests can take up to 20 working days to come back, so be prepared to wait for it. 

When you receive it back, you should look for whether the last repair was made within the statutory timeframe, whether it was a temporary or permanent repair, and whether it had been reported before you hit it. You should also check for whether it was repaired to the correct specification and criteria. 

Being able to point out negligence may be enough for your claim to be accepted. 

If not, you can go through a small claims court. 

Every Thursday we look at a different savings option, explain the pros and cons, and reveal the best deals on the market (see table below for that).  This week we're talking about the best regular saver accounts.  Savings Champion founder Anna Bowes  says...

The top regular saver rates on offer are pretty static, but we have seen a newcomer to the market recently.

The Co-operative Bank has joined First Direct at the top of the table, offering its current account holders access to a variable rate of 7% on deposits of up to £250 a month, for 12 months. 

The top rates are often only available to those with a current account with that provider, but it's important to check whether opening a new current account just to have access to the regular saver is a good idea.

If you don't have a lump sum to invest, one of the best ways you can get into the savings habit is to open a regular saver account and deposit the amount you can afford the day after you are paid, so it becomes like another bill - but one that you can benefit from in the future.

Regular savings accounts pay some of the top rates available as you are normally restricted by the amount you can deposit, and you may not be able to dip into the cash very often, if at all, over a given term.

In fact, there are usually a number of terms and conditions, to keep an eye on to make sure you earn the interest you are expecting. And some top accounts are only accessible if you hold a current account with the provider. But normally you won’t need to transfer your primary current account.

Regular savings accounts normally offer a fixed rate of interest for a set term, but there are also many variable rate accounts around, so keep your eyes peeled.

By Bhvishya Patel, Money team

Over four days this week, we're speaking to some of Britain's struggling unpaid carers, hearing at times heart-breaking accounts of their physical, emotional and financial struggles.

Today, a daughter who helps care for her father with dementia shares her worries about the future and being able to manage his cost of care.

"You go into a care home and you might have to sell your house and they're taking all your money. I find that mad that you can work all your life and then you don't even have enough to leave your kids. It just all goes on care - it's crazy. Karen Karbritz, unpaid carer

Karen, 49, began caring for her father Alan, 76, with her mother Judy after he was diagnosed with dementia in 2021.

The mother of two, from Hertfordshire, who works as an intelligence analyst for the prison service, says juggling care with her job and raising her two children is difficult and it is always her "work that suffers".

"I've always got a guilt thing because I'm always thinking I should call my parents more, I should pop round more.

"My son is only nine and he has so many activities. I have to juggle the time because it is not fair for him to miss out on stuff.

"My boss sometimes asks if I would like to do overtime and I would like to and get a few extra quid, but when am I supposed to do that?"

After Alan's diagnosis, the day-to-day responsibilities that he took care of, such as finances and household bills, fell to Karen and her mother Judy.

"When it came to finances, Mum had no idea who her mobile phone supplier was or gas provider because my dad did it all. All the things my dad would have done, he now can't do so I'm now doing that," Karen says.

"It's something you've got to do. A lot of my friends are in a similar position, they've got parents who need more support now and then they've got small children and we can't leave them on their own and you're working as well."

Karen says her parents are in a "decent situation" financially and have a couple of properties they rent out which they are able to gain an income from.

Her mother also receives £76.75-a-week in carer's allowance.

"I can imagine if I had to give up my job to care full-time then no way would a carer's allowance allow me to do that. No way at all," she says.

When it came to the future, Karen says she worries about having the financial ability to provide for her parents with the care they need.

"I just got paid yesterday and my account is overdrawn after getting my pay but I can't ask my parents to lend me money," she says.

"Normally, they would be more than happy to help me but now they can't because they never know if they will need the money.

"You go into a care home and you might have to sell your house and they're taking all your money. I find that mad that you can work all your life and then you don't even have enough to leave your kids. It just all goes on care - it's crazy.

"I totally understand they need to keep every penny they've got. Dad might not go into a care home for 10 years or it could be next week. This is the thing you have no idea, it's really hard to plan."

While her father, who worked as a chartered surveyor before his diagnosis, does not need external carers or a care home at the moment, Karen says should he or her mother require care she does not know if she would be able to manage it.

"Every time the phone rings and I see my mum's number I think 'Oh god something has happened to my dad'," she says.

"That's the first thing, you see the number and your heart sinks and you think 'Oh god what now?'

"He's not at that stage where he needs carers, but the thing with dementia is it can suddenly get worse at any time, you just don't know. At the moment he doesn't drive or go for walks by himself.

"I'm quite practical so you know with dementia it is a one-way street, it doesn't get better. But at the moment he knows who we are.

"It's hard for my kids - sometimes my daughter says 'I'm scared I'll go to Grandpa and he won't know who I am'.

"At some point that will happen but while it's not happening I don't want to stress about it because it is not happening.

"If Dad needs to go into a care home you are looking at thousands a week which is just insane.

"Another concern is if something were to happen to my mum - does that mean my dad lives with me? If it does, that means I wouldn't be working because I can't afford to leave him all day.

"Will that mean paying for care for both of them? If that's the case then once their money runs out I will have to pay for it. I don't know if I would be able to manage."

A government spokesperson said: "Unpaid carers play a vital role in the lives of their family and friends, which is why from April we're boosting carer's allowance meaning carers receive an extra £1,500 a year compared to 2010.

"Those in low income households may also be eligible for additional financial support such as universal credit."

You can read the previous parts of our series here:

The day began with the release of the latest inflation figures by the Office for National Statistics at 7am.

Inflation fell to 3.2%, though economists had predicted it would ease further, to 3.1%.

We've dug into the ONS data, which shows that food prices were among the biggest drivers of the inflation drop in March.

This chart, updated with figures released today, shows food and non-alcoholic drinks fell by 0.11 percentage points last month.

"Once again, food prices were the main reason for the fall, with prices rising by less than we saw a year ago," Grant Fitzner, chief economist at the ONS, said. 

This helped bring inflation to its lowest rate for two-and-a-half years. 

Other big downwards drivers included furniture and household goods, and clothing and footwear. 

At the other end of the scale, the largest upward contributions came from communication and transport. 

 By Mickey Carroll , science and technology reporter

"I had just woken up and I got an email that said, 'We're going to have a company-wide meeting'. I knew right away."

James (not his real name) was visiting his family earlier this year when he saw the message.

"I started thinking about everything I was set to lose."

He had worked as a game designer at one of the UK's biggest video game studios for nearly a decade. It was a job he loved and had dreamt of since he was nine years old. But recently he had been worried.

All around him, friends in the gaming industry were being let go.

"My mind was racing, what could I do? I wasn't going to be the only one job-seeking at the moment because there were so many layoffs. They all happened at the same time."

He went to the meeting, where his worst fears were confirmed. The company's chief executive said around 25% of people at the studio would be cut. James was one of them.

Gaming is an anxious world right now. There's been more than 8,000 jobs cut globally since the start of this year and in March, the number of available jobs in the UK hit a record low, according to the report Games Jobs Live.

But in London, as the BAFTA Games Awards 2024 rolled around last week, gamers could just enjoy themselves.

Read the full story here ... 

B&M has said it will open at least 45 stores across the UK in the next year. 

It comes after the discount chain recorded a 10.1% revenue increase in its 2023/24 financial year, with its UK arm seeing sales rise by 8.5% to £4.4bn. 

The company currently trades from 741 stores in the UK under the B&M brand, 335 stores under the Heron Foods and B&M Express brands, and from 124 stores in France.

Chief executive Alex Russo said the group's "relentless focus on everyday low prices, great product ranges and excellence in operational standards" had chimed with customers.

Miss getting a Tango Ice Blast at the cinema? Well, its creator has announced it's releasing limited edition drinks in their iconic flavours. 

The fizzy frozen treat has slowly been disappearing from cinemas since 2019 when Cineworld stopped selling it, and opted to replace it with the Icee product created by Vimto. 

Fans have been disappointed by the decision since then and it seems its owner Britvic has finally produced a drink to satiate their taste buds. 

The drinks company has unveiled its new Tango Raspberry Blast and Cherry Blast drinks, which will be sold exclusively in convenience stores. 

The on-the-go, vegan friendly soft drink will be available from 22 April. 

"Tango's latest launch will look to engage Gen Z shoppers with its bold flavours, striking colours and eye-catching packaging," Britvic said. 

"We expect the launch to appeal to fans of the brand who have come to expect something bold and different from Tango, while attracting new shoppers too." 

Some drivers are being charged nearly 40% APR when paying for their car insurance monthly, according to Which?. 

The consumer champion asked 39 car insurers what APRs were being applied to monthly payments and, while many didn't respond, it found several that were charging similar interest rates to credit cards.

Among those that did respond, Which? found that 1st Central charges between 5% and 39.11%.

It gives customers a personal interest rate after a credit risk assessment, Which? said.

1st Central said: "We understand it is important to customers that we keep the price of insurance as low as possible - and benchmarking tells us that we are competitive for both annual premiums and for those that wish to pay monthly through a credit arrangement.

"We offer a range of APRs from 5% to enable us to provide credit to as many customers wishing to pay monthly as possible, including those with low or poor credit scores. Over the past quarter less than 2% of customers paid our highest APR."

The average rate offered by insurers was found to be 23.37%.

Only two car insurers asked - NFU Mutual and Hiscox - said they do not charge interest on monthly repayments.

What about home insurance?  

Which? also looked into the rates being charged on home insurance and found some insurers were charging nearly 35% APR on monthly payments. 

The highest rate in the study was from Co-op Insurance, which charges between 31.31% to 34.75% APR on monthly payments.

The average across the providers that charge a rate and disclosed it was 23%.

Co-op Insurance works with partners to provide insurance cover - and it said it is looking to reduce rates where possible. It added that it chose to share its rates with Which? as it is committed to transparency.

Fifteen home insurance providers surveyed said they do not charge interest: Bank of Scotland, Halifax, Hiscox, HSBC, Lloyds Bank, MBNA, M&S Bank, Nationwide Building Society, NFU Mutual, SAGIC, Sainsbury's Bank, Santander, TSB, Urban Jungle and Yorkshire Building Society.

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