ATO attended the scene and examined a suspicious device which was deemed to be inviable.
Two men have been arrested following a security alert in east Belfast.
Advertisement
At approximately 12.55pm on Wednesday, April 22, police received a report of two masked men with firearms in the Victor Street area of the city.
Officers attended and searched a residential property, where a number of suspected imitation firearms and a suspicious device were discovered. A number of local residents were evacuated while a safety operation was conducted.
A man aged in his 40s was arrested at the scene on suspicion of possession of a firearm under suspicious circumstances and a second man aged in his 20s was arrested later on suspicion of the same offence.
Advertisement
A PSNI spokesperson said on Thursday morning: “Ammunition Technical Officers (ATO) attended the scene and examined the item which was thankfully deemed to be inviable.
“Residents were able to return to their homes on Wednesday evening. We thank them for their patience.
“The man aged in his 20s has been released on bail to allow for further enquiries, while the man aged in his 40s remains in custody at this time.
“Our enquiries are ongoing and we would appeal to anyone with any information which might assist us to contact 101, quoting reference number 687 22/04/26.”
Jimmy Bullard has explained the reason behind him quitting this year’s I’m A Celeb… South Africa, sparking an explosive row during the live final.
Bullard had been furiously confronted by campmate Adam Thomas after leaving during a challenge, which would have meant teammate Thomas leaving with him.
“There’s a lot of heavy reasons I don’t want to go into now – everyone’s got their own issues,” Bullard explained, revealing he had spoken to producers and fellow campmates before announcing the decision.
Advertisement
“If I go home and call Adam back with me, I get full pay [and] that money’s big for my family.”
Bullard then accused Thomas of “abusive, aggressive and intimidating” behaviour which was not aired on the show – claims presenters Ant and Dec and some of the other campmates rejected, as the final descended into a shouting match.
He didn’t have any symptoms apart from blurred vision and headaches which his parents thought were caused by eye strain
A five-year-old boy visited the optician to get stronger glasses after getting “fuzzy eyes” in his first few weeks at school only to discover he had an aggressive brain tumour. Teddy Hemms, five, seemed perfectly healthy when he went to Specsavers to get new glasses.
But the eye test revealed nerves at the back of his eye were inflamed – which was later revealed to be caused by a grade four medulloblastoma, a highly aggressive form of brain cancer. An MRI scan before surgery revealed Teddy, who had only just started school, identified multiple growths on the outside of the lining to his brain.
Advertisement
The surgery revealed a multiple tumours on his spine too, showing the cancer had already spread beyond his brain. Without treatment, Teddy’s family were told the youngster would have just six to twelve weeks to live.
He had radiation and several rounds of chemotherapy, and major surgeries left him unable to walk and severely unwell. Teddy is now on a new, more intensive course of chemotherapy, which might leave him with hearing loss, in a last ditch attempt to treat the cancer, before palliative care.
Doting mum Cindy Hemms, 40, said: “He had no symptoms but a little bit of blurred vision and some headaches we thought were caused by eye strain. It’s been so hard for Teddy, because he is so active. He wanted to get running around dancing again, and he became withdrawn.
“He is now on high-risk chemotherapy – it has made him really poorly, and could give him permanent hearing loss. But we need to be aggressive because if he relapses there will be no further treatment available. But if there is any chance at all for him, we have to take it. We’re taking things one day at a time.”
Teddy’s dad, Ian Hemms, 45, who works in intelligence in the RAF, added: “When we got the diagnosis, I couldn’t believe it, I went into a state of shock. As a parent, it’s extremely tough because there’s nothing you can do. You feel extremely helpless, watching him fight something that feels impossible to beat.”
Teddy, from Sawtry, Cambridgeshire, went for his eye test on September 29, three weeks after starting school. He was referred to Peterborough City Hospital for scans, and given a new pair of glasses.
But the following day, his parents got a call asking them to bring Teddy back for urgent CT and MRI scans. He was transferred to Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, where it was revealed he needed surgery to remove a mass behind his eye.
A week later, when he went under the knife, his family were shocked to learn they had found several more masses on his spine and the lining of his brain, and biopsies confirmed they were cancerous. Cindy, an events manager, said: “Clinically, he was completely stable, running around the ward, everyone told us he didn’t look sick.
Advertisement
“We thought it would be benign, because he was so well. But then we started getting oncologists coming to talk to us, and we knew what that meant.”
Teddy was diagnosed with a grade four medulloblastoma, with MYC amplification large cell anaplastic – requiring urgent treatment as it was aggressive and likely to spread. Before the surgery, the family got the devastating news from an MRI scan that Teddy had multiple growths on the outside lining of his brain, and multiple tumours on his spine.
The primary tumour in his brain was removed for analysis during the surgery. Cindy, who has given up work to be Teddy’s full-time carer, said: “They told us without treatment, he wouldn’t live past six to 12 weeks.
“It was a complete shock and I didn’t deal with it well – every time I looked at him, I thought I’d lose him.” He had whole spinal and brain radiation before several rounds of chemotherapy in October 2025. A second tumour on the end of the brain stem and one small tumour inside the left back part of his brain were discovered on a follow up MRI conducted between his first and second round of chemotherapy.
Advertisement
Little Teddy ended up needing an emergency brain shunt in November, when he took a turn for the worst and it was discovered his brain ventricles had filled with fluid. Teddy recovered quickly, but the surgery affected his balance, and he lost the ability to walk or sit up properly.
Cindy said: “He was so withdrawn because he couldn’t be active. He didn’t want to sit on the floor to play, or be in a wheelchair. When we got him home, he would commando crawl across the floor and started pulling himself up on furniture. When he took his first steps again, we were crying and clapping like he was a baby doing it for the first time. Soon the baby steps went to wanting to dance with his stepdad with music on. He couldn’t walk properly yet, so he’d say, ‘hold me, lift me up and make my legs dance’.”
Once he recovered from the surgery, he began radiation at University College London Hospital, five days a week for six weeks. Cindy and stepdad Liam stayed in funded accommodation nearby, but had to cover food, transport and bedding with their savings, and Ian also spent some time in London with Teddy throughout his radiation. Teddy then had a break from treatment in February and early March, before starting a final four month course of aggressive chemotherapy, which he has so far had one round of – scheduled at the start of his treatment after his initial diagnosis.
Cindy said: “It has been brutal. “It’s made him really poorly but there is no further treatment available for him. It’s a real worry that you might put your child through all this pain, knowing they might relapse in a few months anyway. He will have the chemotherapy until August, providing there are no setbacks. Cindy said so far, his scans are showing significant reduction in the metastases in his spine, but Teddy still has two tumours in his brain which haven’t grown or shrunk.
She said: “Looking to the future wasn’t getting anyone through the days – so we take things one day at a time. We don’t know if he’ll get through this, but we’re staying positive for him.” Cindy and Liam, a fabricator, are now fundraising to cover the costs to support Teddy’s treatment. A
fter Cindy gave up work to care for him, and Liam had to drop to part-time hours to help, the family have burned through their £8,000 of savings getting to and from hospital. Fundraiser can be found here.
Liverpool are reportedly looking to to sign RB Leipzig forward Yan Diomande this summer as Red Bull boss Oliver Mintzlaff has delivered an update
Red Bull chief Oliver Mintzlaff has made his position crystal clear regarding Yan Diomande’s future at RB Leipzig amid speculation linking him with Liverpool. The Reds have been strongly linked with a move for the highly-rated 19-year-old forward ahead of the forthcoming summer transfer window.
Advertisement
Liverpool are expected to be linked with numerous wide attacking options this summer in light of confirmation that Mohamed Salah will depart the club when his contract expires at the end of the season.
Diomande has been earmarked as a star in the making and ranks among Europe’s most coveted young talents following a standout debut campaign at Leipzig.
The Ivory Coast international has scored 13 times in all competitions for Leipzig this term, including 12 strikes in the Bundesliga, and is believed to carry a price tag in the region of €100 million (£87m).
Friday evening witnessed Leipzig in Bundesliga action as they secured a comfortable 3-1 home triumph against Union Berlin, with Diomande providing an assist for Ridle Baku’s strike, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Mintzlaff, Leipzig’s chairman of the supervisory board and Red Bull boss, has delivered his assessment on the speculation swirling around Diomande’s future amid reported interest from Liverpool.
The Leipzig chief has outlined precisely why he remains intent on keeping Diomande at the club beyond this summer, despite suggestions that a departure could materialise during the transfer window.
“I can say: If I were sporting director, I wouldn’t sell this young player, who hasn’t even completed a full season with us,” Mintzlaff is quoted as telling Sky Germany.
Advertisement
“No matter what price is being asked. I believe he’s a player who can still develop further, because he’s still very young. And he can certainly become more expensive.”
“Of course, there are other clubs where players also want to take the next step – FC Bayern is one of them, but also clubs from England and Spain,” he added.
Advertisement
“But we have to expect that a player, even if he delivers outstanding performances here, doesn’t leave again after just one year.
“Therefore, I can only recommend to the management that they keep this player with us for the coming season. And then we’ll have to see how he develops.”
He continued: “We want to play in the Champions League. And that’s naturally an argument for such a young player, to then deliver what he’s shown in a second season and potentially develop further – also at an international level.
“So we have many good arguments. And the best argument is a long-term contract. Therefore, I’m completely relaxed about the whole matter.”
Advertisement
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of MirrorFootball content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.
For a medicine so commonly found in bathroom cabinets and high street pharmacies, codeine has a surprisingly complicated story. It sits at the intersection of pain relief, genetics, public health and regulation. As the UK continues to tighten rules around opioid use, codeine offers a useful case study in how a drug can be both helpful and potentially harmful, depending on who takes it and how it is used.
Codeine is an opioid used to treat mild to moderate pain. In some formulations, it is also used to suppress coughing. Over-the-counter products typically combine it with paracetamol, as in co-codamol, or ibuprofen, while stronger doses are available only on prescription.
Codeine itself is a weak opioid. Its analgesic effect is about one tenth that of morphine. Once swallowed, it is metabolised by enzymes in the liver, with some of it converted into morphine. That morphine then produces pain relief by acting on opioid receptors in the brain. For most people, the body makes enough morphine to ease symptoms. For others, the same dose can be ineffective or unexpectedly strong.
One of the most striking features of codeine is how differently people process it. The enzyme mainly responsible for converting codeine into morphine, CYP2D6, varies significantly between people. Most metabolise codeine at an expected rate, but some carry genetic variants that alter the process.
Advertisement
A small proportion of the population are ultra-rapid metabolisers, thought to make up around 1% to 2% of people. They convert codeine into morphine much faster than average. This trait is more common among people of North African and Middle Eastern backgrounds, for whom even standard doses can produce unexpectedly high morphine levels, increasing the risk of severe drowsiness, breathing difficulties and other serious side effects.
Around 2% to 11% of people are intermediate metabolisers. Their CYP2D6 enzyme works more slowly or less effectively, so codeine may provide only limited benefit.
At the other end of the spectrum are poor metabolisers, estimated to make up 5% to 10% of the population. They convert very little codeine into morphine, so the drug may offer little or no pain relief. Poor metabolism is more common in people of white European descent. In these cases, it may make more sense to prescribe a different painkiller rather than rely on a drug the body cannot use efficiently. This wide variation makes codeine far less predictable than many people assume.
That unpredictability matters because low-dose codeine does not always offer much in return. Research suggests that many over-the-counter codeine products provide little proven benefit for pain relief, particularly at doses below 10mg, while still carrying the risk of side effects. A review found that low-dose codeine combinations gave only modest relief for short-term pain, such as dental pain, episiotomy pain or pain after minor surgery, and many of the underlying trials were small.
Advertisement
Low dose codeine may not be the most effective painkiller for some. Kmpzzz/Shutterstock
By contrast, combinations such as ibuprofen 400mg with higher-dose codeine, between 25mg and 60mg, appear to provide more reliable relief. Even so, studies suggest that simple combinations such as paracetamol plus ibuprofen can match or outperform low-dose codeine products without the risks associated with opioids.
Common side effects include constipation, nausea, dizziness and drowsiness. At higher doses, codeine can slow breathing and impair coordination. It can also interact with other medicines that cause sedation, including some antiepileptic drugs. Certain antidepressants can block the enzyme that converts codeine into morphine, making it less effective.
Like other opioids, codeine can also become less effective with repeated use. This process, known as tolerance, happens when the brain’s opioid receptors adapt to the drug. People may then need higher doses to achieve the same effect. Even when taken as directed, tolerance can develop within days, and as doses rise, so does the risk of physical dependence.
Stopping suddenly after regular use can trigger withdrawal symptoms such as restlessness, sweating, anxiety and poor sleep. This is why health professionals advise using codeine for the shortest possible time and tapering the dose if it has been taken for longer periods.
Advertisement
Concerns about misuse, addiction and accidental harm have prompted tighter regulation in the UK. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has introduced clearer warnings on packaging about addiction risk and limited over-the-counter pack sizes to a maximum of 32 tablets or capsules. Non-prescription codeine-containing products are now intended for use for no more than three days. Stronger codeine tablets, including 30mg formulations, have long been prescription-only.
Some products have faced even stricter controls. Codeine linctus, once widely used as a cough suppressant, was reclassified as prescription-only in 2023 because of growing concerns about misuse and diversion. It has been used in “purple drank”, a recreational mixture of codeine cough syrup with soft drinks and sometimes alcohol. Its opioid effects can lead to dependence, breathing difficulties and overdose, especially when combined with other sedatives.
Codeine remains a useful option for short-term pain when other medicines are unsuitable or insufficient. But its effectiveness, safety and potential for dependence vary far more than many people realise.
In a landscape where medicines are often judged by how familiar they feel, codeine is a reminder that common does not always mean simple. Used carefully, it can help. Used carelessly, it can cause problems that last long after the pain itself has passed.
Think again. These free, under-the-radar locations tell a different story.
It’s free to visit the Victorian canal system in the Castlefield area of Manchester (Image: Getty)
Quiet, scenic and often overlooked, they’re all completely free to visit – and some even include free parking.
1. Aberdulais, Wales
Tucked away in a wooded gorge, Aberdulais Tin Works and Waterfall feels like a secret slice of wild Wales. The powerful waterfall crashes beside a historic water wheel, once vital to industry. It’s rarely crowded, especially midweek, and there’s the added bonus of free parking nearby.
2. Castlefield Viaduct, Manchester
A surprising escape above the city streets, like Manchester’s own high line, Castlefield Viaduct is still relatively unknown compared to New York’s skyline gardens. This elevated green space blends urban views with wild planting, making it a peaceful retreat many visitors overlook.
Manchester’s industrial past against the modern city at Castlefield Viaduct. (Image: Getty)
3. Chirk Castle Estate, Wales
While the castle draws crowds, the wider grounds of Chirk Castle remain a hidden gem. Wander through ancient woodland, spot rare bats and follow quiet stretches of Offa’s Dyke – all without paying entry. Even better, parking here is free.
Advertisement
4. Divis and the Black Mountain, Northern Ireland
Often missed by tourists heading elsewhere, Divis and the Black Mountain offers some of the best views over Belfast. Wide open spaces and peaceful trails mean you can walk for miles without the crowds – plus there’s free parking.
5. Downs Banks, Staffordshire
This “little wilderness” at Downs Banks is one of the Trust’s best-kept secrets. Expect rolling heath, woodland and far-reaching views, with far fewer visitors than better-known beauty spots. Free parking is available, though limited.
6. Kinver Edge, Staffordshire
Despite its dramatic scenery, Kinver Edge often flies under the radar. Walk along sandstone ridges, discover historic rock houses and enjoy sweeping views – all without paying a penny. Free lay-by parking makes it even easier to visit.
From secret waterfalls to quiet estates, these little-known National Trust places are free to explore (Image: Getty)
7. Morden Hall Park, London
Even in London, hidden gems exist. Morden Hall Park is a peaceful riverside escape that many visitors miss in favour of bigger parks. With wetlands, gardens and quiet walking routes, it feels worlds away from the city – and offers limited free parking.
Advertisement
8. Penrose Estate, Cornwall
While Cornwall’s beaches steal the spotlight, Penrose Estate remains a quieter alternative. Encircling Loe Pool, it offers miles of scenic trails through woodland and farmland, plus a free public car park nearby.
9. Pin Mill, Suffolk
A tranquil riverside spot, Pin Mill is often overlooked by those heading to busier coastal towns. With its literary links and peaceful walks, it’s a true hidden gem – and easy to explore with nearby parking.
Recommended reading:
10. Rayleigh Mount, Essex
Right in the centre of town, Rayleigh Mount is a surprising secret. Once home to a medieval castle, it’s now a quiet green space filled with wildlife and views.
Most people pass by without realising its history – or that it’s completely free.
Advertisement
If you’re looking to dodge crowds and save money, these lesser-known National Trust spots prove the best days out are often the ones nobody else knows about.
Hamerton Zoo is not only home to wonderful animals but also play areas and a miniature train ride
A day trip to the zoo is enough to keep any child happy. But if you pair it with a miniature train ride and hours spent running around an exciting playground, you might be able to enjoy the perfect day with your whole family.
Advertisement
Hamerton Zoo could be an ideal place to go for the day, especially if you and your family love animals. The zoo is home to a range of wild animals such as big cats like the Bengal tiger and cheetahs as well as bears, otters and zebras.
You can also spot some domestic animals around the zoo from alpacas and camels to donkeys and sheep. For those who like more exotic animals, there is a whole section for lizards, snakes, and even Australian lungfish.
If you want to get up close to some of the animals rather than watching them from afar, you could book one of the animal encounter experiences. You can choose from a few different animals to meet like the lemurs and meerkats and get some extras including a personalised certificate and cuddly toy to remember the day by.
During the animal encounter experiences, you will be able to feed the animals and go inside their enclosures to help groom them. For experiences involving tigers, bears and cheetahs, you will be able to feed them from behind their fenced-in enclosure.
Advertisement
Hamerton Zoo not only has plenty of animals to see but lots of other activities to get involved in. The tree tops play area features a range of things for children to explore from a zip rope, swings, and slides to climbing cubes with plenty of outdoor seating for parents to watch from.
For younger children, there is a separate play zone with smaller swings, a miniature slide, and a climbing frame that is ideal for those under five years old. On weekends and throughout the school holidays, the K-T Express Railroad Train runs throughout the day.
The miniature train ride will take children around the picnic area and through the dinosaur exhibit. It is described as being a “fun and relaxing way to see part of the park”.
Advertisement
While you are free to bring your own food to the zoo, you might want to treat yourself to something from the onsite coffee shop. The coffee shop offers a range of hot and cold drinks as well as light snacks and food to help fuel you for the day.
Tickets for the zoo cost £19.99 for adults and £15.99 for children between the ages of three and 15. Children under three can get into the zoo for free.
Hamerton Zoo can be found along Hamerton Road and is around a 42-minute drive away from Cambridge via the A14. There is a free car park onsite for visitors to use.
If you see this on a wine list, order it (Picture: Getty Images)
If you can say the name of a wine without stuttering, don’t order it.
Sure, we can all pronounce Sauvignon Blanc, Sancerre, Chablis, Côtes du Rhône and Malbec, but be warned, the ones that roll off the tongue come with the addition of a ‘pronunciation tax’.
And because it’s even easier to say ‘second wine down, please’, those come with an ‘idiot tax’ slapped on, that 80% of diners don’t know they’re paying.
If you want to drink like an insider, there’s one hack to follow, the experts say, that works every time and will ensure you’re sipping the highest quality wine for the least amount of money.
Advertisement
The trick is simply to order the drink you can’t pronounce.
If you’re picking a popular wine, you’re likely paying a little more (Picture: Getty Images)
Why it’s a good idea to go for a wine you can’t pronounce
Not many people know this, but there are certain wines on the menu that the sommelier or restaurant owner personally likes.
They squirrel them away, in nooks around the wine list. These are the bottles the staff would actually drink themselves.
These will be wines made from grapes with names that are extremely tricky to pronounce, like Agiorgitiko, Nerello Mascalese or Xinomavro.
See? They’re hard to get your mouth around.
Advertisement
And the best bit? The margins on the unpronounceable wines are significantly lower and provide incredible value for money. They aggressively mark them down in price to keep the stock moving.
You could say, they’re passion project wines, made from more unusual grapes, which sommeliers or restaurant owners put on their list because they make them tick. Many are under-the-radar wines, which they’ve found on a buying trip or a tasting that they simply had to put on the list, despite being a far harder sell.
Be sure to speak to the sommelier at a swanky restaurant (Picture: Getty Images)
Maxim Kassir, Head of Wine at The Aubrey at Mandarin Oriental Hotel in London, confirms that the less familiar wines on the list are the better value choice.
Hey, foodies! Add us as a Preferred Source
At Metro Food, we’re here to bring you all the latest foodie news, delicious recipes, restaurant reviews, and cooking tips. As a loyal reader and a part of our vibrant community, we want to make sure you never miss our articles when searching for stories
Click the button below and tick Metro.co.uk to ensure you see stories from us first in Google Search.
From the latest Walkers flavours to the secret McDonald’s menu, Metro Food has it all
He tells Metro: ‘Naturally, the demand for famous names is higher. Most guests prefer to stay on the beaten path. And as demand increases, so does the price – simple economics.
‘Wines off the beaten path can offer great value for money. They are often the underdogs, but that’s exactly where the opportunity is.
Advertisement
‘If guests can describe their preferences and are open to trying something different, sommeliers will always have a few cards up their sleeve.’
He continues: ‘Personally, I look for wines made from indigenous grape varieties rather than international ones. Who needs another Chardonnay from Abruzzo? I’d rather go for Pecorino.’
Skip the prosecco and pick an underdog drink (Picture: Getty Images)
The wines to avoid
The wines that keep the restaurant’s lights on are the likes of Sauvignon Blanc, Prosecco, Merlot, Pinot Grigio, you get the picture.
For example, at the Ivy Brasserie, a bottle of Touriga Nacional from Portugal is £47.85 a bottle, while the Argentinian Malbec starts at £57. Both bottles retail for similar prices in stores.
That’s because the popular wines work on a standard gross profit margin of 75% GP, minimum. Often 85% at swanky London restaurants. This means that a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, that cost the restaurant £8 a bottle, can be found on a wine list for £55.
Advertisement
Equally, to encourage people to taste Mencia from Spain or Austrian Zweigelt, restaurants often drop their margins to 50-60%. So, you may end up paying £30 for a bottle that costs the restaurant £15, which doubles the quality in your glass for basically half the price.
Meanwhile, the second ‘cheapest’ on the list is a trap, as it’s often the most profitable wine for the restaurant. It’s no secret that these are prime fodder for people who don’t want to opt for the house wine for fear of appearing tightfisted.
What to do if you can’t afford the wine you can’t pronounce?
Go for another wine you can’t pronounce, that’s cheaper.
There’s always one that’s cheaper.
Advertisement
And if you don’t want to wade through pages of a wine list, call over the sommelier or waiter and point to the sort of price you’re able to pay and say: ‘Do you have anything really unusual for that price? I like a Pinot Noir in style.’
With that in mind, if you want to dodge the ‘pronunciation tax’ this year, look for these grapes, which are the ones being championed by UK sommeliers and restaurant owners.
And just remember, if you have to point at the wine list because you’re afraid of mangling the name, you’ve made the right choice.
Do you take suggestions from a sommelier at restaurants?
I ususally just order the same thing
Advertisement
I’m too nervous to speak to them
Join the family and sign up to The Diaspora Dish newsletter to get exclusive interviews and unforgettable recipes.
Unique wines to look out for on restaurant menus
Assrytiko (ass-ear-tea-koh)
If you like Chablis (but not the strain on your wallet) and other uber-dry, clean and zesty whites, this is for you. It’s grown in mainland Greece and Santorini, and has a touch of salinity thanks to the volcanic soil.
Advertisement
Grüner Veltliner(groo-na-velt-leena)
For anyone who’s developed Sauvignon Blanc-fatigue and wants to try something similar, but different. Often called Gru-Vee, this is Austria’s flagship white, and gives a naughty lick of white pepper on the finish.
Godello(go-day-yo)
Albariño’s neighbour in northern Spain, but nowhere near as well-known. It’s the sommelier’s secret weapon, zesty in its youth and leaning more towards a richer White Burgundy with a bit of age, and a fraction of the price tag.
Xinomavro(Zeen-oh-mav-roh)
Greece’s signature red grape produces wines not dissimilar in style to Barolo, minus the money drain. It translates as ‘sour and black’, and it’s grown extensively in Macedonia.
Touriga Nacional (tour-eeger-nass-eeon-al)
Portugal’s flagship red grape and the backbone grape of Port. In its non-Port form, the wines are slightly Cabernet-like, with a bergamot note, like it’s been dunked with an Earl Grey teabag. I mean that in a good way.
Advertisement
Frappato(Fra-pat-oh)
Like a bit of Beaujolais? Give Frappato from Sicily a chance. Similar softness, fruitiness and lack of mouth-drying tannins. It’s chillable too, so be sure to show it the fridge for 20 minutes before quaffing.
And Maxim also has a few thoughts on wine to keep an eye out for on the menu.
He adds: ‘People should make a beeline for Slovenian Rebula (complex, savoury, mineral-driven), Feteasca Alba from Moldova (light and fresh with ripe stone fruit flavours), and Saperavi from Georgia (structured, full-bodied wines with lots of black fruit).’
It’s that time of the year. One of the standout days on the London calendar – the London Marathon – is almost upon us.
With more than 59,000 runners expected at the start line in Greenwich on Sunday — after a record-breaking 1.13 million ballot entrants — the marathon’s 2026 edition is set to be the most popular in the world.
So, preparation has never been more important. Knowing exactly where you need to be (and when), where to pick up your race number, and where to find fuel stations and toilet stops can make all the difference on the day.
As a fellow runner this year, Standard reporter Megan Howe has put together the ultimate guide to the TCS London Marathon 2026 so you can focus on what really matters: getting around the course and having the best day possible.
Advertisement
And for the tens of thousands of people cheering runners on, we’ve provided a handy guide on how to navigate the busiest viewing areas.
The TCS London Marathon 2026 is set to take place this Sunday, April 26
PA Archive
Where do I collect my number before race day?
Before the big day, you’ll need to collect your event pack from the London Marathon Running Show – which has been taking place at the ExCel Centre this week, and remains open until 5.30pm today (Saturday, April 25).
Advertisement
Inside, you’ll find everything you need for race day, including your bib number (complete with timing chip) and some safety pins to attach to your running gear on the day.
The nearest station is Custom House, which is served by the Elizabeth line and the DLR.
One key thing to remember: there is no collection on Sunday. Make sure you’ve picked up your pack in advance, as you don’t want your marathon to end before it’s even begun.
To collect your pack, you’ll need your QR code (sent in your official TCS London Marathon email last month, along with your wave and start time) and a valid form of ID.
Advertisement
And if you’re travelling in from outside London, it’s best to pack light; lugging a suitcase through busy crowds is not ideal race-day prep.
What else can I do at the Running Show?
There’s plenty to keep runners entertained at the ExCel Centre, and most people tend to spend around one to three hours there. With over 250 exhibitors, including major brands like New Balance, Shokz, and Vaseline, you won’t be short of things to browse.
It’s also a great opportunity to pick up official TCS London Marathon 2026 merchandise. Whether you need anything or just want to make the most of a once-in-a-lifetime experience, that’s entirely up to you. Personally, I’ll be taking all the race-day motivation I can get.
Advertisement
Beyond the shopping, there are expert talks from elite athletes, vendors offering race-day fuel, and the Charity Village, where runners supporting a specific cause can collect goodies and learn more about cheer points along the course.
Don’t miss out on a chance to visit the Runners Wall (or the Wall of Names), which includes the names of every single participant in this year’s event. Runners enjoy searching for their own name and taking pictures, but it does involve quite a bit of slow scanning.
What time should I head to Greenwich for the start?
Race day is a major operation for everyone involved. Whether you’re running, volunteering, or spectating, the golden rule is simple: plan ahead. Know exactly where you’re going and what time you need to be there, before the excitement and the nerves kick in.
Advertisement
Runners will already know their wave and expected start time, as well as their estimated arrival time at the start area. Stick to this guidance if you can — it’s there for a reason, and keeps everything moving smoothly.
Participants run past the Cutty Sark in Greenwich during the TCS London Marathon
PA Wire
All runners can travel for free on the London Underground, Overground, DLR and buses on race day, just show TfL staff your running bib to get through the barriers.
There are three start areas across Greenwich and Blackheath, assigned by colour. Blue Start is in Blackheath, while Green Start (Greenwich Park) and Red Start (Greenwich Park, Charlton Way) are both based nearby.
Advertisement
For those taking part, here’s how the morning unfolds (staggered start times apply):
08:50: Elite Wheelchair races
09:05: Elite Women’s race
09:35: Elite Men’s race and Mass Start begins
09:35 – 11:30: Mass Start waves continue
19:30: Official finish line on The Mall closes (it then moves to St James’s Park until midnight)
Where is the bag drop area at the start?
The bag drop is an important part of race day for runners, making sure any personal belongings you don’t want to carry are waiting for you on The Mall when you finish.
But beware, it gets extremely busy. Expect queues, and— as with everything on race day— arrive in good time.
On race morning, head to the baggage lorry that matches your bib number in your designated assembly area (Blue, Red, or Green). Team Green participants follow a slightly different process, dropping bags at St James’s Park on Saturday instead.
Advertisement
You must use the official clear plastic kit bag provided when you collect your bib, as no other bags will be accepted on the transport lorries.
Before you hand it over, make sure to check your pockets; you really don’t want to be running 26.2 miles with house keys jangling in your belt.
After you cross the finish line, follow the signs back to your numbered lorry to collect your bag.
There’s also a charity collection point at the start where runners can donate any unwanted layers. It’s well worth using, especially as it can feel quite chilly before the race gets underway.
Advertisement
Where are the best places to watch the runners?
The London Marathon is known for being one of the best-supported in the world – runners can expect to be cheered on at virtually every point on the 26.2-mile course.
So, if you’re heading out to watch the spectacle, the choice of viewing points is enormous.
If you want to watch at one of the most popular spots – expect to have to navigate large crowds and long queues for public transport.
Advertisement
London Marathon organisers have put together a guide for those seeking to get to one of most spectacular – and busiest – spots:
Cutty Sark DLR station will be extremely busy with queues up to 90 minutes at peak times. Consider walking from Deptford, Greenwich, Island Gardens or Maze Hill.
Canada Water station will be extremely busy. Use London Overground to Rotherhithe or Surrey Quays instead.
Runners crossing Tower Bridge during the London Marathon (PA)
PA Archive
Advertisement
Bermondsey station will be extremely busy .Consider using London Bridge station to access Jamaica Road and the surrounding area.
Arrive early for viewing spots. London Bridge is a better alternative to Tower Hill or Tower Gateway.
Miles 18 and 19 – Canary Wharf and Heron Quays
Canary Wharf Underground station, and the surrounding area, will be extremely busy. For Canary Wharf, use the Elizabeth line or Canary Wharf DLR. For Miles 15, 17 and 18, use Crossharbour or South Quay.
Advertisement
Limehouse station will be extremely busy with queues up to 90 minutes. Expect queues of up to 90 minutes at peak times. Consider walking to and from Shadwell station via Cable Street, Westferry station or Poplar station.
Tower Hill will be extremely busy, consider using Cannon Street or Mansion House. For Lower/Upper Thames Street, use Bank, St Paul’s or Southwark.
Westminster station and St James’s Park will be extremely busy. Westminster station will be exit only from 7pm to 7pm. It will be possible to arrive via this station but not to leave from it. Consider using Charing Cross, Piccadilly Circus, Victoria and Waterloo.
Where can runners meet people after the race?
Advertisement
The Meet and Greet Area is located at Horse Guards Parade, where large A–Z letter boards help runners and supporters find each other amid the post-race crowds.
It’s worth noting that phone signal around the course can be unreliable, especially in Canary Wharf, so it’s a good idea to agree on a meeting point beforehand.
What is the support like on the course?
The London Marathon is one of the best-supported races in the world, with water available at almost every mile. In other words, you might be able to free up a bit of space in your running belt or vest and grab what you need along the way.
Advertisement
Buxton Natural Mineral Water is available every three miles up to Mile 12, then every two miles through to Mile 24.
Lucozade Sport drinks are available at Miles 7, 15, 21 and 23, with Lucozade Sport gels at Miles 13 and 19.
Runners taking part in the TCS London Marathon 2025
Getty Images
Can I book a last-minute hotel?
Advertisement
There’s still time to book a last-minute hotel if your plans have changed, your reservation has fallen through, or if you just haven’t got round to it.
One recommended option is TRIBE London Canary Wharf, which currently has availability from Friday, April 24 to Monday, April 27. That said, rooms are in high demand, so it’s worth booking sooner rather than later to avoid missing out.
A double bedroom inside TRIBE Canary Wharf
TRIBE
The hotel offers both continental and full English breakfast options, a 24-hour snack bar, and a Californian-style restaurant, Feels Like June, which is ideal if you’re carb-loading beforehand or if you’re looking for a well-earned post-marathon meal and celebratory cocktail.
Advertisement
Location-wise, it’s hard to beat. The hotel overlooks part of the marathon route itself, making it a great choice if you’re travelling with supporters who would rather stay in one spot than battle the Tube on race day.
It’s also just a short DLR journey to Greenwich, keeping race morning logistics relatively straightforward.
Feels Like June restaurant at TRIBE Canary Wharf
TRIBE
Inside, the hotel has a relaxed, bright and airy feel, with staff on hand to help with any last-minute questions, which is exactly what you want on the build-up to marathon day.
Advertisement
Guests can also get day passes for Third Space gym, located above the hotel, which is perfect for anyone looking to sneak in a strength-session or get a few kilometres in on the running machine to warm up.
The rooms themselves are cosy, with spongey mattresses and blackout blinds, perfect for a solid night’s sleep.
And finally, a small but added bonus, the hotel is offering free protein balls for runners on the day.
What should I do post-race?
Advertisement
You might be thinking, “My goal is to just get round, I haven’t even thought about what happens after”, but it might be time to start.
Finishing the London Marathon is an incredible achievement, but in the following days, it is natural to feel a little lost, with no early alarms to get up for or long runs to work towards.
Perhaps you might want to sign up for another race (it’s all about chasing that runner’s high) or even consider booking a much-needed sports massage.
Cryotherapy is a popular way to speed up recovery after a marathon. The extreme cold helps reduce muscle inflammation and swelling, easing Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) and helps to get you back on your feet that little bit quicker.
Advertisement
Sessions are usually quite short, typically between three to five minutes, using dry air, which is ideal if, like me, you’re not keen on plunging into an ice bath.
A cryoair chamber at Third Space Canary Wharf
Supplied
London-based luxury health club, Third Space, offers Cryotherapy sessions, as well as Red Light Therapy and Vibro-acoustic therapy, designed to promote relaxation through sound and vibrations.
Anyone who’s trained for a marathon will know it’s as much a mental challenge as it is a physical one, so getting yourself in the right headspace and feeling ready to go on race day can make all the difference.
Advertisement
A vibro-acoustic session might also be just the thing to help you properly unwind and take the edge off after months of training.
Sitting in a heated chair with a blindfold on, listening to the sound of waves while focusing on vibrations through the body, it’s an effective way of releasing tensions.
Missed out on entry this year? How to sign up for 2027
If you missed out on a ballot place for the 2026 TCS London Marathon, you’re not alone. The event is more popular now than it has ever been.
Advertisement
A staggering 1,133,813 people threw their hats into the ring for the 2026 ballot, a 36 per cent increase on the previous record of 840,318 applicants for the 2025 race.
Entry to the TCS London Marathon 2027 ballot has already opened.
It’s well worth considering a charity place too. Start thinking about causes you’d be proud to run for, and keep your eyes peeled for when their entries open.
Adam Kindon, 24, of Sunnyview Terrace, Leeds, pleaded guilty to dangerous riding of a motorbike and cannabis riding on the A1(M) and A64 near Tadcaster and was found guilty of wilfully interrupting court proceedings for shouting insults in court while being sentenced. He was jailed for 12 months, banned from driving for 66 months and ordered to take an extended driving test before driving alone again.
Daniel Wilson, 33, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to stealing beer, crisps and a pretzel roll worth £24.15 from Sainsbury’s in Piccadilly, York, and assaulting a police officer. He was given a nine-week prison sentence suspended for 12 months on condition he does six months’ alcohol treatment and 20 days’ rehabilitative activities. He must pay £100 compensation to the police officer and £24.15 compensation to Sainsbury’s.
Robbie Maynard, 18, of Malton Road, Rillington, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving on the A64 at Rillington. He was given a 12-month community order with 80 hours’ unpaid work. He was banned from driving for 12 months and ordered to take an extended driving test before driving unsupervised again. He must pay £85 prosecution costs.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login