The Met Office has forecast the weather for Wales today.

It says: “A bright start but cloud will quickly bubble up allowing a few showers to develop by lunchtime.

“Showers then becoming increasingly frequent and heavier later in the day.

“Feeling a little less cool but temperatures still below average. Maximum temperature 15 °C.”

What began as a small Belfast grocery store in 1887 has grown into a coffee and tea empire where the beans are roasted just feet away from where you drink your cuppa

On the Upper Newtownards Road stands a business that has been making a stir for almost 140 years.

When Co Tyrone boy Samuel David Bell took over a small grocery business in Belfast in 1887, he probably never could have known he had just founded one of Northern Ireland’s oldest family-run businesses.

S.D. Bell & Co began life on the corner of Church Lane and Ann Street before moving to East Belfast – the location where it still stands and now hosts its coffee roastery, tea blending facility and popular coffee bar.

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Now in the hands of S.D’s great-grandson, Robert Bell, four generations have put their heart and souls into their tea and coffee, making it an institution steeped in history, passion and family values.

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After a study identified it as the oldest family business in NI still actively trading and under majority family ownership, Robert spoke to Belfast Live about how the business grew from a simple grocery business to a local coffee and tea empire – with beans roasted right here in the city.

“I represent the fourth generation of S.D Bell & Co – we are Ireland’s oldest independent tea merchant and coffee roasters and, in fact, Northern Ireland’s oldest family business.

“We’ve been selling tea, coffee and other groceries since 1887. My great-grandfather, Samuel David Bell, he was a farmer’s boy – he wanted to go up to Belfast to study for the church, fell in love with a young lady called Jeannie McCausland, who was a very wealthy linen merchant’s daughter.

“He got a job working to finance his studies, working for a grocer’s firm called Dunwoody & Blakeley.

“His father-in-law, when they decided to get married, gave him the money to buy out the two grocers, and so S.D. Bell as a grocer and general merchants was founded.”

Tea and coffee have always been at the heart of S.D Bell since the beginning, and Robert said that through business shocks, civil unrest, pandemics and all that life has thrown at them, it has been the humble cuppa that has been the core of what they do.

He explained: “We’ve always roasted our own coffee, as well as blended our own tea and we’ve been doing that since 1900.

“That happens right on location here – in fact, my great-grandfather’s brother built a home for him at this very junction and the shop was on the ground floor.

“They used to have this field where they kept the horses to tow the tea and coffee around the city. By 1926, he was retiring and so he sold that house to the Northern Bank, as then was, and built the building we’re in now and the factory that we use to roast our coffee in that in the field that the horses had been in.

“We’re still very much at the place where it all started.”

Not many coffee shops can say that their coffee beans are roasted or their tea is blended just yards from the front door, but that is another “unique” element of the S.D Bell story.

The business has survived World Wars, The Troubles, a global lockdown and even saw the Titanic leave Belfast. Robert says the secret to longevity is how the business is run within the family and the tight ownership of those working in the firm.

The busy coffee shop element of S.D Bell & Co has been up and running for over 50 years now and was initially opened as another way to diversify the business when they faced harder times.

Robert explained: “We moved out of the centre of town because there were bombs going off and it was a very unpleasant place, and so we thought ‘right, what are we going to do to generate more revenue?’

“It was my father’s idea to just put a couple of seats in the window and give people cups of coffee and see if they want to pay us for them – maybe a scone or a sausage roll too and it grew from literally three seats to six to 12 to 30 odd – and we’ve now got 110 seats.

“It’s a busy place and we serve breakfasts, lunches and afternoon teas. That was really born out of the adversity of the Troubles.”

It is this diversification that has allowed the company to stand the test of time and be recognised as one of the oldest independent family businesses on the island.

It is clear that Robert’s passion for what S.D Bell & Co does best is what drove him to take the helm over 20 years ago, and leading the fourth generation of Bells is something he is “very proud” of.

“You feel very proud,” he continued. “But you don’t want to get too misty-eyed and romantic about it because it’s a business and you’re employing people and that’s a responsibility.

“So if we were to just rest on our laurels, that’s not the right attitude.

“I’m extremely proud of what we do here but I’m also quite passionate about it – that can be good and bad.

“Sometimes it takes others to come to me and say ‘I think we’re doing the wrong thing’ and it can be a learning process for me too, and I have to be open to that.”

Robert joked that the coffee shop has taken on the nickname of the “East Belfast Stock Exchange” with the different faces from all different walks of life visiting every day for whatever reason – to make a business deal, grab a spot of lunch with a friend or grab a coffee after the school run.

What started as a few chairs in the window has become a thriving little social space in East Belfast, and Robert said his family are delighted to be a “pillar of the community” in the 50 years they have been open.

“When you’re concentrating on products like tea and coffee, those are ubiquitous products – everyone all over the world drinks tea and coffee.

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“And everyone who drinks tea and coffee has got an opinion about it, generally quite personally held, and it’s very hard to argue with people if they feel like they know what they’re talking about. You don’t contradict them, because those opinions are generally very personal.

“So because we are so associated with staples like tea and coffee, we’ve always got something to talk to the customer about and I think in any form of sales role, if you’ve got nothing to say, that can be extremely dull, but with tea and coffee, there’s never a dull moment.”

As for the next 140 years of S.D Bell & Co, Robert admitted that the succession plan hasn’t been written up just yet, but that they hope the people of Belfast and beyond will still look to them for a real good cuppa for many years to come.

“There’ll definitely be an S.D Bells in one sort or another – it’ll evolve, and it’ll evolve again and when the men or women in white coats come to me and say it’s time for me to take a step back, I’m sure I’ll do the same thing too, but we’re not in any hurry,” he laughed.

VIDEO BY JUSTIN KERNOGHAN

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Campaigners said the 2026 paper was confusing due to being ‘poorly worded, inconsistently structured, and out of step with every previous paper’.

Nearly 15,000 Scots have demanded a probe into this year’s “shambolic” Higher Maths exam which left pupils “shell-shocked and gutted”.

Campaigners said the 2026 paper was confusing due to being “poorly worded, inconsistently structured, and out of step with every previous paper”.

Some 14,600 people have now signed a petition calling for newly created exam body Qualifications Scotland to review the exam paper.

The Higher Maths exam is split into two papers and both have caused problems for pupils – though the petition only complains about paper one.

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One mum, from Lanarkshire, told the Sunday Mail the exam paper was “scandalous” and “not fit for purpose”.

She said her 16-year-old daughter – normally a straight-A student – had been left baffled and upset by the exam – especially the first of the two papers pupils did on May 7.

The parent said: “When they had the break between Paper 1 and Paper 2, a lot of the students coming out of the hall were shell-shocked.

“The general consensus was they didn’t know what the questions were even asking them – therefore, they couldn’t start the question, never mind complete it.

“My daughter was getting between 80-90 per cent in the previous past papers and she’s worked so hard all year, so going into the exam that morning, she felt really good.

“But then afterwards I could see from her face walking towards my car that she was absolutely gutted.

“Now she’s panicking about whether she’ll have to retake the course and if it’s going to impact her applications to universities.”

The grade for Higher Maths, unlike other courses, is 100 per cent based on the exam rather than mixed with other assessments or coursework.

It is the first year of exams under Qualifications Scotland, which replaced the controversial Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) earlier this year.

One of the chief complaints about the paper is that some “command words” – the words that indicate how you should answer the question – were different from what pupils had been taught to expect.

Qualifications Scotland said all papers were checked to make sure they are “clear, fair and suitable”.

About 20,000 pupils sat the Higher Maths exam last year.

The petition states: “This is not a complaint that the paper was too hard. Students expect to be challenged.

“The problem is that the 2026 Higher Maths Paper 1 used language and phrasing that was confusing, ambiguous, and inconsistent with every past paper students had revised from.

“Questions were not simply difficult — they were worded in ways that made it genuinely unclear what was being asked.

“Past SQA Higher Maths papers have followed a recognisable style… the 2026 Paper 1 departed from this in ways that penalised well-prepared students.”

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Rousey has described the event as a potential landscape-shifting moment in MMA with potential to challenge the UFC’s dominance if regular events occur under the banner.

In an interview with BBC Sport before the fight, Rousey said she “would not be here if the UFC paid their fighters better”.

Rousey had been critical of the UFC’s fighter pay, suggesting she wanted the MVP-Netflix partnership to provide an alternative for fighters.

During the broadcast, former UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones, who was working as a pundit, also shone a light on the restrictions of UFC contracts by saying a bout with Francis Ngannou is unlikely because he is tied to the organisation, despite retiring last year.

The UFC has been a regular topic during fight week, and the organisation appeared to take notice by announcing Conor McGregor’s bout against Max Holloway during the broadcast.

McGregor is one of the biggest MMA stars of all time, so announcing his return after five years away from the sport means the story will compete with Rousey’s headlines in the media.

It also points to the UFC taking notice.

“That just shows how pressed there are. Little insecure boys trying to piggy back off our event and try to put some news over top on us – not going to work,” Paul said.

“Dana White, all of you – be prepared, because this is the takeover.”

In the UFC, under 20% of revenue goes to fighter pay while in boxing, fighters can expect to receive as much as 60% of event revenue.

Disclosed fight purses show every fighter on the card got a minimum £28,800 ($40,000) while Rousey collected £1.7m and Ngannou £1.1m.

In comparison, the UFC pays about £8,960 ($12,000) to £14,900, plus performance-based bonuses, to its entry-level fighters.

Manchester United news is coming in thick and fast with Michael Carrick expected to be confirmed as the next permanent manager

Michael Carrick is already receiving transfer propositions following reports that Manchester United have agreed to appoint the interim head coach as Ruben Amorim’s permanent replacement.

United are said to be presenting Carrick with a two-year deal, with the option to extend it by a further 12 months. After making a permanent appointment, focus will shift towards this summer’s transfer window.

Securing Champions League qualification gives the club a chance to reshape their squad before next season, with a midfield overhaul on the cards. MEN Sport examines some of the most significant stories surrounding United.

Get MEN Premium now for just £1 HERE – or get involved in our United WhatsApp group by clicking HERE. You can also join our United Facebook page by clicking HERE and don’t miss out on our brilliant selection of newsletters HERE.

Bargain first signing

Benfica would reportedly be willing to sell United target Richard Rios for just £26 million this summer, according to A Bola. They are said to be considering a major sale, with Andreas Schjelderup and Vangelis Pavlidis also amongst potential departures.

A rebuild is necessary following a disappointing domestic campaign, in which the team finished considerably behind champions Porto after drawing too many fixtures. Consequently, they will reportedly be prepared to part with Rios for just £26million, a sum that falls well short of the Colombia international’s £87million release clause.

United are amongst several clubs linked with a move ahead of the summer. With the club targeting multiple midfield additions, securing Rios at a discounted price could allow them to meet Elliot Anderson’s valuation.

Securing the Colombian as their first summer signing could also prove advantageous with the World Cup on the horizon. Completing any transfer before the tournament gets underway would help United avoid any inflated price tag driven by his performances in North America.

Napoli are said to be among those competing with United for his signature, and they are due to pay United £38million for Rasmus Hojlund this summer. This sum would effectively cover the cost of any potential deal for Rios.

Rashford risks unwritten rule break

Marcus Rashford could find himself making a sensational switch from Barcelona to Real Madrid this summer, according to the Independent. The publication cites sources close to the matter, reporting that the Spanish club’s prospective new head coach, Jose Mourinho, is eyeing a move for the forward.

With Barcelona yet to activate their £26million option to sign the England international permanently, there could be a window of opportunity for Madrid to swoop. Mourinho is said to retain a strong rapport with Rashford, dating back to their time together at United when the Portuguese replaced Louis van Gaal.

Any such transfer, however, would be deeply contentious. It is virtually unheard of for a player to represent both clubs, let alone move between them within a single summer. Luis Figo remains the most notorious example, while Luis Milla also made the same crossing before the Portuguese – much like Rashford – after just one season at Barcelona.

Michael Laudrup is another case in point, though he managed only a single season at Madrid after his switch, while Luis Enrique made the reverse journey during the 1990s. Rashford would become the first senior player to tread that path since Javier Saviola. The Argentine departed Barcelona for Spain’s capital, but, like Laudrup, moved on after just 12 months.

Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package

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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.

Manchester City beat Chelsea in the FA Cup final at Wembley on Saturday but now turn their attention to Bournemouth in the Premier League

Manchester City claimed their eighth FA Cup on Saturday and immediately turned their focus to Bournemouth.

The Blues made it a domestic cup double by beating Chelsea 1-0 at Wembley thanks to Antoine Semenyo’s superb backheeled flick.

But the hectic schedule of the final week of a campaign that could yet end with a Premier League title means there is no time to bask in the cup glory. City are two points behind Arsenal with two games to go and head to the Vitality Stadium on Tuesday. That fixture has the full focus of Blues and here are three reasons why.

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Rest and recover

City face a familiar gripe now as they prepare for a game with Bournemouth on the back of an FA Cup final.

12 months ago City played an FA Cup final at Wembley and Bournemouth the following Tuesday. Guardiola was unhappy at the scheduling then and he is again now. A year ago the Bournemouth game was at the Etihad, the concern for City this time around is another long journey and such a condensed fixture list in the final week of the campaign. The club offered alternatives to the Premier League, including a Thursday night, but those pleas fell on deaf ears.

City flew back from Wembley straight after the game and will have a recovery day on Sunday before flying down to Bournemouth on Monday afternoon. There’s no time for training and the message from Guardiola to his squad is rest and recover.

Andoni Iraola’s side were beaten 3-1 last season. City would love a repeat outcome.

Selection hint

Guardiola sprung a huge surprise with his team selection as Rodri was handed his first start since coming off injured in the win over Arsenal last month. The Spaniard had barely trained ahead of the Wembley final and will surely not start when City face Bournemouth on Tuesday night having lasted a little over an hour against Chelsea.

Gianluigi Donnarumma was among the subs at Wembley and will return, while the quick turnaround might also see the likes of Phil Foden and Rayan Cherki in the XI against the Cherries, particularly after the latter influenced the final.

Guardiola may well take into account Arsenal’s result against Burnley on Monday night before settling on an XI but Tijjani Reijnders and Savinho will also be eyeing starts.

Momentum

It might not count for much given there’s nothing City can do to win the title unless they get a favour from Burnley or Crystal Palace, but as things stand the Blues have taken the two trophies on offer so far this term.

Arsenal can match that haul and trump it on pecking order should they complete a Champions League and Premier League double, but Mikel Arteta’s side will be under no illusions that any slip and City are poised and ready.

The Blues have also captured two trophies in what could be argued is a transitional season, given the troubles of last term and the influx of new players over the last three windows.

The new breed of City, the future spine that will shape the club for the next five to 10 years, has got that winning feeling. Abdukodir Khusanov, Marc Guehi, Antoine Semenyo and Rayan Cherki now know what it takes to win silverware and win big games. It might be too late for this year, but it bodes well for next.

Pregnancy is often regarded as a time to prepare the nursery, but it is also a useful moment to get the kitchen ready.

For many expectant parents, the months before a baby arrives are filled with practical jobs: buying clothes, assembling a cot, choosing a pram, packing a hospital bag. Yet one of the most important forms of preparation happens somewhere less photogenic: in the cupboards, the fridge and the daily routines of the home.

Research Peles and colleagues conducted suggests that pregnancy can be a powerful moment for change. During pregnancy, food becomes about more than personal preference. It is bound up with the health of the developing baby, the wellbeing of the mother, and the kind of family life parents hope to create.

The idea of nutritional nesting is useful here. It describes how first-time parents begin shaping the home food environment during pregnancy. It means the food world a baby will eventually be born into: what is bought, what is visible, what is easy to reach, what gets cooked, what is eaten together, and what becomes normal.

Healthy habits begin before a baby first tastes puree or sits in a high chair. They begin in the rhythms and environment parents establish before birth. Vegetables in the fridge may technically be available, but they are unlikely to be chosen by exhausted parents looking for something quick. Fruit on the counter, chopped vegetables ready to use, batch-cooked meals in the freezer and simple ingredients within reach make healthier eating easier when energy is low.

The distinction between availability and accessibility matters. Availability means the food is present in the home. Accessibility means it is easy to see, easy to reach and easy to eat. Research on the home food environment suggests that what is available at home, what parents eat themselves, and family eating routines all play a role in the overall healthiness and variety of children’s diets. Shloim describes this as healthy mealtime interactions, accounting for what and how the family eats.

Kitchens are shaped by more than mothers alone. Pregnancy can be an especially useful time to think about food because many parents, including fathers and partners, are already imagining the family they want to become. Peles’ work with first-time expectant fathers suggests that men often see pregnancy as a turning point: a chance to take more responsibility, support their partner, and help create a healthier home. Good intentions, though, do not chop vegetables, plan meals or fill a freezer. Fathers and partners may need practical support to turn motivation into everyday action.

Nutrition support during pregnancy should involve the household, not only the pregnant mother. The home food environment is usually shaped by more than one person. Partners influence shopping, cooking, budgeting, snacking and the emotional tone around food. Treating food preparation as a shared parental responsibility, rather than another task added to the mother’s mental load, makes it more realistic and fair.

The point is to make nutrition advice more useful, rather than more judgmental. Lists of foods to eat or avoid have their place, but they rarely solve the daily problem of what tired people can afford, cook and face eating. Families also need help with the basics: planning meals, preparing quick options, shopping on a budget and making nutritious food convenient before the sleep deprivation of early parenthood begins.

For many parents, the second trimester may be a useful period for this kind of preparation. For some women, though not all, the nausea and exhaustion of early pregnancy may have eased, while the physical demands of late pregnancy have not yet fully arrived. That can make it a more realistic time to ask: what will make daily eating easier when life gets harder?

The answer does not have to be complicated. Parents might reorganise the fridge so healthier foods are visible, learn a few reliable recipes that can be cooked quickly, prepare snacks that do not depend on willpower at 3pm, or decide together how meals will work when the baby arrives. These small changes are not glamorous, but they reduce the number of decisions tired parents have to make.

Early family food culture is about nutrients, but it is also about relationships. Children learn from what is served and from how meals feel.

Shloim suggests that a calm, responsive feeding relationship means paying attention to a child’s hunger and fullness cues, offering food without pressure, and making mealtimes feel safe rather than stressful. Evidence suggests that these early interactions can support children’s ability to regulate their own eating. They also support overall positive interactions.

Early-life conditions, including the period before birth, can influence health later in life. A child’s future is not fixed before birth, but early environments matter, and supporting families before and during pregnancy can be a practical way to improve long-term health.

Expectant parents do not need a perfect diet or a perfect kitchen. Nutritional nesting is about making ordinary healthy choices more visible, more convenient and more shared. Its value is practical: reducing friction before the exhausting early months begin.

The nursery matters. But the kitchen may be where some of the most important family interactions begins.