Last December, a social media ad featured a pair of trainers against a plain white background and the caption “Now just £26 at Nike!”

But when shoppers clicked through to find the shoes, they were only available in older children’s sizes.

On Tuesday, the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) banned the Nike advert and another from Sky which the regulator said was similar.

The ASA is cracking down on online ads like these, saying their structure misleads customers. Both companies defend the adverts.

Nike’s ad featured an exploding head emoji and a black heart emoji, to emphasise what a great deal was on offer.

The ASA said this would lead browsers to expect a significant discount and assume the shoes must be available in a range of sizes.

In fact, the trainers were only available in sizes UK3 to UK6. And, because children’s shoes attract no VAT, the discounted price is less of a bargain.

The ASA said it was investigating the way firms used this kind of “online choice architecture” after receiving complaints.

Brands often use strategies that prompt people to click on an ad, but hide or delay key information until later in the process, a set of tools dubbed “dark pattern” tactics.

These can include the charging of small fees added along the purchasing process known as “drip pricing” and other ways that reduce price transparency for customers.

Sometimes ads refer to limited supply or limited time on a deal, to increase the pressure to buy.

Consumer group Which? said last year that “dark patterns can leave consumers feeling manipulated or annoyed and in some cases may cause financial harm”.

In the case of Sky, the ASA criticised the way subscription options were presented to customers signing up for streaming service Now TV, which belongs to Sky.

Customers who signed up found that free trials for its Cinema and Boost services were automatically added to their basket and would auto-renew for a fee unless cancelled at the end of the seven-day free trial period.

Although the conditions of the free trial were stated, the ASA said the information was in a smaller font and a less prominent colour.

The text was also underneath the button to proceed, making it likely that people would miss it, the ASA said.

Sky said it believed the presentation of the ad was clear, legible and immediately visible.

It added that the concept of a seven-day free trail was so widely understood that it was not misleading.

Nike said the ad for its shoes had been created and published by The Sole Supplier, an online footwear marketplace, without any input or oversight from the sportswear giant itself.

However, Nike argued a reasonable consumer would assume there would be a limit on availability in some way.

The ASA also banned an ad from the food replacement firm Huel, the third of their ads to be banned in the last two months.

The ASA said the health benefit and cost savings claims made in the ad could not be substantiated.

CHOCCY fans are racing to fill their baskets with limited edition Cadbury favourites for just 60p.

Asda shoppers were overjoyed to discover exciting twists on classic sweet treats were slashed in price.

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Cadbury Dairy Milk, and Crunchie, Caramel filled doughnuts are marked up for less that a quid.

The Dairy Milk edition are selling in packs of three for just 90p, while the Crunchie variety can be picked up in packs of two for only 63p.

This makes each doughnut worth roughly 30p each, and no one can argue with that bargain.

A helpful fan shared the information in the Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK Facebook group.

She posted: Apologies the child got to em first lol.

“If you fancy a little treat Asda have these limited flavoured Donuts at a great price.

“Cadbury dairy milk filled Caramel pack 3 for 90p.

“Cadbury Crunchie filled Caramel pack 2 for 63p.”

Fans of the delicious choccy goodies hailed them online.

“Quality tasty and in my opinion delicious,” penned one.

It comes as shoppers are racing to stock up on their chocolate treats for Christmas – don’t miss out.

Choccie fans were thrilled to see tubs of the nation’s favourites at amazing slashed prices in Tesco ahead of the festive period.

The mega deal starts online and in stores tomorrow, Wednesday September 25.

Customers will need a Clubcard to bag the discount – which will see Cadbury Heroes, Celebrations, Cadbury Roses and Quality Street reduced from £6.00 to £3.95.

This means shoppers will be pocketing a 34 per cent discount on the sweet treats and saving £2.05.

Meanwhile, Asda shoppers were delighted after discovering a Cadbury chocolate advent calendar is selling for just 85p in stores.

The deal has been shared on the Extreme Couponing and Bargaining Facebook group and users are shocked by the reduced price.

It is a Cadbury Dairy milk advent calendar, containing 24 milk chocolates in various festive shapes.

On the Cadbury website, the calendar sells for £2.25, meaning this Asda bargain is 62% discounted from the original price.

Plus, B&M shoppers are rushing to buy festive chocolate treats that are perfect for kids’ Christmas Eve boxes.

The bargain retailer’s festive selection box has social media users going wild as they plan ahead for Christmas.

A SMALL family-owned restaurant in Edinburgh with nine types of mashed potato on its menu has just been announced as the winner of best restaurant in the UK for casual dining.

Makars Gourmet Mash Bar, located a stone’s throw away from Edinburgh Old Town, specialises in traditional Scottish comfort food, dishes like haggis, neeps and tatties and chicken in whisky sauce.

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But what makes this eatery unique, is everything comes with your own choice of mashed potato.

There are nine flavours to choose from:

• Classic Scottish dairy butter
• Mature Scottish cheddar cheese
• Mild smoked applewood cheese
• Wholegrain mustard
• Smoked bacon and spring onion
• Scottish black pudding
• Chilli smoked bean medley
• Creamed horseradish
• Olive oil mash

Of course, if you’re not a fan of the smooth and silky side, you can opt out of having it – purple-sprouting broccoli is served up instead.

Makars was given the accolade in the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best Restaurants 2024.

Tripadvisor chose its winners by looking at the quality and quantity of reviews and ratings for restaurants from travellers over a 12-month period.

Makars was described by reviewers as an “Edinburgh legend” and “local gem”.

As well as serving up delicious food in a cosy, relaxed atmosphere, the restaurant focuses on using local ingredients and is moving towards plant based cooking.

Alongside slow cooked lamb shank, slow cooked beef shoulder, and wild board sausage, it offers vegetarian haggis and vegetarian sausage made from skirlie (a traditional Scottish dish made from oatmeal and onion).

Makers also has dishes with lions mane mushroom on offer for its vegan and vegetarian customers, an ingredient known for being packed with potent antioxidants to fight disease, with claims it can boost brain cell production.

The mushroom is described as having the taste of lobster and crab, with the look of a lion’s mane. 

Typically, they’re quite expensive, but Makers has developed an advanced lions mane grow facility in Edinburgh, allowing them to offer them at a cost they think is fair – that’s dedication.

Prices at Makers range from £18 to £23, not including sides or dessert.

One customer who visited the restaurant this month described their meal as a “feast to remember”.

They wrote in their review on Tripadvisor: “Quite simply – the best dining experience I’ve had in months! The place is buzzing, but not crowded.

“The staff were superlative, offering friendly assistance throughout the meal, without being obtrusive.

“The food was first class. Loved the black pudding mash. A feast to remember.”

Another penned: “Friendly and relaxed atmosphere for a truly gourmet experience.”

Makers also came in the top 10 restaurants for casual dining worldwide.

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Sliding into ninth place, it joined the likes of restaurants in Spain, Italy, Argentina and Peru.

While Makers does accept walk in customers, it’s recommended you book in advance as it can get very busy.

During my 22 years owning and running a large TV and film production company, conducting interviews for specific jobs never worked for me (“Has finding a job become harder than ever?”, Opinion, Work & Careers, September 23). Instead, I ran a pre-work “clinic”. If people interested in joining us could make it to my Chelsea office by 7.58am I would give them 45 minutes of my time, face to face, so I could learn about them and note their aspirations.

These notes I would bank along with their CVs — invaluable in building future teams to make our products.

I must have met thousands of candidates, some talented, others not so talented. But all, once trained, could become talented, so much so, that other companies would call me for recommendations.

My key question when meeting aspirants: “What do you do when you’ve nothing else to do?”

Patrick Uden
Founder, Uden-Media, London NW1, UK

BARGAIN hunters are rushing to fill up their baskets as Iceland brings back a “favourite offer”.

The frozen food retailer has launched it’s 10 for £10 deal – and shoppers can’t wait to get their hands on the goods.

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Many families are desperately on the lookout for cheap buys.

Luckily, supermarket chain Iceland has introduced its bargain deal where you can nab 10 frozen goods for just £10.

Taking to Facebook, the retailer said: “Your favourite offer is back! Grab any 10 for £10! Stock up your freezer for less!”

Foodies can choose from a variety of ready-made dishes – including delicious fish fingers, chicken, fries or sausages.

Pizza lovers will also be delighted to hear that the bargain offer also included the customer favourite Goodfella’s Stonebaked Thin Pepperoni Pizza which would set you back by £3 at other stores.

Customers can also nab Green Cuisine’s Veggie Fingers – which are typically selling for £2.

And Birds Eye Cod Fish Fingers that are around £2.10 at rival Sainsbury’s.

Other items included are Birds Eye Southern Fried Chicken normally costing £2.50.

And a pack of four Birds Eye Breaded Cod Fish Cakes are included in the amazing deal too.

The deal has left dozens of money-savers amazed – with many flocking to the comments section to tag their pals and share their thoughts.

Praising the deal, a savvy user said: “Wow extremely cheap!”

Another said: “I got this today.”

A shopper tagged their friend and commented: “Look what’s in the 10 for £10!”

And: “Need to go back to get this deal.”

It comes as Iceland revealed its Christmas 2024 range and it includes a pigs in blankets Yorkshire pudding.

The big day is still a while away, but it’s always good to plan ahead for the merry season.

Luckily, Iceland has unveiled its Christmas menu which will be available in stores and online from November 12.

The items will also be available to buy at Iceland’s The Food Warehouse.

Iceland‘s menu this year offers customers everything they’ll need for Christmas lunch or dinner, but there are some quirky items included as well in case you’re after something a bit different.

Shoppers will be able to feast on mini fish, chip and ketchup sarnies, prawn tacos and an unbelievable XXL pigs in blankets Yorkshire pudding.

The supermarket is also launching battered lobster tails, mini garlic and herb kievs and even some exclusive brands items like Harry Ramsden’s battered mini sausages.

Also returning are familiar favourites such as the turkey crown, mince pies, Christmas pudding and of course all the trimmings like roast potatoes and veg.

Those who want to feast on the exclusive brands range like Galaxy, TGI Fridays and Harry Ramsden’s can do so with the mix-and-match deals like three items for £10.

Iceland’s head of development David Lennox said: “We’ve focused on perfecting the classics and making them the best and most delicious yet, as well as offering our customers a range of innovative and affordable new Christmas products which are sure to delight everyone at the dinner table.

“Iceland has some extra special products on offer this festive season.”

And here’s the full list of festive items Iceland shoppers can get their hands on.

Iceland is yet to confirm some of the prices so keep your eyes peeled when you visit its stores later this year.

Christmas traditional favourites:

• Iceland Xmas Dinner in a box – £25.00
• Iceland Battered Lobster Tails – £20.00
• Butterball Turkeys – £35.00
• Iceland Beef Wellington – £26.00
• Iceland Ultimate XL Cooked Lobster – £15.00
• Iceland Pigs in Blanket Pinwheel – £5.00

Exclusive Brands Party:

• TGI Fridays Loaded Fries X2 Flavours – £5.00
• Harry Ramsden’s Battered Mini Sausages 16 Pack with Chip Shop Curry Sauce – £4.00 (3 for £5)
• TGI Fridays Hunters Chicken Potato Bites – £4.00

Luxury Party: 

• Iceland Doughball Xmas Tree – £4.00
• Iceland Mini Cottage Pies / PiBS Yorkshire Puddings – £4.00
• Iceland Prawn Tacos – £4.00
• Mini Lemon Meringue Pies – £4.00

Innovation products:

• Iceland Beechwood Smoked Treacle Gammon – £14.00
• Iceland Lobster Thermidor – £15.00
• Iceland Pigs in Blanket Yorkshire Pudding XXL – £4.00
• Iceland Hunters Pigs in Blankets – £4.00 (3 for £10)
• Iceland White Chocolate Snowman – £8.00
• Luxury Mince Pies – £2.75
• Iceland Lemon Meringue Baked Alaska – £6
• Iceland Mini King Prawn Ring – £2.50
• Iceland Chicken Nugget Lollipops – £2.50
• Iceland Spring Roll Platter – £6.00
• Iceland Cheesy Potato Swirls – £1.00
• Iceland Potato Trees and Stars – £1.00
• Iceland Duck Skewer with Hoisin Sauce – £4.00
• Iceland Mini Cheesecake/ Cake Selections – £4.00

Buy Two, Get One Free Party Food: 

• Iceland Mini Fish & Chip Butty – £2.50
• Iceland Crispy Duck Nuggets – £2.50
• Iceland 8pk Mini Orange Choc Ices – £2.50
• Iceland Choc Hazelnut Churro Bites – £2.50
• Iceland Onion Bhaji Rings – £2.50

Embrace picky bits – Greggs and TGI Fridays: 

• TGI Fridays Coated Skewer with Tennessee Glaze and Sesame – £4.00
• TGI Fridays Cookie Cups – £4.00
• TGI Fridays Mini Ribs – £4.00 (3 for £10)
• Greggs 16 Pack Mini Sausage Rolls – £4.00

Desserts and Bakery:

• Iceland Ultimate Raspberry & Vanilla Macaron Wreath 575g- £10.00
• Galaxy Caramel Fondue Cheesecake – £12.00
• Daily Bakery Cinnamon / Chocolate Wreath – £5.00
• Galaxy Caramel Salted Chocolate Bar – £8.00

Veggie and Vegan:

• Iceland 15 Pack Vegetable Spring Rolls – £1.00
• Iceland 16 Pack Onion Bhajis – £1.00
• Iceland 16 Pack Vegetable Samosas – £1.00
• Iceland 10 Pack Mozzarella Balls – £1.00
• Iceland 10 Pack Mac ‘N’ Cheese Bites – £1.00
• Iceland 12 Battered Salt and Pepper Vegetable Spring Rolls -£2.50
• Iceland 16 Pack Mozzarella Sticks – £2.50
• Iceland Jalapeno Cream Cheese – £2.50
• Iceland 10 Pack Brie Wedges – £2.50
• Iceland 14 Pack Cheese & Garlic Bites – £2.50
• Luxury 4 Pack Camembert Rounds with Cranberry Sauce – £3.50
• Luxury 12 Pack Halloumi Fries – £3.50
• Iceland 80 Pack Indian Platter – £6.00
• TGI Fridays Mozzarella Sticks (FWH) – £3.50
• TGI Fridays 6 Pack Southern Fried Mozzarella XL Dippers – £3.50
• Cathedral City 12 Pack Cheese Bites – £3.75
• TGI Fridays Battered Cheese Toastie – £4.00
• Cathedral City Cheddar with Caramelised Onion – £3.75
• Cathedral City Cheddar with Triple Cheese Bite – £3.75
• TGI Fridays Bacon Mac Cheese Bites – £3.75
• TGI Fridays Jalapeno Poppers – £4.00
• Cathedral City Mac n Cheese Bites – £3.75
• Mozzarella sticks 60 Pack – £6.00
• No Meat No Meat Turkey Roast (vegan offering)
• No Porkies 6 Pack Sausage Roll (vegan offering)
• Iceland Vegan Mac & Cheese Bites (vegan offering)

If you are keen to snap up some of the items from Iceland’s Christmas range, most of its stores are usually open from 7am or 8am until 7pm, and in some cities, they are open until 9pm.

However, hours might vary depending on where you are in the country.

You can find your nearest Iceland store by using the store locator tool on its website.

How to save money on your food shop

Consumer reporter Sam Walker reveals how you can save hundreds of pounds a year:

Odd boxes – plenty of retailers offer slightly misshapen fruit and veg or surplus food at a discounted price.

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Lidl sells five kilos of fruit and veg for just £1.50 through its Waste Not scheme while Aldi shoppers can get Too Good to Go bags which contain £10 worth of all kinds of products for £3.30.

Sainsbury’s also sells £2 “Taste Me, Don’t Waste Me” fruit and veg boxes to help shoppers reduced food waste and save cash.

Food waste apps – food waste apps work by helping shops, cafes, restaurants and other businesses shift stock that is due to go out of date and passing it on to members of the public.

Some of the most notable ones include Too Good to Go and Olio.

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Too Good to Go’s app is free to sign up to and is used by millions of people across the UK, letting users buy food at a discount.

Olio works similarly, except users can collect both food and other household items for free from neighbours and businesses.

Yellow sticker bargains – yellow sticker bargains, sometimes orange and red in certain supermarkets, are a great way of getting food on the cheap.

But what time to head out to get the best deals varies depending on the retailer. You can see the best times for each supermarket here.

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Super cheap bargains – sign up to bargain hunter Facebook groups like Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK where shoppers regularly post hauls they’ve found on the cheap, including food finds.

“Downshift” – you will almost always save money going for a supermarket’s own-brand economy lines rather than premium brands.

The move to lower-tier ranges, also known as “downshifting” and hailed by consumer expert Martin Lewis, could save you hundreds of pounds a year on your food shop.