Two food spots were also crowned All-Ireland champions this year

Our thriving hospitality industry was celebrated at the Irish Restaurant Awards this week as a number of local spots were recognised as ‘Best in Ulster’.

In its 17th year, the Irish Restaurant Awards are an opportunity to celebrate the existing, and up and coming talent in the sector across both sides of the border.

Earlier this year, businesses from across Northern Ireland were selected to represent their county across a range of categories at the All-Ireland final, which took place in Dublin on Monday night.

A total of 13 restaurants, cafes, pubs and people from across the country came away with a ‘Best in Ulster’ win – with two going on to be crowned ‘Best in Ireland’ for 2026.

Popular Belfast coffee shop General Merchant was recognised as not only the best in the province but top across the entire island of Ireland. Frae, a neighbourhood wine bar in Holywood, also took an All-Ireland win for Best Customer Service.

Here are the NI spots named Ulster winners of the Irish Restaurant Awards 2026:

• Best Restaurant in Ulster – Noble
• Best Chef in Ulster – Stevie Toman, Ox Restaurant
• Best Restaurant Manager in Ulster – Paul Vaughan, James St
• Best Use of Social Media in Ulster – Charlie’s Bar Enniskillen
• Best Gastro Pub in Ulster – The Dirty Duck Alehouse
• Best Cafe in Ulster – General Merchants (All Ireland winner)
• Best Newcomer in Ulster – Capparelli at The Mill
• Pub of the Year in Ulster – Linnet Inn
• Best Wine Experience in Ulster – El Tapas Grá
• Best Customer Service in Ulster – Frae (All Ireland winner)
• Best Sustainable Practices in Ulster – Killeavy Castle Estate
• Innovator of the Year Ulster – Waterman House
• Local Food Hero Ulster – Jordan Weir, The Dairy – Bistro, Butchers & Farm Shop

Speaking at the All-Ireland Awards, President of the Restaurants Association of Ireland, Seán Collender, said: “Tonight is a celebration of the people who make Ireland’s hospitality industry one of the most vibrant and exciting sectors in the country. From local cafés and family run restaurants to world class dining destinations, these Awards recognise the passion, dedication and innovation that can be found in every corner of Ireland.”

“Gordon Ramsay recently described Ireland as the sleeping giant of European cuisine. Well, that giant is awakening and tonight is proof of that. Across every county we are seeing incredible creativity, quality and ambition in our restaurants and hospitality businesses.”

“The standard showcased tonight demonstrates that Ireland should now be firmly recognised as a leading culinary destination. I want to congratulate every nominee and winner for the extraordinary work they do every day to showcase the very best of Irish hospitality.”

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Lee Andrews has been ‘missing’ for several days after he failed to show up in the UK to meet his wife Katie Price

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Former Apprentice star Luisa Zissman said she flew to Dubai this week on a “mission” to track down Katie Price’s apparently ‘missing’ husband.

The star fled the country earlier this year as tensions in the Middle East grew at the outbreak of the Iran war. However, she told fans she would head back and search for Lee Andrews.

The Dubai businessman, who tied the knot with Katie within days of meeting her, has been missing for six days. The 47-year-old former glamour model says on the last call she had with him, his hands were tied together and a hood had been placed over his face. Katie said she feared he had been kidnapped near the border between Dubai and Oman, reports The Mirror.

However, the star hit out at claims the whole thing is a publicity stunt today, slamming them as “disgusting”.

Luisa, 38, has shared a series of videos that suggest her search isn’t entirely serious, including looking for him in the Emirates Lounge at Heathrow Airport. However, she did share an interesting update.

In a video posted from Dubai, she said: “It’s the end of day one looking for Lee Andrews missing persons case. I’m trying to bring Katie Price’s husband home. So, I’ve discovered a few things.

“He was seen as active on Facebook Messenger six hours ago which does indicate that his kidnappers are definitely letting him have access to social media. Makes you wonder why he hasn’t reached out to ask for help.”

The influencer continued: “Who knows, but I did see that while I did some digging on Facebook. It’s looking unlikely I’m going to be able to bring him home. Where are you Lee? Everyone wants to know. A nation wants to know.”

She earlier posted a video of herself in the cabin of a first class flight, telling followers: “Wish me luck.” She wrote: “I’m ready to undertake this mission for the nation and our love of our national treasure Katie Price, we love you.”

Speaking today Katie offered an update to fans, saying: “Hey everyone, I’m here to do an update about Lee. This is a really difficult time for me at the moment. It’s been five days since I’ve heard anything from Lee. None of his family have heard anything, his dad is out in Dubai and he’s heard nothing.”

She said Lee had been reported as missing to the British Embassy saying the Foreign Office have confirmed they are “supporting the family of a British man” – and that her “anxiety levels are sky high”.

Katie then appealed for help, saying: “If there’s anyone in Dubai or you know anyone in Dubai and you spot him or see him… I don’t know because I don’t know where he is. Because the last thing I know, his hands were tied and he had a hood over his head and he was in the back of a van.”

She added: “All I can do is look after myself and my head and get on with each day as I can. Because I still have to get on with life. I want to thank everyone for their kind messages. I’m a tough girl. I’m a survivor but I’ve never been in a situation like this.”

Bournemouth, meanwhile, are looking to finish Andoni Iraola’s tenure as strongly as possible and have their own significant ambitions as a point will confirm a place in Europe for the first time in the club’s history, though a win would keep them in the hunt for Champions League qualification. Follow the game LIVE below with our dedicated match blog!

Chris, 49, was last seen on Tuesday afternoon

Police are becoming ‘increasingly concerned’ about a man who was reported missing in Prestwich. Chris, whose surname was not disclosed by police, was last seen at Prestwich Hospital at around 3pm on Tuesday (May 19).

A search for the 49-year-old has been launched. A photo of Chris was shared by police as part of a public appeal, and anyone with information is urged to report it.

He is described as a white male, of medium build and with brown, thinning hair. He was last seen wearing a black jacket, cap and coloured yellow and black trainers.

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A statement shared by Greater Manchester Police said: “Can you help find Chris, 49, from Prestwich? He was last seen leaving Prestwich Hospital at around 3pm on Tuesday May 19.

“Chris is described as a white male of a medium build with brown thinning hair. He was last seen wearing a black jacket, black cap with yellow emblem, coloured trainers yellow and black (unbranded), black trainers.

“Officers are becoming increasingly concerned about him and want to make sure he is safe and well. Anyone with information about his whereabouts should call police on 101 quoting log 2055 of 19/05/2026.”

Chelsea, though, are rather ailing after defeat in the FA Cup final at the weekend, which left them with just two wins in their last 12 matches across all competitions. The squad will have fresh inspiration for the tie, though, as they look to impress incoming manager Xabi Alonso, who will not be in attendance but will surely be watching on somewhere ahead of officially taking charge on July 1.

SIMI VALLEY, Calif. (AP) — More than 17,000 people were under evacuation orders in Southern California on Tuesday as a wildfire threatened suburban homes.

The wind-driven Sandy Fire was reported Monday in the hills above Simi Valley, about 30 miles (48 kilometers) northwest of Los Angeles.

By Tuesday morning, it had consumed more than two square miles (five square kilometers) of dry brush and destroyed at least one home, according to the Ventura County Fire Department.

The flames were initially pushed by gusts that topped 30 mph (48 kph), but firefighters were aided by calmer winds overnight, said department spokesperson Andrew Dowd.

“We’ve made a lot of progress against this fire with those improved weather conditions,” Dowd said. Crews hoped to make further progress before winds increased again, he said.

There was zero containment. The cause is under investigation.

Evacuation orders and warnings were still in place for several neighborhoods in Simi Valley, a city of more than 125,000 people.

Meanwhile, firefighters were battling a 23-square-mile (59-square-kilometer) blaze on Santa Rosa Island, off the Southern California coast. The fire destroyed a cabin and an equipment shed and forced the evacuation of 11 National Park Service employees.

Santa Rosa, a popular destination for camping and hiking, is home to island foxes, spotted skunks and elephant seals.

The award-winning Kites Nest in Ceredigion offers a romantic retreat surrounded by breathtaking Welsh scenery

Travel plans can sometimes feel uncertain, which is why a relaxing staycation can be the perfect answer. Wales offers plenty of hidden gems. One award-winning escape attracting attention is the Kites Nest. The unique glamping pod has been crowned by Sykes Cottages, winning the 2025 gold award for ‘best for couples‘.

Set in the tranquil village of Pont-rhyd-y-groes in Ceredigion, The Kites Nest is far from your average glamping stay. The wooden pod features a curved roof, circular windows and large patio doors designed to make the most of the surrounding countryside views.

Built by award-winning company My Shire House, which appeared on Channel 4’s George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces, the property has been crafted to an exceptionally high standard using FSC graded timber including oak, larch and red cedar.

Inside, there is a compact kitchen equipped with essentials for preparing meals, while a comfortable sitting area provides a place to unwind. The sleeping area features a cosy double bed, alongside a modern shower room. Love dreamy Welsh homes? Sign up to our newsletter here

Outside, step onto the decking and you’re greeted with panoramic views across rolling hills, valleys and woodland. The scenery creates a peaceful atmosphere that’s hard to beat. Adding to the luxury feel is the Kites Nest’s hidden private garden, where guests can soak in an opulent outdoor copper bath surrounded by nature.

For couples inspired to book, a seven-night stay at The Kites Nest starts from around £800, with plenty of availability across the summer months.

Those who have stayed in the Kites Nest have reviewed the property very highly. One visitor said: “We spent a week here to celebrate our 10 year anniversary, there’s not much you need to bring from home. The hosts have thought of everything to make your stay comfortable. The Kites nest is beautiful and the views are breathtaking. The outside bath has hot water and not overlooked. It really is a little slice of paradise.”

Another visitor, praising the helpful hosts, said: “There hospitality during our stay at the Kite’s Nest was best we have ever received. One day we hope to return and we will be recommending to others!! The Kite’s Nest was a cute warming stay with amazing view and scenery in such a pretty part of Wales!! This will be something we will remember forever!! Thank you so much!!”

A third guest gave the Kites Nest a five star rating and said: “Superb. We loved it so much we instantly booked for two weeks next year.”

For those who perfer a spacious holiday home, the Shorebase Annexe in the beautiful seaside village of Mumbles is an option. The cottage can sleep two guests and is available on holidaycottages.co.uk.

Another gorgeous property, found on Luxury Cottages, is the Little House in Oxwich, also located near the beautiful south Wales coastline, described as a “perfect setting for a romantic escape in total peace and tranquillity”.

LAGOS, Nigeria (AP) — A joint operation against Islamic State fighters by Nigeria and the United States has killed 175 of the fighters over the past few days, the Nigerian military said Tuesday.

Military spokesperson Samaila Uba said in a statement that the strikes also destroyed weapons, checkpoints and financial networks of the militants across the northeastern region of the country.

The gains against the militants followed the killing late last week of the group’s local chapter deputy, Abu Bakr al-Mainuki, in the first successful targeting of a senior militant in more than a decade of insurgency in the country.

The Nigerian military on Tuesday reported the killing of another senior leader, Abd-al Wahhab responsible for coordinating finance and attack planning and logistics.

The U.S. Africa Command confirmed the attacks, saying no U.S. or Nigerian troops were harmed.

In February, the U.S. sent troops to Nigeria in what was deemed a mostly advisory and training role, but the joint operation in recent days signals more active U.S. involvement.