EPIDAURUS, Greece (AP) — As Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” renews global fascination with Homer, a cast of disabled and non-disabled performers in Greece is staging the war’s other story.

It’s not about the triumph of returning heroes, but the suffering they left behind.

“The Trojan Women,” with a cast of 22, was staged at Epidaurus, the ancient open-air stone arena in southern Greece. It marked what organizers called the first fully accessible performance in the ancient theater’s 2,300-year history.

While Homer followed warriors sailing home from Troy, the playwright Euripides — writing some three centuries later — turned to the city’s ruins and its women, forced into exile and enslavement.

The ancient theater offered a full range of accessibility services for the Aug. 2 performance. Blind audience members received Braille programs, tactile models and live audio description, while deaf spectators followed overhead titles. Physical adaptations also improved access throughout the site.

“It’s the first time a performance at Ancient Epidaurus has been made accessible to everyone,” said Greg Polychronidis, a Paralympic gold medalist who attended the event. “Today was a celebration of equality and it should serve as an example for everyone, forever.”

For many of the performers, standing on the ancient stage was itself part of the message: a voice for those often overlooked. Eirini Kourouvani, a 58-year-old cast member who uses a wheelchair, had never set foot inside the theater before.

“It is just grand,” she said. “I feel my heart opening up as wide as this theater is.”

Ioanna-Maria Gertsou, a blind psychologist, attended with Babu, her guide dog.

“We too have the right to attend performances on an equal footing,” she said, relieved that her dog remained quiet during the play.

The National Theater of Greece produced the performance, and accessibility services were designed by the nonprofit Liminal with financial support from Greece’s Alpha Bank.

Argyro Chioti, the National Theater’s artistic director, said the production should become the norm rather than the exception.

“This was complex, not simple. It required months of planning. It cost money. And it required very specific organizational expertise,” she said. “But that’s the standard and venues we need to reach — the major stages and the major theaters.”

—— Gatopoulos reported from Athens

As someone who spent much of her adolescence devoted to a Lemur named Ron who lived at Howletts Zoo, I can empathise with those who want to protect vulnerable species.

That’s why I knew I was going to enjoy my conversation with Sam Smith – a Brighton-based activist who’s spent the last decade rescuing, caring, and mending abandoned clothes horses.

As I waited for the 33-year-old to join me on Zoom, I had a million questions: Why did you start collecting clothes horses left by strangers on the street? Why open a sanctuary dedicated to a household item? And what’s the real message behind it all?

Never once breaking character, which included regularly referring to the clothes horses as ‘animals’, our chat was both enlightening and entertaining.

And while some might call his passion project ‘absurd’, it’s connected with thousands of people online.

‘Clothes horses are the quiet heroes in pretty much everyone’s house,’ he tells Metro.

‘Everyone’s had one, whether it’s at your childhood home or in a uni room. And most of us also have a memory attached to a clothes horse – it breaking or getting your fingers caught.’

I saw a herd of three abandoned just a few weeks ago

The smile that spreads across Sam’s face as he talks about the clothes horses reflects the deep affection that first prompted him to rescue one back in 2016.

After seeing so many dumped next to bins, often with broken hinges, the social care worker and father-of-two decided to take them home.

‘I started giving them all their own little stories. You know, “where have they been?”, “who was looking after them?”, “How did they end up here?”, “was it a drop-off in the middle of the night?”‘

Pretty soon, he shares, he had nine abandoned clothes horses taking up space in his small Brighton flat – all of whom he’d named (personal favourites include Rita and Ruth) and created extensive backstories for.

Describing how it quickly became apparent that he’d need a bigger space to keep the ‘herd’, Sam explains: ‘Clothes horses have a mind of their own, so although I’d put them to one side, I’d just step around the corner, knock one over, and it would jump back into life.’

Luckily, Sam had a friend who graciously offered to let him use some of his land to keep the ‘animals’ – a strip of gorgeous countryside where they graze still to this day.

Once a clothes horse is in his possession, Sam’s ultimate goal is to get it adopted – a process that involves him spending hours on local forums advertising the clothes horses and scanning for anyone new to the area in search of handy household items.

Outside of that, he also spends a lot of time fixing and nurturing them – emphasising that no clothes horse is a lost cause.

‘There’s always a way to fix up a clothes horse. Some of the bigger medical procedures – like a snapped leg – are tricky but then it’s time to improvise. Some of our clothes horses have been repaired with old discarded fans or bits of an old hoover, whatever we can get our hands on really.’

Day to day, life at the sanctuary is simple.

‘By the time I get to sanctuary in the morning the clothes horses are all ready and have had their breakfast. Firstly, I’ll check on the ones who’ve just arrived because, if they’ve got a broken leg, you don’t want to leave them around with that injury, because the hinges will start to rust.

‘After that we’d probably all go out, down near the river and in the countryside for some recreational activities. I also take them into town sometimes.

‘Then in the evening everyone gets together for some team building exercises. Once that’s done they’ll usually go straight into their paddocks.’

People have asked if they can sponsor a clothes horse

Although Sam has been rescuing clothes horses for a decade, it wasn’t until recently that he started documenting the journey and sharing it on social media.

With thousands of followers and over 111,000 likes, it’s safe to say that people have become incredibly invested in the sanctuary, and in Sam.

Comments range from ‘a clothes horse is not just for Christmas,’ to ‘Thank you for doing this important work’.

One particularly honest user, @rainbow, shared: ‘I’m ashamed to say I’ve previously overworked and abused one of mine with a heavy blanket. Poor thing buckled under the weight but managed to make it. I’ll do better now.’

A number of users have also expressed interest in sponsoring some of the animals. At £3 per month, donations like these help Sam keep the operation afloat.

However, he does have exciting plans to hopefully start including Christmas cards and horse clothes plushies in future sponsorship packages.

BEIJING (AP) — Shanghai’s two airports canceled more than 1,300 flights and authorities relocated some 300,000 people in surrounding regions as China prepared for Typhoon Dolphin, after the storm brought heavy rains to northern Taiwan.

The outer bands of the storm on Saturday hit northern Taiwan, including the capital Taipei, bringing rain. Some Taiwanese airlines also canceled their flights to China Sunday.

Iranian leadership has a dramatic new list of eight demands that the United States must follow to reach Donald Trump‘s goal of reopening the Strait of Hormuz. 

The key waterway has been closed for much of the time since the war on Iran began in late February. 

Iran’s politburo-like body known as the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) said the Strait of Hormuz will not open until the United States ‘corrects its behavior,’ issuing new demands that could shake up talks on a deal to manage the waterway and traffic on it. 

The head of Iran’s SNSC, Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, has given the list that includes some previously unheard of requests. 

Many have been previously brought up, including ending the war permanently, stopping the US Naval blockade, withdrawing military forces. 

From there, Zolghadr wants the US end sanctions on Tehran, unfreeze Iranian assets and even pay reparations to the Iranians to reopen the strait. 

The US would also have to stop threatening and insulting Iran and end all military action against Iranian allies in the region, state news agency Islamic Republic News Agency reports. 

Zolghadr, who is also a commander in the powerful Revolutionary Guard, reports directly to Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, who is currently mulling over a deal with Oman to manage the strait. 

The key waterway has been closed for much of the time since the war on Iran began in late February

A 60-day period to negotiate a final deal will end in just over a week but could be extended. 

The Daily Mail has reached out to the State Department for comment.

Iran’s demands come on the same day the United Arab Emirates said one of its ships was targeted by an Iranian missile in the strait.

The requests also arrive as Donald Trump has attempted to quash reports that he and Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth have clashed over reports the United States has hidden missile shortages.

Confronted over why the President was kept in the dark, the secretary of war reportedly turned on his own deputy, according to the Washington Post. 

The showdown reportedly unfolded at Camp David last Friday, where Hegseth insisted he was blameless and accused his number two, Stephen Feinberg, of presiding over the shortfall and failing to keep the President fully briefed. 

The astonishing scene laid bare Trump’s mounting frustration with Hegseth, one of the loudest early cheerleaders for striking Iran, who had assured him the operation would be a swift and relatively painless win. 

Shortages of long-range guided missiles and air defense interceptors are among the reasons Trump has held back from launching further large-scale strikes against Iran in recent days. 

The head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr (pictured), has given the list that includes some previously unheard of requests

The requests arrive as Donald Trump has attempted to quash reports that he and Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth have clashed over reports the United States has hidden missile shortages 

Trump hit back at the report, denying any shortage of US munitions and insisting that interceptors are reaching American bases as needed.

‘The “leakers” of these treasonous statements are being hunted down. Long term jail sentences will be sought!’ Trump wrote on Truth Social. 

The White House has denied the clash ever took place, however, with press secretary Karoline Leavitt saying: ‘This is 100% fake news. Literally never happened. And President Trump has the utmost confidence in Secretary Hegseth.’

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell joined the pushback, insisting Hegseth ‘did not mislead anyone’ about weapons stocks and never pointed the finger at Feinberg

Despite the denials, NBC News reported that Feinberg received a furious phone call from Trump himself on Friday evening, during which the President is said to have threatened to fire him.

The rattled deputy then hastily summoned top Pentagon brass to a late-night crisis meeting just hours after hanging up.

Feinberg, 66, is a billionaire who chaired Trump’s Intelligence Advisory Board in his first term before being handed the Pentagon’s number two job.

The interceptor crunch is reportedly now so severe that it is changing how the military decides which incoming threats to shoot down. 

Commanders are forced to weigh where a missile is headed before committing precious defenses. 

Donald Trump is demanding jail for the ‘leakers’ who exposed his furious clash with Pete Hegseth over hidden munitions shortages

Far from the quick victory Trump was promised, the Iran conflict has ground into a near six-month stalemate, with 18 American troops dead. 

Tehran has responded to these attacks by raining missiles on American bases and allies across the region and strangling shipping through the vital Strait of Hormuz.

A fragile truce brokered by Pakistan collapsed last month after Iranian attacks on tankers.

Trump declared US forces ‘locked and loaded’ for fresh strikes at the weekend, only to back down after appeals from Gulf allies, and he now claims talks with Tehran are restarting, something Iran denies.

The oversight meant Levy’s bail was extended until April 2025, allowing him to carry out a harrowing rape in a Tottenham car park in January 2025. He went on to murder Carmenza Valencia-Trujillo, 53, in March and Sheryl Wilkins, 39, in August, suffocating both women, who were described as vulnerable sex workers.

With no Lammens, Darlow, Bayindir or Vitek, teenager Fred Heath joined Mee as the back-ups to the 40-year-old Heaton in Gothenburg, where United also remained without Benjamin Sesko, Matthijs de Ligt and Manuel Ugarte plus Kobbie Mainoo, Marcus Rashford and Lisandro Martinez, with the latter trio set to return from their post-World Cup breaks during a training camp in the Republic of Ireland.

Robert Becker, 34, is alleged to have duped almost 40 victims including children out of more than £40,000.

A man has been accused of posing as a doctor, conning dozens of patients out of ­thousands of pounds at bogus clinics.

Robert Becker, 34, is alleged to have duped almost 40 victims including children out of more than £40,000 from consultations while also handing out medication which potentially risked lives.

He is said to have pretended to be a doctor, psychologist and pharmacologist at fake surgeries in Edinburgh and Dalkeith, Midlothian.

Becker now faces 89 charges on a 22-page charge sheet spanning from September 2022 to August 2025.

The case was called for the first time at the High Court in Glasgow last week.

It is alleged Becker ­“operated a fraudulent clinic” at the two properties in a scheme to “obtain money in payment for medical services”.

He is said to have launched a website setting himself up to be a doctor, neuropsychologist, and cognitive psychologist, pharmacologist while alleging to have the proper qualifications.

Court papers state Becker did all this to “create the impression” to persuade others that he was “qualified to diagnose mental health disorders and prescribe medication” to treat patients.

It is claimed he displayed certificates in the clinics to make him appear genuine. Prosecutors go on to list a series of named individuals that Becker allegedly conned.

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Among the many claims are that he “culpably and recklessly” provided medication to those who came to see him and exposed them to the “risk of injury to their health and to the danger of life” by doing so.

Becker is accused of claiming he was qualified to diagnose mental health disorders. One man is said to have paid him up to £10,000 alone. This includes claims he injected him with vitamin B12, took his blood pressure and provided with class C drugs and other medication.

Listed among the people who met Becker are those who allegedly paid him a four-figure sum for his “services”.

One charge states he got £1400 from a woman. He is claimed to have told her she didn’t have depression and went on to diagnose her with another mental condition.

He is further accused of accessing “confidential” ­information on a number of people who came to see him, such as medical records.

It is said he told a number of those who visited the clinics not to take medication they had already been prescribed.

Becker also allegedly had paid consultations with two teenagers after their parents contacted him. It is claimed he told the dad of one that he worked with pharmacies and the NHS.

Another charge alleges Becker told one person he had been a paramedic.

A further ­accusation states he was subject to an “undertaking” to appear at ­Edinburgh Sheriff Court in April last year.

A condition was that he was not to prescribe “medication to any members of the public” in the meantime, but it is claimed Becker flouted the order.

The indictment also lists drug supply and possession charges including diazepam and methyltestosterone.

Michael Anderson KC, defending, told the hearing that Becker, of Dalkeith, pleads not guilty to all charges.

A date for the case had been pencilled in for September next year in Edinburgh.

There will be a further hearing later this year. Becker remains on bail.

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Lancashire Life Magazine has rounded up a list of the very best spots in and around Lancashire that all ‘foodies’ should consider visiting.

DESTINATION DINING

These are the restaurants that define ambition and excellence — whether refined dining rooms, celebrated chef-led kitchens or quietly exceptional rural spots. These are the very best places to pop on your must-dine list.

The three Michelin starred Moor Hall in Aughton (moorhall.com), from Adlington chef Mark Birchall, brings foodies from across the country and further afield to Lancashire. Mark has worked in some of the country’s most celebrated kitchens before launching this bastion of culinary excellence nine years ago. From the snacks in the bar before your meal, strolls around the gardens to see where the food on your plate comes from to the precision plates served by Mark and his exceptionally talented team, this is an unforgettable experience from some of the most talented in hospitality.

Just a few steps away you’ll find Moor Hall’s sister restaurant, The Barn at Moor Hall , which holds a star in its own right. Here there is a more relaxed dining offer, backed up by the same strong ethos as its neighbour. Expect dishes celebrating the produce grown in its walled garden and grounds.

Northcote (northcote.com) is a culinary institution at Langho that has held a Michelin star for three decades. Chef patron director and

Great British Menu mentor Lisa Goodwin-Allen steers the ship, delivering an exceptional experience for guests. This is a place with a reputation for excellence. There are exciting plans in motion with renovations to the hotel, a new restaurant and spa, too.

A new entry into the Michelin Guide for 2026, as a recipient of a much-coveted Green Star, is the multi award-winning farm-to-table restaurant Eight at Gazegill (eightatgazegill.co.uk). On a plot on the Gazegill Organics farm in rural Rimington, it is headed up by chef patron Doug Crampton and a team devoted to show-stopping food and a meticulous attention to sustainability. You’ll also drink in some stunning views while you dine, as the restaurant overlooks meadows and some of Lancashire’s best landscapes.

A traditional, relaxed pub with a Michelin star setting, the one Michelin star White Swan at Fence (whiteswanatfence.co.uk) serves refined dishes from chef Tom Parker. With a quiet confidence, the casual environment allows the food to shine.

Chef Tim-Allen had worked at revered restaurants in the country before opening his own place, sō–lō, (restaurantsolo.co.uk) in a converted pub in Aughton. Recently refurbished, expect a warm welcome and an exceptional dining experience at this one Michelin starred spot.

The Rum Fox

PROPER PUBS

There are many things Lancashire is good at – and a gorgeous rural foodie pub is where we really shine. These are food-led places doing things properly: generous cooking, consistent quality and a sense of welcome.

You’d struggle to find a more perfect place than the Parkers Arms (parkersarms.co.uk). The plates and the welcome chef patron Stosie Madi and her team create are well worth the foodie pilgrimage to remote Newton-in-Bowland. Your journey is rewarded with award-winning food using best-of-the-season ingredients as well as some of the best Bowland views Lancashire can dish up.

There is a reason why The Rum Fox in Grindleton (therumfox.com) was named The One to Watch and received the highest new entry in the prestigious Top 50 Gastropubs list. Chef Bob Geldard has perfectly married village pub with an elevated dining offer. Go for the seasonal plates, stellar tasting menus and pub classics done with finesse.

In Great Eccleston, The Cartford (thecartfordinn.co.uk) founders Patrick and Julie Beaume have created a joy-bringing spot where the décor is just as good as the dishes from head chef Chris Bury. Dreamy seafood platters, moules frites and menus bursting with local flavour make this a food lover’s paradise. Even better? You can go home with Cartford goodies from its on-site deli, TOTI.

James’ Places continue to dominate the local pub scene with their tried and tasted recipe for what makes a great dining spot. No stranger to taking old buildings and making them new, they are currently working their magic at ‘Owd Nell’s at The Thatched Hamlet in Bilsborrow along with menus devoted to local produce at places including The Shireburn Arms in Hurst Green and The Assheton Arms in Downham (jamesplaces.com).

At the home of Problem Child Brewing, The Wayfarer at Parbold (wayfarerparbold.co.uk) they brew their beer on site and many of the ingredients in their meals are grown just outside the back door in their own kitchen garden, where gardener Phil keeps the herbs, leaves and seasonal produce thriving. It’s pub food, but elevated and memorable.

Head north to Dolphinholme, near Lancaster, for the perfect pit stop while exploring this corner of Bowland and beyond. The Fleece Inn (fleeceinn.co.uk), was named UK’s Best Pub at last year’s Countryside Alliance Awards. Head chef Steve Lawrence draws on Lancashire’s larder, using Dewlay cheeses, Honeywell’s meats, and honey from the inn’s own hives to create memorable meals.

Managing director Rebecca Govier decided to take on The Black Bull in Old Langho (theblackbulloldlangho.co.uk) when she received a phone call while on holiday in Australia to say it was up for sale. And thank goodness she did. This great spot for drinkers and diners serves traditional pub classics, alongside daily chef specials, all in gorgeous surroundings.

Lobster feasts at Quite Simply French (Image: Quite Simply French)

LOVED BY LOCALS

These are the places that if you’ve never been, you need to put them on your list now. Even if you make it just once, you’ll be glad you did. We think you’ll want to return time and again.

La Locanda (lalocanda.co.uk) owners Chef Maurizio Bocchi and his wife Cinzia have been serving authentic, award-winning Italian dishes for more than two decades in Gisburn. The couple and the restaurant have long been recognised for championing the true traditions of Italian dining. From sourcing sustainable, seasonal produce to showcasing recipes deeply rooted in regional culture, Maurizio and Cinzia’s philosophy blends passion, heritage, and integrity. If you’ve not been yet, it’s time to head to Gisburn.

Recent winner of Chef of the Year at the MFDF Awards, Matt Bennett’s seasonal British menus at The Pearl in Prestwich (thepearlmcr.com) are seriously impressive, as is the bavette steak and frites available on Thursdays. It’s all served up in an intimate dining room. A real gem of a place.

Freemasons at Wiswell remains one of Lancashire’s standout dining destinations (freemasonsatwiswell.com). Led by award-winning chef Mike Shaw, the kitchen delivers refined, confidently executed dishes that marry classical skills with seasonal British produce. The setting is relaxed, seamlessly blending its role as a pub to the locals with being a dining destination for foodies.

Restaurant Metamorphica (restaurantmetamorphica.co.uk) in Haslingden is a real find. Multi award-winning chef Steven Halligan has created a special dining experience in his intimate restaurant including the Butterfly Series, a spectacular tasting menu event that focuses on different parts of the globe. They also host regular wine events focusing on regional wine producers.

Quite Simply French in Lancaster (quitesimplyfrench.co.uk) is a French fine dining spot that has been feeding people in Lancaster and beyond for three decades.

Owner Robert Mason has been running the restaurant with rooms on St George’s Quay since 1996. Seafood suppers, French classics and lobster loveliness is on the menu. Don’t miss their Saturday Socials with comfort food, cocktails and live music.

Get more amazing dining ideas inside the latest edition of Lancashire Life.

Becoming vegan changed the course of Charlie Tomlinson’s life. This talented chef, founder of Wild Root Kitchen (wildroot.kitchen) in Halsall, with her kitchen team, is helping make vegetables the stars of the show with her palate-pleasing salads, super sourdough loaded with nutritious toppings and brilliant brunches. They’re currently working towards opening their second site and also run a series of fabulous supper clubs.

Wigan-born head chef Craig Barlow brings the best British ingredients to the plate at Outlane Social in Croston (outlanesocial.com). From sustainable seafood suppers, British steaks, Sunday roasts and their popular Lancashire lunch to brilliant breakfasts – think breakfast brioche rolls and brunch staples – this is a place where you’ll always be well fed.

Sunsets and sips at The Beach House (Image: Martin Bostock)

SUMMER SUNDOWNERS & SUPERSNACKS

Is there a better feeling than drinks and a few nibbly bits with friends on a sunny evening? We don’t think so and in Lancashire, we know how to do this well, no matter where we are.

At Beach House Bar and Restaurant new executive chef Adam Green is leading the kitchen at this gorgeous, newly refurbished spot right on the prom in Blackpool (beachhouseblackpool.co.uk).

This must-visit place is the ideal spot for those end-of-day sunset sips. Watch the sun go down and enjoy a sangria, cocktails or the finest wines while feasting on everything from brioche lobster towers to smoked salmon.

In Preston, there is nothing that Goosnargh Gin founders Richard and Rachel Trenchard cannot do. The grazing boards they serve up at their Chew’s Yard spot in Preston,

This is Trough (thisistrough.co.uk) are bursting with the best of Lancashire and British produce – this is a duo that never compromises on quality. The new mini grazing boards are designed to sit on top of your tipple. Think cheese, crackers, charcuterie and a little fruit all sat on the loveliest of little boards – genius!

The Nest at Treehouse Hotel (treehousehotels.com/manchester) is one of the newest additions to the local food scene. Opening on June 11, this vibrant rooftop bar, located on the 14th floor, serves up sweeping city views and an energetic atmosphere for late-night drinks, celebrations, and social occasions.

It’s all been curated by hospitality figures Luke Cowdrey and Justin Crawford, the brains behind the likes of other city favourites Electric Chair, Volta and Freight Island.

What do you do when you love good food? If you are Croston locals Geoff and Melanie Catterall you open a deli. A place that plays homage to good fromage, all of the cheese heaven can be found at Chimp and Chilli (chimpandchilli.co.uk), a relative new kid on the Croston block. There is also charcuterie, chutneys, pies and pastries as well as super sourdough. This artisan deli shares all of the food love.

Brilliant brunches await at Journey Social (Image: Journey Social)

CITY EATS

LANCASTER A city that packs a big foodie punch but isn’t necessarily that good at shouting about it – we think perhaps the locals want to keep the gems to themselves.

The recently launched Billy’s Bagels (@billysbagels_) is bringing a taste of New York to the city with hand-rolled and baked bagels – think salmon and cream cheese and prosciutto, pesto, burrata, rocket and hot honey. They deliver and sell at pop up events in Lancaster and the surrounding areas.

Established in 1837 as The Grasshopper Tea Warehouse, Atkinsons Coffee Roasters is one of the oldest speciality coffee roasters and tea merchants in the country (atkinsonscoffee.com). Their shop in China Street is a treat for the senses. Once you’ve selected brews to take home, head to one of their coffee spots at The Music Room in Sun Square, Lancaster Castle and The Hall, also in China Street. The café at the castle is also a brilliant place for coffee in the sunshine.

At Journey Social couple Jeff and Nichola Marshall are the driving force behind this popular local spot (journeysocial.co.uk). Sit in the sun while you tuck into all the

good stuff, whether it’s for brunch, coffee or all-day dining. A new addition on the menu, the Reuben Benny, is a must try.

Tuck Lancaster (tuckbakery.co.uk), is an artisan bakery and café in Meeting House Lane and, quite rightly, a place loved by locals. Stoneground flours are used to create brilliant breads and they also use local ingredients to create their pastries and puds as well as lunchtime treats.

You’ll find the most flavoursome street food suppers at Two Thai (twothai.co.uk). It was founded in 2017 by two pals, Jing and Beam, from Thailand, who launched a street food business selling at market stalls and food events. Now, Jing continues to serve up fresh, authentic Thai dishes in her own restaurant in China Street.

The Quarterhouse marries modern British food with a small plates concept – this is food to share with the favourite people in your life (thequarterhouse.co.uk). Local produce including samphire foraged in Morecambe Bay, Port of Lancaster Smokehouse oak-smoked game chorizo and locally reared saltmarsh lamb feature heavily on the menus. Make sure to pop to their deli, Stonewell Spring (stonewellspring.co.uk), on your visit for more Lancashire goodies.

PRESTON There was a time when good food and Preston weren’t necessarily a combination of words you would put together. But how times have changed.

That shift is down, in no small part, to the redevelopment of Preston Markets (prestonmarkets.co.uk), which was reopened in 2019, along with the adjacent Box Market , with a change from just being a traditional market to also being a great place to stop for some great food. Traders include Pickles of Preston , whose incredible range of cheese would satisfy even the most ardent of cheese fans, food-to-go favorites Redmans , a business that has been going since 1945, Cherry Pie where you’ll find great coffee and cakes and Mark Williams Fishmongers for seafood picks. Just off Winckley Square is the city’s big hitter in terms of food. Renowned Lancashire chef Oli Martin has brought together some of the best in the business – think chefs and front of house staff from some of the country’s most well-known places – to create fine dining restaurant Aven (avenrestaurant.com) This includes Sean Wrest, Aven’s head chef, who lead the team at Roots in Yorkshire to win their Michelin star – the first in York. This is a seriously impressive set up – it even won the praise of Times critic Giles Coren who described the team as ‘supremely gifted’ and offering ‘proper northern hospitality’. Here you can expect precision plates done with flair and without a fuss – this is expertly executed food that speaks for itself. You’ll also find the warmest of welcomes.

Since it opened in May 2024 Chew’s Yard (chewsyard.info) has forged a reputation as the place to eat, drink and be merry. Named after an 18th century artisans yard and historic alleyway linking Friargate and Market Street West, this disused former warehouse has been transformed into a food and drinks hall with independent traders serving up everything from South American flavours at Chamo and plant-based shawarma and kebabs at Seitanic to gourmet grazing from This is Trough and Indian plates from Where’s Wala.

One definitely not to be missed is the brilliant hole-in-the-wall café Holy Grounds (holygrounds.co.uk) that serves up excellent coffee and some of the best donuts that will ever pass your lips – all from a space that used to be a garage for the vicarage next door. Choose from The OG, cinnamon sugar, maple bars and more.

Wanting a cosy evening with a glass of something special? Wine and whisky bar, Wine Down , in Lancaster Road (@winedownpreston), is a place to slow things down and spend time savouring some quality sips.

On Friargate, Plau (plau.co.uk) offers three different experiences in one. The middle floor bar is the place for trying organic wines, curated cocktails and bottles of beer from around the world. The top floor is where you’ll find Fino Tapas , the home of small plates and tasty tapas and in The Vaults , Rivington Brewing Co help guests discover a whole new world of craft beer, showcasing their best creations – think hoppy IPAs and rich stouts. Take time to peer through a section of glass floor too to spot an original medieval well, discovered when the building was originally renovated.

Saucier Pasta (@saucierpasta) is a 24-seat, sauce-led fresh pasta bar. This simple concept serves up some seriously special suppers. Local produce is used to create everything from cacio e pepe to Genovese ragu. Lunch times mean sandwiches and ‘snack pastas’. You won’t regret a visit here.

A fig and feta feast at The Old Gun Shop. (Image: Kirsty Thompson)

BRUNCH SPOTS & BRILLIANT BAKES

Manchester’s Pollen Bakery (pollenbakery.co.uk), with sites in Ancoats and at Kampus, is a prominent player in the city’s food and drink scene, with an almost cult-like status. Founded by Hannah Calvert and Chris Kelly, who were inspired by time spent in France, the super sourdoughs, viennoiserie baked goods and excellent coffee make it one of the most in demand spots. Top chefs, including Adam Reid, are also big fans. Don’t miss the croissant butter.

All of the good things are on the menu at Burscough’s Lagom Bakery (@lagombakery_): sourdough, perfect pastries and coffee. You’ll find all of the golden-baked goodies you could wish for and the promise of new classes on the horizon for 2026.

Feel-good food fills the menus at the Wild Buck in Waddington, a day to night, neighbourhood dining spot (wildbuck.co.uk). Dishes like black pudding benedict, breakfast burritos and home-smoked salmon, guacamole and poached eggs on sourdough feature on the menu and, from the deli, you find the freshest grown, caught, reared and shot produce.

Hilary Martin and husband, Les, run Earthlings , a plant-based café in Bolton (facebook.com/earthlingsorganic). They first got the keys to this popular spot 10 years ago. Today, you’ll find sourdough slices stacked high with food to nourish, acai bowls, seasonal soups and salads on their menus. The majority of the food, including the chocolate, is made from scratch. Anything else is sourced from local artisans.

Katrina Bozikovic and Felix Stenhouse swapped working with prestigious chefs – including Moor Hall’s Mark Birchall and Southport-born Marcus Wareing – for a life running their own Australian-inspired bakery, Outpost in Eccleston (outposteccleson.com) , specialising in artisanal breads, viennoiserie and more. You’ll have to move fast – tasty treats don’t hang around long here.

In Lancaster, The Old Gun Shop café and pantry (theoldgunshop.com) owner Lucie Paluch and chef Petra Onek celebrate the joy of plant-based dishes. Hyper seasonal, ingredient-led dishes are made with food sourced from local producers including Heysham-based NT Juice, The Plot, near Garstang, and Barrow’s Woodbine Dairy and made into showstopping suppers.

Georgonzola specialises in British cheese and produce. (Image: Georgonzola)

THE UK’S CULINARY CAPITAL & OUR TASTIEST TOWNS

There are many places that are worth a tasty trip out but there are some that go the extra mile to put Lancashire food on the map.

AUGHTON in West Lancashire is a place that packs a seriously foodie punch. So much so it has earned itself the title of the UK’s culinary capital. Despite its relatively small size, it has five Michelin stars within its borders. Moor Hall has three, The Barn at Moor Hall has one and Tim Allen’s sō–lō also has one Michelin star. Not only has this impacted the number of visitors discovering Lancashire, it has also created a ripple effect of other fabulous foodie spots setting up in the areas around the village.

CLITHEROE The centre of the Ribble Valley Food Trail, this busy town has long held a reputation for great food. From Cowman’s Sausage shop that boasts a dizzying number of flavours and local institution

D Byrne’s Wine Shop to Bowland Food Hall , where shelves heave with Lancashire produce, there is a thriving food and drink scene to savour.

Housed over three floors in a gloriously restored Methodist Chapel and described as a European Grand Café, The Emporium (jamesplaces.com/the-emporium) from the James’ Places stable, has gone from café to must-dine spot in the town. There is space to sit with a coffee and a book but, if you’re hungry, there are small plates and pizzas or comforting classics on the menu.

At Georgonzola (georgonzola.com), owner George had long held dreams of opening his own deli since he was 18. Having worked in butchers, pubs and restaurants across the Ribble Valley, the now 30-year-old opened Georgonzola four years ago. The deli in King Street specialises in British cheese and produce. With the exception of their unique wine and port selections, everything in the shop is British and Irish.

Warm pastries, excellent coffee, artisan loaves and flaky, buttery croissants in lots of different flavours await at Knead and Grind . One of the new additions to the town’s food scene, your visit will be rewarded with food heaven (@knead.and.grind).

Wills Wine Bar and Kitchen (willswinebar.com) is a family-owned wine bar and kitchen, which also has a sister venue in Barrowford. Expect everything from small plates and salads to brilliant brunches of smashed avocado and scrambled eggs with truffles.

An award-winning neighbourhood bistro, Tom’s Table (tomstable.co.uk) is run by chef Tom Drinkall, who has a passion for French inspired cuisine. He has taken his experience in top international kitchens to create a superb dining experience and is dedicated to ensuring that food is locally and authentically sourced. Feast on dishes including roast Ribble Valley wood pigeon. There are wine pairings for each dish.

Whether you love a cannoli, enjoy ‘proper’ Italian coffee or want to sip and spend a while, Gio’s Deli (giosdeli.co.uk) brings summer to the plate. This daytime dining spot also hosts special evening service events with good wine, music and Italian food.

RAWTENSTALL By day, Manr (manr.co.uk) is a laid-back café serving breakfast and lunch, but come evening the space flips into a bar and restaurant. Located inside The Whitaker, chef Dan Murphy’s menu features small plates like Iberico roasties and Japanese style karaage fried chicken with miso sesame slaw. A relaxed spot that works whatever the time of day.

Run by hospitality veteran James Gingell, The Stinky Chef deli (facebook.com/TheStinkyChef) is the place to go for standout sandwiches. Expect options like The Italian Club, loaded with cured meats, nduja mayo and mozzarella, or The Stinker with ham, provolone and the shop’s signature ‘Stinky Bomba’ – all built to seriously generous proportions.

On Back Lane, GemNi (gem-ni.com) has built a strong reputation for its refined, modern British cooking. Chef patron Michael Pilkington, who spent 18 years at Andrew Nutter’s restaurant (including nine as head chef), brings experience and creativity to the kitchen. Expect seasonal dishes, local produce and a warm, intimate setting.

Inspired by Palermo’s famous street market, A’Vucciria (avucciria.co.uk) is a lively spot bringing a slice of Sicily to Rawtenstall. Expect simple, bold Italian dishes made with a mix of locally sourced and Mediterranean ingredients, alongside good wine, cocktails and a buzzing atmosphere. Whether you’re stopping in for a quick bite or settling in for the evening, it’s all about relaxed, sociable dining.

A firm local favourite, Isabakes (isabakes.co.uk) has just moved into new premises on Bank Street, to keep up with demand. The counter is packed daily with more than 30 sweet treats – from brownies and blondies to cookies, cupcakes and truffles, plus their popular Lancashire flapjacks and even pupcakes for dogs.

There’s always something new coming through too, keeping regulars coming back for more.

RAMSBOTTOM There must be something in the water on this side of Lancashire as nearby Ramsbottom has been a honeypot for people in search of good food for some time. Although the likes of local heavyweights like Levanter may not longer be there, a thriving food and drink scene lives on.

The Eagle and Child (eagle-and-child.com) is always worth the steep climb up the hill from Ramsbottom’s centre.

Zumuku (zumuku.co.uk) is a small but brilliant place serving all of the bold flavours of Pan-Asian cuisine. From gyozas to noodles bowls and bao buns, every dish is a winner. What you really want to try, though, is the sushi. Grab a gang of pals and order the Omakase 60-piece platter where the chef chooses for you.

At Holcombe Tap (holcombetap.co.uk) sister pub to the Eagle and Child, you’ll find cosy spaces and a warm welcome. The menus are a celebration of local produce, incorporating flavours from around the world with a small plate concept.

Vibrant coffee shop DRINC (drincramsbottom.co.uk) serves their own blend of home-roast coffee, as well as home-cooked food and daily homemade cakes. You’ll definitely want to try the milkshakes.

The Trof’s Matt Nellany and Jamie Pickles

NEW SPOTS TO TRY

The team behind one of Manchester’s favourite restaurants, Stow, have just opened The Trof (trofnq.co.uk) in what was Trof in the Northern Quarter. Jamie Pickles and Matt Nellany, the fabulous duo behind the much-beloved Stow, have launched this latest venture in Thomas Street. It will be a love letter to British pub classics, and local produce.

In Croston, exciting events are unfurling. The Black Rabbit (blackrabbitcroston.com) is a new boutique hotel, restaurant and bar which has just opened its doors in what was The Grapes pub in Town Road. Think luxe interiors – dreamy copper baths – with a fine dining food and drink offer to match. We can’t wait to try it.

Big news in Pendle. The £3.5m regeneration project in the heart of Colne is now open. Colne Market Hall (colnemarkethall.co.uk) is a new food and drink destination. Independent food and drink operators Panko & Sushi, Agora (Greek street food), Boroughs (NYC-style pizza), Naanwich (Indian sandwiches), Wills Wine Bar and Three Peaks Brewery have set up home at this impressive new site.

Brilliant baker and pâtissier Andrew Harwood has already been bringing stunning desserts, chocolates and patisserie to Standish for some time with Harwoods Patisserie (harwoodspatisserie.co.uk). But now the former Bake Off: The Professionals finalist is opening with a new look shop – and no doubt even more of his jaw-dropping creations.

One not to be missed..