BIG BITES has moved from its former premises in Market Square East to a new store in Queen Street in Ripon.

Business owners Alex and Natalie Sutcliffe said they had outgrown their previous premises where customers resorted to “queueing in the street”.

Recommended reading:

Alex said: “Following negotiations with Sterne Properties Limited, we agreed a deal in April and here we are now with four times the space, a large indoor seating area with tables and benches and an increased range of food, drink and other goods on sale.”

BIG BITES has moved to a brand-new shop in Queen Street, Ripon (Image: BIG BITES)

In addition to selling its trademark hot and cold sandwiches, BIG BITES’ deals include gluten-free options, take home and cook meal deals and savoury and sweet pies and pastries – all sourced from local suppliers.

The company also offers an early morning meal deal until 9.30am and a Blue Light and Military Personnel discount of 10 per cent off all items except meal deals.

The store in Queen Street includes Sutty’s Grub – a brand that caters for motorbike enthusiasts.

The store in Queen Street includes Sutty’s Grub – a brand that caters for motorbike enthusiasts (Image: BIG BITES)

Ripon BID manager Lilla Bathurst said: “The BIG BITES expansion comes hot on the heels of the opening of health food and drink café and wine bar Sustain, located at the Marshall Way entrance to HALLS of Ripon, where the newly illuminated medieval well is attracting a great deal of attention.

“Add to this the three-screen cinema in Fishergate, which award-winning operators John Tate and John Hewitt are aiming to open on November 27 and it’s fair to say that Ripon is on a roll in more ways than one.”

She added: “The community of independent businesses that make our city so special, all benefit from the millions of pounds invested in Ripon by local companies and individuals, as each opening, expansion and refurbishment brings increased consumer choice and contributes to the overall offer provided by the Cathedral City of the Dales.”

BIG BITES is known for its trademark large hot and cold sandwiches (Image: BIG BITES)

BIG BITES will open from 7.30am to 3pm Monday to Saturday and from 8am until 2pm on Sundays.

For more on this, see here.

At least one person appeared to have been injured

A cordon was put in place in Manchester city centre following reports of a ‘mass brawl’ on Monday night (June 1).

Multiple police vehicles and responding ambulances could be seen in attendance along Red Lion Street following reports of the incident.

A number of officers could be seen conducting investigations at the scene. Greater Manchester Police have not yet issued a statement on the incident but have been contacted.

Click here to get the biggest stories straight to your inbox in our Daily Newsletter

Video footage shared with the Manchester Evening News appeared to show a large group on the first floor of the car park. Shouts could be heard as some members of the group appeared to lunge towards each other. Others were seen running away.

At least one person was injured in the incident and seen being taken away from the scene on a stretcher.

Advertisement

One witness said: “There was a mass brawl at around 9.50pm at the nearby car park involving around 20 people. Now there’s six police cars and two ambulances.”

No further details have been confirmed. Pictures showed a number of police vans lining Red Lion Street from Turner Street. Part of the road and car park were also cordoned off at the car park entrance.

Greater Manchester Police were approached for a statement.

Maya Jama told the latest Love Island entrants that they will have a special job

The new series of Love Island got under way, introducing two bombshells on the opening day alongside a shock dumping twist.

Viewers tuned in as twelve singletons stepped into the Villa for the very first time as ITV’s hugely popular dating reality show made its return to screens on Monday (June 1). The latest roster of Islanders includes a West End performer, a detective and a primary school teacher.

Now entering its 13th series, the broadcaster has pledged unmissable moments and unforgettable memories, with plenty of surprises in store. Maya Jama returns once again as host, presiding over all the action unfolding inside the Villa.

For the first time, proceedings kicked off after dark. Aiden and Mica were the first to arrive, followed by Lorenzo and Angelista. The quartet wasted no time in getting acquainted, raising their glasses in a toast to a summer of love.

Next to make their entrance were Robyn and Samraj, followed by Lola and Ope, who narrowly avoided a mishap after a slip. Maya encouraged the group to take part in an icebreaker game, which only served to heat things up further, reports OK!.

Jasmine claimed she had already clocked a red flag from some of the boys after they declined to drink during the game when asked whether they found any of the girls attractive. All the girls drank when Maya asked if any of the boys would prove to be trouble, with Robyn singling out Lorenzo as one of the ‘cheekiest’ so far. The moment then arrived for the first coupling up of the series. Maya informed them that on this occasion there were no games involved, leaving the decisions entirely in their own hands.

A great deal of deliberation ensued amongst the Islanders as they wrestled with who to pair up with. Sam told Ellie they should couple together before the girls huddled amongst themselves, with Samraj and Mica becoming the first pairing.

Following another brief debate among the girls, Lorenza coupled off with Jasmine. Aidan clinched a game of rock, paper scissors for the privilege of choosing Ellie, despite Sam having already made his preference for her clear.

Maya questioned Sam as to whether he was simply going to stand by and let Aiden walk off with his first choice, but unsure what he could do about it, he graciously accepted Ellie’s decision.

Unwilling to entertain the drawn-out conversation any further, Angelista picked Ope, stating she was pleased he had called her ‘wifey material’. Sean then opted for Lola, leaving the remaining pairing as Sam and Robyn.

The following morning, Maya introduced two new bombshells despite it being only the first full day in the Villa. While speaking with George and Yasmin, she confirmed that they would be taking on a role set to ‘completely rock the Villa’.

Not only are they looking to turn heads, but they will have to work undercover to determine who becomes the first Islanders to be dramatically dumped from the Villa.

Fans watching at home were quick to share their reactions to the explosive first episode. Taking to social media, one viewer said: “Not a fan of this new rule for the new people about the dumping…. If they get rid of Jasmin I’m quitting.”

Another added: “It’s too early for a dumping, no one asked for this.” While a third commented: “Mica and Angelista are safe I think. Jasmine is in big trouble because of how good looking Lorenzo is.”

Meanwhile, a number of viewers were left far from impressed with the entire coupling up process, which some considered to be chaotic at best. One person questioned: “Why is this happening when they’re just sat down, surely there were better logistics for this?”

Another admitted to being baffled by the process, while someone else declared: “Be right back, complaining to Ofcom. That was traumatising.”

However, one viewer said they “loved the chaos” while another dubbed it as “genuinely horrific.” One dedicated fan simply urged: “Never do this again. It feels like a humiliation ritual.”

Love Island continues tomorrow at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX.

An application lodged with City of York Council would see banners and flags pointing visitors towards the entrance to the National Railway Museum installed if they are approved.

Plans from the museum stated online maps services had not yet caught up with changes to nearby roads, leading to visitors being given the wrong directions.

They added it followed changes to access routes to the museum which are now via Hudson Boulevard and Foundry Way.

It follows the construction and opening of both roads as part of the York Central regeneration scheme of the area around Leeman Road.

RECOMMENDED READING:

The redevelopment of the area is set to include a new Central Hall for the museum and a new entrance to it off a new planned public space dubbed Museum Square.

Planning documents from the attraction stated the 1.5m-high by 70cm-wide PVC banners would be fixed to lamppost along the new roads.

They would direct people coming from the city centre or York Station to the right way to find the museum’s entrance.

Designs for banners planned along routes to the National Railway Museum, in York (Image: National Railway Museum)

Plans stated: “Visitors are often being led on unnecessary, long or incorrect routes.

“The flags will assist the public in finding their way to the museum, thus contributing to public safety.

“The flags will be made of high quality, durable material and will be maintained on a regular basis.”

The submission of the plans follows the approval of changes to the design of the new Central Hall amid concerns about overheating on the inside of the building.

Revisions include reducing glazing in the Museum Square building’s rooflight to prevent the inside it overheating, along with different cladding on the outside.

The museum’s plans stated the alterations, which also include lowering the height of the cylindrical building, followed assessments and would reduce the visual impact of its design.

Central Hall was set to be built next year as of July 2025, with an opening date yet to be confirmed.

Paul Doughty and David Smith said they have had an “eye-opening” and “deeply meaningful” year in the roles, with Paul passing on the Sheriff’s baton to Geoff Cossins in a ceremony on May 21.

The pair have represented the city, moving from ceremonies to special openings and playing their part in traditions rooted in York’s rich history – an honour the couple haven’t taken lightly.

Recommended reading:

In his closing speech as Sheriff of York, Paul said: “When I took on this role, I had a fairly clear sense of the civic duties it would involve.”

A fantastic team – Paul and David (Image: Supplied)

He added: “What I didn’t fully appreciate was quite how varied and remarkable the life of this city is.

“Nor did I appreciate just how often I would find myself move, sometimes unexpectedly, by the people we have met along the way.”

The couple, who became civil partners in 2006, married four months ago after hosting a Citizenship Ceremony.

Paul and David became civil partners in 2006 and married 20 years later after a citizenship ceremony in York (Image: Supplied)

David said: “We were at the ceremony, and both agreed that while we were there, we might as well get married.

“It was such a normal, regular part of life.

“After signing a few papers, we had a selfie in Parliament Street and then went for a coffee.

“We’d been civil partners for nearly 20 years, but it’s just lovely to be able to use the word husband instead of partner.”

“Things were completely different back then and even an inclusive city like York felt more intimidating” (Image: Supplied)

David left home in Sheffield aged 19.

“I left with no money, nothing. After volunteering and then paid work I got myself sorted out and came to York in 2005.

“Things were completely different back then and even an inclusive city like York felt more intimidating,” he said.

Thirteen years ago, it would have been illegal for same-sex couples to marry.

Civil partnerships were legalised in 2004, and it is a recognition of these rights and protections – fought for by activists – that the couple say make events like York Pride essential.

“He’s taken a genuine interest in the people behind the events, often ensuring that their work is recognised and shared more widely” (Image: Supplied)

David said: “Casual homophobia is still present in everyday life. I am still wary when holding hands with Paul in some places.”

He added: “The hate against is an old one that is still actively encouraged by some governments and religions

“But I will say that York has become – on the whole – an incredibly welcoming and safe city – where people can be free to be who they are.

“For us, it’s a privilege to be free to live our normal lives without having to give it a second thought. We know ourselves; it wasn’t always like this.”

‘For me, it carried a particular personal significance’

In his closing speech, Paul said that one of the most memorable moments of his time as Sheriff of York was the York Pride open-top bus parade.

He said: “For me, it carried a particular personal significance.

“It was a moment that spoke not just to progress, but to the kind of city York is – one that is capable of acceptance and celebration without fuss of self-congratulation.

“It was a day of visibility, but also of normality…and lots of good fun!”

He added that David had done “far more” than accompanying him during his role.  

“He’s been tireless in championing the community groups and charities we’ve encountered.

“He’s taken a genuine interest in the people behind the events, often ensuring that their work is recognised and shared more widely.

“I’m very grateful for his energy and support,” he said.

The winner of Emily Atack and Danny Dyer’s new ITV reality quiz show has been crowned

The winner of the new ITV quiz show, Nobody’s Fool, has revealed their mum fainted when she heard the news.

The strategic contest – where the fate of the contestants isn’t decided by how bright they are, but how bright their fellow players think they are – started in May, with Rivals co-stars Danny Dyer and Emily Atack at the helm.

The latest episode saw financial analyst Kamaal outsmart the other hopefuls to win the series and the coveted £100,000 cash prize.

He shared: “This is going to sound like I’m exaggerating… my mum FAINTED! Fell to the ground LOOOOL!

“Incredibly dramatic as always, she’s never been one for small emotions.”

Kamaal went on: “Winning the show all felt very surreal at the time, so I don’t think the reality hit me, until I was picking my mum up from the ground and seeing first hand how much it meant to her.

“My dad, on the other hand, I don’t think he stopped drinking his tea – stoicism is his default, but I know he’s smiling under there.”

The final stages of the show saw Kamaal going up against his friend Harry in a bid to get his hands on the jackpot.

“On a personal level, the comfort of going against Harry in the final meant I can sincerely say there was no ‘bad’ outcome for me, I was going to be happy with whoever won the money,” he said.

“I felt like c**p for celebrating in front of him, especially when knowing he wanted the money for his wedding fund (feels like I’m robbing true love, and you guys know I’m a true romantic at heart), so it’s good to know that he could also be happy for me and I’ll get him a gift from the registry so we’re even.”

Players in the game had to bluff about their intelligence, and Kamaal confessed his parents were “scared” by how effortlessly he lied.

“Little do they know where I’ve spent the years building up those skills,” he quipped. “Anyone who grew up with strict parents knows that lying is borderline a survival essential (unless my parents or employers are reading this, in which case I’ve never told a lie in my life).”

Nobody’s Fool can be streamed on ITVX.

Hjem, which earned its star in Northumberland, is continuing its stay at County Durham’s South Causey Inn until the end of the year.

Founded by Alex and Ally Nietosvuori, the restaurant has launched a programme of events and collaborations, including a special one-night tasting menu with Si King.

Ally Nietosvuori said: “We’ve absolutely loved welcoming people to this limited-edition version of Hjem and it’s been brilliant seeing how warmly people have embraced what we’re trying to do here.

“When we first arrived, we knew we wanted this to feel creative, flexible and a bit different from the original restaurant – somewhere we could try ideas, collaborate with people we admire, and create experiences which felt genuinely fun and memorable.

The South Causey Inn, Stanley. (Image: RESTAURANT HJEM)

“The response has given us the confidence to keep building on that.”

The collaboration dinner, hosted at The Farmhouse at South Causey Inn on June 25, will see chef Alex team up with Hairy Biker Si and Propa Pies executive chef Rory Welch.

(Image: Sarah Caldecott)

The event promises an evening of food and conversation rooted in their shared love of great produce, generous cooking and memorable hospitality.

Bookings open at 10am on June 2.

Mr King said: “We’re really looking forward to what’s definitely going to be a very special evening.

“I’ve always really admired what Alex and Ally are doing.

“They’re so tremendously skilled and thoughtful about every little detail and the food is completely next level.”

Hjem’s extended stay follows the success of its current programme of events and its more relaxed dining concept at South Causey Inn.

The residency was originally planned for six months.

Susan Moiser, owner of South Causey Inn, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Hjem will be extending their stay at South Causey Inn.

“It has been a fantastic partnership, and we’re incredibly proud to continue working alongside such a talented and passionate team to offer something truly special for our guests.”

The Hjem team said future plans include further guest chef collaborations and new event formats.

A full programme of events is being developed for the summer.

Highlights include a food truck evening on June 27, a Mediterranean-style BBQ on July 19, a forage-and-cook experience in July, and a grouse-themed menu on August 12 to mark the Glorious Twelfth and the start of the game season.

A trading update for year ended 31 March 2026 (‘FY26’) totalled totalled  £132.1 million compared to £135.1million in the year to March 31 2025.

Recurring revenues remained high at around 88%, underpinning excellent earnings visibility, the company said.   Gross profit1 margin was 61.0% (FY25: 61.6%).

Adjusted EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization for FY26 totalled c.£17.5 million, ahead of FY26 market expectations of £17.2 million.

RECOMMENDED READING:
Redcentric of Harrogate reports latest half-yearly results

IT firm Redcentric reports rising revenues and profits

The company says this  performance reflects strong traction in the second half and continued effective cost discipline. The second half also saw the company implement certain strategic investments designed to drive accelerated revenue growth and improved earnings from H2 FY27 and beyond.

 Whilst the sector remains highly competitive, as noted in the interim results, the Company remains focused on securing and maintaining long-term higher margin business with continued tight cost control, to ultimately drive higher quality of earnings.

Redcentric said its sale of its data centre business to Stellanor Datacenters Group Limited on April 30 2026 and the associated initial cash receipt of £115.4 million, strengthened the company’s cash position, net of borrowings to £77.9million as of May 29.

Redcentric says such ‘robust’ performance highlights it as a market-leader., with its board committed to expanding high-quality recurring revenue streams whilst maintaining disciplined cost management.

The recurring revenue model, lower capex requirements of MSP and improved cash conversion provide the Board with confidence in the medium to long term outlook of the business.

Michelle Senecal de Fonseca, CEO, said: “I am pleased to report that we have delivered Adjusted EBITDA ahead of expectations. This reflects strong operational execution, disciplined cost management, and the successful delivery of our strategic priorities.

“With a significantly strengthened balance sheet following the data centre disposal, we are well positioned to accelerate growth and deliver sustainable value for shareholders in FY27 (the year starting from April 1 2026)  and beyond.”

A new road could also be created if the plans are approved

Over 1,000 homes and a new primary school could be built in a Cambridgeshire town. Plaza Land Ltd has submitted an EIA screening request to build up to 1,400 homes on land east of Cardinal Business Park and north of Kings Bush Farm on London Road, Godmanchester.

The outlining planning permission also seeks to build a primary school, local centre with shops and healthcare facilities, a solar park and green space. The applicant said: “The site currently comprises several agricultural fields including agricultural buildings, a pond, areas of woodland, and a central field of ridge and furrow earthworks.

“It does not include any public footpaths or listed buildings/monuments. The site measures approximately 106 hectares.” A new relief road linking the A1307 and A1198 could also be created if the plans go ahead.

This would form the eastern boundary of the site. The applicant said there are “limited public routes for recreation” in the surrounding area.

They added: “The proposed development includes enhanced pedestrian and cycle connectivity across the A1198 and the provision of new routes linking to the existing network, building on improvements already secured for Romans’ Edge.

“As such, while some recreational routes are present in the wider area, the project is expected to enhance rather than sever public access, and no permanent loss of recreational routes is anticipated.”

If approved, the applicant said there may be some impact from construction in relation to “short term noise and vibration” to nearby houses.

Do you want more of the latest Cambridgeshire news as it comes in from across the county? Sign up to our dedicated newsletter to make sure you never miss a big story from Cambridge or anywhere else in the county. You can also sign up to our dedicated Traffic and Crime newsletters for the latest updates on the topics you are most interested in .