From the Harlem Shake to Miley Cyrus’ twerking at the VMAs and the arrival of Prince George, 2013 now feels like a much simpler time.

The world felt a little less dark, and frightening concepts such as ‘the manosphere’ hadn’t yet entered the mainstream consciousness.

Another thing that was substantially better 13 years ago was the cost of living. Since 2013, prices in the UK have increased by approximately 48.76%, primarily due to soaring inflation following the global COVID-19 pandemic.

In terms of how that affects the everyday Brit, what cost £10.00  in 2013 would now be the equivalent of £14.21 in February 2026.

But one brewery in London is doing its best to try and make sure this weekend doesn’t break the bank.

Five Points Brewing Co in Hackney, East London, is offering 2013 prices on pints all the way through till Sunday – meaning visitors can enjoy a beer of their liking for just £4.25.

For the first time in over a decade, Londoner’s will be able to leave the house with only a fiver in their wallet.

Anyone who’s visited or lived in the capital will know all too well how expensive drinking out in pubs and bars has become.

The average price for a pint in London is now £6.75, with some spots in central hubs like Soho and Liverpool Street charging upwards of £7.50.

Explaining why Five Points were so keen to embrace lower prices for the weekend, Ed Mason, co-founder and managing director at the brewery, tells Metro that given what a ‘challenging time’ it’s been for independent pubs, he’s incredibly proud to still be going strong 13 years after the brewery’s launch.

Wanting to say ‘a massive thank you’ to all the loyal customers and neighbours they have here in Hackney, the co-founder added that it felt only right to bring back 2013 prices for one special weekend.

However, Ed did add that due to the ‘relentless rise in beer duty and other costs’, this kind of offer is not something Five Points can do on a regular basis.

Beer duty in the UK is a tax charged on the production or importation of beer with an alcoholic strength exceeding 1.2% ABV (alcohol by volume).

Following the release of the 2025 Autumn budget, the government announced that it would be updating all alcohol duty rates in line with the 3.66% increase in the Retail Price Index (RPI). As a result, UK beer duty is now almost three times the EU average.

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With 3,500 or so pubs in London being forced to increase their pint prices, inevitable closures have taken place. In 2025 alone one pub per day shut its doors for good in England and Wales.

And predictions for this year look even bleaker. UKHospitality’s analysis suggests that 540 pubs will close this year if the government doesn’t introduce a hospitality-wide solution.

The London boroughs with the cheapest pint

1. Newham – £4.20
2. Havering – £5.04
3. Brent – £5.15
4. Waltham Forest – £5.20
5. Ealing – £5.26
6. Croydon – £5.27
7. Lewisham – £5.30
8. Redbridge – £5.38

The pub where you can buy a pint for under £2

It’s not all doom and gloom.

The Ardwick pub in Blackpool has gained a large following online for charging prices that were last normal in 1997 for some of its pints.

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Favourites such as Fosters, Strongbow cider or John Smiths cost only £1.80 per pint.

Landlady Lynn Haworth told The Sun: ‘When I took over here in 2010 a pint cost £1.49, and I’m pleased my customers are only paying 31p more 14 years later.

‘I manage to keep prices so cheap because of the volume I sell. I didn’t design the pub to be the cheapest in Britain, it just turned out that way.

‘Sometimes if a group comes in and they are buying rounds, you can hear them saying to their mates “hurry up and drink them, we’ve been undercharged”, but they haven’t’.

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Struber took over at Ashton Gate in June after Liam Manning, who had taken the club into the play-offs, left to take charge at Norwich City.

The Austrian, 49, spent a year managing Barnsley from 2019 to 2020 before spells at New York Red Bulls, Red Bull Salzburg and Cologne and had agreed a deal until the summer of 2028.

He had recently been critical of the volume of talent within the club’s academy and had voiced frustration over the January sales of Vyner and Mehmeti.

“I would like to thank Gerhard and Bernd for their hard work over the past nine months and we wish them all the best,” City chief executive Charlie Boss said.

“Roy’s appointment is about more than the results of the next seven games.

“Over the remainder of the season, he will help us set the standards and values at the club that we will need to be successful going forwards.

“Roy is a vastly experienced coach who has achieved and won at the highest level. He will support me, our players and our football staff as we build towards achieving our potential.

“We are in the process of appointing a sporting director who will have a direct input into the recruitment of a new permanent head coach.”

“Music’s not important when someone’s not well”

Dermot Kennedy has thanked those who helped and cooperated during a medical emergency at his Belfast gig on Thursday.

The Irish artist hosted two sessions last night in Mandela Hall ahead of the release of his new album ‘The Weight of the Woods’. The night was billed as an intimate gig that would give fans a taste of the new album, but it ended early due to the medical incident.

Fans were quickly ushered out of the room as Kennedy began performing the title track from the album, and were asked to leave the building immediately as the person was attended to by venue staff.

Dermot took to Instagram to release the following statement: “Thanks to everyone who came to the first Belfast show tonight. Sorry we had to finish early, music’s not important when someone’s not well.”

“I’ve been informed that the person involved is in a stable condition. Thanks to everyone for your help and cooperation.”

The gig was due to end with a Q&A between radio host Paulo Ross and Dermot Kennedy, but this was also cancelled for the first show of the night.

Bending Sound Records who collaborated with Kennedy on the gigs released the following statement: “We would also love to thank everyone that was in the crowd in both shows for being so attentive and engaged with both the gig and with one another.

“Giving the music the opportunity and space it needed, but also holding space for one another when necessary because health always has to come first. Thank you to all who helped and a special thank you the Mandela hall staff, security, those from the crowd who helped and to the first responders from the ambulance team.”

“The guest is now home from hospital and stable, and we all wish her well and a speedy recovery.”

This incident followed the singer having to call for security earlier in the night after people called for help in a separate issue.

The second show of the evening went ahead alongside the Q&A as scheduled.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

Lewis Hamilton has sounded a warning over Ferrari’s chances at the Japanese Grand Prix by sharing his dissatisfaction with his car.

After a promising start to the 2026 F1 campaign, Hamilton vented his frustration during practice at Suzuka, highlighting the SF-26’s potential.

Oscar Piastri, yet to complete a lap in a grand prix after a crash in Melbourne and a power unit issue preventing him and McLaren teammate Lando Norris from starting the race in China, was fastest after FP2, with a +0.847 edge on Hamilton.

And Hamilton shared some concerning feedback with his team over the radio.

“I’m very slow because I’ve got no confidence in the car,” Hamilton said, before elaborating following the session.

“Well, I mean, we’ll work on it. I think it’s just the way of this track, you know. It’s a massively demanding circuit.

“It’s amazing to drive. But getting the right balance, and I think, interestingly, there’s something… I think it’s just something in how this car is set up.

“There’s kind of some similarities to what I felt last year, so we’re just working on that.”

“So I’m confident overnight we can find something and get it to a better place. But it’s an awesome circuit. But you need to be able to sit on the rear and be comfortable that it’s going to stay with you.

“And today I had the snaps. It just can’t seem to match the other guys. So I think we’ll do a deep dive tonight. We’ll get some interesting readings from the simulator.

“But I feel like I’ve got a bit of a north star. It’s just how do we get there? And so we’re going to try and figure that out.”

What’s your favourite tool to use?

Stephen, undisclosed

I love multi-headed tools such as Wolf Garten, as they allow me to take several tools around the garden in my trolley without taking up too much space. A simple click method makes changing the head easy and quick, while the various handles of different sizes and shapes makes gardening effortless.

How has climate change altered your gardening habits?

David, West Midlands

Plant choice is now very dictated by climate change. We’re getting hotter, drier summers and wetter, warmer winters that are not killing off pests and diseases.

I’ve also moved away from labour-intensive container gardening, growing just specimens in them now, with an automatic watering system where needed.

Collecting and storing water is also important. Saving this precious resource and using it throughout the year is better for your plants and your garden in general.

And when it comes to growing your own produce, plant selection is key. Think about using the Three Sisters approach based on the traditional indigenous method of companion planting that originated with Native American communities.

Corn or maize is planted first so that the tall stalks act like a trellis and shade the soil, slightly reducing moisture loss. Beans are then planted around the corn to fix nitrogen in the soil, enriching all three crops, reducing the need for added nutrients, and finally squash or pumpkin is planted on the edges as it spreads. With its broad leaves, it shades the soil and suppresses weeds.

What’s your favourite thing about gardening?

Jean, London 

I think getting lost in my own thoughts or letting my mind clear. It’s an act of mindfulness for me. I call gardening my green pill.

What’s your best tip for keeping weeds at bay?

Julie, London

Suppress weeds by mulching generously. Also improve the soil health, plant densely, removing weeds early, and try and avoid bare soil. Water precisely and stay consistent with regular maintenance throughout the growing season each year.

In addition, reuse delivery cardboard boxes, cut them up, lay them flat on the soil surface, and cover that with a mulch, either homemade compost or bark.

Alternatively, embrace the weeds as they’re great for pollinators.

What would you suggest to create a dog-friendly garden?

Helen, South West

Research dog-friendly plants and remember that a garden needs to be a sensory experience for them as well as you.

Use tough grass for lawn areas, as well as ornamental grasses for texture and sensory experience. Ensure you have secure boundaries.

Plant only those non-toxic plants such as sunflower, rosemary, snapdragons, marigold and remember to include shaded areas, especially important on hot summer days, and leave space for digging zones.

Access to fresh water is essential, especially during the summer, and avoid sharp features or poisonous plants for safe play and daily exercise needs.

Finally, you can’t be too precious about your plants if you have a dog. They will run where they want to go, crushing plants as they grow. My tip for this is to have some of your favourite plants in pots, so you can pop them in when needed.

What’s the best way to make use of a small space or balcony?

Siri, London

Use folding tables and chairs, pots and containers on wheels and hinge tables fixed to a wall so all could be moved to create an open space for exercising or entertaining.

Even with limited space, you can grow a surprising range of fruit and vegetables on a balcony or small garden. Opt for compact, container-friendly varieties and vertical solutions to maximise yield.

Cherry tomatoes, salad leaves such as lettuce, rocket and spinach, radishes, spring onions, dwarf beans, peppers, baby carrots and courgettes can all be grown in pots. Many herbs like basil, parsley, coriander and chives also thrive in small spaces, especially for vertical planting.

Strawberries, dwarf or bush-type blueberries, alpine or patio raspberries fix in pots and compact citrus like lemons, even melons or tomatoes can succeed if grown on a trellis or in hanging containers.

My tips for success: use good quality compost. Ensure pots have drainage, rotate crops to prevent nutrient depletion and water regularly. Consider stacking planters or vertical supports to make the most of your space while keeping plants healthy and productive.

Launched in a classroom in the town’s St Columbkille’s Primary, the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund has given millions of people around the world a hand up out of poverty since 1965.

A charity founded in Rutherglen more than 60 years ago is looking for locals to help make its dream of creating a mural in the town a reality.

Launched in a classroom in St Columbkille’s Primary, SCIAF, the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund, has given millions of people around the world a hand up out of poverty since 1965.

And now that Rutherglen is celebrating its 900th anniversary, SCIAF wants to create a lasting legacy in the Burgh.

Ben Wilson, the charity’s director of public engagement has made Rutherglen his home.

He said: “There are so many great things to come out of Rutherglen and SCIAF is just one of them.

“The world has been through a lot over the past 60 years; climate change, conflict, chaos in our politics.

“But where there has been injustice, where there has been pain and suffering, SCIAF has been there, standing side-by-side and supporting the most vulnerable communities.

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“Now we want to mark all that hard work, and the dedication of our partners overseas and our supporters here in Scotland by creating a lasting legacy – in the form of a large mural right here in Rutherglen.

“Glasgow city centre has so many but not here in Rutherglen.”

SCIAF has attempted to move forward with their plans but have hit some stumbling blocks along the way.

Firstly, SCIAF wanted to approach the residents of the tenement block beside Kwik Fit but that would have meant a cherry-picker being on their land for a few days and they weren’t able to support.

The next option was a gable end in Castle Street, but the charity was turned down by Rutherglen and Cambuslang Housing Association, which owns the building.

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Ben said: “It’s been quite frustrating as we do think the mural would be great for Rutherglen, especially given it’s Rutherglen’s 900th anniversary year.

“But so far we’ve not been successful in securing a good spot.

“We have excellent mural artists lined up, but just no location to put it.

“We now hope that local people can help us by passing on their suggestions.”

The space needs to be close to the centre of Rutherglen as possible – to be near St Columbkille’s Church; have access to allow the artists to create the mural on a cherry-picker; be visible to passing people and/or vehicles; and be structurally sound and even.

The mural also has the support of local politician Clare Haughey, the town’s MP Michael Shanks and Rutherglen Community Council.

Ms Haughey said: “We should be so proud that a charity which has done incredible work across the globe has its roots right here in Rutherglen.

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“At a time when we are celebrating Rutherglen’s past through the 900th anniversary celebrations, I think a mural is a wonderful idea and would ensure SCIAF’s contribution to our town’s rich and varied history can be recognised and remembered.

“SCIAF has my full support and I hope the mural can become a reality.”

If you have an idea for SCIAF, get in touch by emailing ccook@sciaf.org.uk

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The council has launched an online feedback form as part of a post-implementation review (PIR) of the change which means free school transport is only provided to a child’s nearest school.

The council has stressed that the PIR is not a consultation, and the form should not be used to raise general concerns about home-to-school travel or discuss individual cases.

The council says all submissions will be anonymised and potentially reviewed using AI.

Peter Vetch, vice chair of Buckden Parish Council, has been critical of the policy and the impact it is having on his community.

He said: “Those of us who feared that this review would amount to little more than a whitewash had those concerns confirmed when we learned that public responses are just going to be processed by AI tools to ‘identify themes’.

“If the officers have so little interest in the impact of its policy on children, families, and communities that it cannot even commit to reading the submissions itself, that speaks volumes.

“North Yorkshire’s children deserve a process — and a council — willing to listen properly and understand the damage they are doing.”

One Swaledale parent, who asked not to be named, said they were one of many who warned about the impact of the policy when it was first proposed in 2024.

She said: “More than 2,000 people responded to the original consultation, yet those concerns weren’t reflected in the final policy.

“Now we’re being offered a one-way form, no responses, and no real dialogue.

“It just feels like a watered-down version of the feedback process that was disregarded the first time around. They ignored us then and have ever since — why should we believe they’ll listen now?”

The School Transport Action Group (STAG), which represents more than 1,000 families, said many residents remained deeply frustrated but should still take the opportunity to respond.

“We understand how furious people feel about this policy and about the way it’s being implemented. We also know that many have lost faith in the council as a result.

“It’s tempting to ask what’s the point, but we encourage everyone who feels strongly about the damage this policy is doing now — and will do in the future — to write in and let the council know.

“We can’t guarantee they will listen, and it’s true they have been tone deaf up to now, but we have to speak out and make sure they can’t pretend they were never told about they have caused.”

Residents can submit comments via the council’s feedback form at https://online1.snapsurveys.com/v2rusa

In response to the criticism, the council’s assistant chief executive for local engagement, Rachel Joyce, who is leading the PIR, said: “The post-implementation review has been scheduled and discussed since the policy was adopted at full council in July 2024.

“It will look in detail at how the revised policy has been introduced, whether it has met its objectives and if there is anything we can learn from the first full year of its operation.

“Feedback on this has been collated from a range of emails, meetings and other submissions.

“The purpose of the form is to ensure any points or information not previously shared can be submitted.

“This is not a consultation; it’s a review and will look at the full year of data from the point of implementation.

“It will be robust and transparent, with the full review published later this year.”

Zoe McGroarty was told she might have ‘flu’ or a strain from holding her new baby

A new mum claims doctors ‘fobbed off’ her agony as ‘strain’ from holding her baby – only to discover it was actually deadly blood clots. Zoe McGroarty gave birth to little Daisy McGroarty on April 13, 2023, who weighed in at 7 lbs 11oz. Two days after haemorrhaging in the delivery room, the mum-of-two said she began to feel an ‘icy blast’ radiating through her body.

The 32-year-old claims a doctor initially said she had flu before she was hospitalised with sepsis. Two days after being discharged from hospital, when Zoe started suffering with shoulder pain, she called her GP practice and claims a doctor over the phone told her it was a ‘strain’ from holding her newborn.

An in-person GP appointment saw the full-time mum diagnosed with sepsis-induced blood clots and rushed to hospital where six DVTs were found in her right arm. Now Zoe, who says she will have to take blood thinners for life, says she won’t have any more children as the post-birth experience ‘terrorised’ her.

Zoe, who lives near Bath, said: “Having any more children is out of the question, not because I don’t want any more children, but after what I went through, it’s terrorised me. The first symptom I developed was an icy cold blast and it just radiated through my body. My gut instinct was something was wrong and I thought it could be an infection.

“I rang the doctor and told them I had just given birth and didn’t feel very good. I spoke to the GP on the phone and she didn’t hear me. She said I probably just had the flu and told me the midwife was coming today and they would deal with it. I was shocked that she dismissed it without hearing me out.

“Throughout the week my midwife rang me to check in on how I was feeling. I was so breathless and I couldn’t walk as I had to keep sitting down. I felt so lightheaded and at that point I was starting to feel a bit disorientated and detached from reality.

“The [shoulder] pain started a couple of days after being discharged from hospital after having sepsis. It was the worst pain I had ever felt, I could barely move my shoulder. I phoned the GP and they told me it was a strain from holding the baby. They said I’d not long had sepsis and sometimes sepsis can cause you to have pain. I thought nothing of it and then the pain got worse.”

It was only after an in-person GP appointment that the true culprit was revealed – six DVTs in her right arm. Zoe said: “I rang the doctors again [after the call] and they gave me a face-to-face appointment. By this point my collarbone had disappeared from the swelling and I was in tears because it hurt that much. The GP then phoned the hospital as she thought I had a blood clot.”

Following her experience, Zoe is urging women to trust their gut if they think something is wrong as she claims her sepsis, and subsequent DVTs, could have been diagnosed sooner. Zoe said: “It has left me very anxious and with health anxiety as I worry about more blood clots. It traumatised me and I wouldn’t do it [have another child] again. The GP definitely could have caught it [sepsis] sooner. They completely fobbed me off [and said it was the flu].

“I’ve lost quite a lot of trust in doctors, I would tell people to trust their gut. Sepsis can mimic the flu but it makes you feel a million times worse and if they hadn’t had caught it, it could have been a very different story. It’s frightening to think it could have ended up so differently, I’m grateful to be alive. After giving birth, from my first symptom, I knew something wasn’t right. I knew it was something more severe than the flu.”

A Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board spokesperson said: “We cannot comment on the details of individual patient experiences, but we expect all practices across Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire to provide safe and high-quality care. When concerns are raised directly with a practice or through the appropriate NHS processes, they are reviewed in line with established procedures.

“As this relates to personal medical information, we are unable to provide further comment.”

Councillors unanimously voted to strip the former Duchess of York and ex-wife of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor of the honour following revelations about her ties to the late convicted paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Cllr Claire Douglas, City of York Council’s Labour Leader, said the behaviour of Sarah Ferguson fell well short of the standards expected of those who hold the honour.

Labour’s Cllr Claire Douglas, leader of York Council. Picture is from York Council, available for all LDRS partners to use.

Liberal Democrat Cllr Darryl Smalley said the move showed the council stood with the victims of sexual abuse and not the best friends of paedophiles.

It comes after the proposals to strip the 66-year-old of the honour she received in 1987 were first mooted in October.

They came after an email from 2011 where Ms Ferguson called Epstein her steadfast, generous and supreme friend was published in the Mail on Sunday.

A spokesperson working for the former duchess said the email was sent following legal threats from Epstein over comments she had made distancing herself from him in an interview.

It was sent after the financier was convicted of soliciting prostitution from a minor in 2008 and after Ms Ferguson said her involvement with him was an error of judgement.

Cllr Douglas said it was deplorable that anyone bearing honours linked to the city continued to associate with the financier after his crimes became known.

Cllr Darryl Smalley

Speaking at the council’s full meeting on Thursday, March 26, the leader said: “The Freedom of the City if bestowed on people of distinction who uphold the city’s values.

“Associating with Jeffrey Epstein falls well short of those values.”

Liberal Democrat Cllr Smalley, who backed the removal of the former Prince Andrew’s Freedom of the City in 2022 said: “At the time I was asked if we would remove the honour from Sarah Ferguson and I said we shouldn’t judge someone based on the actions of their ex-husband.

“We now know more and we don’t want the holder of York’s highest honour to be best friends with a convicted paedophile, we stand with victims, for the rule of law and the principle that actions have consequences.”

The release of documents by the US Department of Justice in recent months has seen both the former Prince Andrew and leading Labour figure Peter Mandelson arrested.

Both have since been released after being arrested on suspicion of misconduct of in public office and neither have been charges as police investigations continue.

The former Duke of York’s arrest in February came after he was stripped of his royal titles in October in the wake of new details about his relationship with Epstein emerging.

Mr Mountbatten-Windsor as he is now known was stripped of his Freedom of the City honour in 2022.

Councillors said at the time it was inappropriate for the then Duke of York to hold titles linked to the city given the council’s commitment to tackling the violence and abuse of women and girls.

The former prince reached an out of court settlement on a civil sex assault case brought by Virginia Giuffre earlier in 2022.

Ms Ferguson still holds the Freedom of the City honour her and her ex-husband were given as a wedding present during a visit to York in 1987.