BREWERY hops are finally getting hip.

Ale – usually associated with bushy-bearded blokes – is enjoying a trendy renaissance, with one in three women also enjoying a regular sup.

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If you’re ale-curious but wary of the dark and sinister-looking “real” stuff, or simply don’t know where to start with this acquired taste tipple, you can give it a go with lighter – and cheaper – versions from the supermarkets before hitting the pub for the real deal.

Here, Helena Nicklin, offers her selection of top newbie at-home ales.

Harbour Session IPA, Lidl

£1.85, 440ml, 4% ABV

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AN exclusive Lidl brew, a can of Harbour Session, which is decked out in Creme Egg colours, feels like an IPA “lite” so it’s perhaps not a bad one to begin with if you’re new to this category.

IPA purists might well say it’s a bit too thin rather than hoppy – but they can continue propping up the bar with their pint of cask while you enjoy this at home as it’s cheap and very easy to glug.

Looks fun with its bright colours so would make a great party ale. Worth a try even if it is not what you end up sipping in the pub.

2/5

£2, 500ml, 4.6% ABV

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OAKHAM was the first UK brewery to produce a beer with 100% citra hops.

These are a fairly new type used for their fruity, citrus and floral aromatics and flavours, and known for adding vibrancy to ales.

If you can get past the quirky label then glugging this very light gold will offer you bright tropical fruit and candied lemon peel flavours.

It’s hip and hoppy with lots going on so worth giving it a go.

My top tip for anyone switching tipples from a glass of white vino is that if you’re into sauvignon blanc, you’ll love this.

3/5

£2,25, 500ml, 5% ABV

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BLONDE ale is even lighter than amber and the clue is in the name as it generally has a gorgeous, light gold hue.

Such styles tend to be crisp and pretty easy-drinking with light, biscuity notes.

If you’ve never had ale before, something like this would be a great place to start.

This organic tipple is made with real honey, malt and hops.

It has a touch of baked apple fruitiness and a ­subtle nectar note without being sweet or too intense.

Delicious cracked open on its own any time, and lovely paired with salty crisps.

3/5

Black Sheep Ale, Tesco

£2, 500ml, 4.4% ABV

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WHILE you currently can’t get real dark and savoury cask ale to glug at home – unless you have your own pub, that is – an amber ale like this, with its less hoppy, more caramel-toffee notes, is a great place to start to get a feel for the darker stuff.

Whether you are a newbie to this type of drink or just want to try some different options in the ­comfort of your own home then this classic Yorkshire tipple is rich, balanced and smooth, with a Malteser-like, malty sweetness.

It’s awesome with a meaty pie. Trendy bottle too.

5/5

Adnams Ghost Ship Ale, Asda

£2, 500ml, 4.5% ABV

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IF it’s the vibrant, citrusy notes you love in a pale ale then spooky ­sipper Ghost Ship, with its powerful twist of lemon and lime, should be right up your street.

Made with a mix of British and American barley and rye, it’s a little hoppy and has elderflower hints along with biscuity notes.

Apparently inspired by smugglers and our haunted coastlines, it’s a great thirst-slayer – and with its spectral label it would definitely be a fabulous choice if you’re getting the beers in for Halloween.

4/5

BrewDog Punk IPA, Sainsbury’s £5.25 (Nectar),

330ml x 4, 5.4% ABV

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IF you’ve tried pale ale before and enjoyed its light, bright hoppiness but want a bit more of that flavour, then India pale ale is the way to go.

Brewdog’s version is a go-to for many, and for a good reason – it gets the balance just right between citrus and hops, and has a moreish earthy note on the finish.

An easy-to-drink classic that would be a great intro to IPAs.

It is well-priced – more so at the moment as it is on offer – so if it isn’t for you then you won’t break the bank. Drink it chilled with snacks.

3/5

Saltaire Blonde Ale, Morrisons

£2.25, 500ml, 4% ABV

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SOME ingredients really do have the best names and Saltaire Ale says it is made with Bohemian saaz hops, which feels fitting given its slightly quirky profile.

Light, refreshing and soft, there’s a gentle, spicy maltiness to this well-priced blonde, which hails from Yorkshire.

A lower ABV makes it an easy-drinking choice – there’s lots of flavour here without being heavy.

It’s definitely a top at-home brew to try if you are just starting out on your ale journey.

4/5

William Bros Birds & Bees, Aldi

£1.65, 500ml, 4.3% ABV

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NOT yet sure about the bitter hops of pale ales and IPAs?

Then a golden ale might be the best go-to for you.

This affordable offering gives you a lot of bang for your buck – and its slightly lower ABV than some other options might be appealing for certain sippers, too.

More about ripe, tropical fruit flavours and delicate florals, golden ales like this one have a real ­summer party vibe.

This is a great one for spreading a ­little sunshine into a soggy autumn day. Or sipping ­outside in the summer.

3/5

SHOPPERS have been left divided after they spotted a roast potato mayonnaise on the shelves of one supermarket.

The divisive product was launched as part of Asda’s festive range alongside a range of other themed items.

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The roast potato flavoured condiment has however caused a stir on social media, with some commenting that they can’t tell if the product will be “delightful” or “disgusting.”

Garnering thousands of comments on social media, one customer tagging her friends on Facebook wrote: “How stunning does this sound.”

Another user added they were “all over this.”

Some have already purchased the sauce and said it is “absolutely delicious.”

It even prompted others to visit their nearest store store, saying “off to Asda now.” 

Some have even planned how to incorporate it into their meals, with one person saying they could use this to “make a Christmas dinner leftovers sandwich at teatime.”

Another said: “Sounds perfect in a ready salted crisp sandwich or with a stuffing sarnie.”

One person even thought about how the sauce could be “banging in a homemade potato salad.”

But not everybody shared this same sentiment.

One person said: “I may need to try this, sounds disgusting but I love a roast tattie.”

Another added: “Why? What’s the point? Just have roast potatoes with proper mayo.”

The product is currently retailing at £1.10 at Asda stores according to the chain.

It described the sauce as a light creamy mayonnaise, with roast garlic, onion and rosemary which gives it its festive flavour. 

The mayo was launched as part of the supermarket giant’s Christmas range, which also includes mince pies and camembert-flavoured crisps.

The Sun tried out some of these products earlier this month, including the seven different types of mince pies that will feature in stores.

This includes the return of its Brown Butter & Rum Mince Pies as well as a brand new Toffee Apple Spiced flavour.

Selected products from the 500 item strong Christmas range are available in stores and online now. 

For further product details of the festive range, Asda’s Christmas food and drink Look Book can be viewed online here. 

Funky condiments have been around long before Asda’s new sauce.

Earlier this month, Heinz launched its Monster Munch pickled onion flavoured mayo.

The “scarily good” collaborative product was created ahead of Halloween celebrations in October.

Asda itself also launched a chip shop curry mayonnaise earlier this year.

M&S has confirmed that a popular teatime meal has been axed as the supermarket carries out a shake-up.

As we head deeper into autumn and a cold winter this hearty product missing off shelves could disappoint a few people.

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The supermarket has cut the Plant Kitchen: 2 No Beef Steak Pies that M&S makes itself.

They earned rave reviews from shoppers before they were scraped.

One pie lover asked M&S on X whether the had stopped stocking the item, with a spokesperson replying to say they had.

They said: “Please keep an eye out in our Foodhalls for the new lines coming soon.”

The supermarket then expanded to say that it was set to relaunch the Plant Kitchen range.

They posted: “We’re currently working on relaunching our Plant Kitchen vegan range.

“We’ve not changed the number of vegan products, but we are in the process of changing their design, upgrading quality, launching some new lines and changing their position in store.”

The description on the packet says the vegan pies serve two.

It reads: “Two shortcrust pastry pies packed with pea protein and vegetables in a rich mushroom gravy.

“M&S Plant Kitchen offers a wide selection of flavour-packed, plant-based products that are totally delicious. Each product is made of 100% plant-based, vegan-friendly ingredients.

“Packed with pea protein and vegetables in a rich mushroom gravy, Plant Based Totally Delicious!, Vegan & Vegetarian Friendly.”

The axing comes after M&S also axed the supermarket’s Vegan ‘Chicken’ & Pepper Pizza.

That Plant Kitchen product was also vegan and was only introduced in January last year.

Plant Kitchen products can still be bought at other supermarkets, selling for around £4.

They were recently found to contain nearly 10 times more sugar than meat-based equivalents.

M&S also recently axed some of its popular Percy Pig sweets – leading to desperate calls for them to be reinstated.

The chain also axed the almond milk and vanilla hand wash that it made, leaving fans aghast.

Why are products axed or recipes changed?

ANALYSIS by chief consumer reporter James Flanders.

Food and drinks makers have been known to tweak their recipes or axe items altogether.

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They often say that this is down to the changing tastes of customers.

There are several reasons why this could be done.

For example, government regulation, like the “sugar tax,” forces firms to change their recipes.

Some manufacturers might choose to tweak ingredients to cut costs.

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They may opt for a cheaper alternative, especially when costs are rising to keep prices stable.

For example, Tango Cherry disappeared from shelves in 2018.

It has recently returned after six years away but as a sugar-free version.

Fanta removed sweetener from its sugar-free alternative earlier this year.

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Suntory tweaked the flavour of its flagship Lucozade Original and Orange energy drinks.

While the amount of sugar in every bottle remains unchanged, the supplier swapped out the sweetener aspartame for sucralose.

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ARGOS has removed its website account service for its credit card holders – prompting complaints from customers struggling to manage their bills.

The card allows users to buy from Argos and Habitat on credit and then spread the payments over time.

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But last month the retailer pulled the plug on its computer-based account service, forcing customers to either download the app or manage their account on the phone.

The decision has sparked a furious backlash from those without a mobile phone or who struggle to use them.

One said on the review site Trustpilot.com: “I only recently discovered that Argos had removed their website for cardholders, which allowed them to make payments, and to also provide them with an overview of their account balance.

“Consequently, if you now wish to make a payment, then this can only be done, via their My Argos Card app, that you are required to download to your mobile device.

“This is now the only way you can access the features that were previously available on their website.

“Am I right in thinking that Argos is the only major company in the UK, that doesn’t allow you to make payments online, via a computer? Unbelievable!”

Another added: “Can no longer pay my Argos card bill online as they’ve taken that site down.

“Have to have the app, sorry Argos but not everybody has a phone that can do apps.

“I use a push button phone like thousands of others. So how am I supposed to pay you?”

Another was struggling to log on to the app, and said: “You had better sort this or you won’t be getting paid what I owe!”

While a fourth customer fumed on social media site X: “From August 29 the ‘my Argos card’ is no longer available as a website.

“All payments etc. will have to be made through an app. My husband does not own a phone so can’t access his Argos card account.

“What do you suggest he does?”

Argos said most of its customers used the app, but they also had the option of using the phone too.

But consumer champions slated the decision, and called for the service to be reinstated.

Dennis Reed, of the Silver Voices campaign group, said: “Argos disappointedly join the ranks of the retail giants who are downgrading customer service because of their obsession of getting everyone on to apps.

“In effect Argos are saying that their older customers, or anyone without a smartphone, are not welcome as customers anymore.

“And we all know why they want customers on apps, so that they can track their retail preferences and bombard them with marketing material.

“The tide will turn against apps because they are intrusive, and ever more power hungry.”

Meanwhile James Daley, of the Fairer Finance organisation, added: “It’s strange that Argos has removed it’s website access – and it’s clearly proving a real concern for many vulnerable customers.

“Argos, and its owner, Sainsbury’s, may struggle to justify this to the FCA. New consumer duty rules state that firms need to deliver the right support to their customers and be particularly mindful of the needs of vulnerable customers.

“Sainsbury’s bank is in the process of being sold to NatWest – and I’m sure they will be concerned by this development.

“My advice would be that they get the website back up as soon as possible and hold back on future changes until they have supported customers to service their accounts in different ways.”

With the Argos Card you can choose normal credit, which gives you up to 56 days to pay.

A longer-term “Buy now, pay later” option might be available, but it’s not guaranteed for every purchase.

With these plans, you won’t pay any interest if you pay within the credit plan period, but if you don’t pay in full you’ll be charged interest on any remaining balances.

The advertised interest rate charged is 34.9% APR, backdated to the date or purchase if payments are not made in time.

An Argos spokesperson said: “We want to make it as easy and convenient as possible for Argos Card customers to manage their accounts.

“Most of our customers use our MyArgosCard app.

“Alternatively, they can contact our Customer Service team over the phone.”

DIGITAL DISSERVICE

With services going digital, it is becoming harder – or impossible –  to carry out some day-to-day tasks without web access or knowledge of how  to use it.

Argo’s decision illustrates just one small change within a bigger issue that consumers are seeing across multiple industries.

For example, older customers are finding it increasingly difficult to pay their energy bills with traditional methods that do not require an online account.

Energy suppliers are also pushing people to pay on a monthly basis by direct debit, reducing customer choice. 

In June last year, EDF Energy axed its quarterly billing service.

Meanwhile, British Gas scrapped Giro slips from paper bills for new customers in October. 

Thousands of elderly and vulnerable people are also missing out on loyalty schemes because they do not use the required technology.

For example, Costa’s scheme offers a physical and digital card to collect “beans” towards a free drink.

But if you do not use a smartphone and take out a physical card, you will still have to call customer services to activate it.

The decline in high street banking has left many communities without convenient access to essential services.

More and more banks are increasingly shifting their services online.

However, we recently visited a banking hub to see if they’re a viable alternative in a digital age.

SUMMER is firmly behind us but that throws up the chance to grab some major bargains.

A number of retailers have slashed prices in their end of season sales with up to 90% off.

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Shoppers can snap up planters, suitcases and even solar-powered garden lights from just 10p.

Of course, always remember if you’re considering buying any of the items below to shop around to make sure you’re getting the best deal.

We have picked our favourites from the summer sales but there might be other retailers selling the same or similar item for less.

You can use price comparison sites like Price Spy or Trolley to find out how much one item is selling for across different websites.

The Google Shopping/Product tab is also a quick way to scan the internet to see how much a specific item is selling for.

Make sure to factor in delivery costs for items too, as this can make buying from one retailer more expensive than another.

In any case, here are our eight top picks from the end of season sales.

Homebase – Solar Company party lantern, £2 (75% off)

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Homebase is selling a solar-powered lantern for just £2 down from £8 – a 75% discount.

The light features a lattice design making it ideal for outdoor parties or gatherings where it can be hung from trees, pergolas or hooks.

Unfortunately, the lantern isn’t available to order via delivery but you can click and collect it from your local Homebase branch for free.

You can find your nearest Homebase branch by using the retailer’s store locator tool on its website.

You’ll want to be fast though as stocks are running low.

If the party lantern doesn’t take your fancy, Homebase has slashed prices on homeware, garden furniture and cleaning products.

Shoppers can get a four-drawer bathroom storage unit for £20, down from £45 or a crackle ball solar outdoor light for £2 instead of £4.50.

B&M – Planters, 10p (80% off)

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B&M shoppers are rushing to buy planters selling for 10p instead of 50p – an 80% discount.

The discounter is known for selling all kinds of bargains, not least homeware.

And shoppers in one B&M branch spotted the planters selling for just 10p each.

It’s worth bearing in mind, the planters might not be 10p at your local branch so check with staff before heading to your local store.

If you’re looking to snap up some other B&M 10p bargains, you should download the B&M scanner app for free on to your smart phone.

You can use the app to scan barcodes in-branch to find out their real price, and sometimes they are cheaper than the price tag.

Shoppers in recent months have found a Black and Decker power washer for 10p instead of £100 and street sauces for 10p too.

House of Fraser – Puma Long Sleeve Women’s T-shirt, £4 (89% off)

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House of Fraser has slashed the cost of its grey and black long-sleeve women’s T-shirts from £35 to just £4.

Bear in mind there are only XXL and XXXL sizes left.

House of Fraser has hundreds of other products included in its clearance sale, with some giant discounts to be had on men’s, women’s and kid’s fashion.

We spotted a Tommy Hilfiger Blouse on sale for £11 instead of £35 and Calvin Klein jeans for £17 instead of £55.

B&Q – La Hacienda Firepit, £40 (47% off)

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B&Q is selling a La Hacienda Firepit for £40, down from £76, ideal for social gatherings over the colder months.

The pit comes with a steel drum and oil finish and is filled with wood to create a toasty fire.

Bear in mind, B&Q shoppers keen to snap one of these up should place a separate patio slab or brick base underneath the pit as it can stain the floor.

B&Q has also slashed prices on a number of other garden, kitchen and DIY items in its clearance sale, including a cast iron chiminea from £80 to £50 and a decorating set from £30 to £17.

The Range – Mariana Single Foldable Hanging Chair, £100 (47% off)

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The Range has cut the price of its Single Foldable Hanging Chair from £190 to £100, offering shoppers 47% off.

You can also snap up a double size chair in the same style which costs £180 instead of £290 – a 38% discount.

Both chairs come with either one or two cushions and pillows and are made out of rattan resin wickers.

If the chairs don’t take your fancy, The Range has discounted dozens of other products across its garden, DIY and homeware departments.

Shoppers can get 10% off a pavilion gazebo selling for £360 instead of £400 or a rattan patio table for £40 instead of £50.

Next – Novogratz Mint Green Wibbly Wobbly Medium Mirror, £55 (63% off)

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Bag this Next mirror for £55 instead of £150 – a 63% discount.

The mint green mirror is 100cm in height, 60cm wide and 2cm deep.

If you’re after something else, Next has cut prices on a host of homeware items as well as fashion bits, including a French Connection ceiling light for £85.

There is also a Catalina metal bed frame on sale for £195 instead of £450 and a set of two tennis tea towels for £4.50 instead of £14.

Asda – Cuba Black six-piece patio set, £54.50 (50% off)

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Asda customers can bag this six-piece patio set for just £54.50 instead of £109 – that’s a 50% discount.

The set combines four folding chairs, a parasol and table with glass surface.

There is also a handy one-year guarantee on the set in case any issues arise.

Unfortunately click and collect isn’t available on this product and the delivery charge is a hefty £6.75 so bear that in mind before buying.

Asda has also cut prices on some of its other garden furniture including a metal sofa set which is scanning at £69.50 instead of £97.30.

Meanwhile, shoppers can snap up a green twirl planter for £3 instead of £6.

Plus, there are savings to be had on fashion, electricals and toys.

Dunelm – Constellation Skyline Hard Shell Suitcase, £17.50 (50% off)

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Summer might be behind us but it might be worth buying this suitcase from Dunelm for the next one.

The retailer has cut the price on its blue-coloured cabin case to £17.50 from £35.

You can also pick up a medium case for £20 instead of £40 at 50% off.

Dunelm shoppers can pick up curtains, bed sheets and mattresses for up to 50% off as well.

There is also a two-drawer Lynton bedside table on sale for £49.50 instead of £99.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.

Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories

WHAT looks like small change could actually be a small fortune if you know what to look for.

One rare 50p coin featuring a cartoon boy fetched £200 at auction late last month.

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It’s no secret that rare coins can fetch significant sums thanks to unique errors, low mintage numbers, or distinct features.

The coin in question was designed for the 2012 London Olympics as part of a Blue Peter competition.

The winning design was created by Florence Jackson, a 9-year-old from Bristol, in 2009.

Her depiction of a high jumper mid-flight was selected from an impressive 17,000 entries.

Coin enthusiasts have long been on the hunt for The Royal Mint’s Olympic 50ps.

Most of these coins were released into circulation in 2011, just before the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

There are 29 different designs to collect, each showcasing a different Olympic sport, such as Taekwondo, Wheelchair Rugby, Gymnastics, Cycling, Boxing, and Archery.

What makes this specific Blue Peter coin, recently sold at auction, particularly special is its rarity.

While over 2.2 million Blue Peter coins, also known as Athletics 50ps, were issued, the majority were minted in 2011.

These 2011-dated coins, though popular among collectors, typically aren’t worth much more than their face value.

However, the coin that fetched £200 at RWB Auctions is one of just 20,000 minted in 2009, making it an exceptionally rare find.

Jon White, founder of RWB Auctions, said: “Collectors love Olympic 50p coins but there are a few rare coins from this collection that they should watch out for.

“One example is the Athletics 50p with a 2009 date. This coin was minted a few years before the rest of the Olympic 50p coins, which were released by The Royal Mint in 2011.

“You will usually find these 2009 Athletic coins in a little card package with a Blue Peter logo on it since the design for the coin was chosen as part of a Blue Peter competition.

“Because these coins are scarce, they have been known to sell for £200 or more.”

The coin was sold on behalf of a private collector on September 25.

CHECK IF YOU HAVE A RARE COIN

Rare coins and valuable notes can be worth tens of thousands of times their face value.

But sometimes it’s just tiny differences which make them so lucrative.

The most valuable coins tend to be ones with low mintage numbers or an error.

Those qualities typically make them valuable to collectors.

Your next step would be to check if your coin is still available to purchase in superior Brilliant Uncirculated quality from an official Royal Mint distributor, according to Change Checker.

Certified Brilliant Uncirculated coins have been specially struck to a superior unblemished quality which set them apart from the coins you may find in pockets.

SELLING YOUR RARE COINS

There are many different factors to consider when trying to value a coin, including its condition and mintage, so it’s important to do your homework first.

If you’ve got a coin that you would like to sell at auction, you can contact The Royal Mint’s Collectors Service.

It has a team of experts who can help you to authenticate and value your coin.

You’ll need to enquire via email, and a member of the valuation team will contact get back to you.

Take a picture of your coin and attach this to the email – you can find the details on The Royal Mint’s website.

Be aware that you will be charged for this service though – the cost will vary depending on the size of your collection.

If you are looking to buy a coin online through a marketplace such as eBay, it’s important to know exactly what you are purchasing.

This is because anyone can list a coin on eBay and charge whatever amount they wish.

You should also be wary of fakes online – and keep in mind that on eBay a buyer could pull out, which means the coin won’t have sold for the price it says it has.

Meanwhile, we have put together a guide on the rarest and most valuable coins.

We also tell you what you should do if you find a lucky penny in your pocket.