WARM wines are becoming the hot new drink craze this season.

And they don’t have to be super sweet or full of cinnamon – Marks and Spencer has just launched English Mulled White.

So as temperatures drop, drinks expert Helena Nicklin tries out simmering new arrivals and also suggests some of the best non-traditional wine styles ideal for making your own mulled vino all year round.

English Pink Mulled Rose

£25 for 1.5L, englishpink.co.uk

9

YOU may think that pastel wine is only for drinking poolside or in the summer, so prepare for something very different indeed.

A mulled, posh English pink from a pouch?

I was not expecting to like this – but how wrong I was.

A charming blend of creamy Pinot Blanc with strawberry-scented Pinot Noir.

t’s sweet but beautifully balanced and not at all cloying with subtle, well-judged notes of cinnamon and vanilla.

Fab when it’s chilly out and proof it can be enjoyed near the fire as well as in the sun.

It is a tad pricey, but it is unusual, plus you’ll be buying British.

RATING: 4/5

M&S Mulled White Wine

£6.50, M&S and Ocado

9

WHO knew mulled wine could be so lovely when white too?

This white warmer has vanilla and mulled spice flavours and the makers suggest it is ideal served with a slice of lemon.

Easy to warm, just empty the contents into a pan and gently heat until hot.

Or you can microwave a mugful for 60 seconds for a nightcap.

I would drink this subtly sweet, rounded white over a red version any day.

Think baked pears in pastry with a dusting of white chocolate.

It won’t be for everyone but it is a guilty pleasure – a great talking point for parties, and it is inexpensive to boot.

RATING: 5/5

Dry Rosé: Specially Selected Corsican Ile De Beauté Rosé

£3.21 on offer, Aldi

9

IF you want to mimic the style of the hot English pink but would prefer to spend a little less, I would suggest a dry rosé with a bit of texture, some subtle strawberry and a slick of saline.

This Corsican beauty will do the job perfectly.

And it is an absolute steal, costing just over £3 a bottle at the moment.

So if you don’t like the results, you haven’t wasted too much money.

It will certainly stand up to a bit of heat and gentle spice in the pan and can play with whatever mulled wine additions you fancy.

Serve in heat-proof clear mugs to show off the colour.

RATING: 4/5

Fruity Rosé – Nice Drop White Zinfandel

£4.15, Asda

9

FUN and super fruity – sweeter rosé styles such as white Zinfandel are a great choice for more tropical, mulled pinks.

So, if you want liquid fruit salad in a glass, why not have a go at warming up this unpretentious, Nice Drop Californian cracker with some cinnamon sticks and orange peel?

For a another talking point, you could also garnish with slices of peach then serve.

This would be a great one to serve to guests at any cold-weather gathering or festive party.

It is top value too, so well worth giving it a try.

A proper guilty pleasure!

RATING: 3/5

Spicy Shiraz: Kooliburra Australian Shiraz

£4.15, Aldi

9

SHIRAZ is a great grape for mulling yourself thanks to its velvety, fruity body and generous notes of plum jam with a kick of peppery spice.

If you happen to have any glasses remaining in an opened bottle, warming this wine up would be a good way to use it.

Stock up to enjoy it for the seasonal parties.

This will give you plenty to go round for your guests, without splashing out too much.

Less sweet than a Primitivo would be but packed full of flavour.

This is one for your classic Christmas do.

Or get practising by drinking it now.

RATING: 5/5

Extra Special Fiano Terre Siciliane

£6.25, Asda

9

ALWAYS a crowd-pleaser, Fiano is an Italian grape that appeals to all kinds of white wine drinkers.

It is one that seems to suit everyone and this option from Asda, currently with 50p off, is very well priced.

Also, it is “just tropical enough” to cope with a heat injection thanks to its orange and pineapple vibes.

Chilled or warmed, it is ravishingly refreshing and you won’t need to worry about whether it will withstand a little heat.

Adding spice and fruit will bring out that orange peel note too, so serve with a fresh slice of whatever you have to hand.

RATING: 2/5

Cheeky Chardonnay: Andrew Peace Masterpeace Chardonnay

£6.50, Tesco

9

IF a mulled white sounds like it could be more your thing and you fancy simmering a pan of your own pale plonk to give it a try, this could be a good bet.

To go DIY, I recommend finding a seriously fruity Chardonnay from a warm climate without too much oakiness which will stand up well to being warmed.

This cheeky Chard from Australia fits the brief.

It is ripe and round with lashings of peach and melon.

It will love a bit of cinnamon spice or star anise and will forgive the saucepan treatment.

Give it a try and see how you get on.

RATING: 3/5

Chocolatey Primitivo: M&S Primitivo Puglia

£7, M&S

9

MORE traditional mulled wines made with red vino do best with bold, fruity styles that do not have too much tooth- drying tannin.

Primitivo grapes, from Puglia in sunny southern Italy, are like this with flavours of Morello cherries, chocolate and spice.

This one has a sweeter, ripe fig-in-chocolate flavour that loves a bit of mulled spice.

A proper, curl-up-by-the-fire red that makes a mulled wine with that similar cosy vibe.

Heat it gently in a pan and throw in all the traditional mulled red trimmings and spices – cinnamon, cloves, oranges and cardamon.

RATING: 4/5

9

FIRST-TIME buyers face paying £1,400 MORE in tax to buy a home after Rachel Reeves’ Budget.

The Chancellor had promised to make it easier to get on the housing ladder – but experts are now warning that the changes to stamp duty will force thousands to delay making the move.

3

3

Advertisement

Home movers will also be hit with a £6,400 bill after April next year.

Rosie Murray-West explains what is happening and the impact on the housing market.

THE HIDDEN CHANGE

IN her first Budget, Rachel Reeves revealed a hit to anyone buying a second home by increasing stamp duty charges from 3 to 5 per cent.

But she was less vocal about changes to stamp duty relief for first-time buyers from April 1, 2025.

At present, first-time buyers pay stamp duty on any property over £425,000, but this will dip back to £300,000.

Other buyers pay the tax on properties above £250,000 and this will return to £125,000.

The tax is set at 5 per cent of the property price above the threshold, rising to 10 per cent for any part over £925,000.

First-time buyers will receive no extra relief if the home they buy is worth over £500,000, instead of the current £625,000.

FIRST-TIME BUYERS HIT

DESPITE promises that things would be easier, brokers say the changes will have a negative impact on first-time buyers.

From April next year, a first-time buyer purchasing an average price property worth £328,000 will now face £1,400 in upfront costs.

A home-mover buying the same price property will pay £6,400 in stamp duty from April 2025, up from £3,900 at present.

Mortgage broker John Fraser-Tucker says: “This change could force many to delay their dreams of home ownership.”

The change puts stamp duty thresholds back to the levels they were before Liz Truss’s 2022 “mini-budget”.

Movers buying a £425,000 home will pay an extra £2,500 in stamp duty, a total of £11,250.

First-time buyers, who currently pay no stamp duty, would pay £6,250 on a £425,000 home.

Andrew Greenwood, of Leeds Building Society, says the change means London first-time buyers will need to keep renting for an an extra year to save up for the tax.

“Our country needs to develop a long-term, joined-up plan to improve stability in the housing market if we are to solve the problem,” he said.

Government watchdog the Office for Budget Responsibility says that the amount of stamp duty paid to HMRC per year will go from £14.1billion to £25.4billion in five years’ time.

HOW IT WILL ALSO AFFECT MOVERS

AS well as stamp duty, other costs faced by buyers are also increasing.

Property expert Karen Noye, from wealth manager Quilter, predicts that a rush of buyers trying to beat the stamp duty deadline could cause a hike in house prices, meaning homeowners will need to borrow more.

The Budget also means the cost of borrowing will likely be more expensive, despite this week’s bank rate cut.

Gilt yields — the amount the Government must pay to borrow money — rose after Reeves said she would borrow more cash to fund her Budget, and these can push up mortgage rates.

Mortgage broker David Hollingworth, from London & Country, says that even after the base rate cut, fixed-rate mortgages could still “nudge up” if higher market rates persist, which would make funding a house purchase more expensive in the short-term.

According to financial data service Moneyfacts, the average two-year fixed rate mortgage was at 5.38 per cent this week, up from 5.36 per cent on October 11.

A 25-year mortgage on a £328,000 property with a ten per cent deposit would cost £1,792 a month.

IT’S BAD NEWS FOR RENTERS TOO

3

THE Budget was also bad news for those who need to rent a property until they can save enough for a deposit, as many believe rents are set to rise too.

Reeves added a stamp duty surcharge on those buying second homes, while the recently announced Renters’ Rights Bill contains protections for tenants that could push up costs.

Stuart Collar-Brown, of estate agency membership body Propertymark, says landlords will exit the market leaving fewer homes and higher rents.

Finally, champions of first-time buyers noted the omission of the Freedom To Buy scheme from the Budget.

The scheme was unveiled before the Labour victory, with Starmer promising it would get 80,000 people on to the housing ladder, with the Government acting as a guarantor for those unable to save big deposits.

“The failure to implement the Freedom To Buy scheme, a cornerstone of their manifesto, is likely to have left aspiring homeowners feeling deeply disillusioned,” says John Fraser-Tucker, from Mojo Mortgages.

The scheme offered a glimmer of hope, particularly for those struggling to save large deposits in high-demand areas.”

ACT FAST TO BEAT THE RISING COSTS

IF you want to save thousands in stamp duty by buying before the April 1 deadline, meticulous preparation and quick thinking are key.

Nicholas Mendes, from mortgage broker John Charcol, gives his top tips for first-time buyers wanting to get a purchase across the line before the stamp duty increase hits.

 GET A MORTGAGE IN PRINCIPLE: Before you even view a property, check how much you can borrow by talking to a mortgage broker or lender.

This can strengthen your position as buyers and enable you to act quickly when you find a suitable property.

You should also budget for other costs at this point, including legal fees, surveys and moving expenses, to ensure complete financial readiness.

RESEARCH THE LOCAL MARKET: Knowing how long it takes properties to sell in your area will help with negotiations, while signing up with local agents can help you get in first with the deals.

An agent can help identify suitable properties and alert buyers to new listings as soon as they become available.

ENHANCE YOUR CREDIT SCORE: Banks are often more cautious with first-time buyers, so your credit score – which shows a lender how you manage your money now – is particularly important.

Avoid making new credit applications in the months leading up to your mortgage application, as each inquiry can temporarily lower your score.

Ensuring all bills and debt repayments are made on time is crucial, as missed payments can significantly impact your score.

 CUT DOWN ON YOUR SPENDING: Lenders check your recent bank statements for regular outgoings, so now is the time to cut down on anything you can.

This means avoiding large transactions that might be hard to explain.

If you have regular monthly subscriptions, it might also be wise to cancel any unnecessary ones.

 HAVE DOCUMENTS READY: Mortgage lenders require a detailed view of your financial health, so getting your finances in order is essential.

“Begin by gathering key documents such as recent payslips, tax returns and bank statements from the last three to six months, and any other evidence of income.

It’s also helpful to have documentation on hand for any other sources of income, such as bonuses, freelance work or government benefits.

THERE’S a new favourite chocolate tub and it has sent shoppers into frenzy – with one declaring it would replace Quality Streets.

Shoppers have flocked to M&S to pick up a giant festive tub branded better than all of the Christmas faves.

With Christmas just around the corner, M&S has mixed its iconic Mini Bites into a family sharer for the first time ever.

2

Advertisement

2

The epic mix is three times the size of the classic tubs, and includes the bestselling double chocolate mini rolls, caramel crispies, and new festive flavour, cranberry and yoghurt clusters.

An M&S icon since 2001, there are 14 tubs in the range, plus three new tubs for the festive season.

The new tub is set to fly off the shelves, after the brand announced the new festive treats on Instagram, sending shoppers in a frenzy.

On person said: “This will definitely replace Quality Streets this Christmas.”

A second person commented: “This is the best idea EVER. Totally obsessed!.”

While a third summed up the delicious treat with a simple: “Yum”.

M&S is also launching two new festive Mini Bites flavours tMint Choc Chip Mini Bites (£3.75, 215g) and Extremely Chocolatey Yule Log Bites (£3.75, 295g).

The family sized mini bites selection is £10 for a 700g tin and can be found in the M&S food hall and online on Ocado.

Christmas Treats

Everyone loves a sweet treat during the festive season and whether your preference is for Cadbury Heroes, Celebrations or a classic tub of Quality Street these are the cheapest prices.

If you’re partial to a tub of Quality Street, both Aldi and Lidl are selling 600g tubs for £4.49 – making them the cheapest out there.

In comparison Sainsbury’s and Tesco are selling the chocolates for £4.50 for Nectar and Clubcard holders, while Asda has priced them at £6 individually, or £9 for two.

Morrisons is also pricing the tubs at £6, while Ocado is charging £5.

Quality Street was launched in 1936 and has been a favourite with families since.

The selection includes ‘the purple one’ which brings together hazelnut and caramel, the toffee finger, orange chocolate crunch, strawberry delight and ‘the green triangle’.

Cadbury Heroes lovers can also pick up 550g tubs for £4.50 from Sainsbury’s and Tesco if they are Nectar or Clubcard members.

Asda has Heroes tubs included in its two for £9 deal, meaning if you’re happy to double up you can pick them up at the supermarket for the same price as Tesco and Sainsbury’s shoppers.

Meanwhile, Aldi is selling the tubs for £4.99 and Morrisons for £6.

The Heroes selection includes Cadbury Dairy Milk, Twirl and Crunchie.

Celebrations are also available for £4.50 from Tesco for Clubcard members, or as part of Asda’s two for £9 deal.

Aldi is selling the tubs for £4.99, Sainsbury’s for £6 and Morrisons for £6.

The Celebrations selection includes Mars, Snickers, Twix, Bounty and Galaxy.

If you’re sharing chocolates with family this year and want to pick up a selection of tubs Asda’s two for £9 deal, which includes Quality Street, Cadbury Heroes, Celebrations, Cadbury Roses and a Swizzels assortment, may be the way to go.

THOSE concerned about their bills this winter can pick up a simple £7.99 gadget that could slash energy costs by hundreds of pounds.

With Brits facing high energy prices and millions of pensioners missing out on the winter fuel payment, many are looking for help with managing costs this year.

1

Lidl may have the answer thanks to a plug-in power meter that measures how much energy your appliances are really using.

The £7.99 power meter will measure usage and calculate costs according to your energy tariff and is available in store from Sunday November 10.

It works like a second plug – you slot it into your socket, and then plug your appliance into it.

You can use it for any appliance you plug in, including televisions, freezers, washing machines and dryers.

The information it provides can help households identify which devices are guzzling energy allowing them to change habits to cut their bills.

To take a read simply plug the monitor into the socket, set the unit price and plug in your appliance before using it as normal to see how much energy it uses in a typical day.

Consumer champion Which? said: “Using an energy monitor is one of the best ways to clearly ascertain how much electricity you’re using on individual appliances  — hopefully helping you to work out where money can be saved in the long run.”

Low Energy Supermarket estimates that a plug-in power monitor will help you to discover savings of £200 per year.

When selecting a power meter always remember to compare statistics and prices, to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

This can be done using comparison tools such as trolley.co.uk.

A quick internet search showed that Screwfix has a similar model for £18.99 and Amazon is selling a range of devices available for around £10.

Power meters will only measure the energy used from one plug socket, so if you want to know the total amount of energy you’re using around the house you may want to install a smart meter.

But, the benefit of a power meter is that it can help you quickly identify which appliances are using the most power.

A dad-of-two went around every room in his house using the device to see how much his appliances cost to run – and was shocked by the results.

The biggest cost drain was his old freezer, which was costing him around 68p a day to run – amounting to a whopping £250 a year.

With everything he learned he was able to make some changes and save a whopping £750 a year.

It is worth remembering that the energy price cap was considerably higher at that time, so savings are unlikely to be as high now.

The energy price cap is currently £1,568, the lowest figure in two years.

The cap is calculated based on the wholesale price of gas and electricity and what Ofgem thinks an average household will use.

Other ways to monitor energy usage

Smart plugs aren’t the only way to keep track of your energy usage.

Getting a smart meter installed can also help track how much you’re spending on gas and electricity.

These are different to smart plugs as they look at energy usage around the whole home rather than for each device.

The actual smart meter sends the readings to your supplier so you don’t have to, while the in-home display screen shows you how much you’re spending.

Most energy suppliers provide smart meters and displays for free. However, some users have reported issues with their devices, for example when changing providers.

Your supplier should be able to answer any questions you have.

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

YOU don’t need fancy kit to keep your screens clean.

With a bit of know-how, you can keep your gadgets sparkly and germ-free without splashing cash.

7

Clean up with these ideas.

ON THE BUTTONS: TV remotes, gaming handsets, computer mice and keyboards all need a regular wipe.

For keyboards, turn your device off before tipping it upside down to dislodge and loose dirt.

Use a clean, soft make-up brush, paintbrush or toothbrush to dust over the keys, and then wipe gently with a screen wipe.

You can use a cotton bud to dust gently between the keys.

GOOD CALL: How often does your phone need cleaning?

A lot more often than you think.

With nearly half of us taking our phones into the bathroom, experts recommend a daily wipe-over to get rid of any germs.

You can use screen wipes, but they are not essential.

Instead, a dash of washing-up liquid in a bowl of water works wonders.

Dip in a soft microfibre cloth, then wring it out so it is just a little damp.

Turn off your phone, then wipe over the screen and casing avoiding any openings like charging and headphone ports.

Don’t forget to clean inside the case too.

Whatever you do, don’t put your phone in water.

Only the newest waterproof models — which will have an IP7 or IP68 rating — can withstand a dunking.

SCREEN SAVER: A smeary screen can ruin your enjoyment of the latest drama.

First off, try cleaning with a dry soft cloth.

Don’t use anything with a rough surface, or kitchen roll, which could scratch your screen.

Wipe gently in small circles, without pushing on the screen too much.

For stubborn stains, it’s recommended that you switch off your set before using a cloth that has been dampened with a little water.

Use another cloth to dry.

Use a similar method for a laptop screen.

• All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.

Deal of the day

7

HEAD to Tesco to get a five-piece Tefal Titanium pan set, down from £70 to £35 with a Clubcard, in-store only.

SAVE: £35

Cheap treat

7

BRIGHTEN up weekend breaks with this waterproof bag from rexlondon.com, down from £29.95 to £9.95.

SAVE: £20

What’s new?

Advertisement

GET 20 per cent off at Ernest Jones jewellers with the code available at vouchercodes.co.uk, taking this Swarovski bracelet down from £89 to £71.20.

Top swap

7

7

STEP out in the Denno white Chelsea boots, £130 from Jones Bootmakers, or flex your feet in the Off The Hook boots, £35.99 from Debenhams.

SAVE: £94.01

Little helper

ENJOY half-price roasts at Sainsbury’s with a Nectar card. It takes a small pork leg crackling joint down from £7.75 to £3.87.

Shop & save

7

PADDINGTON is back in cinemas and you can take him home – with this soft toy, down from £22.99 to £12.99 at very.co.uk.

SAVE: £10

PLAY NOW TO WIN £200

7

JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle.

Every month we’re giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers – whether you’re saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered.

Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket.

The more codes you enter, the more tickets you’ll earn and the more chance you will have of winning!

MILLIONS of savers are set to see lower returns on their savings after the Bank of England slashed interest rates yesterday.

On Thursday, the central bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) cut the base rate by 0.25 percentage points from 5% to 4.75% on Thursday.

1

The base rate directly influences the interest rates banks offer on products such as mortgages, credit cards, and savings accounts.

While mortgage holders are celebrating the reduction in borrowing costs, savers are bearing the brunt of this decision.

As borrowing costs fall, banks tend to lower interest rates on certain savings accounts.

Whether you are affected depends on your bank and the type of savings account you hold.

Some accounts have fixed interest rates for a set period, while others, such as easy-access accounts, can see their rates change at any time.

Analysis by Shawbrook Bank indicates that 1.4million savers with fixed deals ending before January could face financial setbacks if they do not get ready to switch accounts promptly.

Adam Thrower, the bank’s head of savings, warns that failing to act quickly “could be costly” for these savers.

However, Rachel Springhall, finance expert at MoneyFactsCompare.co.uk, said: “The cut to interest rates is not all doom and gloom as savers can easily switch their flexible pots elsewhere.

“Challenger banks are offering attractive returns and it would be unwise to overlook them when they have the same protections in place as a high street bank.

“Savers need to proactively keep on top of the best rates and review their pots regularly to see if they are getting a raw deal.”

For instance, Principality Building Society’s Six Month Regular Saver offers an impressive 8% interest on savings, with a minimum deposit requirement of just £1 per month.

However, if you save a maximum of £200 each month for just six months, you’ll earn at least £27.53 in interest.

However, it’s important to be aware that each type of savings account has its own conditions and limitations.

Therefore, it’s vital to thoroughly understand these details to determine which account best suits your financial needs.

We’ve outlined the best savings rates by account type below to help you maximise your returns.

What’s on offer?

The best fixed rate currently offered is Atom Bank’s one-year fixed bond, which pays 4.8% and only requires a minimum investment of £50.

Ahli United Bank’s one-year fixed bond also offers 4.8% back, but with a minimum investment of £1,000.

This means that if you were to save £1,000 in this account, you would earn £48 a year in interest.

The best notice accounts offer slightly higher rates than the best fixed-term bonds.

These also come with more flexibility when accessing your cash.

The Bank of London and The Middle East’s 90 day notice account offers savers 5.15% back with a minimum £10,000 deposit, for example.

Vanquis Bank’s 90 day notice account offers 5.10% back to those with less money to save – and it only requires a minimum deposit of £1,000.

This means that if you were to save £1,000 in this account, you would earn £51 a year in interest.

If you’re looking for a savings account without withdrawal limitations, then you’ll want to opt for an easy-access saver.

These do what they say on the tin and usually allow for unlimited cash withdrawals.

The best easy-access savings account available is from Cahoot (owned by Santander), which pays 5% – and you only need to pay a minimum of £1 to set it up.

This means that if you were to save £1,000 in this account, you would earn £50 a year in interest.

Furness Building Society’s easy access saver offers customers 4.9% back on investments worth £1 or more.

If you want to build a habit of saving a set amount of money each month, a regular savings account could pay you dividends.

Principality Building Society’s Six Month Regular Saver offers 8% interest on savings.

It allows customers to save between £1 and £200 a month.

Save in the maximum, and you’ll earn 27.53 in interest.

While regular savings accounts look attractive due to the high interest rates on offer, they are not right for all savers. 

You can’t use a regular savings account to earn interest on a lump sum.

The amount you can save into the account each month will be limited, typically to somewhere between £200 and £500.

Therefore, if you have more to save, it would be wise to consider one of the other accounts mentioned above.

What’s next for savings rates?

Savings rates usually rise and fall with the Bank of England‘s base rate.

The central bank’s decision to cut rates yesterday come after the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that inflation stood at 1.7% in September, well below the BoE’s 2% target.

Interest rates had previously risen from historic lows of 0.1% in December 2021, peaking at 5.25% in July 2023, as part of efforts to reduce inflation to the Bank’s target.

However, the latest MPC meeting come only one week after Rachel Reeves announced nearly £70billion in additional spending during her Autumn Statement.

The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) indicated that this sharp increase in spending will contribute to higher inflation in the coming months, although it will also help drive stronger economic growth.

It forecasts that inflation will average 2.5% this year and 2.6% next year before decreasing, assuming the Bank of England takes action to help bring it to the target rate.

As a result, money markets are now betting interest rates will stay slightly higher for longer.

But, the base rate is still expected to fall to 3.5% by the end of 2025.

That’s bad news for savers, whose rates typically fall when the Bank’s rate is cut.

However, in the meantime, opting for a fixed bond can be a useful bet to help ride out future cuts to the base rate.