A mysterious tin of value 'Boris beans' has left people stunned this week after it was snapped in Tesco by an eagle-eyed shopper.
Appearing on the shelf of a Tesco Express, the beans include some interesting ingredients - not least, an 'austerity sauce'.
They also, if the packaging is to be believed, come with 'misery guaranteed', as well as a warning not to buy the product as it is 'unfit for human consumption'.
The tin also pointedly suggests that people should consider donating money to food poverty charities the Trussel Trust, Independent Food Aid Network, End Child Food Poverty, The British Red Cross, and Feeding Britain instead, reports The Manc.
Elsewhere, letters beneath the tin's barcode read 'Build Back Better' in a nod to the Conservative's post-Covid slogan, unveiled in a series of bizarre videos by Boris Johnson in October last year.
One such video saw him say 'mmm' as he unwrapped a portion of fish and chips, before oddly declaring 'build back batter'.
A second video showed Johnson spreading butter on toast, before looking at the camera to say: "build back butter".
At first glance, the tin looks just like the old Tesco Value products - discontinued in 2012 as part of a rebrand to the Everyday Value range sold in stores today.
It nods to recent comments made by Environment Secretary George Eustice last week advising those struggling to pay their bills to switch to value brands, and appears to have been created in protest at the spiralling cost of living crisis currently gripping the country.
There is some speculation online that the 'Birmingham Banksy' street artist Foka Wolf could be behind the design, but the artist, whilst describing the cans as "brilliant", confirmed to The Manc that it is not his work.
Image: Twitter
Jess Tilley, who discovered the beans in Tesco Express on Queens Road, Brighton, said: “I had popped into Tesco Friday afternoon on my way home to grab a few items when I noticed the tin on the shelf.
“I had a closer look and was surprised to see that it was an artistic protest - no doubt over recent comments from the Conservative minister saying that those who cannot afford food should eat 'value range'."
Feature image - Twitter
UK News
Ilkley crowned the best place to live in the north by The Sunday Times
The beautiful spa town of Ilkley has been crowned the best place to live in the north of England by The Sunday Times.
The results are in, and our very own Ilkley has taken the top spot for the north and north-east category.
The list posted but the Sunday Times every year, features 72 locations across the UK that they deem are the best spots to settle down in.
Judges visited each location to take in the atmosphere, explore the history and chat to the locals to find out what made each place so special.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
It's not the first time the wonderful spa town of Ilkley has been praised, having been the national winner back in 2022 it's no stranger to taking home the trophy.
The judging panel said about Ilkley: “It’s not just the fresh air, fantastic scenery, excellent schools and direct trains to Leeds that make Ilkley this year’s pick of the north and northeast. It’s the get-up and go of a community that tackles every challenge with gusto.”
"It's hard to imagine anywhere with more opportunities for youngsters."
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Also getting a mention in the regional category was Horsforth, which was recommended for its transport links, brilliant local schools and thriving social scene.
The guide said: "The city is Yorkshire's economic powerhouse - but for something a bit greener, a bit more family friendly, it's hard to better Horsforth's streets of sandstone houses."
Elsewhere up north, Sheffield got a special shoutout where the judges said: "Burgeoning creative industries and judicious regeneration are igniting interest in previously overlooked postcodes ... Hipsters and happy families alike are celebrating, welcoming, embracing, loving this city-wide vibe."
So if you fancy escaping the hustle and bustle of the city centre, then why not hop on a train and visit the best place to live up north and see for yourselves what the fuss is all about.
The Queen’s Hotel in Leeds named one of the best places to stay in the UK
Danny Jones
One Leeds' pride and joys is getting some well-deserved recognition as The Queen's Hotel has been named of the best places to stay in the UK.
Located right in the heart of the city centre, The Queen's Hotel is about as beautiful a building as they come in Leeds, with its pristine white walls and art deco design making it one of the most stunning structures we have to our name.
It's as synonymous with the cityscape as the Town Hall, Corn Exchange, Kirkstall and Kirkgate, as well as the train station for which the flagship hotel was built.
We couldn't be prouder to call it our own the only thing we'll argue on is that it should be further up the rankings.
The Sunday Times’ '100 Best Places to Stay in the UK' is compiled by a team of experienced reviewers, who narrow down hundreds of stays into the definitive guide of the best accommodation around the UK.
Hotels are judged on several factors, including design, facilities, and value for money, plus dining and service.
Speaking on the Leeds icon, specifically, the Times wrote: "Big, bold and stately, the Queens holds court over the centre of Leeds like the grande dame she was intended to be when built in 1937.
"Back then, with her art deco lines, pearly-grey stone façade, polished wood and mirrored interiors, she was the place to stay. Fast-forward several decades and an expensive buff and shine has brought her zipping into the 21st century without losing an iota of old-world glamour.
"With sleek, airy bedrooms, a sophisticated cocktail bar and sultry circular restaurant, she’s an ideal base for hitting the city’s cultural hotspots, boutique shops and great places to eat."
You can read their full review of the Grade II-listed legend HERE.
There were a fair few other successes for Yorkshire and the North as a whole this year beyond just The Queen's Hotel's achievement on its own.
The Angel at Hetton and Saltmoore in North Yorkshire picked up 'North and northeast England hotel of the year' as well as 'Best beach hotel', respectively; plus, Jöro at Oughtibridge Mill in Sheffield received plaudits among many other Northern nods.
With the Times also naming Leeds in general as one of the coolest places to live, so much for that whole 'grim up North' nonsense, eh?
Georgina Pellant -
11th May 2022 
