Results for: UK

The UK is home to a vast number of fish and chip shops, but not all are created equal. According to a ranking based on Google, TripAdvisor, and Instagram data, there are 12 shops that stand out from the rest. Surprisingly, it’s a London eatery that has claimed the top spot, namely The Fish Lounge in Brixton Hill. Other top-rated shops include East Coast in Musselburgh, Scotland, and several establishments in Leeds and Scotland. The Fry Awards, an official ranking system, also recognizes top fish and chip takeaways across the UK, with London’s Ainsworth’s Fish & Chips making it into the top five for 2024.

If you’re looking for a quick getaway, Salisbury might be exactly what you need. Located just eight miles from Stonehenge, Salisbury is a beautiful city with plenty to offer visitors, including medieval history, local markets, quaint walks, and gorgeous cycling routes. It’s also incredibly accessible, just over two hours away from London by car or three hours by train.

Starlight Investments, a leading global real estate investment and asset management firm, has acquired 84 Kirkstall Road, a 111-suite Build-to-Rent (BTR) community in Leeds, UK. The residence features a range of suite layouts, including one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom suites, many with balconies or terraces. Amenities include a co-working space, media room, and resident lounge. The building incorporates sustainable design elements such as renewable energy systems and high-efficiency lighting.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has reportedly abandoned plans for a radical crackdown on graduate visas, which allow overseas students to work in the country for up to two years after graduation. The decision, which has yet to be officially announced, reportedly came after staunch opposition from cabinet colleagues. The Guardian reported that the abandonment of the restrictive plan may coincide with the publication of the Office for National Statistics’ quarterly net migration figures on Thursday, May 23.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has outlined steps he has implemented to curb migration, including reducing student dependent applications by 80% and scrapping a rule that allowed employers to pay immigrant workers 20% less than UK citizens. The new rules will also make it harder for overseas care workers to bring dependent relatives to the UK. Critics say the measures will be a ‘total disaster’ for the health and care sector, which relies heavily on immigrant workers.

The Buck Inn in North Yorkshire has been crowned the top Wetherspoon pub in the UK, according to a study by Q.R. Code Generator. The pub boasts an impressive 54.97 percent of “excellent” reviews on Google, with many customers praising its food, service, and outdoor seating area. Other notable pubs in the top 10 include The Velvet Coaster in Blackpool, The Prense Well in Merseyside, The William Adams in Norfolk, The Golden Beam in West Yorkshire, Stick or Twist in Leeds, The Greenwood in London, The Caley Picture House in Edinburgh, Royal Victoria Pavilion in Kent, and The Bishop Blaize in Manchester.

Royal Mail is experiencing delays in certain regions of the United Kingdom due to an issue with its air network. The affected areas include parts of Central and Southern Scotland, London, the South East of England, and Northern Ireland. The postal service is working to minimize the impact on deliveries and aims to resume normal service as soon as possible.

Beijing’s top diplomat in London has cautioned that the UK’s recent actions, including accusations of espionage and assisting Hong Kong’s intelligence service, are straining relations between the two countries. The Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office summoned Ambassador Zheng Zeguang after three individuals were charged with supporting Hong Kong’s intelligence agency, conveying that this behavior is unacceptable. Zheng, in turn, expressed concerns over the UK’s allegations against the Hong Kong government and China, and urged them to cease their anti-China stance. The summons further exacerbates the tensions between London and Beijing, who have been critical of each other’s actions in Hong Kong.

Relief for Indian students planning to study in the UK! The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has recommended continuing the graduate route work visa, known as the PSW (post-study work visa). This visa allows international students to work in the UK for two years after graduating from a British university. The review, commissioned by Home Secretary James Cleverly, found that the graduate route is achieving its objectives and supporting the UK’s International Education Strategy. It has played a significant role in attracting international students, with the target of six lakh students by 2030 being met ahead of schedule. While the contribution of the graduate route to this achievement is not quantified, its positive impact is acknowledged. The committee found no evidence of widespread abuse of the graduate route due to its stringent conditions. However, concerns were raised regarding exploitation by agents mis-selling UK higher education. Indian students heavily utilize the graduate route, with over 45,600 visas granted in 2023, accounting for 40%. The report highlights that graduate visa holders initially engage in lower-paid work but experience improved outcomes over time. Their earnings become comparable to domestic graduates after one year, and around 50% transition to skilled work through the Skilled Worker visa route.

Morrisons has emerged as the UK’s most affordable supermarket, dethroning previous winners Aldi and Lidl. Despite being criticized for higher prices in the past, Morrisons now offers a weekly shop of essential items for £11.97, compared to £12.11 at Lidl and £12.14 at Aldi. This turnaround is attributed to a bargain pack of mince sold at £1.99.