Pearl Francis

2 months ago | swifthalf.com | Theo West |Pearl Francis |James MacDonald |James Macdonald |Tom Watts

LIDL is raising a glass to victory after a High Court judge gave the green light for its first-ever pub in Northern Ireland. The budget supermarket chain fought off legal opposition and can now push ahead with plans for a boozy new bar inside its Dundonald store. A rival trader, Philip Russell Ltd, had tried to stop the plans, arguing there were already enough pubs nearby – but Judge Mr Justice Colton wasn’t having it.

Jan 8, 2025 | swifthalf.com | Tom Watts |Theo West |Pearl Francis

POPULAR TV chef James Martin has revealed his quick and easy recipe for this beloved Chinese classic – Sweet and Sour Chicken, ready to serve in just 30 minutes. But how does it compare to the real deal, how much money can you save and does it stack up to the takeaway treat we all know and love? Swift Half investigates…Sweet and sour – it’s the king of Chinese takeaways, but did you know it has a saucy twist?

Dec 10, 2024 | swifthalf.com | Tom Watts |Theo West |Pearl Francis

PUB owners across the country are facing strict limits on stock, with distributors slashing supplies to just one or two kegs per venue – a fraction of what’s needed to satisfy thirsty punters. Steven Crosbie, who runs a popular Irish pub in Liverpool, says the crisis could spell disaster for his business.

Dec 4, 2024 | swifthalf.com | Theo West |Tom Watts |Pearl Francis

PUB fans (and let’s face it, that should be most of us here on Swift Half) get ready to raise a glass to new heights – quite literally. The Tan Hill Inn in Richmond, Yorkshire, already perched proudly at 1732ft (528m) above sea level as the UK’s highest pub, is about to get even better. A brand-new beer garden with jaw-dropping sprawling countryside views is set to open next year. Locals have already dubbed it ‘a pint with a view,’ and who could argue?

Nov 29, 2024 | swifthalf.com | James MacDonald |James Macdonald |Theo West |Pearl Francis |Tom Watts

COULD this declaration from the fun police be the latest attack on all that is pure and important to the honest law abiding beer loving ‘in moderation, most of the time’ British person? Apparently scientists reckon a measurement that is as much a British institution as queuing, going out on penalties or seething internally at people who don’t pick up dog’s poo needs to go. The suggestion has gone down about as well as a pint of milk left on the radiator.