English chef and pub owner, Michelin-starred restaurateur
Sephora has opened its first Scottish store in Edinburgh’s St James Quarter, drawing long queues and crowds. Shoppers enjoyed live performances and exclusive brands not previously available in Scotland, as the brand expands its UK footprint. A Glasgow store will follow in August.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced a 20% business rates reduction for nearly 32,000 pubs, clubs and live music venues in England from April 2027, a package the government says will save a typical pub about £1,100 a year and cost roughly £100m. Ministers are proposing to fund it by reviewing reliefs for vape shops and cracking down on online tax non-compliance.
The Guardian and other outlets report increasing concern over Meta’s Ray‑Ban smartglasses. Pubs, theatres and schools ban or restrict wearables to protect privacy as regulators weigh rules. While advocates highlight accessibility benefits, critics warn surreptitious filming and harassment threaten safety in public spaces.
The Clarence, a neighbourhood bar and restaurant in Glasgow’s west end, has opened in January 2025 after transforming from Shucks and Nick’s Italian. It now pairs a refined dining menu with a lively bar scene, offering seasonal dishes, cocktails, and a popular roasts on Sundays, drawing steady crowds since opening.
A campaign calls for reducing hospitality VAT from 20% to 10%, urging Prime Minister Andy Burnham to back the plan. Signatories include chefs Heston Blumenthal and Tom Kerridge and chains like Wagamama and Pizza Express. The letter argues a lower rate will prevent closures, protect jobs and boost high streets.