Money: 'I never want to see it on a menu': Chef on an overrated steak, an underused fish and classic he'll never order in a pub (2025)

We always love hearing from our readers, but it's particularly nice when you get in touch to share positive stories.

After comedian John Bishop praised easyJet for its great customer service earlier this week, many of you got in touch to do the same...

Just done the easyJet fear of flying course. It was excellent - everyone was so lovely, two captains flew with us and everything - noises, sensations etc - were explained thoroughly. Have flown since and looking forward to Australia next year, changed my life.

Shirley

I booked with easyJet a couple of years ago and mixed up my dates by putting my departure date as the return date and vice versa. I called their customer service and they changed it immediately over the phone. No problem and no charge. Not like the other budget airlines.

Robbie

I also had a brilliant response from the easyJet Bordeaux ground team who helped me recover my purse from the petrol station when I filled up my hire car before returning it. Helped me recover it and got me a cab to collect it. Thanked them online at the time.

Bordeaux traveller

Others praised the budget airline, but suggested some changes it could make...

Love easyJet but please keep all goodies stocked up. For example, perfumes and suchlike are always sold out. To be fair, if a price is a good price, then you should order more stock. Other than that never never never had any problems. Staff are fab, food is decent and flights smooth

Lisa

Never had a problem with easyJet. They do have delays of an hour or more which are very tiring and frustrating. It's the airport staff that are the worst. Poor attitudes.
Because of the delays and staff attitudes I won't fly anymore. I use Brittany Ferries and drive. More fun.

Tonbar

We also got some advice from customer feedback company Avius...

In terms of positive customer service stories, if you correct a negative guest experience, that guest will have a higher satisfaction with your company than a guest who never has a complaint event.

Ben, chief executive

But there was one reader who could only sigh...

Jeez, you'd think John Bishop had invented positive feedback. It's a sad reflection of the world we live in that it's such a big story. Toxic attitudes come from within and is the most dangerous disease we allow ourselves to be infected with. FFS! Be. The. Change.

Norman

By Sarah Taaffe-Maguire, business and economics reporter

The UK's benchmark stock index had been on track to recover all the losses incurredsince Donald Trump announced his tariffs on 2 April, but the FTSE 100 index of most valuable companies on the London Stock Exchange dropped 0.67% this morning.

It means the FTSE 100 still has some way to go before making up for all the market turmoil the tariffs caused.

The larger FTSE 250 index, comprised of more UK-based businesses, is in a similar spot, recording a 0.5% drop so far today.

The pound is performing well at $1.32, ever so slightly below a six-month high.

It's a different picture against the euro, though, with a pound buying only €1.164 - far below the €1.20 rate just before the recent market tumult.

Worries of lower oil production from Iran, caused by US sanctions, sent the oil price ticking up.

However, a barrel of Brent crude, the benchmark oil price, is still well below last year's average at $66.38.

This morning saw gold rocket to yet another record high, as investors seek to use the "safe haven" amid a turbulent market.

For the first time ever, gold cost $3,354.6 an ounce in the early hours of the morning.

That climb has been somewhat blunted this morning as some investors sold off their earnings, but prices remain very high.

What's behind gold's price rise?

Gold has risen nearly $700 this year, with Donald Trump's tariff disputes, expectations of interest rate cuts and strong central bank buying fuelling its increases.

"Gold remains heavily supported by a broadly weaker dollar, uncertainty around tariff announcements and fears about a global recession," said Lukman Otunuga, senior research analyst at FXTM said of yesterday's rises.

What is a safe haven?

Gold is what's known as a "safe haven" for investors - as it's an asset that typically retains or increases in value during times of market turbulence or economic uncertainty.

Investors typically flock to safe havens to protect their capital from losses when markets are volatile - as they are right now.

In Italy and fancy venturing to Venice for the day? On Friday and on other selected dates, that will cost you £8.

Venice became the first city to start charging daytrippers for entry on key dates last year, though Italy has had a tourist tax (charged per night) in many hotspots for some time.

To enter the city of water on Good Friday, as well as more than 50 other key dates over the spring and summer, you must pay the "Venice Access Fee", which has doubled for tourists from €5 (£4.30) to €10 (£8.60).

The scheme is in place to protect the city from overtourism, with the majority of the millions of visitors only stopping for the day.

Anyone planning on heading into the city between 8.30am and 4pm on the prescribed dates must register online, in advance, here.

There are a few exceptions, with those under 14 or who live or study locally among those who do not have to pay, but virtually all daytripping tourists will be caught out by the charge - unless they visit after 4.30pm of course.

If you're staying overnight in Venice, you're exempt (though you'll likely be paying an accommodation charge anyway), but you must also register (for free) and be able to prove you're staying overnight.

Here are the dates you have to pay the Venice Access Fee:

• April: 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30
• May: 1, 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25, 30, 31
• June: 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29
• July: 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27

Pizza Express is changing its reward scheme from the end of the month.

There are some new perks - but some are being taken away.

Here's what you need to know...

Tier scheme now

At the moment, when you join the scheme (it's free) you are given sign-up status and rewarded with a voucher for free dough balls.

You then have to collect at least one Pizza Stamp to level up to the Bronze tier, five stamps to enter Silver and 12 to reach Gold.

You earn Pizza Stamps when you eat at a Pizza Express restaurant, order for collection or delivery, or buy a selected chilled supermarket pizza.

Tier system from 28 April

The sign-up status will be scrapped and you will become a Bronze tier member as soon as you register.

You will then reach Silver when you have collected three stamps and Gold when you hit 10.

Rewards changes

Bronze tier

Under the Bronze tier, you will be able to claim a free side or free dough balls every time you visit and get 25% off a children's meal.

On your birthday, you will also receive a free dessert.

Currently, you can only claim the free side and the free birthday dessert.

Silver tier

While you will still get a free side during every visit under the changes, the offer of a free soft and hot drink is being scrapped.

Instead, you'll get a free upgrade to a Romana-style pizza Monday to Thursday, a free dip, 50% off a children's meal and 10% off pizza-making parties.

You'll still get a free classic pizza on your birthday.

Gold tier

This tier is seeing the biggest changes to the rewards on offer.

• You will no longer be able to claim a free large water bottle or free cookbook once you reach this level.
• You will still be able to upgrade to a Romana pizza for free every day and the offer of free dough balls will be swapped for a choice of a free side or dough balls.
• The free children's meal will now be available all week, not just between Monday and Thursday.
• The free drinks rewards are also being combined, meaning you will be able to claim either a free soft drink, tea or coffee during every visit where you spend £10 or more.
• A free dip and a 20% discount on pizza-making parties will also be available.
• You'll also be able to claim either a free pizza, a free bottle of prosecco or wine, four 330ml bottles of Peroni or four soft drinks as a birthday treat.

What do you need to do?

All the changes will happen automatically, and you will move to the appropriate tier based on the number of stamps you have.

But it's worth noting that you will need to have the updated app by 6 May to keep using your loyalty benefits.

Without updating it, you will not be able to access your rewards.

You can check the full terms and conditions here.

A remote island in the Pacific Ocean might be 58 years late to the trend but it has finally installed its first ATMs.

Tuvalu, which has a population of around 10,000, made the giant leap into the digital age by introducing five machines to one of its villages.

Feleti Teo, the prime minister, unveiled the ATM at the headquarters of the National Bank of Tuvalu, with MPs and local leaders in the audience to watch the reveal.

"This is a great achievement not just by the launching of the new banking service but a transformative switch era in Tuvalu that will open doors for economic empowerment of the people," he said.

The machines currently only work with prepaid cards that residents must collect from the bank first, according to The Guardian.

But debit cards are expected to come next, with long-term plans looking an introducing Visa usage for international transactions and online shopping.

There aren't many purchases we make in life that can be as important as buying a car, so it really pays to make sure you've made the right choice.

Used cars make up the bulk of car sales in the UK every year, with an estimated 7.6 million used cars changing hands during 2024 compared to around 1.9 million new cars joining the road.

A car's value starts to depreciate as soon as it pulls out of the showroom, so even buying a year-old model could save you hundreds or even thousands of pounds.

Regardless of your budget, used cars often make a lot of financial sense. In many cases, new cars lose the majority of their value within a few years of being registered, while there are also plenty of low-mileage bargains out there. Dino Buratti, Which? cars expert

With this in mind, we're breaking down the various steps it takes to buy a second-hand car and looking at how to make sure you get the best deal.

Where to start looking

You don't need to trawl through the classified ads any more - you can buy used cars from a trader (a business that sells cars), at an auction or privately - but each comes with its own risks.

If buying from a trader, look for an established firm with a good reputation. Having a trade association sign (like the Retail Motor Industry Federation) is helpful.

Auctions are riskier, and you probably won't have the legal protection that you have if you buy from a trader, like the right to a return or refund. Make sure you read the auction house's terms and conditions of business carefully before making a bid.

Buying online is also common - eBay is one of the most popular places to buy a car. But remember, if you pay using PayPal, its purchase protection doesn't apply to cars - and neither does eBay's own buyer protection, so you can't turn to either if things go wrong.

On the price of the car, if it sounds too good to be true, it likely is, so be wary.

If the price is below what similar models are generally going for, it could be a sign that it's a scam or the car has an underlying issue.

You've found the car, now what?

Once you think you've found the car of your dreams, it's time to do some online checks. Doing simple checks will reduce your chances of buying a car that's being sold illegally or has had major repairs not reported by the seller.

Use the DVLA's free online vehicle information checker to make sure everything the seller is telling you matches the online records.

You should be checking the registration numbers match, as well as the MOT test numbers, mileage on the car and its make and model.

It's important you check the MOT and service history too, otherwise the vehicle might not be roadworthy. There's a free government service that allows you to check the MOT history of a car. Make sure you ask the seller about any gaps in a vehicle's MOT record.

Once you've reached this stage, it's time to get up close and personal. You should look at the car itself and inspect:

• The bodywork and chassis for dents and scratches
• Wheels and tyres for tread depth and scuffs
• Oil level
• Interior and electrics
• Windows for cracks and chips

Taking the car for a thorough test drive is important too - is it a bumpy ride? Does the clutch slip? Does the car pull in one direction?

How do I negotiate a better price?

Haggling isn't just for the Sunday markets, and buying a second-hand car from a dealer it's virtually expected of you to bargain a little.

You should start low and let the seller work the price up, and remember to only pay what you can afford.

Look for things that could throw up costs in the near future - such as a short MOT or worn tyres - and use them as bargaining tools.

You might also consider seeing if a discount is available for paying in cash.

Ways to pay

You can buy the vehicle on finance, though it can be more expensive this way, and you'll need to make sure you can afford the monthly payments.

If you pay cash, you can sometimes receive a discount, but remember if something goes wrong with the car you won't have the same protection some credit arrangements offer.

If you use a credit card, you'll get protection for goods between £100 and £30,000, even if you only paid for a small part of the cost on the card.

If paying a larger sum, remember that interest rates on credit cards are often much higher than a finance agreement.

What documents should I receive?

You must inform the DVLA of the change in a car's registered keeper. The traditional way of doing this is for both parties to sign the car's V5 logbook and post it to the DVLA or go online.

You also need an MOT certificate, without which the vehicle cannot be legally driven on the road. Always check the certificate has the same vehicle registration and chassis number as the car you're viewing.

You should also ensure you've got all the manuals and the servicing booklet in case things go wrong.

Finally, it's worth asking the seller to provide a signed receipt that specifies the price and date, as well as the make, model, engine size and registration of the vehicle.

Other things to remember

You should check how much road tax you'll have to pay, and if you can afford the insurance costs on your new car.

Remember, you need to have car insurance before you take ownership of the car - even if you're not driving it just yet.

What are my rights if things go wrong?

If there's a problem with your used car after you buy it, you have legal rights.

You might be entitled to a repair, the cost of a repair, or some or all of your money back if the vehicle is damaged, doesn't work, or doesn't match the advert or description you were given.

Youwon'tbe entitled to anything if:

• you were told about the fault when you bought the car;
• you inspected the car and should have spotted the problem - for example, a dent;
• you caused the fault;
• the fault is normal for how much the car has been used (known as fair wear and tear).

Every Thursday, our Money blog team interviews chefs from around the UK, hearing about their cheap food hacks and more.This week, we chat to Isaac Ball, chef at Nancarrow Farm, Cornwall.

For a cheap meal I go to...Institute in St Agnes. The most amazing freshly prepared sandwiches in a really surprising little café.

My go-to cheap eat at home...is a frittata. I always have the ingredients in the fridge and it always hits the spot.

Ingredients:

• 4 eggs
• 1/2 cup kale, stems removed and roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup spinach
• 1/2 cup roughly sliced boiled potato (optional)
• 2 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• A dash of smoked paprika if you fancy
• Optional cheese for topping

Method:

• Heat half the butter in an oven-safe pan over a medium heat
• Add the kale and cook for about two minutes, stirring occasionally. Then add the spinach and potatoes and cook for another two minutes until both greens have wilted slightly.
• Season with salt, pepper and smoked paprika
• Meanwhile, crack the eggs and whisk them together. Add the remaining butter to the pan and allow to melt through the greens
• Pour the beaten eggs over the greens and give the pan a little shake so the eggs mix in well
• Let it cook over a low heat for about 2-3 minutes until the edges start to set, then sprinkle with any cheese you have lying around in the fridge (cheddar or feta is best)
• Transfer the pan to a preheated oven (180C) and bake for around eight minutes, or until the eggs are fully set
• Let the frittata cool slightly, then slice and serve

Food is as much about textures and temperatures as it is taste and seasoning...Adding variation to dishes can make the food more exciting and have you going back for more.

Luxury ingredients don't always mean better...More affordable and humble ingredients are often slept on and they can make some amazing dishes if treated correctly. Fillet steak, for example, while incredibly good in a beef wellington, can sometimes fall short in comparison to other cuts of steak such as bavette that provide more of an eating experience regarding flavour and texture.

The humble mackerel is sometimes overlooked...despite being extremely versatile, affordable and sustainable. Mackerel can be used in so many different ways to create a whole catalogue of dishes.

I never want to see fish and chips on a menu...Many pubs fall flat when it comes to fish and chips. I'm not saying I haven't had good plates of it in some pubs - I have. But the consistency isn't there, maybe down to it not being their sole focus or the lack of the dedicated equipment. Maybe it's missing the experience of the paper or cardboard box from a chippy.

I always use star anise while braising meat and add it to pickling liquor...It adds a lovely subtle aniseed savoury sweetness. It enhances the flavours of a simple pickled onion or shallot and works especially well with pickled beetroot.

Customers sharing meals might be frustrating for a business but...you're investing in future diners so I don't see it as a bad thing. If a couple arrive and decide to share a plate of food and have minimal drinks but have a great experience doing so, they can then share their experience with friends and family. And having someone spend their hard-earned money, of which they may not have surplus, at your establishment is a privilege, especially if they decide to return.

My favourite substitute...is lamb neck. Often cheaper bought with the bone in, it is equally versatile and flavoursome as the leg or shoulder. It has a great level of fat running through that breaks down when slow-cooked, giving the most tender and moreish texture. If you splash out a little more, you can have the neck fillets off the bone, which are also fantastic cooked pink. A touch more effort put in by brining the meat before pan frying, or even better barbecuing, can give you a great cut of meat that I think surpasses most others.

Read more in this series here...

Santander has become the latest lender to announce a wave of mortgage rate cuts, dropping some to less than 4%.

Home movers with a 40% deposit are being offered a two-year fixed deal at 3.97% or a three-year fix at 3.99%

Both of those deals come with a £999 fee.

For first-time buyers, the bank has lowered rates by up to 0.21%, while those looking to remortgage will benefit from cuts of up to 0.18%.

Mortgage experts have welcomed the move but called for more to be done to help those with smaller deposits.

We'll have more on the current state of the mortgage market in our Mortgage Guide on Friday.

We have been discussing how to find the best mobile deal - but what if you pick your provider and the worst happens: your signal is terrible.

What are your rights?

Scott Dixon, AKAthe Complaints Resolver, says you should give your provider an opportunity to resolve your complaint and follow the complaints procedure in the first instance.

"Your provider has eight weeks to resolve your dispute. This is to give them enough time to assess the situation and the evidence to find an appropriate resolution," he says.

"Check with your provider and see if this is a known issue that can be remedied or if others are having similar problems."

You can also use the free complaints toolResolverto help you write, manage and escalate your complaint.

He also advises looking at a coverage checker to see if you are in a known black spot when you are unable to get a signal indoors and outdoors.

The UK's telecommunications regulator Ofcom has a mobile and broadband checker for indoor and outdoor coverage - you can use it here.

"Although this is meant to be a guide, it can also be relied on as evidence that you are not getting the service you have paid for under the Consumer Rights Act 2015," says Dixon.

You can cancel your mobile contract up to 14 days after you sign up if you are unhappy with your coverage.

Providers are expected to deal with customers who have signal issues because of mobile network problems fairly and sympathetically.

In circumstances where there is a network issue, eg a mast is switched off, customers should be offered compensation or be allowed to leave the contract early without penalty.

Can you break your contract?

If you're unable to resolve your complaint, Dixon says you can break it, as it is a clear breach of contract under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.

"Your provider may say they will charge an early cancellation fee for doing so in their terms and conditions," he says.

But he says he would push back, citing a breach of contract under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and the fact that "you should not be penalised for their failure to honour the contract you have entered into in good faith".

If all of this fails, Scott says a last resort is to take your complaint to an ombudsman.