By Jowena Riley

Published: 10:19 EDT, March 22, 2024 | Updated: 10:57 AM EDT, March 22, 2024

A COMMUNITY leader is devastated as a much-loved farm shop, garden center and cafe close for good.

Gosling Farm Shop, Garden Center and Cafe in Trimley St Martin, East Suffolk, have announced this sudden closure just weeks before the spring rush.

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Lee Reeves, who represents Orwell and Villages on East Suffolk Council, said he was disappointed to see the business close its doors for good.

“It is so sad that such a long-running and beloved local business has found it necessary to close,” Lee explained.

He added: “Many will miss the shop, cafe and on-site facilities, which were well used in the summer months.”

The farm shop cafe was popular with locals in the village and also attracted tourists from all over the UK.

The district councilor also raised concerns about how the space will now be used and hopes the site will not be used for new housing development.

Hopefully the site can be used by the community

Lee Reeves

The east Suffolk village has already seen huge amounts of development, with more projects “in the pipeline”.

However, Lee added: “Hopefully the site can be used by the community, perhaps with a continued food production and a small retail element or for recreational use.”

Gosling’s owners announced the closure in a social media post, thanking staff and “loyal customers” for over the years.

One devastated resident expressed his disappointment on Facebook.

He posted a photo of the now closed farm with the caption: “A very sad slope, the gates of Gosling’s Farm Café are chained and the place is permanently closed.”

Other locals shared their sadness in the comments, with one user writing: “What a shame.”

“It will be greatly missed,” wrote another.

While this resident commented: “Everyone assumes it has been sold to developers (and I suspect they are right).”

It comes as shoppers were left saddened after a supermarket abruptly announced its closure after 50 “great” years.

And Wetherspoons has saved an ‘impressive’ pub from closure, but another campsite has closed its doors for good.

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The action was taken against Shobha Karandlaje following a complaint filed by an employee of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK).

FIR against Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje: The Madurai City Cyber ​​Crime Police on Wednesday filed an FIR against Union Minister of State Shobha Karandlaje for her comments alleging that ‘the suspect involved in the March 1 blast at Rameshwaram Café in Bengaluru was from Tamil Nadu,” the officials said.

The action was taken against Shobha Karandlaje following a complaint filed by an employee of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). A case has been registered against Karandlaje under Sections 153, 153A, 505 (1) (b) and 505 (2) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), police said.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin condemned her comments and demanded legal action against her. “Strongly condemn the reckless statement of Union BJP Minister@ShobhaBJP. To make such claims, you must be an NIA officer or closely associated with the #RameshwaramCafeBlast. Clearly she does not have the authority for such claims. Both Tamilians and Kannadigas will reject this divisive rhetoric of the BJP,” CM Stalin said in a post on X on Tuesday evening.

“I also urge appropriate legal action against Shobha as he is a threat to peace, harmony and national unity. From the Prime Minister to the cadre, everyone in the BJP should immediately stop engaging in this dirty, divisive politics. ECI must take note of these hate speeches and take immediate strict action,” he added in his post.

Strongly condemn the Union BJP minister @ShobhaBJP‘s reckless statement. One must be an NIA officer or closely associated with the #RameshwaramCafeBlast to make such claims. Clearly she does not have the authority for such claims. Both Tamilians and Kannadigas will reject this… https://t.co/wIgk4oK3dh

— MKStalin (@mkstalin) March 19, 2024

Karnataka BJP leader Shobha Karandlaje faced a strong backlash for her comments before apologizing for the same on Tuesday, stating that her comments were “intended to shine light, not cast shadows.”

In a post on Still, I see that my comments have hurt some people – and for that I apologize. My comments were directed solely at those trained in the Krishnagiri forest, which was linked to the Rameshwaram Cafe blast. To everyone from Tamilnadu affected by this: From the bottom of my heart I ask for forgiveness. Furthermore, I withdraw my previous comments.”

To my Tamil brothers and sisters,
I want to make it clear that my words were meant to shine light and not cast shadows. Still, I see that my comments have hurt some people – and for that I apologize. My comments were addressed solely to those trained in the Krishnagiri Forest,
1/2

— Shobha Karandlaje (Modi Ka Parivar) (@ShobhaBJP) March 19, 2024

linked to the Rameshwaram Cafe blast. To everyone from Tamilnadu affected by this, I ask for forgiveness from the bottom of my heart. Furthermore, I withdraw my previous comments.

— Shobha Karandlaje (Modi Ka Parivar) (@ShobhaBJP) March 19, 2024

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Shobha Karandlaje said that “a man comes from Tamil Nadu, undergoes training there and plants a bomb at Rameshwaram Cafe.”

The DMK also filed a complaint with the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday over its comments.

The DMK accused the Union minister of violating the Representation of the Peoples Act, 1951, and the Model Code of Conduct and asked the ECI to “take appropriate action against Karandlaje.”

DMK alleged that the statement was an attempt to promote feelings of enmity between the people of Karnataka and the people of Tamil Nadu.

At least four people were injured when a massive explosion took place at the Rameshwaram Cafe in Whitefield, Bengaluru.

(With ANI inputs)

PRIMARK has unveiled a new Hello Kitty-themed cafe at a branch in Glasgow – and shoppers say they are “buzzing” to visit.

The retailer has teamed up with Japanese company Sanrio to celebrate the iconic character’s 50th anniversary.

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The retail giant has given its stores in Braehead and Edinburgh a makeover and fans are loving it.

From now until June, the cafe will be serving a range of limited-edition treats inspired by Hello Kitty, such as sweet waffles and savory bow buns, alongside themed drinks including a choice of bubble teas and shakes.

A new collection has also been launched in select stores, including trendy graphic tees, sleepwear and collectible bags.

Fans of the character can also purchase mugs, stationery and beauty products.

In total, the range includes more than 100 items in women’s clothing, children’s clothing and household items.

Hello Kitty fans flocked to social media to comment on the new cafe, with many planning their next visit.

One wrote: “This is not a drill!”

Another said: “Three hours travel to Glasgow just for Hello Kitty in Primark.”

A third added: “I was here today, I spent £527 on Hello Kitty.”

A fourth weighed in: “Got to go here honestly.”

Sarah Jackson, Director of Licensing at Primark, said: “Hello Kitty has been a cultural phenomenon since her debut in 1974, captivating hearts around the world with her adorable aesthetic.

“At Primark we are proud of our extensive licensing offering and we are thrilled to unveil our new collection, marking another exciting chapter in Hello Kitty’s lasting legacy.

“We want to provide our customers with an unforgettable shopping experience and we are excited to once again transform our Primarket cafes into a Hello Kitty haven in five locations across the UK.”

Rameshwaram Café in Bengaluru reopened its doors to customers on Saturday morning, almost eight days after an explosion that injured at least 10 people.

Bangalore: The Rameshwaram Café in Karnataka’s Bengaluru reopened its doors to customers on Saturday morning, a significant moment almost eight days after a tragic explosion that injured at least 10 people. The incident, which happened on March 1 during the busy lunch hour at the cafe in the Whitefield area, had shocked the community. However, the cafe’s resilience and spirit were evident as it welcomed customers.

The reopening of the famous café was accompanied by strict security measures, reflecting the priority given to customer safety. As customers queued outside the outlet, the cafe’s co-founder Raghavendra Rao and the entire staff gathered for a moving moment of unity by singing the national anthem. Before its reopening, the café underwent extensive renovations to ensure a safer environment for its customers.

#WATCH | Bengaluru, Karnataka: Checking customers at Rameshwaram cafe.

The cafe reopened to people eight days after the explosion. pic.twitter.com/kwclTU4ksE

— ANI (@ANI) March 9, 2024

“We are taking all safety measures to prevent such incidents in the future. We are strengthening our security team and are also trying to get a panel of ex-servicemen to train our security guards,” said Raghavendra Rao while speaking to ANI.

Talking to reporters, Divya Raghavendra Rao, co-founder of Rameshwaram Cafe, said that “hoteliers cannot stoop to a level where their hands can feed the people”. “Our aim is to take the Indian, and especially South Indian, dish to the global level. This (incident) cannot shake the courage of Indian culture, it cannot shake the spirit of true Indians. The response to the attempted disruption will be given when the cafe reopens to customers on Saturday morning (6am),” she said.

“We started our journey with a cart in 2012. After the war there is peace, revolution and change. The incident has made us strong. Our 1,500 employees become ‘guardians’. Metal detectors have been installed at cafes. There will be plainclothes supervisors to keep an eye on things,” she added.

NIA releases two videos of suspect, seeks cooperation from citizens

Nine persons were injured in a bomb blast at the Rameshwaram Cafe, a popular eatery in the city of Bengaluru, on Friday. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said investigations were on to determine the cause and nature of the explosion at the famous cafe in Whitefield area.

Rameshwaram Café explosion: Opposition BJP on Friday won Congress dispensation in Karnataka over the blast at a popular eatery in Bengaluru, while Chief Minister Siddaramaiah assured that the perpetrators of the attack will be tracked down and brought to justice and urged the Opposition not to overlook the incident to politicize.

In a post on

“Deeply disturbed to hear about the Rameswaram Cafe blast in Bangalore. Praying for the speedy recovery of all those injured in the incident. The state government should order a detailed investigation and make every effort to arrest the perpetrators,” Vijayendra wrote.

The state BJP chief accused the government of downplaying such crimes and said it is “pushing the state into this chaos, making it a safe haven for anti-social elements.”

Vijayendra said the failure of police intelligence is also evident from this incident.

“We strongly urge the police to conduct a thorough investigation and root out these elements from the core, without giving in to any political pressure,” he added.

‘Do not politicize’

Meanwhile, CM Siddaramaiah, addressing a press conference, assured that the suspects involved in the cafe blast will be tracked down and punished, adding that opposition parties should refrain from indulging in politics over the incident.

“Camera footage from the cafe is being examined. It has become known that someone left a bag in the cafe. Those accused in the incident will be punished,” Siddaramaiah told reporters in Mysuru.

The Prime Minister claimed that “several explosions have taken place in the previous governments too,” the Prime Minister said. “This incident has happened in our government. Disciplinary and strict action will be taken against those involved. There should be no politics in this matter.”

Citing sources, news agency ANI reported that a National Investigation Agency (NIA) team will visit the blast site in Bengaluru as per Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).

Bengaluru is safe: Shivakumar

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar assured the people of Bengaluru and said that investigative agencies are seriously investigating the matter.

“Our officers are investigating the matter, whether there was business rivalry or not, and whoever did this will be investigated. Whoever they are, there are videos, complete videos of almost 2-3 km that are being inspected by the investigating officers there. There’s nothing serious. Bengalureans do not have to worry about law and order. The situation in the state is fine,” he said.

BJP expressed concern and flagged security lapses

Opposition BJP, however, has expressed concern over the safety of citizens following the blast.

“Worried to hear about the mysterious blast at Rameshwaram Cafe in Central Parliamentary Constituency of Bengaluru. My thoughts are with the individuals affected and their families. Authorities are urged to investigate and ensure the safety of all citizens. Stay safe, Bengaluru,” PC Mohan, the BJP Lok Sabha MP from Bengaluru Central, wrote on X.

BJP MP Tejasvi Surya, who represents the Bengaluru South constituency, said the cafe’s founder told him that an explosion had occurred after a customer left a bag in the premises.

Surya, who is also the head of the BJP Yuva Morcha, said the people of Bengaluru are demanding answers from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

“I just spoke to the founder of Rameshwaram Cafe, Sri Nagaraj, about the blast at his restaurant. He told me the explosion occurred due to a bag left by a customer and not a cylinder explosion. One of their employees is injured. It appears to be a clear case of a bomb attack. Bengaluru demands clear answers from CM Siddaramaiah,” wrote Tejasvi Surya on X.

Café explosion in Bengaluru

Earlier in the day, a bomb blast at the Rameshwaram Cafe, a popular eatery in the city of Bengaluru, injured nine persons and police have launched an investigation from all angles after it emerged that an earlier suspected gas leak was not the cause of the explosion. .

Police suspect that a bag containing a possible improvised explosive device (IED) at the eatery could have exploded even as the NIA and IB have been informed of the case. Officials from the NIA local unit later reached the spot.

Shoot footage at the Rameswaram Cafe in Bengaluru, Karnataka. At least ten injured. NIA takes over the investigation #BengaluruBlast #rameshwaram pic.twitter.com/Ca59wJ7ZY7

— Sudhakar Udumula (@sudhakarudumula) March 1, 2024

CM Siddaramaiah said investigations have been carried out to determine the cause and nature of the explosion at the popular Rameshwaram Cafe in Whitefield, adding that it could have been caused by an “improvised explosive” device.

The incident should not be politicized and everyone should cooperate, Siddaramaiah said, adding that strict action would be taken against those involved.

State police chief Alok Mohan described the explosion as a “bomb blast” and said no one was seriously injured.

“At 1 p.m. a bomb attack took place in the hotel (cafe), nine people were injured and no one seriously. We are investigating. FSL (forensic) teams have come and are checking. The city’s police chief and other officers are on the scene. We will definitely identify who did it,” he said after visiting the site.

(With input from agencies)

Savor the flavors of Agra through its top restaurants Known as the city of the Taj, Agra also offers incredible culinary adventures that go beyond monumental wonders. Of classic North Indian taste

Known as the city of the Taj, Agra offers incredible culinary adventures in addition to monumental wonders. From classic North Indian flavors to global cuisines, I have discovered countless flavors that reflect the rich cultural tapestry of this historic city. Join me as I present 6 must-visit dinners and standout bites that Foodie shouldn’t miss in Agra!

1. Pinch of herbs

To enjoy aromatic curries and kebabs, mark Pinch of Spice on your food road map. Known for North Indian and Mughlai preparations, it attracts curry lovers with flavorful gravy and tandoori delicacies.

– Tasty butter chicken in creamy tomato curry
– Elegant furnishings with traditional Indian elements
– Royal Platter lets you taste the tastiest menu items

2. Esphahan in The Oberoi Amarvilas

Esfahan in Oberoi Amarvilas offers royal treatment through tradition-inspired luxury thalis. Enjoy a gastronomic journey through India as the thali presents an array of regional dishes on vegetarian and non-vegetarian plates.

– Thali with a gourmet pan-Indian culinary experience
– Live classical music with a royal atmosphere
– Breathtaking view of the Taj Mahal from the restaurant

3. Shankara Vegis Restaurant

Shankara Vegis Restaurant delights vegetarians with delicious global preparations, prepared with fresh ingredients and without traces of meat. Sink your teeth into light paneer tikka masala or opt for vegan and gluten-free dishes.

– Delicious Indian and continental vegetarian dishes
– Casual, cozy and friendly for relaxed dining
– Vegan, gluten-free dishes that take food preferences into account

4. Peshawri at ITC Mughal

For a rugged foodie experience, Peshawri presents flavorful frontier food from Northwest India in royal style. Clay ovens add aroma to dishes like Bukhara Dal and Raan. Skewered kebabs, patiently marinated, are cooked over slow heat for that melt-in-your-mouth flavor.

– Authentic meat cuisine from the northwest frontier
– Clay ovens for smoky kebabs and curries
– A gastronomic space with a rustic theme

5. Rooftop restaurant at Saniya Palace Inn

I concluded my Agra food tour by dining under the stars at Saniya Palace’s Rooftop Restaurant. Enjoy tasty Mughlai, Chinese and continental preparations with the Taj Mahal before your eyes. Magic!

– Outdoor dining on the roof
– Scenic view of the Taj Mahal from the restaurant
– Multi-cuisine menu

6. Café Sheroes meeting place

Cafe Sheroes Hangout serves tasty snacks and contributes to a heartwarming cause: empowering female acid attack survivors. This vibrant café with messages of hope runs on a pay-what-you-want model for meals. Your support with every bite counts.

– Fresh sandwiches, smoothies and more
– Pay-what-you-want model that promotes a noble cause
– Positive atmosphere through inspiring design

Conclusion

Through age-old recipes and global influences, Agra’s culinary landscape weaves a tasty tapestry that goes beyond its monumental heritage. History lives on through flavorful spreads in restaurants that practice age-old cooking traditions with a touch of innovation. Taj Mahal Apart from that, food is Agra’s treasure waiting to be discovered, one bite at a time!

By Campbell Greaves for Daily Mail Australia

Published: 11:50 PM EST, February 19, 2024 | Updated: 11:50 PM EST, February 19, 2024

SHOPPERS are furious after a cafe chain with 473 stores closed two 'concept' branches after just eight years.

Pret A Manger has confirmed that the remaining “Veggie Pret” locations in London will close.

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The two London stores, on Broadwick Street and Great Eastern Street, will be renovated on February 19.

It means that the store is pulling down its shutters for the last time today.

Meanwhile, the Veggie Pret in Deansgate, Manchester, will undergo renovations on February 26.

A post on Facebook from Veggie Pret said: “Thanks, Veggie Pret

“It started with a tweet, and now here we are. We opened our first Veggie Pret in 2016 to help us get even better at making vegetarian and vegan recipes that everyone would love (not just veggies).

“Since we opened our doors, we have served thousands of vegans, vegetarians, flexitarians and sometimes itarains.

“So, what now? We're turning our last three Veggie Pret Shops (Great Eastern Street and Broadwick Street in London and Deansgate in Manchester) into classic Pret shops, to share what we've learned about making brilliant meat-free food with even more more customers, every day.”

Punters were quick to share their thoughts on the latest change.

One wrote: “Depressing move.”

Another said: “What a decline, very disappointing. Most prets now have such a poor choice of plant based things, hardly worth going in.”

“It used to be great for vegetarian and vegan options, but nowadays there isn't much anymore. Such a shame,” said another user.

While a fourth simply said it was the “worst decision ever”.

The first Veggie Pret opened in Soho, central London, in 2016 after a successful trial.

The company subsequently opened ten more and bought competitor Eat to turn its outlets into branches catering exclusively to vegetarians or vegans.

But those plans were upended when the pandemic and lockdowns destroyed the busy lunch trade near office buildings.

Bosses began closing Veggie branches or converting them to standard Prets, where items such as crayfish sarnies and chicken Caesar baguettes remain bestsellers.

Katherine Bagshawe, UK food and coffee director at Pret A Manger, said: “Today one in three of all our main meals are vegetarian or vegan.

“Every Pret store is a Veggie Pret store, with new vegetarian and vegan products on our menu all the time.

“Our original Meatless Meatball Hot Wrap was born in Veggie Pret, but became a top five bestseller across Pret within the first week of launch, showing us how customers want great vegetarian food across all our stores.”

Veganism's mainstream appeal has been helped in part by celebrities such as pop star Ellie Goulding speaking out about their plant-based diets.

Pret A Manger sandwich chain got into trouble last year after charging £7.15 for “Britain's worst baguette”.

The price tag for food in a London Tube station has been stuck on Posh Cheddar and Pickle products.

Furious customers criticized the chain's prices on social media, calling it a 'rip off'.

The sandwich is almost £1.50 cheaper when customers sign up for a Club Pret membership for £30 per month.

A spokeswoman for Pret stressed that the price of £7.15, or £5.95 to eat out, only applies in transport hubs, and that most customers buy the baguette to take away for £4.95 in non- station shops.

'DEATH' OF HOOFSTRAAT

The hospitality sector has been feeling the pressure since the pandemic, as households cut back on spending due to the rising cost of living.

High energy costs and higher prices are also taking their toll, and many restaurants and cafes in the main shopping streets are struggling to stay afloat.

We've seen a slew of closures in the past year and more are on the way.

Pubs such as Wetherspoons and restaurants such as Frankie & Benny's and Chiquito closed their doors.

Costa Coffee on Bruntsfield Place in Edinburgh ground its last bean this week when the store officially closed on Valentine's Day.

Several major retail brands have also gone bankrupt in recent years, such as Wilko and Paperchase.

The Body Shop recently confirmed it has gone bankrupt, leaving 200 stores at risk of closure.

More shoppers than ever are choosing to order online instead of going to the store.

This leaves some retailers struggling with budgets and having no choice but to close stores to cut costs.

British retailers saw the amount of goods sold fall last month, at the fastest pace in three years, as under-pressure households moved some of their Christmas shopping to earlier in the year.

Sales volumes fell 3.2 percent in December, Office for National Statistics data showed, compared with a 1.4 percent increase a month earlier.