đ§˘Â âI left my heart in San Fran⌠(âDerbadosâ?)â
A recent survey conducted by Which? collected data from 3,967 members, rating UK cities and towns theyâd visited for leisure. The results were divided into small, medium, and large cities - with Derby finishing last in their category. After Metro.co.uk published the survey findings, the good folk of Derby responded with an equal mix of fire, brimstone, and what turned out to be characteristically delightful humour in defence of their beloved city. At the same time, VisitDerby asked Metro if they would like to send a journalist to see if it really is that bad. And the results are now out⌠Jon Fellowes accepted the challenge and wrote: âWhat we found not only seemed to damningly confound the opinion of Which?âs members but, in fact, completely stole our hearts - so much so that we came dangerously close to staying longer than plannedâ. Read all about his visit here.
đ§˘Â This weekâs âTop Pickâ @WeightmanPR: Do China in a Day
One of the best tips for a âdifferent experienceâ in the UK is to Do China in a Day - and make the journey to Stoke-on-Trent for some of the best factory shopping experiences in the whole of the country. This is why people come to Stoke-on-Trent. Wedgwood, Emma Bridgewater, Spode, Burgleigh, Moorland and Moorcroft andâŚall of the famous names, in one city. And those prices..! Seconds and sales make life better for visitors and their flexible friends. But it doesnât end there. Dedicated to keeping Spodeâs heritage alive Spode Museum Trust in Stoke is the perfect example of this experience. And if youâre a collector of blue and white pottery no visit to The Potteries would be complete without visiting their incredible shop, where visitors-in-the-know go, to pick-up a piece of 18th century Spode for a few pounds.
đ§˘Â Turner250 will reopen debate of who is Britainâs greatest artist
2025 marks the 250th anniversary of the birth of Joseph Mallord William Turner (1775â1851), possibly the most widely admired and influential British artist of all time. Events in honour of one of greatest British artists are being staged across the country throughout the year, during which time the subject of whether he was the greatest British artist of all-time will once again be debated. Coincidentally, art historian Dr Bendor Grosvenor, best known from the BBC series Britainâs Lost Masterpieces, has just written a new book, The Invention of British Art. Front-and-centre in his radical retelling of British art history is the role played by landscape and portrait painter Joseph Wright, of DerbyâŚ
đ§˘Â Latest hit for Pet Shop Boys is âMade in Stoke-on-Trentâ
Pet Shop Boys are releasing a special tea set as part of the âPet Shop Boys Since 1984â range commemorating 40 years since their debut single âWest End Girlsâ. Manufactured by Duchess China in Stoke-on-Trent, the limited-edition collection features a tea pot, cups and saucers, milk jug and sugar bowl in royal blue and white, with prices starting at ÂŁ200. The sets go on sale from 20 November. Established in 1888, Duchess China has been manufacturing classically designed handmade ranges of fine bone china in Stoke-on-Trent for more than 135 years, and still uses the same traditional processes to create its pottery.