thetelegraph--2020-01-23--Best ski holiday deals for February half-term 2020, and top family resorts to avoid the crowds

Half-term week on the slopes is one of the busiest of the season , especially in big name European ski resorts .
The key week when most UK pupils will be on holiday in 2020 is from Saturday , February 15 .
A few areas have half term the following week , but the majority of school children will be off from February 17-21 .
UK half-term dates notoriously coincide with the French holidays , taken at different times over a four-week period depending on country zone .
The key zone , because it normally leads to the highest number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is zone C , covering Paris .
In 2020 this is February 10-21 , so a week 's overlap with the main UK half term .
Also on holiday from February 17-28 will be zone B , which is northern France , so expect exceptionally busy slopes .
Families looking to book holidays from the weekend of February 22 should not feel too smug though , as this coincides with the bulk of Dutch school holidays as well as the French zone A , which is the south-west and central region .
So @ @ @ @ @ @ @ finding a family-friendly resort without the masses ?
One of the best bets , if budget allows , is to go to North America .
As a general rule slopes are far less busy than in Europe and notably so in February , when there are no North American school holidays .
Facilities for children are excellent as is instruction and the snow tends to be plentiful .
However , there are still good options closer to home .
The over-riding advice is to avoid big-name , British favoured high-altitude French resorts such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and La Plagne .
Choosing a holiday in Italy or Austria has the benefit of resort prices tending to be lower than in comparative French destinations ; if price is not an issue then consider Switzerland .
If only France will do , lesser-known , lower altitude destinations will deliver lower prices and , reassuringly , at this time of year snow cover tends to be reliable .
Another option for families with the budget is Scandinavia .
Resorts here are less well-known internationally and so tend to be relatively crowd free .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ such as husky sled rides and snowmobiling .
Whether they ’ re underrated , high on value or simply less likely to attract crowds , even at peak time , these family-friendly resorts will help keep costs down during February half-term .
Unless stated otherwise , prices are per adult , based on two adults and two children aged two to 12 sharing a family room , half-board for seven nights , including flights and transfers .
Half-term 2020 is almost sold out , so consider thinking ahead to 2021 – some operators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sweden ’ s biggest downhill resort , with three separate ski areas strung out beside a frozen lake , and a ski season that goes on well into April thanks to the long hours of sunlight and warmer temperatures later in the season .
It ’ s popular with families who love the off‑slope activities including dog or reindeer sled rides , tobogganing , snowmobiling , skating , curling and ice fishing .
During the ski season EasyJet flies to Östersund , about an hour ’ s drive away , avoiding a change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reach this far-northern resort .
In general , Åre ’ s slopes suit beginners and intermediates – most of the runs are green and blue , set among trees on the lower part of the mountain .
The main ski area is above town , while Björnen ( a dedicated ski area for kids ) and Duved are along the valley .
A special piste map highlights fun things and areas of slopes for children , and those aged seven and under get a free lift pass so long as they wear a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made up of pretty , coloured wooden buildings and some larger modern additions .
Families often take their children to the lively après sessions as the lifts close , so expect to be dancing next to six year olds – as well as resort mascot Valle the Snowman , who pops up all over Åre to keep children entertained .
While there are few piste challenges for experts , the terrain park in the main ski area has red and black lines of varied kickers , plus a mix of rails , boxes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s also open at night , illuminated with colourful LED lighting .
There ’ s another main park with beginner and intermediate features , and a couple of children ’ s parks in Björnen .
Availaibility is very limited for February 2021 's half term , so plan ahead and take advantage of Ski Safari 's early booking offer at the Copperhill Mountain Lodge , Åre 's only five-star hotel .
From £1,307 , with Ski Safari .
The 200km Monterosa ski area is one of the most underrated in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with one small-scale resort in each : Champoluc in the west , Alagna in the east , Gressoney in the centre .
Champoluc is a charming village , with a typically Italian laid-back atmosphere and some decent bars .
The scenery is beautiful and there ’ s a general lack of crowds and traffic in the area .
From the village , a gondola goes up to Crest and the beginner slopes .
From the nearby hamlet of Frachey ( served by a free ski bus ) , a funicular gives direct @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , unspoilt ski area .
Gressoney and Champoluc are suitable for intermediates , while runs out of Alagna hold more challenge for experts .
The slopes are tucked beneath the mighty Monterosa massif , which reaches 4,364m and divides Italy from Switzerland ( Zermatt is on the other side ) .
Child care tends to be limited in Italy because Italian families bring granny and grandpa along to look after the little ones .
A big plus point in Champoluc is the nursery with British nannies , run by tour operator Ski 2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for over 20 years and has its own ski school with a mix of British and local English-speaking instructors teaching children from four years old .
The Italian Scuola Sci Champoluc also has a good reputation for teaching both adults and children .
Book one of Champoluc 's last remaining rooms for half term 2020 at the three-star Hotel Villa Anna Maria , in the centre of the village .
From £1,588 for adults and £1,388 for children , excluding flights , including six-day Monterosa lift pass , lunch at mountain restaurants , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under 12 , departing 15 February 2020 , with Ski 2 .
The largely car-free resort village at Panorama is very family friendly .
There are two levels linked by a free gondola , and the Upper Village is the best place to stay ; it ’ s close to the main slope lifts and has lots of accommodation with direct access to the snow .
It ’ s based around a skating rink and outdoor hot pool complex , with swimming pools , water slides , hot tubs and a sauna .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ aged 18 months to five years , with a combination of child care and ski school available for kids aged three and up .
Daily activity programmes are offered and there ’ s a list of babysitters for out-of-hours care .
Panorama mountain has a 1,300m vertical , one of the biggest in North America , and there ’ s terrain to suit all levels .
Near the foot of the mountain , the Discovery Zone has easy-to-use lifts and gentle green runs , ideal for beginners and young families , while the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ piste of the mid-mountain suit intermediates .
For experts , there are two black-run powder bowls accessible from the resort high point of 2,365m , and plenty of gladed tree areas .
A luxurious 12-seater snowca makes it easy to lap the highest terrain .
RK Heliski specialises in taking out first-timers and provides fat skis or snowboards to make powder easier .
A short walk from the slopes , the Upper Village Condos are comfortable , spacious , and residents have free access to the hot pools complex.From £2,247 on a room @ @ @ @ @ @ @ largest of five French resorts in the 265km Grand Massif ski area , Flaine is all about family-friendly convenience .
Its concrete apartment blocks were designed in the 1960s in Bauhaus style , with outdoor sculptures by Picasso , Vasarely and Dubuffet , so some find it hard to love – but everyone appreciates the ski-in/ski-out access to the slopes .
Flaine Forum is the main part of the resort , based around a big square with an ice rink , a children ’ s sledge run , and the main gondola to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bowling , a driving simulator for ages seven and up , an airbag and tubing .
Above Forum is Flaine Forêt , and lifts run between the two 24/7 .
Both have bars and restaurants serving reasonable food to a largely family clientele .
Two more chalet-style bases , Hameau de Flaine and the Montsoleil apartments , sit just outside the main arena .
The Grand Massif ’ s ski area is nicely varied and big enough to keep even the keenest intermediate happy for a week .
Nearly all the pistes in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intermediates best : a few easy cruising blues , but mostly reds with short steep sections .
For experts , there is off piste to be explored with a guide .
But Flaine is dominated by families and first-timers , and has two nursery areas , short green runs and a long gentle blue to move on to .
There are no terrain parks , but the Grand Massif has various fun areas , aimed mainly at children , with bumps , banked turns and trees to negotiate .
The ski-in/ski-out Residence Les @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the main gondola in Flaine Forum has a indoor pool , hot tub and sauna .
From £739 for a one-bedroom self-catered apartment sleeping up to four , including ski passes , departing 15 February 2019 , with Sunweb .
Wengen might have been designed for families .
The village is essentially car-free ( with the exception of taxis ) , and at its heart there ’ s a snow-covered meadow that serves as a combined playground and gentle nursery slope .
It shares a ski area with Grindelwald , and most of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lovely long red and blue runs under the towering north face of the Eiger .
The village sits on a sunny shelf and is made up of a mix of small chalets and bigger , more institutional-looking hotels .
The main way up the mountain is a cog railway that is easy to use , and also gives access to the village from Lauterbrunnen down in the valley .
The Jungfrau region lift pass covers the slopes of neighbouring Mürren as well as Wengen and Grindelwald .
While Switzerland is generally expensive , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and reduced for children aged up to 19 .
A six-day Wengen/Grindelwald pass costs 309CHF for adults in 2019/20 .
There are plenty of family-friendly activities on offer , including 50km of toboggan runs .
The most obvious of these is the 4.5km run from Wengernalp down to the train station in town , but there are also long runs from the top of the mountain going in the opposite direction towards Grindelwald .
In the middle of the village there ’ s indoor curling and outdoor skating .
The four-star Hotel Silberhorn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cog railway station , with the nursery slopes not far away .
There are outstanding views from the south-facing rooms , a playroom and spa that ’ s open for children until 5pm .
From £2,299 , departing 15 February 2020 , with Inghams .
Best for little ’ uns If taking young children to the Alps a short transfer and low-risk environment is preferable .
Obergurgl ’ s traditional village is set around a fine church , there ’ s no through traffic , and the ambience is essentially family friendly .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ families return every winter , for the low-key atmosphere , traditional hotels and scattering of chalets .
Set at 1,930m , Obergurgl happily obliges with guaranteed snow cover at village level .
The ski area is ideal for beginners and improving intermediates and is linked by lift to higher Hochgurgl .
The more advanced will find challenging runs in nearby Vent and Sölden , both of which are covered by an Obergurgl lift pass , and excellent off piste to explore .
There ’ s a small selection of ski schools in Obergurgl @ @ @ @ @ @ @ English .
British family tour operator Esprit runs its own classes for children , and also provides child care for ages between 17 weeks and 12 years .
Weekly lesson packages are available for children aged three to 12 years , priced from £290 ; while six full days of child care costs from £349 .
Chalet Alpenblume is 200m from the nearest piste , and also close to the Festkogl gondola .
From £1,849 , departing 15 February 2020 , with Esprit .
It ’ s hard to believe there are any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ del Sol and Andaluçia ’ s sun-baked hills , but in fact the Sierra Nevada boasts some of Europe ’ s highest peaks .
The Penibético mountains are spectacular enough to rival Granada ’ s incredible Alhambra , in all its Moorish grandeur .
The resort base sits at a snow-sure 2,100m , with slopes going up to 3,330m .
The highest viewpoint on the slopes is Veleta at 3,398m .
From here , on a sunny day , the Mediterranean sparkles in the distance in one direction ; in the other , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Two gondola lifts rise from the base to Borreguiles at mid-mountain , the main hub for ski schools and from where a huge nursery area caters for beginners , and lifts fan out across the mountains .
A large self-service restaurant here offers excellent value , while the table-service Alcazaba above it serves high-quality , beautifully presented local fare , including barbecued meat dishes and teen-friendly burgers .
The après scene swaps tartiflette for tapas and paella , and typically doesn ’ t get going until very late .
When it does , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
While a day out from Sierra Nevada to Granada is easy enough , it ’ s well worth topping or tailing a ski trip with a night staying in the ancient UNESCO-recognised city , where it ’ s easy to feel further from home than southern Spain .
The three-star GHM Hotel Monachil is located at the foot of the slopes in Sierra Nevada , and has a games room and spa , family rooms sleeping four , and family menus in its Cervino restaurant .
From £1,292 , departing 15 Feburary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for learning the ropes With 75km of slopes above two bases , Høyfjellssenter and Turistsenter , Trysil is the largest ski resort in Norway .
The slopes are less crowded than in the main Alpine resorts – worth knowing when holidays have to be taken at peak holiday times such as half-term .
The majority of hotels here are ski‑in/ski‑out , which is great news for beginners .
Trysil is so convinced of its snow reliability that it guarantees there will be white stuff in the village during high season .
On the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mountain ) offers the best part of 360 degrees of runs .
While the resort is definitely best suited to beginners and early intermediates , and has dedicated , closed-off children ’ s ski areas on the slopes , there is some challenging terrain in the Høgegga sector .
There are also four levels of terrain park , from an advanced black line , via red and blue , down to green for small children ( or nervous adults ) .
Trysil is fairly laid back , though there are several good spots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mountain , and a decent selection of bars and restaurants at the two village bases .
At Turistsenter , Sindrestua is an unpretentious , friendly coffee shop-cum-bar that encourages après for the whole family ( in contrast with noisier places ) , while Sagbruket near the nursery slopes serves hot chocolate .
The ski-in/ski-out Radisson Blu Mountain Hotel in Høyfjellssenter sits below a network of green runs and has a children ’ s playroom and games room , two on-site restaurants , a bakery and a well-equipped spa .
From £1,167 , B @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with Crystal .
Les Menuires , with its prime location in the centre of the 600km Trois Vallées ( 3V ) ski area , has long had an ugly duckling reputation thanks to some monstrous 1960s architecture .
These days , while hardly a swan , it has matured into a pretty presentable drake , but remains underrated and easier on the pocket than 3V big hitters Courchevel , Méribel and Val Thorens .
The village is at 1,850m , and Les Menuires ’ local slopes are great for all standards .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ intermediate runs , both on and off piste , in the entire 3V ski area .
The lifts go up to the 2,804m summit of Pointe de La Masse , with superb runs on and off piste that remain uncrowded , even during peak season .
The benign blue Bouquetin run allows enjoyment of the views from the top without the challenges of the more extreme descents on either side .
Lifts towards the rest of the 3V are fast and efficient .
The modern , largely ski-in/ski-out satellites of Reberty and Le @ @ @ @ @ @ @ style , with their own shops and restaurants .
Most accommodation is in self-catering apartments , and nightlife tends to be sedate .
Restaurants such as La Ferme de Reberty do good-value grub for families who want a break from cooking .
Ski Amis has limited availability at its catered , ski-in/ski-out chalet Delfina , which serves three or four course meals on six of the seven nights .
From £929 , excluding travel , with Ski Amis .
Best for pounding pistes as a family It ’ s not difficult to find @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you ’ re prepared to compromise on either the quality or quantity of the slopes .
There are dozens of small villages with loads of charm , but limited terrain and lift systems .
However , Söll has plenty to offer – the extensive SkiWelt area of largely intermediate pistes , plus lots of budget places to stay .
The traditional Tirolean village with its onion-domed church is set in the middle of a wide valley .
The slopes are a kilometre away and best reached by ski bus .
If the SkiWelt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for keen piste-bashing families , the region is directly linked ( by a short bus ride ) through Westendorf and Kirchberg to Kitzbühel .
This adds another 54 lifts and 179km to the tally , though on a separate lift pass .
In town , the Hochsöll gondola takes kids and adults up to the 4km Moon toboggan run , which is floodlit until 10.30pm Wednesday to Saturday evenings .
Söll was once known for its raucous nightlife , and best suits those who come to attack the slopes with gusto or to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recent years the resort has started attracting families , too , with plenty of accommodation .
The Hotel Tyrol is one of Söll 's top hotels , a short walk from the village centre and opposite a bus stop .
From £1,440 , departing 15 February 2020 , with i-ski.co.uk .

With the Easter break starting this coming weekend, now is the time for skiers, in particular families, who have a holiday booked abroad to ensure they are familiar with all the last remaining Covid procedures for travel and in ski resorts.
While the UK government has scrapped all Covid travel restrictions for returning travellers, the rules remain, and continue to shift, in Europe and further afield. And not always in the right direction.
The good news is the majority of ski destinations have significantly eased requirements at the border and Covid passports have been largely scrapped, but the red tape is different in each destination and varies greatly if you have children in tow.
To avoid getting caught out by this, here is our country-by-country checklist of the Covid regulation requirements needed for your ski trip this Easter.
France
Entry requirements
A week before travel
▢ Ensure all over-16s have received final vaccine dose
72 hours before travel
▢ Unvaccinated 12-17 year olds must take a PCR test, or;
48 hours before travel
▢ Unvaccinated 12-17 year olds must take a lateral flow test
▢ All over-12s must complete ‘sworn statement’
▢ Download documents to prove full vaccination, booster or recovery
The rules in detail
Children under 12 years are exempt from all regulations. To holiday in France, anyone aged 12 years or over must be double-jabbed or show proof of recovery within 180 days of a positive PCR test. If you received your second dose more than 270 days (nine months) ago, you will also need to show evidence of a booster, received at least 14 days previously. Final vaccine doses must be administered seven days before travel. Unvaccinated adults are permitted under specific circumstances, but must quarantine on arrival. Unvaccinated children 12-17 can travel without isolating if accompanied by a fully vaccinated adult, but must test before travel. All travellers over 12 must complete a ‘sworn statement’ that they are not suffering from any Covid symptoms and have not been in contact with confirmed Covid cases in the preceding fortnight.
Covid passports
On March 14, France scrapped its health passport scheme, making life much easier in the nation's ski resorts.
In-resort rules for skiers
Masks
Despite France easing its rules on mask wearing in most settings, high grade FFP2-type masks are advised for everyone over the age of six in indoor lift queues and on enclosed lifts, such as gondolas, but not required while skiing or on open-air chairlifts or drag lifts, or in shops, restaurants or hotels.
Après ski
Nightclubs and bars have reopened and table service is no longer mandatory. Après ski is back in full swing.
Austria
Entry requirements
72 hours before travel
▢ Unvaccinated over-12s must take a Covid PCR test, or;
48 hours before travel
▢ Unvaccinated over-12s must take antigen test 48 hours before
▢ Download documents to prove full vaccination (including booster 180 days after second dose) or recovery
The rules in detail
All travellers must show either proof of full vaccination, recovery from Covid in the past 180 days or a negative test to enter Austria – referred to as 3G status. If showing proof of vaccination, you must demonstrate that you received your second dose or a booster no more than 270 days before arrival. A medical certificate including the date of recovery is needed if proving recovery. PCR test results are valid for 72 hours, antigen test results are valid for 48 hours. Travellers entering Austria with 3G proof do not need to fill in a pre-travel clearance form.Under 12s are exempt from all entry restrictions, all other children must follow the 3G rule (vaccinated, recovered or tested) to enter Austria.
Covid passports
On March 5 Austria lifted scrapped its health pass scheme, meaning you no longer need to provide proof of your Covid status to hit the slopes.


thetelegraph--2020-01-23--Everything you need to know about buying ski gloves

Whether the priority is ultra-warmth , maximum dexterity or a slim and elegant look , our buying advice and technology tips will help you choose the right ski and snowboard gloves – or mittens – this season .
Whether it ’ s in the form of tighten-to-fit elastic pulls at the top of gloves or Velcro fastening at the wrists , cinch straps are useful both to keep warmth in and to keep snow out , especially if you fall over .
All of the gloves and mittens we review have one or the other , or both .
Sounds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be made in the wrist area .
Gloves with short cuffs are designed to be worn under jacket sleeves , so the jacket helps seal in warmth .
Some short cuffs are designed to fit closely , others have a fitted inner cuff to make them better at keeping snow out .
This is also where base layers and jackets with thumb loops come into their own , closing any gaps between jacket and glove .
Another option is long , gauntlet-style gloves .
They can be bulky but the long design can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than a short , under sleeve design , and so might be preferable when hunting powder .
Many gloves have a softer fabric panel on the thumb , designed to be kind to your skin when wiping the inevitable runny nose that comes with being in cold mountains .
You may prefer to use tissues .
While the panels are sometimes referred to as goggles wipers too , take care when clearing snow , as they can damage a delicate lens .
Padding adds warmth to gloves of course ; the best kind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ less likely to overheat .
It may be natural down , particularly in the warmest mittens , or made using wool , but most is synthetic .
Some brands use own-brand tech while others use name brands such as PrimaLoft or Thinsulate .
Insulation can make gloves more bulky and less dextrous as well as warmer ; some manufacturers address this with heavier-weight insulation over the top of hands , lighter weight on the palms .
PrimaLoft and Gore even make a special kind of insulation with less slidey layers to enhance grip @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without bulk is not insulation at all , but battery power to spread electronic heat around the hands .
The inside of gloves is often soft for a cosy feel , and moisture-wicking to draw sweat away from hot hands .
If gloves are thickly padded or have layers of lining that slide around inside , it can make it harder to grip poles etc , something to watch for when trying on .
Some gloves and mittens come with removable liner gloves , so you can add or subtract warmth as you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cold hands , mittens , aka mitts , are intrinsically warmer than gloves , because your fingers ’ proximity to each other means they can share heat and gives room for warm air to circulate .
Some mitts feel more like gloves on the inside , with an extra lining with finger separators that boost warmth , and can help dexterity if cleverly attached .
The material that the palm , fingers and thumbs of gloves is made of affects how they feel and perform , as well as the cost .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; on more expensive pairs it tends to be leather .
Supple leather offers better dexterity and sensation than synthetics , and is likely to be more durable , better resisting edge cuts from skis/snowboards for example .
On the other hand , leather does need to be treated well to make it last , which means using appropriate cleaners and conditioner/reproofers to maintain water repellency and flexibility .
Synthetic palm materials don ’ t need looking after in the same way .
Thinner gloves without insulation are often used in the terrain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when doing freestyle tricks , hence the name pipe gloves .
The “ spring ” name comes because while the style is appealingly low-profile , the downside is they 're not very warm , so they 're best worn when the weather 's good , especially if cruising pistes rather than energetically hiking the pipe .
Park-orientated gloves and mitts also tend to have a silicone pattern printed on palms and fingers , which also helps with sticking that grab .
Why would you need pockets in gloves ?
To pop in your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , or keep some spare change .
Found on a few gloves , they 're usually on the top of the hand , and can double up as a vent to allow air to circulate on hot days .
Some innovative mittens open all around the hand to release the fingers ( covered by an inner glove ) for extra dexterity or cooling .
Empty gloves rarely have straight fingers , but look as if your hand is still inside .
That 's because they 've been cut , shaped and stitched to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which helps with fit and dexterity .
Better fit means better blood flow and mobility , ultimately meaning warmer hands .
A lot of stitching on the fingers can affect ability to feel and dexterity , so there 's a move to cut down on it with ever smarter patterning .
Abrasion hotspots such as fingertips , palms and thumbs , and impact hotspots like the back of hand and knuckles , benefit from an extra injection of durability , so some gloves use tough reinforcing materials in these areas , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the hand .
A clip on each glove is useful for attaching the gloves to each other when you take them off so they don ’ t get separated .
The mysterious loop often found on one finger , particularly of more backcountry-orientated gloves , is so they can be attached to you finger ends up , preventing snow getting in .
It ’ s also good to hang them this way up to dry overnight , above a radiator for example .
With the advent of smart phones came thousands more gloves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of materials that allow you to use the phone without taking gloves off .
At the super techie end of the scale there are gloves with buttons that can link up to phone controls ; at the less techie end there are always wrist leashes .
However , they don ’ t prevent cold hands ( though , glove liners with touch-screen-friendly fingers do ) .
Because they have so many seams , most gloves are not made of waterproof material – seams have a tendency to leak .
Instead they have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or membrane , which helps stop water soaking through to the hands .
Some glove brands use their own technology , others have waterproofing by a specialist such as Gore-Tex .
The breathable part is useful so that moisture from over-heating hands can escape .
In the same way as jackets ( see everything you need to know about buying a ski jacket ) , some gloves are more waterproof and breathable than others , with more effective ( more expensive ) inserts .
To stop water soaking into gloves they may have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a DWR ( Durable Water Repellent ) treatment .
Many are made using perfluorinated chemicals ( PFCs ) , which are damaging to the environment , so there has been a move to find green alternatives .
AKA idiot straps , these attach gloves to wrists so you don ’ t lose them if you need your bare hands to fiddle around with kit on a chairlift .
If you ’ re really sure this will never happen to you , some gloves have detachable wrist leashes .

FAQ
What is the difference between a ski and snowboard glove?
Unlike many snowsports items, there are differences between gloves for skiing and snowboarding.
When snowboarding you are more likely to drag your fingers on the surface of the snow, so it's worth making sure the fingertips have an over-wrap, or overlap, design on the finger tips for boarding. If the fingers end with all seams meeting at the tips, then they can be susceptible to abrasion when snowboarding.
You may also want some wrist protection for snowboarding; if this is the case then check out Level's Biomex gloves. These work really well but, although I've used these in the past, I've not tested them for this season so haven’t included them in this article.
If you're a skier, you'll be holding ski poles so the gloves need to cater for this. You don’t want squashed finger ends once your hand is wrapped around the handle of the pole. Some people like protective padding on the rear of the hand for skiing, especially if you carve hard and low, dragging your knuckles on the snow. Ski racers need padding or some kind or armour on the rear of the hand for protection from the race gates.
How do you size ski gloves?
Gloves can be sized in various ways but typically they'll be in a universally accepted glove size ranging from 3 for small kids hands up to 11 for large adult hands.
You can measure your hand length from the junction of your hand and wrist to the tip of your middle finger. You can also wrap the measuring tape around your palm. These two measurements can then be compared to the manufacturers size chart to get a good idea of the glove size to go for.
Alternatively, a brand may go for a size range using XS-XL, or similar. Medium will equate roughly to a size 8 for men or 6 for women, but this can vary from brand to brand. Again, you can just measure your hand and compare it to their size range.
It is worth trying the gloves or mitts on before you buy them. Make sure your hands and digits aren’t squashed anywhere, as this only leads to them being cold. For skiing, ask the shop if you can hold a ski pole to make sure there's no tightness once you grasp the grip of the pole.
It's also important the glove or mitt fits well so you can do daily tasks, such as fastening boots, clipping helmet buckles and fastening zips. Many of these can be practiced in the store to ensure the gloves work well for your hand shape.
Is leather a good material for gloves?
Many ski and snowboard gloves and mitts use leather, especially at the upper end of the price and quality spectrum. It is incredibly versatile, very durable and gives a sensitivity of touch that's hard to match with synthetics. If treated with care, leather gloves last a long time. Leather isn't waterproof on its own though, so you need to make sure the gloves have a waterproof insert if you want them to be fully waterproof.
Whatever you get, if it uses leather then make sure you give it a little TLC now and then; it'll be worth it.
How should you wash ski gloves?
Often overlooked, it's vital you keep your gloves clean. Wash them after each ski holiday, and if you’re out for a whole season then make sure to wash them a few times per season.
Use a technical outdoor apparel wash, such as Nikwax Tech Wash, which is far better for technical fabrics than regular washing detergent. This can sometimes be done in a washing machine (be wary of doing this with leather) or can be done by hand; always read the instructions that come with the gloves. The brand websites tend to have care instructions too.
Once washed, reproof with an appropriate treatment. There are a range of products available, but generic offerings like Nikwax Glove Proof are easy to use and are small and packable so you can take them with you on your ski trip too.
Hestra has their own-brand glove balm, which is great. I've also used leather treating balms or creams designed for walking boots, to good success on many of my gloves. It’s all about helping maintain the leather, which doesn't respond well to the repeated wet-dry cycle that can occur when skiing. Never dry your leather gloves on a direct heat source such as a hot radiator, as this can lead to cracking.
Washing is not just about your gloves looking and working great. Hands can get cuts or splits when in cold climates and you don’t want potentially harmful bugs developing in your gloves and making the situation worse.
Also ensure you dry your gloves as well as you can, overnight on your ski trip and once you return home. Again, this can help your gloves to last longer but also prevents bacterial or mould growth, never mind the nasty whiffs.
Is there a difference between women's and men's gloves?
Gloves are unisex, to be honest. There are colours and models that may be preferred by some men or women, but hands come in many shapes and sizes, so make sure the mitts or gloves fit your hand shape well. Women can often suffer from cold hands, and men can often get hot, so select the warmth of the glove appropriate to your physiology. These are, of course, generalisations and we're all unique, so just select a product that will work best for you, irrespective of whether a label says it's 'women's' or 'men's'.
How do you attach ski gloves to your jacket?
They typically come with a leash which loops over your wrist to prevent you losing them if you need to take them off. Many leashes are removable. This just adds a little versatility and allows you to choose how you roll. There was a period when ski jackets had loops to clip the glove to, but this has passed. Wrist leashes are just easier to use and save concerns over compatibility.
Don’t worry if your gloves or mitts don't come with leashes. They're easy to make or you can buy a pair of leashes, typically costing £5 to £10.


thetelegraph--2020-01-23--Oscars 2020 nominations: Full list of nominees including Joker, Little Women and Jojo Rabbit

Films such as Joker , Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and 1917 are leading this year 's Oscar nominations pack , with only men nominated in the directing category and a lack of diversity elsewhere .
The nominations echo those titles recognised by the Golden Globes and the Bafta nominations this month , along with the criticism aimed at the latter 's jury after no people of colour were nominated across all four Bafta acting categories and no women directors received recognition .
While Cynthia Erivo ( Harriet ) and Antonio Banderas ( Pain and Glory ) received Oscar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nominees in all four acting categories were white , leaving Us actress Lupita Nyong ' o and Golden Globe-winner Awkwafina among those snubbed .
There could be success in store for Bong Joon Ho , however , the writer and director of Korean-language film Parasite , which received four nominations .
While Little Women received six nominations ( for Best Picture , Best Adapted Screenplay , Best Costume Design , Original Score and Best Supporting and Best Actress for Florence Pugh and Saoirse Ronan , respectively ) , the film 's director Greta @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Director category .
Last year , Gerwig 's Lady Bird was nominated for Best Director but missed out on Best Picture .

South Korean social satire "Parasite" won the Oscar for best picture on Sunday, making history as the first film not in the English language to win the movie industry's highest honor.
"Parasite," about the gap between rich and poor in modern Seoul, won a total of four Oscars, including best director and screenplay for Bong Joon Ho and best international feature.
Joaquin Phoenix won his first Oscar, for best actor, for playing a failing clown who finds fame in violence in the dark comic-book tale "Joker," and gave an impassioned speech about climate change and animal rights.
Renee Zellweger won the best actress Oscar for her performance as an ageing Judy Garland in the musical biopic "Judy."
Here is a full list of winners and nominations.
Winner and nominations in full
Best Picture
WINNER: Parasite
Ford v Ferrari
Jojo Rabbit
Little Women
1917
Marriage Story
Once Upon A Time in Hollywood
Joker


thetelegraph--2020-01-23--Brit Awards nominations 2020: where are all the brilliant women?

It may not spell quite the same diversity disaster as the all-white , mostly-male BAFTA nominations , but last week 's announcement of the 2020 BRIT Awards shortlist still leaves much to be desired .
Across the four categories open to both male and female artists - Group of the Year , New Artist of the Year , Song of the Year and Mastercard Album of the Year - male artists account for 26 nominations , while female artists share just four .
Two of those four nominations are held by the same woman - pop-star Mabel , Neneh Cherry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Artist of the Year and Song of the Year - while the other two include Miley Cyrus ( for a feature with Mark Ronson ) , and Normani for her song Dancing with a Stranger , which she co-wrote with Sam Smith .
Not a single woman can be found in any of the five groups nominated ( Bastille , Bring Me the Horizon , Coldplay , D-Block Europe and Foals ) , nor in the BRIT Awards ’ most important category , Album of the Year ( Dave , Harry Styles , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ share that honour ) .
At last year ’ s BRITs , the Best Breakthrough Act , Best Group and Best Album were all awarded to men .

South London rappers Stormzy and Dave and pop star Mabel have won the three biggest gongs at the Brit Awards 2020.
Stormzy, who became the first black, British solo artist to headline Glastonbury last summer and won the 2018 Brit Award for Best Album with his debut Gang Signs & Prayer, took home Best Male Solo Artist, beating ex One-Directioner Harry Styles and singer songwriter Lewis Capaldi.
Dave, who has been compared to a UK Kendrick Lamar with his "socially conscious" lyricism, won Best Album of the Year for his debut Psychodrama, which, framed as a therapy session (Psychodrama is a particular form of active therapy given to prisoners), included the song Black, a meditation on what it is to be black and British, and Lesley, about a woman suffering from an abusive relationship.
The album debuted at number one when it was released last March, and won the 2019 Mercury Prize.
Mabel, daughter of Neneh Cherry, was the only UK female musician nominated in the gender neutral categories, and won Best Female Solo Artist, while losing Best New Artist to Lewis Capaldi. Highlighting the heavily male dominated UK charts, Mabel, who released her debut album High Expectations last sumer, was the only British female artist to feature in the top 40 singles in the UK last year.
Meanwhile 18-year-old musician of the moment Billie Eilish, who tonight performed her just-released Bond theme for No Time to Die, became this year's Best International Female, beating Lizzo and Ariana Grande.
Here is the list of nominees and winners in full:
The 2020 Female Solo Artist, in association with Amazon Music
Charli XCX
FKA Twigs
Freya Ridings
Mabel - WINNER
Mahalia
The 2020 Male Solo Artist, in association with Amazon Music
Dave
Harry Styles
Lewis Capaldi
Michael Kiwanuka
Stormzy - WINNER
The 2020 Mastercard Album Of The Year
Dave: Psychodrama - WINNER
Harry Styles: Fine Line
Lewis Capaldi: Divinely Uninspired to a Hellish Extent
Michael Kiwanuka: Kiwanuka
Stormzy: Heavy Is The Head
The 2020 Best New Artist
Aitch
Dave
Lewis Capaldi - WINNER
Mabel
Sam Fender
The 2020 Best Group
Coldplay
Bastille
Bring Me The Horizon
D-Block Europe
Foals - WINNER
The 2020 International Female Solo Artist
Ariana Grande
Billie Eilish - WINNER
Camila Cabello
Lana Del Rey
Lizzo
The 2020 International Male Solo Artist
Bruce Springsteen
Burna Boy
Post Malone
Tyler, the Creator - WINNER
Dermot Kennedy
The 2020 Song of the Year
AJ Tracey - Ladbroke Grove
Calvin Harris and Rag'n'Bone Man - Giant
Dave feat. Burna Boy - Location
Ed Sheeran feat. Justin Bieber - I Don't Care
Lewis Capaldi - Someone You Loved - WINNER
Mabel - Don't Call Me Up
Mark Ronson feat. Miley Cyrus - Nothing Breaks Like a Heart
Sam Smith feat. Normani - Dancing With A Stranger
Stormzy - Vossi Bop
Tom Walker - Just You and I
Producer of The Year
Fred again... - WINNER
Rising Star


thetelegraph--2020-01-23--Deontay Wilder vs Tyson Fury 2: What date is the fight, what TV channel is it on and what is our pre

Deontay Wilder vs Tyson Fury 2: What date is the fight, what TV channel is it on and what is our prediction?

What are they saying ?
`` I tell people all the time my intellect is very high in the ring so I know exactly what I 'm doing , '' Wilder , 34 , told Sky Sports .
`` I had to calculate Ortiz perfectly , he 's very dangerous in that ring as you can see , that 's why no other heavyweight wanted to give him the opportunity .
He 's very smart '' Once I got him I set him up and that was the shot .
I always say these guys have to be perfect for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be perfect for two seconds and each and every time I 've proved that .
`` Tyson Fury is definitely next and then after that I want a unification bout with whoever wins between ( Anthony ) Joshua and ( Andy ) Ruiz Jr. '' Right now we 're ready for Tyson Fury .
Hopefully he 's ready for me , I know his trainer 's here so I hope he got some notes down .
I 'm ready to go at any give time and any given moment and February is looking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the latest news ?
Attentions will turn to Wilder v Fury 2 after this week 's fight between Anthony Joshua and Andy Ruiz Jr .
The winner will likely take on Wilder or Fury later in 2020 .
Details of Wilder and Fury 's rematch could be announced in the days to come .
What is our prediction ?
Somewhat hypothetical with the fight yet to be announced , but Fury will feel he was unfortunate not to get the judges ' verdict 12 months ago and will be out to win this @ @ @

The world knew that Tyson Fury was special, but the performance to brutally dominate Deontay Wilder with a blend of boxing nous combined with power and poise raises the 31-year-old pugilist of the traveller race to the level of extraordinary.
The 'Gypsy King' compelled the dangerous knockout artist Wilder to a forlorn figure, beaten up, bleeding from the ear, bullied to the level that the Alabaman's corner threw in the towel in the seventh round after an unabated beating.
It was offensively brilliant, and defensively savvy. It was so one-sided, it is doubtful whether Wilder will activate the trilogy rematch clause. It is hard to see how Wilder ever beats Fury.
Worth recalling, too, that Fury was seemingly a clear winner in the first fight 14 months ago. Fury claimed the World Boxing Council belt - the only belt he had not won from Wladimir Klitschko when he became the world No 1 five years ago - to complete the clean sweep.
Those in boxing, those who know their boxing, have always held Fury as the best boxer of the generation, and on current form, Fury would be too hard a puzzle, moreover, for Anthony Joshua, who now holds the other three world title belts. This was one of the great performances by a British boxer abroad, just like his display against Klitschko, and Lennox Lewis, the last undisputed heavyweight champion, working ringside on the television broadcast, nodded approvingly at Fury's every move.


thetelegraph--2020-01-23--Bafta nominations 2020: #BaftasSoWhite outcry after all-white acting nominees, and Joker leads with

Bafta nominations 2020: #BaftasSoWhite outcry after all-white acting nominees, and Joker leads with 11 nods

All-American films Once Upon A Time ... in Hollywood , Joker and The Irishman have triumphed in this year 's Bafta nominations , amid criticism that the 2020 British film awards have ignored diversity .
Joker , directed by Todd Phillips , is the frontrunner with 11 nominations , with The Irishman and Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood both received 10 .
The most-nominated British film was Sam Mendes ' war epic 1917 , which received nine nominations , including nods for Best Film , Outstanding British Film and Director .
However , Bafta was swift to receive criticism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Leading Actor , Leading Actress , Supporting Actor , Supporting Actress ) acknowledged the efforts of people of colour .
Australian Margot Robbie was even nominated twice in the Supporting Actress category , for Bombshell , in which she plays Kayla Pospisil , and Once Upon A Time ... in Hollywood , in which she has a limited speaking role as the Sixties actress Sharon Tate .
On Twitter , the # BaftasSoWhite hashtag appeared as the nominations were being announced , with people pointing out the snubs suffered by actresses Jennifer Lopez @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , missed out for her critically acclaimed role in Hustlers , along with Awkwafina , the actress of Chinese heritage who picked up a Best Actress Golden Globe on Sunday , who was recognised in the publicly voted Rising Star category , and Lupita Nyong ' o , who starred in Us .

All-American films Once Upon A Time... in Hollywood, Joker and The Irishman have triumphed in this year's Bafta nominations, amid criticism that the 2020 British film awards have ignored diversity.
Joker, directed by Todd Phillips, is the frontrunner with 11 nominations, with The Irishman and Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood both received 10. The most-nominated British film was Sam Mendes' war epic 1917, which received nine nominations, including nods for Best Film, Outstanding British Film and Director.
However, Bafta was swift to receive criticism none of the four acting categories (Leading Actor, Leading Actress, Supporting Actor, Supporting Actress) acknowledged the efforts of people of colour. Australian Margot Robbie was even nominated twice in the Supporting Actress category, for Bombshell, in which she plays Kayla Pospisil, and Once Upon A Time... in Hollywood, in which she has a limited speaking role as the Sixties actress Sharon Tate.
On Twitter, the #BaftasSoWhite hashtag appeared as the nominations were being announced, with people pointing out the snubs suffered by actresses Jennifer Lopez, who is of Puerto Rican heritage, missed out for her critically acclaimed role in Hustlers, along with Awkwafina, the actress of Chinese heritage who picked up a Best Actress Golden Globe on Sunday, who was recognised in the publicly voted Rising Star category, and Lupita Nyong'o, who starred in Us.


thetelegraph--2020-01-23--Secondary school league table: Search for the top schools for A-level results

Thousands of schools across the country have their A-level results figures published by the Department for Education on an annual @ @ @ @ @ are for last year 's academic year , which ended in the summer of 2019 @ @ @ @ @ ranked in our searchable league table , according to the average points per academic entry @ @ @ @ @ of students achieving AAB or better with two facilitating subjects .
• Search for the @ @ @ @ @ GCSE results • Search for the best primary schools near you Our interactive tool allows @ @ @ @ @ school results in your area and compare schools of your choice against one another .
@ @ @ @ @ 's name brings up more detailed information , including the percentage of students achieving AAB @ @ @ @ @ entry .
Individual school sections also display the school 's location and the total number @ @ @

Parents across England and Wales will now have found out whether their children have been accepted into their chosen secondary school for September.
National Offer Day 2021 has taken place on March 1, with letters and emails going out to households across the country informing parents whether their child has been offered place at the schools they applied for.
However, not everyone will be happy with the decisions made, and may want to find out more details about the performances of the schools near them.
One guide parents can use are the A-level results figures published by the Department for Education for thousands of schools across the country.
The latest results are for the 2019 academic year, as league tables based on the classes of 2020 will not be released until January next year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Each school has been ranked in our searchable league table, according to the average points per academic entry and then on the percentage of students achieving AAB or better with two facilitating subjects.
Find your school
Our interactive tool allows you to search the latest school results in your area and compare schools of your choice against one another.


thetelegraph--2020-01-23--Where to celebrate Chinese New Year? Top chefs reveal their favourite restaurants

The first recorded Chinese restaurant in Britain opened in 1907 , though it was n't until the 1950s that Chinese food ( or , more accurately , an Anglo-Cantonese mash-up of cuisines that was more palatable to gastronomically cautious Brits ) , took off .
These days , authentic Chinese food is easy to find , and it 's not just the preserve of Sinophiles living in London .
Across the country you 'll find a whole host of excellent Chinese restaurants serving a huge variety of regional dishes .
From Cantonese to Sichuan , and Hunan to Fujian , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delights of regional Chinese cooking .
Ching-He Huang , a Taiwan-born , British-raised chef , food writer and TV personality , is excited by the recent transformation of Britain 's Chinese food scene .
`` True , authentic , traditional Chinese cuisine is making it to the fore '' , she says .
`` People are much more adventurous , have travelled , and are much more open minded .
That has brought with it an appetite for true taste . ''
While regional and authentic Chinese food grows in popularity , Ching @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` In a lot of Chinese cuisines they love offal – with our western palates we do n't quite have the same love affair ! ''
This year , Chinese New Year falls on 25 January , and Chinese restaurants across the country will be celebrating with special menus .
But what does a traditional Chinese New Year meal entail ?

The first recorded Chinese restaurant in Britain opened in 1907, though it wasn't until the 1950s that Chinese food (or, more accurately, an Anglo-Cantonese mash-up of cuisines that was more palatable to gastronomically cautious Brits), took off.
These days, authentic Chinese food is easy to find, and it's not just the preserve of Sinophiles living in London. Across the country you'll find a whole host of excellent Chinese restaurants serving a huge variety of regional dishes. From Cantonese to Sichuan, and Hunan to Fujian, we are opening our eyes to the delights of regional Chinese cooking.
Ching-He Huang, a Taiwan-born, British-raised chef, food writer and TV personality, is excited by the recent transformation of Britain's Chinese food scene. "True, authentic, traditional Chinese cuisine is making it to the fore", she says. "People are much more adventurous, have travelled, and are much more open minded. That has brought with it an appetite for true taste."
While regional and authentic Chinese food grows in popularity, Ching believes there are still barriers to break. "In a lot of Chinese cuisines they love offal – with our western palates we don't quite have the same love affair!"
This year, Chinese New Year falls on 25 January, and Chinese restaurants across the country will be celebrating with special menus. But what does a traditional Chinese New Year meal entail?


thetelegraph--2020-01-23--Charred sweet potatoes with coriander salsa verde, yogurt and feta recipe

I can not get behind sweet potato fries .
I just do n't understand how , when you 're craving chips , you could be satisfied by a bowl of limp , overly sweet orange fingers masquerading as French fries .
A baked sweet potato , however , I can get on board with .
Especially one which has had its skin charred and a spicy , fresh salsa dolloped over it .
This recipe works really well on its own , or with a fried egg , but it also makes a great side dish for a spiced roast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pierce the sweet potatoes all over with a knife .
Drizzle over a little olive oil and sprinkle some salt .
Put in the oven and bake for about 45 minutes , or until soft .
• Meanwhile , in a blender , blitz the coriander , spring onions , chilli and lime juice with a pinch of salt and a drizzle of olive oil .
• When the sweet potatoes are ready , use a pair of tongs to hold each sweet potato over the flame on your hob to char the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the sweet potatoes into wedges and arrange on a large plate .
Dot the yogurt and the salsa over the potatoes and crumble over the feta .

I cannot get behind sweet potato fries. I just don't understand how, when you're craving chips, you could be satisfied by a bowl of limp, overly sweet orange fingers masquerading as French fries. A baked sweet potato, however, I can get on board with. Especially one which has had its skin charred and a spicy, fresh salsa dolloped over it.
This recipe works really well on its own, or with a fried egg, but it also makes a great side dish for a spiced roast chicken or slow roasted pork.
Prep time: 5 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes
SERVES
4
INGREDIENTS
4 sweet potatoes
Olive oil, for drizzling
1 small bunch coriander
3 spring onions
1 small green chilli
juice of 1 lime
4 tbsp natural yogurt
120g feta, crumbled
METHOD


thetelegraph--2020-01-23--Crispy pork chops with celeriac remoulade recipe

As far as I 'm concerned , everything Nigella says is law .
She once attributed her luminous skin to the amount of fat she consumes .
`` I ’ m a great believer in fat .
My view is , it ’ s a moisturiser from the inside . ''
You can keep your alkaline diets , thanks , I 'll have what Nigella 's having .
She once wisely decreed that brown food is best , lamenting the Instagram era which favours the photogenic over the genuinely delicious .
`` When I post a picture of a stew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people – who find the messy brownness unappealing – that 1 ) stews are brown and 2 ) brown food tastes the best . ''
She 's right , of course .
Brown or beige dishes may be visually unexciting but they always bring the greatest depth of flavour and satisfying oomph .
I don ’ t want to speak to soon but I think we might , finally , have fallen back in love with beige .
After that brief , terrifying diversion down the clean eating cul de sac ( remember @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thank God that ’ s over ... ) , it is so gratifying to see people queuing around the block for plates of pasta .
Incidentally , if you want a cookbook to accompany this return to the camel side of life , look no further than Laura Goodman ’ s ‘ Carbs ’ , which came out last year – a joyful , witty antidote to mad millennial food habits .

As far as I'm concerned, everything Nigella says is law. She once attributed her luminous skin to the amount of fat she consumes. "I’m a great believer in fat. My view is, it’s a moisturiser from the inside." You can keep your alkaline diets, thanks, I'll have what Nigella's having.
She once wisely decreed that brown food is best, lamenting the Instagram era which favours the photogenic over the genuinely delicious. "When I post a picture of a stew, I feel I have to remind people – who find the messy brownness unappealing – that 1) stews are brown and 2) brown food tastes the best."
She's right, of course. Brown or beige dishes may be visually unexciting but they always bring the greatest depth of flavour and satisfying oomph.
I don’t want to speak to soon but I think we might, finally, have fallen back in love with beige. After that brief, terrifying diversion down the clean eating cul de sac (remember the misery of the courgetti years? Thank God that’s over...), it is so gratifying to see people queuing around the block for plates of pasta. Incidentally, if you want a cookbook to accompany this return to the camel side of life, look no further than Laura Goodman’s ‘Carbs’, which came out last year – a joyful, witty antidote to mad millennial food habits.


thetelegraph--2020-01-23--US withholds support for new Lebanese government dominated by Hizbollah and its Christian allies

The US has said it is not sure if it can work with Lebanon ’ s new government , formed @ @ @ @ @ over corruption , because it is dominated by Hizbollah and its allies .
Lebanon 's @ @ @ @ @ of appointees nominated by the powerful Shia group Hizbollah and its prime minister , Hassan @ @ @ @ @ university professor backed by Hizbollah .
Mike Pompeo , US Secretary of State , when @ @ @ @ @ he supported the government , said : “ I don ’ t know the answer @ @ @ @ @ ’ re prepared to engage , provide support , but only to a government that @ @ @ @ @ ” Mr Pompeo and anti-Iran Trump administration officials have pressed the Lebanese government for years @ @ @ @ @ political leaders .
The US has designated Hizbollah a terrorist entity and recently introduced sanctions @ @ @ @ @ to the group .

The US has said it is not sure if it can work with Lebanon’s new government, formed in response to growing protests over corruption, because it is dominated by Hizbollah and its allies.
Lebanon's new government is made up of appointees nominated by the powerful Shia group Hizbollah and its prime minister, Hassan Diab, a relatively unknown university professor backed by Hizbollah.
Mike Pompeo, US Secretary of State, when asked by Bloomberg News whether he supported the government, said: “I don’t know the answer to that yet. We’re prepared to engage, provide support, but only to a government that’s committed to reform.”
Mr Pompeo and anti-Iran Trump administration officials have pressed the Lebanese government for years to sideline Hizbollah’s political leaders. The US has designated Hizbollah a terrorist entity and recently introduced sanctions on businessmen and officials linked to the group.


thetelegraph--2020-01-23--Haggis at the ready! The best hotels in London for Burns Night celebrations

For more than 200 years , on or around January 25 , people have celebrated the life of Robert Burns – regarded as Scotland 's national poet , and a pioneer of British Romanticism .
Burns suppers , complete with impressive pomp and ceremony , have followed Scots around the world , and in London there are plenty of places to get your haggis fix ( `` We hae meat , and we can eat , '' according to Burns ' Selkirk Grace ) .
Don your tartan , expect 'water of life ' in your glass and party like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This first European property by New York hotelier Michael Achenbaum is right in the centre of Shoreditch revelry .
This month sees the return of The Curtain 's pop-up rooftop cinema , and to mark Burns Night they 're showing – and what else do you expect – Mel Gibson 's Braveheart , which follows Scottish rebel William Wallace and clan as they set out to battle England 's King Edward I .
Expect to be serenaded by a bagpiper with London ’ s glittering skyline in sight as you sip some fine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the film .

For more than 200 years, on or around January 25, people have celebrated the life of Robert Burns – regarded as Scotland's national poet, and a pioneer of British Romanticism.
Burns suppers, complete with impressive pomp and ceremony, have followed Scots around the world, and in London there are plenty of places to get your haggis fix ("We hae meat, and we can eat," according to Burns' Selkirk Grace). Don your tartan, expect 'water of life' in your glass and party like it's Hogmanay all over again...
Follow Braveheart's epic battles at The Curtain
This first European property by New York hotelier Michael Achenbaum is right in the centre of Shoreditch revelry. This month sees the return of The Curtain's pop-up rooftop cinema, and to mark Burns Night they're showing – and what else do you expect – Mel Gibson's Braveheart, which follows Scottish rebel William Wallace and clan as they set out to battle England's King Edward I. Expect to be serenaded by a bagpiper with London’s glittering skyline in sight as you sip some fine Scottish whisky, and then settle down for the film.
Read the full review: The Curtain


thetelegraph--2020-01-23--Virus-hit Chinese city goes into lockdown, with transport links severed and food shortage fears

Security forces guarded entrances to Wuhan 's train station on Thursday and cars queued to leave the city as a lockdown of the city of 11 million people came into effect in a bid to stop the spread of a deadly new virus .
Travellers were arriving up to the last minute , with only those holding tickets for the last trains allowed to enter .
Virtually everyone at the scene was wearing masks , news website The Paper ’ s live broadcast showed .
With police , SWAT teams and paramilitary troops standing guard outside Wuhan ’ s train @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entrances at 10am while helpless would-be travellers milled in front .
Seventeen people are believed to have died , all of them in and around Wuhan , with fears the death toll is set to rise .
Among the victims , the average age was 73 , with the oldest aged 89 and the youngest 48 .
People who were booked on trains beyond the deadline were turned away , with some complaining they weren ’ t notified and now had nowhere to go .
`` Those who disregard the warning will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' the notice said .

Security forces guarded entrances to Wuhan's train station on Thursday and cars queued to leave the city as a lockdown of the city of 11 million people came into effect in a bid to stop the spread of a deadly new virus.
Travellers were arriving up to the last minute, with only those holding tickets for the last trains allowed to enter. Virtually everyone at the scene was wearing masks, news website The Paper’s live broadcast showed.
With police, SWAT teams and paramilitary troops standing guard outside Wuhan’s train station, metal barriers were placed over entrances at 10am while helpless would-be travellers milled in front.
Seventeen people are believed to have died, all of them in and around Wuhan, with fears the death toll is set to rise. Among the victims, the average age was 73, with the oldest aged 89 and the youngest 48.
People who were booked on trains beyond the deadline were turned away, with some complaining they weren’t notified and now had nowhere to go.
"Those who disregard the warning will be punished according to relevant laws and regulations," the notice said.


thetelegraph--2020-01-23--Harriet Dart shows plenty of fighting spirit in loss to Simona Halep as last Brit exits Australian O

Harriet Dart shows plenty of fighting spirit in loss to Simona Halep as last Brit exits Australian Open stage

Morning all , it 's been quite the journey for British No 3 , Harriet Dart , who is preparing for her fifth match in Melbourne .
Dart had to come through qualifying to earn a place in the main draw , and won through her first round comfortably for the loss of just five games .
But a sterner test presents itself today in last year 's Wimbledon champion and fourth seed Simona Halep .
Halep spent 22 minutes more than Dart on court in her opening round but has years of experience when it comes to slams , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ major experience .
Dart suffered a double bagel defeat to Maria Sharapova in the opening round of the Australian Open last year , but said she feels a different player to the one who left Melbourne Park ’ s biggest stadium in tears last year .
“ I have come on a lot since then , ” she said .
“ I feel a lot physically stronger .
My physical trainer [ Ian Aylward of the Lawn Tennis Association ] beats me in the gym all off-season .
So I am recovering better @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of shots.
” Dart 's two other contests against top 10 players have both come in the familiar environment of Wimbledon - but both ended in defeat ( to Karolina Pliskova , ranked eighth in 2018 and world No 1 Ash Barty last summer ) .
Defeat for Halep today is unthinkable , and would be her biggest loss , in terms of ranking difference at least , since a 2012 loss to Argentina 's Paula Ormaechea , then world No 189 at the Australian Open .
The Romanian has this season also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who took a 12-month break to spend time with his family .
Halep and Cahill have enjoyed a fruitful and sometimes frosty relationship but the two-times grand slam champion is grateful to have the Australian coach back in her corner .
And while other players have said they will donate money to Australia 's bushfire campaign for every ace they sent down , Halep has another plan .
The 28-year-old will donate $ 200 every time she yells at Cahill .
`` This way I will raise a lot more money , @ @ @ @

British singles interest ended as Harriet Dart suffered a battling defeat by Wimbledon champion Simona Halep in the second round.
Dart was making her second appearance on Rod Laver Arena in as many years, having failed to win a game against Maria Sharapova in the first round 12 months ago.
She avoided that fate comfortably this time and had Halep worried when she fought back from 5-1 down to 5-4 in the second set, saving a match point.
That proved to be as good as it got, but Dart can take great confidence from her performance in the 6-2 6-4 defeat.
"She is not very easy to play, she hits good angles. I was happy to win in the end," said Halep about her opponent afterwards.
"I watched her previous match, I knew she was smart on court, she doesn't have much power. Today it was better that I could hit the ball with height. I'm happy my serve helped me."
PA


thetelegraph--2020-01-23--How will the Brexit transition period work?

Brexit will happen from Jan 31 at 11pm , no matter whether Big Ben bongs or not .
From that point , the United Kingdom will be legally outside of the European Union , but it may not feel much different from life as part of the club because it will be in a transition period for the rest of the year .
Here is everything you might want to know about how this period of Brexit limbo , officially known by the Government as an `` implementation period '' , will work .
How long is the transition period @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transition period was originally agreed with the expectation that it would come into force for a punctual Brexit from March 29 2019 , lasting 21 months until the end of December 2020 .
The Withdrawal Agreement stipulates that the UK and EU can decide by July to extend it in a `` single decision '' for up to one or two years , but Boris Johnson 's Government has banned itself from requesting such an extension under the legislation it is passing implementing the Brexit deal .
That does not stop it ever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could always amend the legislation or secure parliamentary approval to go around it , but that would be monumentally politically embarrassing .

Brexit will happen from Jan 31 at 11pm, no matter whether Big Ben bongs or not. From that point, the United Kingdom will be legally outside of the European Union, but it may not feel much different from life as part of the club because it will be in a transition period for the rest of the year.
Here is everything you might want to know about how this period of Brexit limbo, officially known by the Government as an "implementation period", will work.
How long is the transition period? Could it be extended?
The transition period was originally agreed with the expectation that it would come into force for a punctual Brexit from March 29 2019, lasting 21 months until the end of December 2020.
The Withdrawal Agreement stipulates that the UK and EU can decide by July to extend it in a "single decision" for up to one or two years, but Boris Johnson's Government has banned itself from requesting such an extension under the legislation it is passing implementing the Brexit deal.
That does not stop it ever requesting such a delay, as ministers could always amend the legislation or secure parliamentary approval to go around it, but that would be monumentally politically embarrassing.


thetelegraph--2020-01-23--Sunshine Sunday: Where to go in 2020, including expert holiday advice and the best offers

On January 26 – Sunshine Sunday – Telegraph Travel will be showcasing the best destinations and holidays for 2020 to @ @ @ @ @ break .
Our writers Annabel Fenwick Elliott , Greg Dickinson and Simon Parker will be @ @ @ @ @ Porto and Cape Town – follow them live on Twitter , Instagram and Facebook .
@ @ @ @ @ be answering your queries , unearthing the best travel offers and offering holiday recommendations .
@ @ @ @ @ bottom of this article or Tweet using # SunshineSunday .
We also want your travel @ @ @ @ @ will you be going , and where would you urge other readers to visit – @ @ @ @ @ comments at the bottom of the article , or Tweet using # SunshineSunday , and @ @ @ @ @ .

Many thanks for all your holiday recommendation. Now it's the turn of team Telegraph Travel. Me? I'll be embracing the train with flight-free trips to Girona, Lausanne, Como and San Sebastian. As for my colleagues...
Penny Walker:
I'm getting married in early July, so 2020 is a big year for me. Will we be hopping on a plane bound for the Seychelles for some all-inclusive luxury immediately after the wedding? Absolutely not. We'll be heading straight down to Cornwall, to my favourite beach on the north coast. Not only is this corner of the country lovely in early July, but most of the schools won't have broken up yet, so we should be able to soak up some of the glorious English summer in relative peace before the crowds descend. It's all about timing.
Adrian Bridge:
Every year is the year of the train for me, but in 2020 it looks as though I'll have lots of company (thanks, Greta). Eurostar is promising to make the return journey from Amsterdam to London as seamless (and change-free) as the outward one which is definitely something I'd like to test. To coincide with the hosting of the Olympics, the Japanese are introducing a new improved Bullet Train – a nice nod to when they last hosted the Olympic Games in 1964 and introduced the first Shinkansen train to an astounded world. I'd like to try that too, but not actually during the Olympics (too busy, too expensive, too hot; autumn is a much nicer time to visit).
Lizzie Frainier:
Some serious foodie forays are high up on my list for 2020. First back to my old uni stomping ground of Nottingham for a meal at Sat Bains, and then to Antwerp in Belgium to suss out the best restaurants in the city. Any trip planned around food is a good one in my book.
Hugh Morris:
2020 is about escaping the crowds. I intend to reconnect with our Gallic neighbours this year and shall be venturing into ‘La France profonde’, to Limousin. And to northern Italy, to Verona and its surrounding countryside.
Annabel Fenwick Elliott:


thetelegraph--2020-01-23--Heather Watson suffers rapid Australian Open second round exit at hands of Elise Mertens

Heather Watson failed to last an hour in her second-round match against Elise Mertens on Thursday morning .
After playing a competitive first set , Watson lost her bearings completely and went down to a 6-3 , 6-0 defeat in just 56 minutes .
It was the third-shortest women ’ s match of the week so far .
The result was all the more disappointing because Watson had beaten Mertens only a week ago in Hobart .
But Mertens is the 14th seed here – a serious performer who reached the semi-finals of this tournament two years ago .
Standing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5ft 10in , she applied considerably more weight to her groundstrokes and effectively bullied her off the court .
“ I definitely played better in the first set but not by a lot , ” said Watson .
“ I felt my level wasn ’ t there today .
With my movement , I was a millimetre or a second too slow to everything .
I was letting her dictate .
As the match went on , she played better and was more aggressive .
I am just not happy with my performance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until around 4.30pm as the Melbourne Park groundstaff tried to clean red dust off their blue Plexicushion courts .
The discolouration was the result of the so-called “ dirty rain ” that fell in torrential downpours on Wednesday night , combining with a dust storm to turn the Yarra River a murky chocolate brown .

Heather Watson failed to last an hour in her second-round match against Elise Mertens on Thursday morning. After playing a competitive first set, Watson lost her bearings completely and went down to a 6-3, 6-0 defeat in just 56 minutes. It was the third-shortest women’s match of the week so far.
The result was all the more disappointing because Watson had beaten Mertens only a week ago in Hobart. But Mertens is the 14th seed here – a serious performer who reached the semi-finals of this tournament two years ago. Standing several inches taller than Watson, at 5ft 10in, she applied considerably more weight to her groundstrokes and effectively bullied her off the court.
“I definitely played better in the first set but not by a lot,” said Watson. “I felt my level wasn’t there today. With my movement, I was a millimetre or a second too slow to everything. I was letting her dictate. As the match went on, she played better and was more aggressive. I am just not happy with my performance at all.”
The match was delayed until around 4.30pm as the Melbourne Park groundstaff tried to clean red dust off their blue Plexicushion courts. The discolouration was the result of the so-called “dirty rain” that fell in torrential downpours on Wednesday night, combining with a dust storm to turn the Yarra River a murky chocolate brown.


thetelegraph--2020-01-23--The best things to do in Austin, including street art, museums and the coolest neighbourhoods

Austin is a unique blend of personalities that come together and somehow make it work .
The nightlife and music pulse until late every night , yet its citizens love to hit the running and bicycle trails early in the morning .
Continually rated one of the best places to visit and live , Austin is a cosmopolitan city that offers everything without losing its small-town feel or quirky energy .
From refreshing outdoor activities to culture , shopping and where to soak in the cool Austin vibe , here are my recommendations for the best things to do in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Capitol building of the Lone Star State The architecturally stunning Texas Capitol opened in 1888 to much pomp and circumstance and remains one of the great symbols of the state 's history and politics .
It is also a favourite part of the Austin skyline , and there are actually building restrictions to keep it easily viewable from all parts of town .
Take a free tour and you just might catch a few politicians roaming the halls .
Insider tip : For a real insider look at the Capitol , grab a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Capitol Grill , where lobbyists and politicos rub elbows over lunch .
If the State Legislature is in session , don ’ t miss the balcony view of the floor , where you can watch government in action as it happens .

Austin is a unique blend of personalities that come together and somehow make it work. The nightlife and music pulse until late every night, yet its citizens love to hit the running and bicycle trails early in the morning. Continually rated one of the best places to visit and live, Austin is a cosmopolitan city that offers everything without losing its small-town feel or quirky energy. From refreshing outdoor activities to culture, shopping and where to soak in the cool Austin vibe, here are my recommendations for the best things to do in the city.
Stroll the grounds and Capitol building of the Lone Star State
The architecturally stunning Texas Capitol opened in 1888 to much pomp and circumstance and remains one of the great symbols of the state's history and politics. It is also a favourite part of the Austin skyline, and there are actually building restrictions to keep it easily viewable from all parts of town. Take a free tour and you just might catch a few politicians roaming the halls.
Insider tip: For a real insider look at the Capitol, grab a bite to eat at the cafeteria, Capitol Grill, where lobbyists and politicos rub elbows over lunch. If the State Legislature is in session, don’t miss the balcony view of the floor, where you can watch government in action as it happens.


thetelegraph--2020-01-23--The best bars, pubs and live music venues in Bristol

• The best hotels in Bath This German-built , former cargo ship has , since 1984 , been one of @ @ @ @ @ venues for hosting up-and-coming bands : Frank Turner , Calvin Harris , Foals , Florence @ @ @ @ @ here in their early days .
There ’ s an unprepossessing small bar on the @ @ @ @ @ down to where the music is on the deck below .
It ’ s dark @ @ @ @ @ and a long bar ( everything from cocktails to tinned craft beers ) ; the @ @ @ @ @ pretty good from any point but , drink in hand , squeezing your way to @ @ @ @ @ .

That Bristol has a superb restaurant scene is now a given, but its drinking dens and nightlife options are also something to be reckoned with too, as is its renowned live music scene. From classic pubs (such as the well known Coronation Tap cider house in Clifton) to speakeasies and romantic cocktail bars – the city has an abundance of excellent haunts. As for music, there is everything from classical performances at revamped St George’s Bristol concert hall, major acts at the O2 Academy or Colston Hall (currently undergoing a major refurbishment) and DJs at Lakota, to all manner of bands in bars, dives and long-running venues – including on a boat in the harbour. Here are 10 of the best…
Old City The Milk Thistle Hard to find – there is a tiny nameplate by the door and you press a buzzer to get in – this is an absolute gem. A former merchant house dating back to the mid-19th century, it’s set out over four floors and styled as a speakeasy and awash with wood panelling, oil paintings, red leather chairs, stained glass and taxidermy. Head to the main bar (the Parlour) and try one of 150 cocktails (such as the powerful Bourbon-based Boulevadier), or maybe a plum sake, or ask to go down to the tiny downstairs Vault for whiskies and pure spirits. Booking is essential on Friday and Saturday. Contact: 0117 929 4429; milkthistlebristol.com
Prices: ££
A former merchant house dating back to the mid-19th century, Milk Thistle is set out over four floors and styled as a speakeasy • The best hotels in Bristol The Old Duke You’d be forgiven for thinking that nothing much has changed at The Old Duke, named in homage to Duke Ellington, in the 50-odd years they have been putting on New Orleans-style jazz. It’s a formula that works, making this such a special pub with its black and white flooring, pictures of jazz legends and old music posters. In the main, the small stage hosts jazz in various forms (Friday evening and Sunday lunchtime are favoured jazz-head sessions) but there's also blues and rock. A range of changing beers and ciders is on tap, including the local Gem from Bath. Contact: 0117 401 9661; theoldduke.co.uk
Prices: £
The Old Duke has been putting on New Orleans style jazz for 50-odd years • The best hotels in Bristol city centre The Gold Bar at Bristol Harbour Hotel Hotel bars are great for (sometimes) avoiding the crowds and for finding tip-top mixologists. The Gold Bar at the Bristol Harbour Hotel (set in a grand Victorian Grade II-listed building) is no exception. It’s an elaborate spin on what it claims is a “speakeasy” style, but it’s more a romantic and slinky hideaway bar awash with vivid floral colours and fabrics, colourful artwork (giant playing cards, a movie poster for Attack of the 50ft Woman) and velvet banquette chairs and stools. There is a DJ on Friday nights; the Nespresso martinis ought to be tried. Contact: 0117 203 4445; harbourhotels.co.uk/bristol
Prices: ££
Try the Nespresso martinis at The Gold Bar at the Bristol Harbour Hotel • The best restaurants in Bristol Stokes Croft The Canteen Perfectly capturing the mood of Stokes Croft, The Canteen bar is chilled and affordable with canteen-style tables crammed in front of the stage (there’s live music every night – afro-beat, reggae, hip-hop and the like). Open from 10am, the mood changes throughout the day, ramping up for the evening sessions. The long bar stocks a vast ranges of beers and ciders (Bristol Beer Factory and North Street cider among them) plus wine; they do a good Bloody Mary too. The sustainable food menu is delicious – pulled chicken burger or beetroot and goats cheese risotto, perhaps. Banksy’s Mild Mild West artwork looks down over the entrance. Contact: 0117 923 2017; canteenbristol.co.uk
Prices: £
The Canteen bar is chilled and affordable with tables are crammed in front of the stage Whiteladies Road Her Majesty's Secret Service Hidden down an alleyway, you walk through an old telephone box to get to the delightfully compact and very British HMSS. It all seems very hush-hush and discreet in keeping with its loose James Bond image – there’s a caricature of Sean Connery on the wall – although a Seventies disco theme is also present too (via a glitterball and the music). Sit at the bar, high tables or large cornered sofa and peruse “Winston’s Illustrated Travel Guide to the British Isles” – a witty and very cool cocktail menu; try the bourbon-based Angel of Mercy. Contact: 0117 973 3926; hmssbristol.com
Prices: ££
Her Majesty's Secret Service has a witty and very cool cocktail menu • The best things to do in Bath Cotham Crying Wolf Sister bar of the award-winning Dark Horse in Bath, Crying Wolf quickly made a name for itself. The sultry theme is British nature and woodland – lots of local, handmade oak furnishing, rich green or red colouring and antler-style chandeliers. The drinks menu also emphasises local produce with English spirits and liqueurs (Cotswolds single malt, Somerset Ice Cider); among the beautifully made cocktails there's a house-spiced Rum Espresso. Expect well crafted soul and rock and roll music on the ground floor; soon there’s likely to be a turntable downstairs, where the vibe is more eclectic. Contact: 0117 946 7767; cryingwolf.co.uk
Prices: ££
The sultry theme of Crying Wolf is British nature and woodland; expect well crafted soul and rock and roll music on the ground floor Highbury Vaults The mural of Rapunzel in a hoodie on the outside of the pub by street artist Nick Walker adds a witty 21st century touch to this 200-year-old pub. From the tiny snug at the front, to the wood-panelled main bar with its alcove seating, working train set running along the wall, bar billiards and large walled garden, Highbury Vaults is at once cosy and traditional with around six beers and ciders on tap including, Gem and Addlestone cider; plus guests ales. There are rolls on the bar, old school-style, but you can also tuck into the likes of wild boar sausage stew and chilli con carne. Contact: 01179 733203; highburyvaults.co.uk
Prices: £
From the tiny snug at the front, to the wood-panelled main bar with its alcove seating, Highbury Vaults is at once cosy and tradisitonal with around six beers and ciders on tap Credit : Mark Ashbee/Mark Ashbee • The best restaurants in Bath Southville Bristol Beer Factory A den for beer lovers, the Bristol Beer Factory screams independence (like much of the city; the brewery also supplies a handful of other venues) and serves a range of lush beers with names such as Fortitude and Rockstar Breakfast. Set in an old brewery dating back to the 1860s, the convivial, if sparsely decorated Tap Room is furnished with wooden tables and leather sofas from where you can sample a selection of up to 16 cask, keg or bottled ales. For true aficionados every other week they offer tours of the brewery combining history, brewing facts and drinking. The bar also stocks a great cider by North Street. Contact: 0117 947 1298; bristolbeerfactory.co.uk
Prices: £
Set in an old brewery dating back to the 1860s, Bristol Beer is furnished with wooden tables and leather sofas from where you can sample a selection of up to 16 cask, keg or bottled ales • The best budget hotels in Bristol East Mud Dock Thekla This German-built, former cargo ship has, since 1984, been one of the city's favoured music venues for hosting up-and-coming bands: Frank Turner, Calvin Harris, Foals, Florence and the Machine all played here in their early days. There’s an unprepossessing small bar on the top deck, but head down to where the music is on the deck below. It’s dark and atmospheric with black walls and a long bar (everything from cocktails to tinned craft beers); the view of the stage is pretty good from any point but, drink in hand, squeezing your way to the front is more fun. Contact: 0117 929 3301; theklabristol.co.uk
Prices: £
There’s an unprepossessing small bar on the top deck at Thekla, but head down to where the music is on the deck below • The best bars in Bath Bathurst Basin The Louisiana Just down from Wapping Wharf, the whitewashed Louisiana, a former sailors’ hotel with its distinctive balcony is something of a landmark; Coldplay, Muse, Super Furry Animals and Placebo have all played here. The ground floor is more like a trendy canteen than a pub but with a good range of beers, lagers and ciders – try the Orchard Pig – and the Sunday roast is recommended. Head to the small, 140-capacity upstairs room and revel in the sweatily intimate intoxication that the music generates. A great place to catch emerging indie bands. Contact: 0117 926 5978; thelousiana.net
Prices: £
The Louisiana's ground floor is more like a trendy canteen than a pub but with a good range of beers, lagers and ciders


thetelegraph--2020-01-23--The best things to do in Devon, including the South West Coast Path and Dartmoor National Park

Don ’ t bother with itineraries and to do lists ; the best way to experience Devon is to be impulsive and do as the mood ( and weather ) takes you .
Most of the fun things to do are outdoors , exploring the square-jawed scenery of Dartmoor and Exmoor national parks , cycling riverside trails , surfing , sailing , bird-watching on Lundy Island , and hiking the South West Coastal Path .
For culture vultures , stately homes offer a taste of Devon high life , while sophisticated seaside towns such as Dartmouth run regular arts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The South West Coast Path , Britain ’ s longest footpath , traces the both coasts of Devon , offering easy access to wild and windswept cliffs , secluded sandy coves and remote hamlets .
There are occasional pubs and cafés on the path , and a regular bus network means you can dip in and out as you please .
If you ’ re on a multi-day trip , Luggage Transfers ( 01326 567247 ) will drop off your luggage at your accommodation each day .
Insider tip : Clovelly to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , while Bantham to Salcombe has a string of postcard-pretty beaches .
The further away you are from a car park , the more likely you are to find a cove to yourself .

The South West Coast Path, Britain’s longest footpath, traces the both coasts of Devon, offering easy access to wild and windswept cliffs, secluded sandy coves and remote hamlets. There are occasional pubs and cafés on the path, and a regular bus network means you can dip in and out as you please. If you’re on a multi-day trip, Luggage Transfers will drop off your luggage at your accommodation each day.
Insider tip: Clovelly to Hartland Point is the most dramatic section, while Bantham to Salcombe has a string of postcard-pretty beaches. The further away you are from a car park, the more likely you are to find a cove to yourself.


thetelegraph--2020-01-23--Brexit day: what happens after January 31?

Brexit day is fast approaching , with the UK on track to officially leave the European Union ( EU ) in less than two weeks .
But how did we get to this stage , and what is in the Brexit deal ?
Here is everything you need to know about the UK 's departure , including what the deal means for UK citizens and the changes to travel , investments and savings we can expect to see post-Brexit .
Brexit - a portmanteau of Britain and exit - was coined following the 2016 United Kingdom European Union membership referendum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ June 23 , 2016 , was to decide whether the UK should leave or remain in the EU .
Leave won by 51.9 per cent to 48.1 per cent .
More than 30 million people voted meaning the turnout was 71.8 per cent .
What date is the UK due to leave the EU ?
The UK had been due to leave the EU on March 29 , 2019 , two years after Article 50 was invoked triggering the exit process , but the original withdrawal agreement was rejected several times by MPs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until April 12 , 2019 , before backing a six month extension until October 31 , 2019 .
After failing to pass a revised Brexit deal into law , and with the Benn Act preventing a no-deal Brexit , Prime Minister Boris Johnson was legally required to ask for another extension .
EU leaders agreed to this and set a new departure date of January 31 , 2020 .

The UK left the European Union on Friday night, as Brexiteers celebrated the end of a winding three-year political process with parties across the country.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said there may be "bumps in the road" but Brexit can "unleash the full potential" of the UK now it has left the bloc.
The Prime Minister addressed the country as a countdown clock projected onto Downing Street marked the final minutes before Brexit.
Parties congregated across the UK, with Mr Johnson hosting his own reception for senior Tories and hundreds gathering under Union flags in Parliament Square.
As the moment of the UK's departure from the European Union approached, the Prime Minister acknowledged mixed feelings in a still-divided nation about the end of 47 years of close links with Brussels.
But Nigel Farage said it was "the greatest moment in the modern history of our great nation'".
Read Boris Johnson's address in full here.


thetelegraph--2020-01-23--Tour Down Under 2020, stage three – full results and standings: Richie Porte powers into lead as Bri

Tour Down Under 2020, stage three – full results and standings: Richie Porte powers into lead as Britain's Simon Yates shines

Britain 's Simon Yates bounced back from a knee injury to finish stage three of the Tour Down Under in @ @ @ @ @ Richie Porte who exploded into the race lead .
Yates , the Mitchelton-Scott rider , @ @ @ @ @ group early but was ultimately unable to run down the race leader Porte who was @ @ @ @ @ Porte looked every bit the veteran as he played the stage perfectly to cross the @ @ @ @ @ of the chase group , which was led by fellow Australian Rob Power .
Yates @ @ @ @ @ classification at the halfway mark of the race but the 27-year-old almost missed the start @ @ @ @ @ suffering a knee injury in a multi-rider crash late on stage two .
The Tour @ @ @ @ @ with the 152.8km fourth stage from Norwood to Murray Bridge and concludes on Sunday on @ @ @

Britain's Simon Yates bounced back from a knee injury to finish stage three of the Tour Down Under in third place but it was Richie Porte who exploded into the race lead.
Yates, the Mitchelton-Scott rider, jumped out of the chase group early but was ultimately unable to run down the race leader Porte who was supreme with his execution.
Porte looked every bit the veteran as he played the stage perfectly to cross the line five seconds in front of the chase group, which was led by fellow Australian Rob Power. Yates currently sits fourth in general classification at the halfway mark of the race but the 27-year-old almost missed the start of the third stage after suffering a knee injury in a multi-rider crash late on stage two.
The Tour Down Under continues on Friday with the 152.8km fourth stage from Norwood to Murray Bridge and concludes on Sunday on Willunga Hill.


thetelegraph--2020-01-23--Thursday morning news briefing: Prince 'intimidated' Amazon chief

If you want to receive twice-daily briefings like this by email , sign up to the Front Page newsletter here .
For two-minute audio updates , try The Briefing - on podcasts , smart speakers and WhatsApp .
It is an extraordinary tale involving the world 's richest man and the heir to the Saudi throne .
Mohammed bin Salman is alleged to have personally attempted to `` intimidate '' billionaire Jeff Bezos with a WhatsApp message implying he had incriminating information about his extramarital affair in the weeks after Jamal Khashoggi 's murder .
UN investigators said the Saudi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suggestive message to the Amazon chief 's personal iPhone in November 2018 .
The aim is alleged to have been to make The Washington Post owner tone down his paper 's critical coverage of the Saudi journalist 's death several weeks earlier .
Middle East Correspondent Raf Sanchez explains how the prince is also alleged to have hacked Mr Bezos 's phone .
Head of Technology Robin Pagnamenta asks : If Jeff Bezos can be hacked so easily , what does that say about Amazon 's security ?
And Matt uses the story @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Meanwhile , it emerged Boris Johnson may have been vulnerable to a similar hack as several former government figures revealed he had communicated with Prince Mohammed using WhatsApp .
An ex-Foreign Office source said they were `` 99pc sure '' the Prime Minister had done so .
Ben Riley-Smith explains the other Western officials who could have been vulnerable because of WhatsApp conversations with the prince .

If you want to receive twice-daily briefings like this by email, sign up to the Front Page newsletter here. For two-minute audio updates, try The Briefing - on podcasts, smart speakers and WhatsApp.
Mohammed bin Salman 'hinted about Bezos affair'
It is an extraordinary tale involving the world's richest man and the heir to the Saudi throne. Mohammed bin Salman is alleged to have personally attempted to "intimidate" billionaire Jeff Bezos with a WhatsApp message implying he had incriminating information about his extramarital affair in the weeks after Jamal Khashoggi's murder. UN investigators said the Saudi crown prince appeared to have sent a suggestive message to the Amazon chief's personal iPhone in November 2018. The aim is alleged to have been to make The Washington Post owner tone down his paper's critical coverage of the Saudi journalist's death several weeks earlier. Middle East Correspondent Raf Sanchez explains how the prince is also alleged to have hacked Mr Bezos's phone. Head of Technology Robin Pagnamenta asks: If Jeff Bezos can be hacked so easily, what does that say about Amazon's security? And Matt uses the story as inspiration for today's cartoon.
Meanwhile, it emerged Boris Johnson may have been vulnerable to a similar hack as several former government figures revealed he had communicated with Prince Mohammed using WhatsApp. An ex-Foreign Office source said they were "99pc sure" the Prime Minister had done so. Ben Riley-Smith explains the other Western officials who could have been vulnerable because of WhatsApp conversations with the prince.