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WITH summer fast approaching, there has never been a better time to spruce up the garden.

But giving your outdoor space a revamp to make it feel new and fresh doesn’t need to cost a fortune.

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Shoppers have been rushing to their local Home Bargains for their garden decor[/caption]

INSTAGRAM: HOME BARGAINS

The long, wooden Citronella Candle is a favourite among shoppers[/caption]

INSTAGRAM: HOME BARGAINS

Or the wooden throw is perfect for snuggling up in the evening in the garden[/caption]

Small changes like adding extra plants, picking up little accessories or changing a few things can actually make a huge difference.

And Home Bargains might have exactly what you need for incredibly reasonable prices.

The discount chain has recently sent fans into a frenzy with its affordable garden decor.

The retailer has become a go-to destination this spring, and shoppers have said that it has “outdone itself” it’s “stunning” new collection.

The new earthed range includes everything you need to make your outdoor space feel cosy and bright this summer.

Fans who love neutral decor have been gushing over the new items – and the best bit is that prices start from just £2.99.

The cheapest item in the collection is the Oval Platter, which is perfect for those who love to dine alfresco.

On the website, Home Bargains bosses say it is “stylish, lightweight with a scratch-resistant surface, making it perfect for serving snacks or cheese at picnics or casual meals.”

The range also includes a Ceramic Citronella Candle, which can be picked up for just £7.99.

Its product description reads: “Light up your outdoor space with The Outdoor Edit Citronella Ceramic Candle Jar!

“This chic, speckled ceramic jar not only adds style but also keeps pesky bugs at bay with its natural citronella scent—perfect for those cosy evenings outside.”

It’s the long, wooden Citronella Candle that is a favourite among shoppers, though.

Fans have been gushing over the £9.99 candle which “adds rustic flair but also keeps those pesky midges at bay”.

For the nights that get a bit chilly, Home Bargains has the answer.

Their super cosy Fleece Picnic Blanket can be picked up for just £4.99. Not only does it have a soft fleece top, but it also has a waterproof backing to keep you dry while you relax.

Bosses have said that this makes it perfect not just for the garden but also for picnics and beach days.

Or there is the £4.99 Woven Throw, which has a breathable texture that adds a breezy, summer vibe to any space.

Its product description online reads: “Lightweight and stylish, this breathable beauty is perfect for draping over chairs or snuggling up outdoors.”

Home Bargains excitedly announced that the new range had hit shelves on social media.

Posting on Instagram, staff wrote: “Al fresco dining with our new earthed range”.

And fans are already racing to their nearest branch to get hold of the new products.

Flocking to the comments of the post, shoppers have gushed over the new items.

One person said: “Absolute must-haves! The long candle is getting bought by me for sure”.

Another added: “Home Bargains have done it again with the garden decor”.

Someone else posted: “These are amazing! Shall be in my basket this weekend”.

And a fourth shared: “The long candle is perfect for the garden table”.

While a fifth chimed in: “Love those oval plates”.

INSTAGRAM: HOME BARGAINS

The Ceramic Citronella Candle, which can be picked up for just £7.99[/caption]

INSTAGRAM: HOME BARGAINS

The blanket has a soft fleece top and a waterproof backing[/caption]

INSTAGRAM: HOME BARGAINS

The cheapest thing in the collection is the Oval Platter, which costs £2.99[/caption]

A POPULAR city centre café that starred in an ITV food show has closed its doors for good, leaving loyal customers “absolutely heartbroken”.

Cocoa Joe’s, located in York city centre, gained national attention in 2022 when it was featured in the early series of ITV’s Ainsley’s Good Mood Food.

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Its appearance on national television only boosted its profile further[/caption]

The café showcased its rich, handcrafted hot chocolates and welcoming atmosphere, earning praise during the episode.

The programme, hosted by celebrity chef Ainsley Harriott, focuses on comfort food and uplifting recipes, with Cocoa Joe’s selected as one of the standout stops for sweet treats.

Speaking about the experience, co-owner Joe Andrew said: “It was a real honour to be selected to be involved.

“They could see how we are trying to do something really special here and enjoyed tasting the differences between our single origin chocolates and seeing how that carries through to create unique hot and iced chocolate drinks,” according to The Press.

But despite its popularity, the business has now shut down due to rising costs.

In a heartfelt post shared on Facebook, the team said: “We have had four brilliant years of serving our finest hot chocolate drinks to the lovely York community and to customers from all over the world, but sadly (and we are devastated about this) we are no longer able to stay open.

“Cocoa prices have more than trebled in three years and other costs have gone up well beyond the rate of inflation, leaving us in a situation where the business simply can’t keep going.”

They added: “This is not a decision that was made lightly, and we are incredibly grateful for all the support we have had over the past four years.

“We are also hugely appreciative of the amazing team who have delivered on our goal to provide an incredible customer experience.”

Cocoa Joe’s quickly became a firm favourite in York, drawing in both locals and tourists with its luxurious drinks and welcoming vibe.

Its appearance on national television only boosted its profile further.

But the shock closure has sparked a wave of messages online, with customers expressing their sadness and sharing fond memories of their visits.

Mandy Lotts wrote: “It’s sad to read that you’re affected by everything that’s going on.”

Jasmin Johnson added: “Absolutely heartbreaking. But thank you so much for the amazing drinks and service over the years.

“You have always been my first stop on every visit to York.”

Another loyal visitor, Paula Konefal, commented: “Oh what a shame. I have enjoyed my many visits.”

One customer said: “So sorry to hear this — thank you for all your hard work — visiting your shop was always one of our highlights when we were in York.”

Another wrote: “Very sad to hear this. You folks were my favourite place to get hot chocolate in York.”

While the York branch has shut, Cocoa Joe’s location in Pateley Bridge, North Yorkshire, will remain open for business.

Customers can find more details on their website.

The closure comes as small hospitality businesses across the country face mounting financial pressure.

Independent cafés and shops have been hit hard by soaring costs, from ingredients and energy bills to rent and wages.

According to Yorkshire Live, Cocoa Joe’s is one of several independent businesses in the city to shut or scale back recently.

Other closures include The Hairy Fig deli on Fossgate has closed, and Love Cheese on Gillygate has scaled back its services.

Many fear more closures could follow unless something changes.

Despite the challenges, customers are hoping Cocoa Joe’s might one day make a return.

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Many fear more closures could follow unless something changes[/caption]

The American has done it!

Fans are worried for the show's future.

Katherine Greenall's lawyer said she ‘may have been suffering from a form of addiction to TikTok’.

Close the curtains...

Rory McIlroy revealed the two issues with his all-round game that are concerning him ahead of next week’s US Open at Oakmont.

McIlrory endured a week to forget north of the border at the Canadian Open, firing an eight-over-par second round to miss his first cut since the Open at Royal Troon last July.

In particular, the Northern Irishman struggled off the tee, failing to get to grips with a new driver after his old one was ruled non-conforming ahead of last month’s US PGA Championship.

McIlroy found just four fairways in his second round as he finished Friday’s action on nine over par and a whopping 21 shots behind halfway leader Cameron Champ.

Such a performance leaves the 36-year-old with much to figure out ahead of next week’s US Open, which will be set up with thick rough to punish those who don’t drive the ball straight.

And McIlroy admits he will have to frantically search for answers before Thursday’s first round at Okamont.

‘Of course it concerns me,’ said McIlroy. ‘You don’t want to shoot high scores like the one I did today.

‘I felt like I came here, obviously with a new driver, thinking that sort of was going to be good and solve some of the problems off the tee, but it didn’t.

‘Obviously going to Oakmont next week, what you need to do more than anything else there is hit fairways. I’m still sort of searching for the missing piece off the tee.

‘Obviously for me, when I get that part of the game clicking, then everything falls into place for me. Right now that isn’t. Yeah, that’s a concern going into next week.’

McIlroy continued: ‘I’m going to have to do a lot of practice and a lot of work over the weekend at home and try to at least have a better idea of where my game is going into next week.’

‘I went back to a 44-inch driver this week to try to get something that was a little more in control and could try to get something a bit more in play.

‘But if I’m going to miss fairways, I’d rather have the ball speed and miss the fairway than not. I’d say I’ll be testing quite a few drivers over the weekend.’

Motivation also an issue for McIlroy

Since completing the Grand Slam at the Masters two months ago, McIlroy has managed just one top-ten finish in his subsequent three events.

And speaking prior to his missed cut in Canada, the World No.2 admitted he is having to work hard to find a new lease of motivation after finally breaking his decade-long major drought.

‘The last few weeks I’ve had a couple weeks off, and grinding on the range for three or four hours every day is maybe a little tougher than it used to be,’ McIlroy added.

‘You have this event in your life that you’ve worked towards and it happens, sometimes it’s hard to find the motivation to get back on the horse and go again.

‘I think the last two weeks off have been good for me just as a reset, just to sort of figure out where I’m at in my own head, what I want to do, where I want to play.

‘I thought it was a good time to reset some goals. I’ve had a pretty good first half of the season, and I want to have a good second half of the season now, too.’

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

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