‘I paid £250 for my lunch at David Beckham’s swanky 50th venue – and left hungry’

The A-listers’ list includes the football star’s birthday party. However, as long as they pay at least £200 per head, and that’s before wine, anyone can eat at the fantastic Notting Hill restaurant.

I had a taste of the special chef-designed gourmet dishes his guests will be served at David Beckham’s lavish 50th birthday party for his famous family and hand-picked A-lister friends in London’s ritzy Notting Hill.

The ex-England captain and Manchester United ace can afford to hold his once-in-a-lifetime birthday celebrations anywhere in the world, but he chose his latest favourite foodie haunt and hired out the entire 55-seater fine dining space for the intimate dinner.

Beckham’s Instagram account is mostly pictures of his biggest fan – himself – but a year ago he turned food blogger when he posted pictures of his lobster dinner at Core by Clare Smyth, praising the “amazing team” and their Northern Irish owner chef Clare Smyth.

READ MORE: David Beckham ‘doesn’t know how marriage to Victoria has lasted’ as he turns 50

Birthday boy Becks and wife Victoria (Image: Getty Images)
Core by Clare Smyth Notting Hill, West London
Siobhan at Core in Notting Hill, West London(Image: w8media)

Chef Clare Smyth is the first British woman to receive the highly sought-after three Michelin stars for her food. She is also the former Gordon Ramsey, whose Hospital Road restaurant had become renowned for its seemingly endless list of ingredients that ended up in reductions and foams. The waiter pointed to the smear on the side of my plate when I asked where the partridge was that I had ordered.

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Chef Smyth, who was raised on a potato farm in her native county of Antrim, has given the dish its own twist by nodding off to the humble spud. Her fine dining restaurant is among the best in the world, with an emphasis on natural, sustainable food that comes from UK farmers and fishermen.

Siobhan dines at Core by Clare Smyth
Amuse bouche looked like a garden centre(Image: w8media)
Amuse bouche at Core by Clare Smyth
A grassy knoll held two tiny chicken tacos (Image: w8media)

However, we paid £457.50 for lunch for two with just one glass of wine for “fine dining,” which read “tiny portions at eye-watering prices.” The price for a bottle of Petrus or Pomerol, which costs £4, 000, was the lowest on the 74-page wine menu, which included a glass of lovely fresh Albarino white wine, which I had.

Because the seven-course seasonal tasting menu costs £265 per person without wine, and the three courses we chose from the daily menu seemed like a bargain, we ordered from the daily menu for £195pp, this is the kind of place where they put the price tag next to the listing.

After making the mistake of ordering “prairie oysters,” which turned out to be genitals, I asked one of the friendly and attentive waiters in their Harrods green bell-hop suits where the portion of my starter dish of sweetbreads came from.

Starter of deep fried sweetbreads with honey and mustard and kohlrabi
Starter of deep fried sweetbreads with honey and mustard and kohlrabi(Image: w8media)
Main course of a tiny amount of turbot with smoked mussels, apple and cabbage
Main course was a tiny amount of turbot with smoked mussels, apple and cabbage(Image: w8media)

However, when staff members suddenly appeared to me and said, “Your amuse-bouches, madam,” they placed a number of small rocks,mossy garden knolls, and beach-themed terrariums on our cream-leaf table and placed a selection of small rocks.

In fact, the main dining room resembled a luxurious car interior, which is how I imagine the local Kensington glitterati would arrive.

On one of the hottest days of the year so far, I enjoyed the 15-minute walk from the tube station, and I probably needed to get hosing down once I arrived to this haven of calm.

Siobhan eats her wild strawberries in meringue pudding
Siobhan tries her wild strawberries in meringue which was made to look like mozzerella and tomato salad(Image: w8media)
Core by Clare Smyth apple amuse-bouche
A perfect Disney Snow White apple is Core’s signature dish but it looks better than it tastes(Image: w8media)

The exquisite amuse-bouches were presented on what appeared to be fairy bonsai planters, which turned out to be tiny jellied eel, lobster roll, mini seeded taco shells filled with microscopic chicken jelly cubes, pea and mint gougere (cheese puff to you and me), indicating the sea and soil from which they were derived.

However, I realized that not everything is edible when I sifted down what appeared to be a pebble, which turned out to be one.

In the end, it was just that the lamb’s sweetbread starter was from because it had been crispy and deep fried with honey and mustard on shavings of kohlrabi; to be honest, I’d happily eat it while deep-frying the carpet underneath.

But my main course, which consisted of smoked mussels on an apple and cabbage bed, was delicious and simply cooked. The portion size, which was clearly intended for customers on slimming jabs, was my only gripe.

Wine jellies amuse bouche served on a twisted branch at Core by Clare Smyth
The wine jellies came served on a twisted branch like something out of Game of Thrones(Image: w8media)

Before pudding arrived, we were served the chef’s signature dish – a Core “apple” amuse-bouche which looked like a scene straight out of Disney’s Snow White.

I was sure the waiters had said it was a toffee apple, but I was wrong to learn it was just mousse in a jelly skin with apple pureed filling. I had assumed it was one of those glazed orange toffee apples.

Our final amuse-bouche, which consisted of mini jellied eggs made from sweet Sauternes and Banyuls wines, was placed on what appeared to be a sacrificial horn from a May day dance, and I thought the trend of serving food on pieces of wood or slate had become out of fashion.

Core by Claire Smyth chefs in kitchen
Staff working in the open kitchen where a chef’s table seats 10 people in front of the glass(Image: w8media)

The wealthy were obsessed with having food that was elaborately crafted, especially at feasts, to resemble other dishes.

Because my pudding of wild strawberries was finally delivered, they were freeze-dried and fashioned like a mini-tofu and mozzarella salad, and it seems like we haven’t moved on in 500 years. Very funny, but I was anticipating fresh wild strawberries and a little cheated up like I did with the Disney apple.

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Head chef Jonny Bone waved us away after two and a half hours of marveling at the restaurant’s open kitchen, saying “It was fantastic, thank you.” I suppose I could have murdered a burger an hour later, to be honest.

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Britain’s Got Talent fans spot problem with impressions act amid judges’ praise

Judges like Amanda Holden praised impressionist Will Burns’ most recent performance tonight in the live semi-final of the ITV show.

Fans of Britain’s Got Talent suggested earlier tonight that they had spotted a problem with impressionist Will Burns’ performance in his semi-final. He was among the acts who returned to the stage this weekend for a spot in the final.

The second semi-final of the ITV’s new series was broadcast live from the Eventim Apollo in London this evening. Judges Simon Cowell, 65, Amanda Holden, 54, Alesha Dixon, 46, and Bruno Tonioli, 69, were reintroduced to a number of acts who had made it through to this stage of the contest.

Will, 24 – who received a golden buzzer from Ant McPartlin and Dec Donnelly earlier in the series, which sent him through to the semi-finals – was back with more impressions of various celebrities. He impersonated the likes of Paddy McGuinness, Alan Carr and Billy Connolly tonight.

A picture of each celebrity Will was impersonating, or a picture of a show’s logo was projected on a screen behind him during the routine. However, some viewers thought it was unfavorable.

On X, a user wrote that “sharing a large picture that depicts who you are trying to impersonate (failly) is not a good sign.” Another fan remarked, “It’s not necessary to display who they are in the background,” adding that.

A third viewer expressed her appreciation for the courage required to be a comedian on the platform. One of the hardest moves is making people laugh. However, this was lacking in humor and was unfunny. Also, it’s bad to leave a picture of the person you’re impersonating, too, if you have to do so.

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Will Burns impersonated the likes of Billy Connolly on Britain’s Got Talent this weekend(Image: ITV/Britains Got Talent)

Someone else remarked, “You’re not really that good mate if you need f*ing great pictures of who you’re impersonating behind you.”

However, some people suggested that Will was not the only person who photographed the celebrities. One fan questioned, “Why do impressionists screen images of their jobs?” If you’re any good, we should know. Another questioned the question, “Why do impressionists always reveal their intentions before acting in a particular way?” We would be able to guess if they were that talented.

The act received praise despite being criticized on social media. Will the impressions were unquestionably brilliant, and people loved it. Another person described the Brynn from Gavin and Stacey as being excellent.

Following Will’s performance in tonight’s semi-final, the BGT judges gave him a lot of praise. Bruno declared to the impressionist, “You nailed it, despite your anxiety.” He continued, “You have talent. You have a great sense of humor. You are able to deliver your messages. You are very precise.

While Alesha stated in her feedback, “Here you are shining on stage. Fantastic content was provided. The performances were fantastic. The audience needs to remain entertained, laughing, and engaged throughout one of the most challenging tasks on this stage. It was put together brilliantly.

Will remarked, “It’s just one seamless monologue.” That’s never how it’s done before. I’ve never seen anything that allows voices to enter other voices. You’re a delight, in my opinion! She continued, “I would love, love, love to see you in the final.”

By the way, Simon said, “You just nailed it.” You absolutely took your three minutes, and I don’t believe you have any other options. That was “seriously, seriously good”!

Next Saturday at 7 p.m., Britain’s Got Talent airs on ITV, STV, ITVX, and STV Player.

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READ MORE: Kylie tickets are still available for UK tour next month – here’s what you need to know

ITV Britain’s Got Talent’s Simon Cowell speaks out as fans fume over annoying crowd habit

Fans at home weren’t very impressed with what happened, and Simon Cowell’s comments made it clear that Britain’s Got Talent was making its second semi-final tonight.

This weekend’s live semi-final of Britain’s Got Talent prompted frustration from viewers shortly into the episode. Some fans at home shared that they weren’t impressed by a moment that happened following a performance.

The ITV show returned tonight for the second live semi-final of the latest series. One of the first acts to perform in the episode was singer John Pierce, 41, who took to the stage for a rendition of the song Wild Horses. The teacher was met with praise from the judging panel over the performance.

Simon Cowell, 65, who had been given the power of the golden buzzer for the episode, said that whilst it “started off slow,” the performance ended up going into “overdrive”. He said in his feedback that John has a “great voice”.

Whilst the judge was sharing his thoughts, the audience at the Eventim Apollo in London were heard chanting. Some of the crowd called for Simon to press his golden buzzer, with them seemingly shouting together: “Press the gold!”

Simon refused to fulfill his request and once informed the theater’s audience that he could hear them. In the middle of giving his feedback, he said, “I can hear you.

The audience’s chanting didn’t appeal to many home viewers, who were disappointed. Forget hitting the golden buzzer, a user wrote on X. Someone “hit mute on the audience”! Another remarked, “Shut the f*** up audience.”

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Simon Cowell in a black top on the BGT judging panel.
Simon Cowell told the audience that he could hear them chanting on Britain’s Got Talent tonight(Image: Youtube/Britain’s Got Talent)

A third wrote: “Wish the audience would calm down dear lord.” Someone said: “Please take that golden buzzer away. I am sick of hearing the audience chanting about it.” One fan wrote: “Audience screaming does my head in! Calm down.”

Another person expressed regret for the loudness of the audience mike. I’m tired of adjusting the volume. One viewer shared their thoughts while asking, “Oh for the love of god, someone please shut up the audience.” The audience are obviously influencing the Golden Buzzer once more, according to another person. Simon, you must have fallen for it.

The episode comes after dance act the Blackouts and singer Vinnie Mckee were voted through to the final following last weekend’s first semi-final. It came after the show faced technical difficulties and one contestant didn’t perform.

John Pierce in a dark shirt on the BGT stage.
There had been calls from the audience for him to press the golden buzzer for singer John Pierce(Image: ITV)

Magician Teddy Magic, eight, had been due to perform in the first semi-final last weekend. Host Ant McPartlin, 49, said when it was the act’s slot in the episode: “Teddy isn’t quite ready backstage. He hasn’t got his magic up and ready yet.”

After the hosts spoke to the judging panel, Dec Donnelly, 49, announced: “We’re gonna have a little change of plan now and we’re gonna go to something else.” He then shared: “We’ll come back to Teddy later on, hopefully.”

Later in the episode, it was revealed that Teddy – whose audition earlier in the series had impressed the judges – would not take to the stage that night. Dec explained to the panel and audiences: “Unfortunately, [Teddy] won’t be performing tonight but we hope to see him later on in the series.”

According to a report earlier this week, RadioTimes claimed it was aware that the show’s creators had to postpone the performance due to a “last-minute issue.” Teddy is anticipated to make it to the final two semi-finals.

The line-up for tonight’s semi-final, released just a few days ago, was taken as confirmation that Teddy would not return in the second semi-final though. He wasn’t named in the line-up for it, which ITV shared on Wednesday.

Alexandra Burgio, Jannick Holste, and impressionist Will Burns would take the place of these two semi-finalists, it was announced. Cheer Re Mans, a cheerleading group, was also included in the lineup.

Olly Pearson and Lil M’s, guitarist, and other performers, were confirmed at the time for this weekend’s BGT episode. Additionally, it was revealed that Stacey Leadbeatter and John Pierce would also be performing in the episode.

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From 7 p.m., Britain’s Got Talent airs on ITV, ITVX, STV, and STV Player starting on Saturday.

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READ MORE: Kylie tickets are still available for UK tour next month – here’s what you need to know

Jade Thirlwall calls out invasive pregnancy speculation amid solo career pressures

Jade Thirlwall, the singer who opened up about the demands on ITV’s The Assembly, says she finds it difficult to handle having children with Rizzle Kicks’ Jordan.

Singer Jade is fed up with the recurring questions about her fertility.

Singer Jade Thirlwall says she finds constant questions about having children hard to handle. The former Little Mix star, who has gone on to forge a hugely successful solo career, opened up about the pressures to have a family.

Jade, 32, has been dating Rizzle Kicks musician Jordan Stephens for five years, and says she finds speculation about her being pregnant “invasive” on ITV ’s The Assembly.

“The thing that annoys me the most is ‘Am I going to have children, am I pregnant?’” she offloads. “I find it weird that people ask that as they don’t know what my circumstances are. You don’t know if someone can’t have children, they don’t want to or aren’t ready yet.”

Jade
Jade says the thing that annoys her the most are questions about when she is going to have a child(Image: Mike Marsland/WireImage)

It’s an invasive question, in my opinion. Since starting out as a solo artist, I’ve put on some weight. Then there are speculators. I’m like, “Babe, I just had a piece of garlic bread.” I’m obese. I believe I must pay attention to it all the time.

South Shields-born Jade rose to fame on ITV talent show The X Factor, when she auditioned as a solo singer and was put into group Little Mix with Perrie Edwards, Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Jesy Nelson.

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Angel of My Dreams, which won best song at this year’s Brit Awards, was her first solo album.

For the ITV series The Assembly, the singer was quizzed by a group of people who were autistic, neurodivergent, and learning disabilities.

They grilled Jade on her days on the set of her talent shows and questioned whether she had “sold her soul” on The X Factor.

Perrie Edwards and Jade
Jade used to be 1 out of four Little Mix singers before embarking on her solo career(Image: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for Warner Bros)

She winced, “Maybe a little bit in the beginning.” I had just signed the dotted line when I was so young. However, as the years pass and I become more knowledgeable about the field, I’ve been squandering some of my soul as I grow more creative and have learned more about it.

Asked if the demise of the show means the end of boss Simon Cowell, she said: “I think it’s the end of that TV show, the end of that era. I don’t think it’s the end of Simon Cowell specifically.”

She opened up about her first dates with Jordan, 33 – saying she laid down her biggest turn offs straight away.

We posed very serious questions to one another, such as, “Do you clap when the plane lands because that’s a big ick for me.”

Before their engagement, she also recalled a disastrous meeting with a sluggish suitor.

Jade and Jordan
Jade opened up about her relationship with Jordan(Image: FILE)

She revealed that she had previously been catfished. I had a drink at a bar when I met him. Because he looked so different, I didn’t realize it was him. I quickly became icky because he was posing a lot of intrusive questions, almost like a journalist.

When Jade was questioned about Liam Payne’s tragic passing last year, she expressed her grief.

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She remarked, “He was my first friend in the industry.” When we were both young, we both auditioned for the X Factor. He was so lovely. He had a lot of talent. He made his family proud, which he did. This person is a star, according to everyone on the show at the time, I can recall. He had the X Factor in real life. He was intended to pursue musical and vocal careers.

On ITV, The Assembly will continue on Sundays at 10 p.m.

Meghan Markle walking ‘very thin line’ with ‘pompous’ move amid latest Prince Harry drama

Despite having made a deal with the Palace to not use it after she leaves her role, Meghan Markle has sparked controversy by signing off a gift with the title Her Royal Highness.

The move has been questioned by royal experts who branded it ‘pompous’(Image: Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Meghan Markle has come under fresh scrutiny after it emerged she used her royal title in a manner some experts are calling “pompous” – despite having formally stepped back from royal life four years ago.

The Duchess of Sussex, who alongside Prince Harry, agreed to relinquish the use of “Her Royal Highness” as part of their 2020 Megxit agreement with the Palace, appeared to blur the lines of that deal when she sent a gift to a fellow entrepreneur.

The present, a luxury basket gifted to make-up mogul Jamie Kern Lima, came with a monogrammed card signed: “With Compliments of HRH The Duchess of Sussex.” The gesture might have gone unnoticed – had Jamie not shared the moment in footage promoting her new podcast episode featuring Meghan, released this week.

READ MORE: Prince Harry’s devastating five-word take on royal UK security bosses

Meghan Markle's gift using her title
Meghan read “HRH The Duchess of Sussex” as the gift.

A source later clarified that despite the style being retained, the duchess’s representative insisted on Monday that the couple use their HRH titles for both private and business purposes.

However, Jennie Bond, a royalist, thinks the duchess is skating on sand.

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“She’s walking a very thin line here,” Jennie told the Mirror. “Was the gift of her ‘jam’ to a make-up entrepreneur really just a ‘private’ gift or a commercial placement? I would suggest the jury is out as to whether her quite superfluous use of HRH was for commercial kudos. But I think the Palace will simply rise above it.”

The HRH style has long been a contentious issue, particularly since Prince Andrew was stripped of using it amid scandal. Meghan and Harry, who gave a bombshell interview after sensationally losing his Court of Appeal challenge over his security arrangements in the UK, still technically hold the titles, but they have been expected not to use them, especially in business contexts.

Meghan Markle on the podcast
Meghan sent the gift to the podcast host after she appeared on the show(Image: YouTube/Jamie Kern Lima)

Bond continued, “I don’t believe the King or the Palace will take any formal steps.” It’s “really not worth the row and the ill-feeling it would cause.” However, I do believe Meghan is quite obscene and pompous. You really shouldn’t try to bake your cake and eat it, though, even though I don’t want to be a part of the pile-on.

Jennie then questioned why the duchess continued to rely on her royal identity, which she had once seemed determined to escape.

She abandoned the royal life. She now claims that she and Harry were “in the trenches” within the first six months of our conversation, which begs the question: “Why does she want to hold onto any vestige of a life she so blatantly despised”? she stated. Why try to be superior when America was all about equality, I thought?

Jennie, who was surrounded by royal duties and resides in the Californian hills, spoke with a more sympathetic tone when comparing Meghan and Harry’s current lives.

Prince Harry BBC interview, 2nd May 2025
Harry gave a 30 minute interview to the BBC on Friday(Image: BBC)

“I’m happy Meghan and Harry are now seeming so happy,” she said. She said, “She feels like they have found their feet and put their traumatizing past behind them.” It seems to be all about Meghan these days, which is appropriate. With the man she loves by her side, she is a successful, self-sufficient woman who is successful and successful.

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She acknowledged the tension that might have persisted in Meghan’s brief but brief tenure as a royal.

“I’ve always believed that part of the problem was that Meghan never understood that she would not be CEO of the Firm she was joining – the Royal Family – and she wouldn’t even be managing director. She would be part of the team. And that perhaps is not her greatest forte.”

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Katie Price dazzles in huge customised hat as she thrills fans at drag show

On Friday night, Katie Price performed as a guest at the Clapham Grand in south London, where she joined RuPaul’s Drag Race stars, and she surprised the audience with her singing abilities.

Katie revealed enjoyed a night on stage in London on Friday night(Image: Getty Images)

In front of adoring fans, Katie Price surprised on a night of dancing and rubbing shoulders with drag artists. The 46-year-old mother-of-five hosted a special event Friday night at the Clapham Grand in London.

The American drag queen Anetra, who was a participant in RuPaul’s Drag Race in 2023, hosted the glamour model for a club night. Michael Marouli, a Northern Irish performer named Tailor Maid Colby, and Drag Race UK contestant Michael Marouli were also on the lineup.

Katie was introduced to Tailor before being given the floor while she was on the stage. Katie’s rendition of A Whole New World from the renowned Disney film Aladdin was a crowd-pleaser at the variety night.

One audience member dubbed the video of Katie singing to the audience “Iconic” after sharing it with others. Katie wore an eye-catching outfit for her moment in the spotlight.

The actress wore a simple crop top and jeans with the brand’s logo written across her chest, Miu Miu. The Daily Mail shared images of the star showing off her smile and outfit outside the venue, along with a large silver hat with the name “Pricey” written in large letters.

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Katie recently opened up about her ongoing romance with former Married At First Sight actress JJ Slater, who is not present. Since February of last year, the pair has been dating successfully.

On her Katie Price Show podcast, she says that boyfriend JJ Slater not only fits perfectly in her life, but he’s been a hit with the whole family.

She continued, “I think if I and JJ were ever not together, I would upset the entire family,” adding, “He’s very much a part of the furniture.”

Despite receiving rave reviews, the former Married at First Sight contestant was given a rough ride from his potential future brother-in-law. What… another one, Harry Brooks, who is married to Sophie, said as he addressed JJ’s entry into the family group chart.

Katie has been married three times before – and engaged eight times. Her first marriage was to Australian pop singer Peter Andre and this lasted from 2005 until 2009.

The couple had two children throughout their marriage, with Junior’s son and Princess’ daughter. The children are currently 19 and 17 years old, respectively.

Alex Reid, a former cage fighter and actor, was her second husband, but the union only lasted a few months. In February 2010, they were married in a ceremony in Las Vegas, but Katie filed for divorce in January 2011.

From 2013 to 2021, she married exotic dancer Kieran Hayler, and they were married for three. Jett and Bunny, sons Jett and Bunny, both of whom are now 11 and 10, are the former husband and wife’s children.

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Harvey, Katie’s eldest son, was a child of former footballer Dwight Yorke. Harvey’s biological father cruelly shunned him despite that he is now 22 years old.