'Ban on happy hours in Northern Ireland draws closer'

A ban on happy hours and all-you-can-drink promotions in Northern Ireland has moved a step closer as proposed laws went to public consultation. Social Development Minister Alex Attwood has already received the backing of the Stormont Executive for the crackdown on the cheap alcohol sales pitches in bars and supermarkets. Drink discounts for students and promotions targeting other specific groups - such as ladies' nights - will also be outlawed under the proposals - Press Association ​

Brits are more likely than other Europeans to try exotic foreign food such as fried tarantulas or sheeps' eyes, a poll shows. Only 17 per cent said they would refuse to eat anything on a toe-curling list which also included jellyfish and camel humps - The Sun ​

If you're an adventurous gourmet and you think you've tried it all then think again. And if you thought mixing dulce de leche with cheese was exotic, then head straight to Marini's in downtown Santa Cruz. The American restaurant has married two of the world's most delicious ingredients and given us the unusual combination of chocolate-covered bacon - Daily Mail ​

Baby high chairs found in restaurants have been found to harbour more bacteria than the average public toilet seat. Teams took swabs from high chairs in 30 different restaurants and found that on average the number of bacteria on a high chair - including some which can lead to serious illness - was 147 per square centimetre - Daily Mail ​

The average price of a pint of beer has hit £2.80... four per cent up on last year. The bitter news for drinkers comes from the 2011 Good Pub Guide after surveying 1,110 pubs in the UK - The Mirror ​