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Received yesterday — 12 December 2025

‘Every Leon should be magical’: food chain’s co-founder on what went wrong – and how to fix it

12 December 2025 at 11:20

John Vincent on bouncing back after cutting branches, refreshing the menu, and staff learning from martial arts

John Vincent is going back to the future. Four years after selling Leon, the fast food chain named after his father and founded in 2004 with two friends, he has bought it back with hopes of reviving its fortunes.

“In a crisis you need a pilot in full control,” the martial arts fan says, speaking to the Guardian from Leon’s headquarters near London Bridge.

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© Photograph: Leon in Carnaby Street, central London/Leon

© Photograph: Leon in Carnaby Street, central London/Leon

© Photograph: Leon in Carnaby Street, central London/Leon

Received before yesterday

Toffee Crisp and Blue Riband no longer called ‘chocolate’ after recipe change

10 December 2025 at 15:22

Nestlé confectionery treats now described as being ‘encased in a smooth milk chocolate flavour coating’

Toffee Crisp and Blue Riband bars can no longer be called chocolate after Nestlé reformulated their recipes due to the increasing cost of ingredients.

The Swiss conglomerate now describes the treats as being “encased in a smooth milk chocolate flavour coating”, rather than being covered in milk chocolate.

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© Photograph: Alamy

© Photograph: Alamy

© Photograph: Alamy

Consuming lots of energy drinks may raise heart disease and stroke risk, say doctors

9 December 2025 at 18:30

Study cites case of otherwise fit and healthy man in his 50s who had a stroke after eight-drink-a-day habit

Heavy consumption of energy drinks may raise the risk of heart disease and pose a serious risk of stroke, doctors have warned.

Millions of people worldwide regularly drink the products, which are non-alcoholic and typically contain more than 150mg of caffeine per litre, very high glucose-based sugar content and varying quantities of other chemicals.

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© Photograph: Jack Taylor/Getty Images

© Photograph: Jack Taylor/Getty Images

© Photograph: Jack Taylor/Getty Images

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