It’s been over 100 days of lockdown in the UK and there’s no denying we’ve had more time on our hands to fill than ever before.
This could potentially be why searches for aphrodisiacs has skyrocketed by500% over these past few months, especially as newly introduced coronavirus guidelines have now made it legal to visit different households.
So, what are the good people in Manchester turning to, to get them in the mood?
Popular UK fashion retailer Missguided has revealed results of a new analysis into the most searched for aphrodisiacs to see what is getting the country hot under the collar and Manchester’s top pick might surprise you a little.
Cheese.
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Actually, it might come as no surprise at all to the legion of cheese lovers out there that this has taken the aphrodisiac crown and come out in the top spot with a massive 1,800 searches in Greater Manchester over the past four months since lockdown began in March.
So, if you’re looking to spice things up a little, maybe it’s time to whip out the brie and a cheese board to get temperature’s rising for you and your partner.
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Manchester isn’t the only lover of cheese across the UK though, as it also took the crown for the most searched-for aphrodisiac in Nottingham, Brighton, Belfast and Dublin too. Elsewhere in the country, chocolate, almonds, ice cream and of course, bananas, also proved to be popular.
Missguided
Speaking on the importance of aphrodisiacs, Sunita, founder of Shushbox – the ‘self-love hub’ – said: “We believe this exploration is the key to a happy and healthy sex life.”
“We find the world of aphrodisiacs intriguing and there is good science showing that certain foods can arouse or increase sexual response or desire.”
“From classic foods like chocolate, oysters and strawberries, to adaptogens such as Ashwagandha and Maca, exploring how these aphrodisiacs can have an impact on our overall sexual wellbeing is a positive and can also help in opening up the conversation around female pleasure”.
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Morrisons is introducing ‘sensory support boxes’ in stores for autistic and neurodiverse customers
Emily Sergeant
Morrisons is introducing ‘sensory support boxes’ for autistic and neurodiverse customers shopping in its stores across the UK.
Supermarket shopping isn’t always the most pleasant or manageable of experiences for everyone, especially for those who are autistic or neurodivergent – with bright lights, loud sounds, strong smells, and crowds of people making it a rather overwhelming and overstimulating atmosphere.
This is why Morrisons has decided to collaborate with the National Autistic Society to introduce dedicated ‘Sensory Support Boxes’ at its stores nationwide, as a way to both mark World Autism Acceptance Month, and help autistic and neurodivergent customers have the positive shopping experience they deserve.
These boxes have been carefully-developed in consultation with the National Autistic Society to ensure they include the most helpful items.
A range of toys like fidget balls, spinners, and squish mats can all be found inside the boxes – which will be eventually be available in all 500 Morrisons supermarkets by May – to help encourage calmness and focus.
All that customers wishing to access the items need to do is simply speak to a colleague at the customer service kiosk of their local Morrisons store.
More than one in 100 people are autistic, and there are 700,000 autistic adults and children in the UK.
Morrisons is introducing ‘sensory support boxes’ in stores for autistic and neurodiverse customers / Credit: Morrisons
Speaking on the decision to introduce the Sensory Support Boxes into UK stores, Joseph Clark-Bland, who is the Community Manager at Morrisons, said: “It’s a priority for us to ensure all Morrisons customers feel welcomed and understood.
“We’re proud to be leading the way in creating a more inclusive shopping environment for autistic people, their families and all neurodivergent people across the UK.
“World Autism Acceptance Month has been a key moment for Morrisons for many years, and we look forward to supporting even more customers via our new Sensory Boxes.”
The introduction of the Sensory Support Boxes comes after Morrisons first trialled a ‘Quieter Hour’ in some of its stores back in 2018, before rolling it out nationwide in 2024 due to its success and positive feedback.
Featured Image – Morrisons
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Greater Manchester cinemas to screen family-favourite films for just £2.50 this spring
Emily Sergeant
Greater Manchester cinemas will be screening family-favourite films, and some new releases, all throughout this upcoming spring holidays.
The best bit? Prices start from a massively-affordable £2.50 a ticket.
With Easter right around the corner, and schools across Greater Manchester set to be on their spring holidays in a couple of weeks time, parents and carers will likely be looking for ways to keep the kids entertained while schools are out.
But now it’s time to take care of those film lovers… and also those keen to plan budget-friendly events that also take into account the classic Manchester April showers.
Cinema chain Vue has announced its lineup of family blockbusters showing at venues across Greater Manchester this spring – including Printworks, Lowry, Bolton, Altrincham, and Bury.
Arriving in time for the school holidays, A Minecraft Movie welcomes fans to their favourite cubic wonderland, while the whole family can instead transport themselves into Disney’s reimagining of the 1937 classic Snow White if they’d prefer.
Also returning to the big screen are childhood classics like Wallace & Gromit: Curse of The Were-Rabbit, 20 years after its original release, and the beloved Babe, to celebrate the film’s 30th anniversary.
Greater Manchester cinemas will be screening family-favourite films for just £2.50 this spring / Credit: Disney | Aardman Animations
And as part of Vue’s ‘Mighty Mornings’ offering, film fans can enjoy pre-releases of family-friendly flicks like Sonic the Hedgehog 3 and Moana 2 every day throughout half term, all from just £2.49 per ticket when booked online.
“A trip to Vue this Easter break is the perfect opportunity for families to immerse themselves in the magic of their favourite big screen characters,” commented Rob Lea, who is the Head of Screen Content at Vue UK & Ireland.
Emily Sergeant -
2nd July 2020 
