Marks & Spencer has launched new miniature ice lollies that are a Percy Pig twist on a British summertime favourite.
The supermarket has created Percy Pig Mini Curly Tails, which look an awful lot like the ever-popular Twisters.
The new snacks, launched a few weeks ago, feature a twirl of strawberry ice lolly and Percy Pig flavoured ice cream.
M&S’s famous mascot apparently tastes of a fruity mix of raspberry, strawberry, cherry and grape, The Hoot reports.
Percy Pig mini curly tails. Credit: Instagram, @newfoodsuk
The Mini Curly Tails lollies have landed just in time for the heatwave that’s set to scorch much of the UK this weekend.
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M&S said: “FEELING HOT HOT HOT!? Percy Pig to the rescue with his new Mini Curly Tails! 🤭 Made with Percy Pig™ flavoured ice cream and a strawberry fruit ice swirl, they’re perfect for this week’s warm weather!!”
The lollies are inspired by the original Percy Pig sweets, which M&S sells 16 million packets of every year – the equivalent of 10 Percy Pig sweets every second.
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Several people have pointed out the similarities to another popular ice lolly, with one saying: “Look identical to the Walls Twister.”
But most just can’t wait to get their hands on them, saying: “omg we need to get these I don’t make the rules.”
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Model Danielle Lloyd said: “I need to try these!!!!”
Since M&S started treating Percy Pig as a brand and a character, he’s got married (Penny), travelled the world, and had piglets – with new product launches at every stage.
Meagan Hempenstall, Percy Pig brand marketing manager at M&S, said: “He is the most famous M&S brand and has a very loyal following.
“That is especially true since we brought Percy to life on social media last year. Percy has long had an organic following on social media, but last year we launched his official Instagram account, and he made his debut on TikTok.”
The Percy Pig Mini Curly Tails ice lollies are in M&S stores now.
Featured image: The Hoot
Food & Drink
Celebrity chef James Martin closes Manchester restaurant after more than a decade
Daisy Jackson
James Martin Manchester has closed its doors, bringing an end to the chef’s decade-long restaurant partnership with casino Manchester235.
Metropolitan Gaming announced on 1 October that its partnership with James Martin and his team had concluded, with the restaurant operation at the city centre venue ending on the same day.
The partnership dates back to 2012, meaning James Martin Manchester had been part of the Manchester235 experience for more than 14 years.
During that time, the restaurant became an established part of the venue’s food and drink offering, with Metropolitan Gaming describing the collaboration as ‘successful and valued’.
The company also credited James Martin and his team with contributing to Manchester’s wider food and dining scene, as well as providing high-quality dining for Manchester235 guests.
Maxine Gibbons, Venue Director at Manchester235, thanked the chef and his team for their contribution to the venue.
She said: “Our partnership with James Martin and his team has been an important part of Manchester235’s story since 2012.
“We would like to thank James and everyone who has been part of the James Martin Manchester team over the years for their commitment, hard work and the memorable experiences they have created for our guests.”
Gibbons added that the team had made a ‘significant contribution’ to Manchester235’s food and beverage experience and wished James Martin and his colleagues ‘every success for the future’.
The closure will not result in affected employees losing their jobs, with Metropolitan Gaming confirming that any employees impacted by the restaurant’s closure have been retained within the business.
Customers with existing restaurant reservations will also be contacted directly by Manchester235 regarding cancellations.
Tesco officially unveils Christmas Meal Deal menu for 2026 and confirms launch date
Emily Sergeant
Tesco has officially unveiled its Christmas Meal Deal menu for 2026, and has revealed when it’ll be arriving in stores.
Spooky season may not have even arrived yet, but it won’t be long before the most wonderful time of the year is here and most of the UK’s major supermarkets have already started stocking their shelves with Christmas food, drink, and gifts galore.
Tesco has now unveiled all the sandwiches and snacks forming part of its iconic lunchtime meal deal selection.
10 new seasonal mains and sides have been launched this year, as well as some classics and returning fan favourites too.
The retailer says its food on-the-go experts have worked hard to bring a variety of festive flavours and great-quality ingredients together this year, with something on offer to cater to all tastes and preferences.
Tesco officially unveils Christmas Meal Deal menu for 2026 / Credit: Tesco
Available in stores and online from next week, with Tesco Clubcard members paying just £3.80 or £5.50 to upgrade to a Premium Meal Deal, some of the all-new main options you can choose from in 2026’s festive lineup include the Fully Loaded Chicken, Stuffing, Braised Red Cabbage & Cranberry Sauce Sandwich, the Christmas Triple Sandwich, and the Pork Meatball Wrap with smoky sage and onion mayonnaise.
Other returning favourites include the Brie and Cranberry Sandwich, the Currywurst Sausage Sub, and the absolute classic Turkey & Trimmings Sandwich.
For veggies and vegans, there’s a new Tesco Plant Chef Christmas Veg Fest Wrap, and for those who follow a gluten free diet, you can grab the Gluten Free Festive Chicken & Trimmings sandwich.
When it comes to snacks to accompany those mains, the festive Mini Pork Pies and Pig in Blanket Sausage Rolls are returning to the lineup this year, alongside some new additions like the Pretzels with Salted Caramel Soft Cheese Dip, and Mini Cheese Twists.
Daisy Jackson -
12th July 2022 
