Virgin Media has apologised after tens of thousands of customers across the UK experienced several broadband outages yesterday.
The first outage was reported in the earlier hours of yesterday (Tuesday 4 April) morning at around 2am, with the firm confirming just after 8am that it was “aware of an issue that is affecting broadband services” for both customers and contact centres.
It said teams were “currently working to identify and fix the problem as quickly as possible”.
This initial issue was resolved by around 11:30am, with Virgin Media assuring customers it was “closely monitoring the situation”.
We’re aware of an issue that is affecting broadband services for Virgin Media customers as well as our contact centres. Our teams are currently working to identify and fix the problem as quickly as possible and we apologise to those customers affected.
However, disruption was reported once again at 4pm by Downdetector – which is an online platform that provides users with real-time information about the status of their broadband services – and Virgin Media was forced to address the situation once again by explaining that engineers were “continuing to investigate”.
With around 55,000 people thought to be affected by the outages nationwide, the company took to social media to “apologise for any inconvenience caused” while work to restore services was being carried out once again.
The company said its engineers were working “flat out” to resolve the issue.
We’ve restored broadband services for customers but are closely monitoring the situation as our engineers continue to investigate. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
Unfortunately we have seen a repeat of an earlier issue which is causing intermittent broadband connectivity problems for some Virgin Media customers. We apologise again to those impacted, our teams are continuing to work flat out to find the root cause of the problem and fix it.
In a statement on Twitter at 5:25pm yesterday, Virgin Media said: “Unfortunately we have seen a repeat of an earlier issue which is causing intermittent broadband connectivity problems for some Virgin Media customers.
“We apologise again to those impacted, our teams are continuing to work flat out to find the root cause of the problem and fix it.”
While these repeat broadband outages were said to have been reported by around 55,000 people, one fifth of those who reported it said they were suffering from a total blackout – which has inevitably lead to some aggravated customers demanding a refund.
Several called the company out for the fact these disruptions and outages are being followed by a hike in price for their services.
Virgin Media apologises after more than 50,000 customers experienced ‘repeat’ broadband outages / Credit: Kaitlyn Baker (via Unsplash)
“Some cheek telling us our bills are going up 13% whilst our internet isn’t even working,” one customer said on Twitter.
Another customer said: “There’s an honesty about Virgin Media. In response to widespread outages, they take their help pages down and ignore Twitter. Nothing says “switch your broadband, we don’t know what we’re doing” more effectively than that.”
One customer added on Twitter that he believes all customers should “receive compensation in the amount of one month free internet”.
Hi, Virgin Media thanks for warning us. I’ve been running multiple devices off my phone all day 🙄
Can I get a refund for your 17% price hike? Above inflation? @virginmedia
Another customer seeking a refund said on Twitter: “Hi Virgin Media, thanks for warning us. I’ve been running multiple devices off my phone all day. Can I get a refund for your 17% price hike? Above inflation?”
“Virgin Media need to refund my bill this month,” another angry customer claimed.
“Hope I get some sort of refund,” another said on Twitter.
“You have the cheek to raise prices without improving services. And now a nice 7 hour outage? As long as that profit line stays on the up eh? You clowns.”
Featured Image – Virgin Media
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Greggs brings back popular Vegan Steak Bake under ‘fresh’ new name
Emily Sergeant
Greggs has announced that one of its most popular bakes is making a comeback after unprecedented fan demand.
Veggies and vegans, happy Friday… this one’s for you.
As any fan of the popular bakery will tell you, the Steak Bake is an absolute staple of the Greggs menu, and is undoubtedly one of the chain’s best-sellers, meaning it’s been a mainstay in stores for years on end now… but sadly, the same couldn’t be said about the plant-based alternative.
In case you don’t quite remember its release, or didn’t get a chance to try it the first time round, the Vegan Steak Bake is exactly what it says on the tin – a vegan version of the iconic Steak Bake.
First launched to mark Veganuary – which is an annual challenge to promote and educate about veganism by encouraging people to follow a vegan lifestyle for the month of January – all the way back in 2020, the Vegan Steak Bake joined the chain’s popular, and still existing, Vegan Sausage Roll to form part of its growing meat-free lineup.
The Vegan Steak Bake was created to mirror some of the original pasty’s features, according to Greggs.
It featured thin layers of puff pastry, and a filling made with pieces of Quorn instead of beef, all mixed in with diced onions and a meat-free gravy.
While the bake seemed to be a hit with vegans, vegetarians, and those who just fancied a meat-free alternative to their day, and even made a short-lived return again in early 2024, it sadly didn’t stick around for too long.
Greggs has announced the return of the popular Vegan Steak Bake / Credit: Greggs
But now, it looks like it’s time for a Vegan Steak Bake comeback again in 2025 – and this time, it’s got a slightly new name and a ‘fresh’ look.
Greggs wrote on its website ahead of the Vegan Steak Bake return: “What’s the big deal?” you might ask. In our humble opinion, tasty steak-free pieces mixed with diced onions and a vegan-friendly gravy is the absolute biggest of deals.
“It’s vegan, it’s incredibly delicious and it’s yours from just £2.10. What more do you need?”
The Vegan Lattice (Steak-Free), as it’s now called, is apparently still ‘super tasty’, despite being named something different.
It’s available to order from all Greggs sites across the UK now.
Featured Image – Greggs
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Popeyes to give out FREE viral chicken sandwiches when it opens in Manchester Arndale next week
Emily Sergeant
Manchester is getting another new Popeyes next week, and this time it’s coming to the city’s biggest shopping centre.
New Orleans-born fried chicken restaurant, Popeyes® UK, has finally announced the launch date of its newest Manchester restaurant at Halle Place, on the Lower Ground of Manchester Arndale, making it the third location for the city and the chain’s 33rd opening in total this year.
Popeyes has become known for its round-the-block queues on opening day – with both the Manchester Piccadilly and Bury New Road launches attracting hundreds for their first bite of the legendary Chicken Sandwich.
This is why a ‘show-stopping’ launch day is planned for the new Arndale site when it opens from 11am next Friday (29 August), and there’ll be loads of giveaways for shoppers to get their teeth stuck into.
On opening day, not only the first three customers win the ultimate prize of free Chicken Sandwiches for a full year, but the first 50 customers in the queue will be treated to exclusive Popeyes UK merchandise and the first 100 people will bag themselves a free Chicken Sandwich.
With both dine-in and speedy takeaway options available, fried chicken lovers will soon be able to enjoy Popeyes favourites, like the iconic Chicken Sandwich, Hot Wings, Tenders, and Signature Chicken Wraps, when it opens at the Arndale.
All of Popeyes’ chicken is marinated for 12 hours in its signature blend of bold Louisiana seasoning, before it’s hand-breaded and battered to deliver that famous ‘shatter-crunch’.
Popeyes is opening its third Manchester site in the Arndale next week / Credit: The Manc Group
The new Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich will also be available from opening day, following huge demand from fans for its return to the menu.
The Sandwich is joined by the return of the bigger-than-ever Hot Honey range, featuring the brand-new Hot Honey Saucin’ Boneless, the comeback of Hot Honey Saucin’ Wings, and the Hot Honey Box Meal.
“The response to our first two Manchester restaurants has been incredible, and we’re sure our new Arndale location will be just as popular,” commented Tom Crowley, who is the Popeyes UK CEO, ahead of next week’s opening.
“The new opening marks an exciting step in our growth across the city, and we look forward to welcoming even more guests to experience the spirit of New Orleans.”
To be in with a chance of chomping down on a legendary Popeyes Chicken Sandwich for free of charge, you’ll want to make sure you’re one of the first 100 in the queue on Arndale launch day.
Popeyes opens its third Manchester site at Manchester Arndale next Friday 29 August at 11am.
Emily Sergeant -
5th April 2023 
