Where to find Britain's best fish 'n' chips
There are more than 9,000 fish and chip shops in the UK, serving up around 250 million meals each year, more than double the amount of Indian curries. And the nation's favourite take-away dish contains a third less calories and more than 40 per cent less fat than doner kebabs or a chicken korma (well, at least according to research from Seafish and the National Federation of Fish Friers).
So, where's the best place to get stuck in? Hodgsons Chippy in Lancaster has recently been crowned Britain's Chip Shop of the Year 2006. Owners Nigel and Linda Hodgson, who met and fell in love working in a chippy owned by Linda's father, battered nine other finalists to win the coveted title. Andy's Fish Bar in Swadlincote, Derbyshire, came second and McDermotts Fish and Chips in Croydon was third. See www.fishupdate.com for how to nominate your favourite chippy for the 2007 title. Perfect fish doesn't come at a premium either - a Hodgsons haddock and chips costs just £3.50.
· Hodgsons, 96 Prospect St, Lancaster; 01524 67763.
Is my car insurance still valid abroad?
Many Britons jump on the ferry without a thought for their car insurance, but it pays to check out your cover. According to the AA, if you're taking your car to any EU country, plus Croatia, Gibraltar, Monaco, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, San Marino or Switzerland, all UK motor insurance policies automatically provide the minimum third-party cover required by law. However, many policies require an additional premium to cover theft, fire or damage to your vehicle. Some companies give up to 90 days' free foreign cover with a comprehensive policy, others just a few days, so you may need to pay an extra premium to cover the duration of your stay. Even companies that provide free comprehensive cover for short periods will sometimes only do so if you have informed them of your planned trip, so it's best to call just in case.
Always take your insurance certificate with you. A Green Card is required for most non-EU countries and acts as proof of insurance. Insurers do not charge for a Green Card, but if your insurance is arranged through a third party, such as an insurance broker, they may charge an administration fee. For further information see the AA website - www.theaa.com - or the Association of British Insurers, www.abi.org.uk.
How to test the wine in a restaurant
For some reason, many Brits seem to look upon this simple procedure as a stressful challenge to their sophistication. Don't worry, just follow these rules. Remember, you're not checking whether it's a good or bad bottle of wine, just whether it has been 'corked'; that is, contaminated by the chemical TCA (for which the cork is the most common culprit). The wine industry estimates that between 3 and 5 per cent of bottles are affected. First check the label to make sure it's the one you've ordered. The waiter will often put the cork on the table. Don't bother smelling it, it will tell you nothing (traditionally, the cork is simply presented to show you the labels have not been switched because, with most expensive wines, the name is also printed on the cork). If the cork is dry, this could be a bad sign, but don't say anything just yet.
When the waiter has poured a small amount in your glass, tilt it and gently rotate it a few times. As the liquid coats the glass and evaporates, the flavours and scents are accentuated. Bring the glass up to your nose and inhale. If it smells OK, simply nod to the server. If it smells unpleasant, dank and musty, like old sweaty socks or wet mouldy cardboard (it will be really quite obvious!), it is corked so send the bottle back. If you're not sure, don't be afraid to ask the sommelier to smell the wine too.
