A MUCH-LOVED bar and restaurant is set to close its doors after almost a decade in the heart of the seaside town.
Ojo Rojo, located in the Bournemouth Triangle, has announced it will be leaving the area after ten years of serving up tacos, cocktails, and a lively Mexican atmosphere.
Founded in Bournemouth, Dorset, by Trevor Hill and JJ Adams, Ojo Rojo made a name for itself with its bold flavours, mezcal-based drinks, and vibrant setting.
It even earned a spot in the UK’s Top 50 Cocktail Bars for three years running.
The news was first reported by the Bournemouth Echo, who spoke with co-founders Trevor Hill and JJ Adams, confirming the closure is a “strategic move” shaped by “national industry pressure and local challenges.”
But they’ve made it clear – this isn’t the end.
“After nearly ten years of tacos, mezcal, music and magic, it’s time for a new chapter,” they said.
“Ojo Rojo is moving on. Not because we’ve lost what makes us special but because we’re ready to take everything that we’ve learnt and shape it into something stronger.”
Locals have responded with an outpouring of emotion, sharing memories and messages of support on social media.
Rachel Grant posted: “Our first date venue, where will we go for our anniversary now.”
Kelly Marie Young added: “Such a shame! We love this restaurant.”
Others praised the team’s effort.
There’s also been frustration about the wider town centre.
Ojo Rojo is well known for its dedication to authentic Mexican culture.
From its diverse cocktail menu featuring house-made syrups and infusions, to its proud selection of agave spirits, the bar has drawn fans from across the South Coast.
“Our ambition is to revolutionise the well-known taco, while educating people about the deep-rooted Mexican culture,” reads a statement on their website.
“We are passionate that everyone who comes into contact with us feels refreshed.”
The venue, which includes a downstairs bar, upstairs dining, and an outdoor hacienda, will continue to operate for a short while longer.
Its sister site, Hacienda Harden, is also set to close.
The owners remain hopeful and committed to the future.
“You reminded us what this place means to people and why this next chapter matters so much, from me, Jayjay and the whole office thank you so much for all the love,” they said.
“We’re here for a little bit longer. Remember we are not done yet… This is just the beginning.
“We want to build what comes next with you. Because whatever that next version looks like, it’s going to have the same soul – yours.”
Ojo Rojo’s closure adds to a growing list of businesses shutting their doors in Bournemouth and across the UK.
In Bournemouth, the Winton branch of WHSmith closed earlier this year, and the town has seen other high street names disappear amid rising costs and shifting shopping habits.
Nationally, the retail and hospitality sectors are facing significant challenges.
Department store Beales, which first opened in Bournemouth in 1881, closed its last remaining store in Poole in May 2025, citing increased operational costs and tax burdens.
Other notable closures include Karen’s Diner in Islington, which shut its final UK branch in June 2025 after its parent company went into liquidation with £400,000 in debt.
Fashion retailer River Island is reportedly developing a radical rescue plan amid financial struggles, with store closures and job losses being potential outcomes.
The Original Factory Shop is undergoing significant restructuring, with several stores across regions such as Worcestershire, Durham, and Cumbria slated to shut down this month.
These closures highlight the broader economic pressures facing UK businesses, including rising operational costs, changing consumer behaviours, and increased competition from online retailers.
By Laura McGuire, consumer reporter
MANY Food and drink chains have been struggling in recently as the cost of living has led to fewer people spending on eating out.
Businesses had been struggling to bounce back after the pandemic, only to be hit with soaring energy bills and inflation.
Multiple chains have been affected, resulting in big-name brands like Wetherspoons and Frankie & Benny’s closing branches.
Some chains have not survived, Byron Burger fell into administration last year, with owners saying it would result in the loss of over 200 jobs.
Pizza giant, Papa Johns is shutting down 43 of its stores soon.
Tasty, the owner of Wildwood, said it will shut sites as part of major restructuring plans
INDIA has unveiled the world’s highest railway bridge – built with 30,000 tonnes of steel and towering 359 metres above the river bed.
The Chenab Bridge, linking India to Kashmir, has been hailed as the “crown jewel of India” amid major tensions over the disputed region controlled by rival neighbours India and Pakistan.
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi opened the £200 million bridge in his first visit to Kashmir since the escalation of the India-Pakistan conflict in April.
The bridge’s inauguration comes just a month after a shooting in the resort town of Pahalgam, Indian-controlled Kashmir, which killed 26 people.
Waving the national flag over the bridge, Modi said: “Pakistan will never forget… its shameful loss.”
He added: “Today’s event is a grand festival of India’s unity and firm resolve.”
Dubbed by Indian Railways as one of the most challenging tracks in the world, the bridge is seen as a symbol of India’s economic strength.
Stretching 0.8 miles long, the structure has been built to withstand 165mph winds and high-intensity earthquakes.
The idea for the railway was first floated in 1892 by the then ruling Maharaja Hari Singh, who brought in British engineers to survey the rugged terrain.
But given its complexity, the plan was ultimately shelved.
The 169-mile railway line starts in the garrison town of Udhampur in Jammu and winds its way through Srinagar, the main city in Indian-administered Kashmir.
It ends in Baramulla, near the heavily militarised Line of Control that divides the Himalayan region between India and Pakistan.
The bridge is the focal point of the £3.7bn Udhampur-Katra-Baramulla project – set to connect Jammu and Kashmir with 36 tunnels and 943 bridges.
It is expected to slice in half – to around three hours – the time taken to travel from Katra, a town in Kashmir’s Hindu-majority Jammu region to Srinagar, Kashmir’s main city which has a Muslim majority.
Around 16 million people live in Kashmir, split between the Indian-controlled and Pakistani-controlled areas.
When India and Pakistan gained independence from British rule in 1947, Indian troops took control of two-thirds of Kashmir, while Pakistan seized the northern third.
Since then, the dispute between the two nuclear-armed neighbours has evolved into one of the world’s most intense geopolitical rivalries.
India accused Pakistan of backing the recent Pahalgam massacre – a claim Islamabad firmly denies.
US President Donald Trump said: “The United States stands strong with India against terrorism.
“We pray for the souls of those lost, and for the recovery of the injured.
“Prime Minister Modi, and the incredible people of India, have our full support and deepest sympathies.”
In response to the terror attack, India launched “Operation Sindoor”, striking nine sites across Pakistan and Pakistani-controlled Kashmir.
Pakistan officials said the “unprovoked” strikes killed at least 31 people, including several children, as well as injuring 46 others.
The fraught period also saw India and Pakistan cancelling visas for each other’s citizens.
ANGE POSTECOGLOU’S replacement could walk into a dressing room revolt at Tottenham, according to reports.
The Aussie was axed just two weeks after lifting the Europa League to end the club’s 17-year trophy drought.
Brentford’s Thomas Frank is the leading candidate to take over, with Fulham boss Marco Silva and Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola also in the running.
And the new man’s first job could be to lift spirits in a devastated dressing room full of players that have spoken out in support of Postecoglou.
The Telegraph claim the sacking has angered many and some stars now want to leave this summer.
A “player revolt” is a worry for chief Daniel Levy as players are unhappy over the way “Postecoglou’s exit has been handled”.
The Spurs squad penned touching goodbyes to their boss on social media, possibly hinting at their dismay over the decision.
Captain Son Heung-min called him a “legend”, who “changed the trajectory of the club and believed in us”.
Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario wrote: “You are not only a top manager, you are an incredible person to work for, a real leader, a mentor, and someone I’ll always look up to.
“What we achieved TOGETHER will stay in the history books.”
Pedro Porro said: “For mentoring me early on, helping me settle into the club, and trusting me out on the pitch.
“I’ll always be grateful for the way you led us, defended us, and kept us going through all the highs and lows.
“Above everything, you gave us one of the greatest moments in the club’s history and for that, you’ll always be celebrated.”
Dominic Solanke added: “Thank you for bringing me to this wonderful club, thank you for bringing us a wonderful trophy.
“Won’t ever forget the convo we had before I signed and we achieved a dream! All the best in your next adventure.”
An official Spurs statement said it was a unanimous decision to get rid of Postecoglou despite it being a “tough” decision.
They said: “Whilst winning the Europa League this season ranks as one of the club’s greatest moments, we cannot base our decision on emotions aligned to this triumph.”
Yet it did little to calm raging fans, who said: “What an absolute joke of a football club.”
Another commented: “This club is addicted to self-sabotage. Embarrassing. Thanks Ange, for reminding us what it’s like to actually win something.”
ANGE Postecoglou issued a statement just moments after being axed.
It read: “When I reflect on my time as manager of Tottenham Hotspur, my overriding emotion is one of pride.
“The opportunity to lead one of England’s historic football clubs and bring back the glory it deserves will live with me for a lifetime.
“Sharing that experience with all those who truly love this club and seeing the impact it had on them is something I will never forget.
“That night in Bilbao was the culmination of two years of hard work, dedication and unwavering belief in a dream.
“There were many challenges to overcome and plenty of noise that comes with trying to accomplish what many said was not possible.
“We have also laid the foundations that means this club should not have to wait 17 more years for their next success.
“I have enormous faith in this group of players and know there is much more potential and growth in them. I sincerely want to thank those who are the lifeblood of the club, the supporters.
“I know there were some difficult times, but I always felt that they wanted me to succeed and that gave me all the motivation I needed to push on.
“It’s important to acknowledge the hard working people at Spurs who gave me encouragement on a daily basis.
“And finally, I want to thank those who were with me every day for the last two years.
“A fantastic group of young men who are now legends of this football club and the brilliant coaches who never once doubted we could do something special.
“We are forever connected. Audere est Facere.”
THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..
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JORGINHO has completed his move to Flamengo – just hours after leaving Arsenal.
The Brazilian midfielder, 33, was released from his contract early by the Gunners.
Jorginho joined Arsenal in January 2023 from Chelsea.
The 33-year-old made 78 appearances for Mikel Arteta’s side, but mostly featured off the bench this season.
Jorginho was set to leave the club when his deal expired on 30 June.
But the club arranged for him to be released early so he could play for Flamengo in the Club World Cup.
He has penned a three-year deal with the Brazilian side.
The Gunners described Jorginho as a “valuable and integral part of the club” in a statement confirming his early release.
It added: “Everyone at Arsenal Football Club would like to thank Jorgi for his contribution to the club.
“We wish him and his family all the best for the future.”
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Flamengo’s draw for the Club World Cup sees them face Tunis, Los Angeles FC and Chelsea in the group stage.
It means Jorginho will face his former club on June 20 at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field.
A familiar face to Blues fans will also play against Chelsea in the tournament opener.
Olivier Giroud, who played for both the Blues and Arsenal, currently leads the line for Los Angeles FC.
The MLS club booked their place in the competition with a nervy qualifying win over Mexican giants Club America earlier this month.
The winner-takes-all tie came about after Mexico’s Club Leon were kicked out of the new-look competition before it even started.
Leon were due to be in Group D alongside Chelsea.
But they were booted due to a violation of Fifa’s rules on multi-club ownership.
The 32-team tournament starts later this month.
Manchester City, among the favourites for the crown, face Italian giants Juventus, Morocco’s Wydad AC and Al Ain of the UAE in the group stages.
MANY of us will have ordered clothes, shoes or maybe even holiday accessories from Shein, but did you know that you can buy beds from there too?
Recently, we’ve seen shoppers take the risk and nab themselves fresh new sofas from Temu, but now it appears that people are beginning to order box-fresh furniture from Shein.
A mother named Shaks explained that she “wanted to take a risk” and bought herself a brand new bed frame from Shein.
While she recognised that it was confusing to put together, she was thrilled with her new bedroom purchase, which cost her just £269.99.
Not only does it have LED lights and four storage drawers, but it’s even got a charger port too – yes, you heard that correctly.
Eager to show others her new bargain buy, Shaks took to social media and gave her followers a close-up look at the functional bed frame, which is a gorgeous linen beige.
Showing off her Flieks Upholstered Bed, which is still available to order online, Shaks said: “I bought a bed from Shein so you don’t have to.”
Showing off the process of putting the frame together, Shaks explained: “Well, to start off with, those confused the instructions – the Shein manufacturer needs to redo them because we had to undo, start again about three, four times.”
The content creator then showed off the bedside charging port and storage drawers.
Following this, she shared: “It was looking a bit small at first but it actually worked out great.
“I can honestly say, you can buy your bed from Shein – it even comes with LED lights.”
The LED Light Bed, which has four storage drawers and a slatted frame, was originally priced at £519.98, but has now been reduced to £259.99.
In a follow-up clip, just weeks after getting the bed, Shaks revealed: “It’s still standing, it’s firm, it’s strong, the colour is good.”
Despite this, the mother acknowledged: “The only problem that I find with this bed is that it’s too low, so if you’ve got back problems I personally wouldn’t recommend it.”
Shein is an online-only fast-fashion retailer, based out of China, that has become a number one shopping destination for many around the world.
The company was valued at $66billion in 2023, dwarfing that of popular high street brands Zara and H&M.
The fashion retailer was founded in late 2008, by entrepreneur and marketing specialist Xu Yangtian, also known as Chris Xu.
Shein is a legitimate selling website and is not a phishing scam.
But you may receive a disappointing order or run into shipping issues if you order from the site, according to reviews.
There have been swathes of quality complaints, which makes sense when looking at the price tag.
Having said that, she recognised that the bed, which doesn’t come with a mattress, is “good for Shein.”
The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @shaks6, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly gone viral and racked up a jaw-dropping 20.3 million views.
Not only this, but it’s also amassed 1.4 million likes, 4,665 comments and 125,800 saves.
Social media users were left stunned by the affordable bed and many eagerly raced to the comments to express this.
Shein is taking things to another level
TikTok user
One person said: “I didn’t know they sold beds.”
Another added: “Buying a bed from Shein is so crazy.”
A third commented: “DON’T TEMPT ME.”
Meanwhile, someone else claimed: “Shein is taking things to another level.”
Known for their cheap clothing, Shein sells its own products and acts as a marketplace for third-party sellers.
They do not sell designer brands, and in the past have been plagued by accusations of counterfeits and copyright violations.
Previously brands like Ralph Lauren and Oakley have sued the fashion giant for violating their intellectual property rights.
Whilst another user wrote: “At this point, they have everything. They need to start selling Mr. Right too now man.”
And it’s not only Shaks that shared a positive review of the purse-friendly bed, as online Shein shoppers have also raved about the furniture.
Lovely bed, love the USB and the lights. The drawers are a bonus, quite spacious
Shein shopper
One shopper beamed: “Sooooo good, easy to assemble and even comes with a charging port. I am in love!!!”
A second simply penned: “Absolutely love!”
Whilst another praised: “Lovely bed, love the USB and the lights. The drawers are a bonus, quite spacious.”
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LAUREN Patterson loved her teaching job in Qatar.
She had a great circle of friends, a group of expats who were also living in Qatar, attracted by the glitter, the tax-free salaries and endless sun.
But after a year or so, 24-year-old Lauren, originally from West Malling, Kent, was beginning to feel misgivings about Qatar.
There seemed to be an undercurrent, a hint of a police state.
She started thinking about leaving but didn’t get the chance.
One night, she went out with a friend to a hotel popular with British expats.
At the end of the evening, Lauren and her friend couldn’t find a taxi, so they accepted a lift with two Qatari men whom the expats knew and were on friendly terms with.
The pair dropped the friend off first. The full details of what happened will – tragically – never be known.
What is known is that Lauren never made it home. Her body was found two days later in the desert. She had been raped and stabbed to death and her body set on fire.
Badr Hashim Khamis Abdallah Al-Jabr, one of the Qatari men who had offered her a lift, was arrested and sentenced to death the following year for her murder, but this was reduced to manslaughter in 2018 and his sentence changed to 10-and-a-half years in prison.
Lauren was killed in October 2013. Her mother, Alison, feels sure he has now been released and is enjoying his freedom.
She is desperate to know. So too are Lauren’s friends, still in Qatar, who are terrified of bumping into him.
But being Qatar, with its secretive ways, Alison, 60, has not been able to find out if her daughter’s killer is now free.
“It’s farcical,” says Alison. “Our lawyer went to the prison to try to find out if he was there.
“He was stopped, they thought he was there to harm him.
“It is quite ridiculous in a way, he’s a very well known lawyer.
“Quite a few of Lauren’s work colleagues are still out in Qatar and want to know for their peace of mind if he has been released.
“The last time I spoke to our lawyer out there he said he would check but nothing came back. That’s what happens every time.”
Lauren’s killer’s accomplice, Muhammad Abdullah Hassan Abdul Aziz was sentenced to just three years for helping to dispose of Lauren’s body.
Today, about 20,000 Brits are living in Qatar.
It’s glitzy and pristine and highly photogenic – an influencer’s dream.
The Corniche is a waterfront promenade that stretches seven kilometres around the crescent-shaped Doha Bay.
There are luxurious hotels such as the Ritz Carlton and Katara Hills, and exclusive private members clubs like The Ned Doha.
Qatar is firmly on the map – the new Dubai.
Expats live in spacious villas in luxurious complexes with pools and tennis courts. Rent is often subsidised by the employer; the expat schools are well regarded.
Job opportunities include positions for teachers, physiotherapists, lab technicians and petroleum engineers. Salaries can be higher, but the real benefit comes from the many employers who give allowances for accommodation and pay for school fees.
As one expat currently living there puts it: “Accommodation isn’t cheap, but lots of expats usually get a housing allowance that goes towards their accommodation.
“A lot of expats will get subsidized membership of a beach club and quite often schools are paid for, too, or at least a chunk of the fees covered.
“European expats with kids really like life in Qatar because they can afford a maid or a nanny.
“And of course petrol is so cheap – around 6p a litre.”
Four or five months before she died, she was looking quite seriously to move jobs to another country. There were things she wasn’t comfortable with
Alison
But under the gloss, there are rules that expats are not so comfortable with.
Alcohol is available only at licensed hotel restaurants, bars and some clubs in this strict Muslim country and it is illegal to drink alcohol or be drunk in a public place.
The introduction of what’s been dubbed a “sin tax” in 2019 saw a big increase in the price of alcohol.
“Restaurants are very expensive, especially ones that serve alcohol,” says the expat.
“Alcohol is very highly taxed at around 150% – whether it’s beer, wines or spirits.”
The expat adds: “In areas like education, there is a creeping growth of conservative Islamic principles.
“Children have to learn Arabic, which is not a bad thing if you are living in an Arab country, but then there are other problems.
“For example, at the beginning of the current school year, there was a massive backlash after parents of children aged six and above were told their children would have to completely cover their arms and legs.
“It got to a high level and the British Embassy got involved. Eventually the plans were shelved.
“But for the past two or three years, mothers have not been allowed to watch sons in sports competitions and fathers are not allowed to watch daughters.
“At one elite sporting academy, one swimming coach who works with males and females is not allowed to watch girls he is training when they take part in swimming competitions.”
The resident adds: “A couple of years ago, school libraries at expat schools were closed for three to six months, stopping children from accessing books, while they were censored.
“A parent had complained about a children’s story book.”
Alison, who has two other children and lives with her husband, Kevin, 63, near Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, says Lauren had become uneasy about how things were done in Qatar.
She loved teaching, having gained her qualification at The Open University after a spell working as a teaching assistant in Luxembourg. But other aspects bothered her.
“Four or five months before she died, she was looking quite seriously to move jobs to another country.
“She was feeling a little bit apprehensive, there were things she wasn’t comfortable with. The school was good, she really enjoyed that. It was other things.
“For example, she sent me a picture of two young girls at the airports, they were trying to leave but they were taken away by the police. They probably didn’t have the right paperwork. That’s what it was like.
“When my mum became seriously ill and was dying, Lauren wanted to come back to see her but she was denied permission by the authorities to leave. There was a process to go through, and they wouldn’t let her go. They said there wasn’t time to arrange it, it was a petty reason.
“In the end, my mum died, and Lauren was able to get back home for the funeral.”
The funeral was held on a Thursday. Lauren flew back to Qatar on the Friday. She’d recently started a new relationship and her boyfriend was due to fly out in a couple of days.
When she arrived back at her apartment, a friend came round and suggested they go out for a few drinks. Lauren left her unpacked suitcase on her bed – ready to unpack when she got home later that evening.
She never came back.
“Lauren didn’t get a chance to text me that she had arrived in Qatar safely and I was immediately concerned when I didn’t hear from her,” says Alison.
“None of her friends had heard from her.
“Her killer worked in security at the airport, he was seen as a man whom you could trust.
“He actually helped search for Lauren with her friends.”
On the Sunday, two falconers who had taken their birds to the desert came across Lauren’s body.
Police secretly staked out and watched Lauren’s killer and his accomplice come to the site to check if they’d covered up Lauren’s body properly. They were immediately arrested.
Alison took the call that is every parent’s nightmare and was asked to bring Lauren’s dental records to Qatar to identify the body.
“Those two knew what they was doing.
“Lauren lived six minutes away, the other girl lived 15 minutes away, but they took the other girl home first
“He said all sorts of things. He said Lauren attacked him, then he said Lauren fell on the knife.”
In 2019, six years after Lauren’s death, another expat, Marc Bennett, died in disturbing circumstances.
On December 24, he was found hanging in a hotel room. The police reportedly said it was suicide; his family back in Britain were adamant he would never have killed himself, and there was no note.
In 2017, Marc had been appointed senior vice-president at Discover Qatar, with the role of developing tourism at the 2022 World Cup.
After he resigned, he was reportedly arrested and held in a secret detention centre, where he told family he was physically and mentally tortured and told he could not leave the country.
Qatar Airways reportedly responded by saying Mr Bennett had emailed “highly confidential documents relating to Qatar Airways to a private email address” and was consequently arrested and the case became a “police matter”.
There remain many unanswered questions.
Meanwhile, twelve years after Lauren’s killing, Alison knows she will never have all the answers to questions about her daughter’s death.
She does want to know, though, if her killer is free.
“We have written personally to the Emir but never had a reply. We gave letters to the Qatari embassy but heard nothing.
“You don’t move on, but you’re putting a line under one part of it, you’re coming to terms with he’s out,” she says.
