Lukas Podolski and Per Mertesacker wield swords on pre-season tour

Lukas Podolski and Per Mertesacker wield swords on pre-season tour

From Chilean Patagonia to luxury bell tents and Dr Who at Heathrow

Soldiers are working to evacuate tens of thousands of people still stranded in northern India where nearly 600 people have been killed in monsoon flooding and landslides.

Private companies in Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the North-east are struggling for growth as the centre of business power moves "inexorably southwards", according to a report published this week.

Pippa Middleton has set up her own company, it emerged today, although exactly what it will do remains unknown.

The owner of Yo! Sushi is battling rival private equity firms to acquire Byron, the upmarket burger chain, for £100m.

The owner of Yo Sushi is battling rival private equity firms to acquire Byron, the upmarket burger chain, for £100m.

RBS traders gleefully admitted Libor setting had become a “cartel” as another raft of damning emails gave the reputation of the industry a fresh beating today.

Jiro Dreams of Sushi

Demand for sushi is still depleting stocks

A bluefin tuna sold for a record £1m million at a Tokyo auction today, nearly three times the previous high set last year — even as environmentalists warn that stocks of the majestic, speedy fish are being depleted worldwide amid strong demand for sushi.

The Freehand, Indian Creek Drive

This hip hostel comes from the Sydell Group, notable for The NoMad and The Ace hotels in New York. Once again, they've drafted in Roman & Williams for the interiors (responsible for the industrial-chic look at the Ace), so low rates won't equate to a style compromise. At The Freehand, they've opted for a beach cabin feel, with wooden floors and nautical hues in the dorms and doubles. There's a tropical pool, a Broken Shaker cocktail bar and a new restaurant, The House, to come in March.

The Freehand, 2727 Indian Creek Drive (001 305 531 2727; thefreehand.com). Dorm beds start at $30 (£19), room only.

The menu is full of amorous-sounding dishes, but does this sushi place inspire affection?