Psy’s YouTube channel might have hit its three billionth view earlier this month, but the king of Korean pop is not immune to the pressures of fame despite his success. He has admitted in a candid interview that vodka is his “best friend”.

Popular British gay bars and nightclubs have joined a global boycott of Russian vodka brands following allegations of human rights abuses by Vladimir Putin’s government.

Dump Russian Vodka campaign spawns #DumpStoli hashtag even though Stolichnaya made in Latvia by a company based in Luxembourg

Samuel Muston

It is more often associated with a teenager’s first curious sips of alcohol or as a sugary lubricant at school discos up and down the country, so Smirnoff Ice’s presence at a high society wedding at the weekend was a curious one.

The last images of murdered schoolgirl Tia Sharp alive were shown to a jury today, as they heard how she “idolised” her alleged killer.

The latest figures from the 2011 census reveal Polish has overtaken Punjabi as England's second language. 546,000 citizens now cite Polish as their native tongue, a rise which can be attributed to the influx of Polish immigrants following the expansion of the EU in 2004. (If this seems a small number, it should be noted many second generation immigrants speak Polish, Punjabi or another language as a second language after English.)

As well as an interesting insight into modern Britain, it seems a perfect opportunity to brush up on our Polish. So here are some phrases you might like to try out during your next trip to the local Polski Sklep...

UPDATE: We thought we could get away with using Google Translate. We were wrong. Lots of very kind (and clever) Polish-speaking readers of Independent Voices wrote in to provide us with superior translations which have now been included below. Dziękuję!

The inquest into the death of 27-year-old singer Amy Winehouse is set to be reheard following the resignation of the coroner in charge, according to a spokesman for Camden Council.

Rema Begum became distressed after her lifestyle was exposed to her Muslim parents

Drinks giant Diageo has proved its acquisition strategy is not invincible by calling time on its bid to buy Mexico’s Jose Cuervo tequila brand, bringing to an end year-long talks.

The online boutique It's Vintage Darling has a wide range of original and vintage-inspired clothes and accessories from the 1900s to the 1990s – and Independent readers can get 20 per cent off using an exclusive Bargain Hunter code. That cuts the price of the top-selling, 1930s-style Art Deco shell clutch bag (pictured) from £45 to £34. Simply use the discount code VINTAGE20 when shopping at itsvintagedarling.com

Serves 4-6

High jumper Robbie Grabarz has said that the key to his success has been sleep and the odd shot of vodka.

Whether you’re fixing yourself a strong martini or simply serving it over ice with lime, we’ve got the pure spirit for the job...