We’ve learned not to set our expectations for Nadine Dorries too high, and yet somehow she still manages to limbo under them with magnificent ease.
The secretary of state for digital, culture, media and sport – and it’s the sport bit that’s most relevant here – was at it again today at an event about the upcoming Rugby League World Cup.
Over to the BBC’s sports editor, Dan Roan.
AUDIO of gaffe by Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries during speech at a Rugby League World Cup social impact event in St Helens earlier.
“I’ve always quite liked the idea of rugby league – my long-standing memory is that 2003 drop-goal… Wow, what a moment that was.” Listen pic.twitter.com/wD1FPJaK1e
Except, as anyone who knows anything about rugby – and quite a few people who know nothing about rugby – will tell you, the 2003 World Cup win she’s referring to was rugby union, not rugby league, a very different thing.
old Nadine Dorries: why can't the BBC be Netflix
new Nadine Dorries: why can't Rugby League be Rugby Union
Here’s what Dorries said later in a tweet we have no doubt she composed entirely by herself.
Like Jason Robinson I may have switched codes in my speech… Both league & union have a rich heritage in the UK. Obviously I've followed rugby league much less in my lifetime, but I'm looking forward to watching England (& all the home nations) in the RL World Cup this Autumn
Have you ever thought about fact checking your speeches before you make these embarrassing blunders? Try it, it will save you having to make these humiliating pretend corrections. https://t.co/jvDPgvFAJF
I've loved Rugby League ever since I saw Pele score a home run at Wimbledon in '74. Secretary of state for Culture, Media and SPORT apparently.#NadineDorrieshttps://t.co/ybwvFWxBOg
Nadine Dorries, as she frequently reminds us, is from the north west, where rugby league is/was covered extensively on local tv/radio. She’s also Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport of the United Kingdom and doesn’t know there’s two types of rugby. https://t.co/8kTGxcjBKK
“You know we were talking earlier about Jason Robinson? – Oh, yeah? – Jason Thorpe Robinson. Born 1974, switched codes permanently in November 2000” https://t.co/KUMhSY63SR
<p>At the BRICS summit in Russia, China’s Xi and India’s Modi aimed to enhance ties amid ongoing tensions, past disputes.</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.arise.tv/xi-jinping-modi-aim-for-harmony-at-brics-summit-despite-past-disputes/">Xi Jinping, Modi Aim for Harmony At BRICS Summit Despite Past Disputes</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.arise.tv">Arise News</a>.</p>
<img src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/a-woman-eating-a-sandwich-in-a-restaurant-window-right-two-people-share-a-pizza.jpg?id=61376485&width=1200&height=600&coordinates=0%2C39%2C0%2C39"/><br/><br/><p>Unless you've been living under a rock, you probably already know that <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/eat-drink/" target="_blank">Montreal is full of fantastic restaurants</a>.</p><p>From <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/montreal-restaurants-michelin-star-quebec-2025" target="_blank">internationally acclaimed kitchens</a> to local neighbourhood favourites, the city has no shortage of great food. But not every spot makes it onto a travel guide or TikTok itinerary for out-of-towners.</p><p><span></span>We recently <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MTLBlog/posts/pfbid02NdEAHV46r2t1iPGd3QUQL87Z5hRqKjaEY8xnJvYiaNaJY4n9jtvUxFPrHzuknancl" target="_blank">asked MTL Blog readers on Facebook</a>: "<em>What's your favourite hidden gem in Montreal that tourists might not know about?"</em></p><p><em></em> While we were expecting a mix of parks, events, or low-key attractions, one theme quickly took over the comments: food.</p><p>From neighbourhood mainstays to no-frills counters tucked away on quiet corners, many Montrealers were eager to share their go-to under-the-radar spots to eat. Others, though, preferred to keep their favourite places a secret, which is understandable. </p><p>But with so many responses about restaurants, we were able to put together a solid list of seven hidden gem eateries that locals say are worth checking out — whether you live here or not.</p><h3>Chalet BBQ</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BpxSW_nBPTL/" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BpxSW_nBPTL/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Rotisserie chicken (with fries) is a staple in Quebec cuisine, and few places do it better than Chalet BBQ. This NDG institution has been serving up delicious birds since 1944, earning a loyal following for its smoky, charcoal-roasted chicken, crispy skin, and savoury dipping sauce that many locals say beats St-Hubert any day.</p><p>It's not flashy or modern, and that's part of the charm. </p><p>Address: 5456 rue Sherbrooke O, Montreal, Quebec </p><h3>Moreiras</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DAWsQNSSZlB/" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DAWsQNSSZlB/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Tucked into a quiet stretch of William Street, Moreiras feels like the kind of Italian place you stumble into once and never forget. The pizzas come out thin and blistered, and the meatballs taste like a Sunday dinner at Nonna's. One reader described the atmosphere as "cozy with amazing food," and they weren't wrong </p><p>1744 rue William, Montreal, Quebec</p><h3>Patati Patata</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DIbfjVotoUP/?img_index=1" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DIbfjVotoUP/?img_index=1" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>This tiny St-Laurent diner is a Plateau classic known for crispy fries, cheap burgers, and one of the best poutines in the city. With just a few stools and booths, it keeps things simple, affordable, and reliably good. Locals love the quirky vibe and unchanged menu.</p><p>Address: 4177 boul. Saint-Laurent, Montreal, Quebec</p><h3>Bistro Amerigo</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C2BkB9EOxap/" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C2BkB9EOxap/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>This cozy Monkland Village trattoria is known for its fresh pasta, generous portions, and warm atmosphere. Locals love it for date nights and low-key dinners that still feel special. The gnocchi and short rib ragu are favourites.</p><p>Address: 6127 Monkland Ave, Montreal, Quebec</p><h3>Restaurant A.A</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B14ooi6A6jk/" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B14ooi6A6jk/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>A true local dive with no-frills charm, this cash-only joint on Notre-Dame serves up big portions of classic breakfast and greasy spoon fare at hard-to-beat prices. It's beloved for its retro vibe and dependable morning-after comfort food.</p><p>Address: 3702 rue Notre-Dame O, Montreal, Quebec </p><h3>Décarie Hot Dog</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BYLbUgjABAP/" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BYLbUgjABAP/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>This greasy staple has been slinging steamés, toasted buns, and classic Quebecois snack bar fare since 1969. It's a no-frills spot known for poutine, hot dogs, and a lineup of regulars who've been coming for decades.</p><p>Address: 953 boul. Décarie, Montreal, Quebec</p><h3>Tchang Kiang by Yangtze</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DGoh3V_JRhr/" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DGoh3V_JRhr/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>This Monkland Village eatery serves classic Chinese dishes. With a loyal following, thanks in part to its ties to the beloved <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/MontrealmemoriesTNG/posts/3046654608827506/" target="_blank">former Yangtze restaurant</a>, the menu features familiar favourites like sesame beef, egg rolls, and crispy noodles, all served in a casual, welcoming setting. It's a go-to for comforting plates with a nostalgic twist.</p><p> Address: 6066 rue Sherbrooke O, Montreal, Quebec</p>
SKATE WORLD: Local photographer Lexi Pendzich has been fascinated with skateboard culture since she was a teen, from its fashion and esthetics to its sick…