Author: Blake Foster

Epping Forest District Council has announced that from December 6, residents and visitors can park free of charge in all council-operated car parks at the weekends. This initiative is aimed at encouraging people to explore and support local businesses during the festive period. Councillor Ken Williamson, who is responsible for parking policy, said: “I’m so pleased that Epping Forest District Council is once again offering free weekend parking throughout December. “I encourage residents and visitors to explore what our towns and high streets have to offer and support our wonderful local businesses in the run-up to Christmas.” Parking on bank…

Not to be confused with its similarly sounding fictional counterpart Arundelle in Disney’s Frozen, Arundel in Sussex still has all the fairytale elements of a castle and quaint old town. The town dates back as early as Roman times, and is probably best known for its historic castle, with parts dating back as early as 1068, along with 40 acres of landscaped gardens. The town is probably best known for its historic castle. (Image: Arundel Castle) Another of Arundel’s prominent landmarks to visit, especially during the colder months, is Arundel Cathedral, which was built in 1868 and is an example of…

The comedy legend, renowned broadcaster, actor, and mental health campaigner announced her stage return while currently charming viewers as a contestant on I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! The show, scheduled for Sunday, April 12, 2026, at Richmond Theatre, promises to showcase Ruby’s uniquely “provocative, hilariously abrasive, and incomparable style.” Comedy icon returns to the stage after I’m a Celebrity jungle stint (Image: steve ullathorne) She will be accompanied by her long-time collaborator Clive Tulloh to review clips from their past shows and share scandalous stories. The 2026 tour will kick off in Henley-on-Thames on March 25 and the…

McDonald’s has announced that its Walworth Road restaurant will be closing at midnight tomorrow (November 30). The closure comes to redevelopment plans in the Southwark area. The branch has been open since 1982, and the restaurant thanked its “valued customers”.  A spokesperson for McDonald’s said: “Due to local redevelopment plans in the area, our Walworth Road restaurant will be closing at the end of November. “All employees have been relocated to neighbouring McDonald’s restaurants. “After more than four decades of serving you, this restaurant will have its final day of trading on Sunday 30 November, closing at midnight.”   Source…

Havering Christmas Land officially opened its doors on Friday (November 28), welcoming the first visitors to the enchanting outdoor lights trail at Harrow Lodge Park. Run by mental health charity Mind in Havering, Barking & Dagenham, the annual event sees the garden next to Harrow Lodge House decorated with thousands of lights and Christmas scenes. Chloe, aged 3, with a unicorn (Image: Sandra Rowse) READ MORE: Festive music concert to be performed in Romford This year, as well as an inflatable Grinch – and his dog Max – visitors could marvel at a towering Jack Skellington from Tim Burton film…

At around 11.20pm on November 14, a fight broke out between two men and two women on board the Tonbridge to Gillingham service. One of the men was placed in a chokehold, and the other man was hit over the head with a bottle, causing a fracture to his nose. Today (November 29), officers have released images of people who they believe may have information which could help the investigation. Anybody who recognises any of the people pictured or has any information should contact BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference 853 of 14 November.…

The Jolly Coopers, tucked away on Wheelers Lane beside Epsom Common, has been run for the past ten years by Dan, Rich, and John, who initially managed the pub under previous landlords before taking over completely. Jolly Coopers is an award-winning pub in Epsom that not many people know about. (Image: Ezekiel Bertrand) The Jolly Coopers has existed in Epsom since the Victorian times and is still going strong under its current owners. Dan said: “We’d basically been running the place anyway. “The landlords kept their distance, so we had full autonomy. “When the chance came to make it ours,…

Located in Bromley’s Downe Village, Durbar Spice opened its doors in September 2024, bringing a taste of Nepal to one of the oldest villages in London. Situated at 11 High Street, Downe, the restaurant sits in the heart of the village — famously known as the home of Charles Darwin — combining the historic charm of the building with the exotic flavours of South Asia. Durbar Spice brings a taste of Nepal to one of the oldest villages in London. (Image: Durbar Spice) Owner Saroj Rijal said: “We wanted to create something simple, warm and honest. “The décor is modest, but…

Lewisham cafe Le Délice was named Best Café at the Mayor of Lewisham Business Awards 2025. The awards celebrate the very best of the borough across ten categories spanning food, drink, entertainment and retail. Lewisham cafe Le Délice was named Best Café at the Mayor of Lewisham Business Awards 2025. (Image: Le Délice) Winners across the categories were crowned at an awards ceremony on November 19 at Catford’s Broadway Theatre, with over 450 guests in attendance. For Le Délice, which has cafés in the heart of Ladywell and in Hither Green, the win marks its second triumph at the Mayor of Lewisham Business Awards, after first taking home…

Gameshow LIVE! will host up to 200 players at a time, with 40 teams competing in a 90-minute experience that blends TV nostalgia, immersive theatre and competitive socialising. Guests will play through rounds of trivia, music, pictures, speed challenges and on-stage bonus games, with everything centred around a giant gameshow wheel. Teams of four to six will sit in interactive booths equipped with red buzzers, leaderboards, personalised lighting and a dedicated service button to order cocktails and snacks throughout the game. The venue promises a mix of retro-inspired and modern prizes, from fondue sets and giant teddy bears to smart…