Author: Blake Foster

Ye Olde Swiss Cottage served its final pint on February 1 after tenants Samuel Smiths Brewery called time at the pub. Despite the historic watering hole being swiftly listed locally as an Asset of Community Value, its owner Sarah Elizabeth Atkinson gave six months notice on August 8 of her intent to sell. Conservation group The Belsize Society, which worked with the Campaign for Real Ale to secure ACV status, have until February 8 to find a bidder to run it as a community local. But Alan Selwyn from the society says he’s been told it’s “unviable” as a hospitality…

The Stow has seen a 38 per cent drop in incidents over the past year, following the rollout of the ‘Clear, Hold, Build’ initiative led by Harlow Council and Essex Police. The scheme brought together residents, businesses and community groups to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour through a combination of high-visibility patrols, upgraded CCTV and extra security measures. Joel Charles, Harlow Council’s cabinet member for public protection, said: “The Stow is not a place where ASB can go on unchecked. “Members of the council’s community safety team, neighbourhood police officers, local business leaders and committed residents have all worked together…

Smoke was seen rising in the Holborn area, near Holborn station, with emergency services flooding the road yesterday (November 26). Firefighters discovered high-voltage electrical cables alight below street level at Theobalds Road – near the junction with Southampton Row – prompting a complex and hazardous operation in the streets above. Today (November 27) Southampton Row remains closed both ways between High Holborn and Vernon Place as an investigation into the matter continues. Smoke seen in Holborn (Image: Joseph Reaidi) As a result, several bus routes will be diverted from the area including the 1, 14, 19, 38, 55, 59, 68,…

Vue recorded its biggest opening weekend since the release of the 2023 blockbuster for the latest instalment in the fantasy franchise. James Kinsella, general manager at Vue Harrow, said: “Wicked: For Good has proven to be a huge hit on the big screen this weekend. “In fact, the second instalment has been the biggest opening weekend since 2023’s cultural phenomenon, Barbie. “We’re expecting another spellbinding turnout this this week, particularly on Friday for our second Magic Seat Screening.” Mr Kinsella said Vue’s Magic Seat Screenings, where two guests per screening can win Wicked-themed prizes, have proven particularly popular with fans…

The retailer is considering locations across the UK for new and renewed food stores, including areas such as Highgate, Hampstead, Finchley, and Hackney Wick. This forms part of its wider plan to double the size of its food business and modernise its store estate. Excited team mark the official opening of the new M&S Foodhall in Fulham Broadway (Image: M&S) Alex Freudmann, managing director of M&S Food, said: “The strong performance of our new M&S food stores gives us the confidence to explore even more locations across the UK, from Elgin to Exmouth. “With more than twenty stores opening or…

The station was evacuated after emergency services were called to the scene today (November 26) at 12.24pm. Medics arrived in less than four minutes, and he was taken to hospital as a priority. His condition has been deemed not life-threatening or life-changing. The Piccadilly line was part suspended, with no service between Hyde Park Corner and King’s Cross St Pancras. This has since reopened, but there are severe delays ongoing at the time of reporting. A British Transport Police spokesperson said: “Officers were called to Piccadilly Circus Underground station at 12.25pm today (26 Nov) following reports of casualty on the…

72-year-old Joseph has been missing since Monday (November 24). He was last seen heading towards Sandhurst Road just before 3pm. He is five foot nine, slim build, and was wearing a blue T-shirt, brown corduroy trousers, and blue crocs. Anybody who does see him has been urged to call 999 and quote 01/8242898/25. LewishamMPS posted on X: “Can you help us find 72yo Joseph who has been #missing since 24/11/25 at 14:50. “He was last seen heading towards Sandhurst Road, SE6. “Description 5’9 slim build, blue t-shirt, brown corduroy trousers, blue crocs Call 999 and quote 01/8242898/25 #missingperson.”    …

Among the applications are plans for the demolition of garages to build new dwellings, several home extensions, a new water filling station at a supermarket, and changes to advertising signage. Below is a listed overview of all the applications submitted to Barking and Dagenham Council: Barking Riverside Area, Renwick Road, Barking. Application to discharge Schedule 4, Part 3, Para.30 (Review of Baseline Financial Model) of the Section 106 Legal Agreement dated 08 March 2019 (as varied 15 July 2021) of planning permission reference 18/00940/FUL (as amended). Ref. No: 25/01687/S106A 119 Temple Avenue, Dagenham, RM8 1NB. Lawful development certificate (proposed) for…

Steven, 50, was last seen in the Plumstead and Woolwich area of Monday (November 24). His wife has shared on social media that she is “desperately looking” for him since his disappearance. The dad has been described as 6.3 ft and was last seen wearing black trousers, a green parka and a woollen hat. A picture shared of him shows a man with a long, thick bear and wearing glasses. Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101, quoting reference CAD 5220/24Nov25. Source link

The suspects, a 45-year-old woman and a 20-year-old man, have been taken into custody after a raid at an address In Golders Green and a business in Stanmore on Tuesday (November 25). During the early-morning operation, officers seized documents and electronic devices. The operation was part of the England Illegal Money Lending Team and in partnership with the Barnet, Brent and Harrow Trading Standards Service. Dave Benbow, head of the IMLT, said: “Illegal money lending will not be tolerated in England, and we work with partners across the country to take action against those who blight our communities in this…