Author: Blake Foster

Former boxer Derrick Daniel opened The Boathouse Cafe and Bar in Abbey Road, Barking, in 2016. The venue overlooks the River Roding and is a popular drinking spot with boaters. However, Derrick has taken the decision to close the doors for the last time on Sunday (August 31) due to monetary struggles. “I’m gutted,” he told the Post. The Boathouse opened in 2016 (Image: The Boathouse Cafe and Bar) “The winter time was tough – I hardly got enough business to survive, which means everything I’m earning now is paying back what I couldn’t in winter. “The utilities were too much – for…

The dispute centres on the 2.5-metre-tall shed at his Hampstead home. The legendary guitarist put up the structure in the garden of his Hampstead home to replace a former shed and summerhouse. But after he made a retrospective planning application, neighbours called it “overbearing” and “intrusive”. However, Hampstead Hill Gardens Residents’ Association argued the shed was built directly against the boundary, rather than on its original footprint two metres away. Audrey Mandela, chairwoman of the association, said: “The application should be rejected as the structure now in place is obtrusive, overbearing, and significantly more visually and physically intrusive than what was originally approved or what…

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has published its most recent data set for test centres across the country showing where learners have the best (and worst) chance of passing. The data shows test results between October 2024 and March 2025. These statistics include test categories B and B1. According to the data, Hornchurch driving test centre in Station Lane had the highest pass rate in east London with 47.95 per cent of test takers being successful in this timeframe. December was the most successful month here with 51.8% of test takers passing – the only month that registered higher than a 50% pass rate in east…

This Saturday and Sunday, film lovers can enjoy a variety of screenings. André Rieu’s latest concert, Waltz the Night Away! (PG, 166 mins), will be shown on Saturday at 7.10pm (Screen 5) and Sunday at 3.15pm (Screen 2, wheelchair accessible). The gritty thriller Caught Stealing (15, 107 mins) features a burned-out ex-baseball player caught in New York’s criminal world. It screens Saturday at 3.20pm, 6pm, and 8.40pm (all Screen 4, audio described) and Sunday at 3.20pm and 6pm (Screen 4, audio described), with an additional showing at 8.40pm (Screen 4, open captioned). Fans of classic cinema can catch Jaws (12A, 124 mins) on…

Lumiere, in the Mercury Shopping Centre, is in the running to become the British Independent Film Awards (BIFA) Cinema of the Year alongside more than 130 other venues around the country. The awards are new for this year and encourage cinemagoers to vote for their favourite independent cinema until September 22. A jury will then select five nominees by November 3, followed by an audience vote to decide the winner until November 25. READ MORE: First look at padel courts, spa garden and more that could be coming to Gidea Park In a post on its Facebook page, Lumiere celebrated being shortlisted…

Nine surveys, relating to a range of childcare issues, are available. The surveys explore funded childcare, improving the council’s engagement and resources, and children’s behavioural challenges and language development. Parent and carer awareness of “early learning and childcare entitlements” and what puts residents off from working in early years, as well as how the council could make early years roles “more attractive” are also explored in the surveys. Feedback on where residents get their childcare information and how easy it is to find is also requested. The consultation is only open to parents or carers of children under five years…

Real estate investor Dominus Stratford Ltd has submitted a planning application for the demolition of 302-312 Stratford High Street to make way for new student accommodation. The proposed development would consist of 692 student rooms – as well as shared amenity spaces – across a part 10, part 12, and part 31-storey tower block. Also included in the plans is a new pub, located across part of both the ground and first floors of the proposed building, to replace the now vacant venue The Builders Arms. READ MORE: Council claims infant school ‘risks closure’ without merger Planning documents reveal that other buildings currently on…

Replacing its former smaller unit, the retailer has unveiled a stylish new space that marks a major milestone in its UK expansion. The Bluewater store, which opened on August 22, is the UK’s largest independent fragrance retailer’s second flagship, following the opening of their Oxford Street store. Guests can explore best-sellers and niche fragrances at flagship store (Image: Bluewater) The shop offers an “elevated shopping experience” with a range of best-selling, niche, and exclusive fragrances. Guests can browse this extensive selection to find their perfect scent. To celebrate the new store, an event will be held on Friday, August 29,…

The planned maintenance, overseen by National Highways, aims to improve road safety and infrastructure. Drivers in Kent and surrounding areas should prepare for possible delays and diversions during these works. The A2 is a key transport route linking Dover with central London, spanning nearly 72 miles from Borough to the Dover Docks. National Highways is responsible for maintaining these major roads, while smaller local routes fall outside its remit. Tuesday, August 26 A2 eastbound: London Road to Boughton Bypass – link road and lane closure from 8pm to 4am for maintenance works. A282 northbound: Dartford Crossing East Tunnel – closed…

Rainham Road South has been cordoned off since the morning today (August 26) after police were called to the scene at 8.53am. A man, 41, was treated at the scene before he was taken to hospital. His condition is assessed as life-threatening, the Metropolitan Police said. Two men were arrested shortly after the incident. This includes a 38-year-old arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm, robbery and failing to provide a breath test. A 48-year-old was also arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and robbery. Both men remain in custody. They both remain in custody. Anyone with information is…