Author: Blake Foster

Strange Journey, The Story of Rocky Horror is billed as the definitive tale of the 1970s musical, which continues to tour and screen in UK theatres five decades on. It’s directed by Linus O’Brien, son of The Rocky Horror Picture Show’s creator and star Richard O’Brien. Tim Curry played Dr Frank N Furter in both the original show upstairs at The Royal Court in London and the cult 1975 movie. (Image: Mick Rock) He was just a child when his dad’s famous creation was taking the world by storm, but he still remembers many of the performers who helped to make it iconic. O’Brien was an…

The annual campaign From That Moment – now in its fourth year – won a film industry award for Noah’s Ark hospice earlier this year with a documentary about a little boy from Haringey who died just before his first birthday. This year’s appeal starts on September 1 with a virtual ‘Step-tember’ challenge to hit 90 miles during the month — whether you walk, run, cycle, wheel, swim, hop or skip. A film made during the 2024 campaign that won a ‘highly recommended’ trophy in the ‘Brand Film’ awards earlier this year followed the lives of Ingride Gomes and Ciaran Corcoran “from that…

City and Suburban Homes won approval in December 2021 to build 182 homes,  in blocks up to 19 storeys high, in Station Road, New Southgate, near the North Circular, with 30% of the homes set to be classed as affordable. However, Enfield Council has now confirmed the application has been withdrawn. City and Suburban Homes was approached to clarify the reason for the withdrawal, but did not respond. The site, which is currently vacant, previously contained the last remaining gas holder that once formed part of New Southgate Gas Works. Matt Burn, a housing campaigner from Better Homes Enfield, said…

Elsewhere, a former pub is seeking retrospective approval for modern lighting, and multiple properties across Loughton, Ongar, and Waltham Abbey are aiming to extend, convert, or rebuild. Below is a summary of the latest planning applications validated or decided by Epping Forest District Council over the past week: 75, Audley Gardens, Loughton, IG10 2EW. Single storey side and rear extension. Ref. No: EPF/1513/25 13, Bracken Drive, Chigwell, IG7 5RG. Demolition of existing 3-bedroom semi-detached bungalow and basement, and erection of a new 4-bedroom semi-detached bungalow with basement, rear patio, and rear dormer. Ref. No: EPF/1437/25 28, Ollards Grove, Loughton, IG10…

The facility has been created in a deal with Hackney’s Orthodox community and its Gezint organisation, which bridges the gaps between the Jewish population and the NHS. The formal opening was made by Hackney’s Mayor Caroline Woodley and the council’s cabinet member for health and adult social care Cllr Chris Kennedy. They were joined by the hospital trust’s chair Mary Elford and chief executive Bas Sadiq. Members of Homerton’s chaplaincy team and 20 staff from the wards joined in, along with Orthodox community leaders like The Rev Efrayim Goldstein and Rabbi Isaak Kohn. Gezint has worked with Homerton Healthcare trust to provide a kosher kitchenette in the…

Maybe it’s the warm glow of the lights spilling out onto the street, or maybe it’s the buzz from the tables filled with happy diners – either way, I knew from the moment I walked in that I was in for a treat. The story behind Bellazul is just as charming as the restaurant itself. Professional images inside Bellazul (Image: Bellazul) Bella, the owner, spent years travelling through the Mediterranean, tasting, learning, and collecting recipes from locals. When she returned to London, she wanted to share all of those sun-soaked flavours with the city – and it’s safe to say…

Based on guidelines set by the Food Standards Agency, inspectors assessed how safely food is handled, how clean the premises are, and how well risks are managed. Scores range from zero to five — with five marking the highest level of food safety compliance. Five — Very Good Anna’s Heavenly Macarons, rated 5 on July 24, 2025. Coughlans Bakeries at 9 The Forestdale Centre, Featherbed Lane, rated 5 on July 25, 2025. Daily Delights Store at 77 Thornton Road, Thornton Heath, rated 5 on July 28, 2025. H & B Cafe at 50 Hastings Road, Croydon, rated 5 on July…

Environmental health officers, following protocols laid out by the Food Standards Agency, checked premises for cleanliness, food safety procedures, and handling practices. Venues are scored on a scale from zero to five, with five indicating full marks for hygiene standards. Five — Very Good Joy’s Caribbean Fusion, rated 5 on July 25. Off The Tuk, rated 5 on July 25. Abi Express at 134 Erith Road, Bexleyheath, rated 5 on July 31. Kebab Centre at 143 Long Lane, Bexleyheath, rated 5 on July 31. Melucci’s Italian Delicatessen at 55 Bexley High Street, Bexley, rated 5 on July 30. Saggor at…

Paul Higgs, known for his skilful handling of the trumpet, and his group, will deliver Davis’s “simplistic yet complicated” jazz compositions. The concert, named Shades of Miles, will take place at Loughton Baptist Church, IG10 4QU, at 1.30pm on Saturday, September 6. The audience can expect a mix of standard and unfamiliar numbers. In the jazz world, Davis made his mark by moving on from bebop into ‘cool’ jazz and incorporating elements of rock and funk. The afternoon will see Higgs accompanied by George Double on drums, Jerome Davies on double bass, and Simon Brown on piano. Tickets are available at wegottickets.com/event/669413. Be…

Danson Dry Cleaners at 266 Sherwood Park Avenue is part of a varied shopping parade which includes convenience stores, a vets, a betting shop, a barbers and food establishments such as a chicken shop, a fish and chip bar and a Chinese takeaway. It is within a mixed use area, with residential properties located above the various commercial units along the parade. Last month, the dry cleaners applied to Bexley Council to change its current use to that of a micro pub, prompted by the upcoming retirement of Danson’s operator in September. Planning documents state: “The applicant, her son, will…