Author: Blake Foster

PRYZM Kingston’s well-loved Disco Room closed its doors for the final time at 3.30am today (June 28), marking the end of an era for many local clubbers who have enjoyed decades of nights out in the Clarence Street venue. The closure comes as NEOS Hospitality, which took over the site earlier this year, announced plans to invest £3 million in rejuvenating the nightclub. This significant investment is aimed at modernising the venue while maintaining the building’s historic charm and enhancing the overall nightlife experience for visitors. While the Disco Room has now shut, the main club area will continue operating…

In September primary and infant schools in the borough and across the UK will welcome their new pupils.  Data published by Havering Council has revealed how schools in the borough allocated places, the offers received and preferences they offered.  Four primary and infant schools in the borough have been revealed to have offered more places than their respective capacities, each just one above their cap.  Elm Park Primary in South End Road offered a total of 61 places, with a capacity of 60.  MORE NEWS: The Hornchurch ‘child prodigy’ who has 450k followers and has filmed with superstars 52 of these places…

Sabajet Shuti, 31, of Upney Lane, Barking has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 27 years after a hearing at Southwark Crown Court on Friday (June 27). He had previously been found guilty of murder, possession of a knife and grievous bodily harm to a second man at the conclusion of a trial on April 14.  The court heard how Shuti fatally attacked 27-year-old Lumturi Zeqja outside a cafe in Church Lane, Leytonstone on October 16, 2022. READ MORE: Lea Bridge Road, Leyton barber shop murder: Man convicted Lumturi was standing with a friend outside the cafe when Shuti and…

Rainham station will undergo renewal works to both its platforms between July 24 and August 23, train operator c2c has announced. Platform one will close first – between July 24 and August 7 – meaning trains towards London will not stop at Rainham during this period. For the following two weeks – between August 8 and August 23 – platform two will close, meaning trains towards Grays will not stop at Rainham. READ MORE: Rainham station roof undergoing ‘urgent’ repair works c2c has confirmed it will be running a rail replacement bus service from Rainham to Purfleet and Dagenham Dock during the works.…

Rentokil – experts in pest control – predict this year’s Flying Ant Day, the yearly mating flight where millions of winged ants fill the sky in synchronised displays, could be one of the biggest in recent years. According to them, this summer’s variable conditions are perfect for swarming. Paul Blackhurst, head of the technical academy at Rentokil Pest Control, said: “Experts warn that this year could see larger-than-usual swarms of flying ants, as we approach Flying Ant Day, also known as the nuptial flight, and sometimes nicknamed ‘flant day’. Flying ant day 25th June 2025. Extremely early this year #flyingAntDay pic.twitter.com/wqSyVUeIBH —…

This week (June 21 to June 29) marks English Wine Week, celebrating the best of England’s wine industry, which has come leaps and bounds over the last few decades. Whether you enjoy a crisp Chardonnay or a rich Pinot Noir, you’re bound to find something you like at one of these vineyards not too far from south east London. Chapel Down Vineyard, Tenterden Just 90 minutes drive from London or by train from Headcorn station you’ll find one of Kent’s most famous vineyards – Chapel Down. The vineyard is know for supplying wine to popular events like Royal Ascot, as…

The “charming” village has two historic pubs, one of which could be haunted, as well as it’s own train station – and it’s only a 45 minute drive from Romford. Ingatestone is a village and former civil parish in Essex lying just south of Fryerning. The two form the parish of Ingatestone and Fryerning in the Borough of Brentwood. Researchers Area Hive describe Ingatestone as a “charming village that blends the quintessence of English countryside living with convenient access to urban amenities”. The village has its own train station, which offers direct services to London Liverpool Street. Ingatestone station offers a direct link to London Liverpool Street (Image: Google) Ingatestone is…

Staycations are a great way to save money and Romford is lucky enough to have the stunning Essex countryside on its doorstep. Dotted across the borough are campsites, glamping spots and holiday parks, which often put on activities for all the family. Below are four top-rated staycation picks, all within two hours of Romford. Lee Valley Campsite, Chingford Woodland glamping cabins at Lee Valley Campsite, Sewardstone (Image: Visit Essex) Lee Valley Campsite, Sewardstone is located on the outskirts of Chingford – under 40 minutes away from Romford by car. The campsite gets four stars on TripAdvisor, with many reviewers commenting on…

On a recent visit to the town centre, I walked past Filoxenia in High Street.  The restaurant is a popular recommendation on TikTok, drawing people in with its Mediterranean feel.  I couldn’t think of a better spot to grab a coffee whilst the sun was shining and the temperature reaching the high 20s.  I grabbed a table outside and browsed the menu, which offers meals from breakfast through to dinner.  I sat under some shade (Image: Newsquest) Filoxenia offers popular Greek drinks such as the Freddo Espresso and Freddo Cappuccino, which are unique for their frothy milk which is poured…

Semsettin Akyuz opened Merro Cafe in Crouch End Hill, in April 2022, when independent companies received business rate relief and some landlords paused rents. The café, open seven days a week, sits above a former railway line connecting Finsbury Park with Alexandra Palace. But this April, on the business’s third anniversary, the father-of-four was hit with an unexpected double whammy of business rate and rent increases, leaving him “struggling to survive”. Merro also makes cakes for special occasions as well as offering sandwiches, salads, quiches and pastries (Image: Nathalie Raffray) Semsettin said he tried to launch a grocery in premises next door but was unable to, so he only had income from…