Author: Blake Foster

The Silver Birch in Chiswick, however, offers a refreshingly thoughtful approach. This elegant yet inviting restaurant ensured that I never felt restless while waiting for my food. From the moment I stepped inside, I was welcomed into a sophisticated yet warm atmosphere—quiet, but in a way that encouraged conversation rather than suppressing it. The service was impeccable, striking the perfect balance between attentiveness and discretion. My experience began with an exploration of The Silver Birch’s impressive drinks menu, particularly its extensive wine selection sourced from across Europe. It was a pleasure to browse through such a carefully curated list, making…

Stepping into the arcade, I was immediately struck by how sleek and modern the venue looked. The atmosphere buzzed with energy—neon lighting, the distant roar of virtual F1 engines, and a crowd that was clearly there to have a good time. The Octane Bar at F1 Arcade (Image: F1 Arcade) It felt like walking into a high-end esports lounge, but with a distinct Formula 1 twist. The Racing Experience I had pre-booked a session on one of their state-of-the-art racing simulators, and I have to say—this is as close as you can get to an F1 experience without actually being on…

The investigation, believed to be one of the first cases brought to court by Essex Police using the new Online Safety Act 2023, was launched in July last year after US authorities were alerted to threatening and abusive messages posted on videos across YouTube. Tristan Ambrose, of Challinor, Harlow, had made comments focused on women, the Muslim community and people from the LGBTQ+ community. Information was passed from the US, via Interpol, to the National Crime Agency in the UK, who then alerted detectives from Essex Police. Further reading Essex Police took over the investigation and quickly arrested 32-year-old Ambrose on suspicion of…

Officers were called to reports of a man drinking behind the wheel and driving dangerously in Abbey Road at 7.45am yesterday (February 26). A video, shared on X, shows what appears to be a black car crashing into barriers and bollards while an officer attempts to stop it. In the video, the officer smashes the window of the car before the car is then driven away. The officer was injured while trying to stop the car before being taken to hospital and later discharged. Not sure when this video was shot but claimed to be in the Park Royal area.…

Cooking a meal for a loved one is the culinary equivalent to rolling out the red carpet for your nearest and dearest. This weekend roll up your sleeves and roll out your sushi mats for a romantic evening at home. And if your loved one is a fan of seafood, then you have hit the jackpot. Surimi, also known as seafood sticks or crab sticks, is perfect for making delicious sushi at home. Seafood sticks are tasty, low in fat and high in protein, and bring an authentic sushi flavour to the table. Why sushi and why Surimi?  Surimi Royale  (Image: Viciunai)…

Cooking a meal for a loved one is the culinary equivalent to rolling out the red carpet for your nearest and dearest. This weekend roll up your sleeves and roll out your sushi mats for a romantic evening at home. And if your loved one is a fan of seafood, then you have hit the jackpot. Surimi, also known as seafood sticks or crab sticks, is perfect for making delicious sushi at home. Seafood sticks are tasty, low in fat and high in protein, and bring an authentic sushi flavour to the table. Why sushi and why Surimi?  Surimi Royale  (Image: Viciunai)…

The incident happened on Shooters Hill Road near Maze Hill at around 4.15am this morning (February 24). Officers and London Ambulance Service crews attended and found a man in his 40s injured. He was taken to hospital for treatment with injuries thought to be life-threatening. No other vehicles were involved in the incident. Shooters Hill Road remains closed both ways between Charlton Way and Stratheden Road. A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: “Police were called to a collision involving a moped in Shooters Hill, SE10 around 04:15hrs on Monday 24 February. “Officers attended alongside the London Ambulance Service and London’s Air…

Fees and charges at the Men’s Pond, Mixed Pond and Kenwood Ladies Pond, will be rising by 10p from April 1. A single adult ticket, which cost £4.70 last year has risen to £4.80.  Concession rates for disabled swimmers or people on Universal Credit are now £2.90. There is no change for juniors aged between eight and 15, who will continue to pay £1.40 per swim. The price of a six-month season ticket has risen 20p from £77.30 in 2022 to £77.50 and concession prices are now £47.70.  An annual pass will rise from £146.50 to £150.50, with concessions set at £90. Meanwhile, the Mixed Pond,…

But when it comes to Lewisham, which one stands out as the top choice? With three locations in the borough, each offers a similar Wetherspoons experience, yet customer reviews on Google and TripAdvisor reveal varying levels of satisfaction. The Brockley Barge is the most liked, with a strong Google rating of 4.1, while The Watch House has a slightly lower Google rating of 4, despite being a popular spot in Lewisham. JD Wetherspoon, founded by Tim Martin in 1979, operates around 800 pubs across the UK as of January 2025. Despite selling off some locations in recent years, the chain…

If you’re a fan of books like Around the World in Eighty Days, there’s a brand-new cocktail menu you should know about in The Coral Rooms. Set within The Bloomsbury off Tottenham Court Road, The Coral Room has come out with a new menu inspired by the travels of Richard Crosbie, who was famously the first Irishman to make a manned flight in 1785. The Coral Room has come out with a new menu inspired by the travels of Richard Crosbie, who was famously the first Irishman to make a manned flight. (Image: Emily Davison) The new menu, named Mr…