Author: Blake Foster

The Highbury Barn Tavern has long been a spot where football fans can stop in for a pre-match pint on their way to the Emirates Stadium. Now, owner Urban Pubs and Bars has announced it will reopen on July 17 following a £500,000 overhaul that includes upgraded bar and dining areas, a newly built back bar, and refreshed outdoor seating. Managers have paid tribute to its past as a Victorian ale and cake house – and retained the character of the original bar – while improving the facilities. The Tavern takes its name from Highbury Barn, which started as a tea garden in 1740. By…

Luke Cusack, 21, died following a collision involving an HGV and two cars between junctions eight and seven on June 16. Another man was also seriously injured and the driver of the lorry, a 57 year-old man, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. In a statement, Luke’s family said: “Luke was a bright, strong-willed young man, known for his determination and unique energy. “He had a rare gift for unexpected conversations, blending humour, insight, curiosity and knowledge. “He lived with quiet strength and deep conviction, leaving a lasting impression on everyone he met. “His smile was big and…

Liam and Noel Gallagher’s band split up back in 2009, and saw the brothers speak openly about the breakup and their dislikes of each other. However, on Tuesday, August 27 2024, the band announced that they would be touring the UK and Ireland in summer 2025. Oasis’s reunion tour kicked off with two shows in Cardiff before heading to London, Manchester, Edinburgh and Dublin. Wembley Stadium seating plan for Oasis  If you were able to get tickets to see Oasis in one of their 7 nights at Wembley, you can find out the seating plan now. See the Wembley Seating plan for Oasis here. The…

The father and son duo that operate the ice cream business—Paul St Hilaire Sr and Jr—have already beaten the council in court once. In 2023 the local authority was instructed to rerun a public consultation on proposals to ban ice cream selling in King William Walk which cost the taxpayer over £52,000. At a full council meeting on June 25, Cllr Jackie Smith shared the results of this second court-ordered consultation and proposed King William Walk be officially designated as a prohibited street for itinerant ice cream trading. Having rerun the consultation, the end result was the same in terms…

The incident happened at Pitta Patta Nursery in St Germans Road just after 5pm on July 2. Officers attended and the boy was taken to hospital. He has since been discharged. In a letter seen by the News Shopper, Ofsted has now suspended the registration of the nursery. The period of suspension has been put in place for six weeks from July 3, 2025 to 13 August 2025. Ofsted said continued provision of childcare at the nursery “may expose children to a risk of harm”. The purpose of the suspension is to allow time for enquiries to be made and…

Kamar Williams, 34, killed 53-year-old Derek Thomas outside his home on Benthal Road last summer. He was convicted at the Old Bailey today (July 7) after being eventually caught at the Notting Hill Carnival. The court heard how, in the early evening of July 30, 2024, Williams sent threatening text messages to Derek’s daughter, who was Williams’ ex-partner, warning her to “watch this space”. Hours later, CCTV captured Williams driving a grey van along Benthal Road and stopping directly outside Derek’s home.  Williams was wearing a pair of reflective trainers which made him easily identifiable to police throughout the CCTV…

David (not his real name) said the council launched a safeguarding investigation against him after he raised concerns that his sister’s social worker had exhibited “racial discrimination and racial malice”. He said shortly after he enquired about making a formal complaint, he was told the investigation had been launched. He has been told the council suspects him of “coercive and controlling” behaviour towards his sister, who was born with a disability, and is considering removing her from his care. “I believe it was a retaliative act,” he said. “I completely left it after that because I was so frightened. I never took the…

The Liberty in Romford has welcomed new openings from 80s Casual Classics, Lovisa, and Miniso. 80s Casual Classics, a retailer specialising in retro sportswear and nostalgic fashion from heritage brands like Sergio Tacchini, Fila Vintage, and Adidas Originals, has opened its southern flagship store at the centre. 80s Casual Classics opens southern flagship at The Liberty Romford (Image: The Liberty Romford) Lovisa, a global jewellery and accessories retailer, has launched a 915 sq ft store offering a range of necklaces, earrings, rings, and in-store piercing services. Miniso, following a pop-up in December 2024, has opened a 2,270 sq ft permanent location…

Drivers are advised of overnight closures at the Dartford Crossing this week, affecting the West Tunnel every night this week. Essential maintenance works will take place from tonight (July 7), through Saturday morning, July 12. Diversions via the National Highways and local networks will be clearly signposted. The Dartford Crossing is one of the UK’s busiest road routes, linking Kent and Essex via the A282 and forming a vital part of the M25 orbital motorway. It includes two tunnels that carry northbound traffic under the River Thames and the QEII Bridge for southbound journeys. Used by over 150,000 vehicles a…

Local police officers carried out a stop-and-search on two boys while on patrol in Prior Road around 4pm yesterday (July 6). Two knives were allegedly found and seized by police. A picture shared by police shows a kitchen knife and a serrated hunting knife beside a leather sheath. The teenagers were arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon. The 16-year-old was charged with possession of an offensive weapon the next day and is due at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court on July 14. The 14-year-old boy was released without charge. A Met Police spokesperson said: “On Sunday, 6 July at…