Author: Blake Foster

A 27-year-old who died after a fatal shooting in Waverley Road on Thursday (March 20) has been formally identified as Mahad Abdi Mohamed. His family, who are being supported by specialist officers, have released a tribute asking for privacy during an “incredibly difficult time”. The tribute said: “Our family is grieving the profound loss of a son, a brother, a father and a friend. “We kindly ask for privacy during this incredibly difficult time. We are grateful for your understanding and support.” A second man, aged 26, was injured after the shooting on a residential street at around 8.45pm on Thursday. READ…

The Sunday Times has released its highly anticipated 2025 Best Places to Live Guide. Seven London locations have been included in this year’s list, but one town has been crowned ‘regional winner’ – Walthamstow. The Sunday Times judges described Walthamstow as “diverse, vibrant and cool without being frosty, living up to its name which is believed to be derived from the Anglo-Saxon for the welcome place”. They said: “It encapsulates so much of what’s great about the capital: hip hangouts, independent shops and restaurants, handsome Victorian housing stock, calming green space, excellent public transport and, imminently, West End-quality culture, courtesy…

The Saxon King in Petersfield Avenue is thought to be the first of the purpose-built pubs on the Harold Hill estate, according to Havering Libraries.  The watering hole opened its doors to customers in June 1955, just days after The Morris Dancer opened as a pub after being converted from New Hall Farm.  Upon opening, the Saxon King was a Courage Brewery pub leased from London County Council.  Havering Libraries’ archives have preserved information of the pub’s first landlord, 42-year-old ex-Flying Squad Det Sgt Albert Herron who ran the boozer with his wife Ivy.  Its name, like others in the area,…

Mia North is aiming to ride 5km on her trike around Hylands Park over several weekends to raise money for family-run Essex charity Wipe Away Those Tears. Her GoFundMe page has already reached more than £800 in just more than a week – and Mia’s mum Jemma said she is “overwhelmed” by the support the fundraiser has already received. Jemma, from Hornchurch, told the Recorder: “Mia is really, really excited about it. Essex charity Wipe Away Those Tears bought Mia her trike (Image: Jemma North) “She is learning about money at the moment, and every day she asks me if she can see the [GoFundMe]…

Carmie Sellitto, 26, was in Mayfair, London when he stumbled upon SHOT London, a coffee shop that serves ‘the world’s finest coffees’. Carmie expected a pricey cup but he was left speechless when he spotted Japan Typica Natural coffee on the menu for a staggering £265. Made from Typica beans, a Japanese variety of Arabica beans, the drink is thought to be one of Britain’s most expensive coffee cups.  @touchdalight i can’t believe i spent £265 on this 😭 #coffee #london #foodreview ♬ Crystal Waters Gypsy Woman (Live) – Dj djacky mix Despite the eye-watering price, Carmie who regularly tries…

Emergency services were called to Vauxhall Bridge Road at 9.20am on Saturday (March 22) following reports of a collision.  London Ambulance Service crews and London’s air ambulance were dispatched to the scene, and police cordoned off a section of Vauxhall Bridge. The bridge was closed in both directions first of all, with “serious” delays reported in the area by TfL. Bus routes 2, 36, 878 and 88 were also diverted or cut short after the crash. READ MORE: M25 Orpington Swanley two-car crash: Man dies The northbound section of the bridge has since reopened. A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We…

Hot Passion, in Bennett’s Castle Lane, has applied for a sex establishment licence to allow the premises to be used as a sex shop. Business owners who want to run a sex shop or adult cinema in England must contact their council for a licence, and then renew it every year. If you run a sex shop without a licence, or break any licence conditions, you could face a fine of up to £20,000. Hot Passion has been in the premises at 4 Bennett’s Castle Lane for more than a decade. READ MORE: Met Police fears The CEO Lounge, Dagenham opening…

The legendary actor revealed that he will be taking to the stage for a one-man show that will see him reflect on his career and be joined by special guests. The shows will take place in August on the 22 and 23 at Manchester’s Lowry Theatre. Sir David Jason steps away from TV in huge career move Teasing the event, the promotor for Sir David said: “Relive some of the most unforgettable moments in British TV history, including the legendary Only Fools and Horses scenes—the bar fall, the chandelier disaster, Batman and Robin, and more. “David takes you behind the…

The Great Indian in Marlborough Road, Upper Holloway was originally The Prince Alfred – renowned as an old fashioned real ale pub and folk music venue. But according to the CAMRA website it has had a “chequered” recent past under different managements as The Smyth Arms, The Sussex Bar and The Fixer Upper. The Prince Alfred was known as a traditional unmodernised real ale pub which hosted folk music nights. (Image: Wikimedia Commons) It finally closed in April 2024 but in January it was reborn as a 100-seat Indian gastropub. The new owner is behind a popular Hackney takeaway of the same name, and the menu showcases regional cuisines…

Tourist tax is often used in areas with a high volume of tourists and is a way for local governments to generate money to help fund local needs. Countries like Canada, Spain, Germany and Italy all have the tax, while the Scottish capital, Edinburgh previously announced that from July 2026, there will be a 5% levy charge added to accommodation costs.  Now Londoners have taken to the social media site Reddit with calls for London to introduce a tourist tax. @inceptiontravelers 22 hidden gems in London you probably didn’t know existed! 🌟 From secret alleyways to lesser-known spots full of charm…