Author: Blake Foster

Regal London has submitted an “amendment application” to Camden Council to finish the abandoned former office block site at the junction of Avenue Road and Finchley Road in Swiss Cottage. The developer agreed to buy the site above Swiss Cottage tube station from Essential Living in March last year.  Essential Living paused work after completing the basement, then defeated Camden Council at a public inquiry after applying to reduce the number of affordable homes in 2021, claiming the scheme was “not viable”.  Regal’s revised plans retain the previously approved height of 24 storeys but increase the number of homes from 184 to 237, with 35% to be ‘affordable’. …

Gongs were handed out for best films and performances of the year – and there were tears and triumphs for those who graced the stage and watched from the sidelines. And if you’re keen to see what some of the fuss is about, here’s where you can watch some of the major films that won Academy Awards in the UK – from Anora to Conclave. Anora A woman working as a stripper in New York falls in love with the son of a Russian billionaire. Awards Best picture, actress for Mikey Madison, director, original screenplay and film editing.   Congratulations to…

Fred Liddle appeared on the talent show on Saturday (March 1) to play the theremin, an electronic musical instrument played without any physical contact, in front of judges Bruno Tonioli, Alesha Dixon, Amanda Holden, and Simon Cowell. The motor mechanic said the decision to come on Britain’s Got Talent was because he was “inspired by listening to a violinist called Katica Illényi. Bruno Tonioli had no idea what a theremin was, and Simon Cowell replied by calling them “the worst things ever invented”. Fred went on to O Mio Babbino Caro by Giacomo Puccini. However, just seconds later, Simon Cowell…

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…