after all our attempts to engage constructively with the council failed,’ campaigners say News | Transport A group of east Londoners battling against Tower Hamlets mayor Lutfur Rahman over his decision to remove a set of Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) have rejoiced after learning their case will be heard in the Court of Appeal But following an application by SOSS to appeal against that ruling a hearing to revisit the case has now been granted on three grounds The LTNs in question are located in Columbia Road Despite the borough mayor’s decision to remove them all three schemes were kept in place due to the ongoing legal dispute “This appeal hearing is brilliant news,” said SOSS campaigner Jane Harris “We have always thought the Tower Hamlets mayor’s decision to remove our LTNs was legally flawed as well as poorly executed so we’re glad that the appeal judge agrees that it should be looked at again after all our attempts to engage constructively with the council failed We still hold out hope of finding a solution that addresses any issues the minority of people have with the LTNs while preserving the many benefits supported by majorities in all consultations.” the campaign group has raised more than £91,000 through crowd-funding and is now aiming to raise a further £20,000 before the hearing A date for the hearing has not yet been set but is expected within the next few months “The support and donations we have received have been incredible,” Ms Harris said “Our Crowdjustice page shows us just how much the LTNs mean to people We’ve had more than 1,200 people chipping in whatever they can welcomed the news that the appeal had been granted Partner Ricardo Gama said: “Not many cases are given permission to go to the Court of Appeal It’s very encouraging that the judge thinks we have a realistic prospect of success and also that this case raises important issues of public interest “There will now be a full hearing in front of three Court of Appeal judges where we’ll argue on behalf of our client that Lutfur Rahman failed to comply with his legal duties to implement the Mayor of London’s transport policies on encouraging walking and cycling and carried out an unfair consultation process.” Tommy Robinson loses appeal against sentence for contempt of court London travel news LIVE: Multiple delays across National Rail network Elizabeth line boss says rail staff need greater protection from passenger attacks Meal2Deal: on a mission to make food poverty history In the judicial review in November last year the High Court’s Mr Justice Fordham concluded that Mr Rahman’s decision to remove the LTNs was lawful and struck down all seven grounds of legal challenge put forward by the campaigners The LTNs were introduced in 2021 by the borough’s previous Labour mayor seating areas and large planters that prevent residential streets being used by through traffic The schemes were installed as part of Tower Hamlets’ Local Implementation Plan (LIP), a document which sets out how each borough will help London mayor Sir Sadiq Khan to achieve the goals set out in his transport strategy for the capital Mr Justice Fordham found that LIP agreements are not “open-ended” meaning that there is not an ongoing requirement for boroughs to keep schemes in place after they have been installed in the manifesto on which he was re-elected in 2022 and abolish the failed Liveable Streets scheme which has seen emergency services and vulnerable residents’ access blocked” But the Court of Appeal will re-examine whether Mr Rahman’s consultation process to remove the LTNs was fair whether he took the borough’s LIP into account and whether he had the power to legally act against an already-agreed LIP Transport for London (TfL) which unsuccessfully argued that Tower Hamlets was not allowed to “unilaterally” break from the LIP it had agreed was represented at the High Court hearings as an ‘interested party’ and had its own barrister present throughout proceedings TfL sources said the organisation was now considering its next steps in relation to the upcoming appeal hearing A spokeswoman for Tower Hamlets Council said: “In December the High Court ruled in favour of Tower Hamlets Council The claimants have been granted limited permission to seek an appeal on technical grounds and we await the Court of Appeal's decision.” VE Day 2025 fashion: best looks from the day VE Day 2025 fashion: Princess of Wales to Lady Victoria Starmer Prince Louis steals the show at VE Day parade as he keeps dad William looking sharp and mimics brother George Prince Louis steals show with sweet antics at VE parade Ukraine 'launches stunning Kursk offensive' in major blow for Putin ahead of Victory Day celebrations Ukraine 'launches stunning Kursk offensive' in blow for Putin David Beckham extends olive branch to son Brooklyn amid 'family feud' Pregnant Jesy Nelson reveals plans for future in message from her hospital bed after surgery Pregnant Jesy Nelson reveals plans for future in message from hospital Transport for London (TfL) will commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day with a series of tributes and fundraising activities across the capital’s transport network next week five silent memorials featuring life-sized silhouettes of the “Unknown Tommy” and “Unknown Woman in War” will be on display at Baker Street Charing Cross and Tower Hill Underground stations The figures have been commissioned by Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI) and placed near memorial plaques in stations that were significantly affected during the Second World War a two-minute silence will be held at midday across the TfL network London’s Transport Commissioner Andy Lord along with a representative from the London Transport Old Comrades Association and TfL veterans will lay a wreath at Charing Cross Underground station—where seven people lost their lives during a bombing in 1940 Andy Lord said: “Every year we are very proud to support fundraising efforts for veterans This is a particularly special year as it marks the 80th anniversary of VE Day and we’re proud to support the British Legion Industries memorials and British Legion’s fundraising efforts We hope that all our activity for the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War will encourage customers to donate and to take a moment to reflect on the support played by transport staff during the war as well as those who served and were lost while serving our country.” The Royal British Legion will also be collecting donations in stations throughout the day Director of the Poppy Appeal at the Royal British Legion said: “We’re always grateful for the support given by Transport for London during the Poppy Appeal and all year round The Royal British Legion is proud to put Second World War veterans at the heart of the commemorations to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day Donations raised on this day will ensure the RBL can continue supporting this special generation and all those who have served since.” added: “Acknowledging sacrifice is an important aspect of remembering those who have served and VE Day offers a perfect opportunity for that We hope that the Unknown Tommy and Unknown Woman in War serve as a means to inspire reflection to all those who will see them on the TfL network.” said: “It’s right that TfL is marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe in this way with five wreath-laying and silent memorial services taking place across the capital.” TfL advises those planning to attend VE Day events to plan ahead using the TfL Go app or Journey Planner as the transport network is expected to be busier than usual Harrow Online is a company registered in England and Wales Following approval by the Mayor of London and no objections after notifying the Secretary of State for Transport, penalty charges and additional fees will increase across all 32 London boroughs and the City of London from Monday Parking arrangement plans can be found below of your estates in Bethnal Green West showing parking numbered bay locations: View all View all View all View all View all View all View all View all View all View all View all View all Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon We help you navigate a myriad of possibilities Sign up for our newsletter for the best of the city By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news Sign up for our email to enjoy London without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush) Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions. London Sometimes a menu item leaps up at you in the same way that a slobbering puppy might lick your mouth seconds after you’ve been introduced The mere suggestion of the queen of pintxos in a daring tryst with the prince of sandwiches had me in raptures caperberry-brined pickle nestling against a sharp guindilla pepper and a dollop of espelette butter wrapped in ham but that’s the whole point.   and a cocktail menu that features a couture martini fit for the racks at Dover Street Market (theirs comes with dill and anchovy oil).  Yet there’s something about the playful Tasca that makes it more appealing than other Iberian small-plate pretenders A slice of baguette slaked with intoxicating brown crab butter and topped with thick beefy flaps of cecina cured with 10 kinds of peppercorn offers the perfect cream-to-crunch ratio There’s a scarlet prawn and pork cachorrinho salty take on the classic Porto ‘hot dog’ – that’s essentially an elite toastie dribbling with nutty Ossau-Iraty cheese and served with a bottle of luminous hot sauce There’s a platter of girthy white asparagus too smothered in a six year-old burnt almond miso that’s funkier than a Larry Graham slap bass riff And a moment please for the cleansing pleasure that is a mound of fresh goat’s curd served with cucumber drifting in a meditative pool of celeriac honey.   They could have played it safe by popping out a couple of pastel de nata there is a literal pudding toastie; a hot bikini sandwich filled with tomme de chevre cheese and smoked maple ham an American diner sweet/savoury breakfast in gloopy Our only wish now is for this residency to become permanent – a mere year of Tasca simply doesn’t seem long enough.  The vibe: A kitchen residency in Cav an industrial-ish wine bar in Bethnal Green.  hilariously good takes on traditional Iberian dishes.  largely from female-owned and run wineries.  Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! tiktokfacebooktwitteryoutubeAbout us Contact us Artlyst Sir John Soane St John On Bethnal Green Renovation Project Launched St John on Bethnal Green is a Grade 1 listed building of international significance that has been at the centre of the vibrant parish of Bethnal Green since 1828 It is one of only three churches to be designed by the world-renowned architect Sir John Soane the simple interior of this important London landmark is home to a unique commissioned artwork a site-specific contemporary re-imagining of The Fourteen Stations of The Cross by celebrated British artist Chris Gollon However invaluable St John’s and its contents are recent structural surveys have highlighted the urgent need for renovation and restoration The building has apparent signs of dampness and structural damage and has also had various alterations over the years detracting from Sir John Soane’s original concept and vision together with Priest-in-Charge Darren Wolf and David Tregunna are launching a national call to action to support and raise funds for Phase One of a major renovation project for St John on Bethnal Green We are looking to raise £130,000 to fund an initial programme of work to determine what is needed at St John on Bethnal Green to preserve this building and make it fit for purpose for future generations to enjoy We aim to have begun work on this vital restoration project by 2028 in time for the 200th anniversary of the consecration of the church Priest-in-Charge of St John on Bethnal Green said “Our passion is to secure the church as a place of worship and a sanctuary for the local community Swift action in Phase One of our Restoration Project will be essential to secure this for future generations and to address the urgent challenges of water ingress and rising damp.” St John’s was the last of Sir John Soane’s three churches Commissioned by the Church Commissioners Act of 1818 and consecrated in 1828 St John’s is often described as one of Soane’s most idiosyncratic churches particularly with reference to its unusual tower and steeple St John’s has undergone several changes over the last 200 years A hammer beam roof was added to the ceiling of the nave and gallery in 1870-1 after a fire destroyed the original Soane roof and plate tracery windows to replace the iron lattice damaged in the fire The church played a vital role in the biggest single civilian disaster of World War II and the Bethnal Green Tube disaster of 1943 in which 173 people perished Bodies of the dead and wounded were brought to St John’s in the immediate aftermath of the tragedy St John’s is at the heart of one of England’s most diverse and deprived local authority areas with an estimated 47.5% of children designated as living in relative poverty – the highest among all London boroughs By ensuring the future of a much-loved building and making it more accessible for the public it serves our hope is that St John will become a fitting centre for renewal and community in Bethnal Green for the next 200 years Chris Gollon’s Fourteen Stations of The Cross constitute a unique site-specific installation in the simple white interior of Sir John Soane’s church the series was permanently installed at St John’s in 2009 in a service of consecration blessed by Richard Chartres Bishop of London and was immediately received with public and critical acclaim acid yellow and black unifying the work in 14 acts into one startling composition the invention and modernity of Gollon’s achievement astound The humanity of Gollon’s figures is partly derived from their evident authenticity Gollon’s immediate family and friends modelled all the main characters including his son as Jesus and his daughter as Mary These aren’t idealised figures; they feel like living people who are immersed in an experience of almost unbearable tragedy Gollon dramatises the everyday in contemporary images and cynical audience the ghastly dissonance of this story of good and evil answering on its own terms a 21st-century culture that regards the heroic as absurd.” said,” Chris Gollon’s Stations belong in the context of St John on Bethnal Green their deeply human depictions of Jesus reflecting the humanity of local people who faithfully walk the way of sorrows with their Saviour These Stations are no mere wall art but draw from and nurture the devotional life of the local church community.” A church warden polishes the windows in the Grade 1 listed church of St John on Bethnal Green beside painting ‘ Station No.10 ’ by artist Chris Gollon who created a series of Fourteen paintings illustrating the biblical christian story.This easter a campaign to restore the historic building begins as it opens the doors to the public.©Russell Sach – 0771 882 6138 Sir John Soane (1753 – 1837) was an English architect who specialised in Neo-Classical design He was a professor at the Royal Academy and designed the Bank of England and Dulwich Picture Gallery One of the most influential and celebrated architects of the Regency era Soane’s legacy includes the Sir John Soane’s Museum in Lincoln’s Inn Fields situated in his former home and office and designed to display the artworks and architectural artefacts that he collected during his lifetime Bequeathed to the nation by an act of Parliament in 1883 the museum is described in the Oxford Dictionary of Architecture as “one of the most complex and ingenious series of interiors ever conceived” Chris Gollon (1953 -2017) was a London-born artist who exhibited widely in the UK His work is held in major public collections including the British Museum and Huddersfield Art Gallery an exhibition of contemporary music and art created by Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth (Chisenhale Gallery 1998)—another boundary crossing Collaborations included working with classical virtuoso Yi Yao (2014) and with singer-songwriter Eleanor McEvoy (2015 – 2017) Gollon was invited to exhibit at St Paul’s Cathedral and Tracey Emin in ‘Presence: Images of Christ for the Third Millennium’ Gollon was made a Fellow and First Artist in Residence at the Institute of Advanced Study working with some of the world’s leading thinkers on the Being Human project Mary and Women from the Bible,’ became a national touring exhibition in English cathedrals (2014 – 2016) Publications include Tamsin Pickeral’s biography of Gollon the documentary ‘CHRIS GOLLON: Life in Paint’ premiered at the Barbican London and will be shown in New York in May 2025 Read More Visit Ina Yulo Stuve talks to the busy chef and owner of this recently renovated two Michelin-starred restaurant I never dreamed of being a chef,” says Rafael Cagali chef and owner of two-Michelin-starred Da Terra despite the fact that the Brazilian-born chef’s parents worked in the industry He tells me that his first stint working in a kitchen was actually when he moved to London in his 20s to learn English “I was a student and needed a job,” he explains so I started working my way up in different places: Italy I visit Da Terra, housed in the stunning Town Hall Hotel in Bethnal Green just a few months after their reopening following a four-week refurbishment where guests are welcomed upon arrival with a series of snacks – the cep mushroom with 20-year-old Madeira was a winner – and a drink or two The duo met at The Fat Duck and soon after opening Da Terra Cagali roped Lee in to lead the front-of-house full-time Cagali says he wanted guests to feel like they were being welcomed into someone’s home “We wanted to focus on the guest experience They’d been coming to eat with us for five years and it was time to make some changes they were the same changes that I had wanted to make since day one It’s like moving to a house and you want to change everything immediately you know exactly what needs to be done to make it homey and comfortable.” we walk across the hallway and into the main dining room Every table gets a full view of Cagali and his small but mighty team at work which includes a bread course with sourdough and a trio of butters – bone marrow and one infused with Gonnelli 1585 olive oil – showcases Cagali’s meticulous technique and storytelling it’s clear that his best work comes in the reimagining of classic dishes One of the standouts is a traditional Bolognese tortellini in brodo made with quail meat and a broth made from quail bones there’s also a skewer with breast meat and a pastrami parfait with black truffles The chef himself delivers a number of courses taking the opportunity to dive into the thought process behind each dish He takes pride in talking us through the moqueca conceptualised by Cagali and his team into a tight dish using aged turbot and farofa (a classic side dish made with toasted cassava flour) for texture The dish sits in a delicious broth made with langoustine Following soon after is the chef’s take on a surf and turf – glossy A4 wagyu sirloin with Hen of the Woods mushrooms and lobster rice – offering deep umami flavours and an enticing mix of textures is a play on a Brazilian dessert of the same name It features a delicate goat cheese and guava flan – a combination that Brazilian’s call a match made in heaven – framed by an intricate dome for added crunch tart blood orange makes an appearance along with tapioca pearls and kinome leaves for the final course of the evening I’m delighted the petit fours – a sweetcorn macaroon and a Brazilian egg yolk custard – held back on the sugar but delivered a satisfying end to the meal I speak with Cagali about how he found out about his second Michelin star during Covid and how he balances work and personal life How did you feel when you achieved your first Michelin star I didn’t expect the first one to come so quickly The second one felt even more unexpected because it was during Covid We were at home and when I got a call from Michelin France to tell me that the ceremony was going to be streamed live through social media I was anxious for three days and it was the longest weekend of my life I remember crying because I wasn’t sure what was going to happen It was such a surreal feeling when it happened Many of the menu items are your interpretations of traditional dishes How do you find the balance between innovation and authenticity to update and play around with familiar dishes A lot of the changes come in the aesthetic twists we use What is the working relationship like between you and Charlie It’s great – we’re still together after all putting up with each other after so many hours during the day it’s really nice to have someone else with a similar work ethic but we also understand the boundaries between work and our relationship We’re both very passionate about what we do but we always have good intentions and try to do our best for the restaurant You have quite a diverse team in the kitchen How do you work with your staff to make your vision come to life Do you encourage them to put forward their own ideas too I’m lucky enough to have great people around me who are willing to respect and learn the craft We encourage the team to come up with ideas for things like new cooking techniques but also on how to make the work environment better We have a strong vision for what the restaurant can be and I’m lucky enough to have people here with the same vision I’m aware your background plays a big role in your cooking What are some misconceptions people have about Brazilian cuisine I am Brazilian but not cooking Brazilian food The misconceptions are often linked to ignorance -people don’t really know much about Brazil and its food sometimes they just know about the barbecue places with skewers and think it’s an entirely meat-focused cuisine we have influences from all over the world which have changed and continue to change the way Brazilians eat Is there a particular cuisine you’d love to learn more about I’m going to Japan soon and so I will get to try more and more dishes I love being able to learn more about cuisines by travelling to the country and getting into their culture Address 8 Patriot Square, London E2 9NFPhone: 020 7062 2052Website: daterra.co.uk Our campaigns fighting for fairness and equality in the entertainment industry and beyond Join together with fellow members to fight for a fairer industry Be part of a movement making entertainment a better place to work Friends group are campaigning to save the iconic venue Equity is encouraging members to support the Friends of Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club (BGWMC) as they start fundraising to save the iconic London venue Equity has backed the campaign by the Friends of BGWMC since last summer when the programming team at BGWMC were given two months' notice to shut down and vacate the venue Equity has backed the campaign by the Friends of BGWMC since last summer when the programming team at BGWMC were given two months' notice to shut down and vacate the venue In May 2024 the Friends of BGWMC formed to save the much-loved East London venue The campaign has achieved a lot since its formation The building is an Asset of Community Value and it now has a Certificate of Lawfulness acknowledging the use class of the building as a cabaret theatre but they don’t guarantee it will be protected from developers Now Friends of BGWMC are taking the campaign to the next stage and laying the groundwork for a community purchase They will conduct a chartered valuation of the building and financial projections to develop their bid for the purchase Commenting Nick Keegan Equity Variety Organiser said: “A community purchase on this scale will be no small task We believe a partnership between the community of BGWMC and Tower Hamlets Council does have the ability to achieve this We believe it is essential to save this unique cultural facility and give it a chance to continue serving the local community of Tower Hamlets and the wider cultural tapestry of London for future generations as well as providing vital jobs for Equity’s variety members and make sure that the cultural and societal value of BGWMC is clear for all to see “BGWMC is a crucial and irreplaceable fixture of London’s cultural heritage It has been a catalyst for the development of new artists and cultural workers in the city and it is a building with more than 100 years of history as a community owned space It is vital that we protect BGWMC for future generations and allow its legacy to live on.”   Equity incorporating the Variety Artistes' Federation is an independent trade union Website by The MTM Agency Starting a review with an adage might be pretentious but here we go: the age-old “too many cooks spoil the broth” is a worry for any pop-up could easily fall into this over-engineered soup but thankfully sidesteps it with enviable grace In a vaulting industrial semi-circle under the clomping of the overground sits Chris Tanner and Edwin Frost’s most recent listening bar and pop-up restaurant space it unfurls on entry to a double-height polytunnel where a white ceiling and dark brown split-painted world envelops you Sommelier Sinéad Murdoch has picked a wine list that is 80 per cent female-owned Yuza and Aperol kicking a tarantella in your mouth my dill martini is the mossy snog with forest floor that all discerning adults are looking for The food reflects the same level of confidence Brixham crab shavings sit pretty on two slices of baguette; 10 different varieties of peppercorn pack their punch and are gone all too soon Other morsels of miracle are the beetroot and mustia (a Sardinian sheep milk cheese) ricotta begging to be tossed into your gnashing jaws More bite-sized wonders are the gildas: little loaded cocktail sticks of flavour worlds away from the bad party food of the 1970s These are designed to wake your mouth up before the incoming flavour fiesta and they do so amiably with bulbous chartreuse olives and anchovy curls All the above are very much on the morsel side of the spectrum so if you’re feeling flush order two each On to the larger plates: Orkney scallops sit in a Basque traditional sauce a bright orange pile of slices giving comforting warmth along with the expected subtle waft of the sea Wigmore cheesy leeks are in a rather thin sauce with celeriac honey an almost dessert play on the much-done seasonal veg as the monkfish with smoked eel was overpowered by a strong citrus flavour coming from somewhere and even beating out that much-missed eel funk For a restaurant focusing heavily on Iberian cuisine although looking fancier than their British cousins Throughout this accumulation of tiny licked-clean plates we were simultaneously exploring the liquid side of Tasca (fittingly meaning bar or tavern in Spain/Portugal) and getting a little giddy doing so A plum Manhattan is for those wanting a sweeter fruitier experience and a rattlesnake is as deadly as its namesake a sweeter and dangerously drinkable margarita Peach gimlets have Korean soju and monkish Benedictine for depth and again sweetness but we steered away from these due to my date’s religious leanings prawn and pork cachorrinho are all available for you flesh feeders these are shallow saucers where the flavour Although the most expensive thing on the menu is £24 the price will creep up alarmingly if you arrive nail-chewingly starving but with salt and olive oil crafts a very grown-up dessert The last one puzzled us both but Sinéad (not for the first time) swooped in to explain A Bikini is a sweet twist on the Barcelona savoury fan favourite Iberico ham and tomme de chèvre are “sandwiched” between brioche and cooked Then in between this rigged deckchair-looking wave is drizzled salted goat’s milk ice cream and maple syrup All the effort is well worth it for these odd lines of cheesy cav255.london Seventeen people were treated by paramedics at the scene with 11 taken to hospital after the fire erupted in east London News | London Dramatic video shows the moment residents screamed for help as a raging fire tore through flats in east London Firefighters rescued seven people as the blaze, believed to have been sparked by an e-bike, engulfed the residential building on Cornwall Avenue, Bethnal Green Video obtained by The Standard shows flames bursting from a ground floor flat as a voice is heard repeatedly shouting “help” The fire is understood to have been started by an e-bike battery Emergency services were called to the blaze just before midnight on Wednesday All 18 flats in the residential block were damaged by the blaze and dozens of residents have been displaced as a result Video footage posted on a local community group shows large flames tearing through the building Residents, dressed in their pyjamas and night clothes, watch on as eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters tackle the blaze Seventeen people were treated at the scene by London Ambulance Service crews with 11 of those taken to hospital Witnesses accounts suggest the fire was started by a lithium battery from a second-hand electric bike described the fire as like “something from an oil rig” The resident told The Standard: “The fire was ferocious Initially I thought it was gas and there was people calling for help which was even more scary because my initial reaction was to go and try and fight the fire it looked like a massive fire that you might see in oil rigs” “We were told by the fire brigade that it was due to an electric bike getting lit on fire It’s very important after seeing this that we take very much caution with electric batteries “Thank god everyone safe otherwise I would have had nightmares.” said: “There were a lot of people screaming You could hear a lot of kids screaming because they were obviously terrified.” St Helier Hospital A&E at 'breaking point' as 2,000 patients wait over 12 hours Teenage friends killed in horror bus and car crash near Heathrow Airport named Easter weekend travel disruptions revealed Enter the AXA Startup Angel competition to win £25,000 “You could really sense the community spirit yesterday So I think it’s gonna bring the community even closer probably a faulty battery or something because I could see the bike burning out as I was walking past the open window.” Firefighters wore breathing apparatus used fire escape hoods to rescue seven people from the building They worked for over a hour and a half to get the fire under control Control officers took 36 calls to the fire and gave fire survival guidance to three residents on how to stay safe before firefighters arrived Poplar and surrounding fire stations attended the scene The cause of the fire is under investigation London firefighters were among the first in the UK to carry fire escape hoods when they were introduced in 2018 as part of improvements following the Grenfell Tower fire The hoods provide members of the public with up to 15 minutes protection from four of the main fire gases - carbon monoxide hydrogen chloride and acrolein - and can be worn by conscious or unconscious people If more than 15 minutes protection is required then another hood can be given to each wearer They do not provide oxygen but temporarily filter toxic smoke to make breathing easier A total of 33 new homes have been completed across two sites in Bethnal Green The development was completed in two stages The first site was demolished in January 2023 and has since been transformed into 18 new homes These homes were completed in August 2024 and are now fully occupied The second site was completed in March 2025 and has been redeveloped into 15 new homes along with new office and community spaces The council is now advertising these homes through the Choice Based Lettings scheme the new residents are expected to move in by the end of April 2025 the scheme has delivered 14 family-sized homes and four fully wheelchair-accessible homes as part of the council’s Project 120 Project 120 ensures new housing in Tower Hamlets includes affordable wheelchair-accessible homes for disabled residents especially those in overcrowded or unsuitable housing The project works closely with housing teams occupational therapists and developers to design homes with features like lifts and hoists to improve residents' independence and quality of life “Since moving into my new fully adapted home Me and my children are able to enjoy our new environment and we have noticed a difference even in our moods “For me the biggest difference has been that for the first time in four years I didn’t get seriously sick after my immunotherapy treatment that I have every six months to manage my chronic illness This was because I was able to safely isolate in my home and had my own accessible bathroom after treatment This has saved me a lengthy stay in hospital and I was able to spend my time with my family instead of taking up a hospital bed unnecessarily.” "I’m delighted that we’ve been able to deliver these new council-owned affordable homes and community spaces in Bethnal Green including family-sized units and wheelchair-accessible homes affordable housing is one of our top priorities - not only to address housing needs but also to strengthen our local community we aim to foster greater community cohesion and enhance wellbeing "It’s wonderful to see families settling into their new homes at 10 Wickford Street and I look forward to seeing the upcoming allocation of 30 Wickford Street with more families benefitting from our council’s ambitious housebuilding programme." We've already brought you the news about Cav, the bar opening in Bethnal Green but now we know a lot more about the kitchen residency that's going to be a part of it for the first year Tasca is all about the food of Portugal and Spain and comes from Head Chef Josh Dallaway and Sommelier Sinead Murdoch inspired by the family-run restaurants they've encountered on their travels Josh has previously worked at Sager & Wild and Silver Lining and has been running very popular pop-ups recently while Sinead was General Manager and Head Sommelier at Bistro Freddie (and they both met working at Sarap Bistro) almost obligatory in any Spanish-inspired restaurant although here they include a unique jambon beurre gilda they have a dessert version of a bikini sandwich featuring cooked brioche and cheese covered in maple syrup and served with salted goat's milk ice cream the majority of it will feature wines that are either made by women or wineries founded by women Find out more: Visit their website or follow them on Instagram @tasca.london Subscribe to be the first to get the news from Hot Dinners Please enable the javascript to submit this form By signing up you agree to our privacy policy View on Google maps About us  |  Contact Us  |  RSS Feed  |  Site directory  |  Privacy policy  |  Log in/out Join 50,000 other Londoners getting exclusive news and restaurant offers from Hot Dinners. Please enable the javascript to submit this form By signing up you agree to our privacy policy See our previous newsletters here The fund comes as the club continues its ongoing battle to avoid eviction Going Out | Pubs, Bars and Nightlife Sign up for our expert view on everything that’s worth eating I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice In its ongoing bid to ensure its survival, the Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club has launched a “Fighting Fund” The community-owned, Grade II-listed club, something of an icon among London’s queer-friendly venues, is crowdfunding “in hopes the borough can buy the building and offer it back to the community The fund has been set up by the Friends of Bethnal Green Working Men's Club (FoBGWMC) which hopes to use the money raised to a full chartered survey and valuation of the building an extended target of £18,000 will be hoped for which will allow FoBGWMC to “develop a robust business plan with financial projections and cover all consultancy and accountancy costs.” FoBGWMC say they are hoping for one of two outcomes if the money is raised: “for Tower Hamlets to purchase the club and then lease it back to FoBGWMC; or for the council to allow FoBGWMC to purchase the club themselves.” Those who wish to donate to the fund can do so at crowdfunder.co.uk Anyone donating more than £70 will receive an A3 print of the club by the artist Lawrence Brand while those giving more than £30 will get a BGWMC beer mat We believe it is essential to save this unique cultural facility and give it a chance to continue serving the local community A favourite with locals and celebrities alike — Paloma Faith and comedian Tom Allen are both fans, and it’s hosted names from Bjork to Jarvis Cocker to Liam Gallagher — the club has over the past year been the subject of a campaign to ensure its survival, after the building’s owners looked to evict the club. The building itself is thought to be worth somewhere in the region of £4million The club first came under threat in June 2024 when it was given a two-month eviction notice from its landlords At the time Equity, the performing arts and entertainment trade union, launched an online petition urging the BGWMC committee to halt plans to close the venue, which swiftly was signed by more than 13,000 people. In late July the council declared the club an asset of community value which ensures the club has a “right to bid” should the building go up for sale The “fighting fund” would give the club the information it needs to make an informed offer on the property Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club: Inside the fight to save historic queer-friendly venue from closure Nick Keegan, Equity’s variety organiser, said of the news: “A community purchase on this scale will be no small task. We are trying to be absolutely realistic about this. We believe a partnership between the community of BGWMC and Tower Hamlets Council does have the ability to achieve this It is vital that we protect BGWMC for future generations and allow its legacy to live on For more information, and to support the fundraiser, visit crowdfunder.co.uk Equity is encouraging people to sign an open letter calling on Tower Hamlets Council to save the venue by buying it and leasing it back to a community group Equity has been told by Tower Hamlets Council that it would not support the use of Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club (BGWMC) for anything other than a cultural venue In a letter to the union on Wednesday 30 October Tower Hamlets Council said: “any proposed development which would not retain the existing cultural venue (along with its important LGBTQ+ focus) would not be supported.”  BGWMC has been closed since July this year after its owners – comprised of members of the Boro of Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club the longstanding friendly society which used to function as a social club – indicated a wish to sell the club While the club is yet to be put up for sale on the open market the Boro have told Equity that this is imminent any property developer hoping to buy the currently closed club would not be able to use the building for any other purpose this does not mean the club does not still face significant risk says: “While we welcome Tower Hamlets’ response saying they will not allow developers to use the venue for non-cultural purposes Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club remains at risk As has happened to so many other LGBTQ+ venues the biggest danger the club faces now is being bought by a developer as an investment and then being kept closed and allowed to fall into a derelict state for years to come “If you’re one of the thousands of people who have enjoyed a night out at the club and want to stop yet another iconic queer performance space from closing, please sign our open letter to urgently call on Tower Hamlets Council to step in and save BGWMC The council have the power to buy the venue and lease it back to the community – before it is lost in a battle between developers and planning protections.”  If you’re one of the thousands of people who have enjoyed a night out at the club and want to stop yet another iconic queer performance space from closing please sign our open letter to urgently call on Tower Hamlets Council to step in and save BGWMC Equity is supporting Friends of Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club set up to keep BGWMC open as a community and LGBTQ+ venue after it was revealed the club was at risk of sale this summer The Friends hold the Asset of Community Value status on the building which means they have a community right to bid and 6-months to fundraise for ownership if the club goes on the market the Principal Planning Officer for Tower Hamlets has confirmed the position of the Local Authority in relation to the existing use class and policy protection for cultural venue retention They have recognised the significance of the venue saying “From the range of evidence available to the public online along with representations submitted and internal records it appears that the lawful use of Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club is as a performance venue nightclub and members club (Sui generis use class) … It is clear and common knowledge that the site is a cultural venue It is also well known that the site has become a key LGBTQ+ night-time space in London.”  They go on to outline reams of policy protection within Tower Hamlets Local Plan and City Fringe Opportunity Area Planning Framework which would seek to protect and retain the existing use of the venue They also say that: “If a proposed development did not retain the existing cultural venue then it would adversely impact on race gender reassignment and sexual orientation protected characteristic groups which would further weigh against such a proposal from a Council perspective.”  This refers to the Council’s obligation to pay due regard to The Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) contained in Section 149 (1) of the Equality Act (2010).  Whatever entertainment you might expect from Bethnal Green Working Men’s club and bawdy but principally good hearted and well-intended There is an immediate and cheery welcome at this historic venue from a bearded complete with a delightful pedigree shiatsu pup It sets up the relaxed and carefree atmosphere of Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club gold and silver tinsel and tat festoon the auditorium with faded glamour and above our heads inflated luscious lips and swinging champagne bottles promise an alternative kind of evening Body Stocking Legion started late but the entrance of Robyn Herfellow has the diva touch in which much could be forgiven With red hair and lips and a top knot to swish Herfellow blasts in through the auditorium in fully body stocking see-through and thonged but delightfully finished off with sensible footwear; and such amusing contradictions abound in this madcap world imaginative creation is constructed around the premise that all is not well in the City of London and what might save it from itself is a legion of body stocking subversives don’t be fooled by the seemingly rough and ready delivery as it rams home the entertaining message of and listen instead to those voices who celebrate alternative orientations of freedom Herfellow opens on electronic keyboard with a tongue-in-cheek (of course!) rendition of ‘It’s Not Safe to Out Anymore’ all-leathered female band (other than drummer Doreen the song screams out that trash is maybe not quite what or where you think Introduced as the instruments of the apocalypse promoting the Body Stocking Legion who will save us all – while playing some mean guitar really it is not about what we wear; suits and what freedoms we desire to play out – salary man The piece derides and destroys preconceived stereotypical notions with its acerbic wit and the chat (direct to the audience) is not half bad either But shadows of discontent lurk and ‘Me and My Piano At the Orgy’ is both full of pathos and bathos in equal measure This zany humour abounds as subversives penetrate the City(!) only to commit fenestration (their word not mine) quickly followed by ‘It’s a Cookie Show’ – and it is Body Stocking Legion is fun and highly immersive as the audience is regularly invaded and are fully expected to participate: and if you don’t know the words there is even a song sheet enjoy an alternative night out with Herfellow You will get more than you bargained for I’m sure Body Stocking Legion plays at Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club until 20 April Organised by a community group comprised of locals a crowdfunder has been set up to save Bethnal Green Working Men's Club from closure the fund needs to raise £12,000 by 8 April (within six weeks) This will pay for a full chartered survey and valuation of the building as well as the planning application costs which will put vital protections on the building An extended target of £18,000 will allow FoBGWMC to develop a robust business plan with financial projections and cover all consultancy and accountancy costs The aim is to build a viable investment case for one of two preferred outcomes: for Tower Hamlets to purchase the club and then lease it back to FoBGWMC; or for the council to allow FoBGWMC to purchase the club themselves the venue has been noted to host the original EastEnder locals a filming location for the hit series Baby Reindeer Those who donate to the fund also have the opportunity to be rewarded with BGWMC merchandise such as an A3 print of the club by the artist Lawrence Brand for donations above £70 and a Save BGWMC campaign postcard for donations above £20 To make a donation to the BGWMC Fighting Fund, visit crowdfunder.co.uk Get the Best Fit take on the week in music direct to your inbox every Friday the people behind Dram and Oranj respectively have teamed up for new east London bar Câv (taking over the space that was The Japanese Canteen).  expect drinks like Tu (Bazo) made with The Lost Explorer mezcal with coconut arbol and sauternes as well as their own house takes on a martini and a cosmo.   they're teaming up with chef friends to showcase various cuisines around the world and that kicks off with Tasca That's led by Head Chef Josh Dallaway (who has also popped up at Bruno and Oranj) and Sommelier Sinead Murdoch That'll be backed up by a wine list which specifically showcases female winemakers.  Find out more: Visit their website or follow them on Instagram @cav255.london View on Google maps A man was forced to leap out of a window as an e-bike fire destroyed a number of flats in Bethnal Green is believed to have been ignited by lithium-ion batteries for an e-bike or e-scooter Seven people were pulled from the flames by firefighters after the fire spread through a block of flats on Cornwall Avenue on April A total of 17 people were treated at the scene by London Ambulance Service crews and 11 people were taken to hospital Around 50 people were relocated to a nearby library The housing association responsible for the building has confirmed that it has been providing support to residents and arranging emergency accommodation “This would have been a terrifying ordeal for all those inside this building." said Deputy Assistant Commissioner for Prevention & Protection Flats in Bethnal Green were destroyed by flames after an e-bike or e-scooter battery exploded “Firefighters demonstrated great courage to bring multiple people "One man jumped from a second-floor window but was thankfully unhurt; we are also pleased to confirm that the condition of one of the 11 people taken to hospital is no longer life-threatening." He continued: “This has been a complex incident to investigate due to the severity of damage that was caused by this fire "Multiple e-bikes and e-scooters were discovered in the property including those that appeared to be manufactured or converted There were also a lot of possessions inside the home which contributed to the spread of the fire “E-bikes and e-scooters are one of London’s fastest-growing fire risks every other day and these fires are ferocious The LFB has warned people against using second-hand or modified bikes as they are not regulated It also advised people to store it outside or in a location such as a shed if they can keep it in a room where you can shut a door and contain a fire said: “My thoughts are with everyone affected by the fire "We are finding and destroying unsafe batteries and we've halved the number of e-bike battery related fires in the borough by 50% but we need all e-bike and e-scooter users to help protect our community I implore you to follow the #ChargeSafe guidance to keep yourself and your neighbours safe." The LFB's Control Officers took 36 calls to the fire and gave vital fire survival guidance to three residents on how to stay safe before firefighters arrived Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know.. Resolution Ventures made its maiden WorkerTech investment in 2019 on what then was the start of much-needed innovation in the world of work the UK’s first programme of social investment directed towards improving the lives of those in low-paid and precarious jobs At the center of the Partnership was a focus on pay which is a framework that continues to inform our investments today The Partnership integrates learnings from our time backing WorkerTech founders as investors alongside Bethnal Green Ventures. Over the course of our collaboration with BGV, we have co-invested in 9 ventures, backed an additional 10 companies and as of this year, and seen a portfolio company exit.  the world of work has seen profound changes in the jobs and lives of low-paid workers – from the effects of the pandemic to the onset of artificial intelligence – all of which have repercussions not just for those workers and their employers but also for those building and investing in this world We’re proud to have contributed to this report and think it reflects the significant progress the WorkerTech landscape has seen in terms of funding innovation and the resultant impact on working lives we hope these advancements encourage more funders to back founders in the space You can read the report in full here Some of these cookies are essential to make the site work some help us to improve your experience by providing us with insights into how the site is being used and some are set by third-party providers we use We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below The cookies that are categorised as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site We also use third-party cookies that help us analyse how you use this website Our site also has some marketing cookies set by third-parties we use These cookies will only be stored in your browser with your prior consent You can choose to enable or disable some or all of these cookies but disabling some of them may affect your browsing experience Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors These cookies may be set through our site by third-parties we use They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant adverts on other sites They do not store directly personal information but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device you will experience less targeted advertising Other cookies are those that are being identified and have not been classified into any category as yet Equity is supporting the Friends of Bethnal Green Working Men's Club campaign to collect a BGWMC archive Equity is encouraging members to share their experiences of working at or attending Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club (BGWMC) as part of the ongoing campaign to save the iconic London venue led by Friends of Bethnal Green Working Men's Club promoters and partygoers to share their memories and memorabilia from BGWMC Friends of BGWMC are collecting evidence from the past ten years of cabaret The community group are seeking testimonials and memories of the venue as well as memorabilia including ticket stubs photos of shows or any other interesting artefacts The material collected will provide evidence for Friends of BGWMC to secure further protections on the building, and conserve BGWMC as a performance venue for the future. Collected material will also be submitted to the Queer Archive at Bishopsgate Institute The plan to archive this material will safeguard the cultural importance of BGWMC and help preserve London’s Queer history whilst the fight to reopen the venue goes on said: “With queer spaces closing across the capital 13,000 of you came together to say no more and signed the petition to stop Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club from closing “We’re now calling on the community to share their memories from the past 20 years of the history of BGWMC or statements from your experiences at the club Together we will prove that people power can save this club.”  In May 2024 the campaign group Friends of Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club was launched The cooperative association is supported by local residents who are committed to keeping the club open Equity learnt that BGWMC was threatened with closure in July 2024. The union launched an online petition urging the BGWMC committee to halt plans to close the iconic London venue which is home to drag and cabaret events. The petition received over 12,800 signatures On 29 July Equity held a rally to Save Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club The rally drew together over 100 drag artists magicians and other performers in the fight to save the venue In August BGWMC was designated an Asset of Community Value by Tower Hamlets Council This protection grants the local community a “Right to Bid” if the building goes up for sale taking the campaign to Save BGWMC closer to achieving its goal of keeping the iconic East London club open as a performance venue Eleven people were taken to hospital after emergency services were called to on Cornwall Avenue said: "I was asleep and then I woke up to the sirens and people screaming but I didn't realise it was affecting us I started seeing smoke in front of my window so I grabbed my cat as fast as I could The cause of the fire is still being investigated but some suggest it may have been caused by an e-bike battery London Fire Brigade said part of three flats on the ground first and second floors were damaged by fire chief property officer at Clarion Housing Group said: "Our thoughts are with the residents of Bradbeer House who have faced an incredibly distressing situation "Since the early hours of this morning supporting residents and arranging emergency accommodation to ensure everyone is safe and cared for."The wellbeing of our residents is our absolute priority We are providing dedicated assistance and will continue to be there for them throughout this challenging time."We are grateful to the London Fire Brigade for their swift and courageous response and to the Council for their ongoing support We’re working closely with them and other partners to understand what happened and to help residents return to their homes as quickly and safely as possible." Subscribe free to our weekly newsletter for exclusive and original coverage from ITV News New hospitality duo Chris Tanner and Edwin Frost will also provide space for a roster of modern kitchen residencies The old Japanese Canteen site on Paradise Row has been taken on by a new hospitality partnership in Chris Tanner and Edwin Frost who will open a new listening bar and food concept there on March 1 Tanner, the co-founder of Dram London, and Frost, of Half Cut fame and the brains behind Shoreditch wine bar Oranj, said Câv is inspired by the listening bars of Europe, with a drinks list rooted in “timeless classics” and changing kitchen residencies for established and emerging chefs The drinks list will be split into three parts, including “one sip” numbers, “signature” takes on traditional cocktails and pre-batch sharers designed as an alternative to wine Among the most promising drinks revealed to the Standard are the house martini for £7 (the same price as Rasputin’s in Hackney) made with gin or vodka a £12 cosmo (is it back?) and more contemporary cocktails while the Tu (Bazo) is to be a mix of mezcal Frost said: “The great thing about having a space like we do on Paradise Row is that it was almost like a blank canvas for us We had the freedom to create something unique Our entry level cocktails sit at a price point which is friendly for those looking to explore cocktail culture.” a food and wine concept inspired by food from the Iberian peninsula Founded by chef Josh Dallaway and sommelier Sinead Murdoch dishes include jambon beurre gildas and a cachorrinho Sharing dishes will include cured British tuna with fried eggs and crispy potatoes Dorset clams in a chilli and garlic sauce from Bilbao increasingly popular in London after cropping up at Jose Pizarro’s restaurant Bermondsey early last year with 80 per cent founded or made by women in Spain “I’m super excited to be partnering with Ed to create a food and drink concept which marries bartending excellence with culinary expertise,” said Tanner. “We want Câv to feel elevated but to maintain that approachable East London grit that Bethnal Green does so well “We’re super excited to have Tasca on board too as Josh and Sinead’s menu perfectly complements our drinks list for our first chef residency.’’ Best deals on fridge freezers for February 2025 Best oven and hob deals for February 2025: Cheap offers on electric and gas models Satisfy your wanderlust with stellar travel ideas for the year ahead As Storm Darragh continued its rampage outside unleashing an eddy of beer cans and fried chicken boxes down Cambridge Heath Road On the top step of the brass-railed balcony a father and son playfully sparred with each other watched on by a group of women in matching Christmas jumpers sporting a headband topped by a pair of glittery reindeer antlers the second fight of the night was well underway There they were: Ed “The Hammer” Chattey and Jordan “The Brown Eagle” Grannum sheens of sweat glistening on their shoulders a spry super middleweight from Ealing with only two fights and one win to his name Grannum sprung a surprise left hook that cracked the younger man’s cheek as the crowd let out something between a gasp and a groan By the time Grannum had been declared the winner my neighbour had already headed to the bar Come to York Hall most weekends and you’ll witness the same ducking and weaving at what The Times once called a “faded palace of the pugilist” with its rickety chairs and scratched chocolate floorboards especially when similar London institutions have stumbled and died York Hall is different from Smithfield and Billingsgate and countless of empty East End pubs it’s a place that has retained a certain vitality and energy — qualities associated with boxing itself — that has enabled it to keep the developers at bay and continue to welcome new Londoners eager for the ring this scruffy spot surely offers something else: cocksure authenticity in a town By Mary Harrington For a place commonly touted as the “home” of British boxing York Hall gives off an unassuming air from outside Bordered to the side by a community arts space and in front by public gardens that surround the nearby Young V&A museum its handsome neo-Georgian exterior gives little indication of the blood sweat and tears that have been spilled here since it first welcomed professional boxers in the late Forties York Hall actually started life as a public baths serving the many Eastern European Jews who then called Bethnal Green home It’s a dual identity that’s endured ever since York Hall’s main hall turns into a kind of lion’s den where up-and-coming practitioners of the “sweet science” put their mettle to the test amid an echoing cacophony of screams and shouts from a baying crowd a Sephardic Jew who went from working in a tobacco shop to becoming one of the most feted prizefighters of the 18th century one fight was watched by the future King George IV while the fighter himself used his winnings to found a boxing academy details other tales of local boys made good who basked in his nickname of “The Star of Israel” many East End heroes have enjoyed deliciously evocative labels Scour the annals of the early 20th century and you’ll find names like Kid Froggy and “Bombardier” Billy Wells In the Twenties came another Jewish fighter who was in 2014 named by ESPN as one of the 50 greatest boxers of all time There aren’t many tobacco shops in Bethnal Green these days — but otherwise little has changed certainly compared to other establishments swept away by East End gentrification is to appreciate that York Hall changed with the times or anyway that it hosts a sport that bonds beyond language For just as Jones has described boxing as a “way out” of East End poverty for generations of young Jews and Irishmen York Hall welcomes more recent arrivals too winner of the final fight the night I visited Al-Ghena cited his old boxing gym as playing a pivotal role in helping him turn his life around after falling in with a bad crowd “Getting kids off the streets is integral to what we do,” Tony Burns the legendary trainer at Repton Boxing Club “This is somewhere they can come and they’re not getting into trouble learning self-control as well as learning to box and that’s bringing the right stuff out of them.” And where Al-Ghena crowned his victory by becoming the English super-lightweight champion York Hall has hosted more famous names too Plenty of young fighters here — Anthony Joshua Carl Froch — have gone on to become world champions I think York Hall endures less as a starmaker: and more because it refuses to abandon sluggers like Chattey and Grannum is not Caesar’s Palace or Madison Square Garden or any other distant pay-per-view fortress it’s a small hall boxing venue with a capacity of just 1,200 It’s precisely this lack of size that provides York Hall with its unique atmosphere where it’s not uncommon for boxers to rub shoulders with punters I once saw Robbie “The Camden Caretaker” Chapman a handsome light-heavyweight with blonde dreadlocks entertaining the rabble by the bar after a points loss The self-professed “best looking journeyman in boxing” was still in shorts as he talked Contrast this with November’s farce at the AT&T arena in Texas when social media menace Jake Paul duked it out with a 58-year-old Mike Tyson in a Netflix special as depressing as it was gaudy If that was boxing at its most manufactured In an age where professional sport has been increasingly commodified these grass roots must surely count for something Spend time watching the crowds at York Hall and you’ll encounter everyone from a young family on a night out to old boys reminiscing about some once-bright prospect The boxers that attract the most raucous support have traditionally come from East or Greater London any bout involving Romford’s Kevin Mitchell a skilled if slightly ill-disciplined featherweight a former European female super-flyweight champion from Stevenage they unfurled a large banner bearing her “Lionheart” nickname over the balustrade By Oliver Bateman The shabbiness of York Hall prompts enthusiasm in other ways Fighters often bring armies of friends and family with them: from financial necessity as much as anything else a promoter whose company puts on the majority of shows at York Hall most boxers need to sell around 60 tickets each to help cover the £20,000 required to stage a fight night It is often a point of contention for the fighters after the local council deemed it “out of date” Fighters and promoters alike have conceded that the changing rooms need gutting Local campaigns have saved York Hall for now But even if the lockers are fixed and the flooring replaced Can a place as tumbledown as this survive the regeneration of East London sticky underfoot through endless spilled pints feels light years away from the Bethnal Green Tavern where before the Chattey fight I eavesdropped on an earnest conversation about dadaism in the music of Brian Eno even this paragon of traditional London has had to change with the times A night at the boxing no longer comes cheap with a ringside side seat costing just shy of £70 This doesn’t appear to have deterred punters but that could change amid cost-of-living fears like a plucky fighter who’s done the hard yards in the gym to make up for a shortfall in talent York Hall is much greater than the sum of its parts it has that splendid Twenties setting to fall back on with promoters often finding that the cheapness of provincial leisure centres doesn’t make up for the magic of Bethnal Green I felt that magic once more that cold night in December and the doors to Cambridge Heath Road were flung open once more but up ahead I spotted the father and son from earlier in the night Ross Davies is a journalist and writer based in London His work has previously featured in the Financial Times Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value" Please click here to view our media pack for more information on advertising and partnership opportunities with UnHerd Equity is campaigning to save the iconic London venue Equity is campaigning to save Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club (BGWMC) which is threatened with closure We have launched an online petition urging the BGWMC committee to halt plans to close the iconic London venue which is home to drag and cabaret events We are asking the BGWMC committee to meet with the community of regular performers and punters to discuss options to preserve BGWMC as a venue that so many value. Equity would be willing to facilitate this, as the trade union for drag and cabaret performers who are at risk of losing vital work and income from these plans We understand that the current programming team who have established BGWMC as an venue of significant importance to the community over the past 20 years have been given 2 months’ notice to shut down and vacate the venue by Monday 29th July The potential loss of yet another London venue for queer nightlife is devastating and represents a significant loss of work for performers in the drag and cabaret sector Not only is the BGWMC an asset of tremendous value to the community but the programme of events is also a vital and consistent source of income for so many professionals If you want to support the campaign to Save Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club then please sign and share the petition where Josh Dalloway (who’s popped up at the likes of 107 Half Cut Market and Brunswick House) does the food and Sinead Murdoch (who was most recently at Bistro Freddie) does the wine is inspired by the pair’s (they met working at Budgie Montoya’s Sarap) travels through Portugal Spain and the South of France and the relaxed neighbourhood restaurants found across Portugal Over the summer they’ve been developing Tasca by leading the food and wine programme at arts centre Gallifet in Provence and now they’re heading back for the capital this spring to take up residence at Câv Spanish and European wine list is a celebration of female winemakers with 80% of the list being founded or made by women And if you want something a little stronger the Câv cocktail list includes one-sip serves The bar is opening at the beginning of March and will have a 1am closing time from Wednesday – Sunday Sign up to our drops & get us in your inbox.We’ll be in your inbox every Wednesday at 11:30am.Put the kettle on Victorian warehouse lined up for conversion Green Street’s global news publications are not provided as an investment advisor nor in the capacity of a fiduciary  Our global organization maintains information barriers to ensure the independence of and distinction between our non-regulated and regulated businesses is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 482269) and a private limited company incorporated in England and Wales with company number 06471304 punters and members of the LGBT+ community joined Equity at rally to save the iconic East London and LGBT+ venue which is at risk of closure Over a hundred people turned out to a rally to Save Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club today at midday magicians and other performers in the fight to save the iconic East London and LGBT+ venue The club is at risk of closure after the owners indicated a wish to sell at the earliest opportunity The programming team have been threatened with eviction and were due to leave today but after consulting with their lawyers they have not yet left We are currently in constructive dialogue with the owners to prevent the closure, with a full statement and update on the situation below. Over 11.5k people have signed a petition to save the club since it was launched last week.  pictured above) – performer and Equity Councillor for Variety ·        Paul W Fleming – Equity General Secretary Equity very recently found out that BGWMC was at risk of closure The programming team have been threatened with eviction and asked to hand over the keys and vacate today The owners have indicated they wish to sell the club at the earliest opportunity Equity are now in constructive dialogue with the owners to prevent the closure of live performance at BGWMC We are seeking assurances that any sale will guarantee the continuation of BGWMC as an LGBTQ+ performance space We are also seeking a guarantee that the community of performers and punters will be given the opportunity to fundraise and buy the venue in shared ownership This would allow BGWMC to continue a more than 100 year history as a member owned club We hope that the programming team can resist this eviction and give everyone more time to negotiate a good outcome For Equity it is crucial that any outcome will ensure that LGBTQ+ performance can resume at the club at the earliest opportunity BGWMC is a vital source of work for Equity members and many people rely on this space to earn a living  “Our members in every area of art – whether it be the English National Opera going in and out of schools in East London having that programme slashed and burned; whether it be theatre spaces places that are closed because of a government austerity programme that’s gone on for over 20 years in the arts; or whether it be independent queer spaces that allow our members to work and earn their living doing a performance art that progresses a narrative; that is our members’ under attack And our members are choosing not a narrative of resilience “It’s an absolute tragedy that the venue is facing closure or is closing today with the loss of work particularly that its going to bring to performers at the start of their journey… For the LGBT+ community too many venues have been lost and we’re watching London becoming homogenised and sanitised and made expensive and exclusive for performers and just for Londoners then we’re going to hollow out the eco-system of our nightlife and of our arts system And we won’t have the places to support what people say London is good for – for the life that people say London is good for – and trade on And frankly will be a lot more boring for it as well.”  Photos: Equity UK/Jack Witek A petition launched by Equity to save Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club has gathered over 10,000 signatures A petition launched by Equity to save Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club (BGWMC) has gathered over 10,000 signatures in less than 72 hours We launched an online petition on Tuesday urging the BGWMC committee to halt plans to close the iconic London venue which is home to drag and cabaret events We are asking the BGWMC committee to meet with the community of regular performers and punters to discuss options to preserve BGWMC. Equity would be willing to facilitate this, as the trade union for drag and cabaret performers who are at risk of losing vital work and income from these plans As things stand the programming team are on notice to shut down and vacate the venue next Monday (29 July) This venue is such a safe haven for all queer and trans people in London Our venues are disappearing at such a rate we can’t afford to lose this one too Our campaign has received overwhelming community support One BGWMC regular commented that “This venue is such a safe haven for all queer and trans people in London Our venues are disappearing at such a rate we can’t afford to lose this one too” Another performer said “My first ever solo burlesque performance was here Absolutely iconic venue that needs to be enjoyed and discovered for generations to come We will be holding an emergency rally outside BGWMC at 12 Midday on Monday 29 July If you want to support the campaign to Save Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club then: •    Sign and share the petition. •    Join us at the emergency rally to Save Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club Come along to our new stay-and-play for under-5s and their carers Sessions are every Friday during the school term at St Matthew’s Church in Bethnal Green Drop in any time from 10 AM onwards for free play with educational and sensory toys Storytime and singing with George (and his accordion) will run from 11.30 am-12 pm Free tea and coffee will be available for adults throughout lovely facilities and excellent welcome in a gentle environment Great location and storytelling with accordion for the children – surely the only such one in London? This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed. Roman Road LDN is published by Social Streets C.I.C, a not-for-profit news and media organisation to get the latest news and events from your neighbourhood delivered to your inbox every week FacebookX (Twitter)InstagramTiktok Visiting Roman RoadGlobe Town MarketRoman Road Market Membership for OrganisationsMembership for IndividualsAdvertise with us Copyright © 2025 Roman Road LDN. Part of Tower Hamlets Slice newspapers and published by Social Streets C.I.C On Sat 27th July 2024, Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club hosted a send-off – for the venue itself. Earlier that month, it had been announced via BGWMC’s Instagram that the owner of the building was planning to sell, so the team was preparing for a “possibly permanent holiday”. But Equity, the trade union for drag and cabaret performers, quickly started working to save the venue. Following a successful petition and rally, BGWMC was saved from eviction and designated an ‘Asset of Community Value’ by Tower Hamlets Council, giving the local community the ‘Right to Bid’ should the building go up for sale. At the beginning of this year, Equity and Friends of BGWMC received a ‘Certificate of Lawfulness’, acknowledging the venue’s use as a cabaret theatre, bar and nightclub. However this is not enough to save the space from developers, so a crowdfunding campaign has been launched by Friends of BGWMC to raise £12,000 to pay for a planning bid to persuade Tower Hamlets Council to either purchase the club and lease it back to FoBGWMC, or to allow FoBGWMC to purchase the club themselves. The group is looking to raise the funds by 8th April to pay for a full chartered survey, valuation of the building and planning application, with an extended target of £18,000 to cover business plan developments, consultancy and accounting costs. We are determined to build that case, and make sure that the cultural and societal value of BGWMC is clear for all to see. BGWMC is a crucial and irreplaceable fixture of London’s cultural heritage. It has been a catalyst for the development of new artists and cultural workers in the city, a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community, and it is a building with more than 100 years of history as a community owned space. It is vital that we protect BGWMC for future generations and allow its legacy to live on. “ Sign up to our drops & get us in your inbox.We’ll be in your inbox every Wednesday at 11:30am.Put the kettle on! As many as 11 people were rushed to hospital and dozens more were evacuated last night after a fire ripped through a block of flats in London firefighters and the ambulance service all descended on Bradbeer House in Bethnal Green in the middle of the night after the blaze broke out With so many people forced out of their homes crowds of locals soon gathered on the street as the London Fire Brigade rushed to put out the flames - with eight fire engines and legions of firefighters on-site to tackle the inferno Alongside the 11 - including a firefighter - who were rushed to hospital 17 people were treated on scene by London Ambulance Service crews As many as 17 people had to be treated at the scene crews from at least four local stations managed to finish off the flames at around 1am But the blaze left destruction in its wake - in total three flats across Bradbeer House's ground first and second floors were hollowed out by the fire images from the scene on Thursday morning showed shattered glass a broken window and debris littered across the ground after fire crews were forced to lug out residents' belongings Police have not confirmed exactly what was behind the fire - but witness reports hint that it may have been sparked by lithium batteries from an electric bike or e-bike A pair of bikes were said to have been being charged when the fire broke out A London Fire Brigade statement also confirmed the cause of the fire is still under investigation the LFB heaped praise on its crews' use of fire escape hoods to rescue members of the public - first used in 2018 in the aftermath of the horror Grenfell Tower fire The hoods provide members of the public with up to 15 minutes' protection from four of the main fire gases (carbon monoxide hydrogen chloride and acrolein) and can be worn by conscious or unconscious people fire crews took 36 calls to the blaze - and phone operators gave fire survival guidance to three residents on how to stay safe before firefighters arrived the LFB heaped praise on its crews' use of fire escape hoods (pictured) to rescue members of the public A London Ambulance Service spokesman said: "We were called at 11.38pm yesterday (April 9) to reports of a fire in Cornwall Avenue "We sent a number of resources to the scene including ambulance crews advanced paramedics and members of our Hazardous Area Response Team "We took 11 patients to hospital and six patients were cared for and discharged at the scene." The LFB later confirmed that the fire was extinguished by 1.05am on Thursday A free London street photography exhibition in the heart of Bethnal Green is hosting a plethora of photographers’ work from October 25 to November 25 Still In Sight, features 30 photographs from 10 up-and-coming street photographers based in and around London. The exhibition is being held at Float coffee shop The theme of the photos is the vibrant streets of London These images were taken between 2022 and 2024 and captured on a mix of both analog and digital media spontaneous compositions and fleeting interactions pausing the city’s fast pace to highlight the often-overlooked details that remain visible amidst the chaos.” Along with the exhibition’s launch, a self-published 44 page photo-book documents the images featured in the show, curated by Mark Luke Grant, a photographer and organiser of the exhibition. Copies of the limited edition run of 50 books can be purchased online at The Creative Outlet Store