Betwixtmas is the perfect time to explore London without the crowds Londoners tell Joe Bromley their favourite walks in the city Lifestyle The Standard's journalism is supported by our readers When you purchase through links on our site My favourite walk is the walk down Ladbroke Grove to Kensal Rise. It starts on the Notting Hill side (depending on your personal belief) filled with Georgian townhouses and incidentally my childhood nursery you are met with the chaos and sweat of Portobello and eventually the heady heights of the Rise This is how you truly see what West London means It is a place that has always been defined by the people that have arrived there Miquita is a presenter and co-host of the podcast Miss Me Love the view of London from the top of Horniman And sometimes I go in the other direction and walk as far as Oxleas Woods in Shooter’s Hill which is just beautiful and green I love walking along the Regent's canal, joining from near Angel and getting as far as I can. But often slipping out at Haggerston for some cheeky and delicious Berber and Q sustenance The canal and the whole eco-system around it is both calming and invigorating at the same time Plus as someone who has been walking prams for the last 6 years or so nature and having a brief window onto canal boat life Mapping London neighbourhoods for our local colouring books has opened up so many parts of London I didn't know about and are now on a growing to do list I work in Mayfair and I love to meander from Piccadilly to Soho taking in Green Park The RA and St James’ spotting Blue Plaques naming bollards and avoiding the lure of so many eighteenth century pubs preferring a coffee and a piece of cake at Maison Bertaux these days The picturesque hill where you can stand on the top and view all over London exhilarating walk up to the top of the hill where the crowds maybe also be walking or you can get lost in the fields at the other side of the park with a little café at the bottom where you grab a coffee after doing a workout in the outdoor gym A walk I also love doing is along the canal either Primrose Hill to Hackney or the other way towards Maida Vale It’s very peaceful and you’ll see lots of wildlife on your journey It’s lovely seeing what backs on to the canals and all the life that goes on there a perfect place to people watch or lose yourself as these waterways are like going back in time café barges and street food along the way.. situated opposite the approach to Albert Bridge My favourite walk in London is from Petersham Nurseries to Richmond Start with a coffee at the café in Petersham Nurseries then follow the Thames Path along the river where you can enjoy one of the best views in the city It’s the perfect escape from the chaos of London — peaceful There’s nowhere better to clear your head and soak up a bit of nature without leaving town My favourite walk is to wander down Pavilion Road. It is so cute with the fairy lights and array of small village like shops, just off of Sloane Square You have to get the cheese toastie from the ‘London Cheesemongers’ because it is the best in the whole of London followed by a glass of red from ‘Mother Vine’ 'Say it's carol singers': Love Actually mews house listed to rent for £15,200 a month Man denies attempted murder after girl and father hurt in double shooting The complete guide to black and white tie dress codes What a lack of sleep does to your body and health I sometimes do walks in the V&A… I treat it like a walk in Hyde Park moving quickly without looking at anything in particular Or of course the cemeteries are great — Kensal Green is my preferred It’s low key and Freddy Mercury is supposed to be scattered there which is the sculpture trail in east London I love walking along the canal-stopping at café route in Haggerston for a coffee It is a fun game admiring the canal boats and birds whilst trying to dodge bikes and runners at the same time I love also walking further and going to Victoria Park for the Sunday market My favourite walk is the one me and my dog do to get into central London. Camden to Primrose Hill My dog goes mad there because she’s at war with all of the squirrels And then through Regent’s Park where my dog runs wild again And then we get to Soho and my dog has done more steps than anyone there so usually falls asleep on my lap wherever we are 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 VE Day 2025 fashion: best looks from the day VE Day 2025 fashion: Princess of Wales to Lady Victoria Starmer Royals watch historic flypast as huge crowds turns out for VE Day 80th anniversary  Royals watch historic Red Arrows flypast for VE Day 80th anniversary Stacey Solomon 'regrets doing reality show with Joe Swash' for tough reason Stacey Solomon 'regrets reality show with Joe Swash' for tough reason Ukraine 'launches stunning Kursk offensive' in major blow for Putin ahead of Victory Day celebrations Ukraine 'launches stunning Kursk offensive' in blow for Putin is situated in a small affluent borough of Brockley between two Sainsbury’s It was converted into a hybrid Costcutter Bargain Booze store in September 2023 in an effort to allow customers better value and an improved range and enabling the team to compete with the multiples The store quickly became more relevant and since the refit we’ve seen a 20% uplift in our overall basket spend and an 18% uplift in sales of beers wines and spirits while footfall has increased by 10% The owners describe their customer base is a completely diverse ethnic mix of shoppers some of whom who are on a budget and some who have a high disposable income The team’s approach is driven by consumer insights ensuring that product offerings align with current trends and consumer demands They continuously review and adjust category selections to stock products that sell and resonate with customers the team work tirelessly at ensuring they engage with customers recognising when someone needs help before they ask for it We regularly take and organise product requests We know these increase store sales as customers tell us that they only shop with us for that reason - because we are so helpful and responsive.” They’ve increased chilled cabinets to 20 metres which includes four metres of dairy products and they have launched a new chilled Food-To-Go range which is ‘bang on trend’ They believe keeping a chilled range fresh and innovative is vital and have introduced Isqueeze a new slushy machine offering a 0% sugar option and during the winter were selling 80 cups a week Another feature of the store is the refillable category Customers bring their own containers to fill up “In the light of the environmental impact of packaging this category has captured every generation and provided a real call to action Customers feel that they are doing their bit and we as a business have been working with Costcutter to bring all of the store into 100% no packaging.” To further support environmental sustainability the team has installed an EcoVend reverse vending machine for plastic and aluminium a recycling machine used by customers to deposit empty single-use beverage containers in return for a monetary reward They plan to report quarterly and donate a percentage of the reward to our local food bank “This system encourages our customers to recycle and in doing so demonstrates our commitment to environmental sustainability thereby further raising the profile and reputation of our store The system helps to reduce our waste management costs by diverting recyclables from general waste streams The systems is also helping us to reduce our environmental footprint contributing to long-term sustainability and corporate social responsibility.” The most important investment has been the addition of the Bargain Booze brand within the Costcutter store as ‘store within a store’ in September 2023 The addition of Bargain Booze into the store has been particularly successful and they have already seen an 18% sales uplift on Beers Wines and Spirits In addition to Bargain Booze range the team maintains strong relationships with local microbreweries through EeBria Trade and directly engage with craft suppliers who value their independence This commitment supports local businesses and caters to consumers seeking distinctive The team strives to create a safe and comfortable shopping environment for customers so they have introduced the Safe Watch system which monitors theft and enhances security and interacts with the PA system Staff members wear Safe Bands that allow them to discreetly request assistance if they feel threatened This system ensures immediate police intervention if any risks are identified The Staff Safe Remote Monitoring System integrates with Public Address (PA) system creating a safer environment for both customers and staff trigger an alert to a remote monitoring centre This centre can immediately assess the situation and To ensure compliance with age-restricted sales they’ve introduced a tablet-based Age Checker system at the till points this system accurately verifies the age of customers attempting to purchase age-restricted items and provides real-time assistance to sales assistants complementing their training and increasing vigilance in enforcing age-related sales regulations Register today to gain unlimited access to articles and to receive our great range of email newsletters Register now Site powered by Webvision Cloud A Lewisham woman queued from 3:30am last Saturday to attend Pope Francis’ funeral in Vatican City joined an estimated 250,000 who gathered inside St Peter’s Square marking the culmination of days of mourning just a day after making his final public appearance to offer greetings from a balcony at St Peter’s Basilica There was an “amazing and moving atmosphere” She said: “When I arrived and joined the queue there were people rolling up their sleeping bags who had camped out overnight determined to get their spot in the Square.” Authorities in Rome and the Vatican stepped up security measures to deal with the huge numbers flocking to say farewell who works for international development charity Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD) said Pope Francis’s death marked the end of a papacy that inspired millions An ardent supporter since his election in 2013 Ms Anto-Awuakye said: “Pope Francis has been a beacon for the world “Not just for those within the Catholic Church but for people of all faiths and even those without He had this rare ability to connect with everyone “He called for the protection of our planet Ms Anto-Awuakye said Pope Francis’s legacy was defined by hope which she felt in her own Lewisham community I see people welcoming strangers to coffee mornings I see staff giving their all to care for the sick “In the community residents donating to the Lewisham Food Bank and the Donation Hub but the message of hope he championed is alive and well in Lewisham.” Pictured top: Nana Anto-Awuakye attended Pope Francis’ funeral in Vatican City Rome on Saturday (Picture: Nana Anto-Awuakye) Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" 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 It is – with only a small hint of hyperbole – the perfect neighbourhood restaurant Mauby is the kind of place you could happily dine at once a week until the very end of your days.   a West Indian-inspired pop-up that roamed south London cooking up Jamaican-style barbecue before settling down in Deptford Mauby saw its affable founders – Daniel and Heleena – change tact Mauby opened in the summer of 2024 in a former fish and chip shop Though Caribbean flavours wouldn’t be entirely off the menu the plan was for a wilfully eclectic offering of sturdy Just downwind of one of south London’s more iconic Wetherspoons Unlike Tollington’s in Finsbury Park – which has barely touched the former chippy facade - this small space has shed all signs of the old inhabitants, and is light and airy with big glass windows and a couple of thriving houseplants Breezy soca plays on the stereo and the concrete floor is splattered artfully with paint Wooden school chairs cluster around cosy tables and there are hessian-sack cushions (more comfortable than you’d think) It’s giving ‘warehouse space that eight architects have just moved into’ packed out with a Goldsmiths-adjacent crowd who are definitely here for the welcoming vibe but can’t not have been enticed by the uber-reasonable pricing too.  The priciest dish on the menu is lamb chops - two juicy flirty things cooked home-style with rosemary The murky pool of flavourful fat and oil left at the bottom of the dish is worth the £15 price tag alone and is perfect for mopping up with the ample £6 dish of crispy crushed potatoes.  A mound of self-assured fried chicken is a steal at £12 heat-seeking dry rub and served with a mega pepper pickle and huge dollop of spiced mayo There are stewed black-eyed peas at £7 it’s a masterclass in nailing a couple of simple effective dishes and doing them well and with pride.  The portions aren’t messing about either There’s a veritable tower of plantain come in handy for dipping into that insanely addictive leftover lamb juice A bottle of home-made Bajan hot sauce is also delivered to the table making for a mighty companion to the sides.  Brockley might just be the luckiest spot in south London My ‘More Mauby’s’ petition starts now.  super-friendly neighborhood joint for a young The food An eclectic menu with Caribbean touches.  The drink Try the house ‘Mauby’ cocktail featuring the medicinal-ish tasting Caribbean drink There’s Kernel beer and affordable house wine Time Out tip If there’s fried chicken on the menu Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! tiktokfacebooktwitteryoutubeAbout us Contact us The great spicy tastes of the Caribbean have been given a thorough shakedown at this eminently affordable London: ‘Exactly the vibe you want’ – restaurant reviewThis article is more than 5 months oldThe great spicy tastes of the Caribbean have been given a thorough shakedown at this eminently affordable wretched primal scream about the terrible insult to the words “hot dog” that I had to eat at Harrods in your service fat smoked sausage with exactly the right crisp-skinned snap and the correct smooth With it are pickles and a yellow Bajan pepper sauce full of heat and vinegar and vigour This one dish sent all the bad memories packing deportation or infringement of legal rights ‘A big old hit of pimento and mace’: jerk chicken Photograph: Sophia Evans/The ObserverIt’s a fair point But the renaming has also been taken by many as a tribute to the contribution made by people from the islands to the capital as it trundles through Afro-Caribbean communities from Dalston in the north of London to Peckham in the southeast It makes it an appropriate way to arrive at this wine bar and bistro celebrating the food of Jamaica and Barbados Given the power of cocktails often made with an awful lot of rum it helps that it’s merely a three-minute stagger from restaurant door to platform My first drink is a cocktail made with the sweet sharpness of sorrel and lime lending a briskness to a good measure of that Jamaican Wray & Nephew rum It is tempting to suggest with a knowing wink that you should be careful before looking that up online but I got to the 15th page of a Google search without finding anything not related to smoke sauce or dry rubs of an entirely innocent kind For a few years they worked out of a unit in Deptford and ran a street-food operation before crowdfunding to convert this old chippy There’s a paprika-coloured frontage framing half net-curtained windows There’s a nailed-together wooden bar upon which sits a bowl heaped with oranges who literally cooks in her domestic kitchen and delivers her food in boxes of pure cardboard we assume that’s how it must always be with this food but the Maynards are rightly determined to show there are other ways; that it cannot and should not be overlooked plus a few well-chosen wines and cocktails there’s a £6 bowl of their beans stewed “homestyle” in a thumping gravy It’s the sort of comfort food that would make any bad day better From the lighter and brighter side of the ledger there is a Bajan cucumber salad A bowl of crispy new potatoes with garlic mayo is a cheery accompaniment although it feels like an interloper from a different small plates restaurant ‘That home really is sounding inviting’: home-style stewed pork Photograph: Sophia Evans/The ObserverThe most expensive dish tonight costs a mighty £10 It is a heavily sauced jerk chicken thigh and drumstick It’s easy to assume this would always be part of the repertoire A new menu was introduced just a week or so after I ate there That new menu includes charred pumpkin with Bajan tamarind sauce home-style stewed pork – that home really is sounding inviting – fried sprats with lemon and braised butter beans The message is this: you should park your assumptions about what must be available at such a place Having given one list of dishes a complete shake down The only constant amid the savouries is the carbohydrate ballast of plantain I confess plantain has never done it for me It’s an acquired taste that I have never quite acquired I accept that I may be the one missing out here ‘Rum-sodden’: chocolate truffles Photograph: Sophia Evans/The ObserverDessert is handled by a plate of rum-sodden chocolate truffles which are so soft they’re almost a dark ganache being held together only by a thick cocoa dusting and politeness Mauby has exactly the vibe you want of it: relaxed mellow and bubbling with end-of-week chatter It feels like a new business that has worked out what it needs to be from the very start On the short walk back to the station I come across a chap tending to a smoky barbecue beneath a street corner tree He’s offering more jerk chicken to the Friday night crowd The staff of Gloria Trattoria, part of the Big Mamma Group, are staging a dinner to raise funds to help save Casa Italiana, the social club which has served London’s Italian community in Clerkenwell since 1960 and which is now under threat from rising costs and falling membership. Tickets for the four-course dinner, which is taking place at the club on 14 November, cost £60. Find details of the menu and buy tickets here Recently, I announced the closure of Café Kitty at the Underbelly Boulevard Theatre in Soho. Now comes news of its replacement. Peckham stalwarts Artusi have just opened Artusi Soho there, serving seasonal Italian dishes, including a pre-theatre menu of two courses for £25 and three for £30. Read more about the restaurant here Email Jay at jay.rayner@observer.co.uk or follow him on X @jayrayner1 This is the archive of The Observer up until 21/04/2025 The Observer is now owned and operated by Tortoise Media Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review Somewhere between a community ‘improvements committee’ meeting and a zumba class in a “nice” town in Yorkshire Harry (played by Timothy Harker) and Denise (played by Jilly Bond) meet in their community temperance hall in the time between their respective retirement activities The story is simple:  2 people become friends over several  months in 2017 scenes set in this liminal space between meetings.  This setup does not allow for the audience to have time to fully engage with the lives of the characters and their emotional journeys are fragmented The directing is heavy handed and the scene changes are unnecessarily long not least in the endless putting up and putting down of the eponymous trestle table it is unnecessary and there are much more efficient ways of telling the story Plenty of Zumba routines break up the awkward standing around which is both circumstantial and a blocking issue Zumba music was used to cover the scene changes in the first half and more traditional ‘Hovis advert’ style music in the second the significance of which was unclear.  although lines are frequently often over emphasised and given too much weight Similarly there is plenty of emoting which feels a little too large for the space and plot and no doubt time in rehearsals and the space the actors' efforts would be successfully realised Anyone forging ahead with making theatre in chronically under resourced circumstances ought to be commended The Jack Studio has some exciting and quality programming which should be seen The Yorkshire village and community in which Trestle is set is repeatedly described by Harry as ‘nice’ and this is a ‘nice’ enough piece of work which would be appreciated in lots of ‘nice’ areas of the country.  At Brockley Jack Studio Theatre until 8 March 2025.★ ★ Made with Squarespace Automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras are to be introduced to areas of North Somerset as part of a scheme to improve public transport The new smart cameras will initially be installed at the A38 Barrow Gurney and A370 Brockley Combe junctions and will be operational from Monday 31 March Any drivers caught using the bus lanes at these locations within the first six months of the ANPR cameras being switched on will receive a warning notice for a first offence Motorists found misusing the bus lanes after this first six months of ANPR camera enforcement will receive a £70 penalty charge notice (reduced to £35 if paid within 21 days).  Motorists who misuse bus lanes pose a safety risk to others and risk delaying bus passengers ANPR cameras automatically detect and capture the number plates of vehicles using bus lanes illegally Images are checked by trained review officers and a penalty issued to the keeper or owner if their vehicle has not been pre-authorised to use a particular bus lane.   and the A370 Brockley Combe crossroads junction motorcycles and hackney carriages – and this is communicated by clear signage at the entrance of the bus lane Buses are classified as a vehicle with at least one driver and eight passenger seats Private hire vehicles are not authorised to use the bus lanes.   Executive Member for Transport and Highways said: “The vast majority of motorists do follow the rules but there is a minority who drive in bus lanes which poses a safety risk to other road users and can delay the buses The ANPR cameras will help us to enforce the legal highway restrictions and any surplus revenue raised will be reinvested in our public transport and roads for the benefit of all.”  Penalty notices include appeal information as standard though motorists should be aware that following satellite navigation instructions is not accepted as a justification.  The new enforcement cameras are supported by dedicated funding from UK Government through the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP). The conditions of the funding mean it cannot be used for any Council services or activities outside of the BSIP. Read more at: www.n-somerset.gov.uk/bsip   The arrival of Mauby in Brockley is the latest venture for a couple who first made a name for themselves with their amazing jerk chicken and barbecue The new bar is the latest opening from Daniel and Heleena who used to run the very popular Jerk Off BBQ in Creekside in Deptford That venture closed when the area was redeveloped so they're now in a proper permanent spot here in Brockley At Mauby they're serving up a mixture of cocktails drinks and bar snacks with a plan to bring in a full food menu soon bar snacks include mixed tomato salad with sardines and crackers But we're told they'll be serving up everything from fresh fried seafood stewed beans and tasty vegetable plates to lesser-known homestyle West Indian dishes and great desserts There will be the odd BBQ classic on there too Talking to Hot Dinners the pair said they were hoping to bring "a bit of Soho energy to Brockley" The cocktail options include a signature Mauby serve made with Bajan Cockspurs rum Mauby syrup and lemon while the drinks list will feature natural wines and craft beers along with no-alcohol versions of all the cocktails there's a mix of table and counter seating and they'll be keeping room for walk-ins Find out more: Visit their website or follow them on Instagram @maubybrockley 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 A CCTV image of the man police wish to speak with A witness appeal has been issued by police investigating a stabbing outside a Brockley Pub Today the Met circulated an image of a man detectives wish to speak with in connection with the attack in March this year Officers were called at 11.53pm on Tuesday to reports of a man collapsed on Brockley Road They found a 39-year-old man suffering from severe stab injuries outside the Brockley Barge The London Ambulance Service attended and the victim was taken to a south London hospital where he underwent surgery An investigation was immediately launched by the local CID No arrests have been made and enquiries are ongoing said: “This was a shocking act of violence that could have cost a man’s life and we are committed to bringing those responsible to justice “We are appealing for witnesses and information to assist our enquiries “If you are unsure as to whether something that you saw might be significant “You could aid our investigation and prevent opportunity for further violence on the streets of London Anyone with information should call 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 We'll never send you spam or share your email address Find out more in our Privacy Policy Please enter your username or email address to reset your password Residents of properties in Brockley advised to boil water until results of tests by Thames Water are returned Households in south-east London have been told to boil their water after E coli was found in the supply of a property People in properties in Brockley have been advised to boil any water they use until the results of tests conducted during visits by Thames Water are returned says: “The samples we have recently collected from your drinking water tap were not of the quality we would normally expect “We are investigating whether this may be due to an issue with our mains supply or whether this is related to your internal pipework or fittings As a precaution we therefore advise you to boil all water before it is used for drinking provision of drinking water for pets.” It also recommends that taps and sinks are bleached after use David Bowen, a resident of one of the properties affected, told the Guardian that he was informed by Thames Water that E coli had been found in his tap water after testing conducted at the weekend he has been told to continue boiling any water he drinks Thames Water also tested the properties either side of his home and advised that they boil their water while they waited for results others in the area say they have had requests for testing refused Bowen added: “The testers refused to do any testing requested by other [more vulnerable] neighbours.” A spokesperson for her office told the Guardian: “Thames Water say they are engaging with the resident(s) and supplying them with bottled water while they investigate.” E coli can cause serious illness including severe stomach cramps Last year, a boil water notice was issued for tens of thousands of Devon households after the parasite cryptosporidium was found in the supply Some homes had to boil their water before use for more than a month Water industry whistleblowers also recently told this newspaper that the safety of tap water in the UK could be at risk because water companies are unable to use products to clean it as all the laboratories that test and certify the chemicals have shut down A Thames Water spokesperson said: “As part of our standard water quality testing that we carry out throughout the year last week tests were undertaken at a property where traces of E coli were found We also tested surrounding properties and no further traces were found “For the impacted one property – we have issued a boil water notice and have supplied the resident with bottled water while investigations are ongoing Follow-up investigations indicated this is likely due to either contamination of the tap or internal plumbing system We are continuing to engage with the customer providing advice on flushing the taps to bring high-quality water back into the taps.” Food and Rural Affairs has been contacted for comment This article was amended on 6 January 2025 to clarify that traces of E coli were found in the water at a single property in Brockley though other properties were advised to boil their water as a precaution while further tests were carried out French speaking West Africans in Lewisham rave about this Ivorian restaurant’s meal combo; deep-fried tilapia fish with a side of ripe fried alloco plantain and attiéké You’ll find all the Côte d'Ivoire uncles at Sikatio watching football and enjoying Solibra’s Bock beer Food here showcases the mild and soft taste of dishes from the Côte d'Ivoire compared to their Ghanaian neighbour's bolder flavour profiles. Don’t miss the poulet braise wood-fired chicken leg and kedjenou de pintade (guinea fowl and vegetable stew) Sisters is the debut production from UNCOMMON THEATRE a company created to support working class actors Sisters was first performed at the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester in 1978 when Adrienne arrives unexpectedly at sister Carol’s home on a large council estate in the industrial North of England There are many questions to answer and nothing is quite as it seems instantly draws us into this 1970s home with a bold mismatch of patterns in shades of orange and brown on the wallpaper It’s not sophisticated but it’s pristine and tells us that we’re dealing with a houseproud sound design from Niamh Evans adds to the idea of a very ordinary community with the sound of dogs barking and occasional cars passing outside gives us a snapshot of very ordinary lives We’re meeting characters who have experienced professional and personal setbacks that a lot of people can relate to their interests and passions are mundane – highlighted in geography teacher Terry’s enthusiastic and lenghtly chat about a 10,000 year old lake – but it becomes instantly clear that there is more to this set up of family and friends than meets the eye we meet Mrs Donaldson (Sarah Dorsett) who introduces herself to the visiting Adrienne (Joanne Arber) as the mother of her host We’re instantly engaged and wanting to know more Director Elizabeth Elstub has given the action a good pace and the interactions between the characters feel very natural with the actors constantly pouring drinks (cups of tea and coffee or glasses of barely diluted spirits) and offering food giving the impression that they are all completely at home This cleverly also leads to the question as to WHY this group of people feels so completely at home – it’s not their house but they behave as if it is It’s an intriguing premise and has you guessing from the start The performances are good with all of the actors presenting distinctive characters from thuggish policeman Cracker (Stephen Guy) to diet obsessed Jo (Madelyn Morgan) At times some of the supporting performances are a little one dimensional with gabbled dialogue and diction not clear but generally we get a clear picture of what the characters are all about.   Christopher Tomkins has excellent physicality conveying just as much with a look full of menacing intensity as he does with his delivery of dialogue Oliver Lyndon as geography teacher Terry is one of the more sympathetic characters his small ambitions and more introverted personality come across very clearly and make him stand out from his bolder and brasher cohorts Joanne Arber and Laura Kaye give excellent performances Arber presents the well-spoken Adrienne as a layered Kaye’s portrayal of younger sister Carol gives us a woman who appears to have everything under control but also clearly shows how isolated she has felt due to her older sister’s long absence from her life we can clearly see the sometimes subtle and sometimes jarring shifts in these two characters as the truth of their situations is revealed Sisters is certainly an intriguing piece of theatre Although it isn’t that difficult to work out what’s really going on it’s interesting watching the real story come out and the characters’ truths revealed The climax of the play is a little rushed and confusing as it doesn’t offer clear resolutions or any repercussions for actions taken Some of the big themes tackled – mental health and domestic abuse – feel a little bit under-developed and brushed over it’s well paced and has a good and very watchable cast so it definitely offers an entertaining and thought-provoking evening A rare full-length production at the Brockley Jack, Sisters has a two hours and twenty minutes running time, with a fifteen minute interval. Performances run until 26th April 2025 (Tuesday-Saturday). Find out more and book here.★★★ A fire on the railway tracks in Brockley has shut all lines in the area causing major disruption across South London The blaze, next to the track near Brockley railway station brought trains to a standstill between Sydenham and New Cross Gate this morning London Fire Brigade (LFB) crews were called to the scene at around 4am and safely distinguished the fire network rail said there has been significant damage to signalling cables – which are critical for the safe running of the railway Until the damage is repaired there will be significant delays with short notice cancellations and diverted trains expected until the end of today London Overground services are only running between New Cross Gate and Highbury & Islington Meanwhile Southern and Thameslink services running through the area may be cancelled or diverted to and from London Victoria joint network operations director for Network Rail and train operators Thameslink and Southern said: “We’re incredibly sorry for the disruption passengers are experiencing today after a trackside fire near Brockley station Southern and London Overground are working to reintroduce some trains through the affected area to help passengers with their onward journeys but these trains will have to stop later to allow engineers to access the track safely “Please keep checking the live travel updates from Thameslink Southern and TfL for the latest passenger information and advice.” Pictured top: The fire on the railway tracks in Brockley (Picture: Network Rail) A man was saved from a flat fire in Brockley on Monday Emergency services were called to the home in Manor Avenue shortly after midnight on Monday The man was led to safety by police officers and taken to hospital with ‘non life-threatening’ injuries One police officer was treated for smoke inhalation and taken to hospital as a precaution London Fire Brigade said three fire engines and fifteen firefighters had the fire under control by 2.44am on the third floor of the converted terrace The cause of the fire is under investigation ‘Deftly conveyed autobiographical one hander’ ★★★ ½  This poignant one man play is unashamedly autobiographical illustrated with a lot of home movie footage of the actor/playwright’s family It just about stops short of self indulgence but feels uncomfortably personal in places Bell is delivering a eulogy at the funeral of his father Alan who died in 2018 should deliver the Seven Ages of Man speech from ‘As You Like it’ He gets overcome and can’t continue which pitches us into flashbacks from his babyhood through to the death of his father And of course we end up back at the funeral which is The grit in this play comes from the fact that Alan was a complex character and a difficult man to live with There were constant quarrels with his wife Dorothy desperately wanting to use her skills: they met at Cambridge and are both academically talented He was given to occasional violence and putting down both his wife and son At other times he tried to be reasonable but it always seemed false Both parents tried to encourage their son’s acting ambitions but never quite managed to sound sincere.  All of this is deftly conveyed by Tony Bell able to change character with minimal costume tweaks and a good range of voices The account of trying to get to the hospital when his mother is dying of cancer but he’s doing panto at Doncaster – and then messing up his role on the day of her funeral is almost unbearably painful Man in the Rain is a brave piece of new writing Brockley Jack Studio Theatre until 30 November 2024 Box Office: https://brockleyjack.co.uk/jackstudio-entry/man-in-the-rain/  What's on Reviews Articles Theatre News Pub theatre profiles Getting into Theatre SO Award Nominations LPT Award Winners LPT Awards 2022 in pictures Subscribe to Newsletter Advertise with us Getting into theatre Our Team Request a reviewer Contact We are very proud to announce that LONDON PUB THEATRES MAGAZINE is now an OFFIE AWARD WINNING publication A ONEOFF Special Award (February 2024) has been awarded to London Pub Theatres Magazine and Editor Heather Jeffery for providing a vital forum for highlighting the excellent work that happens in rooms in pubs and an acute sense of the importance of tiny fringe venues to the health and development of British Theatre London pub theatres magazine is published in Rickmansworth by London Pub Theatres Magazine Ltd  ISSN 2977-6724  A week and a bit on from the Paris Olympics and many of Team GB's athletes have been returning home to tell the tales of their success One such athlete is South-East Londoner Alex Yee who upgraded his Tokyo Silver to Gold in the Triathlon in Paris and his victory has been wildly celebrated there - with a mural painted under a rail bridge re-naming the neighbourhood 'Brock-yee' in his honour BBC Radio London's Gemma Stevenson has been speaking to him about his athletic family For best viewing experience of this website Please enter a place name in the search bar After provisionally the warmest May Day on record in the UK higher than average temperatures will subside over the weekend Environment Agency Updated: 01:00 (UTC+1) on Tue 6 May 2025 Cloud thinning and becoming mainly dry overnight Cloud thinning and breaking during the evening with showers and any remaining rain soon fading Showers remain possible across Kent with brisk winds here Possible rural grass frost in western parts by dawn Cloudier in east with best of the sunshine across western regions mainly fine weather with sunny or clear spells and mostly light winds Dry across the vast majority of the UK with clear or sunny spells but also some patchy cloud Cloud will likely thicken across the far north and northwest during the weekend with some outbreaks of rain for a time There is also a small risk of some heavy showers in the far south or southwest high pressure will be dominant across the UK This will bring predominantly fine and dry weather for the majority of places Temperatures are likely to be slightly above normal for the time of year although there is a chance of some cold nights Fairly typical weather for the time of year is most likely through this period fine and dry weather is more likely to dominate although this will be interspersed with occasional spells of rain and showers with a risk of heavy rain and thunderstorms in places temperatures will most likely be near to or slightly above average Now a London chip shop has triumphed in the 2025 National Fish and Chip Awards – Brockley’s Rock. The southeast London spot was the only chippy in the capital to be shortlisted for the awards’ coveted Takeaway of the Year back in November it didn’t make the podium in that category but it did win first prize in the all-new ‘Community Engagement’ category.   The new prize was introduced to award chip shops for commitment to community service and the good stuff they do for their neighbourhoods After a bunch of interviews and assessments Brockley’s beat other finalists in Torquay and Cardiff thanks to its owner Kyriacos Karoulla spotting a significant problem with wasteland affecting the local vicinity He worked with other local business and led an initiative that made the area cleaner and safer for everyone.   president of the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF) said of the new category: ‘Learning about the activities fish and chip businesses have been doing to support and better their communities has been nothing short of amazing it has been an inspiring experience for all involved behind the scenes of the awards ‘Brockley’s Rock is most certainly an anchor within its locale and we are so proud of what the team is doing to strengthen community ties and spread positivity It’s businesses like this that make the fish and chip industry so special and we are delighted to have such an incredible winner as the debut recipient of the award – the bar has been set very high Karoulla said: ‘After 30 years in the trade I’ve learned that it’s the people – my fantastic team and the wonderful local community – who make it all so rewarding We’re so proud to be part of this neighbourhood and this recognition means the world to us A huge thank you to the NFFF for shining a light on the importance of community spirit See the full list of 2025 National Fish and Chip Awards winners here. And see Time Out’s pick of London’s finest fish ‘n chips here.  The hottest new openings, the tastiest tips, the spiciest reviews: we’re serving it all on our London restaurants WhatsApp channel. Follow us now to tuck in Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out London newsletter for the best of the city