The City of London Corporation has welcomed the biggest increase in cycling in the Square Mile since records began The increase of over 50% marks the largest jump since recording started in 1999 New data also shows footfall in the City is also up (8%) since the last count in 2022 wheeling and cycling now making up three quarters of all observed travel activity and 85% during peak hours (8-10am and 5-7pm) There are now nearly twice as many cycles as there are cars on City streets during the day and people cycling now make up 56% of all traffic in the peak commuting hours Cycling levels have more than doubled on four City streets in just two years with most of the increase (60%) from personal cycling but dockless cycles have quadrupled since 2022 and now account for one-in-six bikes on City streets This increase in cycling in the City follows news from TfL in November that cycling journeys in Greater London have increased by 26% since 2019 with cycling journeys in central London increasing by 12% since 2023 The rapid changes in traffic mean the City Corporation has hit three key targets six years ahead of schedule Since 2017 cycling has increased by 70 per cent – the target is 50 per cent by 2030 Over the same timeframe motor traffic has reduced 34 per cent – the target is 25 per cent by 2030 Freight traffic is also down 21 per cent – the target is 15 per cent by 2030 Transport for London (TfL) launched 20 new Cycleways routes which have helped to connect an additional 600,000 Londoners to the cycle network The data aligns with those seen in traffic count data from the four road bridges into the City of London The four-fold increase in dockless cycling also matches data on journeys starting and ending in the City shared by dockless cycle operators Lime and Forest Lime state that its users made 16 million journeys during commuting hours in 2024 alone Motor-vehicle traffic is down 5% since the last count which continues its downward trend having fallen by a quarter in the five years since 2019 The data also shows how private vehicles increase significantly at 6pm when the Congestion Charge finishes 40% of car and private hire journeys occur after 6pm and the busiest hour for car traffic on City streets is 10pm the figures show in 1999 there were more than three times as many motor vehicles on City streets as there are today and less than one-sixth of the number of cycles Chairman of the Planning and Transportation Committee at the City of London Corporation “As footfall across the City of London continues to rise it’s vital our Transport Strategy ensures that it is a safer and more pleasant environment for everyone to travel through Our streets are safer with the latest figures showing the lowest number of serious injuries on our streets since records began but we are not taking our eye off the ball When we first published our strategy in 2019 15 locations across the City exceeded our air quality objective for toxic nitrogen dioxide "Enabling more people to cycle improves health cuts congestion and helps the environment – so it’s key to the Mayor’s vision for transport "I’m really excited about this increase in cycling across the City of London which is great progress towards our goal of increasing cycling journeys to 1.6 million by 2030 "The network of cycleways across the capital is continuing to grow helping unlock safer and more accessible cycling to even more Londoners The London Standard’s new video series called Street Food Stories celebrates the capital’s diverse food scene one stall at a time Going Out | Food + Drink 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 Nestled at the top of Petticoat Lane Food Market is Eye Falafel a traditional Jordanian food stand where hundreds of people queue every day to get their hands on a fresh falafel wrap Shaker Al-Bdour has been running the food stall in the heart of the City of London for 15 years Considered one of the oldest and most popular stalls on Petticoat Lane Market and chilli sauce have become a lunchtime staple among nine-to-five city workers vegan falafel can be attributed in part to his late mother I trusted my mum with the recipe when she was alive back home in Jordan… We don't use any powder in our falafel This is what makes us unique because we use only fresh herbs.” Eye Falafel is one of the food stands featured in the Standard’s new video series Street Food Stories It looks at the lives and businesses of immigrants who have moved to London and diversified the capital’s food scene Shaker grew up in Jordan but moved to London to go to university He earned his degree but quickly realised corporate life wasn’t for him Eye Falafel has become a firm local favourite Through his genuine and engaging customer service Shaker’s built a loyal community of customers that keep returning for more And we have a bond with our customers…This is the main thing Regulars in the winding queue said Eye Falafel have “the best customer service” and that Shaker and his team are “so lovely” They dish out free falafel to those waiting and if you’re lucky Shaker might even throw some halloumi in your wrap on the house So head down to Petticoat Lane Market on your next lunch break and join the hundreds of other Londoners getting their fix of some of the city’s freshest falafel – just don't be surprised if you have to wait 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 New visa crackdown as Home Office plans to restrict applications from nationalities most likely to overstay New visa crackdown as Home Office plans to restrict applications BBC admits to ‘lapse’ in standards after Today coverage of Harry interview but the original goal was a 50% increase by 2030 Official counts in October saw a record high of 139,000 people cycling in one day across 30 locations This marks the largest increase in cycling – over 50% – since records began in 1999 There are nearly double the number of cycles than cars on the streets with cycling now making up 56% of all traffic in peak hours (8-10am and 5-7pm) Just over half (60%) of this increase is due to personal cycling but the presence of dockless cycles has quadrupled since 2022 now accounting for one-in-six bikes on City streets there has also been an increase in footfall by 8% since the last count in 2022 with active travel now taking up three quarters of ‘all observed travel activity’ – increasing to 85% during the peak hours This news follows an announcement from Transport for London (TfL) in November of last year that cycling journeys in Greater London have increased by 26% since 2019 with those in central London increasing by 12% since 2023 London’s walking and cycling commissioner said: ‘Enabling more people to cycle improves health cuts congestion and helps the environment – so it’s key to the Mayor’s vision for transport ‘I’m really excited about this increase in cycling across the City of London ‘The network of cycleways across the capital is continuing to grow supporting the Mayor’s aim for a greener which it says has helped connect a further 600,000 Londoners to the cycle network Chairman of the planning and transportation committee at the City of London Corporation also said: ‘As footfall across the City of London continues to rise it’s vital our Transport Strategy ensures that it is a safer and more pleasant environment for everyone to travel through ‘We know this work is making a difference Highways presents...Cargill from Hemming Group Video on Vimeo Privacy Policy Terms and Conditions Sign up for the Highways on Friday newsletter Duane Moss repeatedly targeted the same M&S Food store on High Holborn Future London A shoplifter who went viral after being caught on camera brazenly stealing from a central London supermarket in front of shocked staff has been jailed for three months after footage showed him openly stealing and pushing his way past security barriers at Marks and Spencer He was also handed a criminal behaviour order banning him from entering the Square Mile for five years Moss had repeatedly targeted the same M&S Food store on High Holborn Sergeant James Wood, of City of London Police said: “This is a reminder to any shoplifter who thinks they can steal from businesses in the City: we will find you and bring you before the courts “We will use all our resources in keeping businesses and members of the public safe Duane Moss had committed these offences with no thought or consideration to anybody he had come across “This CBO will act as a deterrent to reoffending The City of London Police’s proactive acquisitive crime team focuses on crimes such as theft of bags The dedicated team is pursuing criminals who prey on those out in the City The force maintains that arrests are disrupting those involved in serious organised crime Policy Chairman at the City of London Corporation “While the IMF has flagged headwinds for the global economy the City of London’s resilience stands out Surpassing £100bn in GDP is a landmark moment reinforcing the City’s position as the powerhouse of the UK economy and a global financial leader we must press ahead with reforms that sharpen our competitive edge and strengthen the City’s role as a magnet for the world’s best talent “At a time when businesses are re-evaluating their global strategies supported by a stable regulatory environment strong rule of law and a commitment to open markets “Through initiatives like Destination City we are shaping a Square Mile that continues to attract people to live The City of London Corporation has revealed new images to showcase ‘an ongoing reinvention’ of the Square Mile’s streets and alleyways A network of new routes which will be created through recent planning permissions are set to enhance the walking and wheeling experience through the area as part of the City’s wider ‘Destination City’* initiative The Square Mile will become a pedestrian priority City in a way that surprises and delights as a 7-day destination for all and is respectful of its past These adaptations are also crucial for enabling the area to absorb a 670,000 daily and growing workforce as well as its existing residents and rising levels of tourism three major schemes adjoining each other have been granted permission creating a new network of pedestrian routes between the City Cluster of tall buildings the Crossrail corridor and Liverpool Street Station These schemes will ease pedestrian congestion on Bishopsgate and Old Broad Street creating high quality and vibrant public space to relax and travel through while opening up views of City heritage landmarks such as St Ethelburga’s Church and St Helen’s Place they will serve as an exemplar of joined-up and integrated City planning transforming pedestrian movement across this part of the City Cluster City of London Planners have been focussed on the re-invention of the City’s streets and alleyways over several years in careful collaboration with local stakeholders These routes are negotiated with planning applicants inclusive open spaces and enhancing the public realm represents a key strategic priority in the City of London Corporation’s Local Plan these graphics show delivered and emerging routes which in total would exceed the width of the City in a walk from Fleet Street to Aldgate the historical fine grain and tight network of alleys of the medieval City have gradually been replaced by the larger more impermeable commercial floorplate buildings of later centuries Planning Officers will seek to create shortcuts and cut throughs between busy throughfares to ease congestion make better connections to Underground and mainline stations re-introduce lost historical alleys to public use open up new views of City landmarks to improve wayfinding as well provide a better pedestrian experience along the Thames and up to the public high-walk network A radical transformation re-inventing the City’s alleys City Property Association (CPA) 'Destination City' Working Group and co-founder of urban landscape and architectural practice DSDHA  “The joy of exploring the City’s myriad streets and alleyways is discovering the new and unexpected pocket parks and hidden gems at virtually every turn Opening up vibrant new cut-throughs further enhances the area’s social capacity too make discoveries and to explore – which is both good for business and culture.  the City is undergoing a human-scale urban renaissance with its alleys offering respite from congestion and cool routes in summer along with the ongoing creation of new open spaces improved biodiversity and wider walkways.”” Voters in the City of London went to the polls yesterday to elect their representatives to the Square Mile’s governing body The City of London Corporation is dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally successful UK [see notes to editors] and is the oldest continuous municipal democracy in the world Members were elected by City residents and workers to the City Corporation’s principal decision-making body The City of London is divided into 25 wards with each ward electing two or more Common Councillors dependent on its population – with 100 Common Councillors elected in total to serve a four-year term Over 678,000 people work in the Square Mile and decide how the City Corporation carries out its various activities Its transformative major projects include the new London Museum at Smithfield which will house the new City of London Police HQ and multi-courts complex a major five-year project of works to upgrade the internationally renowned arts venue City of London Corporation Policy Chairman Chris Hayward said: “It is my hope that our newly elected Members will drive policies supporting economic growth maintaining the City’s position as a global powerhouse from supporting the Square Mile as the engine of the UK economy to promoting our financial and professional services industry and delivering high-quality public services “I look forward to working closely with our new elected membership as we deliver several key projects that will shape the City’s future for the benefit of London and the nation.” The City Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City supporting a diverse and sustainable London The organisation has a unique role in being the local authority for the City of London as well as promoting the UK financial and professional services industry at home and abroad through international visits to key global markets by its Lord Mayor and its Policy Chairman It is one of the largest funders of heritage and cultural activities in the UK and invests over £130m every year The organisation manages a range of world-class cultural and heritage institutions It also supports the London Symphony Orchestra and the new London Museum the City Corporation helps to boost the education skills and life-long learning for people of all ages It runs some of the country’s best public services providing social housing on 12 estates across the capital and acting as the London Port Health Authority and the Animal Health Authority for Greater London The City Corporation plays a leading role in maintaining the Square Mile as the safest business district in the world through its Police Authority Board which supports and scrutinises the work of the City of London Police and the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) lead for economic cyber and business crime.  It also owns and manages the Central Criminal Court (Old Bailey) where some of the highest profile criminal trials in England and Wales are held supporting and improving the links between diversity networks and ensuring that the City’s institutions and events are more open to our communities than ever before It is the sole trustee of the City Bridge Foundation – a 900-year-old charity which maintains five Thames bridges including the iconic Tower Bridge and is London's biggest independent funder awarding over £840 million since 1995 to charitable organisations tackling disadvantage across the capital The City Corporation also supports the City’s Livery Companies The City of London Corporation will host the fourth annual Net Zero Delivery Summit on 23 June 2025 at Guildhall The flagship event is held in collaboration with partners Sustainable Markets Initiative the International Energy Agency and sponsors EY the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), will underscore London’s commitment to innovation in sustainable finance.  Taking place during London Climate Action Week for the first time the summit serves as the pivotal mid-point between each COP ensuring continued momentum on climate commitments a critical ‘Finance COP,’ the Net Zero Delivery Summit will bring into focus:  The Summit will reaffirm the UK’s steadfast commitment to leading in green finance driving innovation and mobilising private capital to support the global transition to a sustainable Policy Chairman of the City of London Corporation “London stands as a beacon of innovation and leadership in the global green finance arena we have a unique responsibility—and an extraordinary opportunity—to drive sustainable investments worldwide paving the way for a net zero future.   “Achieving net zero is not just an environmental obligation; it’s an economic opportunity that can drive investment and innovation on an unprecedented scale.  “While climate action momentum may be wavering in some parts of the world the Net Zero Delivery Summit reaffirms our commitment bringing together global voices to drive the transition toward a greener the UK's leadership in green finance is more important than ever to unite global expertise to drive meaningful action against climate change.  “The City of London’s unique convening power enables us to unite leaders from finance and government to drive net zero goals and champion sustainable growth.   “Through initiatives like the Net Zero Delivery Summit we are demonstrating our commitment to innovation and building a sustainable future for generations to come and build climate resilience to achieve a truly sustainable City”.   “London’s status as a global capital of green finance is widely acknowledged but it has a deeper power thanks its ties to the Commonwealth and historic influence on the world stage.  which was founded by His Majesty King Charles III in 2020 when he was Prince of Wales draws together hundreds of CEOs from around the world who are focused on the unprecedented economic opportunities of sustainable transition.  “We look forward to the Net Zero Delivery Summit and in particular to demonstrating how the private sector is getting on with delivering long-term value creation and a sustainable future.”  “We’re delighted to be supporting the City of London as they host the fourth Net Zero Delivery Summit in London Climate Action Week.   “We are dedicated to promoting the transition to a sustainable future and believe that finance will be key to unlocking opportunities and developing long-term resilience Collaboration between government and business is vital to get ready for an inclusive move to a low-carbon climate-resilient and nature-positive economy.   “As part of our ambition to be a net zero company by 2040 we will continue to invest in the transition and engage with government and industry to advocate for it in the long-term interests of our shareholders “In today’s unpredictable geopolitical and macroeconomic environment there is a risk that sustainability is marginalised by more pressing issues climate change poses challenges indiscriminately on a global scale and must stay at the top of the agenda.  “Financial services firms are committed to understanding how best to navigate – and then drive change – to a more sustainable world and financial firms are increasingly looking at how to manage risk business resilience and revenue generation and conversations across industry and government to help drive tangible action are absolutely essential.”  Intercontinental Exchange, said:   “Economics and financial markets are crucial for efficiently pricing and transferring risk enabling the mobilization of capital to build the infrastructure needed to transform energy systems and land use and incentivise the creation of a carbon removal industry.  the UK has established itself as a global centre for carbon price risk management ICE is pleased to collaborate with the City of London to underscore the role and importance of markets that price emissions allowing governments and society to identify the most effective investment opportunities to meet decarbonisation goals.”  The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk  This initiative will make it easier for firms to navigate regulation and overcome barriers to entry “The Government's recognition of excessive risk aversion in the system is absolutely correct we can unlock our potential and drive substantial investment The Lord Mayor and I are actively working with senior practitioners to develop innovative ideas aimed at improving risk culture and regulation to support growth We look forward to sharing these bold proposals later this summer “We welcome the FCA's efforts to provide more support for high-growth firms and reduce regulatory reporting Regtech will play a crucial role in reducing compliance costs “We support The Pensions Regulator's push to encourage investment in productive assets through the voluntary disclosure of asset allocation data This is an important tool to help deliver the Mansion House Compact and contribute significantly to our economic growth these initiatives will ensure that Britain remains at the forefront of global financial services fostering an environment where innovation and growth can thrive.” "I am delighted to announce our collaboration with HMT and the Office for Investment to establish a concierge service that will enhance the UK’s position as a leading global financial services hub By streamlining access to our regulatory framework and removing barriers to entry this initiative will make it easier for international firms to invest and thrive in the UK “We know excessive risk version is holding back growth We need agile and streamlined regulation which prioritises growth. I will be working with senior industry leaders to develop bold proposals to improve risk culture and regulation we welcome The Pensions Regulator’s initiative to encourage investment in productive assets through the voluntary disclosure of asset allocation data This is a significant step toward achieving the ambitions of the Mansion House Compact driving long-term investment in the UK economy." has received the Freedom of the City of London in recognition of his outstanding achievements in the written word and his enthusiastic promotion of poetry For the first time in the City of London’s history held in the Chamberlain’s Court at Guildhall or The Mansion House - was conducted in the Barbican Centre’s Conservatory Simon was appointed as Poet Laureate in May 2019 and is professor of poetry at the University of Leeds During a career spanning nearly four decades he has written over 20 collections of poetry His most recent work includes Magnetic Field: The Marsden Poems in 2020 and Blossomise in 2024 a limited-edition collaboration with artist Angela Harding including the Odyssey and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight including Walking Home: Travels with a Troubadour on the Pennine Way and A Vertical Art: Oxford Lectures and the frontman of the ambient post-rock band Simon was nominated for the Freedom by the Recorder of London from the Central Criminal Court (Old Bailey) Simon took part in a special public reading of a selection of his works two members of the Barbican’s artist development programme each read an original poem inspired by his work “One of our most celebrated Poet Laureates lived in Cloth Fair and our greatest playwright and poet so the Square Mile enjoys a tangible association with poets and poetry the City of London Corporation owns the beautiful Regency villa in Hampstead where Simon’s hero lived and wrote some of his most popular works “With these links forged in our history and mindful of how Simon is a leading ambassador for poetry it is entirely fitting that his achievements are recognised by this tribute from the City.” “As prolific and versatile as he is popular and accessible Simon Armitage is one of our finest poets – now almost six years into the historic position of Poet Laureate - and also a talented musician and I tremendous pleasure to support his admission into the Freedom and we hope that he will have fond memories of his ceremony for many years to come.” I’m a northerner and have lived in West Yorkshire all my life but through poetry and all its different manifestations the place I know best outside my own postcode.  “The City itself has always been something of a mystery to me until recent years when I’ve started exploring it more for work and pleasure “The Freedom feels like an invitation to spend even more time in a place that feels truly historic yet determinedly futuristic One of the City of London’s ancient traditions the Freedom is believed to have begun in 1237 and enabled recipients to carry out their trade As well as being nominated  or applying for the Freedom it is also offered by the City of London Corporation to individuals as a way of paying tribute to their outstanding contribution to London or public life or to celebrate a very significant achievement Recent recipients include comedian and actor Sir Lenny Henry; Olympic and Commonwealth Games Gold- and Silver-medal winning athlete Lady Mary Peters; former Attorney General of England and Wales and Shadow Home Secretary shortly after his performance in The Meaning of Zong at the Barbican in April 2023 Andrew Buckingham, Media Officer (Arts, Culture, Heritage, Licensing), City of London Corporation / 07795 333060 / andrew.buckingham@cityoflondon.gov.uk The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally successful UK – www.cityoflondon.gov.uk All Barbican Centre press releases, news announcements and the Communications team’s contact details are listed on our website at www.barbican.org.uk/our-story/press-room We showcase the most exciting art from around the world pushing traditional artistic boundaries to entertain and inspire millions of people We are an international arts and events centre rooted firmly in our own neighbourhood collaborating with local communities and putting the City of London on the map as a destination for everybody Central to our purpose is supporting emerging talent and shaping opportunities that will accelerate the next generation of creatives we rely on the generosity of individuals and organisations and pound earned supports our arts and learning programme and enables the widest possible range of people to experience the joy of the arts the Barbican is a unique and audacious building recognised globally as an architectural icon we have a large conservatory with over 1,500 species of plants and trees The role of the Chief Risk Officer has become even more important amid an increasingly complex global environment The City of London Corporation is hosting a special event examining how these individuals can navigate challenges effectively to optimise growth.  The Chief Risk Officers Summit on 21 May 2025 will address how the risk industry can respond to challenges such as the global rise in protectionism supply chain disruption and emerging technologies to ensure business continuity in an ever-changing geopolitical landscape.    the focus on chief risk officers aligns with the Growth Unleashed mayoral theme calling businesses across the UK to increase their appetite for risk to boost economic growth The Summit will also build on recent work with City St Georges University assessing the dual mandate of chief risk officers: protecting organisations from threats while unlocking value through calculated risk-taking.  We continue to prepare for the Global Risk Summit in 2026 which promises to be a cornerstone event for global risk management “London's exceptional depth of expertise means it is ideally positioned to help global businesses to anticipate and ameliorate risk in an increasingly complex world We look forward to showcasing London's offer to Chief Risk Officers and exploring how it can help best deliver their crucial role in safeguarding institutions ensuring resilience and driving innovation in risk management We are proud to stage events like the Chief Risk Officers Summit which both protect businesses and reinforce London's reputation as the leading centre for responsible and innovative financial leadership.”  Lord Mayor's Research Fellow at City St Georges University “Our research that underpins this summit is clear; Chief Risk Officers have become deeply integrated with business strategies in value creation and protection This summit provides a global platform for the Chief Risk Officer community to foster new relationships and enhance strategic risk thinking within the boardroom.”  For more information and to register interest, visit: https://www.theglobalcity.uk/industries/insurance/chief-risk-officers-summit The City of London has welcomed the opening of a net-zero office building at 100 Fetter Lane which has included the restoration of a local pub and creation of a new pocket park Re-located on a prominent corner location with external areas and designed in a bold blue faience the White Swan represents one of multiple re-imaged pubs as part the Local Authority’s ‘Destination City’ initiative which aims to ensure that it continues to attract more businesses also features a three-fold increase in walkable open space for the public including a sheltered and tranquil new pocket park with a café A new pedestrian route also provides a new City alley Known as the ‘Edenica’ building by YardNine 9,000 square metre office development features the highest design and sustainability credentials and includes ground floor retail space to enhance the offer of this western part of the City for the public and local businesses Edenica will also be the first of its kind in the City of London to pioneer material passport technology which logs information about building materials that can be used in the future floor slabs and substructure can be used again and again when the building is refitted or redeveloped These ground-breaking circular economy principles remain among the key issues the construction industry must tackle to reduce its carbon footprint The City of London Corporation recently launched a pioneering Circular Economy Framework and Action plan to reduce waste and recycle building materials as part of its ongoing efforts to cut carbon emissions across the Square Mile It will redefine how resources are used and managed across the City with the aim of becoming ‘fully circular’ by 2040 The office is already more than 50% let to a diverse range of occupiers with a further 10% of the space currently under offer City research highlights the need for at least 1.2 million square metres of additional office space by 2040 to maintain the City’s global competitiveness City worker numbers are rising rapidly and demand for high quality sustainable office space is expected to remain high as estimates based on GLA data show that job numbers should grow from 678,000 to well over 700,000 by 2040.  The new tenants at 100 Fetter Lane will begin occupying the building in June “The City of London’s global reputation as a financial and cultural capital is underpinned by our ability to lead on sustainability we’re creating a resilient and future-proof City “This Circular Economy Framework exemplifies how forward-thinking policies can drive real change evident in this state-of-the-art development at 100 Fetter Lane The Square Mile is rapidly becoming the model for circularity and a magnet for sustainable investment.” The City of London Corporation has released new images visualising how the Square Mile’s skyline will look once all planning permissions have been constructed ahead of attending Europe’s largest real estate conference (MIPIM) New computer-generated imagery (CGI) captures all major developments which have been approved or resolved to approve by the Corporation’s Planning and Transportation Committee As the Corporation prepares to attend MIPIM alongside a team of national delegates will demonstrate to the world’s developers and investors City research highlights the need for at least 1.2 million square metres of additional office space by 2040 to maintain the City’s global competitiveness and according to global property consultancy Knight Frank has fallen to 0.5 per cent in the City of London It was also reported that the City’s tallest office building at 22 Bishopsgate The City Cluster to the east and long-established tall buildings area alongside strategies to encourage the retrofit of existing stock celebrate our extraordinary legacy of historic buildings and promote the Square Mile as an inclusive destination for all These office developments will not only drive economic growth but also provide accommodation for tens of thousands of additional jobs over the next decade in key industries as estimates based on GLA data show that job numbers should grow from 687,000 to well over 700,000 by 2040.  with its 800-year history as a financial hub generating over £97bn annually and accounting for one in five financial services jobs in Great Britain It also contributes £1.2bn in business rates The City Corporation’s growth strategy for the Square Mile ‘Destination City,’ and the new local plan ‘City Plan 2040,’ align with these objectives the City aims to be not just a global magnet for international talent and finance The Square Mile has a unique and diverse offer and bars attract tens of millions of domestic and international visitors each year “The City of London is the greatest City in the world an ancient city and a centre of collaboration and innovation for the hundreds of thousands of people who work here every day These new images clearly illustrate the ever-changing nature of London's incredible skyline and that the Square Mile's real estate sector is robust and thriving “Delivering growth and attracting new businesses to a dynamic and thriving City whilst striking a balance with heritage conservation ‘Destination City’ is maximising the Square Mile’s appeal for workers and employers by enabling developers and investors to deliver these new buildings Image credit GMJ / City of London Corporation The City of London Corporation’s Planning and Transportation Committee has approved new sustainability guidance for the built environment sector The new Planning for Sustainability Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) provides guidance on how developers should approach the City Corporation’s sustainability policies in their planning applications including the design and construction of buildings It provides constructive and City-specific advice supporting planning applicants to achieve best practice outcomes for their sites as well as contributes to the wider sustainability of the Square Mile and Greater London Developed and refined in consultation with the public as well as through insights gained from shaping the best-in-class sustainable building proposals that have come forward the SPD is a critical step in supporting the Square Mile to achieve net zero by 2040 build climate resilience and champion sustainable growth Five key sustainability themes are covered in the SPD applicable to all development proposals within the City guidance about the City Corporation’s ‘Retrofit First’ approach and on the application of the NABERS UK* target (a 5-star target for new office developments and 4-star target for retrofitted office developments) as well as introducing embodied carbon benchmarking aligning to the Greater London Authority embodied carbon benchmarks In the event that applications do not achieve the upfront embodied carbon benchmarks at planning stage developments will be expected to go above and beyond in their delivery of wider environmental sustainability benefits creating or extending local energy networks supporting sustainable transport modes through significant public realm upgrades implementing City climate resilience infrastructure such as ‘cool routes,’ or providing skills and training opportunities in sustainable construction Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Planning and Transport Committee “The Committee’s approval of the Planning for Sustainability SPD is a major step forward for the City Corporation in pursuit of its decarbonisation goals This new guidance provides transparency to the built environment sector encouraging it to come with us on this journey as we see continued confidence and demand for high quality sustainable office space in the Square Mile “The City of London is home to some of the most sustainable commercial buildings on the planet and as it continues to be a hugely attractive place for office occupiers we are setting the pace globally for sustainable design with the delivery of the next generation of new and retrofit developments Policy Chairman at the City of London Corporation said: “We support the FCA's initiative to spark a vital debate on risk and growth appetite within the sector the UK must overcome its allergy to risk to boost the UK's global competitiveness and ensure we remain the world's leading financial hub.  “A closer focus on economic and productivity growth will be crucial in demonstrating to the world that the UK is open for business.  “The City of London Corporation is already working with the FCA and others to establish a concierge service to make it easier for firms to navigate regulation and overcome barriers to investing in the UK.  “Industry regulators and Government working together will ensure that the UK remains on the front foot in the race for global growth.”  The City of London Corporation has been awarded funding by the Ministry of Housing to lead an innovative project that will revolutionise how important public planning documents are accessed and used the 12-month project will seek to transform how Local Authorities’ planning systems can be interacted with by the public the creation of a standardised approach to digitising these crucial documents is expected to save interested individuals and stakeholders huge amounts of time and resource when looking for information within the planning system as well as boost engagement and participation in the planning process MHCLG’s Digital Planning Programme and the City of London Corporation have for some time jointly identified the digitisation of Local Plans and associated data as an area for exploration and both see the wider potential benefit across different Local Planning Authorities The project is intended to be scalable to a wide range of planning policy areas and five other local planning authorities will partner with the City of London to ensure the developed solution meets widespread needs across different regions The City of London Corporation has been identified as a leader in its progress towards digitisation of its planning system having already developed interactive digital dashboards that allow people to interact with data in a more flexible and responsive way helping people find the answers they need faster these vital sources of planning information have been locked in lengthy PDF reports making them difficult to be accessed or reused and so the project will explore how to solve some of the challenges of interacting with complex planning policy Chairman of the City of London Corporation Planning Applications Sub-Committee “As the Secretary of State has pointed out but the planning system isn’t very digital that amount to a handbrake on economic growth and a barrier to people engaging with one of the most important functions of local government “The City has long been focused on how we can use digital technology to improve the planning process which will be vital not only help to deliver on economic growth targets developers and investors help to enhance the City’s growing cultural offer and tourist appeal This exciting project with MHCLG is the latest of our digital initiatives looking at providing better access to data about and in our Local Plan to enhance the experience of the public and other stakeholders who use this information.”  The best new restaurants in London are the most exciting places to eat that have just opened in the capital city Ranging from small affairs with daily changing menus from up-and-coming chefs to Michelin-starred spots with fresh new menus these are London's new restaurants we've got our eye on right now Every restaurant on this list has been selected independently by our editors and written by a Condé Nast Traveller journalist who knows the destination and has eaten at that restaurant our editors consider both high-end and affordable eateries that offer an authentic and insider experience of a destination We update this list regularly as new restaurants open in London and we’d put money on it becoming one of central London’s most beloved French restaurants In contrast to the Lyonnaise cuisine served at sister eatery Josephine Bouchon in Chelsea the menu here is full-on classic Parisienne antique walled mirrors smothered with Art Nouveau posters and Impressionist prints; ceiling murals of Cancan dancers and a soundtrack replete with Jeanne Moreau chansons françaises and Serge Gainsbourg’s lascivious vocals like the Camembert soufflé and the knockout French onion soup Mains include bold-flavoured filet de bœuf and poulet aux Morilles while potato junkies will love the pommes de terre menu I paired my gratin Dauphinois with a juicy pork belly main which hit the spot just as hard as the crispy-skinned brill Only cooked seafood was available on opening night but something tells us the menu’s Homard Mayonnaise crevettes roses and freshly shucked oysters at the dedicated oyster kiosk will be worth the wait Another standout feature is the vast and excellent range of wines and vintage champagnes mainly from the Loire Valley and Bordeaux; and in a rare treat there’s even Salon Blanc de Blancs Brut by the glass Desserts took a playful turn with the blast-from-the-past banana split a retro riot of chantilly and glacé cherries beneath a cocktail umbrella Other items include popular staples like the Rhum Baba and the Grand Marnier soufflé (though the latter was actually a parfait but we’ll let that one slide since the rest of the menu rocked) Address: 6-8 Blandford Street, London, W1U 4AUPrice: ££Book now ShoreditchTraditional Ukrainian dishes aren't exactly common in the UK but that hasn't stopped the crowds from gathering at Tatar Bunar which is packed out just one week on from its Shoreditch launch named after the owner's hometown of Tatarbunary in the country's relatively warmer southern region is the first London outpost from Ukrainian restaurateurs Alex Cooper and Anna Andriienko Inside is an ode to the country's traditional craftsmanship with soft terracotta and neutral styling pepped up with art by various Ukrainian artists – watermelons feature heavily in one painting which grow abundantly in the south – and tiles crockery and vases by Svetlana Sholomitska It's an education in regional cuisine with a menu led with Alex's mother's own recipes But that doesn’t make it your average Ukrainian fare – at least not according to my native dining partner are instead stuffed with lamb and beef with a blob of sharp pickled tomatoes on the side a national staple served alongside most meals is smoked (“I just asked my mother and she has never heard of such a thing," says my friend) but portions are generous enough to assuage any naysayers and staff will readily talk through dishes if you're unfamiliar Soft onion bread comes with lardo; a fatty thinly-sliced layer of pork rind to be smeared on top A bowl of tiny pickled tomatoes is a sweet moreish delight with each bite (a surprise favourite among everyone who's tried) A highlight is a bowl of banush; an indulgent chunk of oxtail that falls immediately off the bone atop buttery mash and a swirl of pesto and a flame-grilled rabbit skewer has a char almost as smoky as the sour cream Eating here was a novel experience all round arriving hidden among a jumble of spinach and mushroom elicited the grandest response from my more knowledgeable partner: “For me Address: 152 Curtain Rd, London EC2A 3ATPrice: £££Book now South KensingtonI recently took a trip where I met a friendly American family who told me they would soon be visiting London for a couple of days “What should we do with our time?” they asked and you don’t have to rely on the weather” but you might want to go somewhere else to eat the restaurant options in South Kensington aren’t great.” How lovely to soon after find a note about a new restaurant in my inbox promising beautiful ingredients a unique setting and a regularly-changing menu cafe and event space a stone’s throw from South Kensington station Its position amidst the chain restaurants known to populate the area automatically makes it a top choice for diners wanting something more upmarket but its history as the former home and studio of painter Sir John Lavery will entice architecture aficionados The room housing the restaurant offers something totally different than most restaurants; expect high ceilings original wooden flooring and a refreshingly simple lack of decor – the fireplace baroque-style mirrors and intricate cornicing sit as a focal point around the tables allowing the chatter of diners to gently drift across the room and enhance the feeling of being in someone’s living room (albeit a very fancy living room) The menu, led by former River Café chef Yohei Furuhashi, highlights Mediterranean seasonality while incorporating influences from the British Isles. The offering changes daily but, during our visit, we were particularly impressed by the seafood on offer; the Scottish scallop was served with tomato for a unique bite while the monkfish with beans had a fresh kick of olive oil and lemon coming through The pomelo and passionfruit mess is a much-photographed dish but I’d skip its tartness in favour of the loquat and hazelnut tart next time And a special mention to the inventive wine list plus the excellent cocktails served from the chic bar next door: the rhubarb sour is one I’d return for unique dining experience in a part of London that’s been begging for a shake-up a 12-seater version of his Restaurant Gordon Ramsay High a cooking academy and a roof terrace that is set to open on the very top of the building A lift shoots guests high up to the 60th floor at a lightning rate and doors open onto the glitz and glamour of a sweeping bar a slick open kitchen and plush red velvet banquette seating you’ll be hard-pressed to pull yourself out of the experience of looking out of the giant swathes of glass out to the panoramic views of the capital is so high up that most of the city below looks like a toy play set of sorts You find yourself looking down on all the greatest hits: the Tower of London which looks like nothing more than a simple stream from such great heights There is something wonderfully celebratory about the atmosphere at Lucky Cat The Lucky Cat Negroni is a fun way to kick things off a dice being rolled to determine the combo of gin vermouth and bitters used in your cocktail (there are as the restaurant is open until 3am from Thursdays to Saturdays (complete with live music) the bar is set to become a late-night London hotspot in and of itself sashimi and nigiri are spoilt for choice; the chef’s sushi platter is a great option if you want all that and more from the astonishing raw bar The ‘bottomless baos’ are also proving a big hit the Japanese fillet steak – all will delight waved away by the endless golden Maneki-neko cats that adorn the restaurant remember those are not party favours (Ramsay recently bemoaned the many that are being taken home by diners as keepsakes) Address: Floor 60, 22 Bishopsgate, London, EC2N 4AJPrice: £££Book now it hosted multiple festive celebrations and I can see why Perhaps they served a taste of imaginative cocktail recipes courtesy of the mixologists downstairs or wines chosen specifically by the on-site sommelier though the non-alcoholic creations also deserve a special mention and while I wouldn’t describe Silva as a classic ‘sharer plate’ dining destination like so many in London maybe I will try the breakfast offering after all Address: Silva Restaurant, 26-28 Bruton Place, London W1J 6NGPrice: £££Book now dollops of innovation and more than a crumb of unpretentious style it’s only fair that James Cochran’s latest foodie venture is being celebrated across the city The Brave may be marketed as a “bistro-pub” but I’d place it more in the “bistro” category than the traditional sticky-floored London boozer The Brave’s jolly blue exterior is easy to spot – with windows awash in warm candlelight it’s an enticing scene on a freezing evening in February Taking inspiration from both his Scottish and Caribbean heritage (think neep and tattie hash browns or the jerk chicken scotch egg), Cochrane’s new menu showcases the best ingredients from the UK’s wild larder – from Whitstable rock oysters drizzled in a bone marrow vinaigrette to a zippy Scottish razor clam ceviche The menu consists mostly of small plates ideal for sharing and though you might think this would make choosing our selection that bit easier we spent many minutes poring over the options and debating which dishes to shortlist Some highlights included the succulent prawn toast a beef tartare bite that was transcendental and the softest Devonshire crab in a lively curry sauce Suitable for those with a serious sweet tooth we finished with the baked Alaska dessert – pearlescent cascades of marshmallowy goodness (almost) too aesthetically pleasing to tuck into Ever since the closure of his locally revered flagship 12:51 last September there’s certainly been a James Cochran-shaped hole on the Islington dining scene more than capable of taking on the challenge Address: The Brave, 340-342 Essex Road, London N1 3PBPrice: ££Book Now ShoreditchSomething I love about London is the juxtaposition It’s fascinating for so many truths to exist at once – the frenzied energy of Kingsland Road and the sheer comfort and laid-back nature of a restaurant like Bar Valette The deep green exterior and warm light that seeps from the windows are like a siren’s song that beckons us into its cosy depths Colourful cubist artworks sit on taupe walls while minimalist light fixtures dot the space glasses and jars of preserves accentuate the room while guests chat at white paper cloth tables who encourages us to order their house Martini the chef behind London’s beloved Clove Club whipped up an unfussy menu that pays homage to the vibrant dishes of Southern France and the simplicity of Spanish food We sip greedily while looking at the menu noting the nice balance of meat and fish dishes to suit all palates but it’s not incredibly vegetarian-friendly We start with a Swiss chard barbujuan and clapshot croquette The barbujuan is the stand-out of the two dishes – an ever-so-delicate ravioli-shaped fritter filled with subtle flavours from the chard The snails were tasty but not for the faint-hearted – it’s a messy and hands-on affair where you become incredibly aware that you are eating snails something my partner struggled to overcome something that we could agree on is that the meatballs were out of this world Rich with umami and perfectly fatty – a killer dish that must be ordered – no ifs We share the whole sea bream with green olive emulsion as our main Hints of smokiness cut through the delicate flavour of the sea bream and are beautifully balanced by the olive tapenade's briny notes Don’t sleep on the sides either – the duck fat sauté potatoes are so indulgent and incredibly worth it We finish with a sweet wine and gâteau basque This dessert hails from the French side of Basque country and boasts a layer of dried fruit and custard with a crumbly buttery crust was it the cherry on top of an unreal meal Address: Bar Valette, 28 Kingsland Road, London E2 8AAPrice: £££Book Now Kensington LeverneLa Môme, The Berkeley, KnightsbridgeEver since twin brothers Ugo and Antoine Lecorché opened La Môme in Cannes in 2015, serving classic-contemporary Provencal and Italian cuisine, the restaurant quickly became a fixture on the French Riviera expanding along the rue Florian before branching into Monte Carlo So when the siblings announced a London iteration at The Berkeley Hotel in Knightsbridge It’s a wholesale transfer in which nothing has been lost in translation: the same peachy-hued interiors by award-winning interior architect Samy Chams (in a space previously occupied by Marcus Wareing’s Michelin-star Marcus); and the same fabulous food presented with performative flair be it the thyme snipped at the table and mixed with olive oil or the whole seabass delivered in flames and filleted tableside It’s what La Môme does best: traditional high-end service executed from the heart in a casual soundtracked by confidently unpretentious pop classics and a live singer-pianist Classic cocktails with a Mediterranean twist (e.g the Winter Sour with Amaretto) were followed by knockout crudo starters The gorgeously fatty tuna tartare and sesame oil was fresh and tangy; the ceviche-style seabass with crunchy corn came with a passion fruit sauce that complimented it quietly The yellowtail carpaccio in a citrusy ponzu dressing was divine A similar intensity of flavour was guaranteed in the mains such as the scallop risotto main scattered with taste-bomb capers Truffles junkies will love the Beef Rossini fillet in a Périgourdine sauce topped with seared foie gras and copious shavings of fresh black truffle topped with tomatoes and pine nuts in a sensational white wine vinegar marinade that rendered the tall pepper dispenser The entire menu was Riviera sunshine on a plate Judging by the crowd – a cross-section of lovers the old and the young – La Môme looks set to become a stalwart of the London food scene Address: La Môme London, Wilton Place, London SW1X 7RLPrice: £££Book online Restaurant Gordon Ramsay High – a 12-seater chef’s table that I enter via the reimagined Lucky Cat where the music is thrumming and the energy is electric – quite the contrast to slip into RGR High the glittering London skyline mapped out before us being the only embellishment this space needs RGR High subverts the normal chef’s table set-up Where diners are usually positioned at the front row of the cooking action they’ve placed the kitchen behind the guests As we sat down it became clear that this was a clever trick of double exposure – the activity in the kitchen behind being reflected onto the view in front This attention to detail is reflected throughout the carte blanche menu too suppliers or the whim of executive chef James Goodyear Some of the more innovative courses on tonight's menu included an oyster ice cream that sat like a perfect pearl a cocoa-encrusted duck and a creamy truffle "cappuccino" I’m reminded that you can tell a good restaurant by its humble bread serving Bountiful round pillows bursting at the seams with sage and onion overtones remind me of home cooking and Sunday roasts elevated by a slathering of airy liver parfait Each course slips down with the help of the carefully considered wine pairing with glasses showcasing the best grapes from Austria to Australia I should have left my niggling doubts on the ground floor Anything attached to super chef Jackson Boxer is guaranteed to draw crowds so getting a table at Dove the week after launch was no easy feat Dove replaces Boxer’s Orasay; the much-loved seafood restaurant that The newer iteration has a more accessible menu simply made up of dishes that Boxer himself wants to cook and eat; a simple concept but it’s clear that leading with passion can only be a positive thing in the current climate The result is a menu that’s casual but innovative: a plate of winter tomatoes served with sour cream and a smoky chilli crisp was memorable and a true representation of this menu: seemingly simple dishes that you’d need to spend hours or even days getting right at home full of flavour and an ideal way to get started The grilled bavette steak with black garlic and bone marrow was perfectly done and the coffee cardamom caramel cream was a beautiful blend of bitter and sweet it was impossible to get through everything on the menu but there were a few dishes I’d love to return to try; the chicken in Cafe de Paris butter and staff recommended a wonderful wine that paired well with our wide variety of dishes who seemed thrilled with the change of pace and initial reception the new menu was getting There’s no doubt that this one will be well-received by regulars and first-timers alike Address: 31 Kensington Park Rd, London W11 2EUPrice: ££Book online Queen's ParkForget Old Compton Street or Marylebone High Street: there's a new foodie thoroughfare in London – and it's not even in Zone 1 which cuts through leafy neighbourhood Queen's Park has quietly been making a name for itself with a clutch of bright restaurants keeping locals and drawing curious foodies northwest in the pursuit of a brilliant supper bakery-meets-restaurant Don't Tell Dad has flung open its doors to add more star power to an otherwise unassuming street Helmed by Coco di Mama founder and Queen's Park resident Daniel Land he's installed head chef Luke Frankie (ex-Noble Rot while Keren Sternberg (previously of Layla) oversees the concoctions in the bakery I'd already popped in twice before visiting for dinner one cold January evening just before the team hard-launched – which meant I had tried an embarrassing amount of Sternberg's pastries They're sold in the bakery each morning with customers taking a perch on the plush booths or communal table to share hazelnut brown butter croissants or An enormous open kitchen and copper bar connects the bakery to the dining room with a front-row seat to the open kitchen with its The Bear energy oxtail crumpets arrived – crispy on the outside topped with melty ragu and a moreish dripping crumb; I would happily order six of these on my next visit and the radicchio with clementine and fresh cheese Things were turned back around when the mains arrived: blushing roast lamb with cavolo nero and This buzzy new spot might already be beloved by locals but we'd put money on it becoming a destination table-to-book whatever your neighbourhood Address: Don't Tell Dad, 10-14 Lonsdale Road, London NW6 6RDPrice: ££Book online (walk-ins only) Except Canteen 310 isn’t a pub but a slick and any worries about the success of this latest opening quickly disappear when we spot the queue of people still waiting for a table at 9pm it’s packed; if this is the month for staying home avoiding booze and sticking to a joy-free diet then The design is cool without feeling gimmicky – all steel panelling tuck into salty chunks of focaccia dunked in olive oil and watch as the team glide around the open kitchen with ease carving slices from a giant piece of roasted porchetta and stretching pizza dough Head chef Jessica Filbey, formerly River Cafe, is responsible for the daily-changing menu, which is posted to Instagram and then artfully scrawled onto steel panels above the kitchen. The menu and the drinks list are stripped back – we count three wines and five beers, while just two pizzas (one meat one veggie) and four pastas makes ordering your dinner fuss-free sage and parmesan risotto is exactly what you want to eat on a cold evening – rich peppery and comforting – but the sobrasada and mascarpone pizza is the hero the tang from the dollops of sobrasada perfectly balanced by creamy There’s just enough space for chocolate mousse – spooned onto the plate slicked with olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt We’re not even out of the door before we’re planning our return Address: Canteen, 310 Portobello Road, London W10 5TAPrice: ££Website (walk-ins only) Miga, HackneyMiga, HackneyContrary to popular belief, sometimes the best things in life aren’t free; they’re hard-earned — a theory which would explain the success of Miga, more than 22 years in the making. A refined yet wholesome family affair, the contemporary Korean eatery arrived on Mare Street, Hackney Borrowing its name from their family’s first restaurant in New Malden — which Hyun Sang’s ‘wifey’ revived as a takeaway during the Pandemic and continues to run today — its offering draws inspiration from dishes passed down from the brothers’ grandmother who was crowned one of Seoul’s top three chefs in the 1970s A pared-back white space styled with walnut accents and wide-eyed patrons nodding at one another in delight the dining room plays host to a much-loved type of Korean cooking rarely found nor celebrated in London’s restaurant scene — not ‘fast’ cooked and served with the utmost precision and skill here every craving has an antidote: a broth bibimbap or braised meat offered by team members who aren’t just happy to help but to educate Address: Miga, 1 Mare Street, London E8 4RPPrice: ££Book online raw beef seasoned with black pepper on a crunchy hash brown while the coarse country pork leg paté burst into life when slathered with mustard Best of all was the wild Scottish girolle and oyster mushrooms topped with an oozy confit egg yolk If items like the sweetbread (lamb pancreas) with tasty lobster sauce might wrinkle some noses it’s only at a deeply principled level since all dishes were executed flawlessly including the turbot main in parsley butter sauce and – my favourite – the utterly divine parsnip puree and venison which was neither overcooked nor too gamey Equally memorable were the sides: my huge mountain of French fries was so flavoursome I forgot to ask for my mandatory ketchup the cheddar shavings couldn’t possibly offset the bitterness of sprouts While gulping down a mouthwatering brown butter sorbet for dessert I kept one eye on the neighbouring table’s sleek-looking lemon tart Address: 55 Shirland Road, Maida Vale, W9 2JDPrice: £££Book online BoroughIf you walk through Borough Market on any night you’ll see a queue snaking opposite The Globe Tavern packed with people happily sipping cocktails and in surprisingly good spirits the hot restaurant housed underneath foodie favourite Oma skewers and salads are constantly being passed around as diners look on hopefully It’s easy to see why this place has caused such a stir among Londoners; it’s fun the mastermind behind Smokestak and Manteca the Greek-inspired menu offers a selection it’s hard not to feel hungry for: creamy hummus topped with crushed hot crisps an incredible Greek salad second only to the ones I ate on the island of Andros this summer and a spicy pork sausage flatbread with spit roast pineapple and hot honey Combined with a fun cocktail menu that feels like it was designed to sit alongside the food (the acidic Lemongrass Paloma was an ideal accompaniment for the fatty grilled meats on the menu) and a vast wine selection – including their own that’s delicious and at under-£ 6 a glass – it’s worthy of the hype And while there are many things in London I would not queue for Address: Agora, 4 Bedale Street, London SE1 9ALPrice: ££Book online Starters at The Savoy GrillGallery at The Savoy StrandLondon is no stranger to glamorous hotel restaurants But here is a refreshed spot which might surprise longtime foodies on the scene – The Savoy's old Thames Foyer has had a top-to-toe makeover to become Gallery a chic dining spot that can finally play with the big hitters Those familiar with this grand dame hotel on The Strand will remember the old space with its swirling carpets and enormous birdcage dominating the space mainly used for afternoon tea service In its new get-up – and rather fetching get-up it is at that – it's unrecognisable hues of gold and blush give a feminine feel which is only enhanced by the shadowy dancing murals on the panelling (a nod to the fact that The Savoy was the first place to hold dinner dances back in the 1920s) A central bar draws all eyes to the far end of the room while curved banquette seating is plump and begging to be sunk into for Champagne tea or a long supper The all-day menu spotlights dishes that run from American-style classics (cheeseburger with braised short rib Cobb salad) to southeast Asian (Chalk Stream trout with miso glaze the Indian-styled chicken tikka pie – delicate chicken in just-hot-enough sauce under a flaky pastry topping branded with The Savoy logo the kind of supper that will leave you satisfied and happy in one of London's smartest new dining rooms Address: The Savoy, Strand, London WC2R 0EZPrice: ££££Book online Woodland Curry & Wild Mushrooms dish at AngloThaiAngloThai we’ve not seen daylight in what feels like a billion years (and counting) the rain is lashing down to Biblical levels and I’d much rather be burritoed on my sofa watching re-runs of MAFS than heading out for dinner on this dreary evening these negative thoughts are washed away as I cross the threshold of the barely opened AngloThai in Marylebone and am embraced by the literal and figurative warmth of the space A passion project of husband and wife duo John and Desiree Chantarasak it makes sense that everything about AngloThai is welcoming and homely – it is made with love I’d said I wouldn’t drink this evening but the allure of a fig leaf Negroni proved too much for my weak will The wine list is also not to be slept on: an extensive showcase of European wines from classic pairings to trendy skin-contact showstoppers we started with a crab bisque amuse-bouche to whet the whistle The bisque is made up of the remnants of crab from one of the a la carte dishes – bonus points for waste reduction This was followed by the freshest Irish oysters drizzled in a slap-in-the-face kind of hot fermented chilli sauce Our pillowy cuttlefish buns were as light as air but couldn’t hold a candle to the flavourful chalk stream trout crudo that came after we enjoyed pollock fish balls in a sour orange curry sauce and our first foray away from seafood for the evening I’d advise you to leave some room for dessert too; the cacao ganache will be haunting my dreams for some time to come Address: AngloThai, 22-24 Seymour Pl, London W1H 7NLPrice: £££Book online In the corner is a glass unit showcasing the day’s patisserie and an open invitation to consider dessert before you order an aperitif You can’t go wrong with moules marinière or steak frites but creative small plates make sampling the starters appealing and anchovy-topped brioche feels worthy of a menu dedicated to sharing plates it’s almost rude not to try one of the recipes you came for: quiche du jour rôtisserie prime rib and croque monsieur in the form of a flatbread family lunch; this charming outpost suits everything Address: Café François, 14-16 Stoney Street, London, SE1 9ADPrice: ££Book online Sesta, HackneyGiulia SavorelliSesta, HackneyCosy, warm, and candlelit, this new little neighbourhood joint run by Drew Snaith, ex-head chef of Pidgin, is already a hit with the Hackney locals We were lucky enough to nab a reservation on a Saturday evening; the staff informed us that locals had swarmed since weekend bookings opened The menu is designed to share and consists of creative seasonal European small plates focusing on hearty home cooking the vibe is very East London chill and effortlessly cool homemade sauces and fermenting vegetables line the kitchen counter natural wines from different corners of Europe decorate the restaurant shelves Knowledgable staff offer pairing recommendations and tell the story of the wine's origin specifically the rich ragu toastie garnished with pickled shallots and a dollop of prune ketchup and the warm coastal cheddar cider scones (Drew’s grandmother’s recipe); their buttery dough will linger in our memory for a while As we move through the menu onto slightly bigger plates such as experimental dishes of tempura Brambletye mushroom topped with slithers of celeriac drizzled in mushroom Parfit soft Jerusalem artichokes combined with prosciutto and basil including a rare bavette steak garnished with creamed corn and a veggie dish of red squash and barley yoghurt Save room for the super sweet brown butter cake with caramelised apples for dessert which goes down nicely with a light glass of red for good measure or an extra potent mezcal Negroni Address: Sesta, 52 Wilton Way, London E8 1BGPrice: ££Book online ClaphamAsk any London foodie where to find the city’s best curry house and most will point you towards one of the Tamil restaurants When former Roti King chef Prince Durairaj opened The Tamil Prince in 2022 the Islington restaurant quickly rose to fame for its decadent dosas Durairaj followed up with The Tamil Crown a year later serving up many of the same raved-about dishes in a nearby Angel location when the restaurateur announced a third opening – this time south of the river – people got excited is a more laid-back affair than its older siblings guests come here to perch on green wooden chairs amid stripped-back interiors The menu features many of the much-loved dishes from the first two outposts – including the crispiest paneer masala and the famous dosas – alongside some new recipes The Thanjavur chicken curry is a decadent bowl with tender chunks of meat in a thick and the mutton curry dosa is a perfectly fluffy pancake topped with spiced lamb flaky rotis or spoon onto coconut pilau rice – but you might want to go easy when loading up the sauces unless you’re a verified spice lover; these dishes lean into the fiery flavours Cool down burning tongues with the Gunpowder Margarita a twist on a classic with zesty flavours (although a larger quantity of tequila wouldn’t go amiss) spirited spot proving that the Tamil group isn’t slowing down anytime soon Address: Tamila, 39 Northcote Rd, London SW11 1NJPrice: ££Book online artichoke and Amalfi lemonRebecca DicksonWildflowers BelgraviaSomething about a menu that changes regularly immediately piques my interest Aaron Potter works with seasonal ingredients and produce from the Wildflowers in-house deli to create British dishes with a flavoursome twist Olive oil and house-baked focaccia are simple combinations so I'll never know how delicious it tasted here compared to anywhere else in London it set my expectations high - is there a surer sign of a good meal than nice pre-starter bread we ordered garlic-baked mussels presented openly on a plate of glossy black pebbles slow roast duck that tasted like autumn and a chocolate praline dessert laced with nostalgia for my granny’s cooking I’m also a sucker for a good logo and a pretty interior The restaurant is a little hard to find - it’s hidden away in Newson’s Yard a strangely modern part of Belgravia that contradicts the neighbouring townhouses The wall of glass windows flood the space with natural light by day and softly lit with candles add a glow after dark Dried flowers in glass vases are the only table decoration and the open kitchen brings a vibe that says ‘stay awhile’ Address: 57 Pimlico Road, London, SW1W 8NEPrice: £££Book online Desserts are just as memorable; a decadent Venezuelan chocolate tart is paired with milk ice cream – smoked and it's the bread and butter pudding ice cream that really wins us over – pillowy and spiked with whiskey it's the childhood joy of soft serve sultrily reimagined for adults Address: Sael London, 1 St James's Market, London SW1Y 4QQPrice: ££Book online Leydi, HolbornLeydi, FarringdonFrom the homely smell of the open kitchen to the buzz of animated chatter and the cacophony of cutlery scraping every last morsel off of yet another plate, dining in Istanbul is one of life's most thrilling foodie experiences while we vehemently recommend doing so at some point there’s no need to scout out such spots down the winding streets of Turkey’s bicontinental metropolis – Leydi’s arrived This celebration of Istanbul’s convivial dining culture housed in the newly-opened Hyde London City Selin learnt the art of Turkish cuisine from her mother and grandmother before co-founding the now-closed Oklava; one of countless post-pandemic hospitality casualties so the menu showcases his passion for seasonal ingredients and the flavours of his hometown we overindulge when Turks would typically whet their appetites A parade of meze dishes follows the bread basket out of the open kitchen to our plush banquette a deep-red paste of blended sun-dried red peppers and walnuts We expect the chicken shish to be the main event but despite how delectable the succulent chunks of meat are we find ourselves hopping between mezes and sharing dishes While the classic essence of every dish remains unique twists include a börek drizzled in truffle honey adding an extra level of flavour as the sugars soak through crispy layers of filo pasty that house sheep’s milk feta and finely-chopped leeks I push the homemade sucuk (beef and garlic sausage) aside in defeat before nodding to our chatty waiter in agreement – “yes kadayif pastry with pistachio and kayak drizzled in orange blossom syrup down with the dregs of our Turkish rosé and agree to walk a station further than required stomachs transported to our favourite holiday destinations in a breezy autumn night Address: Leydi, 6 Holborn Viaduct, London EC1A 2AEPrice: ££Book online in a city rife with Mexico City-inspired taco joints but before Santiago Lastra opened Kol in 2020 finding half-decent Mexican food in London was tricksy a young gun chef from Cuernavaca who cut his teeth at the likes of Mugaritz and was hand-picked by René Redzepi to lead his Noma Mexico pop-up was up against it despite his impressive CV – it opened its doors in the middle of the pandemic for one; Lastra was committed to cooking Mexican food using only British ingredients But then came the overwhelmingly positive reviews Kol made its first appearance on the World's 50 Best Restaurants before climbing up the ranks to break into the main list at number 23 in 2023 and and Mexican food is no longer overlooked in the capital – openings like Soho hotspot CDMX prove that But Kol still takes the crown for this cuisine so word of a new opening from Lastra and his team caused a buzz among London foodies that we haven't seen in a while and traditional recipes have been tweaked to create Mexican dishes using produce found on our isles – think guacamole-style dips made with pistachio But while Kol is fine-dining in style and price (the tasting menu comes in at a punchy £185) The menu is a la carte and largely created to share Snacks of Scottish sea trout ceviche and totopos (similar to tortilla chips) with pumpkin seed dip are brought over with a trio of salsas which the cheery staff recommend for each dish like a sommelier might suggest wine pairings Our server encourages us to keep dishes from the comal which suits me once I've taken a bite of my melty costra a wheat tortilla with aged rib-eye and grilled cheese served with fresh corn tortillas tucked into a little fabric envelope to keep warm – we ordered the mole The space is as relaxed as the menu; picnic-style tables are inset with coloured tiles an eye-catching (and memorable) pink sloth hangs above the stairs and the terracotta dining room is dominated by the enormous bar That bar is where staff whip up cocktails that lean heavily on agave spotlighting a dedicated Paloma menu (we liked the sparkly Champagne paloma) and Decent Mexican food might be easy to find in London Address: 12 Heddon Street, London, W1B4BZPrice: £££Book online Following up on an award-winning iconic London bar with a restaurant is a big ask. Oriole comes from the group behind Bar Swift and Nightjar, the latter of which is regularly named as one of the best bars in London, meaning there was much hype around this opening. Split over two floors, the ground floor bar is chic and modern, with an outdoor seating area in a growing area of Covent Garden and cocktails are served on-tap – this might make you want to recoil with ingredients like banana juice and guava whey leading the top notes Downstairs is a change of pace; a dimly-lit basement space reminiscent of an original speakeasy there’s a small stage all tables face towards I was sceptical at first; the combination of a live band and set menu can be a recipe for disaster but I was pleased to be proven wrong on this occasion The band was talented and not so loud that we weren’t able to hold a conversation inspired by chef Gustavo Giallionardo’s Argentinian heritage – the beef tartare was moreish the pumpkin with green curry ice cream and peanut sambal flavourful But the star of the show was undoubtedly the cocktail list which introduced me to possibly the most impressive cocktail I’ve ever tasted: The Acadia a smooth and incredibly drinkable blend of Bulleit bourbon maple syrup and peanut butter with some lightly fruity hints coming through Address: 7-9 Slingsby Pl, London WC2E 9ABPrice: ££Book online crowd-pleasing introduction to an almost shockingly unfamiliar cuisine in these parts which reflects Kaneda’s journey from ad man (via a Balinese epiphany involving dolphins) to cooking at the likes of Soho’s Aqua Kyoto and Hackney barbecue joint From The Ashes heavy on Kroeung spice pastes but with nods to barbecue and Japanese influences in yakitori-style pork neck skewers and tender Khmer half chicken with a garlic-punchy Koh Kong sauce Thick panko prawn toast with a fried egg and Drunken Master XO Sauce is already a comfort food hit inspired in part by Kaneda’s mum’s spring roll filling though we equally loved the sour pineapple curry (pineapple is a staple Cambodian ingredient) with roasted sweet potato and pickled mango spring onion and chilli have the comforting unctuousness of Dan Dan noodles and nod to Kaneda’s Scottish partner The jasmine rice comes from ethical brand Ibis which supports reforestation and Cambodian rice farmers the overriding sense of Mamapen is of unpretentious ​​Address: 21 Great Pulteney Street, London W1F 9NGPrice: £Book online The newest addition is housed in a Grade II-listed building sitting proudly on the corner of Westbourne Grove and Chepstow Road beckoning us in as we’re greeted by a bustling atmosphere with textures highlighted by honey-coloured lighting from bamboo pendants that hang above the table seating kitchen counter seating offers diners the opportunity to watch their dishes come to life even though we immediately regret not ordering two Ambassador's ClubhouseAmbassadors Clubhouse, PiccadillyIt’s a drizzly September evening, and temperatures have taken a considerable nosedive. However, rather than mourn balmy evenings of al-fresco dining, we’re headed to JKS Restaurants’ latest jewellery box of an establishment tucked just off Piccadilly on Heddon Street It’s an exciting new launch that is sure to rival its sister which has become the A-list go-to for Indian banqueting admiring interiors inspired by co-founders Jyotin Karam and Sunaina Sethi’s maternal Grandfather’s summer house in Dalhousie (formerly part of Punjab) with meticulously placed light fixtures spotlighting golden fixtures and slather crispy shards of papad in fiery chutneys We soon realise that everything has a kick but it’s pleasant rather than overwhelming The lightest spice is in the dunghar paneer tikka nutty kaju masala sauce – the pools of vivid orange oil are best soaked up with a classic butter naan and give each other vigorous nods of approval before pre-curry stomach rubs We’re encouraged to opt for four courses during our Punjabi feast We pile loha karahi chicken curry on mountains of rice and strips of leftover naan bread adjusting our belts for more room as we mop up the richly spiced tomato sauce We’re unable to tackle dessert – the chocolate and fig kheer will have to wait another day Address: Ambassadors Clubhouse, 25 Heddon Street, London W1B 4BHPrice: ££Book online Interiors are complete with crisp white tablecloths an earthy-toned colour palette and an impressive selection of art (spy the Tracey Emin as you walk past the bar) The stylised room is offset by industrial open ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows opening out onto a red-brick terrace (al fresco dining and cocktail lounges are expected to open in summer 2025) making the space feel more elevated than ostentatious The food is as refined as the interiors – the seasonal menu showcases executive chef Gary Foulkes’ skill (he previously worked at Michelin-starred restaurant Angler and under Phil Howard at two-Michelin-starred The Square) Try the hand-rolled spaghetti in a bisque and lemon sauce topped with lobster and caviar – a show-stopper of a starter – or the Cornish bluefin tuna where a smoked almond pesto works beautifully with sharp blood peach and sweet tomatoes The roast Newlyn cod main dish seems simple but the flavour packed into the fillet is incredible capers and a punchy Romero pepper piperade and wine director Melania Battiston is on hand to pair the perfect glass to your dish but don’t miss the cocktails – the coffee Negroni cocktail was a wonderfully smooth end to the evening Address: 27c Eccleston Place, London SW1W 9NFPrice: £££Book online candle-lit atmosphere accompanied by the soft hum of vinyl dining at Goodbye Horses feels like a warm and comforting hug Address: 21 Halliford Street, London N1 3HBPrice: ££Book online combines traditional French cuisine with seasonally British ingredients for a menu of noteworthy dishes including the delectable beef fillet tartare with fermented beer relish and a spider crab “toast” the in-the-know regulars are already accustomed to The spicy ‘nduja quail egg is considered a “snack” but is more substantial and complex than expected working well as a precursor alongside the crisp East Sussex Cuvée on offer the Sole meunière comes highly recommended the Onglet bordelaise had my attention; that is until the Lobster soufflé arrived – a densely rich dish made with gruyère and leeks and served to the table in a skillet if you’re dining with a party of three or more ordering for the table is a must as each dish will undoubtedly upstage the next you can even enjoy a Martini or two tableside Address: Julie's Restaurant, 135 Portland Road, London W11 4LWPrice: £££Book online Abajo, MayfairAbajo, MayfairMichelin-starred HUMO, with its sizzling four-metre wood-fire grill showcasing the chefs working under glimmering lowlights, has made a splash as one of Mayfair’s hottest addresses to book the team has been working on a new take on the concept Abajo – translating literally as ‘below’ – sits beneath a spiral staircase in a subterranean private dining room for 10 Fridges against the walls showcase the day’s catch ready and waiting to be transformed under the expert hand of executive chef Miller Prada and head chef Moris Moreno we are taken through a tasting experience of five ‘chapters’ Each is centred around a traditional staple ingredient with its own wine pairing lovingly curated by charismatic sommelier Darcy Swindell a selection of bites put sweetcorn at the forefront – crisp charred sweetcorn on a buckwheat cracker creamy lobster claw with trout mousse and a drizzle of silky sweetcorn sauce – followed by odes to bluefin tuna served up pretty as can be with charcoal-blackened pillows of meringue and nectarine jewels with the vast majority of dishes getting the wood-fired treatment; thick slices of grilled brisket came served with sugar cane honey and deep pink seared quail breast with wild garlic and celeriac is finished with a coating of blackened shallot ashes the bones of the quail are used with achiote and ash-aged pecorino to make a cooking liquid for carnaroli rice Nothing goes to waste here and the presentation reflects this – a spherical carimanola of tuna collar comes served delicately balanced atop the fish’s collar bone A briefing prefaces each chapter to explain the connection to each ingredient and Darcy talks through each wine pairing with sheer joyful enthusiasm executive chef Miller Prada came for a chat presenting each of us with a bag of Colombian coffee a final thoughtful touch on an evening where deep knowledge passion and flair are on full display throughout Address: 12 St. George Street, London W1S 2FBPrice: ££££Book online McIlroy is revamping a North London neighbourhood restaurant into an Iberian-inspired spot for seafood suppers The makeover has kept much of the old-school chippy intact restoring the original tiling and turning the utilitarian metal counter into the pass scallops and prawns rather than saveloy sausage Interiors take inspiration from Spanish hole-in-the-wall eateries with stools perched next to thin wooden counters and a distinct lack of frills while a few tables outside are a hot commodity on sunny days (although this being London punters are just as happy to enjoy a bottle of chilled white Rioja and a plate of chips standing on the street) One new detail transports diners straight to sunnier climes: a floor mosaic depicting the view from Ed’s family home in Spain by artist Anja Maye The menu is heavy on fish: think plates of vibrant red prawns cooked a la plancha Salty potatoes served with salsa verde make for an ugly-delicious side dish and the delightfully wobbly flan earns its spot as one of the only puddings on the menu The drinks list is just as stripped back but still looks to Spain This is a fresh local hangout that's drawing hungry Londoners from across the city without turning its back on the past Address: 172 Tollington Park, Finsbury Park, London N4 3AJPrice: ££Book online FarringdonMore than just yet another hyped-up wine bar-restaurant Cloth is a story of friendship as much as it is of food The brainchild of friends and wine importers Joe Haynes and Ben Butterworth together they’ve joined forces with Tom Hurst – whose track record includes the likes of Lasdun The Marksman and Levan – to bring London’s most exciting new neighbourhood dining spot Tucked away down a historic sidestreet in Farringdon the unmarked dark frontage of Cloth makes it easy to walk straight past that embodies what Cloth is about – a hidden gem that knows it doesn’t need to shout to garner attention that It’s all about honest produce that showcases the best of the British natural larder and the finest of the European wine cellar We tucked into the freshest sea bass crudo followed by crab from Dorset in a moist tagliarini that delivered an unexpected kick a sumptuous pork chop stole the show for me Buttery mouthfuls of meat were slick with a sharp and salty sauce that would have me reminiscing for weeks We concluded our British produce tour with honey custard and cherries an ode to the heart-shaped fruit that made me grateful to catch them at the peak of their short but sweet season Sifting through a list of almost biblical proportions we settled on a cool and juicy Austrian red to refresh us on this muggy summer evening The menu has a constantly rotating by-the-glass list and an impressive selection of rare bottles staff will enthusiastically explain to you I think I’ve found my favourite new neighbourhood restaurant in town (even if it’s not my neighbourhood) Address: Cloth, 44 Cloth Fair, London EC1A 7JQPrice: ££Book online The starter menu delivers one winner after another from the Chiang Mai platter’s fiery lemongrass sausage to the hot and sour Tom Yum Khon Nam broth filled with chicken and mushrooms The roti and escargot in green chilli and Thai basil is an intriguing but most outstanding was the crispy squid in all its sweet and tender gorgeousness The pomelo salad's uncomplex sugariness slightly killed the vibe but mains such as the crispy sea bass regained momentum its accompanying ‘special sauce’ living up to its coy name Another standout was the yellow crab curry and cha poo leaves Our evening culminated in mercifully light desserts including mango sticky rice (a creamier version of its quintessential self) and an almost drinkable passionfruit panna cotta Address: 38 Grosvenor Street, London, W1K 4AQPrice: ££Book online Canary WharfThe three guys behind mega-successful spot Fallow have just opened a new joint But the interiors give off an under-the-sea theme with a huge 3D-printed art installation filled with red printed coral sprinkled throughout the restaurant is for all to see; running through the ground floor of the restaurant and upstairs you’ll find rows of green vines sporting padron peppers as well as herbs which are freshly pruned by the chefs – a homage to the restaurant's sustainable ethos The menu is jam-packed with experimental flavours Dishes often change based on seasonal produce and customer feedback We started with snacks of juicy breaded mushrooms and garlic mayonnaise and some Padron peppers sprinkled with salt and pepper Thai-flavoured pork and chicken wing must be ordered Daring customers should try the unusual snail vindaloo with bacon and mint yoghurt on a warm flatbread For mains we loved the Jacobs ladder – a fall-off-the-bone beef shin served with a rich mushroom xo sauce and the huge market fish topped with clamps samphire and drizzled in creamy chicken broth Space is needed for the showstopper pudding which took chefs six months of trial and error to master this impressive sweet treat is a reason to return to Roe Banana skins are peeled and marinated in sugar for a week fried and placed on top of a reconstructed banana flavoured parfit and served with toasted vanilla and sprinkled with peanuts Address: Roe, 5 Park Dr, London E14 9GGPrice: ££Book online Seated in a wide central booth with 360-degree views of the Georgian-esque room esteemed couples surround us as the attentive the menu has been reinvigorated seasonally Each table is served champagne to mark the occasion alongside a sweet yet tart pink beetroot dome to cleanse the palette forged with quintessentially British ingredients Wye Valley asparagus and Jersey rock oysters alongside further flung decadent dishes including Oscietra and Beluga caviar English pea-laced sauce decorated with pea shoots and flower petals alongside the light and earthy stuffed morel With a choice between a fruity wine and a crisp Chardonnay we tested the limits and opted for a seemingly rogue fruity option which paired perfectly with each of these dishes If sea fare feels like the order of the day the Cornish monkfish and pate-like herb emulsion while a deeper flavour palette can be sought through the thickly cut duck breast with a pain perdu tower topped with a piped plum sauce; a hazelnut crusted duck leg accompanies this dish on a side plate With impeccable standards fit for royalty but felt by all Whether you opt for the delightful show of the rum baba tossed and flambeed tableside or something more understated like the violet mousse satisfied and questioning what you’ll try next time Address: The Goring Dining Room, 15 Beeston Place, London SW1W 0JWPrice: ££££Book online The 148-cover restaurant is a sight to behold Tokyo-based studio Curiosity led the design efforts creating a sleek dining space flooded with natural light through the atrium The emerald-green Ming marble spiral staircase is a strong contender for the capital’s most dramatic entrance Fresh sushi and sashimi bites fly out of the open kitchen where stealthy specialists slice through fish with surgical precision The miso black cod dissolves in the mouth like a foam while a stand-out was the gochujang rock shrimp – sweet and spicy with a homely While our visit was a lip-smacking one on the whole These included the eringi pizza – a tortilla-style base topped with sliced mushrooms and umami aioli audible hums and lip-licking nods of approval at other tables made it clear not everyone shared this sentiment A spread of technicolour desserts was the perfect way to end the night including a souffle-like pot of warming sponge with a banana kick and a tart raspberry slice that wouldn’t look out of place in the Tate Address: Akira Back London, 22 Hanover Square, London W1S 1JPPrice: £££Book now Chez Roux in the Palm Court at The LanghamRaffaella BichiriChez Roux MaryleboneWhen Michel Roux Jr declared he was closing the doors of his beloved Le Gavroche after 56 years the legendary chef broke the news of a fresh venture – Chez Roux he's looking back to his childhood in Kent The restaurant is set in the Palm Court of The Langham Hotel in Fitzrovia Food served here blends British classics with Roux’s famed French cooking techniques “Many of the recipes that graced tables in the ’60s have faded into obscurity yet the essence of those dishes holds a special place in my heart – with a hint of nostalgia and boundless excitement,” the menu’s front page welcome from the chef reads This nostalgia is reflected in dishes such as Welsh rarebit with French mustard Montgomery cheddar and pickled walnuts; salmon rillettes on a bed of Jersey Royals and leeks and – the star of the tasting menu – a Buccleuch beef fillet with the creamiest Colcannon mash start with a glass of fizz (the Hambledon Classic Cuvée is delightful) or a cocktail aperitif (the Madeira Cobbler is like a fruity starter in itself) and round off with a dessert wine to pair with the Stichelton and Pitchfork cheese course or the creamy vanilla rice pudding served tableside and topped with crystallised pistachios and a red currant coulis If you’re craving classic comfort food cooked with flair and finished with a flourish Address: 1C Portland Place, London W1B 1JAPrice: £££Book now 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 landmarks and sightseeing spots that you’d be mad to miss it’s certainly worth making time to check out some of the city’s most famous attractions before the tourist crowds descend come summer And there are plenty of great things on across some of the city’s biggest visitor venues right now.  With not one but two bank holidays coming up who’s to say you can’t squeeze them all in The London Eye. Hyde Park. Wembley. The Shard London landmarks are iconic for a reason!  whether you’re a day-tripper visiting for the first time or a lifelong local who knows the entire Tube map by heart.  with our massive list of the capital’s 50 best attractions We’ve thought long and hard about what is worthy of your London bucket list so you can expect to find a real mixture of iconic institutions known throughout the world and (comparatively) lesser-known gems that we’d argue are just as worth visiting.  The good news is that a lot of these must-see London attractions won’t cost you a penny to visit And for those that do have an entrance fee RECOMMENDED: the best hotels in London RECOMMENDED: the best alternative attractions in LondonRECOMMENDED: the best London bus tours This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines RecommendedWhat is it One of the capital’s best and most well-known historical attractions this impressive castle on the north bank of the Thames offers wonderful architecture gruesome tales of executions, hands-on activities for younger visitors RecommendedPhoto: ShutterstockWhat is it as it's known to those who don’t remember the twentieth century the O2 Arena – the London Eye was built to celebrate the year 2000 the Eye has been a resounding success and it’s hard to picture London’s skyline without it. Step into one of its spaceship-like pods you’re halfway into the sky and taking in sweeping vistas of the city Recommendeds4visuals/Shutterstock.comWhat is it glimpse regal opulence and get inside HM’s headquarters letting you go behind the keyhole of what’s one of the most – if not the most – famous buildings in London you’ll learn about the monarchs and the big To snoop around the most famous royal residence in the world Why go? To be swaddled in artistic greatness. Photograph: Laura Gallant for Time OutWhat is it Iconic as St Paul’s may be the cathedral as we know it today is in fact version six The last was infamously razed to the ground by the Great Fire of London in 1666 but thankfully Sir Christopher Wren’s design has survived 12 monarchs and two world wars. The admission fee here comes with an introductory talk before you're taken on a 90-minute tour To test your hearing in the Whispering Gallery RecommendedPhoto: Old Town Tourist/ShutterstockWhat is it where you can see the tombs and memorials of great figures from history Westminster Abbey is a popular attraction to peruse the graves countesses and history’s ‘celebs’ (Think Darwin It's also played host to 16 royal weddings and every single British coronation has taken place within the Abbey's walls since 1066 To see Gothic grandeur in all its splendour RecommendedPhotograph: Laura Gallant for Time OutWhat is it? The first-ever national museum for the public the British Museum has been displaying global artefacts discovered by British explorers and it aims to document human culture from its very beginnings Must-see gems in its permanent collection include the Rosetta Stone and the Parthenon sculptures The museum has more than eight million objects in its collection considering entrance to the main areas is free RecommendedWhat is it Take an audio tour through the House of Lords and House of Commons to bring the building to life It takes around 90 minutes and features leading parliamentary figures such as Mr Speaker and Black Rod.  RecommendedPhotograph: ShutterstockWhat is it A resplendent palace with plush grounds on the edge of southwest London From the Tudor indoor tennis court to the Royal Maze the King’s private loo to the Magic Garden adventure playground History buffs and art enthusiasts should purchase a ticket for the Palace and Gardens; those with little ones in tow will appreciate the Magic Garden and Maze ticket.  RecommendedPhotograph: Laura Gallant for Time OutWhat is it where you can set foot inside the Great Hall props and exhibits that take you behind the scenes of the Harry Potter films Changing exhibitions are included in the ticket and you get the chance to discover the secrets of the movies’ special effects To finally get your mitts on a flagon of Butterbeer RecommendedWhat is it? The capital's tallest tower having joined London's skyline in 2012.  Measuring 310 metres The Shard was built with everything in mind: offices From the highest point that the public are allowed access to (floors 69-72) you get stunning 360-degree views of the city There’s a silent disco on selected Saturday nights and other events such as gigs and gin tastings throughout the year The floor-to-ceiling windows allow exceptional views out across the capital RecommendedPhotograph: Laura Gallant for Time OutWhat is it Covent Garden’s grand old opera house Visiting for a performance doesn’t have to set you back a ton of cash – there are discounts for students where you can sometimes spot the Royal Ballet practising their moves.  To see a right royal opera or ballet performance What is it? A tour of London’s nastiest historical moments gooey props and gruesomely costumed actors You can board a traitor’s boat to the Tower of London dash through the streets of Whitechapel in pursuit of Jack the Ripper and get a glimpse of plague London.  Why go? Gore-seekers can ride a recreation of The Death Express a line which carried the deceased to their final resting place in Surrey.  RecommendedWhat is it The venue where England won the World Cup in 1966 even when you don’t have a ticket for a match or a rock concert Take the tour and you’ll feel the atmosphere in the players’ tunnel and climb the 107 Trophy Winner’s steps you can also experience what it’s like to be at some of the stadium’s biggest events Why go? To peek behind the scenes and sense that Cup Final magic Why go? For an incredible 360-degree view – and that adorable climbing onesie. Budding horticulturalists will have a field day here There are over 300 acres to explore filled with indigenous flora and fauna as well as exotic greenhouses and nature trails What sets Kew Gardens apart from other botanical gardens the treetop walkway and the beautiful Grade I-listed Temperate House The latter is the largest Victorian glasshouse in the world and quite a sight to behold For a breath of fresh air in the busy city RecommendedPhotograph: Laura Gallant for Time OutWhat is it There’s more to this ornate Victorian bridge than something cool to look at: you can actually venture inside Check out the engine rooms with their whirring wheels and pistons then head up to the glass-floored viewing platform above the draw bridge where you can delve into this magnificent structure's story Why go? Time it right and you'll see the bridge rising up to let paddle steamers and barges through. Want to know a fun fact? A full schedule of bridge lift times is available on their website.  Why go? To be blown away by the outfits in the ‘Royal Style in the Making’ exhibition. Why go? To see the world's most celebrated clock – and bell – face to face. Photograph: Richard Ash / IWMWhat is it tucked behind Downing Street and Parliament Square where Churchill and his cabinet could monitor how World War II was going It’s the little details that give the biggest impression from a daily-updated weather noticeboard to the scratch marks on Churchill’s chair (caused by his ring on a stressed day) For history lovers to see the rooms just as they were left after 1945 Why go? For whatever exercise takes your fancy – a swim at the Zaha Hadid-designed London Aquatics Centre or just strolling through the beautiful park Why go? Because it’s the most thrilling way for adrenaline junkies to see the sights. One of the greatest collections of decorative art The Fashion galleries run from 18th-century court dress right up to contemporary chiffon numbers; the Architecture gallery has videos plans and descriptions of various styles; and the famous Photography collection holds more than 500,000 images To drool over amazing designs and gobble up cake in the sunny courtyard RecommendedPhotograph: Laura Gallant for Time OutWhat is it Only the greatest theatre in the world (well Take your pick of entertainment from the three theatres and if you’ve got time to kill pre- or post-performance, there are plenty of bars and restaurants in the vicinity to gab about your expectations or dissect the show in afterwards Why go? To witness shows that champion rising talents and showcase big-name stars RecommendedPhotograph: Jess Hand for Time OutWhat is it? Across the road from the ornate golden memorial statue of Prince Albert is another dedication The construction of Royal Albert Hall was ordered by Queen Victoria and named after her late husband Although the venue is most famously associated with the Proms its prestigious hall has played host to all kinds of music theatre and comedy – and continues to do so to this day To experience the dazzling Victorian opulence Why go? For a raucous, interactive take on theatre. An elegant eighteenth-century landmark and cultural hub on the north side of Waterloo Bridge that hosts several art exhibitions and events at a time incorporating the Courtauld Gallery and temporary exhibitions in the Embankment Galleries The courtyard was once an Inland Revenue car park alfresco cinema and fountains in the summer What is it? A riverside icon dedicated to modern and contemporary art based in what was the Bankside power station. The permanent collection is always free and features work by big names like Warhol while the gallery’s programme of special exhibitions delves deeper into the lives and careers of important artists Why go? For some of the best art and architecture London has to offer.  Why go? To discover an often-forgotten treasure. What is it? The world’s last surviving tea clipper. Experience life on board, see the intricate craftsmanship used in its creation and find out how the crew lived. The historic ship caught fire in 2007, but was thankfully repaired. Since its post-blaze refurbishment, visitors have been able to walk underneath the hull.  Why go? To get a taste of life at sea without leaving the dock.  A vast museum full of real relics of the bygone ages of London transport where there’s always a bus or a train to hop on While you can swot up on the history of the city’s transport network – including why tube stations were used as war shelters – you can also learn about its future and how the latest technology will run our services in the future The LTM always hosts a fabulous Friday Late Why go? To discover a treasure trove of retro design.  crumbling north London cemetery. It’s full of overgrown paths that will lead you to several Grade II-listed catacombs and a number of famous remains architect Sir Lawrence Weaver and philosopher Karl Marx Why go? To try to find Karl Marx’s hidden-away grave What is it? The Regent’s Park landmark has come a long way since the days when zoos were full of homesick wildlife London Zoo does a lot of world-class animal welfare work creating carefully designed settings in which beautiful creatures from gorillas to lizards There’s a dedicated area for small kids and daily shows for nature fans of all ages Why go? To take a walk on the wild side Why go? For riverside adventures and ace views.  Photograph: Jess Hand for Time OutWhat is it The magnificent South Kensington home of around 80 million plant which is also a world-class research institution is full of natural wonders and admission is free. In winter you’ll find an ice rink in the grounds while this summer a new garden will open that will let you follow in the footsteps of the story of evolution To marvel at a 25.2-metre-long blue whale skeleton a piece of Mars rock, Mary Anning's ichthyosaur fossil and lots more.   Photograph: Laura Gallant for Time OutWhat is it Located just around the corner from London Bridge station Borough Market is an upmarket foodie heaven of markets Go on an empty stomach and take a tour around its environs while sampling the dishes and flavours that have kept Londoner’s bellies full for generations.. and then wash it all down with a few glugs of craft beer at a local pub To taste food so good you (almost) won’t have time to photograph it first RecommendedWhat is it? The home of sea creatures from all over the world from Pacific nurse sharks to Antarctic penguins (with a glimpse of what’s swimming past you in the Thames There are different themed areas to explore It can get busy but go off-peak to get some one-on-one time with the crocs Why go? For studious research or to geek out on paper-based artefacts. Over seven floors of entertaining and educational exhibits you can get up close to the Apollo 10 command module a virtual reality space-descent experience and a 16th-century artificial arm so this is one museum guaranteed to keep the attention of kids big and small To experience the incredible Information Age gallery from where the Queen sent her first tweet RecommendedPhotograph: Courtesy of Madame Tussauds / Jonathan ShortWhat is it Marie Tussaud made her waxwork debut in the capital (32 years after she founded the show in Paris) she decided to lay down permanent roots in Marylebone and she’s been there ever since (well you’ll come face-to-wax-face with over 150 lifelike models including contemporary stars like Drake and Dua Lipa and historic icons like Albert Einstein and Marilyn Monroe.  To snap a selfie with all the famous faces RecommendedPhotograph: Laura Gallant for Time OutWhat is it? When it comes to London’s top attractions Trafalgar Square can’t be overlooked Bring your selfie stick because posing for pics is a must fountains and red buses and black cabs circling the busy roads around you in shot and check out the latest modern art installation adorning the Fourth Plinth. Don’t be tempted to get in those fountains Because life’s more fun if you stop for a stroll RecommendedPhotograph: Laura Gallant for Time OutWhat is it the location for the scientific study of the stars and of timekeeping – originally for the benefit of sea navigation This is where you’ll see the Greenwich Meridian Line marked out from which point the world’s time zones are measured You can also see the incredible instruments that helped astronomers make discoveries about our universe To give Brian Cox a run for his money.  RecommendedWhat is it A trove of the world’s finest design Relocated in 2016 from its former home on the side of the Thames near Tower Bridge the new-and-improved building in Kensington is an awe-inspiring presence that covers design over a wealth of disciplines from architecture and fashion to graphics and products To be wowed by eye-pleasing works and by how design has evolved over the decades RecommendedPhotograph: Laura Gallant for Time OutWhat is it with scenes set to show you what life was like on board a working WWII warship from the bowels of the vessel to the engine room the kitchens and even the dentist’s office And don’t forget the action stations up on the deck RecommendedPhotograph: Laura Gallant for Time OutWhat is it Built in 1873 after the Crystal Palace was relocated south of the river Alexandra Palace is fittingly known as ‘The People’s Palace’ having welcomed and entertained everyone who’s stepped through the threshold of the offbeat arts and entertainment venue over its long 165-year history Its altitude also rewards visitors with spectacular views over central London from its 190-odd acres of leafy parkland while it also features a year-round indoor ice rink and huge theatre space renovated and re-opened in 2018 Why go? From world-class live music gigs to London’s biggest Bonfire Night celebration to the raucously entertaining World Darts Championships each winter there’s something for everyone in its eclectic events programme it’s a slice of horticultural heaven and a much-needed respite from the rest of the whirring city.  The Bethnal Green museum previously known as the V&A Museum of Childhood It’s since undergone a £13 million refurbishment project to make it shine brighter but is still home to one of the world’s finest collections of children’s toys RecommendedPhotograph: Laura Gallant for Time OutWhat is it St James’s Park runs alongside The Mall and offers a handy escape from the traffic noise of Trafalgar Square The two islands in its lake are home to wildlife and there’s the Princess Diana Memorial Walk to follow if you fancy some gentle exercise To watch the pelicans (which were introduced to the park more than 400 years ago) being fed at 2.30pm daily An interactive tour that starts with a breathtaking 4D ride through the sky before you crash-land near a certain ogre’s swamp and find yourself having to flee from the wicked Rumpelstiltskin Different missions will give you the chance to meet such as liberating Pinocchio from the Wheel of Torture and cooking up some spells with the Muffin Man.  To have a giggle on a whirlwind trip to Far Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! tiktokfacebooktwitteryoutubeAbout us Contact us The City of London Corporation’s Planning Applications-Sub Committee has today approved proposals for what will become the City’s tallest tower Planned to be built between the ‘Gherkin’ and the Leadenhall building the 74-storey (309.6m high) office tower known as 1 Undershaft will be a key addition to the Square Mile’s future skyline and the tallest lynchpin to the City Cluster as the City Corporation progresses towards its target of delivering a minimum of 1.2 million square metres of new office space Proposals for the site revise the previously consented scheme to better respond to post-pandemic office needs as well as the changing context and aspirations set out in the City Corporation’s ‘City Plan 2040’ to redefine the area as a welcoming In addition to the 154,156 sqm of much needed Grade A office space provided the proposals will feature a 1,000 sqm free to visit elevated public space and children’s education space at levels 72 and 73 operated in partnership with the London Museum and open 7 days a week and into the evenings The move is in line with the City Corporation’s Destination City agenda to boost footfall and economic growth across the Square Mile with the educational space to create a compelling and inclusive cultural and public offer in the heart of the cluster The City’s established public roof gardens terraces and viewing galleries are significantly contributing to increasing footfall ‘The Lookout’ at 8 Bishopsgate and ‘Horizon 22’ at 22 Bishopsgate having collectively greeted more than 13 million people 1 Undershaft will also feature a unique 2,500 sqm publicly accessible podium garden 42 metres above street level with a striking structural glass floor The garden will provide outstanding new views of surrounding historic assets offering a unique destination within the Square Mile the ground level public realm in the local area will be transformed from St Mary Axe to parts of Leadenhall Street to make the area more pleasant to be in and travel through as well as a large digital screen to be used for events and screenings The City Corporation’s decision to approve the proposals comes as the latest Deloitte Crane survey revealed that new construction project starts fell across London where new construction activity edged up by 7 per cent as the City remains a favoured location to invest and develop According to global property consultancy Knight Frank availability in newly constructed office buildings has fallen to 0.5 per cent in the City of London causing prime rents in the area to rise 16 per cent over the past 12 months Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Planning and Transportation Committee “1 Undershaft is a truly remarkable building that will not only help to deliver on the demands for economic growth through the high-quality office space it offers but also contribute to the City’s growing cultural offer and tourist appeal much needed office development gets approved in the City of London it speaks to the confidence that global investors have in the London real estate market and the UK economy more widely “I’m particularly pleased that we will be able to work with the London Museum to open the uppermost floors of 1 Undershaft to schoolchildren and local communities unique visitor destination that makes the Square Mile the best place to live One of the UK’s most popular entertainers has been given the Freedom of the City of London in recognition of his significant contribution to the entertainment industry and charitable fundraising during his 50-year career Sir Lenny Henry attended his ceremony at Guildhall today after being nominated by Lord Mayor Alastair King Sir Lenny has been a performer since the age of 16 - from appearing on children’s television to becoming one of Britain’s best-known comedians as well as a writer and award-winning actor His stage acting credits include the lead role in Northern Broadsides 2009 production of Othello at the West Yorkshire Playhouse and London’s West End The Comedy of Errors at the National Theatre and The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui at the Donmar Warehouse the highlight of which is the annual ‘Red Nose Day’ telethon broadcast on BBC-1 Sir Lenny announced this year that the British public has donated over £1.5 billion to the charity over the last 40 years Sir Lenny was awarded a knighthood in 2015 for services to drama and charity made a fellow of the Royal Television Society in 2016 and received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 27th National Television Awards in 2022 He has also published two volumes of memoirs ‘Who Am I Again?’ and ‘Rising to the Surface’ “How cool to be awarded the Freedom of the City of London and to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Dame Judi Dench “I am very proud that the Freedom recognises my work on Comic Relief which has raised £1.5 billion and had a positive impact on so many people’s lives.” “There are few entertainers around today who are as popular and instantly recognisable as Sir Lenny and it is an absolute pleasure to support his nomination Sir Lenny has used his many talents to shine a spotlight on important issues like racial inequality and poverty helping to change countless lives through Comic Relief Recent high profile recipients include multi-award-winning ‘Hamilton’ actor and musician Giles Terera; leading vascular and trauma surgeon Professor David Nott; Olympic and Commonwealth Games Gold- and Silver-medal winning athlete Lady Mary Peters; and the world’s most prolific producer of musicals in theatre history The City Corporation’s Planning Applications Sub-Committee has today (Tuesday 11 February) unanimously approved proposals for a new landmark sustainable office building located at the corner of Gracechurch and Fenchurch Street.  At 33 storeys and delivering over 50,000 square metres (sqm) of the highest quality and most in-demand office space 70 Gracechurch Street offers a unique design not seen before within the Square Mile featuring an innovative way of combining substantial retrofitting within a new build tower.  New tower structure designs typically need to include a full basement and superstructure which had been included in a previous proposal for the redevelopment of the existing building advances in industry structural and façade technology have enabled the developer team to submit new proposals that substantially reduce the carbon footprint through large scale retention and reuse of existing building structure and materials The plans will also bring new footfall and connectivity across the area acting as a catalyst to the regeneration of the southern part of Leadenhall Market A new public connection from Fenchurch Street through to Ship Tavern Passage and North to Leadenhall Market will act as a catalyst for regeneration of the area including a roof-level viewing experience at level 32.   The applicant JV team of Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan and Stanhope Plc aim to complete the redevelopment by Summer 2032.   “Attention is always drawn towards the latest large new office developments in the City but when it comes to innovative sustainable solutions the City is leading the way on both policy and delivery to reduce carbon emissions and waste from development that the Square Mile is open for sustainable business.  “Incorporating retrofitted buildings into new developments is crucial for meeting our net zero goals and by working with the industry to deliver pragmatic policies we aim to be the most attractive and sustainable global financial centre for generations to come.”  the Transition Finance Council aims to leverage the UK’s existing strengths to become the best market in the world to raise and deploy high-integrity transition finance - the financial products and services that facilitate an economy-wide transition to net zero The Transition Finance Council was one of the key recommendations of the Transition Finance Market Review and will include representation from the financial and professional services sectors The Council will play a crucial role in positioning the UK as the global leader in transition finance and will have three key functions: 1.     Driving forward implementation of the Transition Finance Market Review’s recommendations 2.     Supporting transition finance capacity building and engagement with UK and international stakeholders 3.     Convening working groups to advance priority areas aligned with the Council's objectives “Growth is the number one mission of this government and we are committed to prioritising sustainable economic growth that will accelerate the UK’s transition to net zero.  “We want to lead the world in sustainable finance by making the UK a global hub for green and transition finance promoting investment flows into green industries to create jobs and support the global transition to a sustainable future.  I co-launched the Transition Finance Council which will play a pivotal role in driving this ambition forward and I look forward to working with the newly appointed Chair Lord Alok Sharma who brings a wealth of experience to the role.”  Lord Sharma served in a range of UK government ministerial roles prior his appointment as Secretary of State for International Development in 2019 and Secretary of State for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy in 2020.  He also served from 2020 to 2022 as President Designate of COP26 the UN Climate Conference held in Glasgow he led the UK’s work in bringing together the world to tackle climate change and getting almost 200 countries to sign up to the historic Glasgow Climate Pact which included commitments on increasing finance Councillor Irem Yerdelen served as the member of TFMR Expert Group and provides ongoing leadership in City Corporation’s ambitious sustainable finance goals She is a market leader in advising organisations to operationalise sustainability imperatives and accelerate the transition to a low carbon economy Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero “Clean energy is the economic and industrial opportunity of the 21st century and transition finance can help to accelerate investment into these sectors The Transition Finance Council will play an important role in mobilising this finance to help deliver our clean energy superpower mission and meet our international climate goals.  “Lord Alok Sharma has been a tireless advocate for climate action and I look forward to working with him in his new role as Chair.” This announcement follows the practical recommendation of Transition Finance Market Review (TFMR) for scaling a high-integrity transition finance market in support of UK and global net zero ambitions with a focus on the decarbonisation of high-emitting sectors This included recommendations across three key pillars: “Lord Alok Sharma has a solid record of delivering tangible climate action results Which is why we’re delighted for him to be chairing the Transition Finance Council “Working with my excellent colleague Irem Yerdelen I have no doubt that they will together drive forward the Council’s aims of utilising the UK’s existing strengths in financial services to make it the best place in the world to raise private capital to fund the global transition in infrastructure markets and technology to support a net-zero future.” “To support growth and meet national and corporate climate goals it is absolutely vital to grow the transition finance market I look forward to working with colleagues on the Transition Finance Council to help develop the UK into the preeminent global hub for transition finance.”  Deputy Chair of the Transition Finance Council “I am excited by the Government’s launch of the Transition Finance Council today and I look forward to working with Lord Sharma on fulfilling the Council’s mandate of advancing priority areas supporting capacity building and action across the market for transition finance Ensuring easy access to financial products and services are vital to facilitating an economy-wide transition to net zero particularly when it comes to the decarbonisation of high-emitting sectors As part of our role we’ll be working with wider partners and stakeholders to implement a credible plan to scale up solutions.” “This is an important appointment that will support the work of the Council’s role in supporting our growth mission helping to set a clear path for what needs to be done to mobilise capital into key net-zero sectors through the Transition Finance Market Review  “I look forward to working closely with Lord Sharma to help make the UK a global hub for transition finance we will maintain momentum and lead the charge towards a sustainable future."  “Firms in the City and beyond will be buoyed to hear the Chancellor match her optimism about UK economic prospects with bold action.   the Government can enhance the UK's appeal for capital leveraging trade deals to unlock new investment opportunities The City of London Corporation is already supporting the Office for Investment ensuring investors know the UK is open for business.  “The Government must now work hard to create a pipeline of investable projects Enacting the planning reforms is vital for success Long-overdue infrastructure improvements send the right signals We strongly welcome the backing for expansion at Heathrow and look forward to updates from the Transport Secretary on Gatwick and Luton.       “Movement on defined benefit pension surpluses into UK assets We are also keen to see delivery of the Mansion House Compact with 11 founding signatory DC pension funds stands ready to flow a further £50bn into productive assets by 2030 in the pursuit of growth; benefitting UK savers.   “Industry now needs speedy delivery and swift implementation to really get growth growing The City of London Corporation has undertaken on-street action to remove hire e-bikes from its streets and pavements where they have been found to obstruct or cause an immediate danger to others More than 100 bikes were confiscated during a two-week enforcement period to encourage hire operators to manage their own fleet and customers to comply with good parking behaviour.    Seized e-bikes were stored in a safe location for 24 hours before the providers were able to collect them for a fee to cover the cost to the City of removal and storage The City Corporation already has agreements in place with hire operators around where people should park bikes but in response to the scale of complaints received to reduce pavement obstructions caused by poorly parked bikes An extra 300 parking spaces for hire bikes have also been committed across the Square Mile to help users park safely and considerately as the City Corporation continues to work closely with other London Councils and Transport for London to deliver consistent enforcement legislation across the entire capital Lime and Forest have both committed to improve their service with Lime also launching a safe riding campaign to promote responsible cycling and adherence to the Highway Code Lime will also fund new parking bays in the City through their Parking Infrastructure Fund Chair of the City of London Corporation’s Planning and Transportation Committee along with their CFO and UK Director which provided an opportunity to ensure their global senior leadership fully understands the impact Lime has seen remarkable success and with 16 million journeys taken (including by me!) during London’s commuting hours in 2024 their presence on the streets is undeniable but so too are the challenges posed by bikes cluttering our pavements “The action plan from Lime is welcome news particularly a funded programme that helps ensure we can continue to see dockless bikes on London’s streets without causing disruption and obstacles to others we will keep up the pressure to make sure results are quantified and meaningful alongside Transport for London and London Councils.” The City of London Corporation’s Court of Common Council has today (26 November) ratified a decision to end its interest in co-locating the wholesale food markets of Smithfield and Billingsgate to a new site at Dagenham Dock.  financial support will be provided to help them relocate to new premises ensuring their continued success.   The City Corporation is actively supporting Traders to identify suitable new sites to ensure that they can continue their essential role in London’s food supply chain and is in close dialogue with them and other wholesale markets about this already Traders will continue their operations at Smithfield and Billingsgate until at least 2028 ensuring a gradual transition period with ample time for planning and collaboration on next steps The decision reflects a careful balance between respecting the history of Smithfield and Billingsgate Markets and managing resources for this project responsibly Project costs have risen due to a number of external factors including inflation and the increasing cost of construction which have made the move unaffordable the City of London Corporation and Traders together looked at options earlier this year that can similarly meet their long-term business needs which has a longer operational life and modern infrastructure remains unaffected by this decision and will continue to serve as a key hub for wholesale fruit and veg produce in London.  Existing plans to create a new London Museum (formerly Museum of London) at West Smithfield also remain well underway and will not be impacted by this decision.   A Bill will be deposited in Parliament (on 27th November) that provides for the ending of the City Corporation’s responsibilities to operate a market at these sites. The City of London Corporation will now work closely with Barking & Dagenham Council to unlock the Dagenham Dock site with the aim of delivering regeneration that can support high-quality jobs for local people “This decision represents a positive new chapter for Smithfield and Billingsgate Markets in that it empowers Traders to build a sustainable future in premises that align with their long-term business goals By stepping back from direct market operations we will help to create opportunities for these businesses to thrive independently We’ve worked closely with the Traders and thank them for their input and understanding.  We’re committed to making sure they have the financial support and guidance they need to transition seamlessly and successfully to new locations.    “Meanwhile our broader vision for the Square Mile remains unchanged we are implementing some of the most transformative projects in a generation and the new London Museum at West Smithfield “The City of London Corporation has a strong relationship with Barking & Dagenham Council and a shared interest in the future of the Dagenham Docks site We will now continue to work with the Borough to bring forward uses which deliver regeneration and high-quality jobs for local people.”  we understand the financial pressures that key investment projects are facing with soaring inflation in recent years We are committed to continue working with the City of London Corporation to unlock the huge potential of the Dagenham Dock site to bring new employment uses and high quality jobs for local people “And we will continue to build on the benefits that our partnership work has already delivered including a fantastic programme of food education across our borough We have many key regeneration projects in the pipeline such as the Eastbrook film studios which are due to open soon and Barking and Dagenham is very much open for business.” Both Smithfield and Billingsgate markets are governed by primary legislation (Acts of Parliament) which effectively fixes the markets to the existing sites and imposes certain rights restrictions and obligations as to the use of the land A Bill is required to repeal that legislation which will enable the cessation of the operation of the markets at their existing sites; and therefore enable the land of the existing sites to be used for other purposes.  A copy of the Bill, received by Parliament on 27 November which makes provision for the repeal of legislation relating to Billingsgate Market and the London Central Markets; and for connected purposes, can be found here The City of London Corporation has called on the Government to use its Invest 2035 Industrial Strategy to address longstanding barriers to the UK’s financial and professional services (FPS) competitiveness The City Corporation’s recommendations focus on tackling blockages to growth and solidifying the UK’s position as a leader in green finance and innovation The City Corporation highlighted a range of critical issues and the need to access top talent globally.  London’s fixed internet speeds which lag behind other global financial centres were identified as a hindrance to the city’s competitiveness It is mission critical that the Government’s decision to raise taxes in the Budget is balanced with effective measures to enhance our competitiveness the UK risks falling behind international competitors such as Singapore and Ireland which have adopted comprehensive inward investment strategies We urge the Government to match these efforts and leverage the strength of financial and professional services sector to attract foreign investment and drive innovation The City Corporation’s response to the Government’s consultation outlines six steps to power the UK Economy: “Financial services provide not only provides jobs and tax revenue but also the capital that fuels other growth sectors It is vital to ensure our financial system remains robust and globally connected to continue enabling investment across the UK’s infrastructure This means our regulators must balance risk and innovation A pro-innovation mindset will be key to maintaining the UK’s leadership in FPS and emerging technologies such as AI the Chancellor called the financial and professional services sector the engine room of the economy that the Government prioritises the sector to drive much needed economic growth.”  The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk The City of London Corporation’s Planning Applications Sub-Committee has (today – 31 January) approved a 54-storey tower on the doorstep of UK’s busiest station Liverpool Street Station and the Crossrail corridor delivering nearly 100,000 square metres (sqm) of future commercial space as well as an iconic new tower to the City Cluster of World Class design Proposals submitted for the site at 99 Bishopsgate which will become one of the tallest towers in the Square Mile shall provide more than 8% of the proposed City Plan target of office floorspace as the Corporation aims to deliver an additional minimum of 1.2m sqm Responding to increasing demand for new office schemes of this kind 99 Bishopsgate is set to achieve the highest level of sustainability credentials whilst generating upwards of 7,500 jobs that are easily connected to local public transport routes helping to maintain its international competitiveness In addition to its provision of much needed the scheme would contribute an inclusive 7-day visitor destination experience with a bespoke cultural offer in the form of a new pavilion building space planned to be occupied by ‘Intermission Youth’ a charitable company set up to help disadvantaged young people through access to theatre The 99 Bishopsgate scheme will also deliver transformational public realm improvements that will be welcoming for all communities A new network of pedestrian routes linking in to the recently consented 55 Bishopsgate and 55 Old Broad Street developments will see a 1013% increase in public space linking into wider pedestrian routes from Liverpool Street Station to the City Cluster and beyond food and beverage hub will feature on the ground floor complete with seating areas that will welcome visitors into the huge that would transform the site into a gateway to the City Cluster from the north “A much-needed office development has been approved in the City of London and it speaks to the confidence that global investors have in the local real estate market “The 99 Bishopsgate scheme will also give the Square Mile one of the largest public realm upgrades from a single planning application so that it becomes a safer and more pleasant place to travel through.” Former Chair of the City of London Corporation’s Police Authority Board has been awarded a CBE in the New Year Honours for services to policing and inclusion James joined the Police Authority Board in 2015 and served as Chair from 2020 to 2024 He campaigned for national reforms to combat fraud and cybercrime including tackling violence against women and girls James also served on the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners board and is a Non-Executive Director at the Serious Fraud Office he has been instrumental in ensuring that the City Police is on a clear path to becoming one of the most trusted and inclusive police services in the country It is a privilege to work with so many committed people at a local and national level in tackling fraud and economic crime which is essential to the UK’s economic security “I am also proud to have been recognised for my work in promoting a fairer a journey that started for me 30 years ago working with the South African Government of National Unity and which spans my interests in policing received an OBE for voluntary service and services to prisoner rehabilitation in London and Hertfordshire As Sheriff of the City of London she championed prisoner rehabilitation and charity fundraised significant sums to support that work. As volunteer for Shannon Trust she has a standout reputation for the charity which mentors and trains prisoners with low literacy and numeracy As High Sheriff of Hertfordshire she has leveraged her role to convene and champion the need to improve literacy among those in prison She visited all forty-six libraries in Hertfordshire to champion the importance of literacy and at the same time raised substantial sums for Hertfordshire Community Foundation “I am deeply honoured to receive this award and to have had the opportunity to serve both in the City of London and in Hertfordshire.  “Whilst many of us take reading for granted sitting in court and talking with HM Judges at the Old Bailey taught me a great deal about the practical day-to-day limitations and the reality for those with low literacy both from those they work with and from fellow volunteers I see first-hand the positive impact that one-to-one help can have for those who struggle.” Basketball Academy Director at the City of London Academy Southwark (CoLA Southwark) has been awarded a BEM for services to basketball CoLA Southwark is a member of the City of London Academies Trust which runs the City of London Corporation’s ten high performing sponsored academies He founded the CoLA Southwark Basketball Academy now one of the UK’s most successful youth basketball programmes and has had a transformative impact on basketball coaching in the UK at both a grassroots and elite level Jackson has guided his pupils to unprecedented success with victories in multiple national championships including to gain full scholarships to US universities "I feel extremely grateful to be acknowledged in this year's honours list “It truly is a testament to being surrounded by such an amazing support network and some phenomenally brilliant young people who make the journey so worth it without whom there wouldn't be a programme at CoLA Southwark “I'm looking forward to the direction the program is moving in and impacting many more lives through basketball.” This Honour reflects the work James has carried out over a long period to ensure the City remains one of the safest business districts in the world.  The City of London Corporation’s Court of Common Council is the Police Authority for the Square Mile The Police Authority Board is responsible for holding the Commissioner of the City of London Police to account It aims to make sure the force is running an effective and efficient service and setting policing priorities considering the views of the local community As a result of the Covid lockdown in April 2020 through the Worshipful Company of Framework Knitters Liz conceived and subsequently led a ‘Knit for Community’ project which has to date distributed over 2,000 blankets to charities and has engaged lonely people suffering isolation to help give life meaning.  She is a strong supporter of a Hertfordshire hospice both as an ambassador and as a former meals on wheels volunteer She has a notable record of other voluntary service in both in prisoner after-care and in education Jackson’s focus on fostering personal and academic development is cited by parents as having a profound and empowering impact At least five Academy graduates are now professional players in Europe A mentor in his free time to other young coaches his achievements have led to his peers voting him National Coach of the Year 12 times across the National Basketball League and Women’s Elite Academy Basketball League His successes with CoLA Southwark Basketball Academy have also led to him making significant contributions as the Men’s Assistant Coach for Great Britain’s national team CoLA Southwark is part of the City of London Academies Trust which runs ten high-performing academies sponsored by the City of London Corporation across Hackney The City Corporation is also the local education authority for one maintained primary school in the City of London and the proprietor of four independent schools Five out of 10 City of London Academies Trust schools hold an ‘outstanding’ Ofsted rating and three are rated ‘good’ with ‘outstanding’ features The City of London Corporation has today approved a £191 million funding package to support critical repairs and upgrades at the iconic Barbican Centre Elected Members of the City Corporation’s top decision-making body agreed the move this afternoon (Thursday 5 December) The package will fund phase one of the Barbican Renewal Programme a five-year project of works to secure the future of this internationally renowned The Barbican Centre was opened by HM The Queen in 1982 who declared it ‘one of the wonders of the modern world’ Future works will safeguard its future as a leading arts venue by making it fit for the 21st century with improvements to accessibility and energy efficiency The Programme is one of several transformative projects being delivered by the City Corporation including the Salisbury Square Development The Barbican Renewal Programme is a key component of Destination City the City Corporation’s growth strategy for the Square Mile as a world-leading business The City Corporation’s £191m contribution represents around 80% of the amount needed for the first five-year phase of the Barbican’s long-term renewal programme A major fundraising campaign will be launched by the Barbican Centre in 2025 to enable the complete restoration and refurbishment of key public spaces at the venue This includes upgrades to its unique brutalist foyers and conservatory – the largest glasshouse in central London Funding raised will open up these celebrated spaces to all deliver major new creative community and learning activities and make major sustainability improvements to ensure net-zero commitments are met As one of the world’s leading multi-arts venues the Barbican Centre has showcased groundbreaking art from around the world for over four decades It reaches 1.5 million people each year with initiatives aimed at ensuring the widest possible range of people can experience the power of art The project will sensitively preserve the complex and the original architectural vision of the arts centre the Barbican relies on aged and outdated systems and an ambitious programme of restoration is needed “The Barbican Centre is a fantastic international venue with an exciting future recognising its unique role as a leading cultural institution and driver of economic growth contributing £86 million a year to the UK economy and supporting around 1,100 jobs across London “The Barbican Centre is central to the Square Mile’s cultural identity and plays a pivotal role in our attractiveness as a place to work and visit.” Chair of the City Corporation’s Barbican Centre Board “This is a critical time to help shape the future of a compelling and extraordinary organisation building on decades of excellence and achievement.” Welcoming the announcement Kathryn McDowell Managing Director of the London Symphony Orchestra enabling essential works to the Barbican Centre to be undertaken important and internationally renowned cultural venue could not be more vital.” Welcoming the announcement Sir Howard Panter Joint CEO and Creative Director of Trafalgar Entertainment I am grateful to all those responsible for ensuring many more people can attend its events for many more years and I will be following the Renewal closely as plans begin to take shape.” The Barbican Renewal Programme design process – led by Allies and Morrison and Buro Happold – has already involved significant public consultation with feedback and ideas being sought from the public and stakeholders more detailed phase of consultation will begin early next year construction will begin in 2027 with this first phase complete in time for the Barbican’s 50th anniversary in 2032 The City Corporation is one of the largest funders of heritage and cultural activities in the UK including the Barbican Centre,  Guildhall School of Music & Drama It also supports the London Symphony Orchestra and the London Museum The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally successful UK Destination City is the City of London Corporation’s growth strategy for the Square Mile as a world-leading business and leisure location and the antidote cannot come soon enough’ City of London Corporation Policy Chairman Chris Hayward will say in a keynote speech today (Wednesday 12 February) Hayward will be speaking at Haberdasher’s Hall in the Square Mile alongside crossbench peer Lord Sedwill at the annual City of London Corporation Policy & Resources Committee Hayward will say ‘the Bank of England’s recent downgrading of the country’s growth outlook further highlights the scale of our enormous challenge’.   He will add that the UK needs a cultural change on risk and propose several regulatory reforms which can provide the UK with ‘quick wins’ complementing the Chancellor’s speech on long-term investment in January On championing the City’s contribution to UK growth “Business confidence in the Square Mile is high we now have 678,000 workers; 25% higher than before the pandemic.  “Last year alone saw a record 331 office leasing deals “We are home to a burgeoning tech industry; 11’unicorns’ in fintech the Policy and Resources Committee has taken decisions that will secure our attractiveness for generations to come:   industry and regulators to adopt a ‘new spirit of responsible risk-taking’ “The City’s global benchmarking report (see notes to editors) ranks the UK as the world’s leading international finance centre “We may have strengthened on tech and market access but we have declined on criteria such as tax regulators or industry – we need a new spirit of responsible risk-taking.” On measures to help boost growth over the short-medium term “Barclays research (see Notes to Editors) reveals UK consumers have £430bn that they could put to better use by investing This issue has been debated for years and years.  “The FCA is finally taking action through its Advice and Guidance Boundary Review because we need to give our sector the freedom to help consumers “We need to put rocket boosters behind this change and complete these reforms as soon as possible “The regulator’s disclosure rules also need to be addressed so consumers receive balanced messages about risk and rewards (see Notes to Editors) where people have confidence to invest as well as save There’s no reason why only 39% of adults in the UK are active investors whereas 61% in the US do the same (see Notes to Editors) “Changing this could come through looking at how we encourage greater flows of capital into stocks and shares ISAs let’s call them what they are - Investment ISAs that give retail investors a stake in a dynamic UK economy “And encouraging reform to make retail investing more attractive is in-keeping with our ambitions set out in the Mansion House Compact which unlocks the potential of pension savings whilst enabling economic growth “Seeking a greater risk appetite brings more chance of downsides as well as the rewards if we are asking the regulators to take more risk government and industry must stand by them when – in good faith – there is a failure.  But so too is reinforcing our international competitiveness and I suggest it differentiates wherever possible between the approach applied to wholesale and retail markets I am neither calling for de-regulation… nor for a reduction of consumer protection But we need a greater focus on what works – for larger firms “We must continue adapting and change to deliver prosperity and growth for this country – as the City is Square Mile has always done.”  “Our closest trading relationships are based on so much more than just business We must reaffirm this message as often and as loudly as possible during the months ahead.”  “The Chancellor has called the financial and professional services sector the engine room of the UK economy.  It’s critical then that the Government prioritises these sectors to drive much-needed economic growth.  “I truly think that we are focusing so strongly on avoiding failure “The bottom line is that we’ve become allergic to risk. And finding the antidote can’t come soon enough.”  Source is a report by The Investment Association ‘Investment Management in the UK 2023-2024’ October 2024.  P76 of the report states: “Much comparison has been made between capital market participation rates in the UK and US The perception of a more active culture of investing in the US stems from data that suggests that two thirds (61%) of American adults have money invested in the US stock market according to Gallup While many older UK adults were introduced to share ownership through the privatisation of nationalised industries in the 1980s this failed to convert the majority of adults into becoming more active investors less than half (39%) of the adult UK population were actively investing in products such as individual stocks and shares individual investment bonds and cryptocurrencies about a third began investing in the period following the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020.” The regulator’s disclosure rules need to be addressed In September 2024 Barclays published ‘Empowering retail savers to engage with investing: the role of public policy” This report stated that “even after establishing a prudent emergency fund there remains an estimated £430bn of UK consumer savings that could be invested.”  The same report made recommendations to make the investment journey easier for retail investors including creating ‘entry level’ investment products and for these products to have a simpler sign up journey: “This would reduce some of the current frictions in the sign-up journey in terms of declarations risk warnings and product documentation for entry-level investors.” In September 2024 the FCA announced that it is creating a new UK retail disclosure regime.  In particular the EU-inherited Packaged Retail and Insurance-based Investment Products (PRIIPs) Regulation will be replaced with a new framework for Consumer Composite Investments (CCIs) The Government’s principles for the new UK Retail Disclosure Regime include “ensure that the disclosure that retail investors receive is proportionate to the risk that they are taking in purchasing an investment product” and “provide additional choice for retail investors shows that the UK has retained its top position despite economic and geopolitical headwinds.  While London’s overall score saw a slight dip of 1 point to 58 this year the city remained firmly ahead of rivals like Paris New York and Singapore ranked second and third with New York slipping by 2 points to 55 and Singapore gaining 1 point to 49.  Key highlights from the report include:  the report also identifies several challenges:  Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker The Square Mile’s output is on a par with those of entire national economies such as Morocco or Slovakia Business Sign up for our email featuring expert insight and funding opportunities for entrepreneurs and SMEs The annual economic output of the City of London has passed the £100 billion mark for the first time in its history London’s biggest financial district produced a GDP of £110.8 billion in 2023 up 11.5% in nominal terms from the £99.3 billion of 2022 That puts the Square Mile’s GDP on a par with those of medium sized national economies such as Morocco or Slovakia It also makes the City one of the most concentrated engines of economic output in the world The latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows the City - famed for its financial tech and professional services industries - had the biggest GDP of any local authority area in the UK despite having the second smallest resident population The two central London power houses were far ahead of third placed Tower Hamlets which covers parts of the West End and “Midtown” including Covent Garden and Holborn The biggest local authority outside London was Leeds with a GVA of £39.3 billion followed by Birmingham on £38.9 billion and Manchester with £38.04 billion London as a whole saw its GDP rise in nominal terms by 8% from £572 billion to £617 billion. That makes its economy rank alongside Poland in national terms just outside the top 20 biggest economies in the world It also puts London to become a $1 trillion economy within the next few years The south east had the second biggest output of any UK region with output of £391 billion followed by the north west on £270 billion and the east region with £229 billion a year when the Russian full scale invasion of Ukraine forced up the rate of inflation triggering a painful cost of living crisis London had the highest GDP per head in 2023 at £69,077 Despite increased global challenges, the report shows that the City Corporation achieved a 23% reduction in net carbon emissions across its entire value chain (including investments and supply chain) since the 2018/19 baseline, and cut net carbon emissions in its own operations by 65%.  It also shows that the organisation has achieved a 30% decrease in its financial investment carbon emissions since the 2018/19 baseline, and a 29% decrease in emissions from purchased goods and services since 2022/23 – of which 14% was due to the organisation’s ongoing engagement with suppliers.  In addition, recent upgrades to lighting, heating, and ventilation systems across some of its most famous buildings are forecast to make energy savings of over 1.5 million kWh per year. This builds on previous work to city attractions such as the Barbican Centre Concert Hall and Guildhall Art Gallery with projected savings of around 1,300 tonnes of carbon every year – or around £1m in energy costs.  Carbon emissions across the Square Mile have also fallen by 35% from 1,010 ktCO2e in 2017 and to 652 ktCO2e in 2021.  Launched in 2020 and encompassing 13 climate projects, the City Corporation’s Climate Action Strategy commits the organisation to achieving net zero carbon emissions in its own operations by 2027 and its full value chain by 2040, as well as supporting the whole Square Mile to reach net zero by 2040 – a decade ahead of national targets.  It is also committed to achieving climate resilience across its buildings, open spaces, public realm and infrastructure.  A full and transparent account of the City Corporation’s progress in reducing carbon emissions and increasing climate resilience is available through its Climate Action Dashboard. [See notes to editors].  Chris Hayward, Policy Chairman at the City of London Corporation, said:  “Reaching net zero quickly is the best way to offset the worst of the climate crisis. It also presents us with a generational opportunity: for jobs, investment, economic growth, and for our planet.  “As a global financial hub, the City of London has a unique responsibility to drive meaningful climate action. And despite being faced with so many challenges, both on a national and international scale, we are continuing to make progress.  “This year's report demonstrates our commitment not only to reducing our own carbon footprint but also to setting an example for others. With significant achievements like reducing our operational emissions and investing in renewable energy, we are laying the groundwork for a more sustainable future.   Climate Action Lead for the City of London Corporation, Alderman Alison Gowman, said:  “The consequences of climate change are being felt more acutely than ever, reminding us that urgent action is required.  “The City of London Corporation has been at the forefront of climate change, being the first government body to introduce a Clean Air Act in 1953, and becoming the first city in the world to adopt a climate change adaptation strategy in 2010.  “This report reflects our determination to act decisively and strategically, creating a sustainable model for others to follow, leveraging innovation, partnerships, and our unrivalled expertise in both finance and sustainability."  In November 2023, the City of London was listed among an elite group of cities as an ‘A-List climate action leader’ by the environmental non-profit organisation, the Carbon Disclosure Project, receiving a top score on its climate action measures.  The City Corporation’s open spaces, which make up 11,000 acres of green space across London and south east England, and include places like Epping Forest and Hampstead Heath, also remove an estimated 16,230 tonnes of carbon from the atmosphere a year, equivalent to 70% of its 2022/23 own operations carbon footprint.  Connecting decision makers to a dynamic network of information, people and ideas, Bloomberg quickly and accurately delivers business and financial information, news and insight around the world Dave Merritt and Allegra Stratton every Thursday as they uncover the best stories and speak to people in the know Get ahead of the trends and conversations that are shaping the City of London and global financial capitals Detailed research into the City of London Corporation’s links with the transatlantic trade in enslaved African people has been commissioned by the organisation to shed light on its role in this deeply shameful chapter of its history The Square Mile’s governing body has announced the move following today’s approval by its Policy and Resources Committee of £34,400 in funding The research will explore the involvement of Lord Mayors and Common Councillors who served between 1640 and 1807 along with their legacies and donations to the City Corporation in this period This is the period during which the UK was active in the transatlantic trade in enslaved African people The research will also investigate any institutional investments by funds managed by the City Corporation into joint-stock trading companies active in the transatlantic trade in enslaved African people The research will be carried out next year by historian and author who has led a related project run by the University of Lancaster Entitled ‘The Register of British Slave Traders’, this name-searchable database will show legacies, donations, and direct financial connections between individuals and institutions across the UK who benefitted from the slave trade. The Register is due to be published in 2026. Professor Pettigrew’s additional research as part of this new project will make use of publicly accessible materials from the City Corporation-owned The London Archives this project will help us to better understand the City Corporation’s past ensuring that we are transparent about our role in this shameful period of the UK’s history.” “Like many well-established British institutions the City of London Corporation has connections to the transatlantic trade in enslaved African people This commissioned research will seek to define those connections.” The City Corporation-commissioned research will include a report into the background history on the transatlantic trade in enslaved African people and the established connections between philanthropy and investment in slavery, with a particular focus on the City. It will complement a related study commissioned by the City Bridge Foundation The City Corporation will explore how to share and communicate the findings through Communications and community engagement activities on completion of the research The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile, dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally successful UK. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk William Pettigrew is Professor of History at Lancaster University He is a leading expert in Britain’s contribution to the transatlantic trade in enslaved African people and of Britain’s historic relationship to the rest of the world A proposal by the City of London to encourage reuse of existing buildings and other circular economy measures will become policy within the coming weeks the SPD has now been approved by the Corporation’s Planning and Transportation Committee and includes measures to support the City’s ‘retrofit first’ approach The AJ’s long-running campaign for such measures – RetroFirst – was launched in September 2019 have developed and adopted retrofit-first policies in support of their Net Zero targets and declarations of climate emergency More planning authorities, particularly in the capital, are poised to follow suit The City’s SPD is intended to support its 2040 Net Zero target and covers four other key sustainability themes many of them concerned with slashing upfront or ‘embodied’ carbon Among other measures, the SPD will introduce NABERS UK* targets (a five-star target for new office developments and four-star target for retrofitted office developments) aligning with the GLA embodied carbon benchmarks Zero carbon expert and architect Simon Sturgis who has been instrumental in the application of a whole-life carbon approach to planning and development in the UK saying it could deliver economic growth as well as carbon savings ‘The City of London’s new Retrofit & Reuse policy is a great step forward in promoting carbon efficient development,’ he said ‘The City must now support this policy with speedy planning consents The next step is to require third-party verification of submitted carbon assessments.’ Chairman of the City Corporation’s planning and transport committee said: ‘This new guidance provides transparency to the built environment sector encouraging it to come with us on this journey as we see continued confidence and demand for high-quality ‘The City of London is home to some of the most sustainable commercial buildings on the planet and as it continues to be a hugely attractive place for office occupiers with the delivery of the next generation of new and retrofit developments to attract the best global talent the Corporation said the new SPD would offer a degree of flexibility if planning applications miss the upfront carbon benchmarks developments will be expected to go ‘above and beyond in their delivery of wider environmental sustainability benefits’ in the Square Mile or providing skills and training opportunities in sustainable construction,’ the statement said Tokyo-based architects Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa of SANAA chatted to the… Skyscraper expert SimpsonHaugh has submitted plans for a 50-storey and a 25-storey… MVRDV and Mecanoo are among five finalists vying to design… Squire & Partners has finally won planning Alderman Alastair King DL has today [30 September 2024] been elected as the 696th Lord Mayor of the City of London As the elected head of the City of London Corporation he will serve as a global ambassador for the UK financial and professional services industry from Friday 8 November for a one-year term He will succeed current Lord Mayor Professor Michael Mainelli The annual Lord Mayor’s Show takes place on Saturday 9 November which will be Alderman King’s first public engagement It will be followed by the Lord Mayor’s Banquet on Monday 2 December at Guildhall The Lord Mayor acts as an international spokesperson for the City leading business delegations overseas to key international markets on behalf of the UK’s financial and professional services industry In the role Alderman King will meet government representatives from around the world alongside business leaders and policy makers both at home and abroad He will work to strengthen global economic ties with the UK and promote the UK as a top global destination for foreign investment Alderman King will champion his ‘Growth Unleashed’ theme His theme will focus on challenging industry to maximise opportunities through responsible risk taking and celebrating the successes of the many diverse communities across the UK ‘Growth Unleashed’ will look to drive growth and investment particularly in areas where the UK has a competitive advantage As habitual early adopters of dynamic new technologies the programme will seek to mobilise private capital to early-stage companies productive sectors of the economy and promote pro-innovation regulation He will also champion the City and UK’s diverse communities by establishing new networks to bring together different communities to foster collaboration "It is a tremendous honour to be elected as the 696th Lord Mayor of the City of London "London remains the world’s leading financial centre We have the expertise and talent to thrive and harness the remarkable dynamic diversity that makes the City exceptional Growth Unleashed is a commitment to be bolder think smarter and take our foot off the brake "The City must reignite its appetite for risk and support the productive parts of the economy Only then can we secure our position as the world’s top financial hub." which hit the headlines last summer after Banksy turned it into one of his latest artworks will become one of the most popular and photographed exhibits at the new London Museum Members of the City of London Corporation’s Culture and Libraries Committee voted in favour of gifting the ‘piranhas’ artwork to the flagship City museum The acquisition by the museum will secure the artwork’s longevity and legacy in a spectacular new building and ensure that it is accessible to millions of Londoners The piece was one of nine animal-themed works created in August 2024 by the graffiti artist and features a shoal of piranha fish spray-painted onto the glazing of the sentry box formerly located on Ludgate Hill since the 1990s Following confirmation from the artist that it was his work the sentry box was relocated by the City Corporation to Guildhall Yard where thousands of people viewed it from behind safety barriers and more recently The artwork will be carefully removed from Guildhall this year and placed temporarily in  London Museum’s stores before it goes on permanent public display in 2026 The City Corporation has pledged £222m to the museum which will transform the north-west of the Square Mile into a global arts capital elevating the City’s attractiveness as a leading business and visitor destination The museum is expected to attract two million visitors annually and create over 1,500 jobs London Museum is being developed by the City Corporation, in partnership with the Greater London Authority, and is one of several transformative projects being delivered by the City Corporation, including the Barbican Renewal Programme and Salisbury Square Development to house the new City of London Police HQ and multi-courts complex “When the piece appeared in the City and being acutely aware of Banksy’s popularity we relocated it swiftly to protect it and ensure that it could be viewed safely and retained for future generations to enjoy will tell the story of London’s unique and diverse history The new London Museum is just one of the many attractions that visitors can explore and experience in the Square Mile and I know this artwork will delight all who see it.” Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Culture “Now that we know that Banksy’s piranhas will be viewed and enjoyed by huge numbers of visitors to the new Museum I am sending my warmest congratulations to its team on its latest acquisition and to the City Corporation’s Culture Team for brokering this exciting opportunity “Showcasing an astonishing range of exhibits in a beautifully designed building the museum will open next year to much fanfare and it is very gratifying to know that the artwork will be among the items creating so much interest and excitement.” “The only thing better than having a Banksy appear on the walls of London Museum in Smithfield or Docklands is having a Banksy on display inside “No other artist connects with people so profoundly a Banksy will appear at the end of the road in which you live and it’s always a moment when one does Banksy brings art to the streets and it’s for everyone so what a great acquisition and gift to have for the people of London - a City of London Police Box The City of London Corporation is one of the largest funders of heritage and cultural activities in the UK and invests over £130m every year For further information, please contact Andrew Buckingham, Media Officer (Arts, Culture, Heritage, Licensing), City of London Corporation / 07795 333060 / andrew.buckingham@cityoflondon.gov.uk The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally successful UK. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk  London Museum tells the ever-changing story of this great world city and its people displays and activities seek to inspire a passion for London and provide a sense of the vibrancy that makes the city such a unique place A fixture on London’s cultural scene since first opening in 1976 It has now closed doors at its London Wall site in preparation for its relocation to a new home at Smithfield where it will occupy historic market buildings and open up to millions more visitors from 2026 London Museum Docklands remains open Monday - Sunday 10am – 5pm and is FREE to all. You can explore London Museum with collections online – home to 138,000 objects with more being added regularly. https://www.londonmuseum.org.uk/.