Nearly 30,000 ceramic poppies have returned to the iconic fortress in a powerful new installation News | London Get our award-winning daily news email featuring exclusive stories I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice A sea of blood-red poppies has once again poured over the Tower of London — this time to mark 80 years since the end of the Second World War originally part of the 2014 sensation Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red have returned to the iconic fortress in a powerful new installation which opened today and runs until Armistice Day sees poppies cascading down the White Tower before forming a dramatic crater at the heart of the ancient walls — symbolising a battlefield wound were first unveiled a decade ago in a tribute that drew over five million people and captured the nation’s heart and bringing people together,” said artist Paul Cummins “It’s a joy to see the poppies return to where it all began.” Poet Laureate Simon Armitage has penned a new work describing it as a “meditation on recollection” as WWII slips from living memory “I want the poppy to throw responsibility back at us,” he said “Not just let the flower do all the work.” The Tower itself was bombed during the Blitz with several buildings damaged and two lives lost — reminders of the conflict’s reach even into the heart of British history the new display will be lit for the first time mirroring the floodlit Tower that stood as a symbol of hope in 1945 said: “This place is steeped in wartime history This display helps keep those stories alive.” Royals watch historic Red Arrows flypast for VE Day 80th anniversary Prince Louis steals show at VE parade as he keeps William sharp - and mimics George Half of Britons ‘would never fight for their country’ in a war Meet the entrepreneur turning plastic waste into something wonderful The installation will remain in place through VE Day, VJ Day, and until November 11 — when the poppies will return to the IWM collection. Prince Louis steals the show at VE Day parade as he keeps dad William looking sharp and mimics brother George Prince Louis steals show with sweet antics at VE parade VE Day 2025 fashion: best looks from the day, Princess of Wales, Princess Charlotte, Lady Victoria Starmer VE Day 2025 fashion: Princess of Wales to Lady Victoria Starmer Ukraine 'launches stunning Kursk offensive' in major blow for Putin ahead of Victory Day celebrations Ukraine 'launches stunning Kursk offensive' in blow for Putin UK tourists face major travel shake-up as Dubai airport set to close Royals watch historic flypast as huge crowds turns out for VE Day 80th anniversary  Notifications can be managed in browser preferences. Richard Gilzene | Sunday 04 May 2025 07:39 BST An iconic London double-decker bus has been converted into £50,000 two-bed apartment Described as ‘the most beautiful bus conversion in the world’ the bus features a master bedroom and children’s bunk bed room the and had the engine bay transformed into a storage solution Owner Dan Atkins, who posted footage of the conversion on social media, has put the 1998 diesel up for sale on eBay, with all proceeds going toward his charity Solutions4Living, which helps people facing homelessness. The listing confirms the vehicle has had its engine removed, making it ‘ideal for permanent placement in a holiday park, private land, or glamping site’. Kim Kardashian wears Marilyn Monroe’s dress As Baltimore begins the process of planning to replace the Francis Scott Key Bridge, labor experts have pointed to how Latino workers will be the one who rebuild it. Anderson Clayton attends the North Carolina Young Democrats Convention in Durham. 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Cars swept away in New Mexico flash floods after wildfires charred the region Lady Gaga plays show to estimated 2.1m fans at free beach concert Sian Welby on why she kept pregnancy hidden from This Morning bosses. Tom Hardy tells off radio presenter as Hollywood actor defends small Welsh town. The 1998 diesel has been converted into a stylish two-bed Beckham luciendo su peinado mohicano antes de un amistoso internacional contra México en 2001 New research has shown there was a positive impact during London 2012 but the legacy effects appear to be short-lived Does hosting an Olympics really improve our wellbeing? If so, by how much - and for how long? Are we really happier when Team GB win gold medals? And are the lofty claims of politicians that London 2012 would make us healthier borne out by the facts? While the mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, was banging the drum for the capital hosting the Olympics in 2040 last week, academics at the LSE, Harvard and in Germany were answering these questions – and quietly busting a few myths about the legacy of 2012. The starting point of their gold-plated research was a mammoth series of more than 26,000 interviews with residents of London, Paris and Berlin during the summers of 2011, 2012 and 2013. Not only did they know things like everyone’s education level, marital status and income but, crucially, whether they exercised and how happy they felt, and how all this changed over time. Read moreFor their latest paper, Passing on the flame: Do mega sports events promote health behaviours? they focused on whether the Olympics encouraged London residents to exercise more an increase in physical activity by six percentage points among the most inactive people in London – the 34% of residents who didn’t usually exercise at all there was also less alcohol and tobacco consumed by Londoners during the Games there was a kicker: within 100 days of the Olympic flame being put out “We always hear these grand claims from politicians about how the Olympics has a lasting impact on healthy behaviours but this does not hold up to reality,” Dr Christian Krekel of the London School of Economics said “Our research shows that London 2012 nudged some previously inactive people to engage in physical activity who also advises governments on how to use wellbeing data for policy analysis it is hard to get people to become physically active,” he said “Even when you pay people to go to the gym but then the numbers return to the baseline.” So what else have we learned from this treasure trove of data? First, that the Olympics really does improve people’s perceptions of their life satisfaction – and not just in the host city people’s wellbeing during the 2012 Games all went up in London Berlin and Paris compared to the previous year in London it climbed by an entire point on the Likert scale – which is used to measure attitudes or beliefs – from 6.3 to 7.3 after the opening ceremony While in Berlin it rose by 0.3 and Paris 0.1 points The impact of hosting the Olympic Games appears to be short-lived Photograph: Julian Finney/Getty ImagesThe increase in satisfaction was broadly similar regardless of sex or age but tended to be higher among higher-income households However once again the effects wore off fast we find that the intangible impact of the Olympics appears to be short-lived,” the researchers noted “While the effects are especially strong around the opening and closing ceremonies we do not find strong evidence of lasting changes in subjective wellbeing in the host city one year after the event.” Free weekly newsletterThe best of our sports journalism from the past seven days and a heads-up on the weekend’s action What about the idea that winning medals can lift a nation’s mood that doesn’t seem to be the case with researchers finding “little evidence” that people in the three European capitals were happier the day after Team GB “The ‘happiness dividend’ appears to be a function of hosting per se and not a function of sporting success measured by gold medals won,” they add Would the government have pumped so much investment into the regeneration of East London without Britain hosting the Games a member of the London organising committee also told me that 135,000 new jobs had been created in the area in a decade the summer of 2012 was also a fantastic joyride The fact that people’s happiness went up across London Berlin during those Games also suggests that the Olympics is a global public good that has positive spillover effects beyond whatever country is hosting it whenever politicians dangle the possibility of a fresh Olympic bid they should also be honest The Games won’t lead to huge economic benefits came in at £9bn – three times more than envisaged Meanwhile whatever Khan says about backing a bid for London 2040 it is almost certainly not going to happen Most insiders I spoke to last week expect India to get the 2036 Games while Saudi Arabia are strong favourites for 2040 India’s prime minister Narendra Modi is already promising that if his country wins the 2036 Games it will lead to a surge in tourism and India harnessing the power of sport to create a healthier nation But history tells us it might sound rather more discordant in the future one of London’s best-heeled members’ societies a must-have accessory is a free travel pass senior lawyers and members of the great and good those turning 60 proudly show off their new 60+ London Oyster photocard which entitles them to free travel in the capital at all times except the morning rush hour One regular has apparently taken to enjoying sightseeing bus tours of the West End The twentysomethings working for the national living wage in the Covent Garden shops around the corner London residents get their complimentary ticket to ride around the capital from the age of 60 several years before the state pension age of 66 Britain has today begun its commemorations to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day Thousands of people have lined the streets of central London on Bank Holiday Monday to hear a performance of Churchill’s speech and take in a military procession and a flypast to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day Armed forces from Nato allies joined a procession in London to mark the end of the Second World War in Europe as Sir Keir Starmer said this week’s events are a reminder that victory was “not just for Britain” The words of Sir Winston Churchill’s 1945 victory speech, spoken by actor Timothy Spall, began the commemorations, which featured a display by the Red Arrows during a flypast by 23 current and historic military aircraft appearances by senior royals and street parties across the UK The royal family, who watched the flypast from the balcony of Buckingham Palace, are hoping the fallout from Harry’s bombshell security interview will not ‘distract’ from the VE Day celebrations. Downing Street and No10 are also hosting tea parties as the events start the build-up to Thursday which marks exactly 80 years since the Allies formally accepted Germany’s surrender After attending the military procession and flypast earlier today Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer made his way back to Downing Street to play host to guests Downing Street has become the venue for a VE Day tea party Two long tables have been lined with gold and red chairs for the special occasion Bunting is also hanging over the tables and draped over the ground floor windows of No 10 Musicians from the Band of the Grenadier Guards played songs to the guests as they received drinks on arrival Among the guests were Second World War veterans Ruth Brook Klauber and Colin Deverell, both aged 101. Prince George joined his parents — along with King Charles and Queen Camilla — for a tea party at Buckingham Palace for veterans and the members of the wartime generation said the King was “very understanding” when he spoke about his service while at the Palace He said: “He is a very interesting person and he seems very understanding “We spoke for a while about my service and the memories I have of the war.” Mr Piper said that he has “lots of memories” of the war He added: “The men I served with gave it their all for this country it’s right they’re still remembered and I hope the young generations keep remembering them “Today has been superb but very overwhelming.” A veteran who was cold during the VE Day military procession said the King “tucked” her in who signed up to join the war effort aged 17 and served in the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force said Charles had leaned down and tucked her blanket into her wheelchair during the parade to prevent her from getting chilly who grew up in Bristol but now lives in Wells in Somerset said: “I said to him (the King) a lot of the women look formidable and he said ‘yes’” The 98-year-old said she discussed parenting with Charles and told him she had tried to be a strict mother to her children The uniform worn by the King as he marked the end of the Second World War in Europe reflected what his grandfather George VI wore when he stepped on to the Buckingham Palace balcony on VE Day 80 years ago Charles wore the naval No.1 dress uniform to see Monday’s military procession and flypast in central London to kick off four days of celebration The Queen paid tribute to her family’s military legacy with a 12th Royal Lancers brooch – her late father’s regiment – pinned to her sapphire blue wool crepe dress and coat served with the 12th Lancers during the Second World War and was awarded the Military Cross in 1940 during the retreat to Dunkirk and again in 1942 for his efforts in North Africa and was later wounded and taken prisoner while fighting in the same region refugees and local families have joined together for a VE Day street party in one of Britain’s most bombed neighbourhoods The event in the historic Docklands area of east London — one of the locations most heavily hit during the Blitz — was organised by the Bengali Association local refugee support and other community groups The celebration featured 1940s music and dancing Morse code demonstrations and food ranging from BBQ favourites to VE Day biryani visitors explored an exhibition of family connections to the war including a poster created by local refugee Abdul Shakoor about the British Indian Army The Prince of Wales told 101-year-old Alfred Littlefield that his son Prince George is “interested” in learning about veterans Samantha Davidson said: “The Prince said George is very interested in finding out about the veterans “George even asked my grandfather how old he was during his service.” She said that Mr Littlefield was very happy that George has taken an interest in the past The Prince of Wales spoke of the importance of preserving veterans’ stories as he was joined by his son and former service personnel at a tea party in Buckingham Palace William smiled as he shook hands with veterans and said it was “very important” for Prince George and the “next generation” to hear the stories from those who fought in the war George listened intently as his father chatted to Alfred Littlefield who joined the merchant navy aged 18 in 1944 that his son was “very keen” to ask the former serviceman some questions The pair joined the party as veterans and senior politicians enjoyed a selection of finger sandwiches soup and homemade scotch eggs in the Marble Hall VE Day 2025 fashion: best looks from the day (function (w) { var el = (window.__shadowRoot || document).getElementById('PZ8XujOWBp-background-viewport'); w.Shorthand && w.Shorthand.initInstantImage w.Shorthand.initInstantImage(el) : w.SHPreloadInstantImages w.SHPreloadInstantImages.push(el) : w.SHPreloadInstantImages = [el]; w.Shorthand.initFocalPointPictures(); })(window)At 3pm on 8 May 1945 Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill declared that all German forces had surrendered It marked the end of almost six years of war in Europe in which 384,000 British soldiers and 70,000 civilians were killed Ecstatic crowds celebrate at London's Piccadilly Circus where buildings had been destroyed and nearly 20,000 residents killed in the Blitz Churchill declared the "unconditional surrender of all German land Hostilities would formally end at a minute past midnight pronouncing: "The German war is therefore at an end," while cautioning that fighting would continue between Allied forces and the Japanese Britain "maintained the struggle" against Hitler's forces "singlehandedly" for a year before being joined by "our splendid Allies" He signed off: "Let us not forget for a moment the toil and efforts that lie ahead Image captionsImage 1Churchill's 3pm VE Day radio broadcast Soldiers and civilians sit above the entrance to Piccadilly Circus Tube Station to watch celebrations The view from Trafalgar Square down to the Houses of Parliament Families fly flags and bunting in the street Crowds had already formed overnight in London after news of ceasefires along all fronts broke the previous day and VE Day was declared a national holiday and the Mall were filled with an estimated one million people Churchill had been assured there was enough beer for the hundreds of thousands celebrating across the capital.. and people were allowed to buy bunting without using their rations After Churchill's radio announcement echoed through the streets thousands outside Buckingham Palace began chanting: "We want the King!" Crowds watch the Guards return to Wellington Barracks as they wait for the King The public waits for the royals outside Buckingham Palace Crowds waits for the royals outside Buckingham Palace and at 3.11pm King George VI appeared on the balcony alongside his wife The Royal Family and Churchill on the Buckingham Palace balcony and Queen Elizabeth on the Buckingham Palace balcony Churchill led a procession of MPs to St Margaret's Church in Westminster for a service of thanksgiving As crowds cheered with delight from either side of the procession still reflecting on the heavy toll of the war A map shows the procession route Churchill and his MPs took on VE Day Twenty similar services were held back-to-back at St Paul's Cathedral for members of the public throughout the day Churchill and MPs during the procession through Westminster huge crowds had gathered outside the Ministry of Health on Whitehall where Churchill eventually appeared to make another VE Day speech People gather outside the Ministry of Health waiting for Churchill to appear He told the thousands assembled: "This is your victory In all our long history we have never seen a day greater than this." This is not a victory of a party or of any class It's a victory of the great British nation as a whole," he declared he added: "The lights went out and the bombs came down and child in the country had no thought of quitting the struggle." He praised how the nation had "come back after long months from the jaws of death… out of the mouth of hell" "Now we have emerged from one deadly struggle – a terrible foe has been cast on the ground and awaits our judgment and our mercy," he concluded to deafening applause his cabinet and King George VI (centre) in the grounds of Buckingham Palace Churchill and his War Cabinet met the King in private at Buckingham Palace before the PM joined him and the Royal Family for a second balcony appearance Children wave flags from the ruins of their homes in Battersea A child helps her mother put up VE bunting in London Women blow party trumpets walking through Piccadilly Circus A sailor and a civilian atop a bus stop in Whitechapel to watch crowds on VE Day A sailor with a young woman on his shoulders to watch VE day crowds in London A sailor washes himself in a fountain after spending all night outside waiting for VE Day A US Army officer takes a photo of revellers in central London Women sat on the Victoria Memorial outside Buckingham Palace waves a copy of a newspaper report of Germany's surrender and villages up and down the country the streets were laid out for parties and the streets alive with people singing and dancing The festivities continued after night fell with bonfires being lit and crowds remaining on the streets A sailor and a young woman sit by a bonfire in a park on VE Day VE Day celebrations continue after dark in London's East End People celebrate on the roof of a taxi in London's Piccadilly An elderly woman gets a hug from a sailor in London on VE Day King George VI broadcast to the country and Commonwealth at 9pm before stepping out on to the balcony for the fourth time two women from the Auxiliary Territorial Service (the female branch of the Army) shone two anti-aircraft searchlights from St Paul's Cathedral One said: "This is the day we've been waiting for... then Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret slipped into the crowds to join the celebrations after dark Queen Elizabeth II said in 1985: "I remember lines of unknown people linking arms and walking down Whitehall all of us just swept along on a tide of happiness and relief." While the young princesses mingled in the crowds their parents stepped out for a fifth and final time just after midnight Crowds fill Piccadilly Circus after dark on VE Day It would be four months before the surrender of the Japanese - and VJ Day - brought a complete end to World War Two A sailor sleeps off VE Day celebrations on some park chairs This Thursday marks 80 years since VE Day While commemoration events will see streets decked out in bunting they will also remember the thousands who sacrificed their lives to ensure Britain's victory Image captionsImage 1London's Oxford Street decorated for the 80th anniversary of VE Day London's Oxford Street decorated for the 80th anniversary of VE Day Queen Camilla and Prince and Princess of Wales watch commemorations in London with events also scheduled across the UK a line of police officers walked hundreds of spectators forward along the Mall past the Queen Victoria Memorial while children are being carried on shoulders to ensure they can catch a glimpse of Buckingham Palace there is a jovial atmosphere with members of the public taking photos and videos as they move towards the palace Senior royals joined thousands of people in London to observe a military procession and RAF flypast that began a series of commemorations marking the end of the second world war in Europe King Charles and Queen Camilla were joined in the royal box by the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children Prince George Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis to watch the procession a tea party for 30 second world war veterans aged from 98 to 104 and about 20 evacuees and others who lived through the war was hosted by the king and queen at the palace Nato allies joined 1,300 members of the UK armed forces for the parade, with the words of Winston Churchill’s 1945 victory speech spoken by actor Timothy Spall kicking off events for the 80th anniversary of VE Day the Cenotaph was draped in a large union flag with the south and north face of the landmark covered It was the first time the war memorial had been draped in union flags since it was unveiled by King George V more than a century ago Crowds started to gather on the Mall on Monday morning with some arriving the day before to secure a viewing spot The commemorations featured displays by the Red Arrows and street parties took place across the UK said the week’s events were a reminder that victory was “not just for Britain” as personnel from the US France and Germany joined the military procession he said: “VE Day is a chance to acknowledge that our debt to those who achieved it can never fully be repaid.” Starmer was greeted with applause from guests as he joined the VE Day street party in Downing Street after the parade walked out of No 10 holding a plate of cakes which he then handed out to some of the guests Starmer then picked up a commemorative teapot and walked around the tables to serve tea before taking his seat began the military procession which set off down Whitehall through Admiralty Arch and up the Mall towards Buckingham Palace The procession officially began shortly after midday when Kennett received the Commonwealth War Graves’ Torch For Peace by air cadet Warrant Officer Emmy Jones Thirty further veterans attended official events on Monday including 26 who watched the procession in London selected from the UK armed forces’ training programme for Ukrainian recruits also took part in Monday’s military procession receiving cheers and applause from the crowds gathered marched in the procession wearing the uniforms of their nations under the Nato flag The royal family are scheduled to take part in engagements over the next four days King Charles and Camilla are “looking forward” to the week’s events Buckingham Palace hopes “nothing will detract or distract from celebrating with full cheer and proud hearts that precious victory and those brave souls on this most special and poignant of anniversaries” Margaret Wood was evacuated from Chingford in east London to the Midlands at the start of the war Wood said the Kate had asked for the book during their conversation at the Buckingham Palace tea party I have written a book about my time as an evacuated and it was published Buckingham Palace may have served as the centrepiece of Monday’s spectacle before Thursday’s anniversary of Victory in Europe Day those remaining few who bore actual witness then and who today serve to remind Back in 1945, Britain allowed itself a brief period of rejoicing on VE Day with overwhelming relief and optimism at Germany’s surrender after long wartime years of deprivation and huge loss of life on all sides tribute was paid with a 1,300-strong military procession The Massed Pipes and Drums march past the Palace of Westminster during a military procession to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day. Photograph: Ben Montgomery/Getty ImagesThe procession set off from beneath the bronze gaze of Churchill’s statue in Parliament Square and ended outside the palace. Elsewhere, street parties were held across the UK. Thousands crowded on to the Mall, many waving red, white and blue flags. Watching from a dais on the Queen Victoria Memorial were the king, queen, senior royals and the prime minister, Keir Starmer, sitting alongside those who had served in the war and who were wrapped up both in their memories and against the spring chill. As Big Ben fell silent, the actor Timothy Spall boomed aloud words from Churchill’s victory speech beginning: “My dear friends, this is your hour.” Charles wore the naval No 1 dress uniform to see Monday’s military procession and flypast in central London reflecting the same choice made by King George VI when he stepped on to the Buckingham Palace balcony on 8 May 1945 On Monday, the Princess of Wales also wore a brooch fit for the occasion – an RAF wings pin. Kate’s grandfather served in the RAF as a fighter pilot during the second world war. The Prince of Wales was dressed in the RAF No 1 uniform. The Princess Royal wore the uniform of the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry (Princess Royal’s Volunteer Corps), emulating what the late Queen Elizabeth II wore when she was a princess appearing on the palace balcony on VE Day in 1945. Members of the royal family watched the parade on Monday from a specially built platform on the Queen Victoria Memorial before making their way to Buckingham Palace’s balcony to watch the flypast overhead. Updated at 17.18 CEST13h ago16.36 CESTThis year’s VE Day commemorations will take on extra poignancy given the fading of the “greatest generation”, reports Agence France-Presse (AFP). It will be the last major commemoration for which “anyone will still be alive who actually served in the second world war,” monarchy specialist Robert Hazell of University College London told AFP. “It’s important to remember some of the poor devils who didn’t make it like I did,” 99-year-old Royal Air Force veteran Dennis Bishop told AFP. The first part of the 80th anniversary commemorations on a chilly Monday morning in London was the draping of two huge union flags on the Cenotaph war memorial. Hundreds of people set up camp outside Buckingham Palace with chairs and rugs. “It’s so emotional to be here today. Eighty years of peace and peace of mind. Where would we be without them?” asked Patrick Beacon, 76, who arrived with his wife at about 7am BST (6am GMT) to get the “best view”. Tourists included 52-year-old Ludivine Batthelot from southern France. “We came out of curiosity because it’s the kind of celebration that the English do so well,” she told AFP. “It’s folklore, we wanted to be in the mood and live the experience.” 13h ago16.22 CESTAt Buckingham Palace, the Prince of Wales told 101-year-old Alfred Littlefield his son Prince George was “interested” in learning about veterans, Littlefield’s granddaughter says. Samantha Davidson, from Denmead in Hampshire, said: The Prince said George is very interested in finding out about the veterans. George even asked my grandfather how old he was during his service. She said that Littlefield was very happy that George has taken an interest in the past. Littlefield himself said: “I’m very proud.” Updated at 16.34 CEST13h ago16.14 CESTGuests have begun to arrive for a VE Day street party hosted by the prime minister at Downing Street. Two long tables lined with red and gold chairs on the street were decorated with flowers, miniature union flags and table mats. Each seat was given a commemorative plate and mug with the words ‘VE Day 80’ written on them, while food served on the tables included Victoria sponge cake, scotch eggs and pork pies. Among the guests were second world war veterans Ruth Brook Klauber and Colin Deverell; both aged 101. Bunting was hanging over the tables and draped over the ground floor windows of No 10. Musicians from the Grenadier guards military band played songs to the guests as they received drinks on arrival. Updated at 16.36 CEST13h ago15.56 CESTA new display of almost 30,000 ceramic poppies at the Tower of London is part of commemorations marking the end of the second world war in Europe The poppies have been set to resemble a wound to reflect the long-lasting sacrifices made during the war The poppies are on loan from the Imperial War Museum and were originally displayed as part of artist Paul Cummins '‘Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red’ installation at the Tower in 2014 commemorating the centenary of the first world war is on view from 6 May until Armistice Day on 11 November Local authorities have offered support for communities and organisations wishing to hold a VE Day street party with some councils such as Portsmouth waiving fees to close roads for the celebrations is in central London and watched the RAF flypast from Waterloo Bridge He has shared a photograph for the live blog and this note: A sizeable crowd had gathered on Waterloo Bridge Buses stopped to let passengers see the planes go overhead and several taxis tooted their horns to salute the flypast According to the PA news agency, veterans will enjoy sandwiches, scotch eggs and scones at the tea party. Also on the menu are potted shrimps with brown bread and butter, egg and bacon quiche, vegetable pasties and sausage rolls. There will also be lemon and carrot cake, chocolate cake, treacle tarts and strawberries and cream. They will dine on large tables in the Marble Hall which has been decorated in bunting made from fabrics recycled from the Royal estate. 14h ago15.04 CESTRAF flypast in picturesHere are some images from the flypast for the 80th anniversary of VE Day: King Charles and Queen Camilla as well as the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children were on the balcony reached the palace at 1.45pm BST with more planes following behind The military flypast passes over the Mall and Buckingham Palace. Photograph: Andrew Matthews/ReutersVeterans watching in Buckingham Palace smiled and looked up as the flypast went over, reports the PA news agency. Army veteran Joe Mines, 100, waved as the planes went over, while others applauded. Politicians including prime minister Keir Starmer, London mayor Sadiq Khan, foreign secretary David Lammy and Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch joined veterans and actor Timothy Spall on the Buckingham Palace garden steps to watch the flyover. They were serenaded by a brass band as they waited for the aircraft. Some of the group applauded, waved and pointed as the first planes flew over the palace. 14h ago14.47 CESTRAF flypast begins as royals watch from Buckingham Palace balconyCrowds have gathered in front of the gates of Buckingham Palace as the RAF flypast begins Military bands played medleys of second world war-era music as they marched an explosion of art and culture is transforming a once-neglected stretch into one of the city's hottest destinations if you know anything about the UK's capital There are those who mourn its supposedly waning hip factor – regaling stories of 1980s warehouse art shows or squat parties – while deploring the rampant commercialism of its supercharged epicentre will rave about new independent galleries or small-plate restaurants in nearby Dalston the general consensus is that East London's long-buzzing arts and food scenes are continuing to move ever further out driven – as in other world cities – by the relentless search for affordability But a few miles east of these oversubscribed neighbourhoods are two boroughs that are lesser known to visitors and have been quietly emerging as London's next artsy enclave: Waltham Forest and Newham Stretching north from Stratford up to Leyton and Walthamstow this  once-unfashionable outer area hasn't always matched East London's brand of cool theatres and bars and some of the city's biggest arts openings that are putting this under-the-radar corner of London on the map The catalyst for these boroughs' rise was the 2012 London Olympics, which transformed the area's scrapyards and brownfield land into the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park – an oasis of rivers canals and water meadows bordered by Stratford "The Olympics brought a huge amount of investment in infrastructure, transport links and housing," said Britannia Morton, co-chief executive of Sadler's Wells, the world-famous Islington-based dance theatre founded in the 18th Century. "The Olympic Park, where our new Sadler's Wells East is based was created converting marshland into this beautiful environment."           Sadler's Wells East, which opened in February 2025, is located in East Bank, a £1.1bn new waterside cultural quarter in the Olympic Park. "[It was] formerly known as Fridge Mountain – a dumping ground for old electronic appliances," said Morton. The first landmark to open here was the University of the Arts' London College of Fashion in October 2023 which has galleries and a cafe open to the public Sadler's Wells East was built in Italian red brick and houses a 550-seat state-of-the-art auditorium and six dance studios with more than 2.8 million objects in its permanent collection "It's a new standard for access to national collections," said Reeve "We're encouraging visitors to feel empowered to make their own journeys through the V&A's global collections." Its main exhibition hall will celebrate leading artists and its galleries will narrate stories of East London's creative and manufacturing heritage Elsewhere in East Bank, BBC Music Studios which will house the BBC Symphony Orchestra and host recording sessions and live performances is slated to open in late 2025 or early 2026 A former cinema designed in 1930 by architect Cecil Masey the distinctive building was inspired by the Moorish architecture of the 13th-Century Alhambra palace in Granada Chuck Berry and the Rolling Stones – before closing in 2003 • London Overground: Four stops to explore the 'real' London • Five unusual historical experiences in London • See another side to London at eight of its most unusual tourist attractions with its original Art Deco stylings revived the Soho Theatre Walthamstow will have a 960-seat Grade II-listed auditorium its current West End location has a capacity of just 240.) "This is the first time we've had a professional theatre in the area," said executive assistant Annie Jones who worked on the restoration project for more than five years "The programme will list up to nine shows a night – a mix of comedy cabaret and theatre all rooted in its community named after a mythical anarchist colony in the 17th Century For Leyton-raised Danny Saunders, owner of tropical cocktail bar Leyton Calling (which opened in summer 2024) and cosy candlelit pub Chop Shop Tavern (which opened in February 2025) "I've come full circle," he said "My latest bar is in the actual arch where I set up my first car repair business back in the day."     Leyton's rise as a whole has, however, been something of a slow-burn. Back in the mid-2010s, nearby Francis Road began to be taken over by independent creative businesses. "I opened here in 2017," said Aimée Madill, who owns Phlox "It was risky as it was still a 'less-developed' part of London but local indie bookshops are more than a business they're a sign of confidence in a community."   Pedestrianised in 2017, the tree-lined street has since blossomed with chic cafes and bars: two of the latest openings are vinyl store-cum-craft beer bar Dreamhouse Records and Loop Dining a pop-up space launched in summer 2024 to host weekly residencies from buzzy up-and-coming chefs "Leyton is characterised by small makers and creatives existing side by side with businesses who've been here decades parts of the area – which adds to the sense of community." So what's next for outer East London? "Young people and families are now priced out of Hackney," said Michaela Zelenanska, who runs natural wine bar Swirl which opened in December 2024 on Tilbury Road "Leyton and neighbouring Leytonstone seem a logical next big thing It's small businesses that make the place what it is." Will London continue to move ever further east "We're already engaging with artists audiences and community groups in Barking and Dagenham," said Morton referencing two outer London suburbs several miles from Leyton and Stratford "East London has always been a creative crucible." Stephen Emms is an East London resident who writes a weekly newsletter called Leytonstoner about the arts If you liked this story, sign up for The Essential List newsletter – a handpicked selection of features For more Travel stories from the BBC, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram.  Rome's most stunning optical illusions revealedFrom the Malta Knights keyhole to a set of vanishing columns, discover the Eternal City's visual secrets. Steven Isserlis: 'I want to be a voice in their heads'In an intimate portrait, acclaimed cellist Steven Isserlis opens up about why he loves teaching young musicians. Watch rare sperm found by AI in IVF labWe go inside a New York City lab developing new tech to increase IVF success rates for patients. Just how dangerous is space debris?In the past decade, the dramatic surge in satellite launches has left space cluttered with junk. 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Starmer said: "I want you to know: the whole nation is inspired by the selfless dedication of your example.""This week the country will show you just how thankful we all are peace and joy that these celebrations embody would not be possible," he said in the letter published by the government.In 1945 VE Day was greeted by wild celebrations in London and across Britain.The late Queen Elizabeth and her younger sister Margaret famously slipped out to join the throng outside Buckingham Palace believed to be the only time during her 96 years she mingled with the public unrecognised.Monday's parade concluded with a flypast by historic military aircraft and the Royal Air Force's Red Arrows display team watched by the royals from the balcony of Buckingham Palace many of them carrying national flags - the red white and blue Union Jack - flocked below to take in the spectacle.The royals who waved to the onlookers gathered outside were also due to host about 50 veterans and others who lived through the war for a tea party inside the palace.Reporting by Michael Holden and Muvija M; Editing by Ros Russell and Gareth Jones Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles., opens new tab , opens new tab Browse an unrivalled portfolio of real-time and historical market data and insights from worldwide sources and experts. , opens new tabScreen for heightened risk individual and entities globally to help uncover hidden risks in business relationships and human networks. © 2025 Reuters. All rights reserved I visited The Robster’s new art exhibit at the glitzy Moco Museum in Marble Arch – and discovered a newfound admiration for the singer-songwriter’s self-reflective Styled in various silhouettes with comedic quotes and taglines it’s notable how most of the artwork doesn’t directly show an illustrated face figures from his past – where much of the work evokes its inspiration – aren’t the centre of attention through the falsities that fame has swung his way Radical Honesty is about no nonsense at all times: “I didn’t want to come and now I don’t want to be here” read one illustration He’s cheekily captured what we think during seminal times of our lives: work meetings; dinner with the in-laws; on dud dates Robbie does a scintillating job of mocking himself with one work depicting his microwave talking to him (and how he’d take its advice over his therapist) this is the work of a man who went to the brink and – just like those innately funny souls who’ve been through it – can look back and laugh He perfectly treads a tightrope between getting a deep There’s no elephant – or monkey– in the room With the monkey being his personified metaphor of cocaine struggles his art grabbed hold of the narratives – both what the press pushed and what he chose to chronicle in his solo music; there’s nothing off-limits A more poignant piece comes in the form of a gigantic hoodie with many pockets on its front; each listing a drug or medication the performer used or abused in the past He less alludes and more blows-up past delusions Contrasting art where he depicted gatherings as beige or faceless are where he’s drawn a clearer visual of himself – evidently the outlines of the man he remembers amidst it all He’ll then veer sharply and personify his social anxiety (she’s called Blanche) the art reads just as Robbie would speak; a droll squiggly writing says: “that feeling when you know you should be crying These coincidentally sobering pieces point to lower times in his life only to be lifted with charmingly daft witticisms: “yes you are self-centred; but what a marvellous self to be centred on” Back to his almost comedic work depicting his social struggles notably in an industry where schmoozing is currency another poignant work was a depiction of his reflection practising conversation topics that “won’t sound insane”: “smelt anything cool lately?” comes his response Even more bonkers was the social introvert chair acting like an artsy bubble where the occupier may sit undisturbed peacefully; it was used as a prop by influencers for boomerangs he greets the room with a short speech punctuated with satire and irony; there’s ironic references to his greatness and career achievements (“why should a pop star with the most-won Brit awards make art pastiche of his own career (“why would I make art then mention night two of my arena tour still has tickets available?” with a glistening side-eye) – but this is no plea for modesty nor a plug; the man has reclaimed the story for himself and off the back of his recent film Better Man the art tonight is a part of that recovery Robbie quietly proclaims the victory of stripping away the facade A doting crowd swarms the man from start to finish – friends undivided attention – everyone gets a word in with the main man as he moves around the man sparkles with the panache of the 20-something mischievous party boy who caused a media ruckus for over a decade but with the softening of a less complicated person who found inner peace We use some essential cookies to make this website work We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK remember your settings and improve government services We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services You have accepted additional cookies. 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You can change your cookie settings at any time Freedom of Information releases and corporate reports Four days of national commemorations to the Second World War generation kick off in London tomorrow with a recital of iconic Winston Churchill speeches by Hollywood actor Timothy Spall Timothy Spall will start the events by reading extracts from Churchill’s iconic VE Day victory speech in 1945 will formally start the procession after being handed the Commonwealth War Graves’ Torch For Peace by Air Cadet Warrant Officer Emmy Jones featuring more than 1,300 members of the Armed Forces and youth groups will march down Whitehall through Admiralty Arch and up the Mall towards Buckingham Palace where Their Majesties The King and Queen the Prime Minister and a number of Second World War veterans will be on a specially built platform on the Queen Victoria Memorial which Members of the Royal Family will watch from the Balcony at Buckingham Palace hundreds of buildings across the country will be lit up to mark VE 80 a service at Westminster Abbey will begin with a national two-minute silence which is expected to be replicated across the nation 80 years ago millions of people celebrated the end of the Second World War in Europe we will recreate this moment across towns and cities We must do all we can to ensure that the stories and memories of this period in our history are not forgotten the heroics and the millions who lost their lives We are here because of the sacrifices they made and the horrors they endured I urge the nation to come together and send a powerful message: we will remember them official events and services will be taking place across the UK to mark 80 years of the end of the Second World War in Europe including events in the Devolved Nations Services of remembrance and community celebrations will take place across Northern Ireland throughout the week. The Government has launched Tip Top Towns a programme to encourage communities across the country - whether towns villages or cities - to get together with their communities ahead of 5 May when the nation will come together for street parties to celebrate VE Day Members of the public are encouraged to get in the VE Day spirit by making their own decorations encouraging children to draw pictures for their windows or hosting arts and craft sessions Welsh Parliament ( Senedd Cymru) in Cardiff Bay Find out more about the 80th anniversaries of VE Day and VJ Day and ways to get involved at ve-vjday80.gov.uk Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details Read more“We have in mind what happened in the last two seasons a former Paris Saint-Germain coach who took over at Lionesses last summer which means we need to be sure we are strong enough “I’m not naive – I know the gap is huge between the Championship and the WSL After [celebrating] I’ll go back to work and start to ensure staff and players look at what are the priorities and what we need to be sure we can compete.” Nonetheless, the Lionesses’ owner, Michele Kang who also owns the French club Lyon and the American side Washington Spirit insists they immediately intend to be a mid-table WSL team revealing after Sunday’s game that her recruitment team are to have a meeting “first thing on Monday morning” to start work on the summer transfer window ShowBrighton left Arsenal shellshocked once again as they ran out 4-2 winners in their final Women's Super League home game of the season Gunners head coach Renee Slegers had been expecting a response from a 5-2 defeat by Aston Villa on Wednesday – which had followed on from their Champions League heroics against Lyon to reach the final – and made six changes to her side gave their fans a memorable send-off at Broadfield Stadium with Fran Kirby (pictured) firing in the opening goal after 16 minutes Although Caitlin Foord equalised just before the half-hour mark Jelena Cankovic struck either side of the break – her second after Arsenal were caught playing out from the back – to put the hosts firmly in control after 52 minutes Kiko Seike added a fourth just two minutes later following a swift counterattack to keep fifth-placed Brighton on course for a highest ever finish in the WSL Arsenal scored a late consolation through Mariona Caldentey in stoppage time with Jenna Nighswonger's effort then pushed on to the crossbar leaving Slegers's squad to regroup as they aim to make sure of runners-up spot in their last league match against closest rivals Manchester United Photograph: John Walton/PAWas this helpful?Thank you for your feedback.“It’s actually going to be much easier to recruit,” she said “A lot of top players didn’t want to join a Championship team but now we’re in WSL I think it’s going to be easier to recruit “We’ve been building the team to be mid-tier WSL but we’ve seen so many clubs that go up and then come down so we’ve been actually on purpose to be at least on day one someone in mid-tier The Met Police and London Fire Brigade are investigating the cause of the fire A man has died after a fire broke out at a home in west London The London Fire Brigade were called shortly after 5.30am on Sunday to a fire at a terraced house on Humes Avenue in Hanwell A 79-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene while a 71-year-old man, who had left the building before the Brigade arrived, was taken to hospital by paramedics from the London Ambulance Service The incident was over for firefighters by 5.53am on Sunday just 20 minutes after they were first called Three fire engines and around 15 firefighters from Ealing and Southall fire stations attended the scene Both the Metropolitan Police and the London Fire Brigade are investigating the cause of the fire The Met told the Standard enquiries are ongoing into how the fire started A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We were called at 5.34am yesterday (4 May) to reports of a fire in Humes Avenue an incident response officer and members of our Hazardous Area Response Team to the scene We treated another patient and took him to hospital.” Anyone with information can call the police on 101 with the reference 1510/4May The celebrations reportedly lasted well into the early hours of the morning prompting complaints from disgruntled neighbours Showbiz Sign up to our free weekly newsletter for exclusive competitions David Beckham’s star-studded 50th birthday party in London was reportedly shut down after a visit by the council over noise complaints The football legend threw a lavish dinner and drinks at the three Michelin-star restaurant Core in Kensington on Saturday night, attended by the likes of Tom Cruise The celebrations reportedly lasted well into the early hours of the morning, prompting complaints from disgruntled neighbours, according to The Sun Two Kensington and Chelsea council officers arrived at the restaurant at 3.35am and “gave advice to minimise disruption” An onlooker said: “David’s party really went off and the longer time went on The insider added: “Some neighbours weren’t very happy when it was still so loud at 2am and leaned out windows to see where the racket was from “Whatever the council said worked because the music stopped immediately.” The Standard has contacted representatives of the Beckhams A spokesperson for Kensington and Chelsea council said: “We have a very responsive and professional team who investigate noise complaints and take action where necessary that means issuing some advice at a location so disruption is kept to a minimum for residents living nearby." The famous clan were treated to a custom menu from chef Clare Smyth and guests could enjoy vegan Bavarian lager Noem Beer Cruz sang Dolly Parton’s hit Islands in the Stream and Romeo gave a heartfelt speech to his father A source said David and Victoria were “upset” that Brooklyn wasn’t with them but everyone “had an amazing time” David Beckham ‘feeling very lucky’ following 50th birthday celebrations Victoria Beckham ‘snubs’ son Brooklyn in post from David’s 50th birthday party Actress Rose Ayling-Ellis tells younger self being deaf is ‘your advantage’ Enter the AXA Startup Angel competition to win £25,000 Brooklyn missed the lavish celebrations despite spending the week in London flying back to the US late on Saturday evening Tensions reportedly escalated after Brooklyn and Romeo following Romeo's relationship with Kim Turnbull - who previously dated Brooklyn's friend Rocco Ritchie Brooklyn is said to be suspicious of Kim’s reasons for dating Romeo marking the beginning of the fallout that led to Brooklyn and Nicola skipping his father's milestone celebrations Celebrity news website TMZ reports that Romeo and Nicola now refuse to attend any family event where Kim is present It comes after Brooklyn’s absence from Victoria’s birthday last month, when he and wife Nicola were seen partying at the Coachella music festival Similarly, neither David nor Victoria posted congratulations online as Brooklyn and Nicola marked their third wedding anniversary. Despite the tension, the source said there has been “some contact”, and both Brooklyn and Nicola were invited to David’s London birthday party — although they did not respond. David and Victoria reportedly hired a £40 million Brigadier Global 6000 private jet for his birthday celebrations on Friday, spending the afternoon wine tasting at a vineyard in Bordeaux before dining at his favourite restaurant in Paris. The family later returned to London for a lavish birthday party yesterday. According to the Mail, the 50th birthday is just the latest of at least 11 family occasions Brooklyn is said to have missed. 64 CommentsAmong the London City Lionesses' teal shirts emblazoned with the word "winners" high heels and sunglasses particularly stood out Michele Kang has not gone about her business quietly since taking over Lionesses last summer but with promotion to the Women's Super League now secured she has done so effectively The celebrations on the pitch at St Andrew's after Lionesses held on for a dramatic 2-2 draw at Championship rivals Birmingham City to secure promotion to the WSL were somewhat unusual with club owner Kang allowed to carry the trophy on to the pitch She was then front and centre of the trophy lift and post-match interviews where she talked up the Lionesses' chances of being the first newly-promoted side in three seasons to avoid WSL relegation "We have been building a team to be at a minimum "When I first came a lot of people were very concerned for me as an independent team: 'how can you do this because you don't have a men's team from which you can draw the equity is proof that with proper investment and resources anything is possible London City Lionesses are the first team with no affiliation with a men's club to earn a place in the WSL they have been a fixture in the second tier but have been turbo charged by their wealthy American owner since her arrival in 2023 who also owns European football powerhouses Lyon and Washington Spirit in the USA is a veteran of women's sport and knows how much money talks Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah (left) has previously played in the WSL for Everton and Aston Villa Lionesses made splashy acquisitions last summer, including manager Jocelyn Precheur who coached PSG in the Champions League semi-finals last season former WSL winner Kosovare Asllani led several eye-catching arrivals along with 2011 World Cup champion Saki Kumagai ex-Barcelona midfielder Maria Perez and experienced Swedish international Sofia Jakobsson with promotion only secured on the final day with this draw at second-placed Birmingham - who came from 2-0 down and pushed hard for a winner until the very end Kang's spending has not only been bold but savvy A state-of-the-art training facility in Kent is planned She has previously called for greater investment and research into the impact of sport on women's bodies and has put her money where her mouth is She said the recruitment team will meet on Monday morning to plan how to avoid Bristol City last year and Crystal Palace this in dropping straight back out of the WSL And it is notable that the two key players at St Andrew's were not headline signings but young British talents The first goal was scored by 22-year-old Izzy Goodwin Championship top scorer this season with 16 strikes from 18 games Having scored plenty in the second tier for Sheffield United and Lionesses it will be fascinating to see how she makes the step up The second was scored by Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah She also made a crucial goalline clearance in the first half "The WSL is a totally different league but we have the experience we have the fans that hopefully keep growing We take each game as it comes and put ourselves on the map," Boye-Hlorkah said "We all love her and what she has done for this club," added Goodwin on Kang Hopefully it makes more teams do this." Isobel Goodwin's 25-yard strike set London City Lionesses on their way to promotion on Sunday That mix of investment and existing talent will be crucial for Lionesses as they aim to establish themselves in the top flight They will want to keep the spirit that saw them over the line in Birmingham and the ability that saw them end the Championship season as joint top scorers But the money will have to be spent wisely Clubs in the WSL get three times the TV money of those in the Championship from a deal which next season is worth £65m over five years across the WSL and Championship The deal is worth about £800,000 to WSL clubs and £270,000 for the Championship teams Staying up could be essential for Lionesses given they have no affiliation with a men's Premier League or Championship side They have no access to Premier League stadiums for big games and instead will play all their home matches at 5,000-capacity Hayes Lane which they share with League Two men's side Bromley The highest paid players in the WSL are on about £300,000 a year which might be more than the whole wage cost for Championship clubs Kang's chequebook has to be open and blank she and the players are up for the challenge "I have a lot of admiration for Michele Kang because I think she is empowering women throughout the game across all levels," former England international Anita Asante told BBC Sport "It's the fact she believes in the value of women's football and she's driving that investment and she wants to compete at the highest level and she wants her players to have the opportunity to keep on excelling." Lionesses' promotion might represent a seismic shift in English women's football proof that top-flight success is possible without men's club backing We wait to see what the woman in the white dress will do next Head here to get involved Get the latest WSL news on our dedicated page To load Comments you need to enable JavaScript in your browser View comments | 64Top storiesTrailblazer Zhao set to take snooker to 'another level' in China Alexander-Arnold leaves as modern Liverpool great - but fans will feel hurt Alpine poised to replace Doohan with Colapinto The final series of Man Like Mobeen has arrived John Simm stars in the provocative 90s drama Warm-hearted comedy with Ben Miller and Sally Phillips Follow two ambitious river restoration projects Who has made Troy's Premier League team of the week Trailblazer Zhao set to take snooker to 'another level' in China Zhao beats Williams in historic final - highlights VideoZhao beats Williams in historic final - highlights 'Scheffler and DeChambeau wins further raise US PGA excitement levels' Match-fixing scandal to Crucible champion - fall and rise of Zhao 'We need to take a look at ourselves' - Arsenal stalling at wrong time Palmer's brilliance could be key moment in Chelsea's Champions League quest Europa League 'papering over cracks' for Man Utd - Rooney VideoEuropa League 'papering over cracks' for Man Utd - Rooney Ask Me Anything the new BBC Sport service designed to serve you Bayern's 'James Bond' - how Kane clinched his first trophy Nine bolters with a shot of making the Lions squad How 'absolutely outstanding' Palmer 'destroyed' Liverpool VideoHow 'absolutely outstanding' Palmer 'destroyed' Liverpool Still number one & 'sparring' with Draper - return of Sinner Saints 'punch' favourites Leinster in game for the ages VideoVardy the best £1m ever spent - Shearer Poppy's tears Elton John & Happy Gilmore - McIlroy on Jimmy Fallon show Two opposing views on football's transgender ban Copyright © 2025 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking. On 10 May the National Gallery in London is to unveil the first full rehang of its collection since the opening of the Sainsbury Wing in 1991. The wing has been closed for just over two years, to create an enlarged and more welcoming entrance foyer. The Art Newspaper was given an early tour by Christine Riding, the director of collections and research, who has overseen the rehang. She describes her task as a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity. Now virtually completed, the rehang means that the National Gallery will show nearly 40% of its collection. National Gallery staff work on the rehanging of The Martyrdom of Saint Sebastian (completed 1475), by Antonio del Pollaiuolo and Piero del Pollaiuolo, in the renovated Sainsbury Wing © The National Gallery, London There will be 1,045 paintings hanging in the upper-floor rooms: 919 from the collection, plus 126 on loan. Nearly a third will be in the Sainsbury Wing and the rest on the main floor of the original Wilkins building. What has gone largely unnoticed amid the fanfare over the imminent reopening is that after the closure of the exhibition Siena: The Rise of Painting, 1300-1350 on 22 June, more pictures from the collection could be presented in the lower rooms of the Wilkins building. At that point around half the gallery’s entire collection of 2,626 paintings would be on view. In the meantime, the present rehang of all the upper rooms, which celebrates the gallery’s bicentenary, has been sponsored by C C Land, a Hong Kong-based property development company. The resulting display is being called “C C Land: The Wonder of Art”. Thirty-four years after the last full rehang, visitors might expect a radical change, but the basic scheme remains similar: a chronological sequence from the west of the building complex to the east, with northern and southern European paintings usually in separate rooms. Within this basic scheme the positions of many pictures have been changed. The number of works on display is slightly greater than before, thanks to a marginally denser hang, more glass cases in the centre of rooms, two walls with 34 plein-air landscape oil sketches (Room 39) and an additional space (Room 15a) with small Dutch pictures. Riding has been particularly keen to emphasise “how artists have been influenced by their predecessors”. For instance, Elisabeth Vigée Le Brun’s Self Portrait in a Straw Hat (1782) is hung in the same octagonal space (Room 15) asthe picture that inspired it, Peter Paul Rubens’s presumed Portrait of Susanna Lunden (1622-25). JMW Turner’s Dutch Boats in a Gale (The Bridgewater Sea Piece) (1801) is displayed alongside earlier Dutch seascapes, including Willem van de Velde’s Dutch Ships and Small Vessels Offshore in a Breeze (about 1660) (Room 19). Riding also points out that artists sometimes owned works by their predecessors. Joshua Reynolds once had Jacopo Bassano’s The Good Samaritan (1562-63) (Room 9) and Lucian Freud had Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot’s Italian Woman (around 1870) (Room 41). Works by female artists have been given greater prominence. The National Gallery has only 27 paintings by women (a reflection of their relative rarity before the late 19th century), of which 12are on display. These include works by Artemisia Gentileschi, Judith Leyster, Rachel Ruysch, Rosa Bonheur, Eva Gonzalès and Berthe Morisot. Some paintings were conserved during the refurbishment, such as Paolo Uccello’s monumental Battle of San Romano (1438-40) (Room 62). A few pictures have also been reframed. The presentation has been rethought. Some paintings are hung slightly higher. It will be interesting to see how the labelling deals with now-controversial subjects, such as race. It is not just the hang that has changed. All painted walls were redecorated. The replica “club-­land” 19th-century leather seating is being replaced by modern wooden benches, giving a more contemporary feel. What next? Decisions on the lower-level displays remain to be finalised, but the seven rooms are likely to house selected works from sections of the collection that are well represented, particularly the Italian Renaissance and the Dutch 17th century. The lower-level rooms would have space for 150 to 300 more paintings. If this goes ahead, then half the collection would be on view. The chronological route then continues on the other side of the upper staircase through the 47 display rooms of the Wilkins building, opened in 1838 and extended on several occasions. The first series of galleries, up to the central hall and portico, will present the later Renaissance and beyond, mainly the 16th and 17th centuries. Further on lie the later galleries, culminating with the early 20th century at the eastern end. Three artists are being honoured with displays in dedicated rooms: Titian, Rembrandt and Claude Monet. Georges Seurat’s newly conserved Bathers at Asnières (1884) is given its own wall in Room 45, with a display case containing related oil sketches. The reopening will certainly lead to an increase in visitor numbers, which is much needed. In 2019, just before Covid-19, the gallery welcomed just over six million visitors, but last year the number was only 3.2 million, partly because ofthe slow recovery of international tourism and the temporary closure of the Sainsbury Wing. Although the full reopening and rehang will provide a welcome boost, Riding does not expect the gallery to get back to pre-Covid-19 figures until 2027. archive30 September 1997A Tate for the 21st century: decisions to be made about the collection remaining at Millbank TateWith modern foreign art to be displayed at Bankside opinion within the Tate differs as to how the story of British art should be told feature4 August 2024More than 1,100 works by 400 artists: how the National Gallery collection will be redisplayedIn May 2025 after a nine-month programme of refurbishing a new interpretation of the museum will be unveiled As the London museum celebrates its 200th birthday its director speaks to The Art Newspaper about plans to reopen the Sainsbury Wing in May 2025 rehang the collection and consider work on a further extension exclusive scoops and rival editors on the warpath but in the years since the British press left Fleet Street the area has been struggling with something of an identity crisis a new literary festival is aiming to lure editors journalists and readers back to the historic thoroughfare which was as notorious for its offices of smoking hacks at typewriters as it was for the booze-soaked bars frequented by them."},"children":[]}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"Aiming to “explore how words shape our world” the inaugural Fleet Street Quarter Festival of Words is a cultural programme of events that covers current affairs and journalism Alongside breakfast briefings with journalists and fireside chats with beauty editors the multi-venue"},"children":[]}]}]},"summary({\"maxCharCount\":200})":{"type":"json","json":[{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"It was once the home of liquid lunches A literary festival this month hopes to build on that 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Death"},"children":[]}]}]}]},"summary({\"maxCharCount\":175})":{"type":"json","json":[{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"italic","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"Will Hodgkinson"},"children":[]}]},{"name":"break","children":[]},{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"Best known for their soaring Death and Dennis"},"children":[]}]}]}]},"summary({\"maxCharCount\":225})":{"type":"json","json":[{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"italic","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"Will Hodgkinson"},"children":[]}]},{"name":"break","children":[]},{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"Best known for their soaring Death and Dennis Hopper"},"children":[]}]},{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":" York and more — many free of charge — and charming places to spend the night","slug":"seven-of-the-uks-best-museum-and-gallery-exhibitions-for-2025","categoryPath":"/travel/destinations/uk-travel/seven-of-the-uks-best-museum-and-gallery-exhibitions-for-2025-5drjcr2h2","__typename":"Article","summary({\"maxCharCount\":105})":{"type":"json","json":[{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"As the new year approaches museums and galleries across the UK are unveiling exciting exhibitions for"},"children":[]}]}]},"summary({\"maxCharCount\":125})":{"type":"json","json":[{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"As the new year approaches museums and galleries across the UK are unveiling exciting exhibitions for 2025 No matter where"},"children":[]}]}]},"summary({\"maxCharCount\":145})":{"type":"json","json":[{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"As the new year approaches from"},"children":[]}]}]},"summary({\"maxCharCount\":160})":{"type":"json","json":[{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"As the new year approaches from London to"},"children":[]}]}]},"summary({\"maxCharCount\":175})":{"type":"json","json":[{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"As the new year approaches you’ll"},"children":[]}]}]},"summary({\"maxCharCount\":225})":{"type":"json","json":[{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"As the new year approaches A literary festival this month hopes to build on that heritageThe news history of the Fleet Street area is long and storiedMICKEY LEE/MEDIAMIXERLiz ConnorMonday May 05 2025 The TimesIt was once the home of liquid lunches which was as notorious for its offices of smoking hacks at typewriters as it was for the booze-soaked bars frequented by them Aiming to “explore how words shape our world” Analysis comes as London Assembly housing chief warns an entire generation ‘will never get on to the housing ladder independently’ The staggering cost of getting homes built in London compared with other parts of England has been laid bare in new research by a leading think tank Analysis by the non-partisan Centre for London has revealed how the ‘upfront cost’ of constructing 88,000 new homes a year - the Government’s annual target for the capital - is roughly 43 times higher than meeting the equivalent target in the West Midlands and 36 times higher than in Greater Manchester The findings come as polling commissioned by the think tank and conducted by Savanta separately shows that 60 per cent of Londoners whose housing costs have increased in the last 12 months said they have considered moving out of the capital The analysis and polling were shared at the centre’s 2025 housing summit on Wednesday, where Sem Moema, chair of the London Assembly’s housing committee warned: “If we don’t fix the housing crisis the character of the city will be extinguished added: “I see in my own constituency the hollowing out that occurs and continues to occur when the failure to fix the housing crisis for a decade and a half changes the character of our city “In all three boroughs, we’re being forced to consider closing schools, because there are basically no children left in north east London Families can no longer afford to own or even rent properties in my boroughs.” the Centre for London found that the crisis is being exacerbated by the fact that the upfront cost to developers if they built enough homes to hit the Government’s target in the capital The estimate was produced by combining the costs associated with the Building Safety Levy the Community Infrastructure Levy and planning fees for local councils the figure in the West Midlands metropolitan county - which includes Birmingham - was only £50.6m and was only slightly higher in Greater Manchester Yet in the London borough of Wandsworth alone - which had the highest cost of any London council area - the estimate was £253.9m The think tank’s polling has meanwhile revealed the shocking number of Londoners who are living in poor quality homes Some 31 per cent report living with damp or mould 27 per cent say they are not able to keep their home warm even with the heating on and 23 per cent claim to have encountered invasive pests such as rats As home ownership becomes further out of reach for many Londoners it raises urgent questions about future social challenges London 'long way off' eliminating new HIV cases by 2030 Concern over 'surge' in Tube graffiti - with two lines especially hit Baby bitten by bed bugs as family stuck in 'house of horrors' in south-east London Ms Moema said: “We have a generation who will never get on to the property ladder independently but without the security of a property to support them the costs of not doing anything will be greater than the costs of further investment.” Commenting on the Labour Government’s approach to tackling the housing crisis Centre for London CEO Antonia Jennings said: “The changes made thus far are encouraging – we’ve seen increased investment in the Affordable Homes Programme planning reform which allow building on low-quality sections of the green belt and the new Renters Reform Bill “We urgently need ambitious solutions that respond to the scale of the challenges facing the capital From historic levels of homelessness to the sky-high costs of building new homes the Government must get behind London’s leaders and invest in the capital to finally turn the corner on the housing crisis.” a TikTok influencer called Maria Vehera opened a packet of ‘Dubai chocolate’ in her car and filmed herself eating it 124.6 million people have watched her swallowing this pistachio-based gloop A butterfly flaps its wings – or an influencer eats some chocolate – and soon people are setting their alarms for 5 a.m Angus Colwell is The Spectator’s assistant online editor Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for £3 Already a subscriber? Log in London City Lionesses will be promoted to the WSL if they avoid defeat on Sunday Owned by a visionary businesswoman and one of the few independent women's football clubs not affiliated to a men's team London City Lionesses stand on the brink of history It will be a straight shootout for promotion to the Women's Super League between the Lionesses and Birmingham City on Sunday as the Women's Championship promotion race comes down to the final day of the season The Lionesses sit two points clear at the table summit and will be promoted to the top tier for the first time if they avoid defeat at second-placed Birmingham While it could become the biggest day in the club's short history for manager Jocelyn Precheur and owner Michele Kang "We have a long-term project here," Precheur said We have a long road but we will do it in two Maybe I look arrogant but Michele is very clear about the project We want to create a good club in England." who has played in four of Europe's 'big five' leagues and earned just shy of 200 caps for Sweden considers it one of the biggest games of her career "It feels like a final," Asllani told BBC Sport "These are the games you want to play It's a game between the two best teams in the league." Should they get over the line at the weekend the Lionesses will become the 20th different club to play in the top flight since its restructuring in 2011 How football tycoon gave Lyon a new lease of life Kang announces $50m for women's sport London City aim to reach WSL 'as fast as possible' Millwall Lionesses split from Millwall FC to become an independent and fully professional team In the following season the renamed London City Lionesses joined the Women's Championship It hasn't been smooth sailing for the Bromley-based Lionesses yo-yoing between second and eighth in the table during their first five seasons and going through five permanent managers - and three interims - prior to Precheur's arrival from Paris St-Germain in June 2024 in 2022-23 they did come within touching distance of promotion finishing in third position but only three points behind champions Bristol City Although they finished second the previous year the Lionesses reached the fifth round of the Women's FA Cup this season and last while they qualified for the Women's League Cup quarter-finals in 2023-24 Michele Kang (right) owns London City Lionesses marking the start of a new era for the club The South Korea-born American investor was inspired to invest in women's sport after meeting the World Cup-winning US women's national team in 2019 She has invested more than £40m in rugby and football the industry's first women's multi-club soccer ownership group and has built up a portfolio of women's football teams purchasing NWSL team Washington Spirit and French serial trophy winners Lyon Her objective couldn't be clearer: to make every team she owns champion of their respective league Kang's influence has been eye-catching who led PSG to the last four of the 2023-24 Women's Champions League and bringing in more than a dozen new players throughout this season The headline additions included veteran Sweden internationals Sofia Jakobsson and Asllani and five-time Women's Champions League winner Saki Kumagai Kang has relocated the club to Bromley and purchased the 28-acre Cobdown Park in Aylesford with the ambition of constructing a centre of excellence for women's and girls' football "It's great to have her [at our games] and when she's there The things she's done at this club and the other clubs is great," Goodwin said who was inspired to join the Lionesses after seeing the transformation at Washington Spirit Kang's biggest asset isn't her investment but her commitment to her vision "What she's doing is amazing and I hope it will inspire other clubs or other rich people to invest in women's football," Precheur told BBC Sport "We've heard many times in the past people who arrive [and say] we want to be promoted and play in the Champions League "You cannot realise how different it is if you haven't spoken with Michele She knows what she wants and when she says something It has to come from the top if you want to breed a winning culture." With Kang's investment and the flurry of new arrivals London City Lionesses were runaway pre-season favourites to secure promotion to the WSL Many expected them to win the Championship at a canter the promotion race has turned into a nail-biter Victory over Durham last week would have seen them crowned champions with a match to spare but they were held to a 1-1 draw – the second time this season Adam Furness' side have proved a thorn in the Lionesses' side after beating them 3-2 in November Sunderland and Charlton have also taken points off the league leaders who won last November's reverse fixture 2-1 The Lionesses have had to fight hard for their league-leading 13 wins with seven of those victories coming via a one-goal margin Sweden international Kosovare Asllani was one of more than a dozen new signings for 2024-25 Precheur believes it was disrespectful to the quality of the league to tout London City Lionesses as champions-in-waiting before a ball had been kicked "We identified four or five very good teams We identified Birmingham as a strong opponent and they confirmed the first feeling I had about them "We think with huge financial support We need to create a culture and so many things to have everything we need to perform consistently during the season but it's a lack of respect for the other teams It was a little lack of respect to think that it will be easy." 'One big push' - WSL promotion decider awaits fallen giants More on this storyGet the latest WSL news on our dedicated page Lauryn Henderson said she found the advice ‘completely shocking’ and is pushing for her family to be relocated A West London mum-of-two has spoken of her shock after being advised by a council officer to “securely place” her autistic daughter in a room while she collects her specialised buggy after she raised concerns about the logistics of her living situation Lauryn Henderson, 25, has also been recommended to look to order more groceries online and to wrap her window panes in bubble wrap and plywood to prevent her daughter causing damage Ms Henderson said she found the advice “completely shocking”, and is pushing both Hammersmith and Fulham Council and her landlord Notting Hill Genesis to relocate her and her family to a more appropriate property A spokesperson for Hammersmith and Fulham said the local authority is “urgently asking” Notting Hill Genesis to find Ms Henderson a new home A spokesperson for the provider added they are looking for a property which better meets her needs ‘but this could take some time’ one-bed Shepherd’s Bush home in early 2020 with her eldest daughter with there being no hot water or heating upon her and her daughter’s arrival The situation came to a head the following year when Ms Henderson said she contacted Notting Hill Genesis due to worsening damp and mould She said the window frames were rotting and black mould was appearing and she feared her daughter would injure herself she bangs on the windows which she still does now because she can see outside,” she said “And at the time I was obviously very fearful of her smashing through a single-glazed window.” A surveyor was sent to the property by the provider in February 2022 who found there was ‘not a damp problem nor is there any issues with the sash windows or any leak into the front room’ Ms Henderson enlisted the help of a solicitor and had a private surveyor conduct their own inspection The second surveyor’s findings differed to the initial report noting following a visit in April 2022: “There is damp staining around and mould growth to the internal face of the external walls within the living room It is considered that the excessive moisture is a result of penetrating damp through defective window components.” Atticus Baldwin calls for more autistic representation in Hollywood Safeguarding improvements vowed after mother pushed dead daughter round market Octopus founder Greg Jackson joins board of growth advisory body Meal2Deal: on a mission to make food poverty history Notting Hill Genesis has since completed the requested works with repairs finished last year Ms Henderson however maintains she continues to face difficulties with her landlord which she believes should upgrade her to its highest-priority band for a new home Her concerns primarily revolve around the needs of her eldest daughter, who is nearly six years old and has autism has bundles of energy and needs space and routine to regulate her emotions She argued her current property fails to meet these requirements and that the flight of stairs into the home up which she has to carry her eldest daughter Notting Hill Genesis said an independent panel has confirmed her suitability for Band B rather than Band A I am placed in a position where I must risk the safety of one or both of my children due to the unsuitable nature of our accommodation,” Ms Henderson said A spokesperson for Notting Hill Genesis said: “We take matters of damp and mould in our residents’ homes extremely seriously and operate a zero-tolerance approach to its presence “When Lauryn first raised the issue we began work to fix the disrepair However we found that the work completed was not up to standard and as a result we changed contractors which did cause delays We are sorry for the length of time it took to get the matter fully resolved and Lauryn was compensated as a result “We have been in consistent communication with Lauryn and understand she believes she should be in a higher transfer banding She has appealed this a number of times and an independent panel has confirmed that the band rating matches her circumstances “We are working to find Lauryn somewhere that better meets her needs but this could take some time Nominations for homes generally come from the local authority and waiting times are long but in the meantime we can support Lauryn to apply for a mutual exchange if a suitable option can be found and arrange an assessment by an occupational therapist if she feels there are medical reasons her banding should be higher.” Alongside her to-and-fro with Notting Hill Genesis, Ms Henderson said she has simultaneously been appealing for further support from Hammersmith and Fulham Council Currently a Band Two on the local authority’s housing list Ms Henderson is pushing to be upgraded to a Band One in the hope it will secure her and her young family a larger home Ms Henderson has twice submitted medical assessments with the council in a bid to be moved up a banding The first was completed in 2022 before she had her second child The council responded by saying she qualified for Band Two a decision Ms Henderson requested be reviewed dated April 29 2022 and seen by the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) a council officer detailed the various concerns raised by Ms Henderson from the damp and mould to her daughter trying to eat objects including wood around the windows the officer wrote that in regard to fears relating to the windows: “I would suggest using cut-to-size plywood and bubble wrap to cover over the bottom 2 panes of glass.” The officer continued to provide an estimate of what it would cost which they admitted ‘is not cheap’ but deemed a reasonable measure On Ms Henderson’s concerns regarding not having a private garden or ground floor property the officer found these were not ‘medically necessary’ adding: “You could consider ordering your shopping online and have it delivered to your home in order to reduce the number of items you need to carry in with you at the same time.” Ms Henderson said she found the recommendation to purchase plywood and bubble wrap particularly distasteful “The fact that they went to the lengths of calculating the price to tell me it could be delivered in 24 hours and the fact that they want me to board my windows up and to state that I’ll still get natural light coming in through the windows was I think the most shocking comment of them all.” “I shouldn’t have to live in a way where I’ve got to board my windows up for it to be deemed as safe,” she added “Would they go home and board their own windows up Ms Henderson completed the second medical assessment in March 2024 At the time she was pregnant with her second child The council deemed Ms Henderson to continue to meet the requirements for Band Two the reviews officer upheld the original decision explaining Band One placements ‘are reserved for people with the most serious types of illness or other exceptional circumstances where there is an urgent need to move’ Responding to Ms Henderson’s concerns about lifting her eldest daughter and her buggy up and down the stairs an issue she stated would be made worse once she had her baby the officer wrote: “Issues such as the buggy being too heavy have to be resolved as you reside at the address and as circumstances change over time You have stated that you feel it is unsafe to leave your daughter at the top or bottom of the stairs while you arrange to take the buggy up but there remains the option to securely place your daughter in one of the rooms while you go back to retrieve the buggy.” Ms Henderson said she has since hired a solicitor to support her case and that she will continue to contest both Notting Hill Genesis and the council’s assessments “I don’t understand how they don’t deem it to be an urgent need to move,” she said “In terms of when they say about going down for her buggy I’m not sure which room they want me to secure her in but those stairs are steep and all it takes is one slip on those stairs.” A spokesperson for Hammersmith and Fulham said: “We are urgently asking the landlord to find a more suitable home for Ms Henderson we’re working closely with Ms Henderson to provide support where we can for her and her family.” Eight arrested in UK’s biggest separate anti-terror operations for years News | UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper thanked police for disrupting among “the biggest counter-terrorism threats seen in recent years” after eight men were arrested in two separate investigations that both involved Iranian nationals had been held at locations across England on Saturday on suspicion of preparation of a terrorist act The suspected attack was “hours away” from being launched Sources told the Mail that the plot was a “major attack’” that could have led to an imminent threat to life While an expert said it was “highly likely” elite soldiers from the SAS joined counter-terror cops and MI5 in foiling the alleged plot Scotland Yard and the security services uncovered a suspected plot to target a single premises The force confirmed a further three Iranian men were arrested on Saturday as part of a separate operation Metropolitan Police detectives have been in contact with the site in the first plot to make them aware and to provide relevant advice and support but it has not been identified for operational reasons Ms Cooper said: “These were two major operations that reflect some of the biggest counter state threat and counter terrorism operations that we have seen in recent years “I want to thank the police and security services who showed the most impressive professionalism and expertise in carrying out these operations to keep the country safe “We support the police and the security agencies in the ongoing work that they are doing The most important thing is to protect our national security.” Asked about possible links to the Iranian state, she said: “These are major operations that have taken place and the ongoing investigation is immensely important, and of course it involves Iranian nationals in both investigations and we are supporting the police and the security agencies in the investigations that they are taking and the security assessments that they are doing “But this reflects the complexity of the kinds of challenges to our national security that we continue to face that we have set out and that is why protecting our national security including supporting these extremely professional operations and investigations remains our top priority.” Settled conditions to remain this week with higher temperatures by the weekend Thousands to line streets as four days of VE Day commemorations to begin Nato allies to join military procession in London as VE Day events begin How Give Your Best aims to solve clothing poverty in the UK the Met Police’s head of counter-terrorism said one was a plot for an attack against a specific premises while the other was a national security arrest He said the force made all the arrests they are seeking to – but several hundred officers are still working on the investigations Police are not treating the two cases as linked and Mr Murphy asked the public to “avoid speculation and some of the things that are being posted online” He told Sky News it was “unusual for us to conduct this scale of activity” who served in British military intelligence told MailOnline: "It's distinctly possible that - with this given a national level of threat and with hostile state links - there could be SRR troops from a surveillance perspective and they could have brought in special forces operatives as a backup team for counter terror police "There's a strong possibility given the multifaceted nature of the threat that counter terror could have been working with UK special forces." Col Ingram said it was "rare" for the military to be involved in supporting police operations but not unprecedented The first four Iranians were arrested on suspicion of preparation of a terrorist act contrary to section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006 whose nationality is yet to be established was detained under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act Those arrested include a 29-year-old man in the Swindon area, a 46-year-old man in west London, a 29-year-old man in the Stockport area, a 40-year-old man in the Rochdale area and a fifth man in the Manchester area Another three Iranian men were arrested at three addresses in London as part of a separate counter-terrorism operation under section 27 of the National Security Act 2023 Section 27 grants constables the power to arrest individuals without a warrant if they reasonably suspect them of being involved in “foreign power threat activity” Two men, aged 39 and 44, were arrested at separate addresses in north-west London and the third – a 55-year-old man – was held in west London said in October that authorities had stopped 20 state-backed plots hatched by Iran in the UK since 2022 He warned of an “unprecedented pace and scale” of plots posing “potentially lethal threats” to British citizens and UK residents Iran was the first foreign power to be listed on the enhanced tier of the foreign influence registration scheme (Firs) aimed at protecting the UK from malign foreign influence It means anyone who is directed by Iran to carry out activities in the UK must declare it or face five years in prison The scheme is due to come into force in July A resident of Rochdale said he saw counter terrorism officers raid a neighbouring property after his kids ran inside from playing in the garden “We heard a massive bang and saw loads of police everywhere with guns shouting at us to get inside the house,” Kyle Warren told Sky News “We went inside and went upstairs to see what was going on “Then we saw a man getting pulled out from the back he basically got dragged down the side entry and thrown into all the bushes and then handcuffed “There must have been 20 to 30 police officers.” Angel Radio has expanded its digital broadcast area rejoining the Surrey & South London DAB multiplex This move significantly increases the community station’s reach nearly quadrupling its broadcast footprint Angel Radio produces programming for listeners aged over 60 with a mix of speech and music recorded between 1900 and 1969 I’d like to thank our listeners for their support in making it possible for us to return to the Surrey & South London DAB multiplex our team of volunteers have tirelessly worked to cater for older people We’ve done this despite having no shareholders and an increasingly crowded radio landscape Angel Radio stands proud of its programming and the impact it has on our audience.” The decision to rejoin the multiplex is part of a wider effort to adapt to today’s changing media environment Angel Radio’s Digital Development Manager said the station needs to evolve with its audience and that being on DAB in the area is an important step Angel Radio broadcasts across multiple local DAB multiplexes including South Hampshire and is also available on FM in parts of Hampshire and West Sussex Photo: Ian in the studio Credit: Tony Smith Get real time updates directly on you device Posted in: Comics, Current News | Tagged: , Shakespeare's Vampires by Colleen Douglas is to launch from FairSquare Graphics at MCM Comic Con in London this month "Romeo and Juliet did not really die in the traditional sense. The night they tried to commit suicide they were turned into vampires. This changed everything. And for the past 400 years, they've been at war with each other. Looks like their relationship went beyond "it's complicated." And now, in modern day London, two sisters are at the center of a centuries long conflict that could reshape the underworld forever… "Shakespeare's Vampires offers a darkly imaginative twist on the classic tale of Romeo and Juliet. Set over 400 years after their transformation into vampires, the star-crossed lovers are now immortal adversaries locked in an eternal war. This genre-blending narrative combines elements of Shakespearean drama with supernatural intrigue, delivering a story that is both timeless and thrilling." Shakespeare's Vampires is based on concepts and characters created by Fairspace's Fabrice Sapolsky. It features art from Brazilian-Japanese artist Lissa and variant covers by Yishan Li, Kath Lobo, and Fabrice Sapolsky. Attendees of MCM London Comic Con will have the first opportunity to buy early copies of Shakespeare's Vampires at Artist's Alley, meet writer Colleen Douglas, and encounter her rather wonderful packaging offerings as well… Enjoyed this? Please share on social media! London City Lionesses promoted to WSL on final day London City Lionesses earned promotion to the Women's Super League for the first time despite title rivals Birmingham City coming from two goals down to force a thrilling draw on the final day of the Championship season A remarkable campaign came to an epic conclusion as the top two in the second tier met at St Andrew's where Birmingham needed to win to take the only promotion spot Championship top scorer Izzy Goodwin broke the deadlock for London City two minutes after half-time with a brilliant strike cutting in from the left wing before firing into the top corner right-footed from 25 yards The match appeared to be going only one way shortly before the hour when Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah - who had cleared a Birmingham effort off the line in the first half - headed in following a corner But Emily van Egmond bundled in from close range to pull one back for Birmingham before Cho So-hyun forced a grandstand finish with a skilfully executed volley with four minutes to go which means their stint in the second tier will continue into a fourth season 'We are only going up' - London City in WSL to stay WSL promotion shootout as London City face Birmingham Ambitious Lionesses recruit Asllani and ex-PSG boss Promotion represents vindication for wealthy Lionesses owner Michele Kang who took over in summer 2024 with the ambition of reaching the top of the women's game in England After hiring former Paris St-Germain boss Jocelyn Precheur and making several statement signings - including former WSL winner Kosovare Asllani - they have made the first step It also means Lionesses will become the first ever independent women's club Lionesses finish two points clear of Birmingham at the top of the Championship and they will replace relegated Crystal Palace in the WSL for 2025-26 "Since the beginning of the season it was tough "Maybe people think with money it wields say to build a team without financial support we could not do everything but there were a lot of things to do "Being promoted after just one season is amazing and completely outstanding It was tough and I also want to recognise the performance of Birmingham because it is a little unfair to be honest in a game like this to see we only have one team promoted because I think both teams needed to be promoted." Izzy Goodwin scored her 16th league goal of the season to put London City Lionesses ahead with two high quality teams meeting and so much on the line Birmingham kicked off as joint highest scorers in the Championship London City were unbeaten in their 10 previous games but they started slowly against a Birmingham side who had triumphed in their three previous meetings A tense first half saw both teams have efforts cleared off the line Emily van Egmond saw her header blocked in the 13th minute by Boye-Hlorkah who was brought into the starting XI by Precheur after being benched for last week's draw against Durham Then shortly before the break at the other end Boye-Hlorkah capitalised on an error by home goalkeeper Adrianna Franch only for Rebecca Holloway to make a last-ditch hooked clearance But Goodwin provided a moment of individual inspiration for her 16th goal in 20 Championship games and it set up Lionesses to complete their promotion mission Boye-Hlorkah and Van Egmond traded goals before Cho made it particularly nerve-jangling with Birmingham's equaliser But the WSL founder members and former Women's FA Cup winners must wait for their return to the top flight Birmingham defender Rebecca Holloway made a last-gasp goalline clearance in the first half It will be fascinating to see how Lionesses who have no affiliation with a men's club They will be facing 11 sides backed by associations with men's Premier League and Championship teams London City have hefty backing of their own from Kang's Kynisca Sports International group which also owns Women's Champions League semi-finalists Lyon and American heavyweights Washington Spirit this is the latest step in a remarkable journey for London City since they were born in 2019 out of a breakaway from Millwall Lionesses They have several recognisable names in their squad and are planning a world-class and female-centred training facility at Cobdown Park in Kent the promoted team have gone straight back down from the WSL - Bristol City in 2024 and Palace this year bucking that trend is their next challenge but they have made no secret about having loftier ambitions than that Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah celebrates scoring the second goal which proved crucial for Lionesses The BBC is not responsible for any changes that may be made substituted for Louise Quinn at 86 minutesNumber 24 substituted for Cho So-Hyun at 75 minutesNumber 10 substituted for Lucy Quinn at 56 minutesNumber 26 London City LionessesManager: Jocelyn Prêcheur Wilde Match OfficialsReferee: Stacey FullicksAssistant Referee 1: Daniel SykesAssistant Referee 2: Phoebe HornerFourth Official: Amy FearnMatch StatsKey The national treasure's unbelievably gorgeous gaff has just hit the property market - and it could be yours if you've got a spare £5 million another piece of ravishing real estate to hit London’s property market This particularly luxurious listing comes courtesy of comedian Having lived in his stunning home in Wapping for 20 years Norton is reportedly moving on to pastures new; leaving the picture-perfect pad to be snapped up by somebody else somebody who has a spare £5 million kicking about The jaw-droppingly gorgeous gaff dates all the way back to 1811 and – among other things – boasts four bedrooms and a private beach that can only be accessed twice a day at low tide seamlessly blending the gorgeous character of a period townhouse with the modern charm of a converted warehouse principal suite that spans the entire top floor and the aforementioned beach; I can safely say there’s a new item at the top of my manifestation list You can have a peruse of the full property listing here a collection of 97 paintings of ‘emotional resonance’ by the singer-songwriter After the success of this year’s biopic A Complete Unknown, a whole new generation has learned about the lyricism, nasal vocal style and often-frustrating nature of Bob Dylan And this month they will get the chance to discover he is also a painter as the songwriter exhibits a series of original artworks – created with “emotional resonance” – in London will unveil 97 recent works featuring characters objects and various scenes at the Halcyon Gallery And it seems that he is not only still touring in his 80s is based on original sketches created by Dylan between 2021 and 2022 sportspeople – along with rooms and places where Dylan spent time The drawings were painted over with vivid colours to create “living breathing entities that have emotional resonance “The idea was not only to observe the human condition but to throw myself into it with great urgency,” he added The studies include a mirror reflecting a set of lips a saxophonist and a cowboy with a pistol hanging on his belt in front of a rising sun Some of the drawings are tangled up as blue reminiscent of Pablo Picasso’s early blue period One of the works from the Point Blank exhibition Photograph: HalcyonThe Point Blank series began as a book and includes accompanying prose said: “These works on paper feel like memories intangible windows into the life and imagination of one of the greatest storytellers who ever lived “People who attend the exhibition will discover that they provoke stories from our imagination We consider the circumstances of the protagonists and ponder our movement through the spaces that the artist depicts.” The Halcyon Gallery previously exhibited Dylan’s series Drawn Blank which featured graphite drawings made when travelling between Europe Asia and the US from 1989 to 1992 – and later reworked with paint Dylan describes the process of making his work as a way to “relax and refocus a restless mind” during busy tours Paul Green, the president and founder of Halcyon, said: “It is nearly 18 years since Halcyon first started working with Bob Dylan and it has been an extraordinary experience to watch this cultural icon develop into such a critically revered and important visual artist so closely “This latest body of paintings feels like a more intimate connection to the artist than in any of his previous work and it is a great privilege to share them with the public for the first time.” The exhibition is free of charge and will open on 9 May Goodwin’s stunning long-range strike and a Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah header put the visitors 2-0 up and Birmingham, backed by a club-record crowd of 8,749, knowing they had to win to be promoted, fought back valiantly in the final 27 minutes through Emily van Egmond’s header and Cho So-hyun’s volley – four minutes from time – to set up a frantic finish but the visitors clung on to the draw they needed to clinch top spot. Lionesses will be the WSL’s first independently run club and the wealthy American businesswoman has made no secret of her intention to turn them into a Champions League force She was front and centre in the team’s celebrations even carrying the trophy on to the pitch before it was presented and stood side-by-side with the captain Kosovare Asllani as the Swede hoisted the silverware a delighted Kang told TalkSport: “When I first came to England and bought London City a lot of people were concerned for me and were saying: ‘How can she do this you need a men’s team to draw the brand power fanbase and resources – an independent team can’t do it.’ Well Her cash injection in the past two transfer windows in particular brought the English women’s second tier into uncharted territory and therefore it was perhaps fitting that it should be Goodwin the division’s record signing – purchased for a fee believed to be in excess of £100,000 from Sheffield United – who played a key role in this promotion decider The 22-year-old former Aston Villa forward She produced a goal-of-the-season contender to open the scoring skilfully evading two challenges before launching a powerful strike from long range that flew into the top corner After the game a beaming Goodwin told Sky Sports: “I can’t believe it I don’t think I’ve ever scored a goal like that in my life.” who also owns the record eight-times women’s European champions Lyon and the NWSL side Washington Spirit was in the executive boxes at a noisy St Andrew’s sitting near to Birmingham’s owner Tom Wagner in what was a clash between the second tier’s two big-spending promotion rivals with the league’s chief executive Nikki Doucet and chair Dawn Airey also in attendance The game was the first in the history of the English women’s second tier to be broadcast live by Sky Sports such was the magnitude of the occasion with promotion on the line and viewers were rewarded with a box-office finale as Birmingham pushed for a winner in 10 minutes of second-half stoppage time Both teams had efforts cleared off the line in a tense first half with firstly Boye-Hlorkah denying Van Egmond before Birmingham’s Rebecca Holloway did well to hook away a Boye-Hlorkah effort at the other end Goodwin also forced Adrianna Franch into a fine low save before the break Boye-Hlorkah headed inside the far post from a corner before Van Egmond gave the hosts’ hope from close range and then the substitute Cho had them believing After his team survived 10 minutes of stoppage time looked emotionally drained when speaking to reporters and said: “It means a lot I was so satisfied to give her [Kang] this gift because people cannot really realise what she’s doing right now for women’s football Free weekly newsletterNo topic is too small or too big for us to cover as we deliver a twice-weekly roundup of the wonderful world of women’s football As her teammates danced and sang on the pitch the Republic of Ireland left-back Megan Campbell You’ve got a fantastic owner in Michele Kang who wants to promote the women’s game and do what she can for it and when you’ve got someone like that in charge Tourists were left waiting in the heat on Thursday as engineers were called to attend the stalled attraction The London Eye broke down twice on the hottest day of the year leaving people trapped temporarily inside its capsules Tourists waiting to board the iconic attraction at around 3.45pm on Thursday were told “engineers are in attendance” via an announcement Footage of the incident appeared to show the wheel at a standstill as an automated voice told visitors: “Our engineers are in attendance Jen Mills, a reporter at the Metro, who first reported on the incident was one of those who was left stuck on the tourist attraction alongside her family The journalist explained her son started “sweating and crying” as the capsule heated up When you are at the top it is quite scary.” The attraction is understood to have broken down twice on Thursday afternoon with the two incidents taking place around 40 minutes apart Tourists queued for the attraction on the hottest day of the year so far on Thursday. Temperatures in the capital peaked at 28C, which was recorded in Kew Gardens, making it the hottest ever May 1 ever recorded in the UK. In an post on X, the team behind the London Eye confirmed there had been issued on Thursday. A post from the London Eye’s official account said: “Earlier today, the London Eye temporarily paused to investigate a minor technical issue. “Our team were able to quickly resolve the issue, resulting in a short 10-minute delay to boarding, after which we resumed operating as usual. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.” I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Watch as thousands gathered in central London on Monday, 5 May, to witness the Red Arrows soar above the capital, commemorating the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day VE Day, observed annually on 8 May, marks the end of the Second World War in Europe in 1945, following Germany's surrender on 7 May. The day remains a powerful symbol of peace and Allied unity. the Red Arrows—officially known as the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team—are renowned for their precision flying and patriotic displays King Charles III is leading national events to honour the milestone anniversary The royal family is hoping to put on a united front without distractions for VE Day celebrations on Monday, after a bombshell interview in which the Duke of Sussex claimed his father refuses to speak to him. In a warning which appears directed towards the estranged royal, Buckingham Palace officials hope that “nothing will detract or distract from celebrating with full cheer and proud hearts that precious victory and those brave souls, on this most special and poignant of anniversaries”, the Times reported. Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player The act of solidarity reflects global support for Ukraine Ukrainian troops will join UK forces in London on Monday to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, the Ministry of Defence has announced The procession, involving roughly 1,000 UK service personnel from across the armed forces, will also include Ukrainian personnel currently training in Britain as part of Operation Interflex This act of solidarity highlights the global support for Ukraine’s ongoing defence against Russia’s invasion marks the Allied victory over Nazi Germany in 1945 The Ukrainian contingent will be drawn from those participating in Operation Interflex a UK-led training programme supported by 12 partner nations the programme has trained over 54,000 Ukrainian recruits in crucial combat skills The operation has been extended to at least the end of 2025 with an enhanced training programme to ensure the Ukrainian forces are equipped with vital battlefield skills The Ukrainian armed forces representatives will join around 1,000 UK armed forces personnel including soldiers on horseback and seven military bands The MoD said Second World War veterans will be at the heart of the celebrations watching the procession from the royal box at the Queen Victoria Memorial said: “People from all over the world joined forces 80 years ago to defend freedom – we must remember all of their sacrifices “It will be incredibly moving to see the VE Day procession and so many nations represented It will remind us that these alliances still keep us safe today and why we stand by those who need our support.” Mr Mortimer will join Second World War veterans at the Royal British Legion’s tea party and service of remembrance at the National Memorial Arboretum. The VE Day 80 commemorations will begin on Monday with the military procession, expected to be viewed by thousands of people along The Mall. The procession will conclude with The Mall being filled by members of the public, and a flypast featuring the Red Arrows and 23 current and historic military aircraft. Defence secretary John Healey said: “Eighty years after VE Day, we will celebrate our wartime veterans, our greatest generation. “We will ensure their spirit lives on, not just in our armed forces but also in our values and commitment to strength through unity. “In the midst of the first full-scale war in Europe since the Second World War, it is fitting that the Ukrainian armed forces currently fighting on the front line of freedom are represented in Monday’s event.” Major Pavlo, an officer of the Ukrainian marching contingent, said: “The participation of Ukrainian service personnel in the VE Day parade in London symbolises our strength, courage and resilience. “It is a recognition that Ukraine and its heroes stand at the forefront of the fight for freedom and peace in the world. We are grateful to our allies for their support and solidarity.” A variety of events are scheduled to take place around the UK to mark the 80th anniversary. The King and Queen will host a tea party for veterans as part of the celebrations. Historic landmarks across the country will be lit up on the evening of 6 May, while a VE Day anniversary concert will be held by the Parliament Choir at the Palace of Westminster the following day. govt and politics"},{"score":0.72668,"label":"/law govt and politics/politics"},{"score":0.687475,"label":"/business and industrial/business operations"},{"score":0.662151,"label":"/law Looking to get to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 The LEGO Group has made the decision to move its London hub from Farringdon to a new Southbank office in 2027 The move will see more than 1,500 LEGO staffers relocate to a larger 192,000-square-foot facility that dates back to 1983—which most would not categorize as a particularly eco-conscious time in human history British investment firm Wolfe Asset Management has redeveloped the building’s interiors and installed solar panels on the roof to meet its newest tenant’s high sustainability standards LEGO’s net-zero emissions plan largely rests on sourcing new sustainable materials for its bricks by 2032 and switching all packaging to recyclable materials such as paper LEGO will occupy three and a half floors of the 76 Southbank building Chief people officer Loren Shuster also expects the move will help the toyco recruit top talent looking for a workplace that bolsters creativity but that’s also easily accessible by several public transportation options LEGO opened its original London office in 2014 This team has since more than tripled in size commercial teams and the toyco’s in-house creative agency LEGO is in the process of similarly expanding and upgrading the rest of its hubs around the world A new US office is due to open later this month in Boston to be followed by a new Copenhagen facility in 2027 And the company is also expanding its Billund headquarters with two new engineering and innovation campuses that will be completed in 2026 and 2027 This is just some random content to show the different layouts possible Tenby’s Adam Hughes is now one step away from completing his epic year-long fundraising challenge in celebration of the 10th anniversary of his life-saving kidney transplant after he completed the London Marathon in what were hot and humid conditions on Sunday It was the third marathon of the challenge so far which has also seen him complete the Welsh Three Peaks Ben Nevis and numerous half marathons around the UK and beyond So far Adam has raised nearly £2,500 for his nominated charities Kidney Wales and The Wales Transplant Football Team and will be hoping to add to this as he builds towards his final event back on home territory The Wales Marathon as part of the Long Course Weekend at the end of June Speaking on completing the world-famous London course Adam said: “The conditions on the day made it absolutely brutal the heat and humidity made it a real struggle but the immense crowds really lift you and drag you round I think it has to be as close as you can get to playing at a stadium in front of thousands of people!” Adam added: “I’m so happy and grateful to have hit nearly £2500 in donations it really is overwhelming and I’m so thankful to everyone who has supported me so far Just one more to go now back home in Tenby and that promises to be a great day too!” If you would like to sponsor Adam you can by searching ‘Adam’s 10th Year Transplant Anniversary Challenge Fundraiser’ online or by going to Justgiving.com and searching directly on there You can donate to the cause by heading to: https://www.justgiving.com/page/adam-hughes-1724252169373?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL Comments Tel: 01834 843262[email protected]Follow us Further Links Owned or licensed to Tindle Newspapers Ltd | Independent Family-Owned Newspapers | Copyright & Trade Mark Notice & 2013 - 2025 “But tomorrow I just need a taxi to the bus station.” "},"children":[]}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"I’ve always been fascinated by the concept of travelling overland settling into a long train or bus journey and watching landscapes and cultures change as I cross regions and nations my mental health was at rock bottom after losing my stepdad to cancer I had a desperate need for a sudden change "},"children":[]}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"This coincided with the first series of "},"children":[]},{"name":"italic","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"Race Across the World"},"children":[]}]},{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":" many of them with little travel experience My trip would look a bit different — I would have my phone and credit cards but wouldn’t have any on-the-ground support I also wouldn’t be taking the most direct route but would instead be visiting countries that interested me along the way."}}]}]},{"name":"paywall","children":[{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"From Bali I planned to take ferries and buses across the southeast Asian mainland take a ride on the Trans-Mongolian railway I’d cross over into Uzbekistan and then back into Kazakhstan before taking a ferry across the Caspian Sea into Europe and take trains — and buses when I ran low on funds — all the way from Bulgaria to Calais in northern France I’d take a ferry to Dover in Kent and then a train to London."}}]},{"name":"ad","children":[]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Before I left the UK I learnt basic Russian to help with my travels in Kazakhstan and "}},{"name":"link","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Uzbekistan"}}],"attributes":{"href":"https://www.thetimes.com/travel/destinations/asia-travel/uzbekistan/uzbekistan-97dk7qf08"}},{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":" both former USSR countries; Russian is still the lingua franca of the region I crammed the necessities into a cabin-baggage-sized rucksack After I put together a spreadsheet of predicted expenses of transport I budgeted about £1,500 a month."}}]},{"name":"interactive","attributes":{"id":"a4ce2c50-9f8a-4878-a76d-3c736bf8415c","display":"primary","url":"https://components.timesdev.tools/lib2/newsletter-puff-1.0.0/newsletter-puff.html","element":{"value":"newsletter-puff","attributes":{"code":"TNL-149","copy":"Our experts share the best travel inspiration Azerbaijan required an e-visa and all other countries were visa-on-arrival or visa-free."}}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"I planned to book everything on the go all I had reserved was my first five nights of accommodation there Then I took a bus to the west of the island boarded a ferry to Java and took trains and buses to Indonesia’s capital Jakarta."}}]},{"name":"image","attributes":{"id":"dd762181-985e-4ee1-8de4-025e880de635","display":"fullwidth","caption":"She eventually made it to the Indonesian capital Jakarta","title":"Aerial night view of Jakarta's city center showing traffic on a highway and skyscrapers.","credits":"Alamy","url":"https://www.thetimes.com/imageserver/image/%2F9bd30a34-db83-4b3d-b33a-f912a6365cf8.jpg?crop=4217%2C2895%2C1351%2C516","ratio":"4217:2895","relativeHorizontalOffset":0.24263649425287356,"relativeVerticalOffset":0.14144736842105263,"relativeWidth":0.7573635057471264,"relativeHeight":0.7935855263157895},"children":[]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Here I’d decided it would be a good idea to sweep straight up 774 miles on slow-moving roads to the Sumatran city of Pekanbaru I had to rely on the helpfulness of the staff who alerted me when my bus finally rolled into the station four hours late."}}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"After 59 hours including seven stuck in Jakarta’s traffic five rest stops eating nothing but plain noodles and Oreos — and engaging in topics of conversation that ranged from Sumatran tigers to the Jakarta car industry with other passengers — the bus finally arrived in central Sumatra."}}]},{"name":"image","attributes":{"id":"c0bd74db-b9a7-4dac-833d-67f72bec7af8","display":"fullwidth","caption":"The bus that Martin spent 59 hours aboard","title":"Bus from Jakarta to Pekanbaru Indonesia.","credits":null,"url":"https://www.thetimes.com/imageserver/image/%2F88e0b02d-4a8b-43df-ad77-ae7d890e2ece.jpg?crop=4032%2C2752%2C0%2C178","ratio":"4032:2752","relativeHorizontalOffset":0,"relativeVerticalOffset":0.05886243386243386,"relativeWidth":1,"relativeHeight":0.91005291005291},"children":[]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Crossing the rest of southeast Asia was easy by comparison — Singapore Cambodia and Vietnam generally have good transport options and services catered towards tourists While China has fewer western tourists than other countries in Asia my visa was already secured and the country’s fantastic railways and high-tech cities make overlanding a breeze."}}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"• "}},{"name":"link","children":[{"name":"bold","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Singapore: I thought this stopover city would be boring Here’s why I was wrong"}}]}],"attributes":{"href":"https://www.thetimes.com/travel/destinations/asia-travel/singapore/i-thought-this-stopover-city-would-be-boring-heres-why-i-was-wrong-zmdwcrqw0"}}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Today travel to Russia — which was on my 2019 route — is advised against but the trip would still be possible by entering Kazakhstan from Xinjiang in western China "}}]},{"name":"inlineAd2","children":[]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Friendly English-speaking locals and a small but tight-knit travel community gave me the knowledge I needed to travel through Kazakhstan The highlight was a local camping trip from Almaty to the Assy plateau I travelled along the former Silk Road by rail renowned for its 15th-century observatory; Bukhara one of the holiest cities on the ancient route; and Khiva A 30-hour train in "}},{"name":"italic","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"platzkart"}}]},{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":" (third class consisting of beds in an open carriage) later I crossed back into western Kazakhstan (which also borders Uzbekistan) and prepared to take a Soviet-era cargo ship across the Caspian Sea The terminal was abandoned for an hour before I found another two tourists (they’d been told to arrive at 5am) Turkey’s capital in the centre of the country Then I entered the EU and used a combination of trains and FlixBus through Bulgaria tears of joy stung my eyes as I saw the white cliffs of Dover appear on the skyline from a P&O ferry."}}]},{"name":"inlineAd3","children":[]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Looking back I’d recommend anyone attempting this to spend longer than I did on this trip — about eight months would be ideal But I managed to travel from Bali to London without flying employing on-the-go research and a lot of grit and determination Anyone who has that could do the same."}}]},{"name":"heading2","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Claire Martin’s tips"}}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"• In Europe I used official rail websites to find timetables or Flixbus.com."}}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"• I booked this trip through a variety of different sites but I recommend 12go.asia for transport booking in southeast Asia chinahighlights.com for train reservations in China and tickets.kz for train tickets in Kazakhstan "}}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"• In Uzbekistan I booked trains at the stations; in Turkey I used the official Turkish train TCDD website "}}]}]}]},"summary({\"maxCharCount\":200})":{"type":"json","json":[{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"‘You’re going "},"children":[]},{"name":"italic","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"where"},"children":[]}]},{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":" without flying?” asked the bemused receptionist at Uluwatu Breeze Village guesthouse in Bali If you’re brave — or crazy — enough to attempt it too This is how I did it","id":"a8f91933-1ac5-4dbd-88c8-6f2db35a3b70","label":null,"publicationName":"TIMES","publishedTime":"2025-05-05T04:00:00.000Z","updatedTime":"2025-05-02T16:45:13.000Z","section":null,"shortIdentifier":"fxwhg9cz9","shortHeadline":"Overland from Bali to London — why not This is how I did it","seoDescription":"It took our writer five months and £7,500 to trek 8,000 miles by bus This is how I did itIt took our writer five months and £7,500 to trek 8,000 miles by bus here’s what you need to knowClaire Martin in VietnamClaire MartinMonday May 05 2025 The Times‘You’re going where without flying?” asked the bemused receptionist at Uluwatu Breeze Village guesthouse in Bali “But tomorrow I just need a taxi to the bus station.” I’ve always been fascinated by the concept of travelling overland This coincided with the first series of Race Across the World, in which five couples venture on a long overland journey but would instead be visiting countries that interested me along the way and change trains in Russia before entering Kazakhstan Martin’s travels included a night of camping in Kazakhstan’s Assy plateauALAMYIn central Asia I’d take a ferry to Dover in Kent and then a train to London Before I left the UK, I learnt basic Russian to help with my travels in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan I secured a Chinese and Mongolian visa at the relevant embassies in London and planned to apply for a Russian transit visa at the embassy in Mongolia Azerbaijan required an e-visa and all other countries were visa-on-arrival or visa-free She eventually made it to the Indonesian capital • Indonesia travel guide The bus could take any time between 25 and 60 hours — and there was an unspecified delay at the station five rest stops eating nothing but plain noodles and Oreos — and engaging in topics of conversation that ranged from Sumatran tigers to the Jakarta car industry with other passengers — the bus finally arrived in central Sumatra The bus that Martin spent 59 hours aboardCrossing the rest of southeast Asia was easy by comparison — Singapore my visa was already secured and the country’s fantastic railways and high-tech cities make overlanding a breeze • Singapore: I thought this stopover city would be boring. Here’s why I was wrong bright-green grassland lined with snowy peaks and dotted with nomad yurts Martin aboard the cargo ship which took her across the Caspian seaThere’s no timetable — you simply find a local contact and ask when to be at the port in Aktau • An expert guide to southeast Asia’s best boutique hotels tears of joy stung my eyes as I saw the white cliffs of Dover appear on the skyline from a P&O ferry I used official rail websites to find timetables or Flixbus.com • I booked this trip through a variety of different sites InspirationMore from Inspiration22 of the best honeymoon destinations around the worldApril 28 2025 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