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Articles by Ben Lynch
Top Secret Comedy Club eyes new London venue near Fleet Street
A London comedy club known for hosting gigs by stars from Rob Beckett to Katherine Ryan is looking to open a new site just off Fleet Street. The Top Secret Comedy Club, which already runs two other venues in London and another in New York, is eyeing up the basement and sub-basement at 10 Fetter Lane. Located beneath an office building, the premises was formerly a gym though has been vacant for more than five years.
Tory mayoral hopeful vows to reopen Hammersmith Bridge to cars
A Conservative vying to be the party's London Mayoral candidate has said he will reopen Hammersmith Bridge to motor traffic within three years if elected. Alex Challoner, a businessman who also fought for the Tory nomination at the 2024 election but was not selected, said he will take responsibility for the crossing from Hammersmith and Fulham Council and bring it under Greater London Authority (GLA) control.
New images released of major London hospital redevelopment plans
Fresh plans have been unveiled for the overhaul of a major London hospital as NHS bosses look to upgrade its crumbling facilities. St Mary's Hospital in Paddington is home to some of the oldest buildings across the entire NHS, with some of it pre-dating the establishment of a nationalised health service in 1948. Parts of the estate are in a state of disrepair and cost £10 million a year in repair bills.
Plans to overhaul London Aussie pub months after squatters thrown out
A much-loved London bar that was once a favourite destination for Aussie expats and backpackers may soon get another lease of life after plans were submitted to revive the venue. The Redback in Fulham opened in 2019 and was famed for its raucous party atmosphere, hosting Imperial College's sports teams among other international visitors. But the venue unexpectedly shut its doors just five years later when operator RedCat Leased Pubs Limited (RCLP) went into administration.
Fury as London pub owner turns century-old boozer into discount store
Enforcement action may be taken against the owner of a former West London pub after the historic building was turned into a discount store without the necessary planning permission. Hammersmith and Fulham Council has written to the freeholder of the former Hammersmith Ram, Arora Family, giving them until September 22 to respond. If no response is received the next step is enforcement. This can range from issuing a stop notice to obtaining a court injunction.
Hampstead pond changes 'turning it into health spa for the affluent'
New measures at the Hampstead Heath's Ladies' Pond could risk turning the bathing spots into “an exclusive health spa for affluent people.” Swimmers at the Kenwood Ladies' Pond Association have written to Alderman Gregory Jones KC, Chair of the Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood, and Queen's Park Committee expressing concern about the City of London Corporation's upcoming plans.
Offices above Charing Cross station could be transformed in revamp
Plans have been submitted to refurbish and upgrade the office space above Charing Cross Station currently serving as the London base for PricewaterhouseCooper (PWC). The existing structure at 1 Embankment Place is deemed to be outdated and failing to deliver the standard of office space required to entice future tenants.
Gail's bakery to open at major new development in west London
The bakery chain Gail's is set to open a new café on the Hammersmith Civic Campus site as it prepares to sign a lease with the local authority. One of Hammersmith and Fulham Council's flagship schemes, the Campus, once fully complete, will offer a range of cultural amenities alongside bars, restaurants, homes and a refurbished Town Hall. The King Street complex is to also deliver office space plus a new cinema, which is to be run by Curzon.
Education watchdog praises City of London for 'sustained and improved' children's services
The education watchdog has praised the City of London Corporation for delivering “sustained and improved” children's services since its last inspection two years ago. Ofsted rated the Corporation's services as ‘outstanding' in November 2024 , in a report highlighting the “significant difference” they are making to young people's lives.
Gail's set to open new West London café as part of major redevelopment
The popular bakery chain Gail's is set to open a new café on the Hammersmith Civic Campus site as it prepares to sign a lease with the local authority. One of Hammersmith and Fulham Council's flagship schemes, the Campus, once fully complete , will offer a range of cultural amenities alongside bars, restaurants, homes and a refurbished Town Hall. The King Street complex is to also deliver office space plus a new cinema, which is to be run by Curzon.
Andrew could be stripped of freedom of the City of London
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor may be stripped of his Freedom of the City of London despite the Corporation previously saying it could not be done. Legal chiefs at the City of London Corporation are working on a draft bill which, if approved, would enable it to directly remove the Freedom from the former prince without going to Parliament.
Dockless e-bike operators in City of London face fines up to £10,000
Dockless e-bike operators in the Square Mile are set to face penalties of up to £10,000 unless they meet requirements outlined in a new deal agreed with the authority. Lime, Forest and Voi will be expected to comply with rules relating to parking allocations and enforcement or risk being penalised by the City of London Corporation. In a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the Corporation will also be receiving increased financial contributions from the three operators.
Westminster Tory accused of sharing post which called Greens 're***ds'
An Instagram post apparently shared by a Westminster Conservative member is being investigated by the party due to it featuring an ableist slur. Natalia Awasty, Deputy Chair of the Tories' West End group and a candidate for Church Street at the May council elections, is alleged to have shared the post to her story more than two months ago.
West London's Queen's Club bids to open two new squash courts
West London's The Queen's Club, renowned for its annual pre-Wimbledon tennis tournament, is looking to extend its squash offering with two new courts. The Club, one of the most esteemed tennis facilities in the country, currently has three singles squash courts though with “poor viewing facilities”, planning documents state. The two proposed courts would involve one to be designed for doubles competitions and another for exhibition singles games.
Council ban on amplified noise could be extended across West London
A ban on microphones and loudspeakers could be extended to cover a wider area of West London to combat antisocial behaviour. An existing Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) already prevents the use of amplification equipment in parts of Hammersmith, Shepherd's Bush and White City.
Legal challenge launched against last Soho school over exclusion of governor from key meeting
A legal challenge has been launched against a Soho school after a Parent Governor was allegedly kicked out of a key meeting. Peter Couch has said he was wrongly excluded from a Soho Parish meeting at which potential merger plans were discussed. Mr Couch has requested a Judicial Review into the conduct, claiming the school "acted entirely outside their legal authority". Soho Parish declined to comment.
City of London PC who stole £50k and harassed his girlfriend barred
Ben Lynch Commissioner O'Doherty wrote that Mr Trowton had brought the force into disrepute as a result of his crimes, and that while he had already resigned, it would have been “untenable” for him to have continued as a police officer. He wrote: “In making my decision I have had regard to the guidance issued by the College of Policing on outcomes in police misconduct proceedings. “I have considered all relevant documents including any mitigations and responses you may have made.
TfL promised to repaint West London Tube station's shabby bridge
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Who should I vote for? Spotlight on Hammersmith and Fulham
Ben Lynch Since its creation in the mid 1960s Hammersmith and Fulham has only ever really been a battle between Labour and the Conservatives. The current Labour administration, led by Stephen Cowan, took control from the Tories in 2014, which had run the West London council since 2006. Prior to that it had alternated between Labour and Tory rule other than the period from 1978 to 1986 when it was under no overall control.
London borough where no school closures are planned this academic year amid emotional challenges
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Hampstead Heath ponds should remain 'trans-inclusive', bosses say
Alastair Lockhart and Ben Lynch Hampstead Heath's Men's and Ladies bathing ponds should remain “trans-inclusive”, City of London bosses have said. A report by theCity of London Corporationmade the recommendation alongside a series of upgrades to the existing facilities. The much-anticipated report follows a consultation whichreceived overwhelming support for the existing arrangements.
Plans to redevelop west London school and build 300 homes scrapped
Ben Lynch Plans to redevelop a west London school and build 307 homes have been rejected over concerns about the scale and consultation with the local community. Future Academies and developer London Square had proposed to knock down parts of the existing Phoenix Academy by White City to carry out £40 million-plus worth of upgrades. These would have included a new sports hall, library and music studios, as well as the homes.
Plans to redevelop west London school and build 300 homes scrapped
Ben Lynch Plans to redevelop a west Londonschooland build 307 homes have been rejected over concerns about the scale and consultation with the local community. Future Academies and developer London Square had proposed to knock down parts of the existing Phoenix Academy by White City to carry out £40 million-plus worth of upgrades. These would have included a new sports hall, library and music studios, as well as the homes.
When West London primary school to be demolished and rebuilt as 91 flats planned on site'
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Legal challenge over plans to demolish former Museum of London fails
Ben Lynch A legal challenge contesting plans to demolish the former Museum of London and build three office blocks has been dismissed. Campaign group Barbican Quarter Organisation (BQO) claimed the City of London Corporation failed to properly consider alternative schemes before approving the London Wall West scheme in 2024, taking its case to the High Court earlier this month.
Andrew 'cannot be stripped of Freedom of the City of London honour'
Ben Lynch Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is to cling on to one of his remaining honours after a review determined it could not be removed. Reports last year revealed the disgraced former prince had received the Freedom of the City of London in 2012 “by virtue of patrimony”, due to his father Prince Phillip having been a Freeman.
Tower of London 'at-risk of serious harm' under City plan
Ben Lynch The Tower of London is at-risk of suffering “serious harm” if a draft plan for the Square Mile is adopted, a Government advisory body has warned. In response to the latest round of consultation for the City of London Corporation's City Plan 2040, Historic England claimed the “quantum, scale and location of development” enabled would have serious implications for the historic site.
Ambulance worker knocked patient out his wheelchair then gave him £20
Ben Lynch An ambulance worker who knocked a west London patient out of his wheelchair and then handed him £20 has had his complaint against unfair dismissal rejected by a judge. John La was sacked after accidentally injuring a patient he picked up at Hammersmith Hospital following a dialysis session. Mr La had been wheeling the patient down a pavement when he unintentionally threw him out of his seat, causing wounds including to the man's amputation.
Salman Rushdie joins backlash against Barbican over arts chief's exit
Ben Lynch Author Salman Rushdie is among the signatories of a letter to the Barbican Centre expressing “profound disappointment and alarm” over the forthcoming departure of its Director for Arts, Devyani Saltzman.
London council warns vital services face 'uncertainty' despite improved government deal
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Massive and controversial redevelopment of UK's busiest train station gets green light
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London's busiest station set for 'disfiguring' £1.2bn redevelopment despite record objections
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Our London flat is so cold even hospital staff agree it could kill our child - we need to be moved
Ben Lynch A family of five who say they have suffered years of cold, damp and mould in their West London home are urging their local council to rehouse them. Elan Sumon, 38, his wife Kusum Begum, 42, claim the condition of their Baron's Court property is seriously affecting their health and that a move for them and their three children is necessary to prevent the issue worsening.
Residents fight against huge £3bn housing scheme next to Notting Hill
Ben Lynch Campaigners fighting approved plans to build 2,500 homes in Kensington and Chelsea have urged London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan to step in and halt the scheme. A collection of stakeholders including residents and a local councillor have written to the Mayor about their concerns, from affordable housing numbers to the impacts on heritage.
Hampstead Heath's mixed bathing pond could open all year round
Ben Lynch Hampstead Heath 's mixed bathing pond may change to open all-year-round depending on the outcome of a review into its seasonal schedule. The City of London Corporation , which manages the Heath as a registered charity, is planning an assessment of the mixed pond's use to determine whether an extended swimming season is necessary.
The London borough set for some of 2026's biggest developments
Ben Lynch Typically considered a quieter, less frantic borough than some of its inner London counterparts, Hammersmith and Fulham is projected to undergo huge changes in the coming years. Major development schemes such as Earl's Court, which was recently approved, and Old Oak will fundamentally change the way parts of the borough look and feel. Elsewhere large housing projects such as at King's Road Park continue to move ahead at-pace, with some of the homes already occupied.
Thousands sign petition to protect London cafes from chain takeover
Ben Lynch More than 12,000 people have called for cafes in north London beauty spots to be saved. The leases for the cafés, located in Hampstead Heath , Queen's Park and Highgate Wood , were put up for tender earlier this year by site managers the City of London Corporation. But local people, MPs and celebrities, including actors Benedict Cumberbatch and James McAvoy , have called for the existing cafes to stay put.
Anger after Cumberbatch-backed cafés replaced at Hampstead Heath
Ben Lynch The operators of four popular North London cafés are to be replaced despite receiving “overwhelming” public support and backing from celebrities including Benedict Cumberbatch. The City of London Corporation , which manages green spaces including Hampstead Heath as a registered charity, launched a remarketing process earlier this year putting the existing operators' futures at risk.
19m plan approved for new Square Mile public area
A new 3,500sq m public square is to be built in central London. Greyfriars Square will be constructed on a site near St Paul's Cathedral as part of the 19m reworking of the old 1970s gyratory. The space will include seating areas and other features such as a play area.The highway with the new layout is planned to "go live" in September 2026 with the square due to open in spring 2027.
Designs for new public square next to St Paul's get green light
Ben Lynch Designs have been approved for a new 3,500- square -metre public square to be built in Central London. Greyfriars Square, as it is to be known, is earmarked for a site by St Paul's Cathedral and will be delivered as part of the £19 million reworking of the 1970s gyratory. While work on the changes to the highway began in April, members sitting on the City of London Corporation's Streets and Walkways Sub-Committee on Tuesday agreed updated designs outlining how the new square will look.
London council worker asked to work from home for 3 months
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Decision on trans swimmers at Hampstead Heath ponds set for next year
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Five London caf operators could be replaced
Five cafs on land owned by the City of London Corporation are expected to have their future decided next month after their leases were put out to tender.The corporation invited bids from potential operators to run Parliament Hill Fields Caf, Parliament Hill Fields Lido Caf, Golders Hill Park Caf, Highgate Wood Caf and Queen's Park Caf.
Dentist warns huge rent hike will mean people 'pulling out own teeth'
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Huge bill taxpayers have to pay to stop homeless camp in Park Lane
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City of London PC who took photo of woman in kids' park given warning
Microsoft Cares About Your Privacy Microsoft and our third-party vendors use cookies to store and access information such as unique IDs to deliver, maintain and improve our services and ads. If you agree, MSN and Microsoft Bing will personalise the content and ads that you see. You can select ‘I Accept’ to consent to these uses or click on ‘Manage preferences’ to review your options and exercise your right to object to Legitimate Interest where used.
Demolition plan for Central London buildings will go to High Court as Judicial Review approved
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Residents lose fight to block Fulham's bid to hold exciting events in Craven Cottage's new Riverside Stand
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