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Articles by Ben Lynch
Top Secret Comedy Club that hosted Rob Beckett and Katherine Ryan plans 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.
Top Secret Comedy Club that hosted Rob Beckett and Katherine Ryan plans 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.
Tory mayoral hopeful vows to reopen Hammersmith Bridge to cars within three years
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.
Tory mayoral hopeful vows to reopen Hammersmith Bridge to cars within three years
Hammersmith Bridge has been closed to motor vehicles since April 2019 - (PA) 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.
Empty west London Vue cinema to become 11-court padel centre
A disused Vue cinema in west London is set to be transformed into an 11-court padel centre after receiving planning approval from councillors. The former 12-screen cinema at the West 12 Shopping Centre in Shepherd's Bush has stood empty since June after Vue surrendered its lease six months early. The operator had occupied the site since 2001 but faced increasing competition from newer cinemas in nearby White City.
Empty west London Vue cinema to become 11-court padel centre after council approval
Fri, October 16, 2026 at 2:56 PM UTC A disused Vue cinema in west London is set to be transformed into an 11-court padel centre after receiving planning approval from councillors. The former 12-screen cinema at the West 12 Shopping Centre in Shepherd’s Bush has stood empty since June after Vue surrendered its lease six months early. The operator had occupied the site since 2001 but faced increasing competition from newer cinemas in nearby White City.
Empty west London Vue cinema to become 11-court padel centre after council approval
W12 Shopping Centre will be converted to a padel centre - (LDRS) A disused Vue cinema in west London is set to be transformed into an 11-court padel centre after receiving planning approval from councillors. The former 12-screen cinema at the West 12 Shopping Centre in Shepherd’s Bush has stood empty since June after Vue surrendered its lease six months early. Sign up to read this article Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you. Email is required Email is already registered.
New images show dramatic transformation of London hospital under redevelopment plans
New illustrated images of the plans to redevelop St Mary’s hospital in Paddington have been released - (Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust) 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.
New images show dramatic transformation of London hospital under 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.
New images show dramatic transformation of London hospital under 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 famed 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.
London pub owner faces enforcement action after brazenly turning century-old boozer into a 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 Heath’s Ladies’ Pond changes 'turning it into exclusive 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.
Tower of London 'at risk' of being added to UNESCO danger list 'unless skyscraper plans changed'
The Tower of London is “at risk” of being added to UNESCO’s List of World Heritage in Danger unless amendments are made to the City of London Corporation’s draft local plan, experts have warned. Historic England, a government advisory body, said there is “serious concern” about the famous citadel due to the size of potential future skyscrapers in the east of the Square Mile.
Men who died in fire in 'neglected' building in west London named
Three men who died in a fire which broke out at a “neglected” building in west London have been named for the first time. The disused former Over 50s Centre on the White City Estate was ablaze on the evening of June 20, with about 100 firefighters attending. Two of the men died at the scene while another passed away after being taken to hospital. A Met Police investigation is ongoing.
Men who died in fire in 'neglected' building in west London named
Crime scene tape in White City - (LDRS) Three men who died in a fire which broke out at a “neglected” building in west London have been named for the first time. The disused former Over 50s Centre on the White City Estate was ablaze on the evening of June 20, with about 100 firefighters attending. Two of the men died at the scene while another passed away after being taken to hospital. A Met Police investigation is ongoing.
Chelsea and Fulham MP to stand down at next election after 19 years
The former Conservative trade minister and long-time Chelsea and FulhamMP Greg Hands has said he will not put himself forward for selection for the next General Election. Mr Hands has written in a statement published on X that, having been an MP for 19 years and a minister for 12, “it is time for me to face new challenges and for a successor Conservative candidate to win back the seat from Labour”.
London PC who shared video of vulnerable woman is sacked
Ben Lynch Tue 4 August 2026 at 5:24 pm UTC 3 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. A City of London Police officer has been dismissed after recording footage of a vulnerable woman wielding a knife and sending it to his cousin. Former PC Isaac Keown attended a domestic incident in August 2023 during which the woman grabbed a knife, seemingly intending to self-harm. He was able to disarm her, with the incident captured on his body-worn camera.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor 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 of up to £10,000 unless they meet new rules
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 Green Party members'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
Sat, 18 July 2026 at 6:12 am UTC 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.
West London mum 'sexually assaulted by man in temporary accommodation'
A west London mum who was moved into a Travelodge by her housing association says a man tried to grab and kiss her twice in the temporary accommodation. Kelly Butler, 38, who has waived her right to anonymity, which is automatically granted due to the alleged assaults being sexual in nature, was in the Travelodge on Chiswick High Road to allow for repairs to be completed to her Ravenscourt Park flat.
West London mum 'sexually assaulted by man in temporary accommodation'
A west London mum who was moved into a Travelodge by her housing association says a man tried to grab and kiss her twice in the temporary accommodation. Kelly Butler, 38, who has waived her right to anonymity, which is automatically granted due to the alleged assaults being sexual in nature, was in the Travelodge on Chiswick High Road to allow for repairs to be completed to her Ravenscourt Park flat.
UK's oldest synagogue sets skyscraper principles
The UK's oldest continuously-run synagogue has launched three proposed "guiding principles" for developers and the local authority in a bid to safeguard its future against tall building proposals. Bevis Marks Synagogue, a Grade I-listed site located in the east of the City of London, was founded in 1701 by Spanish and Portuguese Jews escaping the Inquisitions.
Serious questions raised of London council after three men died in fire at 'neglected' building
Serious questions are being asked of a London council after three men died in fire at a “neglected” building owned by the local authority. Around 100 firefighters and 15 fire engines raced to the scene in White City just before 7pm last Saturday after the blaze broke out. Two men died at the scene while another passed away after being taken to hospital. An investigation is ongoing by the Met Police.
11 London councils have no idea if temporary accommodation purchases are making people homeless
Multiple London councils are buying up homes for temporary housing without any knowledge of whether people are being evicted as a result of the sales. An investigation by the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) has found tenants across London may have been turfed out by landlords selling their homes to councils for use as temporary accommodation, adding to the housing crisis.
Hampstead Heath swimming ponds warning issued as new heatwave hits
Visitors looking to cool off at Hampstead Heath during the warm weather are being asked to behave responsibly after a spate of unsavoury incidents last month. Fights broke out at the Parliament Hill Fields Lido and crowds of people entered two non-swimming ponds during the May Bank Holiday heatwave, disturbing local wildlife and appalling the wider public.
Hampstead Heath swimming ponds warning issued as new heatwave hits
Hampstead Heath swimming ponds warning issued as new heatwave hits (gavin rodgers/pixel8000) Visitors looking to cool off at Hampstead Heath during the warm weather are being asked to behave responsibly after a spate of unsavoury incidents last month. Fights broke out at the Parliament Hill Fields Lido and crowds of people entered two non-swimming ponds during the May Bank Holiday heatwave, disturbing local wildlife and appalling the wider public.
Hampstead Heath swimming ponds warning issued as new heatwave hits
1 hour ago The funeral of David Hockney, widely regarded as Britain's best-known artist, has already taken place, his publicist has confirmed. The 88-year-old died at his home in London earlier this month, prompting tributes from his contemporaries in the art world, the prime minister and senior members of the …
Council ban on microphones and loudspeakers 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.
One taken to hospital after fight breaks out at Hampstead Heath lido
A visitor to the Parliament Hilllido on Hampstead Heath was taken to hospital after being hit with a glass bottle after a fight broke out. Multiple members of staff were also injured during the altercation on May 25 during last month's heatwave. The fight broke out among two groups of young people, according to a City of London Corporation report, with a staff member's vehicle also significantly damaged. Two people were arrested in connection with the incident though have since been released.
Hampstead Heath café to reopen after controversial takeover
A popular Hampstead Heath café recently taken over by a new operator is to open in two to three weeks once a refurbishment of the site is complete. Parliament Hill Café, which is to be run by Aussie-inspired operator Daisy Green following a controversial retendering exercise, was hoped to be ready and serving customers by this spring.
London's historic Fleet Street set for huge transformation
One of London’s most historic streets is set to undergo a major transformation with improvements from more seating and planting to wider pavements proposed. Design options for Fleet Street, once home to the UK’s major newspapers though with a heritage stretching back centuries, have been published by the City of London Corporation inviting feedback to shape the final scheme.
City of London towers next to Barbican approved despite 1,000 objections
The former London base of a Magic Circle law firm opposite the Barbican Centre is to be demolished with a new 20-storey block to take its place. The approved One Silk Street scheme will also see changes made to the public realm, with a new square and retail and cultural spaces among the plans. The application, proposed by Lipton Rogers Developments and LaSalle Investment Management, had received more than 1,000 objections during consultation.
Plans for major transformation of London's Fleet Street unveiled
One of London’s most historic streets is set to undergo a major transformation with improvements from more seating and planting to wider pavements proposed. Design options for Fleet Street, once home to the UK’s major newspapers and with a heritage stretching back centuries, have been published by the City of London Corporation inviting feedback to shape the final scheme.
City approves towers despite 1,000 objections
An artist's impression of the development, which is close to the Barbican Centre The former base of a Magic Circle law firm opposite the Barbican Centre will be demolished and replaced with a 20-storey block and a 16-storey one next to it. The One Silk Street scheme was approved by the City of London Corporation's planning committee and includes a new square and retail and cultural spaces.
City of London Police officer who stole £50,000 and harassed his girlfriend barred
File Image - (PA Archive) A former City of London Police officer who stole £50,000 in cash and harassed his girlfriend has been added to the industry’s barred list. Christopher Trowton pleaded guilty to harassment and burglary at Kingston Crown Court in February 2025 having been arrested and charged by the Met Police in 2022.
Hampstead Heath ponds to permit trans swimmers and upgrade facilities for women's privacy
Ben Lynch Thu 14 May 2026 at 7:57 am UTC 4 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Hampstead Heath ponds to permit trans swimmers and upgrade facilities for women's privacy Hampstead Heath’s ponds will stay trans-inclusive, but new upgrades will focus on giving women more privacy, committee members have said.
City of London scolds Andrew for failing to give up honour
Members sitting on an influential committee agreed last week in private that a motion will now be brought forward of censure, described in an email from Policy Chairman Deputy Christopher Hayward as “a formal expression of our disapproval”. Deputy Hayward’s email, which was sent to all members and has been seen by the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), revealed the motion will be presented at the next meeting of the Court of Common Council.
Microsoft Cares About Your Privacy
Members sitting on an influential committee agreed last week in private that a motion will now be brought forward of censure, described in an email from Policy Chairman Deputy Christopher Hayward as “a formal expression of our disapproval”. Deputy Hayward's email, which was sent to all members and has been seen by the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), revealed the motion will be presented at the next meeting of the Court of Common Council.
West London office block to be transformed into 171-room hotel and auditorium
The revamp of an empty Hammersmith office block into a landmark 171-room hotel has been approved on appeal by the Planning Inspectorate after the local council failed to make a decision within the allotted time period. Grove House, an unoccupied former office building by Hammersmith Underground station, is to be transformed to also include new affordable workspace, retail, wellness facilities and a revitalised 131-seat auditorium.
Shocking moment car smashes into planter on busy west London road
Ben Lynch Wed, April 29, 2026 at 1:48 p.m. UTC 3 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. The shocking moment a car smashed into a planter on a west London road has been caught on camera. The footage shows a pedestrian walking on Wandsworth Bridge Road in Fulham just moments before a car hits the planter, which in turn hits a parklet and sends soil flying across the pavement.
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