Add Listing

Home
Add Listing

[directorist_add_listing]

Smithfield and Billingsgate Markets Proposed to Move to Royal Docks

The historic Smithfield and Billingsgate markets could relocate to a new site at the Royal Docks in east London under fresh proposals.

The City of London Corporation, which operates the centuries-old meat and fish markets, said it was working with the Greater London Authority and Newham Council on plans to turn Smithfield Market’s current City of London site into cultural space and to use Billingsgate Market’s Poplar site for new homes. The corporation emphasised that securing the future of the markets would help protect food security for London and the South East, as well as jobs in ports across the UK.

Under the proposal, both markets would operate from Albert Island, near London City Airport, on land earmarked for wider regeneration. The move is estimated to generate around £750m in local expenditure and create more than 2,200 jobs. This follows plans to relocate the markets to Dagenham, which were abandoned last year.

City of London Corporation chairman Chris Hayward said: “By following through on our commitment to support Traders to relocate, and to ensure our plans for new housing and culture at the vacated sites come to fruition, we are laying the foundations of future economic growth across the Square Mile, London and the UK.”

Greg Lawrence, chairman of Smithfield Markets Traders’ Association, described the plans as a “significant step forward” and said traders are eager to begin the next stage. Most traders from both markets have agreed to move together, although the current markets will remain open until at least 2028. The relocation will require an Act of Parliament to allow the closure of the existing markets and planning permission from Newham Council.

Smithfield Market is the largest wholesale meat market in the UK and among the largest in Europe. The current market has operated at the site since the 1860s, having previously been a livestock market dating back to the medieval period. Work has already started to transform the site into a new cultural and commercial hub, including the new London Museum.

Billingsgate Market is the largest inland fish market in the UK, trading an average of 25,000 tonnes of fish and fish products each year. The market first operated in Lower Thames Street in 1327 before moving to its current site in 1982. It supplies fish to fishmongers, restaurants, delicatessens, and fish-and-chip shops across the region.

Newcastle 2–2 Tottenham: Romero’s Remarkable Double Bails Out Spurs

Tottenham captain Cristian Romero delivered an unforgettable rescue act at St James’ Park, scoring twice — including a stoppage-time overhead kick — to snatch a 2–2 draw after Newcastle had taken control through Bruno Guimarães’ clinical opener.

The point does not end Spurs’ winless run, now stretching to five league games, but it does provide Thomas Frank and his players with desperately needed relief after staring down a fourth straight defeat in all competitions.

Newcastle, meanwhile, were left frustrated after twice leading and twice surrendering those advantages in a frenetic, emotionally charged match in the north-east.

Eddie Howe’s team flew out of the blocks, dominating territory and pressing Tottenham into repeated mistakes during the opening phase. Spurs struggled to keep possession and were pinned into their half for long stretches, surviving a string of half-chances from the hosts.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 71st minute.

Anthony Gordon whipped in a dangerous cross, which took a slight flick off a Spurs defender before dropping invitingly for Bruno Guimarães. The Brazilian midfielder, only introduced from the bench minutes earlier, lashed a superb first-time finish into the far corner, sending St James’ Park into full eruption. Newcastle deserved the lead, having controlled the pace and rhythm for much of the night.

Thomas Frank responded by rolling the dice with a triple substitution — introducing Mathys Tel, Richarlison, and Xavi Simons — and the change brought instant impact. Just seven minutes after Guimarães’ opener, Spurs stunned the home crowd.

Mohammed Kudus delivered a brilliant cross from the right, and Cristian Romero hurled himself forward to meet it, directing a brave diving header past Aaron Ramsdale to equalise.

The goal flipped the momentum, and for the first time in the match Spurs looked energised and threatening.

The closing stages turned chaotic.

From a Newcastle corner, Rodrigo Bentancur tangled with Dan Burn in the box. The on-field call of play-on was overturned after a lengthy VAR check, infuriating Spurs’ players and coaching staff.

Anthony Gordon stepped up and calmly rolled the penalty into the bottom corner in the 86th minute, restoring Newcastle’s advantage and appearing to condemn Spurs to yet another damaging defeat.

Thomas Frank later blasted the VAR intervention: “Never a penalty — ten of those happen every game.”

But Tottenham were not finished — and neither was their captain.

Five minutes into added time, a Spurs corner was only half-cleared. Ramsdale punched the initial delivery, but the ball dropped awkwardly to Romero.
With his back to goal and bodies everywhere, the Argentine improvised a looping overhead effort. The strike bounced through a maze of legs, skidded off the turf and nestled inside the far post.

It was scruffy, chaotic, and utterly priceless. Spurs’ bench erupted; Newcastle players collapsed in disbelief.

Both sides had fought brutally to the final whistle — but neither could emerge with all three points.

This result means Spurs remain winless in five Premier League games but avoid a morale-crushing defeat and Newcastle stay in the bottom half despite long stretches of dominance, Romero delivers one of the standout individual performances of the season, rescuing Spurs almost single-handedly.

A pulsating, chaotic contest — and one Tottenham will remember as the night their captain led from the front, twice dragging them back from the brink.

Cherry Tree Mistakenly Felled in Richmond to Be Replaced

Residents in south-west London have expressed devastation after a tree on their street was mistakenly removed by contractors.

Premier Tree Care & Conservation cut down a cherry tree on Priory Road in Kew, Richmond, instead of a tree on a street with the same name in Ealing. Neighbours attempted to intervene, but the “healthy, mature and very beautiful” tree was felled within minutes.

Alison Murphy, a local resident, said she tried to stop the contractors, who claimed the tree was diseased. She requested evidence from the council and was shown a letter from Ealing Council on the workers’ mobile phone. “I wish I’d realised that they were in the wrong borough, in the wrong road, cutting down the wrong tree,” she said.

Premier Tree Care & Conservation expressed “deepest regret” for the incident, describing it as a “human error” and confirming that a replacement cherry tree has been sourced. A spokesperson added: “Since the incident, we have liaised closely with residents of Priory Road to apologise. We understand the strength of feeling from the residents and we are taking every action to ensure the matter is resolved swiftly and smoothly.”

Richmond Council said the felling had not been authorised by them and that discussions were ongoing with Ealing Council and the contractor to prevent similar errors. The council confirmed plans to remove the tree stump, repair the tree pit, and replace the tree during the current planting season. They also stated they would seek to recover costs from the contractor.

An Ealing Council spokesperson confirmed they were coordinating with Richmond Council on the replacement and that residents had been reassured that a similar cherry tree would be planted “straight away,” with instructions for planting expected within the coming days.

Fulham 4–5 Man City: 9-Goal Chaos

Manchester City survived one of the wildest matches of the Premier League season, edging a breathtaking 5–4 thriller at Craven Cottage after a furious Fulham fightback that pushed Pep Guardiola’s side to the brink of collapse. City, who once led 5–1 and looked to be cruising, needed a last-ditch, match-saving goal-line clearance from Josko Gvardiol deep into stoppage time to prevent Josh King from completing one of the greatest comebacks the league has ever seen.

In a night packed with chaos, milestones and momentum swings, Erling Haaland reached his 100th Premier League goal— smashing the record in just 111 appearances — as City closed the gap on leaders Arsenal to just two points.

But the night belonged equally to Fulham, who refused to die, scoring three second-half goals and nearly accomplishing the impossible..

City started with ruthless precision.

Haaland opened the scoring with a typically cold, emphatic finish — his 100th league goal, a number Guardiola admitted he never believed possible at such speed.

“If you’d told me 100 in 111 games… in this league? Impossible,” Tijjani Reijnders quickly doubled the lead after weaving through a retreating Fulham defence, and Phil Foden added a third before the break with a crisp strike following a flowing team move.

At 3–0, Fulham looked overwhelmed — until a lifeline arrived seconds before half-time. Emile Smith Rowe, alert to a loose ball, lashed home from close range to spark the first flickers of belief inside Craven Cottage.

Seconds into the second half, City restored their grip as Foden netted his second with a cool left-footed finish, silencing the home surge. And when Jeremy Doku’s deflected effort looped in off Sander Berge for 5–1, the match looked like a procession. Commentators suggested City might “win by seven or eight.” But Fulham had other ideas.

From the moment Alex Iwobi arrowed one into the bottom corner from the edge of the area, the atmosphere shifted dramatically. Fulham sensed City’s fragility — exposed just three days earlier when they blew a two-goal lead against Leeds — and they attacked with ferocity. Samuel Chukwueze, introduced at half-time, produced a thunderous finish for 5–3, igniting belief.

Six minutes later, he struck again — a sensational curler that sent Craven Cottage into uproar.

Play paused for a lengthy six-minute VAR review to check for a possible offside in the build-up, offering both sides a rare breather. But when the goal finally stood, Fulham fans roared as though they had won the match. They had City rattled. They had City hanging on. And they came agonisingly close to completing the impossible.

In the seventh minute of added time, Josh King poked the ball toward goal after a frantic scramble. Craven Cottage held its breath. But Josko Gvardiol, reading the danger, slid back and hooked the ball off the line — millimetres away from 5–5.

It was a title-race-defining clearance, a moment City may look back on in May as the difference between glory and heartbreak.

Seconds later, the whistle blew.

City survived.

What a night, Man City close to within two points of Arsenal, who face Brentford on Wednesday. Haaland joins the Premier League’s 100-goal club at unprecedented speed. Fulham remain mid-table but earned admiration across the league for their revival.

City left west London relieved, battered, and still alive in the title fight. Fulham left to applause — not for points, but for a comeback that nearly shocked the world.

Thames Water Reports Profit Growth Amid Rising Debts

Struggling utilities provider Thames Water has reported notable improvements in revenue and profitability, though its debt levels continue to rise.

For the six months ending 30 September 2025, the company posted revenue of £1.8bn, a 40 per cent increase compared with the same period last year. Losses of £189m were turned into a profit of £187m, largely driven by a 31 per cent increase in customer bills since April.

Despite the financial turnaround, net debt rose 12 per cent, from £15.7bn to £17.6bn. Talks are ongoing with creditors over a proposed rescue deal aimed at “deliver[ing] the turnaround, transformation and recapitalisation of Thames Water without recourse to taxpayers”.

Operationally, the company recorded a 20 per cent reduction in pollution incidents and an 11 per cent drop in water and waste complaints from customers during the six-month period.

Chris Weston, chief executive of Thames Water, said: “The first half of this year has been shaped by good progress across all areas of our operational transformation. Financial performance has improved with strong revenue growth, driven by the regulated price rise, good operational expenditure control, resulting in material EBITDA growth.”

Weston highlighted the company’s infrastructure programme, describing it as the “biggest upgrade in over 150 years” to improve assets and services for both customers and the environment. Capital investment rose 22 per cent to £1.3bn compared with the same period last year, funded in part by higher customer bills. This increase has also led to a rise in customer complaints.

In response, Thames Water has expanded social support schemes, with 515,348 households now benefiting from social tariffs. The company has also piloted an automatic enrolment scheme in London to assist customers in financial difficulty who may be unaware of their eligibility.

Weston added: “This progress has all been achieved as we also manage the recapitalisation of the business. We continue to work closely with stakeholders to secure a market-led solution that we believe is in the best interests of our customers and the environment. This in turn will allow the transformation of Thames to continue, a programme that will take at least a decade to complete and will restore the infrastructure and operations of the company.”

Vreini Unveils ‘Impossible’ Model for Luxury Classic Car Ownership

Vreini, a UK-based innovator in the automotive sector, has done what industry insiders long considered impossible: it has created the first true fully serviced asset-sharing model for classic and luxury vehicles. In doing so it has redrawn the blueprint for high-end car ownership.

After three years of development, the company is now offering what experts are calling “the future blueprint for luxury classic car ownership,” giving clients unprecedented access to dream machines such as its Aston Martin DB6 MK1 Volante (POA).

At its core, Vreini delivers a pristine, concierge-managed ownership experience while allowing customers to legally own a classic or luxury vehicle at just 25% of the forecourt price.

Ownership is shared with up to four like-minded individuals, with fixed and variable costs reduced by up to 57%. The vehicle remains legally theirs, stored and maintained to manufacturer standards, and delivered anywhere in the UK on demand.

A Vreini spokesperson explains the logic behind the model:

“Classic cars are driven on average no more than 4,000 miles per annum, so why have 100% of the cost associated with owning something you love, for such limited use? We are providing our clients with the mechanism and simple methodology to access and obtain their dream vehicle(s), whilst allowing them to retain the majority of their capital – to hopefully invest in more than one vehicle at a time too.”

But the company is redefining more than vehicle access. With a personalised concierge service, Vreini removes the heavy lifting of ownership – storage, insurance, maintenance, preparation, delivery – offering a level of service the company likens to “the intuitive nature of a 7-star hotel.”

As the spokesperson puts it:

“Imagine walking into a showroom with £250K to purchase an Aston Martin DB12, but with your childhood dream of owning a pristine DB5 still very much in mind; for a quarter of the price, you can make this a reality whilst also splitting all of the other costs too.”

They add:

“This really is the answer to not only accessing and purchasing one vehicle that you thought might be out of reach today; but for tomorrow, it is the answer to building your collection in the multiples one could only dream of.”

The structure behind Vreini’s model is designed to be legally robust, fully insured, and insulated from the risks traditionally associated with shared ownership. Vehicles are stored securely, maintained and detailed to the highest standards, and delivered to the owner’s location of choice. Crucially, insurance is comprehensive and unaffected by other shareholders’ usage.

Summing up the revolution Vreini is pushing forward, the spokesperson concludes:

“With a fully managed concierge service included in the central price that covers insurance, road tax, legal fees, PPF, tracker, servicing, cleaning, preparation and detailing, transport, tyres and storage – this truly is the most accessible means of owning a luxury classic today and we are delighted, with our partners, to be changing the marketplace forever.”

Bentley Unveils New Carbon Fibre Styling Spec: A More Muscular, Modern Grand Tourer

Bentley Motors has injected fresh intensity into its flagship Grand Tourers with a new Carbon Fibre Styling Specification.

The upgrade is now available across the latest Continental GT, GT Convertible (GTC) and Flying Spur – and, for the first time, fully open to Mulliner clients. It adds a darker, more muscular attitude that pairs with the Titanium Akrapovič Exhaust and Blackline Specification for a truly assertive daily supercar.

The new specification made its first public appearance on a vibrant Orange Flame Continental GT Speed at the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed. It brings a larger rear diffuser, a more aggressive front splitter, sculpted lower side sills and carbon mirror caps. Each component is hand-crafted, meticulously mirror-matched and tuned to deliver a motorsport-inspired edge.

Customers can order the specification as a retrofit for existing fourth-generation models through Bentley’s global retailer network. It is also available as a factory option when commissioning a new Bentley. This marks a significant expansion from the previous generation, in which one in four buyers selected the Styling Specification.

A new era of carbon fibre personalisation

Responding to growing demand for bespoke detail, Bentley has reintroduced the Carbon Fibre Styling Specification to Mulliner – its pinnacle of craftsmanship –and extended availability across all model variants. The expansion even reaches beyond the Continental range, making the styling package available to Bentayga owners for the first time.

Every element has been designed alongside the latest model updates, ensuring clean integration with Bentley’s design DNA. The carbon fibre is laid in multiple layers for optimum strength and rigidity, then finished in a deep gloss worthy of the marque.

A standout detail sits in the side sills: bespoke three-dimensional Bentley badges created through a precision electroforming process. These jewel-like emblems catch the light without capturing imperfections, perfectly illustrating Bentley’s dedication to flawless finish.

Performance with presence

The new components enhance more than aesthetics. Bentley’s latest Continental GT and Flying Spur Performance Hybrid powertrains deliver up to 782 PS and 1,000 Nm of torque. Acceleration from 0–62 mph takes as little as 3.2 seconds.

Advanced chassis systems and torque vectoring sharpen agility, while the aerodynamic improvements from the carbon elements reinforce Bentley’s commitment to purposeful performance. The specification underwent more than 100,000 km of durability testing and multiple manufacturing cycles. The reinforced front splitter – now twice as thick as before – captures the spirit of the upgrade: bold, functional and unmistakably Bentley.

Islington Council Proposes Nine Sites to Support Gypsy and Traveller Community

Islington Council has proposed nine potential sites for travellers in a bid to provide up to 13 permanent pitches, following years of unsuccessful attempts to secure suitable land.

The plan has been welcomed by campaigners but is expected to face local opposition. Under the Housing Act 2004, local authorities are required to identify and meet the accommodation needs of Gypsies and Travellers. The council’s search for “culturally appropriate” land has been ongoing for several years without success until now.

Philomena Mongan, a Hackney-based Irish Traveller advocating for the community, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that families were “very happy” to see the new sites put forward for consultation. She added that while the sites are small, she praised the council for “pushing” for them to be delivered. Ms Mongan also expressed dismay at the backlash, noting that some responses containing discriminatory remarks were removed from the official consultation report. She said: “They don’t realise these families have a lot of history in Islington and have been there a long time.”

A 2019 council review found that most of Islington’s Gypsy and Traveller community had lived in the borough for many years, with some households arriving in the 1970s and intermittently setting up caravans. As travelling has become more difficult, some families have opted to move into permanent housing.

Nancy Hawker, policy officer at London Gypsies and Travellers (LGT), said that families in the borough were “desperate for pitches” and blamed earlier failures to provide land on “extensive” campaigning against the council’s proposals.

Over 250 sites were initially considered before a shortlist of nine was drawn up. Proposed locations include housing estates such as Aubert Court and Mayville, as well as Pleasant Place Garden.

Some local residents have suggested looking at sites outside Islington, arguing the borough is already densely populated, while others have requested “robust” evidence that the Gypsy and Traveller community has lived in the area for more than five years.

The council has stated there will not be a public meeting to discuss the proposals due to the “potential for hostile or discriminatory comments and opinions to be expressed”. Residents are instead asked to submit comments online during a consultation running until next month.

Newcastle Look to Extend Home Edge as Spurs Arrive Under Pressure

Newcastle return to St. James’ Park this midweek riding a wave of renewed belief, while Tottenham arrive from London desperate to still their wobbling form. With both clubs feeling the pressure and seeking consistency, this fixture carries meaningful weight — both in league standings and morale.

Newcastle have enjoyed a strong recent run. Their latest league outing produced a confident 4–1 away victory that showcased renewed attacking verve and defensive solidity. Across their last six league matches, they’ve collected three wins — building meaningful momentum under manager Eddie Howe.

Tottenham, on the other hand, come into the game under mounting pressure. Their recent results have been poor, with only one win in six league games and a string of defensive frailties undermining attacking promise. Their last several outings have exposed vulnerabilities at set-pieces and in transitional moments, leading to growing disquiet around the squad under boss Thomas Frank.

Newcastle’s group looks relatively settled as they prepare for this clash. With no fresh long-term casualties reported, Howe is expected to field a near-full strength XI, maintaining cohesion and confidence after their last outing. Tottenham face a more delicate balancing act. A handful of minor knocks and concerns over match sharpness have forced Frank to manage his resources carefully. While most regulars are available, there may be rotation to deal with fatigue and avoid further defensive errors.

Under Howe, Newcastle have emphasised a blend of physical aggression and controlled build-up. Their recent win demonstrated how quickly they can switch from patient possession to sharp, vertical attacks — especially when wing-backs and forwards combine to stretch opposition defences. At home, they tend to press with intensity, challenge midfield dominance, and aim to unsettle visiting defences with direct play and aerial threat on set pieces.

Tottenham’s likely approach under Frank will be cautious but opportunistic. They know the danger of Newcastle’s home passion and will aim to be compact defensively, absorb pressure early, and seek to exploit spaces on the break. Their forwards must be clinical — mistakes at the back could be punished heavily. In midfield, their challenge will be to stay alert, win duels and provide quick service to the attackers if they manage to advance into promising areas.

The midfield tussle will be crucial. If Newcastle can dominate the centre, force turnovers and control tempo, Tottenham may struggle to build coherent attacks. Conversely, if Spurs disrupt Newcastle’s rhythm and launch quick counters or transitional bursts, the match could swing their way — especially if they catch the hosts stretched while pushing high.

Set-pieces and concentration errors might also decide the outcome. Newcastle’s aerial strength and home momentum could tilt the balance, but Tottenham’s speed on transition and willingness to gamble defensively could turn even a small opening into a dangerous moment.

For Newcastle, this match is a chance to build on recent gains, reinforce confidence and climb the table further with another home result. It’s also a chance to cement trust in Howe’s methods and reward the supporters with a show of consistency.

For Tottenham, the stakes are equally high. A poor result would deepen concerns around form, morale and defensive frailty. A strong showing, however, could restore stability and belief, offering a platform to rebuild in what’s become a difficult campaign for the club.

With momentum for one side and pressure for the other, the stage is set for a tense, energetic — and potentially explosive — evening at St. James’ Park.