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City of London Corporation café leases decision expected next month

The future of five cafés on City of London Corporation land is set to be determined next month after their leases were opened for tender.

Bids were invited to operate Parliament Hill Fields Café, Parliament Hill Fields Lido Café, Golders Hill Park Café, Highgate Wood Café and Queen’s Park Café. The corporation stated that the process aimed to “ensure a high-quality visitor experience”.

More than 19,000 people have signed a petition supporting the current operators, with backing from celebrities including Benedict Cumberbatch and James McAvoy.

Doug Crawford from the Café Working Group criticised the process, saying there had been “no transparency at all about the process”.

He added, “The tender process has been shrouded in secrecy. The City have systematically refused to engage with the local community and have steadfastly avoided any public scrutiny. A decision to award the leases to the existing operators will go some way towards restoring public trust in the City. The ball is in the City’s court. We sincerely hope that they come to the right decision.”

The corporation revealed it began remarketing the sites in July. Similar circumstances arose in 2016 when leases were initially awarded to Benugo, which later withdrew its bid after a local campaign supported by Sir Keir Starmer, then MP for Holborn and St Pancras.

Alberto D’Auria, who has run the Parliament Hill Café for around 45 years, said: “I think we are going to win again. We have got so many supporters.”

A decision on the preferred bidders is expected at the Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood and Queen’s Park Committee meeting on 8 December, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

A spokesperson for the corporation explained that all five café operators were currently trading under short-term tenancies at will. They added, “A competitive remarketing process will help us ensure a high-quality visitor experience, offering welcoming community spaces that continue to meet the needs of local people. We deeply appreciate the long-standing contributions of our café operators. Their experience and dedication are valued, and they have been encouraged to take part in this opportunity. No leases have been awarded at this stage, and all applicants and operators will be notified directly of the outcome before any public announcement is made.

New Aldi store in Shoreditch opening with jobs available

A new chapter for budget shopping is arriving in East London with the opening of a brand new Aldi store in Shoreditch at the end of the month. The retailer, crowned the UK’s Cheapest Supermarket for four years in a row, will bring its low priced and high quality products to 132 Commercial Street from Thursday, October 30. The launch is part of the supermarket’s continued expansion and gives local shoppers easier access to the full range that helped Aldi secure its latest Which? award for 2024.

The new supermarket will offer fresh British meat, Aldi’s award winning Specially Selected range, exclusive beers, wines and spirits and a Food to Go section at the front of the store. It adds to the more than 1,050 stores already open across the country. Aldi, now Britain’s fourth largest supermarket, employs more than 45,000 colleagues who are described as the highest paid in the sector. For Shoreditch, the arrival of the new shop means 18 new roles, all recruited from the local community. Details of current vacancies are available on the Aldi website.

The doors will open from 7am to 11pm every day except Sunday, when the store will offer hours from 11am to 5pm. Olympic Athlete Desiree Henry will officially cut the ribbon at 7am on October 30. The silver medallist will also hand out complimentary bags of fresh fruit and vegetables from Aldi’s famous Super 6 range to the first 30 customers in the queue. Aldi Store Manager Alice Allen said: “We can’t wait to open the doors to the new store in Shoreditch. It’s set to be a special day and having Olympic hero Desiree Henry join us will make it a morning to remember.”

The opening also includes a focus on supporting the community. Local charities and food banks are being invited to register with Neighbourly, a platform that connects businesses and community organisations. The new partnership aims to help redirect surplus food and boost local support networks. As Aldi prepares for its Shoreditch launch, the arrival of the new store highlights how demand continues to grow for accessible and affordable groceries. With the retailer’s track record of low prices and national recognition, customers in the area will soon have another option for everyday essentials.

65 London businesses named and shamed for failing to pay minimum wage

The latest release of the National Minimum Wage Naming Scheme has put a sharp spotlight on 65 London businesses named and shamed for failing to pay staff the legal minimum. The findings form part of a wider national disclosure in which nearly 500 employers across the UK were found to have underpaid workers.

The government repaid £6 million to around 42,000 employees and issued fines totalling £10.2 million. Business Secretary Peter Kyle repeated the government’s position that “every worker deserves a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work” and warned that the authorities will not tolerate employers who ignore wage rules.

The list of 65 London businesses named and shamed offers a cross section of sectors and sizes. Adecco UK topped the London list after failing to pay £436,877.95 to 3,356 workers. WGC Ltd followed, owing £62,112.33 to 1,064 staff. High street brands, hospitality chains and even a local authority featured. Cineworld was listed for failing to pay £3,809.85 to 99 workers, while Hugo Boss UK owed £16,699.69 to 136 workers. Havering Council was included for failing to pay £3,707.60 to 8 employees.

Some of the most striking entries show that the issue is not confined to any single type of organisation. Nurseries, law firms, hotels, automotive businesses, design studios and independent retailers all appeared among the 65 London businesses named and shamed. The inclusion of both multinational firms and small operators demonstrates the breadth of the problem. Niall Mackenzie, Acas Chief Executive, emphasised that paying the minimum wage is not only a legal obligation but a necessary safeguard against costly disputes and reputational damage. He warned that failing to comply can result in employment tribunals and the risk of being publicly listed.

The government’s Round 22 publication leaves little ambiguity. Each business is listed with the exact amount owed and the number of affected workers. Some underpayments involved only a single member of staff while others stretched into the hundreds or thousands. Despite the variation in scale, the consequences remain the same once the names are published. Being one of the 65 London businesses named and shamed places employers firmly under public scrutiny.

The list also shows that underpayment can happen for a range of reasons. Although the release does not speculate on those causes, previous government guidance notes that errors can include incorrect deductions, unpaid working time or outdated payroll systems. Whatever the reason, businesses are reminded that compliance is non negotiable. The focus now is on ensuring that the 65 London businesses named and shamed address their failings.

Public naming is intended to reinforce the basic principle that wages must reflect lawful minimums. The government’s message is clear. Companies must meet their obligations or face financial penalties and public accountability. Workers are being encouraged to check their payslips and raise concerns if something does not add up. As enforcement continues, more employers may yet join the list. For now, the 65 London businesses named and shamed serve as a reminder that breaches do not go unnoticed.

Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust Christmas Toy Appeal 2025 Launches

Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust has launched its 2025 Christmas Toy Appeal, inviting local communities to bring festive cheer to young patients spending the holidays in hospital. This year, the appeal has partnered with Lewisham Shopping Centre, helping to raise awareness and donations across the local area.

Biskers, the Trust’s friendly new charity mascot, has officially opened the appeal. Children receiving care at University Hospital Lewisham (UHL) and Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) will benefit from toys and gifts, making their time in hospital a little brighter over the festive season.

Robert Cole, Head of Nursing for Children and Young People, said: “It’s always wonderful to see the generosity people show towards our younger patients at this time of year. Every child in hospital deserves a little festive magic and our local communities really take us to their hearts. We see the difference it makes and anything you can spare is sincerely appreciated.”

Donations are welcomed for children aged 0-16 and should be new and in their original packaging. Recommended gifts include baby toys, educational toys, arts and crafts sets, board games, sensory items, and children’s books. Donations can be dropped off at the main receptions of UHL and QEH from 10am to 3pm daily until 22 December, or at the ‘Giving Box’ in Central Square at Lewisham Shopping Centre. Gifts should not be wrapped, and for infection prevention, cuddly toys cannot be accepted. Contributions can also be made online via the LGT Charity website, with all funds ring-fenced for the toy appeal.

Margarita Vidiella, Head of Charity and Volunteers, added: “We’re excited to open our 2025 Christmas Toy Appeal, the perfect way for people to spread festive joy and show support for our young patients. Your kindness will help make Christmas in hospital a little less challenging for children and families. We’re thrilled to be the charity partner for Lewisham Shopping Centre this year – visit us there with Biskers to find out more and get some photos!”

Paul Redden, Centre Director at Lewisham Shopping Centre, said: “The festive season is about community and togetherness. Supporting University Hospital Lewisham and Queen Elizabeth Hospital this Christmas allows us to bring joy to those who need it most. We can’t wait to see all the generous donations and raise awareness for this important cause.”

The Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust Charity supports projects that go beyond standard NHS care, funding initiatives such as breast pumps for neonatal wards, toys and sensory items for young patients, physiotherapy equipment, and improvements to hospital waiting areas.

For more information or to donate to the appeal, contact the charity team at lg.charity@nhs.net

The Unofficial Apprenticeship: Thirty Years of the Student Radio Awards

Thirty years on, the Student Radio Awards have grown from a niche celebration into one of the most important nights in British broadcasting. The scale may have changed, but the spirit remains the same: a room full of young people with more ideas than sleep, gathering to celebrate what happens when creativity, caffeine, and courage meet a microphone.

Many of the biggest names in radio today once stood exactly where this year’s nominees did — nervous, hopeful, and holding a demo reel that felt like a ticket to somewhere bigger. The Student Radio Association has spent three decades giving young broadcasters that chance. Every year, professionals from across the industry turn up not only to hand out trophies, but to scout the next generation of voices that will shape the sound of the nation.

This year’s awards were hosted by Greg James and Jordan North, two presenters whose careers began on the other side of the stage lights. James first made his mark with Livewire at the University of East Anglia, and it was at the 2005 Student Radio Awards that he won Best Male Presenter — an accolade that directly led to his first job at BBC Radio 1. North’s story followed a similar path, starting out with Spark, where his mix of warmth and wit first took shape. Both have been open in describing student radio as the “unofficial apprenticeship” that launches so many into professional broadcasting.

It is also proof, if any were still needed, that radio is very much alive. As James himself put it, people have been predicting its death for twenty years, and yet it keeps finding new ways to reinvent itself. The Student Radio Awards stand as a yearly reminder that the medium’s future is not fading, but flourishing.

Among this year’s winners, there was no shortage of imagination or technical bravery. The Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion Award went to RAW, who credited their entire station for celebrating cultural events and weaving heritage into everyday programming. It was a moment that summed up what student radio does best: reflecting the real, varied lives of its listeners.

The Best Multiplatform Initiative award went to Fuse FM for their Alive! Festival: Enchanted Forest project — an idea that, in their own words, “got out of hand in the best possible way.” The team described the award as something that belonged to everyone at the station, calling themselves lucky to be part of such a creative and slightly chaotic community.

Over at Nerve Radio, the team behind Summer Ball won Best Event Programming after deciding to break from pre-recorded coverage and take their broadcast live from the field. That decision meant solving some highly practical problems — such as how to get ethernet and power into a tent — but the result was a thirteen-hour live transmission of the student union’s biggest festival. They credited their student union for making it possible and seemed to take just as much pride in the engineering as in the airtime.

Finally, University Radio York took home Best Technical Achievement for their New Show Scheduler: Barad Dur. The judges described it as a “brilliant achievement” that rivals what many professional stations can offer. The team themselves were quick to laugh at the strange and often chaotic nature of student radio technology, calling it a “Frankenstein’s workshop” built on years of inherited fixes and creative problem-solving. They spoke with genuine pride about how every generation builds on the last, each one leaving something slightly better — and slightly weirder — for those who follow.

That mix of chaos and collaboration might be the real secret of student radio. It is never perfect, but it is endlessly inventive. It teaches young broadcasters not just how to present a show, but how to solve problems, manage teams, and keep calm when a cable fails fifteen seconds before air. In other words, it teaches the art of broadcasting itself.

Thirty years in, the Student Radio Awards are no longer just a showcase for student talent. They are a snapshot of the future of radio. In the voices on those airwaves, in the makeshift studios and improvised solutions, you can already hear the sound of what comes next.

Shepherd’s Bush Market redevelopment moves forward after ACV bid rejected

A bid to have Shepherd’s Bush Market in west London listed as an asset of community value (ACV) has been turned down by Hammersmith and Fulham Council. The application, submitted earlier this year by Friends of Shepherd’s Bush Market, sought to protect the historic market’s future following approval of major redevelopment plans from developer Yoo Capital.

The Friends group argued that ACV status would be a vital step toward potential community ownership, amid fears that Yoo Capital could eventually sell the site. The developer, however, denied any plans to dispose of the market and said its redevelopment would focus on “preserving the market’s heritage and securing its future.”

The group’s concerns centre on what they see as the “gentrification” of the area and a loss of cultural identity. Supporters claim the redevelopment risks diluting the market’s long-standing social and economic significance.

In contrast, the Shepherd’s Bush Market Tenants’ Association, which says it represents most of the traders, supported Yoo Capital’s vision and accused the Friends group of obstructing much-needed investment. The association described the ACV application as “another PR stunt and attempt to delay and frustrate the process of moving forward.”

Hammersmith and Fulham Council rejected the application on the grounds that it “fails to demonstrate why the markets are considered to be ‘social interests’ and not standard retail services.” It also noted that the proposed listing mistakenly included land belonging to Transport for London.

Atila Kirilov, a tenant and spokesperson for the Friends group, said they were “deeply disappointed” that the council “has sided with billionaire developers.” The campaign group Protect Our Places also criticised the decision, claiming it showed “a clear disregard” for the market’s cultural, social and economic role.

Yoo Capital’s redevelopment plans for the market, which runs between Goldhawk Road and Uxbridge Road, include new stalls, 40 council homes at the neighbouring Old Laundry Yard, a nine-storey commercial building, and aesthetic improvements such as new signage and entrances. The company told the Local Democracy Reporting Service it intends to begin construction in early to mid-2026, pledging to “work closely” with traders, customers and residents to shape the market’s revival.

Pharmacist suspended after BBC Botox black market investigation exposes illegal sales

A pharmacist caught selling Botox without seeing patients has been suspended for 18 months after a BBC undercover investigation exposed a dangerous black market in injectable cosmetic treatments.

Cornelius Agoye, who operated Pharma Aesthetics London in Rainham, east London, was secretly filmed supplying licensed Botox to a BBC reporter posing as a beautician. He was also recorded explaining how to falsify consultation records to make the sale appear legitimate.

The BBC investigation uncovered several medical professionals breaking the same laws, supplying Botox without conducting mandatory face-to-face consultations. Such consultations are legally required for all prescriptions of botulinum toxin, a drug that can cause serious complications if misused.

Mr Agoye later admitted his conduct had fallen below professional standards and apologised, stating that he had not intended to cause harm. The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) imposed an interim suspension order while a full fitness-to-practise investigation continues.

Botulinum toxin, best known by the brand name Botox, is also sold in the UK under several licensed brands including Azzalure, Bocouture and Dysport. It is a prescription-only medicine that must only be administered after an in-person consultation by a qualified prescriber such as a doctor, dentist, nurse prescriber or pharmacist prescriber.

During the investigation, Mr Agoye was filmed instructing the undercover reporter on how to falsify paperwork, saying she could claim she had already seen the patient. He also explained how beauticians could use a legitimate patient’s prescription to obtain additional vials for use on others, admitting that it was illegal but commonplace in the trade.

The BBC’s wider Botox Black Market investigation revealed similar malpractice among registered professionals across England, including nurses and self-described practitioners selling unlicensed or counterfeit products. Some even offered Botox parties and prescription-only drugs through social media or instant messaging services.

Experts warned that bypassing safety checks removes a crucial medical safeguard and risks exposing patients to harmful or fake products. Incorrect use of Botox can cause drooping eyelids, blurred vision, severe headaches and, in rare cases, respiratory failure or paralysis.

The GPhC said it was “very concerned” by the investigation’s findings but would not comment further while its inquiry was ongoing. The Department of Health and Social Care has said it is considering stricter licensing measures for non-medical injectors in response to growing safety concerns.

Boy dies after Sidcup Family Golf wall collapse in south-east London

A five-year-old boy has died after a wall collapsed on him and a young girl at an adventure golf course in south-east London. Emergency services were called to Sidcup Family Golf in Chislehurst at about 17:40 GMT on Sunday following reports that a child had been injured when part of a wall gave way.

Both children were taken to hospital, with the boy in a life-threatening condition and the six-year-old girl also seriously hurt. The Metropolitan Police confirmed the boy died in hospital on Tuesday, while the girl has since been discharged.

A spokesperson for Sidcup Family Golf said: “We are deeply saddened to hear that the child injured on Sunday has tragically passed away. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the child’s family and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.” They added: “We are co-operating fully with the authorities as they continue their investigation and are providing every possible support to those affected by this tragedy.”

The Met Police said enquiries into the incident were continuing and that officers were working with the Local Health and Safety Inspector to determine the circumstances surrounding the collapse.

The site, popular with local families, remains closed while investigations are carried out.

Kitten thrown from moving car in south-east London in distressing incident

A kitten has died after reportedly being thrown from a moving car in Welling, south-east London, in what the RSPCA has described as “a really distressing and upsetting discovery”. The young tabby-and-white cat, thought to be less than six months old, was found at the junction of Burns Close and Chaucer Road at about 19:40 GMT on 31 October.

A witness said they saw the kitten being thrown from a dark-coloured car with silver trim on the roof and described how the animal struggled to stand on its back legs after hitting the ground.

RSPCA rescue officer Brian Milligan, who attended the scene, said: “The kitten must have been terrified as this was happening and this was clearly a tragic ending to this young cat’s life.” He added: “From what we’ve been told, it appears that the poor kitten was alive when it was allegedly thrown from the car, then possibly injured during the incident, and subsequently run over. If someone no longer wants their pet, there are many safe and responsible options available – abandoning or harming an animal is never acceptable.”

According to the RSPCA, the kitten’s injuries were consistent with being struck by a vehicle, making it impossible to determine its sex. The animal was not microchipped.

The charity has appealed to anyone in the area who may have doorbell or CCTV footage that could help identify the vehicle or those responsible. It has asked the public to come forward with any information that could assist the investigation.

The RSPCA has highlighted this as another example of animal cruelty that continues to shock communities and called for greater awareness of safe and humane ways to surrender unwanted pets.