For those of you who can’t make it to Deutschland, don’t panic. Albert’s Schloss have got the Steins at the ready for the return of their infamous Oktoberfest.
With three weeks of Bavarian brews, delicious new dishes, and non-stop live entertainment that will have guest dancing on the tables – in true Bavarian style – the Soho bier palace are offering it all!
Running from 20th September to 12th October, Albert’s Schloss Oktoberfest is open to all, no ticket required. Playing host to traditional keg tapping, live oompah and brass bands, and ‘the best lederhosen’ competition, they are sure to prove their Bayern credentials.
There is a different showtime entertainment theme planned each day – with favourites including the Baby Grand Slam, two dueling pianos, and a full band playing requests. This is also a Disko Wunderbar night which is expected to be largely popular, where 70s classics will be given an Oktoberfest brass band twist.
There will also be classic Oktoberfest games and wurst-eating contests… because what’s a beer festival without a bit of friendly competition? Not only this, but guests will be welcomed to stein holding, pretzel tossing, guess the sausage and Bavarian hat throwing.
Albert’s Schloss is one of the only venues in the world that offers six festival beers under one roof – the only beers served at the official Munich Oktoberfest – and are therefore serving the most authentic taste of Oktoberfest that you can get.
Paprika-roasted half chicken, 12-hr brined crispy Schweinshaxe pork knuckle, a Sausage Festival dish of authentic wursts, and the award-winning Baron burger will all be served up in the Cook Haus restaurant and there will also be a selection of authentic Alpine cocktails available – if beer isn’t your thing. Choices include: Oktoberfest Spritz, A Blood Orange and Ginger Spritz or a Munchen Long Island, all mixed with Monkey 47.
100 free beers will be given to the first festival guests on Saturday 20th September, as soon as doors open at noon, and after selling over 3,000 litres of beer across the festival in London last year, Albert’s Schloss are sure to stack the kegs even higher this year.
To find out more about what is on offer, check out their website now – Prost!
Ready to experience London’s defining landmark, Tower Bridge, like never before?
Visitors now have the opportunity to attend exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Tours at the venue for a limited time. And better yet, this year has seen the inclusion of in-person British Sign Language (BSL) interpreted tour options.
Chris Earlie, director of Tower Bridge, said: “These tours are an incredible opportunity to see the Bridge from the inside out; from the thrilling machinery that powers it, to the stories of the people behind its construction. Making this unique experience accessible isn’t easy due to the operational nature of the working Bridge but with the introduction of BSL interpretation, we hope to provide a more inclusive offer. Continuing to increase accessibility to such a historic icon reflects our commitment to removing barriers and creating unforgettable experiences for all our visitors.”
This experience is perfect for those who want the rare chance to go beyond the standard ‘tourist experience’. Having expert-led tours allows guests to travel beyond classic routes, and instead delve into the Bridge’s inner workings which is usually closed to the public.
Visitors will have the opportunity to see the cavernous Bascule Chambers beneath the Thames – which allow for the movement of the huge counterweights used during Bridge Lifts.
Tickets for these tours which will take place between November and March are on sale this month – but move quickly – as they are sure to sell out fast due to high demand.
And especially this year with them being the most inclusive to date, featuring BSL-interpretation on selected dates. This addition has been implemented to enhance the attraction’s accessibility, and will be delivered via Smartify.
Martin Fox-Roberts, BSL interpreter, added: “Tower Bridge is such a powerful symbol, not just of history and engineering but of London itself. Collaborating with the team and further opening that experience up to Deaf people is incredibly meaningful. So many Deaf visitors miss out on the richness of historic places because information isn’t presented in a way they can fully engage with. Tower Bridge continues to develop its offer and with this latest BSL-interpreted tour continues to set a benchmark for other attractions to follow suit.”
There will also be the introduction of ‘Quieter Time’ which will offer more times to experience the Bridge in a calmer environment. These sessions will build on the Bridge’s existing Relaxed Openings, designed for visitors who feel more comfortable in a less stimulating environment – such as those with neurodivergent people, those living with dementia or sight impairment and their companions.
These are in addition to the option to experience a Guided Tour with BSL, led by an expert guide and an accredited British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter, and Deaf-led Guided Tours with John Wilson, an experienced Deaf guide – both available on selected dates.
Tickets for these Behind-the-Scenes Tours cost £80 per adult and £72.50 per child, with disabled adult tickets available at £75 per person. The November and December tour tickets go on sale this month, with January to March tour tickets released later this year. BSL-interpreted Behind-the-Scenes Tours will take place January-March, dates to be confirmed.
Tower Bridge delivers memorable experiences for all to enjoy: from walking on the Glass Floors suspended 42 metres above the Thames and stunning skyline views from the High-level Walkways to stepping back in time in the atmospheric Victorian Engine Rooms.
The winner of the life-changing Le Cordon Bleu London Scholarship Competition 2025 was announced on Monday at the Bloomsbury Institute.
Emma Keenan from Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, has been named the winner of the competition which marked the 130th anniversary of the Le Cordon Bleu.
Hitting such a major milestone, this event featured its largest prize package to date – worth over £90,000 – and saw 16 talented, aspiring chefs showcase their skills in a live culinary challenge final, to take the top spot.
Emma Keenan, aged 27, impressed the esteemed judging panel – including Emily Roux (Caractère), Chris Galvin (Galvin Restaurants), Nicolas Houchet (The Savoy), and winner of the 2024 Scholarship, Caoimhe O’Neill-McGuinness – with a Savoury Choux Ring with Mushrooms, Mascarpone and Hazelnut and Parmesan Craquelin.
Throughout, Emma showed determination and intuition in the kitchen, and her genuine passion for the culinary arts that came across in her interview, which all combined to see her officially crowned winner at the awards ceremony and dinner hosted at CORD by Le Cordon Bleu that very same day.
Emma commented: “I don’t think I’ve ever felt so proud of myself in my life. I feel incredibly grateful because every finalist is a deserving winner. They’re all such talented and passionate people. I feel incredibly excited about the journey that’s in front of me and I can’t wait to get started. I have no doubt it’s going to be challenging and intense, but in the best way. Anyone who is considering applying for the next Scholarship you absolutely need to believe and just take that shot. It comes with this sense of vulnerability, but it’s the best thing to put yourself out there for something that you genuinely care about because everything can change, so 100% apply. If you are in any way passionate about food, you absolutely have to do it.”
Emma has received a full scholarship to pursue Le Cordon Bleu’s renowned Grand Diplôme®, which combines both cuisine and pâtisserie training. The prize package is worth over £90,000, and also includes a three-month internship at CORD, 12 months’ accommodation in London courtesy of Londonist DMC, mentorship from Michel Roux Jr. and Chris Galvin, and an overnight stay at The Savoy.
This year, two runners up were also recognised for the first time. They will receive a 2-week internship at CORD and special prizes from The Savoy and Phaidon:
Second place: Melissa Kuo from London, awarded a place a on either the Basic Cuisine or Basic Patisserie 3-month programme.
Third place: Ruby Goodens from Hull, awarded a place on Le Cordon Bleu’s Summer Essentials Course.
All contestants will receive a year’s membership to CKBK and a custom chefs jacket courtesy of Clement Design.
Culinary Arts Director at Le Cordon Bleu London, Emil Minev, commented: “This year’s 130th Anniversary Scholarship has been one of our most exciting and competitive to date. The level of creativity and dedication from all the finalists was exceptional, and Emma distinguished herself with outstanding technique and passion. We are honoured to support their culinary journey.”
Le Cordon Bleu is the leading global network of culinary arts and hospitality management institutes, with over 35 schools in more than 20 countries, and although traditional French culinary techniques remain at the heart of Le Cordon Bleu, the academic programmes are constantly adapted to include new, innovative technologies to meet the needs of the hospitality industry.
Their annual competition continues to act as a launchpad for culinary careers, which allows people regardless of age, location or background the chance to follow their dreams and aspirations. This gives individuals the opportunity to learn from Master Chefs from Le Cordon Bleu London and also intern under the kitchen team at CORD.
The finalists for the Black British Business Awards 2025 (BBBAwards) have been announced, recognising exceptional performance of Black professionals and entrepreneurs.
Thirty-six business leaders, innovators, creatives and trailblazers from some of the most prestigious brands and exciting UK businesses will attend the premier UK awards ceremony this October, at the InterContinental London, Park Lane.
The BBBAwards is the only premium awards programme of its kind in the UK, after being established in 2014, and has been endorsed by four Prime Ministers, the Mayor of London and global business leaders for it’s impact and powerful showcase.
This is the 12th year of the BBBAwards which will see finalists from companies including JPMorganChase, Goldman Sachs, Sephora, Dentsu Creative, LinkedIn and Kantar, be joined by senior figures in British business, prominent opinion leaders and influencers representing all sectors and regions of the British economy. The awards will also once again welcome Wells Fargo as the Finalist Announcement Sponsor, for the sixth year running.
Over the years, more than 400 Black professionals and entrepreneurs have been recognised for their contributions to business in addition to employers and allies that continue to address Black racial equity gaps.
BBBAwards Chair and Executive Founder, Dr Sophie Chandauka MBE, spoke out when the 2025 finalists were revealed: “I am proud to celebrate this year’s BBBAwards finalists – worldclass professionals and entrepreneurs whose achievements inspire us all and raise aspirations across society. We applaud companies that are backing Black talent and taking meaningful action to ensure transparent and equitable distribution of capital, access to opportunity and top jobs. In the war-on-talent, risk-based problem solving is not a zero-sum game. This means addressing material gaps and issues impacting different populations whilst celebrating a job well done as progress is made. We can drive progress towards a fairer, more equal society and a truly inclusive British economy where investment and effort are allocated strategically to solve problems that, once addressed, can contribute a more stable future for our children and greater prosperity for all. We are stronger when we are brave enough to acknowledge and solve problems together.”
JPMorganChase is also a returning Key Partner of the BBBAwards for the sixth year, continuing their support of this event that recognises Black excellence and entrepreneurship. The Financial Times hosted the exciting BBBAwards nominations reception, Oliver Wyman hosted the highly competitive judging day and Wells Fargo hosted the highly anticipated finalist announcement reception.
Further significant corporate BBBAwards sponsors this year are AlixPartners, Baker McKenzie, Barclays, Bloomberg, The Financial Times, Goldman Sachs, L’Oréal, Macquarie Group, Morgan Stanley, S&P Global, Ralph Lauren, Wellington Management and Worldpay.
Sponsors’ support is invaluable to ensuring that equitable investment and opportunity for Black talent remains on the corporate agenda by celebrating the often-unsung commercial contributions of Black professionals and entrepreneurs who deserve a platform to shine.
The 2025 BBBAwards honours exceptional performance and outstanding achievements by Black professionals and entrepreneurs across six industry categories. This year’s category finalists are:
Arts and Media Rising Star
Marissa McKinnon, Venue and Operations Manager, Theatre Peckham
Tayo Ologbenla, Head of Digital Marketing and Engagement, Savills
Joelle Owusu-Sekyere, Editorial Director, Penguin Random House
Arts and Media Senior Leader
Aston Brooks-Ashitey, Senior Brand Social Marketing Manager, LinkedIn
Ete Davies, EMEA EVP, Dentsu Creative
Jamie Wallace, Founder and Creative Director, Origin
Consumer and Luxury Rising Star
Janet Davies, CEO, Ominira Naturals
Jane Msumba, Pharmacist Health Coach, Inner Glow Clinic
Nathaniel Wade, Co-Founder, Wakuda
Consumer and Luxury Senior Leader
Belinda Brown, CFO, Sephora UK
Alison Burton, Co-Founder, March Muses
Jamie-Lee Abtar, Head of Marketing, Not In The Guidebook
Entrepreneur Rising Star
Rukayat Alabi, CEO, RKY Careers
Lucky Nwosu, Founder and CEO, Sercasa
Nnaemeka Obodoekwe, CTO, Lenkie Technologies Ltd
Entrepreneur Senior Leader
Jones Amegbor, Founder and CEO, PayInc Group Ltd t/a PayAngel
Kevin Ampeh, Director and Head of Global Perspectives, IQVIA
Jennifer Dominic, Head of Marketing (Brand Lead and Team Lead) UK Oncology, MSD UK
Daniel Ukasoanya, Global Supply Planner, Bloomberg
STEM Senior Leader
Heather Brown, Growth and Experience Design Director, Sage
Serufusa Sekidde, Chief of Staff to the CEO, ViiV Healthcare – GSK
Tara Gbolade, Director, Gbolade Design Studio
The final is taking place on Friday 17th October at the InterContinental London, Park Lane, and promises a night of celebration, recognition, inclusivity and inspiration.
With thousands of young people returning to classrooms this September, new research highlights overlooked areas within education that need critical improvements.
Hark’s Listen Up Report 2025 has revealed that almost a third of Year 9 students (30%) have already changed their mind about what job they want since starting secondary school, and over half say they know little to nothing about the next stage.
Only a staggering 10% of students feel fully in control of what comes next.
With students now settling back into school, it’s clear that in losing confidence, narrowing their aspirations, and having little understanding of next steps, Years 8 and 9 students need investment from brands and employers now, to make a real difference.
If students at this age lack clarity and confidence in future possibilities, it will limit the chance for them to explore their true potential and future possibilities.
We spoke to Hark’s co-founder, Kathryn McColl, to understand her views on why this age group are so often overlooked when it comes to early career engagement and guidance, and the importance there is to invest in them.
“Years 8 and 9 can fall into a gap. Schools and employers alike often concentrate career support at the later stages, around GCSE choices or post-16 decisions. But by then, many students have already narrowed their horizons. Our research shows a sharp dip in confidence at this age – they’re questioning themselves but haven’t yet had much exposure to the world of work. Because they’re often seen as being ‘too young’ for careers input, this crucial stage is often missed, and opportunities to broaden their aspirations early on are lost.”
Hark is a London-based education and youth agency with over 30 years’ experience creating powerful learning experiences and campaigns for schools, communities, and youth audiences, and in working with businesses that want to talk to these young people that they are targeting, they are making a genuine difference committing young people to thrive.
As their data shows a clear urgency to act now in working with Years 8 and 9, surrounding career development, they are now driving the need of business engagement in the younger classrooms with the new school year just starting.
So, how can organisations open these opportunities for students to discover what their passions could lead to, and connect them with real-world examples of turning passions into professions?
Kathryn explains: “One of the most powerful things employers can do is make careers relatable. When young people hear real stories from people in work, particularly those who share their backgrounds or passions, it helps them see how their own interests connect to the future, for example, showing how skills in creativity, problem-solving, or technology translate into real jobs brings those pathways to life. It’s about helping them understand that their passions aren’t just hobbies but can be the foundation of meaningful careers.”
“Engagement doesn’t have to be complex but it does need to be early and consistent. That could mean offering school visits, workplace experiences, or mentoring programmes specifically designed for this age group. The key is exposure: the more students encounter role models, environments, and examples of careers, the more tangible the world of work feels. Our findings show that confidence dips when students don’t feel informed, so practical, interactive opportunities to ask questions and explore are vital to rebuilding that confidence.”
It is true that employers can play a vital role in linking their own work back to the interests and values that drive them, making their career paths more relatable and inspiring for young people.
If we want these students to aim high, and change results surrounding career progression for the better next year, it is essential that they are given tools, role models and control of their future in these middle years.
Kathryn concluded with what success would look like from businesses making a tangible difference in early years: “Success would mean young people in Years 8 and 9 feel informed, supported, and in control of their choices. Instead of reporting that they ‘know little to nothing’ about their next stage – as over half told us in our Listen Up Report – they would feel clearer about the options available, and more confident that their future is something they can actively shape. Ultimately, the goal is to keep ambition alive, so that young people don’t close down opportunities before they’ve had the chance to discover what’s possible.”
If, like me, Italian and Japanese cuisine sum up your absolute favourite meals – Bella Italia now has the perfect dish for you.
Available until the Sunday 12th October, a truly unique and autumnal addition will be included in the brand-new range of Pasta Fusion dishes at Bella Italia restaurants: The Katsu Carbonara.
Think all your classic elements – from spaghetti and classic, creamy, Italian carbonara sauce – but combine it with bold katsu curry flavours and crispy slices of golden breaded chicken.
And… to make this exciting new dish even better, on Wednesday 24th September customers can get their hands on this limited-edition dish for just £1, in celebration of National Katsu Day.
For the entire day, all participating restaurants will offer everyone the chance to experience Bella Italia’s most adventurous pasta yet for just £1 instead of £17.49.
A spokesperson has made comment: “Our guests love us for our Italian classics from creamy Carbonara to oven-baked Lasagne and fresh Margherita Pizza. The new Katsu Carbonara brings something exciting and unexpected to the table, blending the best of Italian comfort food with bold Japanese flavours. As part of our pasta revolution, we’re continuing to make pasta the star of the show, from time-honoured favourites to daring new creations like this one. And with £1 Katsu Day, there’s no better time to give it a try.”
Bella Italia is devoted to the art of pasta, with their 70 nationwide restaurants being recognised for their delicious and authentic Italian food. With items such as rich ragus and fresh seafood pastas, to hand-stretched sourdough pizzas, this is definitely the favourite place to test new, innovative creations – such as the Katsu Carbonara.
This offer is valid for the whole of the 24th September 2025, for dine-in customers only. It cannot be used with any other offer, set menu, voucher or discount code, and unfortunately, locations Center Parcs, London Paddington, Leicester Wigston and Dover, are not included in this deal.
The leading Mexican and South American cuisine establishment, Las Iguanas, have announced an exclusive app-only perk throughout the whole of September.
With the horrid weather that has now struck the UK, Las Iguanas are hoping to keep the fiesta alive by offering free tapas every week, all month long now.
Until Wednesday 1st October, app-using customers can enjoy a rotating line-up of tapas favourites, worth up to £10.25, completely free with the purchase of any drinks from the Main Drinks Menu.
Guests can look forward to a mix of the most-loved tapas in their local restaurant -from crispy chicken wings and indulgent hot halloumi, to cheesy quesadillas, nachos and golden empanadas.
A new dish will be unlocked every Monday, redeemable until Wednesday of that week, where diners will have lots of opportunities to tuck into a different Latin classic, on the house.
A spokesperson for Las Iguanas said: “September can be a challenging month for customers, so we wanted to create something simple, exciting, and genuinely rewarding. Free tapas every week is a thank-you to our loyal guests and a warm invitation to those who haven’t joined The Iguana Club yet. We’re all about bold flavours, vibrant experiences, and bringing people together, this offer does exactly that.”
So how do you get your hands on this offer?
To qualify for this free grub, all customers need to do is download The Iguana Club, Las Iguanas’ loyalty programme, where the free tapas perk will appear directly in the app each Monday under “Perks,” ready to be redeemed in-restaurant by simply scanning the QR code.
A new ‘Back to School’ campaign has launched, urging the public to help get children around the world back into education.
Celebrities are backing this appeal that the international children’s charity Street Child have established, to ensure that the most marginalised children around the globe can go to school.
This UK-based charity, head-quartered in London, works in more than 25 countries to ensure that children are safe, in school, and learning, and after finding that more than 60 million primary school-aged children worldwide are currently out of education, they are advocating for change.
Finding that this is often caused through a lack of resources, conflict, environmental disasters or other emergencies, the Back to School campaign asks to pledge the equivalent of £4 a month (just £1 a week) to support a child’s education for the whole year.
To really push this mission, Street Child have announced that they will commit to enrolling a child in school this term, for every regular gift that is set up before the end of September.
Their Co-Founder, Lucinda Dannatt, explains: “As a mum of four boys, back to school this year is full of milestones for our household: two ‘last first days’ – one for my eldest finishing school and one for my youngest completing primary – and two ‘first days’ of starting exam courses for the middle boys. Each is facing new challenges, has new ambitions, is excited to see friends and can’t wait to get on the rugby field! Full of possibility and opportunity.
“Tragically, right now, more than 60 million primary-aged children around the world do not have that possibility or opportunity, and many never will.
“Street Child is expert in enabling children to access education in some of the most disaster-hit and lowest-income countries, such as the Democratic Republic of Congo and Nigeria.
“Education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty. For every year a child spends in school, their life chances improve enormously and so do the lives of future generations. For just £1 a week, we can get a child into school this year and set them on the path to a better future.”
A number of celebrities have backed this campaign, including Nick Hewer, who has said: “Education is opportunity.
“Not only is it the key to unlocking a child’s full potential, but it also helps build relationships, strengthen economies, and lift entire communities out of poverty.
“The first day of school is all about the excitement of unlimited possibility and for £1 a week, Street Child can help children in the world’s lowest-income countries experience that joy. I’ve seen first-hand the impact of Street Child’s work and encourage everyone to support them this back-to-school season.”
Footballing legend, Chris Kamara is also involved and has also said: “Education gives children confidence and opens doors to new opportunities. Every child deserves the excitement of their first day back at school, putting on their uniform, stepping into the classroom, and believing in a brighter future. Street Child is making this possible for the most marginalised children around the world, and I’m proud to support this campaign.”
The Thursday Murder Club star Dame Helen Mirren has also voiced her support for the campaign, believing: “All children deserve the chance to go to school and learn. Education transforms lives, strengthens communities, and creates lasting change for generations. Yet around the world, too many children – especially girls – are still denied this opportunity. Street Child is working in some of the most fragile places on earth to ensure access to education for those who need it most. By supporting their Back to School appeal, you are helping the most marginalised children gain the tools and confidence needed to shape the futures they deserve.”
TV presented Ade Adepitan said: “Education is more than lessons in a classroom – it’s freedom, it’s choice, it’s hope. Too many children are denied that chance simply because of where they are born or the challenges they face. Street Child is breaking down those barriers in the most disaster-hit and lowest-income countries, helping children go to school for the first time and imagine a future full of possibilities. By supporting their Back to School appeal, you can be part of that change and give children the start in life they deserve.”
Finally, fashion designer Foday Dumbuya (the creative mind behind the 2024/25 Arsenal away kit) has said: “Having visited Street Child’s programmes in Sierra Leone earlier this year, I witnessed first-hand the transformative power of education in communities that, being from Sierra Leone myself, hold such a special place in my heart. I met incredible people – parents, children and caregivers – that Street Child works with, who have faced hardship but are determined to build bright futures, and education is the first step. For just £4 a month, you can support a child’s education and provide them with the tools they need to change their lives. I encourage everyone who is able to support Street Child’s Back to School appeal this year so that every child can experience that magical first day feeling.”
After the Met Office issued a yellow thunderstorm warning across the UK this week, it is important for everyone to stay alert and safe on the roads.
It was recorded that there was nearly a 20% rise in accidents on slippery roads in 2023, and with heavy rainfall forecasted over the next few days, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) have released a warning about the dangers that drivers may face – and solutions for their safety.
Aquaplaning, also known as hydroplaning, describes the phenomenon where a layer of water builds up between a vehicle’s tyres and the road surface. This causes a strong loss of traction for drivers – where they are at dangers of losing steering control, braking ability and the acceleration effectiveness. All of these possibilities, highly increase the risk of collisions.
Because of this it is important for all drivers to be equipped with the knowledge they need to stay safe. RoSPA’s Road Safety Manager, Caitlin Taylor, has said: “Driving in wet weather can be challenging and hazardous, especially when aquaplaning occurs. Our essential tips help drivers understand the risks and take the necessary steps to prevent aquaplaning, ensuring safer journeys for everyone.”
Key areas of knowledge which can keep drivers safe include:
How Aquaplaning Happens: Driving too fast through standing water can overwhelm the tyres’ ability to channel water away, leading to a loss of grip.
What to Do If You Aquaplane: Drivers should remain calm, ease off the accelerator, and avoid sudden braking or sharp steering to regain control. Prevention Tips:
Some good tips to prevent aquaplaning from RoSPA include:
Reduce speed in wet conditions.
Ensure tyres have adequate tread depth (at least 3mm is recommended for optimal performance).
Maintain correct tyre pressure.
Avoid driving through large puddles or flooded areas.
The RoSPA has brought special attention to the importance of regular tyre maintenance. If your tyres are worn or underinflated, this can significantly increase the risk of aquaplaning, which is why it is strongly encouraged for drivers to check their tread depth regularly and replace tyres when necessary to maintain optimal performance in wet conditions.
RoSPA have released more information on their website regarding road safety, which can be found here.
