In the heart of Notting Hill lies bookshop Books for Cooks, a beloved destination for food lovers and cookbook collectors.

Each day, the in-house chefs select a different cookbook from the shelves and prepare a set lunch menu based on its recipes.

The menu changes daily, giving visitors the chance to sample something new every time—and helping them discover their next favourite cookbook through taste.

Filled from floor to celling with books from around the globe, the shop’s purpose is not to be viewed or ran as restaurant. The kitchen is simply there to the shop and the sale of books.

Beloved by Notting Hill locals and tourists alike, Books for Cooks is more than bookshop, it’s a celebration of the art of cooking. 

Image credit: Elicia Valentine Jones

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From dried fruit crisps to protein bars, healthy snacks are reshaping workplace culture.

As the UK healthy snack market surges towards £6.4 billion by 2030, offices are biting into better bites, according to a study.

According to Horizon study, the UK healthy snack market reached approximately £4.5 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow around £6.4 billion by 2030.

Among all product categories, fruits, nuts and seeds led the way in 2023 generating the highest revenue.

Behind this booming industry are ionate founders and entrepreneurs who have recognised the growing demand for nutritious and convenient options.

These innovators are not only creating products that fuel busy professionals but are also helping to shift workplace wellness towards smarter, healthier habits.

Snack Founders Leading the Change

At the forefront of the healthy snack revolution is Aline Burgmann, CEO and co-founder of Kooky, pretty unique fruits.

Driven by her ion for exotic fruits, especially mango, one of her favourite treats, Burgmann launched Kooky to bring unique snacks to a wider audience.

She said: “I created the brand mainly because of my love for exotic dried fruit and mango in particular.

“I wanted to promote this delicious fruit and make it more affordable and available in the market.”

Inspired by the global surge in interest around Korean pop culture, everything from K-pop to K-dramas, Burgmann noticed that people’s appetites for exotic flavors were growing rapidly.

She said: “Walking through aisles in supermarkets and health stores, I found the dried fruit category pretty boring, mostly just apricots and prunes.

“I felt the market was ready to embrace new, exotic flavors.”

Kooky now includes nine flavours, four of which are exclusive to the brand, including options like freeze-dried mangosteen and even the famously durian, also known as the “stinky fruit.”

Burgmann said she was aware of the challenge of bringing new flavours, most of which were unfamiliar to consumers.

Before launching her range, she conducted extensive sampling sessions with people who had never heard of exotic fruits like mangosteen.

She said: “Over 90% of the people in the room had no idea what mangosteen was.”

She quickly realised that going straight to retail would be risky and instead decided to concentrate on B2B, targeting the office environment.

She said: “I knew I needed and partnership from companies like Bloomberg to help introduce our snacks to the right audience.”

“A lot of us now are looking for a healthy snacking option but “without it has to be without compromising on flavor, quality and price.”

Despite being a small company, Burgmann sees Kooky as part of a bigger movement toward responsible snacking.

She said: “It’s the boldness that makes Kooky stand out, daring to offer flavours others shy away from.

“We are proud to be the big cuckoo, doing things differently.”

Kooky isn’t alone in redefining how we snack.

Across the UK a new generation of founders is taking steps to fuse favour, health and sustainability.

One of them is Giuseppe Baidoo, the founder of Gusto Snacks, who turned a frustration with food waste to a mission-driven brand.

He said: “Apples are one the most produced fruits, but also one of the most wasted.

“We work directly with farmers to rescue perfectly edible fruit that doesn’t make it to supermarkets, not because it’s bad but because it doesn’t meet strict size and appearance standards.”

While familiar tropical fruits like mango and ion fruit were an instant hit, some of Gusto’s more adventurous flavors required a little more convincing.

Baidoo said: “Chocolate-covered apples, for example, were tough at first.

“People were sceptical about apples with chocolate.”

Despite the initial hesitation, Giuseppe stuck with it, confident in the quality of the ingredients and the unexpected harmony of the flavour.

This balance of trusted tastes and bold experimentation is what helps Gusto stand out in a crowded market.

Founders like Burgmann and Baidoo are redefining what healthy snacking looks like whether it’s through adventurous exotic fruits or rescuing imperfect produce destined for the bin.

As these products find their way into workplace kitchens and meeting room tables, employees are discovering how the right snack can boost energy and focus during demanding workdays.

What’s in the Office Snack Drawer?
One employee who embraced this shift is Marta Damaso, a customer representative at Bloomberg.

For Damaso, healthy snacking is more than just a habit – it’s an extension of her commitment to personal wellness and balance in and out of the office.

She said: “I embrace the commitment to choose snacks that my fitness and health goals whether I am on a nutrition plan or not.

“I prioritise nutrient-dense food that fuels my body with sustained energy, free from unnecessary sugars or additives.”

Her desk drawer is stocked with carefully chosen options: raw nuts, clean-ingredient protein bars, fresh fruit and digestive cookies with dark chocolate for when a sweet craving hits.”

Working at Bloomberg has helped reinforce those habits.

She said: “The culture here, and the access to healthier snacks, has encouraged me to be more consistent.

“I’ve moved away from impulse snacking to more intentional, prepared options that my workout and diet. These snacks play a crucial role in regulating my energy levels and mood, particularly during a non-stop working day”

For Sushmita Roy, also based at Bloomberg, healthy snacking is more than a personal preference – it’s a necessity for health considerations and a busy schedule

She said: “When healthy snacks are available, I definitely feel more productive and in a better mood

“People are more aware of how food connects to focus and energy and more companies are recognising that healthier employees tend to be happier and more productive.”

A healthy snack in her view should be quick to grab, low in sugar and packed with nutritional value.

“It’s all about fueling the day without slowing you down,” said Roy.

Small Habits, Big Impact

From startup founders transforming overlooked fruits into best-selling snacks, to employees choosing to focus on their wellbeing, the healthy snacking movement is driven by one simple idea: small choices can lead to big changes.

Damaso said: “More people are recognising the connection between nutrition, performance and overall well-being.

“I believe companies are now ing employee health to boost productivity and reduce absenteeism or obesity.”

But while access is improving, Damaso and Roy believe more can be done to inform and empower employees.

Roy said: “It needs more education, better variety and maybe even programmes like talk shows or takeaway material to raise awareness about why healthy snacking is important.”

With the UK’s healthy snack market projected to hit £6.4 billion by 2030, and companies like Kooky and Gusto Snacks leading innovation in favour and sustainability, it’s clear that what was once a niche trend has become a workplace essential.

Healthy snacking is a cultural shift toward more mindful, empowered, and sustainable choices,one bite at a time. 

Featured Image source: Kooky

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London’s street food scene is thriving, with plenty of choice for quick, satisfying meals.

Borough Market remains a staple for food lovers, offering everything from raclette-covered potatoes to Thai-style roti wraps.

Over in Camden and Brick Lane, stalls serve up sizzling skewers, artisan doughnuts, and colourful smoothie bowls.

These areas are perfect for grabbing something on the go or sitting down with friends in the open air.

Most markets are open throughout the week, but weekends tend to draw the biggest crowds.

Arriving early gives you the best chance to beat queues and get the pick of the dishes.

Food festivals also pop up across the city during warmer months, often featuring live music and outdoor bars, making for a relaxed day out with good food in hand.

Cosy neighbourhood gems

Step away from the city centre and you’ll find some of London’s most charming food spots tucked into residential streets and quieter corners.

Areas like Stoke Newington, Tooting, and Dulwich are packed with independent cafes and restaurants that keep things simple yet memorable.

From sourdough pizzas to lentil stews and handmade cakes, these neighbourhood places focus on quality and comfort.

In these neighbourhood cafes, life moves at a relaxed pace.

While your lunch buddy snaps the perfect shot for Instagram, you can just as easily check the football scores or adjust your in-play bets.

With most options on the trusted betting sites list 2025 offering a wide choice of live markets, staying in the action takes no more effort than posting a photo of your meal.

The real star remains the food; simple, hearty dishes made with care, best enjoyed without rushing.

Hidden spots in central London

Central London is often busy, but it still holds a few well-kept food secrets.

Tucked behind main roads and down side streets, you’ll find places serving handmade pasta, Korean barbecue, or Spanish tapas at a level that rivals pricier spots.

Soho’s Greek Street, for example, has tiny restaurants that are easy to miss but worth the effort to find.

Kingly Court, just off Carnaby Street, is another good option.

The three-level space features a range of cuisines in a compact setting, making it ideal for groups.

Whether you’re after vegan Mexican bowls or classic fried chicken, there’s something for everyone. Many spots accept walk-ins, though queues are common at peak times.

Late-night eats and Midnight cravings

London doesn’t slow down after dark, especially when it comes to food.

Whether you’re leaving the theatre, heading home from the pub, or simply hungry at odd hours, the city has plenty of options.

Brick Lane’s bagel shops are famous for staying open through the night, with hot salt beef and mustard served until dawn.

In Chinatown, several restaurants serve steaming bowls of noodles or dim sum into the early hours, making it a reliable destination for a satisfying late-night meal.

South and east London offer their own share of round-the-clock bites.

In Peckham, food spots like M. Manze’s pie and mash shop and local fried chicken ts stay busy well past midnight.

Over in Dalston, a mix of Turkish kebab houses, vegan burger stalls, and plant-based cafes offer something for everyone, often paired with music or street performances.

These areas draw both night owls and shift workers looking for flavour without the formality.

The mix of cultures and cuisines keeps things interesting, even at 2am.

Classic British with a twist

London hasn’t abandoned its classics.

Many pubs and casual restaurants are reworking British favourites in clever ways.

Fish and chips at Sutton and Sons in Hackney or the pies at Mother Mash in Soho come with sides and sauces that take these dishes well beyond the usual.

Seasonal ingredients and creative techniques give even simple meals a fresh edge.

A proper Sunday roast is still a weekend highlight. Places like Blacklock in Soho and The Harwood Arms in Fulham do it especially well.

Expect slow-cooked meat, crispy roast potatoes, and plenty of gravy.

Most venues fill up fast, especially during colder months, so booking ahead for a weekend visit is worth the effort.

Sweets, cakes, and afternoon treats

For those with a sweet tooth, London doesn’t disappoint.

Bakeries like Pophams and Jolene offer pastries that people happily queue for.

Smaller spots such as Layla Bakery in Notting Hill or The Dusty Knuckle in Dalston also serve excellent breads and buns, often made with locally sourced ingredients and plenty of care.

Afternoon tea remains a popular treat.

While The Ritz and Claridge’s offer traditional service with all the trimmings, newer venues like Sketch and Brigit’s Bakery add a bit more flair and colour.

Many places now offer themed teas or diet-friendly menus, which makes them more accessible and fun for different tastes.

Conclusion

London’s food scene is one of the most varied and exciting in the world.

From cosy neighbourhood cafes to hidden central gems, there’s always something new to try.

Whether you’re on the hunt for fresh pastries, a world-class curry, or just a relaxed lunch in a friendly spot, the city has something to suit every mood and appetite.

Picture credit: Free to use from Pixabay

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Pet cafes have undeniably grown in popularity across the UK over the past decade, with cat cafes in particular leading the force. 

If licensed and operated humanely, these cafes can become key spaces for visitors to decompress and relax in the company of animals.

Big City Dog Concept Store in Kensington is a multifunctional, inviting space which provides an array of different services for customers.

Described as a community hub and matcha heaven, Big City Dog, which opened in 2023, offers a traditional pet store experience, with the unique addition of a matcha-centered coffee shop, dog grooming salon and bookable sessions with the resident dogs.

Store owner Anaïs, who is originally from but has been living in the UK for five years, explained her dog Tokyo was a key motivation for setting up the store.

She added the available green spaces in London, such as Kensington Gardens, were another key motivator for her move.

Anaïs said: “I used to go to a dog cafe when I travelled to the US, and I really loved it. 

“Because I had a corporate job, I wanted a role where I felt it was more like a happy place than just a job to pay the bills.

“We actually moved to London because I used to come here for work, and Tokyo and I loved Kensington Gardens. 

“Tokyo especially loved it because, where I used to live in Paris, it was not as nice, so we thought ‘Okay, we need to live here’.”

Big City Dog offers bookable sessions for up to five people to relax and unwind with resident dogs Tokyo, Pablo, Bertie and Margot.

Anaïs noted the psychological and emotional benefits which can be created from spending time with their four-legged friends. 

Anaïs said: “Hanging out with dogs has a really nice effect on people.

“The sessions tend to attract people who love dogs but cannot have one, or who are on holiday and miss their own, we have a lot of them.

“People often bring their kids along too to see if it’s a good idea to get a family dog.

“I think it’s a relaxation thing, but also, to me, just being around dogs soothes me, so I think it can offer the same for everyone.”

According to data shared by PDSA, 51% of the UK are pet owners yet only 10% of London landlords allow pets in their rental properties.

Around 55% of Londoners also rent their homes, according to data from Trust for London.

The difficulty in finding suitable rental properties has arguably contributed to a surge in pet-oriented cafes within the capital.

General manager Oliver noted his role at Big City Dog as an ever-diversifying one.

He said: “Since we’ve opened, it’s been super dynamic in the sense that we’ve had to implement new services, we kind of learn as we go in of what’s popular, what’s bringing people in. 

“So it’s a role that’s definitely kept me on my toes in that sense. 

“I feel like we introduce something or we move something around almost every month. 

“Obviously everyone has a shared ion here with dogs, but a lot of people are now coming in for the cafe too.”

Online Google reviews from the store particularly noted the focus on the wellbeing of both resident dogs and those visiting for the grooming services. 

Dogs are not kept in cages nor tight spaces pre or post-groom at the in-house grooming salon.

Instead, they are let free in the relaxation area to ensure the experience is as positive and stress-free as possible.

Visiting customers praised the store’s evident calming atmosphere and noted it as a haven for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of central London, too

While running the store has been a fulfilling process, Anaïs was transparent with the difficulties that come with overseeing a pet-oriented business.

She said: “For now, we are still trying to find the perfect formula to make it work smoothly. 

“We’ve been open for two years, but we have changed the place so many times and changed the service to find the balance.

“Even though I love dogs, it’s actually really difficult to have it as a business, it is a very hard industry where you cannot really make any mistakes because people are understandably very sensitive about their dogs.

“It’s actually harder than just having a coffee shop because everything has to be top drawer.”

More information on Big City Dog, such as booking forms and grooming enquiries, can be found on their website and their Instagram page.

All pictures: Ellie Gelber

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In a city that never slows down, weekends in London offer the perfect chance to take a breath and reset before the chaos of Monday returns.

Whether the past week felt like a blur of meetings or back-to-back tasks, the capital has a way of offering balance.

It is not just about resting, it is about doing the kind of activities that actually recharge you.

Think less about ticking off a to-do list and more about enjoying the rhythm of the city in a calmer gear.

Watching sport as a social reset

For many, the weekend does not start until the match kicks off.

London is a top city for live sport, and watching a game can quickly lift the mood.

From Premier League fixtures lighting up screens in pubs to live boxing, tennis or rugby shown across sports bars, the city becomes a magnet for fans looking to switch off from stress and plug into ion.

Places like Greenwood in Victoria or The Dugout in London Bridge offer massive screens, solid food, and a crowd that brings energy without going overboard.

If you are more into local football, clubs like Dulwich Hamlet have a loyal community vibe where the matchday experience is more about connection than chaos.

Watching sport in London is less about distraction and more about recharging through shared moments.

Quiet corners in bustling boroughs

One of the best ways to reset over the weekend is to find a quiet patch of London that still feels alive.

Hampstead Heath offers wide views and wild trails, perfect for a long walk without leaving the city.

Richmond Park is another spot where time slows down, especially if you catch sight of the deer herds moving through the grass.

If the weather turns, places like the British Library or the Garden Museum offer indoor calm with just enough interest to keep you present.

While you’re indoors, catching up on your social media feed, streaming an episode of your favourite show, or playing some online games is a great idea.

Many people visit the best online casinos UK players can with for a few hands of blackjack or some spins on a slot machine for a bit more excitement while stuck indoors.

Even a slow walk through the backstreets of Marylebone or around the canals in Little Venice can give that rare feeling of space in a packed city.

Markets and local finds

Resetting does not always mean staying still.

Sometimes, you recharge by switching environments.

Wandering through markets like Broadway Market in Hackney or Maltby Street in Bermondsey can be oddly refreshing.

The sounds, smells, and easy pace of browsing with no set plan can clear your head without needing a full plan or agenda.

For something more tucked away, the Columbia Road Flower Market on Sundays is worth a look.

The street gets packed, but it still feels like a different kind of energy.

Surrounded by colour, live music, and people just enjoying themselves, it becomes hard to stay in work mode.

A local bite without the rush

London is full of food, but not all of it hits the reset button.

Local cafes in areas like Stoke Newington, Tooting, or Crystal Palace offer something more grounded.

You get food made with care, regulars chatting, and no rush to move on.

A proper breakfast or a slow coffee in a setting that feels more neighbourhood than city can shift the whole tone of the weekend.

Try brunch at Café Van Gogh in Brixton, which is fully vegan and run as a social enterprise, or stop at Bear + Wolf in Tufnell Park for laid-back vibes and a seriously good flat white.

Food tastes different when the setting matches the mood you are chasing.

Creative Outlets to Shift the Mindset

Sometimes the best recharge is one that keeps your hands busy.

Pottery sessions, life drawing, zine-making workshops, or even trying out a recording booth at a community radio station can reset the brain and reduce stress, in a way ive rest does not.

Studios like Token Studio near Tower Bridge or M.Y.O in Borough offer classes where you make something with your hands and forget about your inbox for a few hours.

If staying out feels like too much, even picking up supplies from art stores in Soho or Shoreditch and sketching at home with music playing can be enough to give your weekend purpose without pressure.

Conclusion

Weekends in London can recharge you without needing to escape the city.

Whether it is watching sport with mates, wandering a market, finding a quiet green space, or ing a small creative event, the capital has its own rhythm for reset.

It is about choosing spaces and moments that give something back, helping you meet the new week with your head clear and your energy topped up.

Feature image: Free to use from Pixabay

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French Londoners returning from their Easter holidays were facing difficult choices after the UK government banned personal imports of meat and dairy products. 

The capital’s French community traditionally makes the most of travel to their homeland by returning with luggage packed with a life- cargo of cheese, saucisson, wine, face cream, savon de Marseille laundry powder or Ardèche chestnut spread. 

However, these plans were thwarted by a temporary UK governmental ban on personal imports of meat and dairy products from EU countries in order to stop the spread of foot and mouth disease. 

Laurence*, from south west London, said: “I looked at the kids wondering what would we do with 1.5kg of cheese.”

The 50-year-old banker bought Comté, Beaufort and Abondance while on holidays in the French Alps.

She was set to fly back to London when she read the news shared on a WhatsApp group. 

Reluctant to waste her money, she packed the precious goods and checked in her luggage at Lyon airport. 

She said: “I had already forgotten two little goat cheeses in our rented holiday home.

“I did not want to waste these ones.”

When she landed at Gatwick airport, she claims couldn’t see any signs of the ban and her luggage was not checked.

The ban, which came into force on 12 April, applies to cattle, sheep, goat, and pig meat as well as dairy products imported by travellers from EU countries. 

It also includes packed or packaged sandwiches, even if they have been bought at duty free. 

Sam, a 49-year-old curtain maker, drove back to London from the Paris area. 

She expected to have to ditch her saucisson and Morbier cheese at the Eurotunnel customs, but she claimed there were no controls at the border. 

She said: “Travelling with five kids, I would have fought to keep our ham sandwiches.”

On some French community social media, the ban was deemed absurd.

One member jokingly suggested that camembert from UK supermarkets should be banned from entering in retaliation.

This is already the case for personal imports of meat and dairy products from the UK to the EU, as such products are considered to be a threat to animal health throughout the union. 

Some travellers chose the safe option, fearing the up to £5,000 fine and destruction of merchandise.

Dorothée*, another Londoner originally from south west of , a region well-known for its love of food, chose to bring back duck products only.

The 53-year-old said: “I am bringing back duck confit, duck foie gras, duck sausages confit, goose neck confit and the like.”

She excluded veal axoa, a typical Basque country dish, because of the ban.

Dorothée added: “This ban means more space for chocolate.”

Claire was in Paris, on her way to London for the Easter weekend, when she found about the government announcement.

The agricultural science university professor said the measures were no surprise to her.

The 46-year-old from south of went through all the presents she brought to her London friends, and was relieved to find out foie gras and onion confit had the green light to cross the border.

Although the ban is temporary, no end date has been communicated so far. 

Travellers can still bring infant milk, medical foods and some composite products such as chocolate, confectionery, bread, cakes, biscuits and pasta.

A spokesperson for DEFRA said: “This government will do whatever it takes to protect British farmers from foot and mouth disease. 

“That’s why we immediately brought in restrictions on animal products from , Hungary and Slovakia and are further strengthening protections by introducing restrictions on personal meat and dairy imports.

“It’s vital that people returning from the EU adhere to this to reduce the risk of foot and mouth reaching the UK.

“We are working closely with ports, airports and travel operators, ensuring that awareness of the new restrictions is raised including via prominent signage.”

*Some names have been changed.

Picture credit : John Tuesday

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A beloved Twickenham pub which closed six years ago will reopen in June as a games and entertainment pub, backed by a half a million-pound investment.

The former Roxie Steak and Tap, which shut its doors in 2019 is undergoing renovation starting this month to reopen as The Rose & Lion.

Heineken-owned Star Pubs and award-winning pub operators Steve Orme and James Thomson have invested £520,000 to bring the unique pub experience to Twickenham. 

Orme said: “We were blown away when we first saw The Rose & Lion interior. 

“Although just a shell, we could see it would make a fantastic open sociable space.

“It will be a great place to hang out, with shuffleboard, AR darts, table football all adding to the fun.”

The Roxie Steak & Tap prior to renovation. Credit: Helena Jones, Star Pubs.

Former school mates Steve and James aim to create a classic London bar vibe with retro accents to their new pub, featuring a large central bar, six screens, a Beavertown courtyard and eclectic decor. 

The new pub will offer a lively weekend atmosphere with live music and music bingo, and in recognition of Twickenham’s rugby heritage, it will screen a variety of live sports, including NFL games and ice hockey.

Orme said: “It’s the newest, coolest place to go pre and post rugby, so our opening in June is perfect timing.”

The Rose & Lion interior will offer a retro feel with exposed brick and high padded cocktail leather chairs, while the exterior will be repainted black, juxtaposed by red doors and white windows.

The food menu will consist of smashed burgers, pizzas, wings and ribs, with meat provided by Chiswick butcher Rodney Macken, who also serves Michelin star restaurants. 

The bar will feature craft, cask, and draught beers and ciders, alongside a selection of wines, spirits and soft drinks.

A visual of the The Rose & Lion pub. Credit: Star Pubs.

The pub operators, who also run the award-winning The Red Lion in Shepperton and The Golden Grove in Chertsey, are hoping their newest addition will have a broad appeal, catering to families and non-drinkers who wish to enjoy coffee mornings or an affordable bite to eat.

Stars Pubs business development manager Alex Jackson said that with the duo’s pub renovation experience, he is confident the Rose & Lion will thrive as a new community hub, attracting locals and visitors alike by offering something alternative to the local competition.

Twickenham resident Suzy Holland said: “It’s already very pub-heavy around here, but I think everybody in Twickenham loves a pub.

“I think it’s great, Twickenham needs something a little different”.

Stacey, who works in Twickenham, said: “I think for the younger generation it’s [The Rose and Lion] definitely a bonus.

“A lot of my younger team would definitely go there to play the games after work”.

Feature image credit: Helena Jones, Star Pubs

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A south west London rugby union club is to host a new beer festival during the last May bank holiday weekend. 

Fifty different handcrafted spring ales and beers from all over Surrey, London and beyond will be showcased, and tasted, at Rosslyn Park Football Club on 23 and 24 May. 

Over a thousand of people are expected to turn up for this first edition of the Rosslyn Park Beer Festival. 

Event organiser Phil said: “We will have beers and ciders from about 20 to 30 different producers.

“People will try beers and ciders that they won’t normally try, and most of them will come from smaller independent brewers.”

In addition to pints filled with names such as Surrey Nirvana, Staggeraurus or Chaos More Chaos, participants will try their hand at a new game straight from the Austrian Alps. 

Phil said: “It is called ‘hammerschlagen’, but we are going to call it ‘der stumps’.

“It is a very popular bar game where you have to try and nail a nail into a log, using the reverse side of a hammer.

“It is a lot more difficult to do.”

Three bands from the area will also be playing live music during the two-days festival, with The Forty Fives and Leech Covers Band already confirmed.

All-inclusive tickets cost £27.50, and food and other drinks, including soft drinks will be available to purchase on the day. 

Tickets include entry into the event, a free souvenir glass to take away home, live music and all beer and cider. 

Phil said: “We’d love to see as much people from south west London, enjoy the bank holiday sunshine and have a pint.”

Rosslyn Park Football Club was founded in 1879 and currently has 1,500 playing .

Rosslyn Park’s senior men’s squad, which operates as a semi-professional team, currently plays in National League One – two levels below English rugby union’s top division, the Gallagher Premiership.

Clubhouse manager Cori Poole said: “We coach minis and youth.

“We are starting again to have a women’s side.

“We also have a netball team.”

The festival will be held at the club’s home ground on Priory Lane, Upper Richmond Road, London SW15 5JH.

It runs from 7pm–11 pm on Friday 23 May, and 1pm-5pm followed by 7pm-11pm on Saturday 24 May, with tickets available here.

Picture credit : Free to use from Julianna Arjes/Unsplash

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A McDonald’s in west London has applied for a new 24-hour licence but residents have aired concerns over late-night anti-social behaviour.

The famous burger t that is looking to expand its opening times shares the same borough as another McDonald’s that has recorded the highest anti-social behaviour complaints of any in the country.

The application comes as the government has announced plans for more late licenses while London is pushing to boost its night-time economy.

Situated on the North End Road in Hammersmith and Fulham, the fast-food giant is looking to other McDonald’s in the country by running all around the clock, instead of shutting at midnight as it currently does.

Resident Chloe August, who has lived in the area for three-and-a-half years, said: “We’ve all got to live together.

“I think midnight is an acceptable time to close.

“Anything after that is just really inconsiderate.”

Hammersmith and Fulham already hosts two 24-hour McDonalds at Shepherd’s Bush Green and Hammersmith Broadway specifically.

The location in Shepherd’s Bush Green had the record of having the most anti-social behaviour reports in the country.

They have previously played classical music in an attempt to dissuade anti-social behaviour and introduced enhanced security.

The current license application is under consultation before a decision is made by Hammersmith & Fulham council.

London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan has ed cutting of red tape of late licenses in order to help boost night-time economy.

London has the lowest rates of pubs, clubs and restaurants open past 2am in the country at just 5.9%.

Khan said: “It would boost tourism, stimulate growth and deliver new jobs both in London and across the country.”

August said though that she would like to see the high-street being used but it must be done in conjunction with local residents with each case being assessed on an individual basis.

Julia Donoghue, another resident of Hammersmith and Fulham, said: “It should not be allowed, the town is bonkers enough already.”

McDonald’s were ed for comment.

Featured Image: Unsplash

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In celebration of the 2025 Oxbridge Boat Race, pubs along the southwest London riverside will engage in festivities involving live music, food stands and outdoor bars. 

The iconic Oxford and Cambridge University Boat Race will uphold its historic rivalry of 185 years on Sunday 13 April, stretching across the Thames from Putney to Mortlake. 

This year’s Championship Course will oversee the 79th Women’s Boat Race and 170th Men’s Boat Race, an event typically attracting over 250,000 spectators, according to the Boat Race website.

The race will set off at Putney Bridge and wind its way to a finish just before Chiswick Bridge. 

Schedule

12.45 BBC coverage starts

13.21 79th Women’s Boat Race

13.36 Women’s Reserve Race: Osiris v Blondie

13.51 Men’s Reserve Race: Isis v Goldie

14.21 170th Men’s Boat Race

14.45 Women’s Presentation (Mortlake)

14.55 Men’s Presentation (Mortlake)

15.15 BBC coverage finishes

Offering prime views of the race, riverside pubs from Putney to Barnes will host a variety of festivities throughout the day, ideal for Boat Race enthusiasts or those eager to soak up a vibrant atmosphere with a drink in hand. 

Hammersmith: The Midway Point

Hammersmith riverside offers an insightful viewpoint of the Boat Race, as 80% of teams who lead at Hammersmith Bridge go on to secure a victory.

The Black Lion

The Black Lion marks the start of the Hammersmith riverside strip, offering a large beer garden paralleling the river. 

Alongside their usual Sunday Roast at 12pm, the pub will take advantage of their outdoor space to provide live music starting with the FosseyTango band at 2pm and DJ Aggy at 5pm.

Two outdoor bars are also to be expected for those eager to sit outside. 

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The Old Ship

The 300-year-old pub offers a terrace, balcony space and exterior seating directly overlooking the riverside. 

Starting from 12pm, the pub will offer an outside bar, a seafood shack, live music and two exclusive lunch clubs to be booked ahead of time in their conservatory. 

For a chance to claim the best seats, it is recommended to book in advance or arrive early to catch an ideal viewpoint of the race. 

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The Dove

Featured in the Guinness Book of World Records as Britain’s smallest bar room, the small 17th century pub has a balcony terrace overlooking the riverside. 

However, the balcony and indoor seating is limited to a small number of tables, so keen spectators should book in advance. 

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Hammersmith Fan Zone, Furnivall Gardens

Making up one of two official fan zones, Furnivall Gardens will transform to broadcast BBC’s coverage live on a large screen, open from 11am to 5pm. 

While not strictly a pub, the popup event will offer bars, such as a Jim and Tonic artisanal bar and an international selection of street food options. 

For more information concerning the Fan Zones, visit The Boat Race website.

The Rutland Arms and The Blue Anchor

Only two doors down from one another, The Rutland Arms and The Blue Anchor are sandwiched between the Hammersmith Fan Zone and Hammersmith Bridge, the midway landmark of the race. 

Their prime location guarantees a busy and lively atmosphere. 

The Rutland Arms

Named after the smallest county in England, the riverside pub is organising big celebrations: expect live music from around 5pm and multiple pop up bars, including a Pimm’s bar. 

The Blue Anchor

Two doors down, this 17th century pub will be hosting an outdoor BBQ and additional outdoor drinks bar.  

The Rutland Arms and the Blue Anchor pubs. Photo Credit: Geoff Henson. License: CC BY-ND 2.0

Fulham

The Blue Boat

Located right after Hammersmith Bridge, The Blue Boat will host live music from 12pm to 10pm, including artist Tony Bowen. 

The day will also consist of a BBQ from 12pm to 6pm and an ice cream cart provided by Laverstoke Park Farm.

Pop-up bars will appear on their terrace, including a Gin and Tonic and slushie bar. 

A big screen with live coverage is set to be erected as well as a Special Race Day set menu – to be reserved and pre-ordered in advance. 

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The Crabtree

The Crabtree pub and restaurant will engage in live music from 12pm, featuring artists such as Aaron Norton and The Mighty Molly Collective band from 7pm. 

Their beer garden will host food stands involving an asado grill and Crabshack BBQ.

This year the pub is sponsored by brands including but not limited to Pimm’s, Whispering Angel and Olmeca Altos Tequila. 

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Putney: The start of the race

The area will host the start of the Boat Race, offering a potential view of the ‘Coin Toss’ between the presidents of Oxford and Cambridge, dictating which side of the river the teams will race on.

Fulham Fan Zone

Situated towards the start of the race, Fulham Football Club and Bishop’s Park will serve as another official fan zone. 

Open from 11am to 5pm, 14 screens of BBC’s live coverage will be available, also involving several bars and street food stands.

To add to the atmosphere, the Fulham Brass Band will be playing at various times in the early afternoon. 

The Duke’s Head

Offering a view on the early stages of the race, The Duke’s Head will be hosting a full day of live music in celebration.

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Barnes: The finish line

The Bull’s Head

Situated near the end of the Boat Race finish line, The Bull’s Head will be serving their Sunday roasts, involving a day of live jazz music as well as a face painting station for children.

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The White Hart

Planted right on Barnes riverside, The White Hart will be one of the final pubs on the stretch of the Thames before the finish line.

In celebration of the Boat Race, the pub is offering Boat Race Gala Lunch Tickets, composing of a three-course meal, canapés and an exclusive view of the race.

Their downstairs space will also be available for walk-ins. 

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Mortlake

The Ship

This 16th century pub marks the Boat Race finish line, providing a view of the historic race since 1845.

Featured image credit: Lapatia. License: CC BY 2.0

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