Hello, welcome to London!

Hi all, saw this gorgeous cat in Mile End park, near The Art Pavilion, while I was running through it. It seemed a bit lost, just laying down in the middle of the cycle path in the dark. To me it seemed he was not used to being out there or at least in that area, kept looking everywhere but then did not shy from getting close and meowing when I stopped by it. It did not move even when some of the runners nearly stepped on it until the last moment (as in no self preservation or not used to the dangers).

Long paragraph, but wanted to post here in case anyone is missing it. I did get it to move from the bike path at least. Also what would be the recommendation in a similar case?Just let it be?

Also sorry for the quality of the photos, it was dark and it was moving.

I've seen my far share of far-off views of London, having lived here for almost 8 years.
But the view from Yardley Hill is up there amongst the most stunning (excuse the pun).

For context, took these photos on the Bank Holiday Monday - and there was almost no one around!

Also archived at: https://archive.is/UZ8Ml (the archived link is not paywalled, even if artificial stupidity fails to understand it)

From the article:

the building’s managers stopped food delivery drivers from entering the building and limited guests to staying no longer than 14 days in a 90-day period.

Rubbish could only be placed in the building’s chutes before 5pm, when tenants were often at work. The pool had to be booked and was often unavailable.

the building told tenants in March it would charge £60 a month for internet use.

A tenant who sent multiple emails outlining residents’ concerns was evicted shortly after, according to a notice seen by the FT.

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full article:

When the first residents moved into a luxury apartment block near the Shard last summer, they were anticipating its amenities: a cinema, rooftop pool, orangery, gym and sauna.

What they were not expecting: all the rules for living there. Current and former tenants say that London’s Shard Place — where a one-bedroom flat costs £4,300 a month — has delivered on its promises of high-end finishes and “astonishing views”.

But they say they also assumed their money would buy greater convenience. Instead, the building’s managers stopped food delivery drivers from entering the building and limited guests to staying no longer than 14 days in a 90-day period.

Tenants also found themselves in disputes over the prices for internet access and charges for gym induction. “I feel like I am fighting about something new every week,” one tenant wrote in a text message last August, calling the state of affairs “so draining”.

In October, the same tenant wrote: “Why am I paying so much to feel like an imposition and not get services I get in comparable buildings.” The 27-storey tower had been hotly awaited. Located near the Shard in London Bridge, it was completed five years behind schedule and ran more than £200mn over budget, according to accounts filed with Companies House.

Like a small but growing minority of London housing, Shard Place is “build-to-rent”: none of its 176 flats is available for sale. Even in the tightly managed world of build-to-rent, its rules have made it an outlier. Some buildings have loosened their rules in the wake of the Renters’ Rights Act, such as no longer charging fees to have pets, said Karen Standing, who oversees the build-to-rent segment at estate agency Hamptons. Shard Place does not allow pets, except for guide dogs. Under the Renters’ Rights Act, the Labour government’s flagship effort to help renters, landlords cannot have a blanket ban on pets.

Shard Place was built by the same firm that constructed the Shard and the next-door News Building, and is managed by Qatari state-owned Real Estate Management (UK). This is the company’s first major foray into build-to-rent housing. Build-to-rent landlords say the arrangement offers benefits, including increased security. The trade-off, however, is less control.

Tenants began moving in June 2025. They could choose from light and dark colour palettes with pre-selected furniture. Shard Place pledged to make living in central London an “effortless experience”. Instead, almost immediately, tenants encountered snags. Rubbish could only be placed in the building’s chutes before 5pm, when tenants were often at work. The pool had to be booked and was often unavailable. Food-delivery drivers were barred from entering the building or leaving items with the concierge. Guests had to be fetched from reception and were not permitted to use the pool.

In contrast, Greystar, a landlord that owns nearly 22,000 build-to-rent properties across the UK, allows collection points for food deliveries and guests to use amenities, said a person familiar with the matter. For some Shard Place tenants, the most concerning restriction has been the limit on guests’ stays to 14 days in a three-month period without permission from management. The policy, which had not been outlined in the tenancy agreement, said “anyone staying beyond the permitted guest period may be considered as residing in the apartment and will require a Right to Rent check, in line with UK immigration law”, according to a copy reviewed by the FT.

Home Office guidance says house guests such as friends or family would not ordinarily be treated as occupiers for the purposes of such checks. “The landlord can only [limit guest stays] if the lease allows it, and it would be quite unusual,” said James Naylor, a solicitor specialising in property disputes. “I have very rarely seen leases that specified something like that in 25 years of practising law. I’m not aware of any statutory obligation or requirement that entitles them to do this.” Some Shard Place tenants had relatives visiting from abroad, who were helping to pay the rent.

These family members would not be able to pass a Right to Rent check, which requires permission to live in the UK. One tenant was advised to add their family members to their tenancy agreement, which they declined to do to avoid potential tax implications. In another instance, a tenant wanted a key card so their partner could enter the flat without them. Knight Frank, one of the estate agents responsible for letting the building, suggested adding the person to the lease. “But we had only been dating for four months,” the tenant told the FT. “It would have been crazy . . . We could break up tomorrow, and then what would I do if they had a right to reside here?” “Knight Frank wanted me to define the relationship faster than my partner did,” the tenant added. The tenant later moved out. Knight Frank declined to comment. Shard Place said: “Shard Place is one of London’s most desirable addresses, with the majority of our residents choosing to stay with us for the long term. “We will always put the safety, security, and comfort of our residents first, and we actively welcome feedback so that we can continue to offer and improve the premium service we provide to them.”

One resident, who liked the building’s proximity to London Bridge Underground station, moved in after leaving a build-to-rent place in Nottingham. Although she loves the building itself, she has been put off by various policies, including having to pay a one-time £50 fee to use the gym, which she says she had not been told about before signing her lease. Marketing materials seen by the FT do not mention the fee. “Why would I pay to use my residential gym? It just did not make sense to me. I got to talking to other tenants later on and it was a thing that we all bonded over,” she said. She was also flummoxed to be informed that she had exceeded her permitted use of the cinema. “I had never been told there was a certain amount of slots for the month,” she said. Not being able to take guests to the pool is “absolutely ridiculous. I can’t be paying that amount and you guys tell me how to run my apartment,” she said. She is planning to move out in October.

One issue that united residents earlier this year was internet access. After mistakenly charging some residents a lower fee, or in some cases nothing, the building told tenants in March it would charge £60 a month for internet use. Residents balked at the short notice, the inability to choose their own internet provider and the price. Average entry-level broadband prices in the UK are about £25 a month, according to Enders Analysis.

A tenant who sent multiple emails outlining residents’ concerns was evicted shortly after, according to a notice seen by the FT. “We are very sorry to hear reports . . . of how dissatisfied you are with our operational services, amenities, and third-party service providers . . .  “We feel that Shard Place is not the right property for your needs and we regrettably will not be inviting you to remain in Shard Place beyond the 12 months of your fixed term tenancy,” the notice read. “It is unfortunate that you have not enjoyed your time and Shard Place Apartments, and we hope that you find a property more suited to your needs.”

Many residents said the building’s staff were pleasant to deal with. The management has responded to some concerns. Residents can now drop off their rubbish 24 hours a day. The gym hours have been extended. Additional key cards have been dispensed for some guests.

The process, however, has left some luxury residents feeling powerless. Under build-to-rent, “I thought I’d be safer, but I had far less agency than I would have in a normal situation”, said one tenant. “I thought being across the table from a corporation would make things more professional but they had outsized bargaining power. It amplified bargaining inequality rather than producing better service.”

Join us on Saturday 5 September for a counter-protest against the British anti-abortion movement's March for Life, heavily influenced by US Christian far-right group Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), which campaigns against LGBTQ+ rights and women's reproductive rights.

This protest is a vital stand for reproductive rights and a reminder that abortion is healthcare — not a crime.

Women's rights were fought for, and they must be defended. Britain is not immune to anti-abortion politics.

Together, let's make our voices heard!

11AM

Meet outside Emmanuel Centre, Marsham St, London SW1P 3DW

https://www.instagram.com/p/Dcg-D8ku2g6/

1PM

Millicent Fawcett Statue at Parliament Square

https://www.instagram.com/p/DcRWDD6AnF4/

Seems like every emergency vehicle west of Kensington is here rn

is anyone interested in going. i was thinking to make some stationery swap pouches to share with everyone

Shame (repeat 50 times).

Does anyone have any recommendations, please?

Preferably West London, around the Hammersmith area, but I am willing to travel for the right one.

I have found great haircuts but bad environments (too loud, too busy etc.) and then good environments, but the haircut wasn't great.

I would prefer personal recommendations. Low sensory friendly, as normal hairdressers can be very loud and full of lots of people.

Thank you for reading and if this post breaks any rules, please remove.

£980,000 is being spent on thousands of housing stock surveys in Newham, a direct response to a formal warning from the Regulator of Social Housing over "very serious failings". In Barking and Dagenham, the council's own Deputy Leader Saima Ashraf objected to a 4:30 am licence extension for the Deuce Lounge, branding the nightclub "a very disturbing place". And in Kensington and Chelsea, a pop-up carnival bar at Maramia Cafe was refused a licence to trade during Notting Hill Carnival, with police citing risks of overcrowding, and other news from local councils this week.

Barking and Dagenham - A Barking and Dagenham council committee was scheduled to consider extending operating hours for Deuce Lounge. The venue faced objections from the police, a local councillor, and a resident. Concerns raised included noise and public nuisance. The applicant agreed to some changes, but disagreements remained about the potential community impact. The council's decision will focus on upholding licensing objectives to prevent crime, disorder, and public nuisance.

Bromley - Bromley's Pension Committee is scrutinising the fund's performance and annual reports, focusing on investment strategies. The public has raised questions regarding the council's responsible investment choices and the disclosure of publicly traded assets. The committee also reviewed the Local Pension Board's activities and its upcoming work plan.

Croydon - Croydon's Pension Fund shows strong performance, with assets exceeding £2.1 billion and investments performing well. The council is updating policies on conflicts of interest and data improvement to comply with new regulations. A new strategy is in development to ensure high-quality administration for the Local Government Pension Scheme.

Greenwich - A local sports venue has received an extended alcohol license from the council. This decision was made despite resident concerns regarding noise and anti-social behavior. New conditions have been implemented to address these worries. These include restrictions on outdoor patrons after 9 pm and required noise monitoring. The council aims to balance business interests with community welfare.

Hackney - A Hackney Council licensing meeting was unexpectedly cancelled. No decisions were made regarding alcohol licences or temporary events. The meeting was scheduled to review the council's procedures for licensing hearings. These hearings are typically conducted remotely and live-streamed. The cancellation means the current process for granting and reviewing licences will continue unchanged for the time being.

Harrow - Harrow Council's plans to secure vital funding for the Byron Quarter development were put on hold due to a postponed meeting. The council is working against a September deadline to secure GLA Grant Funding for the project. This funding is essential for the Byron Quarter development to proceed.

Kensington and Chelsea - The council's Licensing Sub-Committee refused numerous applications for temporary event notices. These refusals were due to public safety and crime concerns, especially regarding the Notting Hill Carnival. One application was adjourned to clarify police objections. Several other applications are still pending publication or have been cancelled.

Lambeth - Lambeth Council is seeking a new Corporate Director for Growth and Environment. This key role will oversee regeneration, planning, and transport initiatives. The recruitment process for the £180,000-a-year position has been thorough, including executive search and several interview rounds. The council aims to fill this leadership vacancy to advance its goals for a fairer, greener, and safer borough.

Lewisham - Lewisham Council has added new conditions to a venue's licence following multiple complaints regarding noise and disorder. The council is making substantial investments in housing regeneration and homelessness prevention, which includes acquiring new properties. Safety concerns have been highlighted regarding e-scooters and e-bikes, specifically the risk of lithium-ion battery fires.

Newham - Newham Council is investing nearly £1 million in surveys to enhance housing safety and planning. A meeting to discuss a temporary event notice for late-night alcohol sales and entertainment was cancelled.

Redbridge - A venue on Ilford Lane received objections from the council's Community Protection Task Force. The objections concerned late-night refreshment during Ramadhan. Potential noise, anti-social behaviour, and dangerous parking were cited as concerns impacting the local area. The council's Licensing Sub-Committee was scheduled to make a decision on the temporary event notices.

Tower Hamlets - Tower Hamlets Council is seeking a new Corporate Director of Resources. This key position oversees the council's financial health. Final interviews are scheduled for this week, following a prior adjournment. The appointment is considered essential for enhancing value for money and providing robust financial leadership for residents.

Westminster - Westminster Council is reviewing a proposal for a new food court on Edgware Road. Residents and council departments have raised objections regarding noise, smells, and planning permission. A pub in Bayswater is requesting extended alcohol sales hours. This has prompted concerns from residents about potential noise and nuisance. A restaurant in Mayfair seeks a licence to serve alcohol and play music on its terrace. Local residents are worried about disturbances to a nearby quiet public garden.

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I was reading this Guardian piece about the people who keep London’s transport running behind the scenes, incl. Heathrow staff waving aircraft in with giant table-tennis bats.

It made me realise how many people keep the city going without most of us ever noticing. Who’s the unsung worker in London who deserves much more credit?

Tower bridge is the furthest east it is legal/sensible to cycle across the thames (technically rotherhithe tunnel is legal, but there's absolutely no way i'm going down there). Tower bridge itself is usually congested with car traffic, and it has to support pretty much every journey east of it from north to south on bike, when there are many options for cars, it would go a long way to improving north south connections in the east by bike.

Every time i've been on a bus over tower bridge it's been stuck in traffic for a long time, where busses frequently get stuck in traffic you have to put in bus lanes otherwise you end up with more traffic.

Also it just makes the place worse for tourists, not the primary or secondary concern here but wouldn't it be nicer for tourists if their pictures only got blocked by london busses