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What are our councils up to?
Barnet - External auditors are set to disclaim the council's 2023/24 accounts due to various financial management concerns, including discrepancies in cash balances and issues with pension contributio…
Barnet - External auditors are set to disclaim the council's 2023/24 accounts due to various financial management concerns, including discrepancies in cash balances and issues with pension contributions. Additionally, there's worry about a rise in anti-Semitic incidents, with the council committing to tackle hate crime.
Camden - The council's Housing Revenue Account is under pressure due to increasing inflation, interest rates, and repair costs. The Housing Transformation Programme aims to address these challenges and improve housing services. The Disability Oversight Panel is focusing on digital accessibility and promoting sports for disabled residents.
Hackney - Hackney is facing a significant budget overspend, primarily due to rising homelessness and social care costs. Plans are afoot to close and merge some primary schools due to falling pupil rolls. A license variation application for Simmons bar, seeking extended hours, has attracted strong opposition from residents due to concerns about noise and anti-social behaviour.
Lambeth - Palm Lounge in Brixton was denied its request for extended opening hours until 3am due to concerns about public nuisance. A new bingo hall application in West Norwood faces opposition from residents worried about crime and gambling addiction. The council is grappling with the financial impact of closing the Homes for Lambeth Group.
Lewisham - The Shared Technology Service, which serves Brent, Lewisham, and Southwark, is experiencing performance issues and is working to improve its cyber security. A new licence was granted to China Ark Market despite resident objections, and Savalan Kebab was granted a late night refreshment license with restricted hours after opposition from a local councillor.
Southwark - Two railway arches near London Bridge station were denied premises licenses due to concerns from residents and businesses. The Housing, Community Safety and Community Engagement Scrutiny Commission is reviewing the council's resident involvement strategy and the impact of the cost of living crisis on tenants.
Wandsworth - The council is working to implement the recommendations of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 Report to improve building safety. They are also seeking to improve tenant satisfaction, particularly regarding repairs. The council is extending its leisure and culture contract with Enable Leisure and Culture, despite some resident concerns.
Newham - The council is reviewing its Pension Administration Strategy and Risk Register. Plans for a new ghusl (muslim funeral) facility in Forest Gate and the renovation of a locally listed building in Plaistow are under consideration.
Islington - The council is facing a budget overspend, largely due to the rising cost of temporary accommodation. They are looking at options to reduce reliance on agency workers and are consulting on extending selective licensing schemes for private landlords to improve housing standards. A new Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy has been approved.
Westminster - Lots of licensing applications this week, with residents objecting to changes to the licenses of the Radisson Edwardian and the Mayfair Hotel. The council's Audit and Performance Committee discussed finances, and are particularly concerned about the cost of temporary accommodation.
Waltham Forest - The council is considering a new joint waste strategy for North London and exploring a 'mission-led' approach to climate action. Leyton Orient Football Club had its alcohol sales hours reduced due to noise complaints from residents.
Greenwich - The council is making progress on its Carbon Neutral Plan, but is not currently on track to meet its 2030 target. They are also working to modernise public toilets and address youth employability. A controversial plan to build three houses on a former garden site was approved despite resident concerns.
Tower Hamlets - Planning permission for a 46-storey student accommodation block at 7 Brannan Street was refused due to concerns about anti-social behaviour. The council is implementing its Waste Improvement Programme to address street cleanliness. New Homelessness and Rough Sleeping and Substance Misuse strategies have been approved.
Surrey - The council voted to close the Bagshot Community Recycling Centre despite a petition from residents. They are implementing a new operating model for the Registration and Nationality Service and exploring options for providing digital post-mortem services. The council faces a challenging financial environment and is seeking to identify savings.
I publish newsletters covering everything local councils do each week.
I set up this project because local authorities spend about 12% of the UK government budget, or roughly 5p of every pound that's earned in the UK, and yet the vast majority of people have no idea who their local councillors are, or what they're currently doing. I think that's bad for our society.
Currently, I can only afford to do this work for about a dozen councils in the south east, but that's constantly growing as more people subscribe.
This is still very early days, and I'd love your feedback.
If you'd like to learn more, click on the relevant council, or if your council doesn't appear, you can subscribe for free here: https://opencouncil.network
Camden - The council's Housing Revenue Account is under pressure due to increasing inflation, interest rates, and repair costs. The Housing Transformation Programme aims to address these challenges and improve housing services. The Disability Oversight Panel is focusing on digital accessibility and promoting sports for disabled residents.
Hackney - Hackney is facing a significant budget overspend, primarily due to rising homelessness and social care costs. Plans are afoot to close and merge some primary schools due to falling pupil rolls. A license variation application for Simmons bar, seeking extended hours, has attracted strong opposition from residents due to concerns about noise and anti-social behaviour.
Lambeth - Palm Lounge in Brixton was denied its request for extended opening hours until 3am due to concerns about public nuisance. A new bingo hall application in West Norwood faces opposition from residents worried about crime and gambling addiction. The council is grappling with the financial impact of closing the Homes for Lambeth Group.
Lewisham - The Shared Technology Service, which serves Brent, Lewisham, and Southwark, is experiencing performance issues and is working to improve its cyber security. A new licence was granted to China Ark Market despite resident objections, and Savalan Kebab was granted a late night refreshment license with restricted hours after opposition from a local councillor.
Southwark - Two railway arches near London Bridge station were denied premises licenses due to concerns from residents and businesses. The Housing, Community Safety and Community Engagement Scrutiny Commission is reviewing the council's resident involvement strategy and the impact of the cost of living crisis on tenants.
Wandsworth - The council is working to implement the recommendations of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 Report to improve building safety. They are also seeking to improve tenant satisfaction, particularly regarding repairs. The council is extending its leisure and culture contract with Enable Leisure and Culture, despite some resident concerns.
Newham - The council is reviewing its Pension Administration Strategy and Risk Register. Plans for a new ghusl (muslim funeral) facility in Forest Gate and the renovation of a locally listed building in Plaistow are under consideration.
Islington - The council is facing a budget overspend, largely due to the rising cost of temporary accommodation. They are looking at options to reduce reliance on agency workers and are consulting on extending selective licensing schemes for private landlords to improve housing standards. A new Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy has been approved.
Westminster - Lots of licensing applications this week, with residents objecting to changes to the licenses of the Radisson Edwardian and the Mayfair Hotel. The council's Audit and Performance Committee discussed finances, and are particularly concerned about the cost of temporary accommodation.
Waltham Forest - The council is considering a new joint waste strategy for North London and exploring a 'mission-led' approach to climate action. Leyton Orient Football Club had its alcohol sales hours reduced due to noise complaints from residents.
Greenwich - The council is making progress on its Carbon Neutral Plan, but is not currently on track to meet its 2030 target. They are also working to modernise public toilets and address youth employability. A controversial plan to build three houses on a former garden site was approved despite resident concerns.
Tower Hamlets - Planning permission for a 46-storey student accommodation block at 7 Brannan Street was refused due to concerns about anti-social behaviour. The council is implementing its Waste Improvement Programme to address street cleanliness. New Homelessness and Rough Sleeping and Substance Misuse strategies have been approved.
Surrey - The council voted to close the Bagshot Community Recycling Centre despite a petition from residents. They are implementing a new operating model for the Registration and Nationality Service and exploring options for providing digital post-mortem services. The council faces a challenging financial environment and is seeking to identify savings.
I publish newsletters covering everything local councils do each week.
I set up this project because local authorities spend about 12% of the UK government budget, or roughly 5p of every pound that's earned in the UK, and yet the vast majority of people have no idea who their local councillors are, or what they're currently doing. I think that's bad for our society.
Currently, I can only afford to do this work for about a dozen councils in the south east, but that's constantly growing as more people subscribe.
This is still very early days, and I'd love your feedback.
If you'd like to learn more, click on the relevant council, or if your council doesn't appear, you can subscribe for free here: https://opencouncil.network
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Best Food in London (2026)
🍽️ Where to Start
Begin your culinary journey in Borough Market, London's oldest food market at 8 Southwark Street, SE1 1TL. Open Monday to Saturday, it offers everything from fresh oysters at Ric… 🍽️ Where to Start
Begin your culinary journey in Borough Market, London's oldest food market at 8 Southwark Street, SE1 1TL. Open Monday to Saturday, it offers everything from fresh oysters at Richard Haward's Oysters to artisan cheese from Neal's Yard Dairy. Arrive early on weekdays to avoid the crowds.
🥟 Street Food Hotspots
Head to Dinerama in Shoreditch (19-23 Bethnal Green Road, E2 7DJ) for a curated street food experience with stalls like Bleecker Burger and Yum Bun. Open Thursday to Saturday evenings, burgers start at £8 and bao buns at £6. Alternatively, visit Mercato Metropolitano in Elephant and Castle (42 Newington Causeway, SE1 6DR) for global street food in a former church.
🍜 Best for Asian Cuisine
For exceptional ramen, visit Kanada-Ya in Soho (64 St Giles High Street, WC2H 8LE), where a bowl of tonkotsu ramen costs around £13.50. For dim sum, book a table at Yauatcha in Soho (15-17 Broadwick Street, W1F 0DL), with dumplings from £8 per basket. Both are Michelin Bib Gourmand rated.
🥩 Classic British Fare
For a traditional Sunday roast, book at The Harwood Arms in Fulham (27 Walham Grove, SW6 1QR), London's only Michelin-starred pub, with roasts from £28. For fish and chips, visit Poppie's in Spitalfields (6-8 Brushfield Street, E1 6AN), where a cod and chips meal is around £14.50.
🌮 Hidden Neighborhood Gems
Explore Brixton Village Market (Brixton Station Road, SW9 8PR) for diverse eats like Kricket's Indian-inspired small plates or Mama's Jerk's Caribbean dishes. Most mains are under £12. In Hackney, visit Broadway Market (E8 4QJ) on Saturdays for stalls like Leila's Shop's seasonal produce and the famous Beigel Bake's salt beef bagels at £5.50.
💰 Budget-Friendly Eats
Grab a £4.50 falafel wrap from Pilpel in the City (38 Brushfield Street, E1 6AT) or a £6.50 roti from Roti King in Euston (40 Doric Way, NW1 1LH). For a cheap lunch, visit Franco Manca pizzerias across London for sourdough pizzas starting at £7.95.
🍰 Sweet Treats and Desserts
Indulge in a salted caramel brownie from Crumbs & Doilies in Soho (1 Kingly Court, W1B 5PW) for £4.50. For afternoon tea, book at Sketch in Mayfair (9 Conduit Street, W1S 2XG), where the experience starts at £75 per person. For a more affordable option, try the cakes at Konditor & Cook (multiple locations) from £3.50.
🍺 Best Evening Spots
End your day at The Culpeper in Spitalfields (40 Commercial Street, E1 6LP), a gastropub with a rooftop bar and seasonal British menu; mains around £18. For a lively atmosphere, visit Dishoom in Shoreditch (7 Boundary Street, E2 7JE), serving Bombay-style comfort food until late, with small plates from £6.
Begin your culinary journey in Borough Market, London's oldest food market at 8 Southwark Street, SE1 1TL. Open Monday to Saturday, it offers everything from fresh oysters at Ric… 🍽️ Where to Start
Begin your culinary journey in Borough Market, London's oldest food market at 8 Southwark Street, SE1 1TL. Open Monday to Saturday, it offers everything from fresh oysters at Richard Haward's Oysters to artisan cheese from Neal's Yard Dairy. Arrive early on weekdays to avoid the crowds.
🥟 Street Food Hotspots
Head to Dinerama in Shoreditch (19-23 Bethnal Green Road, E2 7DJ) for a curated street food experience with stalls like Bleecker Burger and Yum Bun. Open Thursday to Saturday evenings, burgers start at £8 and bao buns at £6. Alternatively, visit Mercato Metropolitano in Elephant and Castle (42 Newington Causeway, SE1 6DR) for global street food in a former church.
🍜 Best for Asian Cuisine
For exceptional ramen, visit Kanada-Ya in Soho (64 St Giles High Street, WC2H 8LE), where a bowl of tonkotsu ramen costs around £13.50. For dim sum, book a table at Yauatcha in Soho (15-17 Broadwick Street, W1F 0DL), with dumplings from £8 per basket. Both are Michelin Bib Gourmand rated.
🥩 Classic British Fare
For a traditional Sunday roast, book at The Harwood Arms in Fulham (27 Walham Grove, SW6 1QR), London's only Michelin-starred pub, with roasts from £28. For fish and chips, visit Poppie's in Spitalfields (6-8 Brushfield Street, E1 6AN), where a cod and chips meal is around £14.50.
🌮 Hidden Neighborhood Gems
Explore Brixton Village Market (Brixton Station Road, SW9 8PR) for diverse eats like Kricket's Indian-inspired small plates or Mama's Jerk's Caribbean dishes. Most mains are under £12. In Hackney, visit Broadway Market (E8 4QJ) on Saturdays for stalls like Leila's Shop's seasonal produce and the famous Beigel Bake's salt beef bagels at £5.50.
💰 Budget-Friendly Eats
Grab a £4.50 falafel wrap from Pilpel in the City (38 Brushfield Street, E1 6AT) or a £6.50 roti from Roti King in Euston (40 Doric Way, NW1 1LH). For a cheap lunch, visit Franco Manca pizzerias across London for sourdough pizzas starting at £7.95.
🍰 Sweet Treats and Desserts
Indulge in a salted caramel brownie from Crumbs & Doilies in Soho (1 Kingly Court, W1B 5PW) for £4.50. For afternoon tea, book at Sketch in Mayfair (9 Conduit Street, W1S 2XG), where the experience starts at £75 per person. For a more affordable option, try the cakes at Konditor & Cook (multiple locations) from £3.50.
🍺 Best Evening Spots
End your day at The Culpeper in Spitalfields (40 Commercial Street, E1 6LP), a gastropub with a rooftop bar and seasonal British menu; mains around £18. For a lively atmosphere, visit Dishoom in Shoreditch (7 Boundary Street, E2 7JE), serving Bombay-style comfort food until late, with small plates from £6.
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This is a solid guide, you've covered a lot of ground. I'd add that if you're in the Borough Market area on a weekday morning, grab a bacon butty from the stall under the railway arches on Stoney Street, it's about £5 and much better than queuing at the market's more famous spots. The Harwood Arms is a good shout for a roast, but you really need to book that one at least a month ahead, especially on a Sunday. For a more casual but still proper Sunday lunch, I've had great luck at The Marksman in Hackney, their dripping roast potatoes are something else.
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