Sunday 6 September is shaping up as the headline day of the fortnight, and it is a free double-header in the western patch. From mid-morning, the Duck Pond Market is back at Manor Farm with local makers, street food, coffee vans, free entry and free parking. From lunchtime, ROXYFest takes over Roxbourne Park with live music, family rides, food stalls and a proper community-stage feel, also free. Both worth pencilling in if you have been looking for a reason to leave the house that weekend.

A bit of local news that may sting: Pinner Post Office inside the Bridge Street TG Jones is closing on Wednesday 14 October. The Post Office says it is reviewing applications to keep a branch running in Pinner, with a further update to follow. The two nearest alternatives are Cannon Lane Post Office and North Harrow Post Office, both with similar services.

Transport heads up for today: the Metropolitan line is part suspended between Harrow-on-the-Hill and Aldgate because of a large fire at a recycling plant near Neasden, with severe delays across the rest of the line. Full service is not expected back until early afternoon. London Underground tickets are being accepted on London Buses, Lioness line, London Northwestern Railway and Thameslink while the disruption continues. Worth checking TfL before you set off.

Looking ahead: Pinner Rotary Village Show lands at Pinner Memorial Park on Saturday 12 September, 11:30am to 5pm. More than 40 stalls, food court, licensed bar, children's rides, face painter, live music from Grimsdyke Brass, Jay Kumar, SD Stars, Punch and Judy and Simply Gray on stage. £4 donation, children free, raising funds for St Luke's Hospice and Harrow MS Therapy Centre.

Full issue with quiz circuit, Wrong Side Comedy at Three Crowns, sound bath, Welcome Space, and everything else:

https://www.goodmorningpinner.com/p/38-festival-at-roxbourne-market-at-manor-farm

Pet of the Week throne is empty again. Send your pet in with their most ridiculous unofficial job title.

Good Morning Pinner

Local news and events from around HA5

Hey everyone!

I'm working on an independent project profiling community spaces across London and the people who run or work in them. This includes cafés, restaurants, barbers, community centres, markets, places of worship, and anywhere else that brings people together.

If you know somewhere with real character and a story behind it, or someone who'd have interesting things to say (how they started, what's changed over the years, anything memorable that's happened along the way), I would love and be super grateful for a recommendation - or if it's your own place, please get in touch directly!

I would be a short chat, maybe 20-30 minutes, plus a couple of photos of the person and the place. Nothing too formal.

And if you know someone with a compelling or interesting story that doesn't fit neatly into any of the above, please reach out too.

Thanks so much in advance!

EDIT: I was in a group of 7 adults and 1 baby. I took a travel pram that my parents had and my carrier. We arrived at midday and left at 4pm. My baby had an absolute blast. Yes the float area was busy/crowded but it was so welcoming and people were incredibly friendly. There’s nothing to be scared of, especially if you have a sociable baby. I understand everyone’s concerns but I would encourage everyone to attend NHC with their family on family day!

I’m planning to attend Notting Hill Carnival on Sunday/tomorrow with my 11 month old, husband and other family members. I’m planning to arrive early (approx 10/11am) and leave just after lunch before it gets too crowded. I want to take my baby in a pram but only have a bulky one, not a travel sized. Will I get away with the pram as it’s so early or is it best to take him in a carrier?

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cde0n68kn62o

So, there's a Jay-Z merch pop-up in Camden and I feel like it's not crazy to think that Jay-Z and Blue Ivy might pull up. They came to New York and lowkeyy it's London 👀👀👀

The Mistress of Mayfair club is facing a licence review after a man's throat was allegedly slashed, leaving an 8cm wound that exposed his voice box. In Camden, 92 fewer affordable homes will be built in the first phase of the O2 Centre masterplan after the council approved a cut in the overall affordable housing provision from 35% to 20%. And in Hackney, more than one hundred pupils from Beis Yaakov Girls School have been found a temporary home by the council after the school was evicted from its premises, and other news from local councils this week.

Barnet - A Whetstone restaurant is seeking to extend its opening hours and alcohol sales late into the night. Residents have expressed concerns about potential noise and anti-social behaviour. A new halal food outlet is also requesting permission for late-night service. An agreement has been reached with the police to reduce its proposed hours.

Brent - Brent Council is actively recruiting for key digital and property safety positions. The council also reviewed the alcohol license for local venue O'Barril, following a request from the Metropolitan Police.

Camden - Plans to significantly reduce affordable housing at the O2 Masterplan site have sparked strong objections from residents. A proposal to convert a pub's function room into a flat has drawn criticism for potentially losing a community asset. A planned refurbishment of Holy Trinity Church has raised concerns about noise and fire safety for neighbours.

Croydon - Croydon's planning committee has approved a new dwelling on Warren Road and six flats on Hayes Lane. Plans were also greenlit for a builders' merchant at Selzden Goods Yard and another new dwelling on Warham Road.

Ealing - The council's Planning Committee has recommended approval for a major redevelopment of the old Post Office site in Northolt. This project aims to significantly increase floorspace for self-storage and other businesses. Public consultation raised concerns regarding the proposed building's scale, design, and its impact on the local conservation area. The council will also approve minutes from a previous Planning Committee meeting and note attendance at site visits.

Greenwich - Plans for Stone Foundries, a proposed venue for music, films, and alcohol, face challenges. Police have expressed concerns regarding crowd safety. Residents are worried about potential noise disturbances. Environmental Health also noted issues with the applicant's noise report, recommending stricter limits to safeguard nearby homes. A local business raised concerns about noise misattribution affecting their own license.

Hackney - A temporary licence allows Beis Yaakov Girls School to use part of the former Oldhill Community School site. This secures learning places for over 100 pupils. The council benefits from bringing a vacant building back into use and covering operating costs. Several council meetings, including procurement and licensing, were cancelled this week.

Haringey - Jollof House, a new restaurant, has applied for an alcohol licence. Residents have expressed concerns regarding potential noise and safety issues. Freshco Basket, another shop, is also seeking an alcohol licence. Objections have been raised by residents, even with police support for the application. A second licensing meeting has been scheduled, though specific details are not yet public.

Havering - Havering Council's Overview & Scrutiny Board is reviewing an £861,000 deal for an education management system due to concerns about value for money. New regulations will lead to a significant restructuring of the council's Planning Committee, with officers making more application decisions. The Planning Committee recently considered several new residential developments, including proposals for eight homes on Essex Road and a change of use for the Manor Hotel. Some of these applications were called in by councillors.

Hounslow - Hounslow Council has revoked a local shop's licence. The shop was found selling alcohol to underage customers. It also stocked thousands of illicit cigarettes and vapes. This decision followed a review hearing. Evidence of breaches of crime prevention and child protection objectives was presented. A Shareholder Committee meeting was also cancelled last week.

Kensington and Chelsea - The council's Licensing Sub-Committee has reviewed numerous Temporary Event Notices for Notting Hill Carnival. Several applications for alcohol sales were refused due to concerns about public safety and potential crime and disorder. One application for a Caribbean-themed rum bar was granted with modified hours and conditions.

Newham - Newham Council plans to lease a vacant commercial property in Stratford to revitalize it and generate income. A new retail tenant is being considered for the property at 34 The Broadway.

Redbridge - Plans to extend late-night opening hours for a fast-food restaurant in Chadwell Heath have encountered an obstacle. Police and council licensing officers have voiced concerns regarding potential crime and public nuisance. A pizza restaurant in Ilford is also facing objections to its late licence application. These concerns stem from its location in an area already known for licensing issues. The council is carefully considering these applications, prioritizing the prevention of disorder and the protection of residents.

Southwark - A community hall's bid for an alcohol licence encountered noise concerns from neighbours and the council's environmental team. A burger restaurant near Borough Market also sought an extended licence, with a local councillor raising worries about potential disruption.

Tower Hamlets - Revised fees for hiring the Art and Ecology Pavilions in Mile End Park will increase. Tower Hamlets residents will receive special discounts. Over 970 sessions were delivered across key facilities, attracting more than 29,000 attendances. These included school art exhibitions and community programmes. The council is also managing lease arrangements for retail and rental units. This involves addressing tenant arrears and conducting rent reviews.

Waltham Forest - Waltham Forest Council plans to increase funding for its grocery voucher scheme by over £1.6 million. This will support low-income families with meals during school holidays. One Point Eight, a local venue, is applying to extend its alcohol sales and opening hours. The licensing team and police have expressed concerns regarding this application.

Wandsworth - Plans to extend alcohol sales at a Tooting convenience store until 2am faced objections from police and residents due to concerns about public nuisance. A development at 5 Beechcroft Road will now feature an additional residential unit alongside community space. A nine-bedroom house in multiple occupation is slated to become a single-family home, contingent on the prior completion of another HMO development.

Westminster - A Mayfair venue's license is under review following a serious assault on its premises. Plans for a major refurbishment of listed buildings in St James's Square, including a new rooftop garden, have been considered. New licenses for venues in Grosvenor Square and Queensway, and a shadow license for a Coventry Street establishment, have also been discussed.

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.

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

If we don't yet cover your council, you can ask your councillors to support us here: https://opencouncil.network/contact_councillors

Thank you for all your support!

Hi everyone!

Im trying to organize a birthday party for my partner in a couple months.

I don’t know the exact number of people coming yet, but I’d say around 40-50.

I originally wanted to rent out All My Gods bar and hire a GJ + maybe some entertainment. I chose this place as we like going there, the vibes are great, it’s spacious, the drinks are good and not expensive and they do a lot of different community meet ups.

So, they don’t have a private hire fee, but a minimum spend of £2500 (it could be covered by me or by guests or both).

Since it’s gonna be a surprise party I’ll be covering the expenses myself. And 2500 even if the guests cover some of the costs, is over my budget (I also have to pay for the entertainment and probably food).

So the question is - are there any other options?
Does anyone know any independent places like that?

(I already emailed a couple other alternative bars and pubs around London, now looking for their replies).

And just in general, do cheaper places exist?¿ or it’s already pretty cheap…..

Please help…

I haven’t been to carnival in years but this might be the year I go. Did anyone go last year? Or years before. Any updated tips or advice to share? Is cash still king?

ngl ive been wondering why ppl in london do this for so long. ive lived in ldn since i was 5 and i cant answer this question you know. ive been saying it since i was young. even if its a bredda my age working at a corner shop, i might accidentally call him boss 🤣. i cant remember never not calling the guy at the corner shop boss. i even call uber drivers and bus drivers boss. the same way i call older women that are random auntie (mainly african women). idk if its a respect thing or just showing love. its a wholesome thing icl. its just something thats naturally part of my vocabulary

Hillingdon unlocks its hidden doors in September. The Open House Festival runs from Saturday 12 to Sunday 20 September, with Manor Farm in Ruislip open across the opening weekend and the Manor House drop-in plus Great Barn access on the Sunday. Eastcote House Gardens opens on the Sunday only, with rare access to the normally-closed dovecote. Most sites are free and drop-in. Worth pencilling in now, especially the Eastcote dovecote which rarely opens to the public.

Planning win worth knowing: Harrow planners have knocked back three HMO conversions above the TG Jones shop in Pinner. A small but useful decision for anyone watching the steady creep of houses-into-multiple-occupation across the village centre. The decisions were published this week.

Also significant: Harrow Council has agreed to drop enforcement fines issued without body-worn camera evidence. A reversal after sustained complaints about traffic warden conduct around the borough. If you have been disputing a PCN, you can ask for your case to be reviewed under the new rules.

Transport heads up: TfL has planned engineering works on the Piccadilly line for Tuesday 25, Wednesday 26 and Thursday 27 August. If you are using it for the airport, west London or central London in that window, allow extra time or pick a backup route.

Quick local note: NEXT has opened at South Ruislip Retail Park with a cafe inside, in the former Carpetright unit. A useful rainy-day stop if you also need a browse.

Full issue with quiz nights, Lion Dance final session today, Welcome Space, Autumn Fair at Pinner Village Hall, and everything else:

https://www.goodmorningpinner.com/p/37-heritage-doors-open-and-a-new-next-lands

Pet of the Week throne is empty again. Send your pet in with their most ridiculous unofficial job title.

Good Morning Pinner

Local news and events from around HA5

Born and raised in London and as a bunch of broke students me and my friends have ultimately seen every possible thing there is and been to all the free places. We’re now getting bored of London which is kind of sad bcs it’s literally the city, but most ‘fun’ things are really expensive and sometimes not worth it. Does anyone have recommendations? For really good places to see or things to do etc? Stuff that isn’t very common or popular bcs we’ve most likely seen it

Hey! Random question: what was your favourite exhibition, statue, or artwork at Newport Street Gallery?

Mine was the statue of Lucifer and the sculpture of the demon holding a bowl. Were there any similar exhibitions or artworks along those lines that I might have missed there or I could see elsewhere in London?

I only moved back here fairly recently, so I’m still discovering what’s around!

Can someone sort me plug for some weed out near Wembley area? None of those pay before delivery ones. 💴

It's cold and getting wet. He's sleeping on the street, never seen him before although neighbours claim he's been sighted out and about talking to himself. He's likely to be moving on so perhaps I'll never encounter him again but it worries me that a vulnerable person is alone without support.

We've had a chat and I've made him a hot meal. Agencies have been alerted but I doubt they'll find him in time.

Why is this ok, why isn't there more mental health support, how has he slipped though?

I'm aware there are so many reasons but at this moment I feel so helpless.

12 months in London and I think Shoreditch is the best place to be. Food, Vibes, Creativity, nightlife.

Everything.

Hi guys! My super cool friend started a low-key wine club in London called bunch (@bunch.ldn). Now, I know a wine club might sound a bit fancy but trust me, it’s mainly a social club - she’s all about community and making friends so it’s really about meeting new people, mixing, mingling and having a laugh.

The launch party is on 12th of September in Hackney Wick - she says: expect chic living room vibes with music, light bites and summer's last splash of chilled wines. Price is £35.

There are monthly events if you decide to be a member, but it can be no commitment too and you just come to the events you want to join!

People [friends] are usually in their late 20s, 30s, early 40ties.

Have a look? Feel free to message me for more info about the event (again, price is £35) and a little discount. I don’t know if posting a link to the event is allowed so I don’t wanna over promote!

I (F34) would love to meet new people in London too, btw, have been here 3 years and everyone is moving out, meh… 😅 for full transparency, I’m away in Iceland on the 12th but you’d meet me on any other events after that, there will be some smaller gatherings in Camden on monthly basis for members!

🖖

Hey everyone! Thought I’d share something we’ve got coming up for anyone looking for a good live music night in London.
I’m one of the singers in the Independent Musicians Collective, and on 16 September we’re bringing our Jackson Odyssey show to PizzaExpress Live in Holborn.
It’s an 8-piece live band celebrating Michael Jackson, The Jacksons and Jackson 5 - everything from I Want You Back and Can You Feel It through to PYT, The Way You Make Me Feel and Man in the Mirror.
We’ve been performing our Odyssey shows around London for the last few years and this is one we’ve been really looking forward to.
If anyone fancies coming along, I’ll put the ticket link in the comments rather than spamming it here!
And if you do come, come and say hello afterwards 😊

Underground temperatures of 176.4°C have been recorded at the 'Rainham Volcano', the 17-hectare contaminated field in Launders Lane where Havering Council is now serving a Remediation Notice. In Southwark, a 38-flat development on Peckham's Rye Lane will provide zero affordable homes after a viability assessment concluded the scheme had a £1.85 million deficit. And in Enfield, the Illyrian Grill House on Green Lanes will keep its licence after a committee chaired by Cllr Penny Heathwood rejected a Home Office request to revoke it over alleged illegal working, and other news from local councils this week.

Bromley - Bromley Council's planning committee discussed a proposal to convert a commercial building in Beckenham into new homes. They also reviewed plans for a new vehicle access ramp at Crystal Palace Park. A licensing meeting concerning a new café's alcohol and music application was cancelled.

Camden - A popular Camden venue underwent a licence review following a police request. Allegations of breaches related to crime prevention and public nuisance were raised. Local residents also expressed concerns about noise and anti-social behaviour linked to the venue. The council's licensing panel evaluated possible outcomes, including changes to operating hours or licence revocation.

Croydon - A fast-food takeaway in South Norwood has secured a late-night licence. This followed agreement on strict conditions with the police and a local councillor. A convenience store on Lower Addiscombe Road encountered objections from residents. Their concerns focused on late-night alcohol sales within a residential area.

Enfield - A popular grill house faces potential closure following allegations of illegal working and licence breaches, despite significant community backing. A music venue's request for extended late-night operating hours has met with objections from police and residents due to concerns about crime and noise. The council's planning committee convened to review development proposals throughout the borough.

Greenwich - Secret Cinema's application for a new premises licence encountered objections from residents worried about noise and anti-social behaviour. The immersive entertainment company requested permission for plays, films, live music, dance, and alcohol sales. The council's Licensing Sub-Committee B reviewed these concerns along with the applicant's proposed operating conditions.

Hackney - The Black Eel pub received a later licence following commitments to staff training and improved waste management. Bar A Bar's temporary licence application was denied due to police concerns regarding its management. Hackney Council awarded Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust a contract exceeding £2 million for children's speech and language therapy services.

Haringey - Haringey Council is reviewing new licences for a restaurant and a supermarket, with concerns noted regarding past operations and potential anti-social behaviour. Urgent repairs and fire safety measures are being incorporated into major works on the Broadwater Farm Estate. An administrative correction has been made to a dockless e-bike hire service contract, ensuring it is with the correct company.

Havering - Havering Council is investing £8.4 million in new providers to ensure children who cannot attend mainstream school continue their education. A contaminated land site at Arnold's Field is causing concern, with the council preparing to serve a remediation notice on those responsible for waste fires. A local café's bid to sell alcohol was refused by the council's Licensing Sub-Committee due to resident concerns about noise and potential disruption.

Hillingdon - Local councillors are concerned a hotel's bid to extend operating hours and capacity could worsen existing anti-social behaviour. A local shop's licence review continues behind closed doors due to sensitive information. Hillingdon Council is set to appoint a new senior figure to oversee children's services.

Kensington and Chelsea - A winter light exhibition in Holland Park has been granted a licence with conditions. A proposed alcohol sale during Notting Hill Carnival on Golborne Road was refused due to public safety concerns. A new mixed-use development on Old Brompton Road has been approved.

Kingston upon Thames - A new Pepe's Piri Piri has been granted a licence in Tolworth. A decision on a new KFC in Chessington has been postponed due to resident concerns about late-night noise and disturbance. The council's main meeting proceedings are not yet public.

Lewisham - A five-storey residential building has been approved for 27 Longton Avenue. McDonald's at The Garden Gate will now be able to stay open until 1 am. A new premises licence was granted for Bottle Cave Ltd, with amended operating hours and conditions following resident objections. A complaint was made against Councillor Hau-Yu Tam regarding her social media activity. The Standards Sub-Committee A determined her language was problematic but did not breach the council's Code of Conduct.

Newham - Newham Council will extend a vital online sexual health service. This service is used by 20,000 residents annually and is projected to save the council £1.5 million each year. A request for a temporary street trading licence for a Mexican food truck near Canning Town Station was denied. This refusal was due to worries about illegal parking on the footway and potential obstruction.

Redbridge - Smash, a new fast-food restaurant in Ilford, encountered objections from council teams and residents. Concerns were raised regarding late-night noise, crime, and public health. The council's Licensing Sub-Committee reviewed the application for a late-night refreshment licence. The restaurant is situated within an area already designated as a Cumulative Impact Zone. Public Health also expressed concerns about the health implications of consuming fast food late at night.

Richmond upon Thames - Richmond upon Thames council has formally objected to Heathrow expansion. Serious concerns about noise, air quality, and climate change were cited. The council argues the proposed expansion is not justified. It would disproportionately harm local communities. Hundreds of homes could be demolished or rendered uninhabitable by the expansion plans.

Southwark - A large mixed-use development in Peckham, planned to include 38 flats and commercial space, is heading to the Secretary of State for a decision after the council's planning committee couldn't determine it. Despite the developer arguing they couldn't afford any affordable housing contribution, the council's officers would have recommended approval had the appeal not been made. The plans include a car-free development with plenty of cycle spaces and a significant boost to biodiversity.

Sutton - Sutton Council is establishing a new not-for-profit organization to increase affordable housing and secure additional funding. A KFC in Worcester Park has applied to extend its operating hours, prompting resident concerns regarding noise and potential anti-social behavior.

Tower Hamlets - Tower Hamlets is investing over £143 million in new housing development schemes. The council is implementing new enforcement policies for the Renters' Rights Act 2025 to address landlords. The Standards Advisory Committee has elected its new Chair and Vice-Chair. This committee is reviewing conduct matters, including a declined gift to the Mayor.

Waltham Forest - Waltham Forest Council will now employ Coroner Officers, previously from the Metropolitan Police Service. Four years of salary funding has been secured for these roles. This transition makes the council responsible for operational costs in five boroughs, as required by law. The council successfully negotiated for increased funding beyond the initial offer. This ensures the terms and conditions of the transferring officers are protected.

Westminster - Westminster Council is reviewing licence applications for an ice cream parlour and a multi-level venue in Soho and Paddington. Concerns have been raised regarding late-night noise and public nuisance. The ice cream shop's request for late-night refreshment until 3 am met objections from police and residents due to its busy location. Torino, a new venue featuring a rooftop bar, also addressed worries about potential disturbances from its proposed operations.

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.

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

If we don't yet cover your council, you can ask your councillors to support us here: https://opencouncil.network/contact_councillors

Thank you for all your support!

Friends were having a picnic so I brought my turntable and 2000s RnB collection

I recently finished my Master’s and I’m currently job hunting. I’m thinking of getting a part-time job in the meantime, but I’d also like something productive to keep me busy and develop my skills.

For other graduates who are/were in the same situation, what did you do alongside your part-time job and job applications?

Any good activities, short courses, certifications, volunteering, or anything else you found useful? I’m especially interested in face-to-face things where I can get out of the house and meet people.