A London Wetherspoons situated in the former ballroom of a grand hotel has been named among the best in Britain. Labelled the most impressive of any in a British train station, Hamilton Hall in Liverpool Street has definitely hung on to its majestic allure.
In a Telegraph piece praising the Wetherspoons and their brand of pubs, five locations across the country were picked out as ones not to miss. These included a converted cinema in Edinburgh and a winter gardens-esque site in Harrogate alongside the City of London pub.
Hamilton Hall in Liverpool Street station was once the ballroom of the Grand Eastern Hotel. Although the five-star hotel is still open today, this particular section can be enjoyed by punters in the heart of the city.
Liverpool Street is the busiest railway station in London (Image: Jason Alden/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Design features from the hotel's past still adorn the walls and ceilings, while it also has a plaque for the Great Eastern Railway which used to operate from Liverpool Street. The pub has also been transformed to best serve passengers today who stop by before their journeys out of London.
There are TVs inside which display train times, while it also has an opening time of 7am meaning you can buy breakfast or a pint at the crack of dawn.
Hamilton Hall gets its name from Lord Claud Hamilton, chairman of the railway company who built the station in 1874. Ten years later The Great Eastern Hotel opened, containing the elaborate ballroom inside.
The pub has a 3.5 out of five star rating on TripAdvisor, with 87 from 402 reviewers labelling it 'excellent'. One happy customer wrote: "Called in here while exploring that part of London, next door to Liverpool Street station, first thing we noticed was the great vibe in there, lots of happy people.
"Ordered burgers and a bottle of Pinot Grigio, great service friendly staff, great food and super value. Thanks for that."
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Sir Keir Starmer became Prime Minister earlier today after the Labour Party won an astounding landslide victory at the General Election. While that has created a sense of relief at the Labour-led London Mayor's office, there are some issues that could cause friction between the Prime Minister and Sadiq Khan.
After the Conservatives lost key seats to Labour including three in North West London - Finchley and Golders Green, Hendon (by only 15 votes) and Chipping Barnet (for the first time ever) - Sadiq Khan told the BBC on Friday (July 5) he would work closely with the new PM.
He said: "I'll be working with him [Sir Keir] straight away; I've been in touch with him today. I'll make sure that with, you know, a Labour government, and me as the mayor, [the city] is working as closely with him as possible.
"Look, for the last eight years, we've had a Tory government putting obstacles in our way, rather than working with us for the benefit of our city and our country, working against us. That will not happen with a Labour government."
But it may not be all sweetness and light in the coming years. Despite outward appearances, the two men have seemingly not always seen eye to eye on some issues.
Central government cash
Sadiq Khan over and over again has demanded more money from the Government whilst it was Tory run. We shall wait and see if bickering over cash still happens despite Labour's takeover.
If it does, it would most likely be less public and more behind the scenes. When speaking to MyLondon during the last days of the General Election campaign, the now deputy prime minister, Angela Rayner, for example, did not guarantee extra cash for the Metropolitan Police Service to plug what the mayor has called a 'black hole' in its funding.
Mr Khan said in March that the force needs £240 million in extra government funding. When asked if she foresaw any fights with the mayor over money, Ms Rayner said: "I think Sadiq's been doing a tremendous job in very difficult circumstances."
Angela Rayner did not guarantee providing Mr Khan with the cash needed to plug a 'black hole' in Met Police funding (Image: JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
She added that the party's proposed tax reforms - including abolishing a VAT exemption for private schools and further reforming the non-dom tax status - would 'help support public services in the short term'. "Regardless of if it's a Tory council or whether it's a Labour mayor, I think all of them will identify that the Tories nationally have been a disaster for our public services," Ms Rayner added.
Mr Khan has also spoken of a shortfall in TfL funding. Rachel Reeves, the new Chancellor of the Exchequer, told MyLondon in April that she will not guarantee cash for large infrastructure projects in London, such as extensions to the Bakerloo line and Elizabeth line and the construction of Crossrail 2.
She said: "I've always been clear, I will not make any commitments without being able to say where the money's going to come from." Mr Starmer himself also did not explicitly promise to provide the extra cash in June. Sir Keir told me: "Well look, we will work together.
"He has got good plans on transport. He's got good plans on housing - one of our missions is to build 1.5 million houses - working together with the mayor and we can deliver on these much needed promises for the country."
Green action
Sadiq Khan has put what he calls the 'dual challenges' of air pollution and climate change at the forefront of his agenda. This, of course, includes his expansion of London's ULEZ last year.
But this sparked apparent friction between the Mayor of London and his party leader. Ed Miliband, who was appointed as Energy Secretary today, told MyLondon during the London mayoral election campaign in the spring that Labour's leadership now unequivocally supports Sadiq Khan's decision.
It comes after Sir Keir said the the party must be doing something 'very wrong' over the enlargement of the capital's £12.50 fee to drive a non-compliant vehicle after the Conservatives won the Uxbridge and South Ruislip by-election last year. However, Mr Miliband stopped short of suggesting that other cities across the country should have their own version of the ULEZ. Uxbridge & South Ruislip has since been won by Labour in a tight contest, overturning the short-term switch to the Tories.
Mr Khan's ULEZ expansion proved controversial but he won him the mayoral election in another Labour landslide despite that (Image: Krisztian Elek/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Mr Milliband said: "I'm not going to advocate for that, no, that's a matter for local leaders to make their own decisions about what's the right thing for their areas."
Sir Keir has to bear in mind how policies would go down with voters nationwide, some of whom are not very keen on too much interference in their lives in the name of protecting the environment and curbing climate change. Meanwhile, Mr Khan claims that the Conservatives made the mayoral race a referendum on ULEZ, and he won it. If the mayor - who will be thinking primarily of Londoners' outlooks - were to pursue another controversial green policy, could tensions rise again?
London's Green Belt
Labour said during the General Election campaign that it would 'take a more strategic approach to Green Belt land designation and release to build more homes in the right places. The party added: "The release of lower quality 'grey belt' land will be prioritised and we will introduce 'golden rules' to ensure development benefits communities and nature."
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has previously said that he intends to stop 'inappropriate attempts to de-designate the Green Belt', and that 'boundaries should be changed only in exceptional circumstances'. He told the London Assembly in 2021: "My London Plan clearly states that the Green Belt should be protected from inappropriate development.
Labour plans to build more houses by changing planning rules but Sadiq Khan has said he wants to stop inappropriate de-designation of the Green Belt (Image: Xavier de Canto/Construction Photography/Avalon/Getty Images)
"However, the National Planning Policy Framework does allow development on the Green Belt if very special circumstances can be demonstrated. The same applies to boroughs proposing to remove Green Belt designations in their local plans."
The Metropolitan Green Belt is the designated area in and around Greater London. It now covers parts of 68 different districts or boroughs. In its manifesto, Labour also says it would support 'urban extensions and regeneration projects'. It remains to be seen how the Government and Mr Khan's interpretation of how and when the Green Belt should be released differs.
Control of commuter railways
Labour has promised to bring the railways into public ownership. Its manifesto stated: "We will do this as contracts with existing operators expire or are broken through a failure to deliver, without costing taxpayers a penny in compensation.
Sadiq Khan may have to amend his promise to bring London commuter railway services under TfL's control (Image: Mike Kemp/In Pictures via Getty Images)
"Great British Railways will deliver a unified system that focuses on reliable, affordable, high-quality, and efficient services; along with ensuring safety and accessibility. It will be responsible for investment, day-to-day operational delivery and innovations and improvements for passengers, working with publicly-owned rail operators in Wales and Scotland."
MyLondon reported on June 6 that this means Mr Khan may have to amend his promise to bring London commuter railway services under TfL's control as Labour steps in. During the London mayoral election campaign on April 26, the mayor pledged to bring suburban London railway services under TfL's control, creating a 'revolutionary metro-style' system. There's going to need to be some negotiation between the Mayor and Government over how London's rail services are managed.
EastEnders fans have figured out why Chrissie Watts is making her way back to Walford after a lengthy absence.
It's been nearly two decades since Chrissie Watts, portrayed by Tracy-Ann Oberman, graced the streets of Walford, and now she's set for an unexpected return to the East End. The formidable character was a staple on the BBC One soap from 2004 to 2005, leaving an indelible mark on Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean).
As Dirty Den's (Leslie Grantham) other half, Chrissie quickly became a hit with viewers, featuring in 218 episodes. Her time on Albert Square saw her as the Queen Vic's landlady, embroiled in a host of dramatic plots yet it's her role in the demise of husband Den that fans recall vividly.
The former Walford resident has been seen in Albert Square for almost two decades (Image: No credit)
The trio of Chrissie, Sam Mitchell, and Zoe Slater confronted the villainous Den, culminating in his grisly end. The episode drew in a staggering 14.34 million viewers, capturing "almost 60% of possible viewers" who watched Chrissie bring down Den.
Chrissie's chapter in the Square concluded in 2005 when she was incarcerated for the murder of Den. Fast forward 19 years, and the legendary soap figure is slated to make a comeback to Walford for a brief spell later this year, reports the Daily Star.
But before her anticipated return, avid EastEnders watchers have been busy theorising about her reasons for revisiting a place she loathed, with a popular theory suggesting she has a child with Den potentially Sharon's adoptive sibling.
Fans think there's going to be. a huge Watts family bombshell (Image: BBC)
Sharon herself was adopted by Den and Angie Watts (Anita Dobson), and she went on to marry Den's biological son, Dennis Rickman (Nigel Harman).
The blonde bombshell later discovered her real father was the notorious Gavin Sullivan (played by Paul Nicholas), and she also found out about a biological brother, Zack Hudson (portrayed by James Farrar).
Fans took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to express their excitement and theories. One eager viewer posted: "If Chrissie does return I need her to have den's long lost son arrive as well. I need Sharon to have as many siblings as humanly possible #EastEnders."
Tracy-Ann Oberman is returning to EastEnders as Chrissie Watts (Image: BBC)
Another chimed in with: "I want Chrissie to return with another new Watts - a 20 year old son that no one knew about. #EastEnders". Meanwhile, a third speculated: "Will she have Dirty Den's kid in tow? ? ."
One fan pondered the possibilities, saying: "If and that's a big if Chrissie is returning, if she did have any children, it would most likely be Jake Moon's (Alfie's cousin - who was assumed dead via Johnny Allen's gang) could return back from the dead as it was never confirmed if he was dead. #Eastenders".
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer
EastEnders' Navin Chowdhry has spilled the beans on his character Nish Panesar, hinting that he's "more dangerous than ever" ahead of an anticipated explosive departure from the show.
Chowdhry, who first appeared on our screens in 2022 as the menacing businessman, has quickly become one of Albert Square's most notorious baddies. As the head honcho of the Panesar family, Nish's reign has been rife with controversy, including attempted murder and domestic abuse against his wife Suki.
His storyline has been particularly tumultuous recently, following his dramatic return to the Square with a bombshell for his familyhe's terminally ill.
Earlier this year, Nish was ousted from the Panesar household, but he's now back in Walford, leaving his estranged family and neighbours reeling.
Navin (Image: BBC)
Initially, the Panesars were sceptical about welcoming him back, doubting the truth behind his terminal illness. However, it was soon disclosed that Nish is suffering from a severe heart condition caused by a virus, leading to a diagnosis of viral myocarditis, and he's in urgent need of a heart transplant, reports the Daily Star.
While Ravi, Nish's son, decided to bury the hatchet and support his father, Suki, his ex-wife, wasn't so forgiving. Vinny, another of Nish's sons, initially rejected him but eventually vowed to stand by his side, given the limited time they might have left together.
In a shocking turn of events, it turns out Vinny is deceiving Nish, conspiring with Suki to ensure he inherits the Panesar business empire.
Navin said Nish is "not going to go quiety" (Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
Navin, the actor portraying a villain, has dropped tidbits of teasers about his explosive departure from the soap, leaving nothing off the table. In an interview with Radio Times, he foreshadowed: "It's up to the viewers what they choose to believe, but if illness is going to consume Nish, then he's not going to go quietly."
The actor mused over his character's potential mayhem, saying, "Look at what he did when he was of good health he behaved so recklessly and had no moral compass. There were no limits beforehand, imagine if he knew people are betraying him behind the scenes he's got nothing to lose and could be more dangerous than he's ever been.."
Navin admits that viewers often don't differentiate between his real-life persona and his on-screen character's villainous ways. (Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
Remarkably, Navin admits that viewers often don't differentiate between his real-life persona and his on-screen character's villainous ways. This has even prompted stern conversations with producers.
Speaking to the Daily Star, he explained: "There have been moments when we've had scenes and I'll speak to the producer and I'll say, 'I'm going to have to go on the school run and you're making me beat up every woman on Albert Square'. I've been scared."
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer
EastEnders' head honcho Chris Clenshaw has teased fans with the possibility of some legendary characters making a grand return to Albert Square for the show's monumental 40th anniversary celebrations next year.
"The 40th has been in the works for quite some time," he revealed, suggesting that sharp viewers might have already caught "Easter egg" clues in previous episodes. He also mentioned: "The nostalgic element means a lot."
Devotees of the soap are abuzz with speculation that Ronnie and Roxy Mitchell could make an astonishing return from the dead after Cindy Beale's unexpected reappearance last May, despite her character being killed off in '98. Michelle Collins came back as Cindy, who was believed to have died from complications during childbirth, a fact disclosed to her former husband, Ian Beale.
The Mitchell sisters met their grim fate on Ronnie's wedding day when Samantha Womack's character jumped into a pool to save Roxy (Rita Simons), but was pulled under by her wedding dress, leading to their heartbreaking deaths.
EastEnders will air its 40th anniversary Christmas episode this year (Image: BBC)
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Cast your mind back to when 'Dirty' Den (Leslie Grantham) shocked everyone with his dramatic comeback in 2003, a whopping 14 years after his supposed murder. With several other fan favourites still out there, the stage is set for potentially thrilling returns.
Den Watts' second wife, Chrissie Watts, portrayed by Tracy-Ann Oberman, famously finished him off in the Queen Vic back in 2005 during the show's 20th anniversary episodes. Tracy has been dropping hints that we might see her character return to Albert Square, noting that Chrissie "must be due for parole at any point now" after being locked up in 2006.
"She's served longer than most actual murdering prisoners and if she'd had a better lawyer, she would have got mitigating circumstances," Tracy has previously said.
Den's second wife, Chrissie Watts (Image: BBC)
Chris teases that the soap "may" bring back familiar faces, adding: "It's not just because of the lovely reaction. It all depends on the story and where the characters are.
"As we head towards our 40th year, it is the history of the show. I think the nostalgic element means a lot. But it has to come from character, it has to come from story."
The new Mitchells are going to cause chaos (Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
The upcoming plot details remain under wraps, but it's expected to pick up from this year's Christmas storyline, which usually promises high drama. Last Christmas, viewers were gripped by the mystery of The Six murder suspects, with the big reveal leaving everyone on tenterhooks about who was responsible for what crime.
In a shocking twist, it turned out Linda Carter (played by Kellie Bright) was the one who ended Keanu Taylor's (Danny Walters) life, using a meat thermometer as the deadly weapon.
"Christmas is well underway," Chris, who was spilling the beans at the TRIC Awards where Eastenders received a nomination for Best Soap, revealed. "In the story office there is a board and it all connects. I compare it to a tapestry board, everything has to fit together. We've got the new Mitchells coming in that will stir some trouble up. And as we head through into the autumn and the end of the year, we've got quite a few treats coming up."
British rapper Stormzy has launched his latest venture, House Party. The new concept opened its doors on June 7, and is the brainchild of both the singer the hospitality firm Cream Group, which also runs the Cirque Le Soir, Reign and Dear Darling.
Located on Poland Street, it's modelled on an teenage house party experience. Offering red cups, sofas and pizzas, it stands in contrast to the nightclubs and bars of the West End.
The venue is set across seven floors, each mirroring a different room in a typical house. It includes immersive actors, performers and interactive additions to give customers "an authentic house party experience and bring the space alive."
Guests can expect performances from DJs and artists of different genres in every room, and even see decks being spun in the kitchen area. The bar and nightclub is said to be "the only place in London where bedroom-DJs-turned-headliners will once again become bedroom DJs".
It also comes with a number of retro games consoles, including a Nintendo N64, GameCube and Xbox, as well as karaoke machines in the master bedroom. Guests can as well relax on a rooftop terrace where barbecues are held, and where stands a secret room inspired by the popular 1990s sit-com Friends, featuring sloths, a private mini-fridge, a media centre and a phone for ordering fresh pizzas.
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Other highlights include a 1990s black BMW — Stormzy’s first car — which was lowered into the basement, beer pong tables, and the opportunity for visitors to play their own music in rooms via Bluetooth. Food is available throughout the venue on a first-come, first-served basis.
Right on theme, the on-site chef prepares crispy New York-style pizzas or giant New York-style slices. In terms of drinks, the menu includes a wide range of beverages as well as classic and signature cocktails, such as the Dark & Stormzy - served in a red-cup.
House Party is located at 61 Poland St, London W1F 7NU. Find out more information about it here.
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SZA is set to take Glastonbury by storm this evening. At this point, the 34-year-old has been steadily making a name for herself for more than a decade.
Her career started in 2011, and has seen her co-write songs including Consideration for Rihanna's 2016 album Anti. The Grammy award-winner was announced as a headliner at Glastonbury - along with Coldplay and Dua Lipa - last March.
This came after she played four sold-out shows at London's O2 arena, Manchester Evening News reports. Current listings say that SZA's set this evening will start at 9.30pm and last for 1 hour 45 minutes, finishing at 11.15pm.
What could she be getting paid for her appearance? We don't know exactly. But, talking to SomersetLive, Bestival organiser Rob Da Bank offered a glimpse of what Glastonbury pay.
He said: "They cap their budget and even the headliners don't get paid more than £500,000 I think, which is cheap for some of the headliners and they've had a lot of them. So, that's proof of it's huge, huge influence."
Dating rumours
As regards dating, there are rumours that SZA is seeing Travis Scott. According to Distractify, there is no confirmation that Travis and SZA are actually dating.
In fact, other than that 'hot on-stage moment', they haven't had any major public appearances together. As for now, fans say Scott should be presumed single until we know for certain.
SZA had a 'short fling' with Drake (Image: PA Media)
In a Rolling Stone interview, SZA opened up about a 'short-lived fling' with rapper Drake in 2009. "We were really young," she told the outlet. "It wasn’t hot and heavy or anything. It was like youth vibes. It was so childish," she added.
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