The London Underground station named 1 of the prettiest even though it looks like a cardboard box

There's a London Underground station that's so far out it's practically in the countryside, and its design is utterly peculiar.

Loughton station, located in Essex, is one of 16 stations that actually sit outside of London, along with Epping, Theydon Bois, Debden, Buckhurst Hill, Chigwell, Roding Valley and Grange Hill (just barely).

Its boxy yet sleek modern aesthetic certainly sets it apart, but it can be quite a sight to behold. As you approach, it looks more like a giant cardboard box than a bustling Tube stop and commuter hub.

Despite its Art Deco overload, the station's current look was considered very futuristic and avant-garde when it opened back in 1940. Tubewalker.com even describes it as an 'architectural tour de force'.

On the platform, Loughton looks like any other local Tube stop, but its exterior architecture has it admirers (Image: Sunil060902)

Loughton also belongs to a select group of Tube stations - those located outside London. While there are a whopping eight of these in Essex, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire also have several, including Chesham, which is the furthest station from Central London.

The full list is as follows: Chigwell, Grange Hill, Roding Valley, Buckhurst Hill, Loughton, Debden, Theydon Bois, Epping, Amersham, Chalfont and Latimer, Chesham, Chorleywood, Rickmansworth, Watford, Moor Park, Croxley.

Interestingly, there are six boroughs that don't have any Tube stations at all, instead relying on the Overground, National Rail, buses or the Tram system (we're looking at you, Croydon).

These boroughs are: Bexley, Bromley, Croydon, Kingston, Lewisham.

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Terrifying video shows moment plane at Heathrow struggles to land in 100mph Storm Éowyn winds

Planes were spotted battling to land at Heathrow Airport this morning as Storm Éowyn's high winds cause chaos across the UK. Brits are preparing for potential damage after wind speed records were shattered in Ireland at 5am this morning, with 114mph gales sweeping through Galway.

Met Éireann confirmed that the previous record, set in Limerick in 1945, has now been surpassed. In the UK, schools have closed and people are being urged to avoid travel due to the potentially deadly 100mph winds.

The situation is so critical that rail services and flights have been cancelled, with experts warning of possible building damage, uprooted trees, and power cuts. A video shared by Big Jet TV shows a plane struggling to touch down at London's Heathrow Airport in the unusually high winds.

Hundreds of flights have been cancelled or delayed across the UK (Image: Big Jet Tv)

Inside the terminal, passengers face lengthy delays, with photos showing travellers trying to catch some sleep in the departure lounge. Similar scenes are unfolding at major UK airports, including Belfast, Edinburgh and Glasgow, where planes are grounded and operations have been halted.

Scotland and Northern Ireland are on alert as rare red weather warnings have been issued, with the Met Office forecasting gusts of up to 100mph along coastal areas. Mace Head on Ireland's exposed Galway coast has already witnessed a staggering 108mph gust at 4am, reports the Mirror.

In Gwynedd, Wales, Aberdaron saw winds hit 93mph, while Cumbria experienced gusts of 70mph. ScotRail halted all train services across Scotland because it deemed it "would not be safe to operate passenger services due to forecast weather conditions".

Further disruptions have affected a number of train companies such as Avanti West Coast, Lumo, CrossCountry, and Grand Central, advising customers against travel on certain routes in north Wales, Scotland, and northern England, leading to a halt in services. Airports in Glasgow and Edinburgh have scaled down operations, with Glasgow reporting "significant level of flight cancellations" and Belfast International anticipating major disruptions.

People in regions covered by red and amber warnings have been urged to avoid travel "unless absolutely essential". Moreover, National Highways revealed that both the A66 from the A1M in North Yorkshire to the M6 in Cumbria, and the A628 Woodhead Pass in Derbyshire and South Yorkshire, had to shut down overnight as a result of the powerful winds.

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London restaurant charges £56 for basic fry up - and it's missing two crucial items

A swanky London eatery is causing a stir with its £56 Full English breakfast, but there's a catch – it's missing two key components.

The Ritz, an iconic five-star hotel in the heart of the capital, is serving up what could be the nation's priciest morning meal, and it seems they've left something out. Known for its opulence, The Ritz is asking for this hefty price for a classic British breakfast, with the option to add some rather extravagant extras.

The menu details that the breakfast includes two eggs – "cooked to your preference" – along with back bacon, Cumberland sausage, grilled mushrooms, and vine tomatoes, plus a cup of traditional English tea.

The Ritz's full English is lacking hash browns (Image: Jam Press/John Carey)

For those looking to splurge, you can "enhance" your meal with luxuries such as beluga caviar, setting you back £402 for 30g or £750 for 50g. It's also mentioned that the price covers the hotel's continental breakfast, which alone costs £46 and features freshly baked pastries, juice, among other selections.

Notably absent from The Ritz's version of the Full English are hash browns and beans. Yet, despite the omission, the cost of the Full English at The Ritz has risen sharply over time; just two years ago, the same dish was priced at £40.

This breakfast is almost 10 times the price of a Wetherspoons offering, but patrons who have indulged in The Ritz's luxurious fry-up have praised its "amazing" quality.

The Ritz is basking in a five-star glow on TripAdvisor, with one chuffed guest gushing: "Breakfast at The Ritz is a joy and worth every penny". But it's not the only posh spot in London to dish out a pricey brekkie.

Over at Claridge's, another swanky five-star haunt, you'll be shelling out £32 for a Full English - though the price tag varies depending on your dining digs. Opt for the plush Foyer and Reading Room, and you're looking at about £45, while the terrace bar asks a slightly less eye-watering £40 for the same fry-up.

If you fancy a bevvy with your breakfast, prepare to part with £8 to £9.50. But here's a twist: Claridge's Restaurant serves up the Full English for a more wallet-friendly £32, saving you £13 compared to the Foyer and Reading Room option.

And get this—the cheaper version actually boasts more on the plate, featuring "eggs any style", pork sausage, smoked bacon, black pudding, field mushroom, San Marzano tomato, and baked beans. For those after a bargain alternative to The Ritz's ritzy offering, there's good news.

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South London student who stopped replying to texts found dead after worried housemate climbed through window

A Norwood student “with several mental health conditions” was found dead in his room by his housemate. Leandro Titley, 21, took his own life on Friday, August 30, last year after his boyfriend and housemate grew concerned.

The UCL student - who was living in Brent - was autistic and mentally unwell. He identified as trans and had set up a fundraiser to raise money for his top surgery (a gender-affirming surgical procedure that reshapes the chest to create a more masculine or feminine appearance). Leandro’s boyfriend had contacted the housemate at around 6am that morning, as he wasn’t replying to messages and had turned his location settings off.

She had to climb in through the window as Leandro’s room was locked from the inside. He was pronounced dead at around 12.50pm after police found his “flatmate crouched next to him crying to the London Ambulance Service (LAS) operator.”

He was pronounced dead at the scene. He was last seen alive the afternoon before (Thursday, August 29) when his housemate invited him out, but he declined.

Three months before he died, Leandro had advertised a room in nearby Wood Green, catering to a “POC, queer, and genderqueer” candidate. The Facebook advert read: “We are first years going into our second year so a two year contract is ideal but not a necessity.

“We all have part time jobs alongside (not a requirement tho :)). We're all quite creative and love music, visiting museums etc.

“Quite politically active so down to go to protests together.”

The cause of death was ruled as unexpected and non-suspicious. Leandro’s final death certificate will be issued by the Brent registrar.

If you need help, contact Samaritans on 116 123 or visit jo@samaritans.org. You matter.

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Map shows all of the public toilets in London where you don't have to pay

Londoners can now use a map to check the locations of public toilets across the city. The feature comes alongside a call from charity Age UK to improve the provision of such facilities in the capital.

The map boasts itself as the UK’s largest database of publicly-available toilets. It is run by Public Convenience, a collaboration between software developer Neontribe and Dr Jo-Anne Bichard alongside Gail Ramster, who created the map.

The online resource includes any toilet that the public can access without being a customer, including facilities in train stations, shopping centres and public buildings. It is updated by volunteers and also includes details such as opening hours and whether toilets are accessible.

The map shows the availability of public toilets across the city (Image: Toilet Map)

The map comes as part of a campaign from Age UK called London Loos, which looks to improve the availability of public toilets across the city. The charity claimed there are around 1,500 public toilets in the capital, with less than a third of them being accessible.

Age UK added that many older Londoners appear to be avoiding leaving their home due to the 'loo leash', as they are not confident they would be able to access a toilet if needed while out in public. A study conducted by the charity in 2022 found that over half of the capital’s elderly residents reduced the amount they drank before going out to reduce the risk of needing the toilet.

The charity has called on a number of actions in its campaign, including greater awareness of Transport for London’s map of its toilet facilities across its network. It also asked for more community toilet schemes to be introduced.

Age UK has requested for local authorities to start producing an annual strategy to account for public toilet provision in communities. It has stated that councils are not currently legally obliged to provide public toilets.

Have a story you want to share? Email joseph.coughlan@reachplc.com.

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Neighbouring London restaurants just about avoid being shut - but owner isn't allowed to work there

Two 'beloved' restaurants in Soho have been given a 'final chance' to stay open after repeatedly selling alcohol without food. Westminster City Council said Violet's and the next door Mediterranean Café on Berwick Street could reopen after a three-month suspension.

The council's Licensing Committee also barred Ali Aksu, the venues' owner, and his brother Mehmet, from working inside either premises and ordered a new manager be put in place, during a licensing meeting on Thursday (January 16). They also required Mr Aksu to erect a sign outside his restaurants warning customers alcohol could only be sold with a meal.

It comes after the popular eateries were reportedly found selling alcohol after hours and allowing customers to drink without food, in breach of their licences. On Thursday, councillor Angela Piddock, Chair of the Licensing Committee, said Mr Aksu was to blame for the venues' non-compliance.

Westminster City Council (pictured) said it was the 'last chance' for Violet's and Mediterranean Café (Image: LDRS)

She said: "Based on the regulatory history, which is at best disappointing on the evidence given today, giving the premises licence holder another chance is a serious concern. [However] this must be balanced from evidence from numerous representations supporting the venue."

She added: "The premises licence holder is the problem but the Licensing Committee must balance the community and Westminster with the promoting of the licensing objectives." Cllr Piddock said the committee had 'only just' been persuaded not to revoke the licence after hearing from supporters.

The committee said Violet's and Mediterranean Café would have to train staff on the conditions of their licence twice yearly and check the IDs of anyone appearing under 25. Westminster City Council ordered a review after officers found customers drinking without food during an inspection on New Year's Eve.

A probe by licensing officers found the premises failed to carry out ID checks and used unauthorised chairs and tables on the footpath outside the restaurant and café. The operator has been fined £14,000 in the past for licensing breaches which it pleaded guilty to. The venues also faced a licence review in 2021 over similar alleged breaches and had their premises shut down by police in June 2024 after staff were allegedly caught serving alcohol to customers without food during Pride celebrations.

PC Steve Muldoon from the Met Police told councillors on Thursday that an 'immense' amount of effort had gone into helping Mr Aksu run his restaurants in line with their licensing conditions. He said: "This is the second review in four years and on top of this, all the prosecutions since, have made absolutely no difference.

"I have personally made numerous attempts to explain the licensing conditions, and I hope Mr Aksu can agree with that, on a number of occasions over a period of years... Now I see it as a blatant refusal to follow the conditions that have been listed."

Gary Grant, representing Mr Aksu, said his client was sorry for the repeated breaches, which he put down to Mr Aksu's friendly nature and desire to accommodate customers. He said the restaurants were 'beloved' by customers and a hub for the community.

He said: "Not every severe migraine is cured in an appropriate or proportionate way that might end in a beheading. It's effective but it's not necessarily the best way."

Andrew Malone, a supporter, told the committee: "This is such a unique, vibrant place. It goes beyond just serving food. It is something that is truly exceptional and it makes me feel safe."

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Primark owner to announce Christmas trading results ahead of plans to open 79 new stores

Primark's parent company will next week shed light on whether it has been knocked by tough conditions on the high street – or benefited from a splurge in festive shopping. Associated British Foods (ABF) will also reveal whether the consumer group, which also makes food and ingredients, has been affected by recent weakness in sugar prices.

The FTSE 100 company will post a trading update for its latest quarter on Thursday, January 23. It comes after a year which saw shares lift strongly in 2024 before sinking later in the year as it came under pressure from lower sugar prices and concerns over consumer sentiment.

On Friday, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed that the UK retail sector saw a weaker-than-expected December, as sales dropped by 0.3% for the month. It came amid continued pressure on household budgets from rising mortgage and rental costs.

However, investors will take some positivity from the figures, which pointed towards 4.4% growth for clothing and footwear retailers. Retail rivals including Next have also delivered strong updates amid signs of resilience from fashion customers.

The retail chain currently has 451 stores but has said it plans to grow this to 530 stores globally by 2026 (Image: Chris J. Ratcliffe/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

In its latest update in November, ABF revealed that Primark sales grew by 1% in the year to September after the budget chain was hit by damp early summer weather. Shareholders will be hoping that positive momentum later in the financial year translated into a strong run-up to Christmas.

Aarin Chiekrie, equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, said: “Primark, ABF’s star asset, likely enjoyed bustling footfall over the festive season, with Christmas shoppers flocking through its doors. Overseas expansion is another key ingredient expected to keep Primark’s tills ringing.”

The retail chain currently has 451 stores but has said it plans to grow this to 530 stores globally by 2026. Investors will hope the company will shed more light on its expansion progress, which will see its brand grow in Europe and the US.

Elsewhere, shareholders will also be keen for the company to give further detail on how profitability might have been affected by the recent decrease in sugar prices. Prices have slipped in recent weeks to their lowest levels since October 2023 and management have already warned that sugar profits could be cut by more than half this year.

The company, which owns the Twinings, Ryvita and Pataks brands, will also reveal how its food and drink operation has traded. Retail sales were largely weaker in December due to a shock slump in supermarket sales, with grocery sales sliding by 1.9% for the month.

Brands have also come under pressure as many shoppers have turned to own-label in a bid to bring the cost of their weekly shop down.

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