The beautiful hidden garden that's really peaceful despite being next to busy train station

Dalston Eastern Curve Garden is an oasis of lush urban wilderness, embracing the motto proudly displayed on its bright pink welcome sign: "Keep Cities Wild."

Just a minute's stroll from the bustle of Dalston, this garden serves as a sanctuary for those seeking tranquility and a touch of nature amidst city life.

In this hidden gem in Hackney, nature has reclaimed its space with abandon. The garden is crafted around an abandoned railway line, with plants eagerly sprawling across every available surface, from weathered barrels to the beams overhead, infusing life into old tin cans and rooftops alike.

Despite its proximity to the busy transit hub of Dalston Junction, the serene sounds of rustling leaves fill the air, drowning out urban commotion. Visitors can relax on cushy outdoor sofas or sit at artisanal wooden benches while whimsical decorations - think hanging lampshades, birdhouses crafted from juice cartons, and shimmering disco balls - dance gently in the breeze, evoking the charm of a lively mobile.

It's a great space to take a break and catch your breath (Image: Amber-Louise Large)

Established in 2010, the Dalston Curve Garden was designed to bring a slice of wilderness into the densely built environment of Hackney. It is cultivated by local residents for the community — a wild and welcoming green space amidst the 'concrete chaos' of the metropolis.

You're even welcome to bring your own food and drink (excluding alcohol) for a garden picnic. The space is designed for locals to use as they please, with many opting to indulge in the homemade chai cake for £4 or vegan vanilla cake for £2.50 available at the cafe.

For the little ones, there's a dedicated play area nestled at the bottom of the garden, featuring a vibrant stage. The petite tables and red chairs, open for all to use, evoke nostalgic memories of school days, adding a touch of whimsy to the garden.

Dalston's uber-cool local garden feels like it could be in Berlin (Image: Amber-Louise Large)

This small urban oasis invites you to lose track of time, providing a wild retreat from city life. Locals often pop in for a quick cuppa during their lunch break or settle in for half a day, regardless of the season.

And for those chillier evenings, a hamper filled with cosy blankets is on hand - a testament to the thoughtful hospitality offered in this secret-garden-like haven.

Getting there

Despite feeling worlds away from the hustle and bustle of tube trains and London buses, Dalston Eastern Curve Garden is conveniently located just outside Dalston Junction overground station and is surrounded by bus stops serving the number 277.

Entry is free and the garden is open Tuesday 2-6pm, Wednesday and Thursday 1-6pm, Friday 1-7pm, and Saturday and Sunday 12pm-7pm. Please note that the garden is closed on Mondays.

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Gemma Collins and Sam Ryder spotted at Liverpool Street Station for 24-hour ‘pianothon’

London commuters this morning (Friday, April 11) couldn't believe their eyes when they spotted Gemma Collins tickling the ivories at Liverpool Street Station. The TOWIE star joined in on an all-day jam, treating travellers to a rendition of the well-known tune Chopsticks.

Collins followed in the footsteps of Sam Ryder of Eurovision fame and Brad Keller, The Piano's reigning champion. The continuous musical spectacle at Liverpool Street Station involves a mix of celeb performers and seasoned pianists running non-stop from 6am on Friday 11th April until tomorrow morning, Saturday 12 April.

This bold public challenge is in celebration of the fresh season of Channel 4's 'The Piano', set to hit screens on Sunday (April 13) at 9pm. Research by Channel 4 found that the piano is the instrument wannabe musicians most want to learn, with 40 per cent of respondents saying so.

Sam Ryder also showcased his skills

Gemma Collins enthused: "I loved having the chance to be part of the Pianothon with Channel 4 and doing something a bit different. It was a chance see the GC in a new light. I was a bit disappointed I couldn't ship my leopard-print piano into Liverpool Street Station, though."

She added: "Music is about connecting with people and sharing moments of joy, and what is more joyful than surprising people in a train station with loads of brilliant music? Maybe this is the start of something exciting for me – watch this space."

A survey of 2,000 people revealed that piano tops the chart as the instrument most played by musically inclined adults (46 per cent), with guitar (32 per cent) and drums (20 per cent) trailing behind.

Among those who aren't regularly playing an instrument, 33 per cent cited lack of time as the barrier, while 27 per cent pointed to the expense of lessons. An impressive 88 per cent of the respondents confessed to being wowed when they witness someone expertly playing the piano, based on data from OnePoll.com.

Furthermore, a solid two-thirds (67 per cent) are in favour of more free live music events, especially since nearly half (46 per cent) of those who revel in concerts report feeling 'uplifted' by the experience.

Channel 4's Amber Kirby, promoting the broadcast of a 24-hour piano concert at Liverpool Street Station [www.youtube.com/@Channel4/streams], said: "A 24-hour piano concert at Liverpool Street Station is the perfect way to celebrate the launch of The Piano's third series this Sunday. It is a unique opportunity to showcase brilliant performers playing their hearts out, as well as sharing joy and the incredible power and diversity of the piano."

She added: "We're proud to present this unforgettable moment where talent, passion and emotion come together to create something truly special."

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Hero East London grocer helps trapped residents escape fire

A hero grocer may have saved lives when he directed three men onto a roof while a fire roared over a busy East London street filling the air with acrid fumes. Ali, 42, who sells fruit and veg on Whitechapel Road, first noticed smoke and shouting just before 8am on Thursday (April 10) after a second-floor flat burst into flames above a Japanese restaurant near the junction with Fulbourne Street.

"I'm working here looking up and see smoke," Ali, 42, told MyLondon, "Someone inside is shouting, 'help me, help me, help me'. I said, 'Go from window'. I told him to go from window out. Three people went escaped. Too much flames."

Ali's boss, Mohammed, 54, also witnessed the death-defying escapes. "It was fire there, people coming out," Mohammed said, "People jumping from the window [to the roof]. There was screaming. In the end, he went up to the roof. Then, the fire brigade brought him down."

In a video shared with MyLondon, one of the blaze victims can be seen escaping a third-floor window and climbing onto the roof as grey smoke billowed from the third-floor window. Ali can be heard shouting, 'Go out' and 'Go go go'.

The London Fire Brigade dispatched four fire engines and 25 firefighters (Image: Facundo Arrizabalaga/MyLondon)

When the London Fire Brigade (LFB) arrived, more footage showed firefighters putting it out with a hose before sending rescuers up a ladder to deliver aid and emergency blankets to the victims. A turntable ladder was then used to help the victims down from the roof.

This afternoon, staff at Sushi N Sashima - the restaurant located below the burning flat - were furiously working to clean up the mess and damage caused by water pouring through the ceiling as a result of firefighters pointing a hose into the flats above. One staff member told MyLondon: "The water went through the restaurant."

Firefighters arrived on the scene within minutes to rescue the victims (Image: David Nathan/UKNIP)

The LFB says four fire engines and 25 firefighters were called to the scene just after 8am after a six-roomed flat went up in flames. The Brigade said three men escaped to the roof and were rescued. Once safely on the ground, they were all treated by paramedics, and two were taken to hospital. The fire was under control within six minutes of firefighters arriving.

An LFB spokesperson said: "The brigade was first called about the fire at 0803, and crews from Whitechapel, Shadwell and Bethnal Green fire stations were mobilised to the scene. Crews were able to bring the fire under control by 0809. The fire is under investigation by the Brigade's Fire Investigation Team."

Got a tip, a court date, or some gossip? Please email callum.cuddeford@reachplc.com or WhatsApp 07580255582.

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London half marathons in 2025 that you can still sign up for now

The half marathon is well and truly in vogue at the moment. At just 13 miles, the race is accessible whether you're a fitness fanatic who thrives on high octane challenges, or someone who just wants to push themselves as part of a health drive or weight loss journey.

Intense as it might be, it's an event that's both achievable and invigorating.

London's most famous race is, of course, the full 26-mile London Marathon - an event that thousands of contestants spend months in intense preparation for. But luckily, the capital and the southeast in general is also home to dozens of half marathons and shorter runs - where intermediate and beginner runners can rise to the challenge.

Some half marathons are staged regularly, with the likes of Richmond Park hosting a half marathon each month, while others are may be annual or complete one-offs. Here, we run through ten of the best half marathons in and around London which you can sign up for over the next few months.

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Just Stop Oil protesters deny criminal damage after latex poured on Tesla robot

Two Just Stop Oil protesters have denied criminal damage after liquid latex was poured over a robot at a Tesla store in West London. Nigel Fleming, 63, and Catherine Nash, 74, are both charged with causing £2,696.40 in criminal damage after the incident at the Westfield Tesla store in Shepherd's Bush on March 12.

Chess coach Fleming, who was self-represented, pleaded not guilty at Westminster Magistrates' Court. Nash is also representing herself and appeared via video link, having pleaded not guilty at a previous hearing that was adjourned to tie up her case with Fleming's.

On Tuesday, April 8, Fleming, of Worcester Crescent, Mill Hill, said it is accepted that they carried out the action, but they had a "lawful excuse". He also told the court that the value of the damage was less than that alleged.

Wearing a white hoodie and glasses around his neck, Fleming said: "We were very careful to try and make it so that the mannequin was not damaged, so I'm very surprised that there was damage to anything." A third person had tested the substance, he said.

Fleming later added that he was told "somebody from the police" attended Westfield and "found the latex drying and peeling off".

"The point, I think, is that the latex was clearly peeling," he said. District Judge John Zani demonstrated how criminal damage is assessed using a water bottle and a pen.

He said taking this "rather dull water bottle, and if I marked it like that, the fact that I can rub it off, it's still criminal damage in that I have had to expend energy and time to wipe it off. Do you understand? So that's probably cost about half a pence in my time."

During a discussion about witnesses to call, he suggested Fleming ask the person who carried out the latex testing to "make a statement, identifying himself or herself".

Fleming is a retired tax adviser who coaches chess on Thursdays (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)

The prosecution will give evidence on the value of the damage and that can be challenged, Judge Zani added. Fleming told the court that the action had been taken to "draw attention to issues such as climate change". He asked the judge if he could call an expert on the topic.

Judge Zani said he could not and that "that path has been trodden up and down the High Court". He added that the presiding judge may allow him some leeway to express those views himself at trial.

Fleming is a retired tax adviser who coaches chess on Thursdays and Nash, of Castle Green Close, Kendal, is a retired teacher.

The charges allege that "without lawful excuse" they "intended to destroy or damage" the Optimus robot belonging to Tesla "or were reckless as to whether that would happen".

Both defendants were granted conditional bail until their trial at Westminster Magistrates' Court on September 24.

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Barking man charged with attempted murder after Fiat 500 crashes into pedestrians

A Barking man has been charged with attempted murder after a car hit several pedestrians outside a Luton nightclub. Police believe Nardi Bytuyci, of Fenshawe Avenue, drove a Fiat 500 into a group of people near Chapel Street's Kumba Lounge just before 3.30am on Saturday (April 5).

Two men, both in their 30s, were treated in hospital for serious but non-life threatening injuries. Bytuyci was arrested at the scene and now faces two counts of attempted murder and one of drink-driving.

The 23-year-old was remanded into custody ahead of his appearance at Luton Magistrates' Court today (April 7). Detective Superintendent Aman Dhaliwal, of Bedfordshire Police, said: "On behalf of the force I would like to thank members of the public who swiftly tended to those injured in this collision.

"While we would always advise people to retreat to a safe place, call 999 and await police arrival, there is no doubt the actions of those at the scene prevented further harm."

A cordon remained in place for multiple hours following the early morning incident, with the busy road closed from the adjacent Flowers Way junction.

Anyone who witnessed or was involved in the collision is urged to contact Bedfordshire Police as soon as possible. Video footage and photos should also be uploaded to the force's online portal.

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PE Teacher banned from classroom after having sex with pupil

A former teacher has been banned from the classroom after being found to have had sex with a student between 2001 and 2003. Matthew Whale, 50, taught PE at the then named Easthamstead Park Community School in Bracknell, and was banned 17 years after a sex referral was made in 2007, a misconduct panel heard.

On 29 April 2022, a meeting was held in which the school was informed that a referral had been made to the police. The school then noticed that it did not appear to have any outcome from the referral it had previously made, and that a search of Mr Whale’s teaching record showed no active alerts, nor that he was barred from teaching. The school therefore referred Mr Whale to the Teaching Regulation Agency on 8 August 2022.

After initial denial, Mr Whale admitted to having a sexual relationship with one of his students, spending time alone with her in his office, picking her up from school to spend time alone with her at his home where he admitted to having sex with her. He said he also exchanged personal phone numbers with her, took her to the cinema, restaurants and theme parks and during this time, he told her "he loved her".

Mr Whale was in his 20s during the relationship. He did not inform the school, now called King's Academy Easthampstead Park, that he was having a sexual relationship with the student because "he was aware that it was inappropriate and would lead to disciplinary proceedings," the Teach Regulation Authority (TRA) said.

The age of the student was not reported, but it was found that "no criminal offences were committed" by Mr Whale, but he was still guilty of serious professional misconduct. He admitted that his actions were sexually motivated.

Allegations of sexual misconduct were made against Mr Whale, and he was suspended from work in November 2007. He then resigned in January 2008.

The student provided a witness statement to the panel and while it was deemed to be hearsay, Mr Whale accepted that she suffered the “detriment, injury and upset” described in her statement. The panel heard he gave her more attention than other students and asked her to come to his office alone where they would speak and he would often kiss her.

Mr Whale acted in a controlling manner as he did not want to be caught, the student reported, adding that there was an unspoken agreement between them that she would not tell her friends. Because of this they ended up spending time at his house and with his friends leaving her feeling isolated.

Great lengths were taken to hide the relationship from others like when they went to the cinema they had to run and hide in the toilets when another teacher from the school sat behind them, the student told the panel. They also went to his home when no one else was there and went for restaurant dinners out of the area.

She reported that he influenced the choice of university she went to and that when she went there he would try to contact her. When she ignored him he said he had crashed his car to illicit a response which she said made her panic and feel like he was controlling her. She then ended the relationship.

She reported the relationship to the police and said it had impacted negatively on her mental health and her adult relationships.

Mr Whale told the panel that “the level of maturity I possessed as an individual at this time was clearly not one capable of managing the responsibility of the situation I had been placed in. This was by far and away the greatest driving factor in me leaving the profession nearly 20 years ago… I am also a very different person from the immature individual that encouraged, facilitated and allowed this situation to occur."

He added that he felt "genuine remorse" and "will be forever be sorry" for his actions

The TRA misconduct panel said he should be banned from teaching indefinitely and issued a prohibition order against Mr Whale. His relationship was described as "wholly unacceptable"

A spokesperson for King's Group Academies, of which King's Academy Easthampstead Park is now a part, told the BBC: "This follows a historical matter which pre-dates the school joining the trust. The health, safety and wellbeing of our students is paramount, and we condemn any misconduct and inappropriate behaviour.

"We follow strict and robust safeguarding measures and are supportive of the outcomes which reflect the seriousness of the allegations found proved."

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