The silent majority wants more homes August 27, 2025 It’s far too easy for a vocal minority who’ve already got their foot on the housing ladder to pull it up after themselves. A representative planning system will unlock the new homes we need, says Simon Clarke For decades, Britain’s planning system has been run by the same cast of characters: the colonel guarding his [...]
Try this City of London rooftop bar to cool off after boiling hot office days August 26, 2025 Our Toast the City Awards are celebrating the City’s top spots and takes place this October. This week: Wagtail rooftop bar and restaurant. During some months there are more Google searches for ‘London rooftop bars’ than ‘new London bars’ – and that’s true even in winter. It’s just one sign that the capital’s intense love-in with sky-high [...]
Lloyds to hand shareholders over £17bn by 2027, analysts say August 26, 2025 Lloyds Banking Group shareholders are set for a bumper payout with analysts projecting the lender will return over £17bn to investors by 2027. The FTSE 100 giant was listed as Jefferies analysts “preferred” banking stock following a strong year-to-date performance. Shares in Lloyds have jumped over 50 per cent since January. The bank received a [...]
Coldplay, Wembley review: the most feelgood two hours you’re likely to experience August 26, 2025 Since Coldplay started their current Music of the Spheres tour more than three years ago, they have played in 43 countries, made (unwitting) headlines and smashed records. They’ve headlined Glastonbury for an unparalleled fifth time and sold over 12 million tickets, making this tour the most highly attended in history. Their return to London this [...]
New Look owners line up Rothschild as high street chain prepares for possible sale August 24, 2025 The owners of New Look have appointed Rothschild to oversee a strategic review that could see the high street fashion chain change hands next year. Alcentra and Brait, which have controlled the retailer since 2020, tapped the investment bank after receiving unsolicited approaches from potential buyers, Sky News reported. No timeline has been set for [...]
Coca-Cola considers grounds for sale of Costa August 23, 2025 Soft drinks giant Coca-Cola has called in bankers for exploratory talks regarding a sale of coffee chain Costa. The Coca-Cola company, which acquired Costa over six years ago, has held talks with a number of potential bidders including private equity firms, according to Sky News. Investment bank Lazard is working with the firm to explore [...]
Troy can lay Siege on York and land Ebor August 22, 2025 ALL eyes will be on the Willie Mullins-trained Hipop De Loire who is a warm order to land the Sky Bet Ebor Handicap (3.35pm) at York on Saturday. The eight-year-old was an unlucky fifth in this contest 12 months ago and connections have cleverly plotted their way back here off just a three-pound higher mark. [...]
Handshakes all round for Royal winner at York August 22, 2025 BOTH Andrew Balding and William Haggas have had weeks to remember on the Knavesmire and look set for further success on the last day of the meeting. The pair are responsible for the front two in the betting for the Melrose Handicap (2.25pm) with the exciting prospects Tarriance and Royal runner GOLDEN HANDSHAKE. The former [...]
Quinault value at 20/1 to upset York big guns August 22, 2025 THERE is a mouthwatering line-up for the Sky Bet City Of York Stakes (3.00pm) on the final day of York’s four-day Ebor Festival. A field of 11 are set to go to post for the newly promoted Group One with a whopping £377,122 to the winner. Rosallion looks the one to beat on the back [...]
A father-daughter trip to Tokyo: Japan from two very different perspectives August 22, 2025 Tokyo is a city of dazzling contrasts — serene temples and tea ceremonies stand side-by-side with sky-high department stores crammed with bizarre electronic gadgets. In one moment, you’re bowing in quiet reverence; in the next, you’re jostling through the famous Shibuya Crossing, camera in hand, swept along with hundreds of tourists filming the human tide. [...]