With an average of one pub a day closing down during 2025 in England and Wales, the owner of a West London pub has accused the Labour government of “not having a brain between them”.
Damien Smyth, who runs Biddy Mulligan’s pub in Olympia, has expressed his frustration at spiralling costs despite Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ recent announcement that she will offer additional support to the sector.
The chancellor’s move responded to publican anger over the decision to reduce pub business rate discoun...

Attempts to protect Shepherd’s Bush Market from redevelopment have been shut down by the local council.
Shepherd’s Bush Market moved one step closer to widescale development, with Hammersmith & Fulham Council’s refusal to designate the site as an “Asset of Community Value” sparking controversy.
The council rejected the proposal on the grounds that the market focuses on retail, and not on furthering the social interest or wellbeing of the community.

In response to the decision, Friends of Shephe...