A ‘sadistic’ nursery worker who abused 21 babies in her care has been jailed for eight years.

Roksana Lecka, 22, ‘badly harmed’ children while employed at the £1,900-a-month Riverside Nursery in Twickenham, south-west London, which has since closed.

She also assaulted another at the Little Munchkins Montessori Nursery in Hounslow, west London.

Jailing her, Judge Sarah Plaschkes KC said Lecka should never be allowed to work with children again.

She told her: ‘You pinched, slapped, punched, smacked and kicked them. You pulled their ears, hair and their toes. You toppled children headfirst into cots. You caused bruising and lingering red marks.

‘When you committed these acts of cruelty you would look at the other members of staff to make sure that they were not watching you.

‘Often the child would be quietly and happily minding its own business before you deliberately inflicted pain causing the child to cry, arch, try to get away or writhe around in distress.

‘Time after time you calmly watched the pain and suffering you have caused. Your criminal conduct can properly be characterised as sadistic.’

Her crimes were uncovered in June last year after she was sent home for pinching a number of children and appearing ‘flustered’ at Riverside.

Jurors were shown CCTV of Lecka pinching children and scratching them under their clothes on their arms, legs and stomachs.

Footage of one ‘writhing’ in pain drew gasps from parents watching in the public gallery at Kingston Crown Court.

In another incident she kicked a little boy in the face several times.

She was also seen to push babies head-first over cots and cover a toddler’s mouth when he started to cry.

Lecka admitted seven counts of cruelty to a person under the age of 16 and was convicted of another 14 following a trial.

Jemma Till, a lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing parents of some of the children harmed, said they were ‘deeply shocked’ and ‘traumatised’ by what their sons and daughters experienced.

Several took to the witness box to read impact statements.

One looked directly at Lecka in the dock, saying: ‘These children were so innocent and vulnerable.

‘They couldn’t speak, they couldn’t defend themselves and they couldn’t tell us as parents that something had happened to them.

‘They were totally helpless and Roksana preyed upon them.’

Another mother, referencing the CCTV footage, said: ‘This really highlighted how defenceless all the children were and how sickening Roksana’s crimes were to target such young babies.’

The court heard from a different mum that some of the CCTV showed babies ‘reach back out to Roksana after she hurt them’.

She said: ‘I think Roksana is a huge threat to society.

‘It is objectively shocking that she has been hiding in plain sight in society up until she was arrested. I think all of us can agree that only the worst kind of human would assault vulnerable babies.’

Many expressed their fears over what further abuse their children may have endured.

One father told the court that his wife ‘always says’ if Lecka had not been caught ‘she could have gone on to seriously injure or even kill’.

Parents detailed the guilt they feel about placing their children in Lecka’s care, with one mother, whose son the defendant kicked in the face, telling the court: ‘We weren’t there to protect them.’

The court heard one family has moved away from London altogether, while other sets of parents have suffered breakdowns in their relationship, after Lecka’s actions.

Others spoke of now finding it difficult to trust people to care for their children, with one mother saying she has flown her parents out from Panama to look after her daughter while she was away on a business trip.

And several told of experiencing their children pinching them, and how they wonder whether that is something they learned from Lecka.

The court has heard evidence that Lecka was not her ‘normal bubbly self’ towards the end of June.

Giving evidence, Lecka said she would ‘smoke cannabis quite regularly with my boyfriend’ until very late at night.

She said: ‘I was really addicted to vapes, I would smoke two little crystal disposables a day. I was vaping in nursery. Because if I did not smoke, I would get agitated and fed up.

‘I couldn’t keep asking to go to the toilet. Any opportunity I would take. I would be really moody and fed up.’

At one point was seen vaping a metre away from a young baby.

Of one alleged assault, in which she is said to have ‘smacked’ a young girl while vaping, she said: ‘I had two to three tokes, that would be my normal amount. I did not smack her. I put my arm around her really quickly.

‘I do not accept smacking her in the face. I think she’s distressed and tearful because she’s just woken up from a nap.’

But prosecutor Tracy Ayling KC asked jurors in her closing speech to consider whether the footage showed ‘innocuous or innocent squeezes’, like Lecka claims, or pinches and rough treatment.

‘If she was tired, grumpy and feeling put upon by others, is what we see her taking it out on children by hurting them?’ she added.

‘There are, of course, some clips where Ms Lecka – as we put it – keeps going back for more.’

Arlette Piercy, defending, told jurors in her closing address that there were times when Lecka ‘could simply not cope – she had not slept enough, she had been burning the candle at both ends, she was under too much pressure and she cracked’.

She said Lecka has expressed remorse and cited her previous good character and young age in mitigation.

The court heard Lecka wrote a letter to the court saying she has reflected on her actions, wanted to apologise to parents and that cannabis turned her into a different person.

Ms Piercy told the court that Lecka has been attacked in custody, describing her experience in prison as having been ‘extremely challenging’, and said she has spent time in the vulnerable prison wing.

Detective Inspector Sian Hutchings of Met Police’s Public Protection Command said: ‘Today’s sentencing concludes a complex and emotional investigation.

‘The victims in this case are just babies, with the youngest being just 10 months at the time of the offences.

‘Something which our officers have found shocking throughout this investigation is Roksana’s lack of accountability and her inability to explain her unjustifiable actions.’

Ms Till said: ‘We welcome today’s sentence and hope it acts as a warning that perpetrators of such abuse will be caught and punished.

 ‘However, serious questions remain as to how Lecka’s abuse was allowed to go unchecked for several months.

‘Now that the criminal case has concluded, our focus is now on securing families, who will continue to be affected by Lecka’s actions for years to come, with the further answers they deserve.’

Lecka was also found not guilty of three counts of child cruelty.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

For more stories like this, check our news page.

When it comes to deposits on your first home, it’s a surprisingly long way. How does £3,250 sound? 

Even when cutting back on holidays, treats and nights out (and the now legendary avocado on toast) in order to build up your savings, accumulating enough money for a deposit can seem nigh on impossible. 

Industry body UK Finance has revealed that in 2024, for the typical first-time buyer in the south-east of England, purchasing without support from the Bank of Mum and Dad meant coughing up a deposit of nearly £72,000. In London, this figure doubled to just over £145,000. 

Shared ownership offers a lifeline to aspiring home owners as deposits are much lower: according to Share to Buy, the average down payment on a shared ownership home in the capital is just shy of £28,000. 

However, it really is possible to find a good choice of homes to buy with a deposit of £10,000 or less? These low-cost developments are all within Greater London or easy commuting distance.

SO Resi Henley-on-Thames

Henley-on-Thames, Berkshire, RG9 

Minimum deposit: £3,250

These one and two-bedroom flats are near the centre of this riverside market town and about a mile from the station. 

Parking spaces and terraces or balconies are included, and £1,500 towards moving costs is offered to first-time buyers who reserve by November 21 and complete before Christmas. 

From £32,500 for 10% of £325,000, soresi.co.uk.

Lampton Parkside 

Hounslow TW3 

Minimum deposit: £4,157 

Located next to Lampton Park and a few minutes’ walk from Hounslow Central station, these flats come with their own outside space.

The flats have carpet in the bedrooms and Amtico flooring everywhere else, a utility cupboard complete with a washer dryer, and access to a concierge. One-beds are currently available. 

From £83,125 for 25% of £332,500, nhghomes.com.

Quartoria

New Barnet, EN4

Minimum deposit £4,562.50

If the idea of living in a leafy suburb with fast transport links appeals, check out this collection of one, two and three-bedroom flats, all with a balcony or terrace. 

Trains run from nearby New Barnet station into Highbury & Islington and Moorgate, and High Barnet Tube station is a short bus ride away. 

From £91,250 for 25% of £365,000, sales.sng.org.uk.

Beaufort Park

Colindale NW9

Minimum deposit: £4,937

One and two-bedroom flats with balconies and use of communal gardens, in an up-and-coming neighbourhood that’s become a first-time buyer hotspot. 

Supermarkets, bars and restaurants are on the doorstep and Colindale’s Northern line station is in walking distance. 

From £98,750 for 25% of £395,000, placesforpeople.co.uk.

Square Roots Lewisham 

Lewisham SE13

Minimum deposit: £5,125

Ready to move into, these one, two- and three-bedroom flats are part of a new riverside quarter with landscaped gardens, play areas, a communal rooftop terrace, shops and office space. 

They’re conveniently just a seven-minute walk from Lewisham station, and all have private outside space. 

From £102,500 for 25% of £410,000, squareroots.co.uk.

Rockcliffe Square 

Woolwich SE18 

Minimum deposit: £7,319 

Some 300 homes share a site with the London South East Colleges’ (LSEC) upgraded Greenwich campus, which opens next year. 

Ranging from studios to three-bedroom flats, they’re in easy reach of the Thames and three stations – Plumstead, Woolwich Arsenal and Woolwich for the Elizabeth line. 

From £73,188 for 25% of £292,750, lqhomes.com.

Dagenham Green 

Dagenham RM9 

Minimum deposit: £8,100 

Thanks to London’s lowest house prices and great connectivity, buyers are heading east to Dagenham, where a community is being created on the former Ford car plant. 

The one, two and three-bedroom flats have outside space and will be ready for shared owners from spring 2026. Amenities include a concierge, workspace and use of a car club. 

From £81,000 for 30% of £270,000, peabodynewhomes.co.uk.

Parkside Triangle 

Waddon CR0 

Minimum deposit: £8,125 

One and two-bedroom flats, around green space and adjacent to a park. A leisure centre, station and Ofsted-rated outstanding and good schools and nurseries are within a few minutes’ walk, and you can be in Croydon town centre in 20 minutes.

Some homes have parking, and cycle storage and a three years’ car club membership are included. 

From £81,250 for 25% of £325,000, hydenewhomes.co.uk.

The Willows

Aylesham, Kent, CT3 

From £70,625 for 25% of £282,580 

These semi-detached houses are in a quiet village with a close-knit community south-west of Canterbury. They include two double bedrooms and one single, two bathrooms, a kitchen-dining room and a separate living room. 

The village centre – for shops, cafes and a primary school – is a short walk. placesforpeople.co.uk.

L&Q at Willow Grove

Wixams, Bedfordshire, MK42 

From £112,500 for 30% of £375,000 

Three-bedroom houses are among the fresh wave of homes coming this autumn. 

Part of an established new community, they feature eat-in kitchens, adjoining dining rooms and plenty of storage space. 

Supermarkets, schools and cycle trails are all close by and fast trains take only 40 minutes from Bedford station to London St Pancras. lqhomes.com.

Abbeville Park

Burgess Hill, West Sussex, RH15 

From £125,000 for 25% of £500,000 

Three-bedroom houses with generously sized rooms and gardens. Each has an open-plan kitchen, living and dining area, a ground-floor cloakroom, and en suite and family bathrooms.

London is 50 minutes by train from Burgess Hill station, which is a mile away, and several Ofsted-rated good schools are in the vicinity. placesforpeople.co.uk.

SO Resi

Cambourne, Cambridgeshire, CB23 

From £126,250 for 25% of £505,000 

A rare collection of four-bedroom shared ownership houses in a village with four good primary schools, nine miles from Cambridge. 

Semi-detached and detached houses are available in the Sheepfold phase, and applicants reserving a qualifying home before October 31 will get £2,500 towards moving costs through a move-in-for Christmas incentive. soresi.co.uk.

Seasalter Meadows

Seasalter, Kent, CT5 

From £127,500 for 30% of £425,000 

It’s surprising that Seasalter isn’t better known, given that it boasts a lovely dog-friendly beach and a Michelin-starred pub and is far quieter than neighbouring Whitstable.

The upcoming launch of this development, which includes three and four-bedroom houses, may well put it on the map. hydenewhomes.co.uk.

Hounsome Fields

Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG23 

From £166,250 for 25% of £665,000 

With two play areas, a primary school opening on-site and a nursery in the pipeline, these three and four-bedroom houses are perfect for busy families. 

And being only a mile from the M3 and 15 minutes from Basingstoke railway station, they’re well positioned for commuters. sales.sng.org.uk.

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.

An afternoon swim in a world-famous Lido, a stroll around one of South London’s first indoor markets, a trip to the zoo – or perhaps even an acrobatics show.

These are just some of the unique cultural activities on offer in Wandsworth, which has just been named the most popular London borough for 2025.

Analysing more than 23,000 moves to the capital this year alone, a new study has seen Wandsworth take the top spot.

But why? It’s not exactly cheap. House prices in Wandsworth average £691,000, towering over the current national average of £270,000, (according to ONS figures).

Plus, renting here certainly costs a pretty penny, as Compare My Move’s research found that the average monthly payment comes in at £2,526.

So, just what’s all the fuss about?

Housing in Wandsworth

When it comes to explaining why it’s so popular despite the relative price tag, Damien Jefferies, founder of Jefferies London, has a few theories.

As Damien tells Metro, it ‘combines lifestyle appeal with relative affordability given its favourable location.’

He explains: ‘Families are attracted by the excellent schools, plentiful green space and riverside setting, while professionals value the fast connections into central London, particularly with the Northern line extension, as well as the up-and-coming buzz that has come from the redevelopment of the Battersea Power Station and surrounding area of Nine Elms.’

In his mind, it channels an essence of London’s ‘prestige’ without the champagne budget associated with nearby Chelsea and Fulham.

Damien adds that, over the last year, the average sold price across Wandsworth has actually fallen by 6.4%, which he says is ‘in line with the slowdown seen across the wider London market.’

However, this has actually fuelled the borough’s popularity even further, as the average number of monthly housing transactions rose by 10.1% in 2024 and 9.3% in 2023.

Things to do in Wandsworth

From quirky food markets to a vibrant clubbing scene, there’s plenty to explore down this neck of the woods. It was also named the London Borough of Culture for 2025 by Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, hailed for being ‘vibrant and diverse,’ as well as teeming with creativity.

Tooting Market is worthy of a visit alone – being one of South London’s first indoor markets, opening in 1930.

For those who like to party, Exhibit in Balham and Tram and Social in Tooting are two standout clubs, offering karaoke, bottomless brunches, comedy nights and more.

And those who prefer the great outdoors can enjoy the area’s green spaces like Wandsworth Park, Battersea Park and the River Wandle. Alternatively, why not take a dip in the famous Tooting Bec Lido?

Elsewhere on the cultural scene, there’s the Royal Academy of Dance offering a range of classes, while Battersea Arts Centre has a vibrant programme of events, covering music, theatre, dance and acrobatics.

Backyard Cinema is another great option for a day out, as well as Theatre 503 – which is located on top of the Latchmere pub.

Wandsworth is an incredibly family-friendly neighbourhood, with the likes of Battersea Children’s Zoo – offering hours of entertainment for kids and adults alike – and The Pottery Café, which is the ideal activity for creative little ones.

On the financial side of things, it also benefits from the lowest council tax rates in the whole country – which is certainly welcome news for the wallet.

This piece was first published on July 12, 2024.

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.

This is the first picture of a teenager fatally shot in Wembley as family described him as ‘amazing’ and ‘funny’.

Tyrece Balcha, 18, from Hillingdon, died on Thursday after being shot on Atlantic Crescent, Wembley, over the weekend.

The teenager’s family said Tyrece was on the donor list, which will allow his ‘spirit to live on’.

In a statement, his family said: ‘We are devastated that our amazing son, brother, and grandchild who was kind, loving, funny, and hardworking has been senselessly taken from us.

‘We are grieving for his life that has been cut short but through his selfless gift as a donor, his spirit will live on. He will be deeply missed.’

Tyrece’s family is being supported by Metropolitan Police officers.

Detective Chief Inspector Phil Clarke, who is leading the investigation, said: ‘Our thoughts are with the loved ones of Tyrece at this very difficult time.

‘They continue to be supported by specialist officers, and we ask you to respect their privacy.

‘My team continue to work at pace to establish the full circumstances that led to this man’s tragic death.’

Adem Altindal, 32, from Wood Green, Haringey has been charged with murder and is set to appear at Haringey Magistrates’ Court on Friday.

Another man connected to the murder named Rafael Reveane Rodriguez, 39, from Middleton Road, Morden appeared at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Dennis Gambrah, 32 of Dressington Avenue, Lewisham appeared at Bromley Magistrates’ Court on the same day.

They were both remanded in custody and are due to appear at the Old Bailey on October 23.

Seven more people have been arrested in connection with the investigation.

Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams, who leads policing in Wembley, said: ‘We recognise the concern and alarm this incident has caused within the community – particularly as it happened at a busy event.

‘We’d like to reassure the public that their safety is of the utmost importance. We have increased patrols in the area, and you will see a continued police presence over the next few days.

‘If you have any information about this incident, however small it may seem, please get in touch and let us know.’

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

For more stories like this, check our news page.

Predators spiking vapes on party boats on the Thames during Freshers week are being hunted down using new gadgets unveiled by the Met.

The detectors can be used to find traces of substances like spice and THC in vapes after they are tampered with by suspects.

The technology described as something out of James Bond is part of a series of kit used to identify those preying on revellers enjoying a night out.

It has already been trialled in raids on clubs and bars in the capital but last night was the first time the Met’s maritime unit has been equipped with the testers, which analyse whether a vape has been spiked.

The new device will be given to the police who patrol the Thames so they can board party boats and test for spiking.

Operation Albenga was launched on Thursday to coincide with Freshers’ week, when new students party before starting their courses.

An increasing number of schoolchildren are smoking vapes filled with spice, the street name for a family of synthetic substances that mimic the effects of marijuana but can cause ‘zombie-like’ symptoms.

Sellers swap out the factory e-liquid vial with their own spice-spiked one, often flogging them as containing THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, a chemical in cannabis which makes people ‘high’.

It is part of the response to the wider issue of spoiling, which is usually associated with drinks. The officers boarded party boats leaving Westminster Pier on Thursday.

Between March 2024 and March 2025, the Met received over 2,000 allegations of spiking, around 150 every month – though the true scale of the crime is believed to be higher due to underreporting.

The crime disproportionately affects women and girls, with 66% of victims in August 2025 being female. Offenders are most active in and around busy nightlife venues, with 17% of reports linked to Westminster and the West End.

Minister for Safeguarding of Violence against Women and Girls Jess Phillips joined Met officers for the launch of the operation against spiking.

She told Metro: ‘The technology is amazing, it’s something like Q would come up with for James Bond.

‘I want women and young girls to be able to go out and have a good time without second-guessing what will happen.

Philips said that victims of vape spiking need to be taken ‘seriously, even offering her own vape to be tested to show how the technology was used.

She added: ‘When we went on the party boat, people seemed genuinely pleased to see the police. We are here to reassure people that we are working hard on this.’

No one was arrested for drugs found when the police boarded the party boats

The Met’s Marine Support Unit is leading Operation Albenga, working in collaboration with the Met’s licensing teams, drug dogs, safer transport, and the Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) team.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ben Russell said: ‘Spiking is an abhorrent crime that we are tackling head-on, whether it takes place in a nightclub, a private venue, or on the Thames.

‘The ongoing trial of new vape spiking detection kits is just one example of how we are innovating to get ahead of offenders and better protect the public.

‘This is part of our wider commitment under the VAWG strategy to protect women and girls across London. We are working with partners in licensing, education and the night-time economy to disrupt offenders, raise awareness and, crucially, support victims.

‘If you think you’ve been spiked, please come forward -being spiked is never your fault – it’s always the fault of the perpetrator. The sooner we know, the more we can do to support you, collect evidence and stop dangerous offenders from targeting others.’

The Met is also testing a range of different mobile drug testing equipment, which assists rapid drug identification – including near infra-red detectors that can quickly test a wide range of powders and tablets suspected of containing controlled drugs, supported by a mobile phone app.

The Met has been speaking to colleges and businesses about the dangers of spiking and say it is unreported.

Eren Bessim from the Safer Business Network said: ‘We know spiking remains a concern for many people, particularly students and young people returning to the city this autumn.

‘By working in partnership with the MPS, local authorities, and venues, we are equipping frontline teams with the confidence and knowledge they need to prevent and respond to incidents of vulnerability — making London’s day and nightlife safer and more welcoming for everyone.’

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

For more stories like this, check our news page.

Looking for 10 things to do in London? Luckily, there’s lots to do in this city for cheap in 2025! At least… there is now.

Metro has teamed up with Time Out to bring you the best deals across the capital.

Every Friday, 10 new deals will drop, available in the Metro newspaper, on Metro, and on our socials. You’ll also find them in our weekly London newsletter, The Slice, in your inbox every Wednesday.

If gourmet is what you’re craving, but you don’t want to break the bank, head to Pivot Bar and Bistro. Get a meal with an iconic view of Covent Garden Piazza for just £20. What a bargain.

Perhaps a spa day is what you’re after? Save up to £151 at the Crystal Palace Spa in Marylebone. Choose between a clay, coffee or mud body mask and pay just £48 for a solo treatment.

Or, if you’re after something more active, enjoy 30% off bowling sessions at the trendy Vintners Lanes. Recently crowned ‘best in the world’, this is an exclusive London activity you don’t want to miss.

It’s all here and more in these 10 incredible offers, discounts and deals.

Things to do in London this week

£39.50 for 5-course experience menu & glass of sparkling wine at Straits Kitchen

Straits Kitchen at Pan Pacific London has launched their new signature fusion menu featuring bold, vibrant and fresh flavours, and you’re invited. This is refined hotel dining with bold Southeast Asian flavours and British ingredients at its heart, courtesy of Executive Chef Adam Bateman and his award-winning team. Expect a lineup of dishes that blend Western techniques with big, punchy flavours, all served in a setting as elegant as the food itself. And with £19.50 off the usual price, this one’s seriously good value.

GET THE OFFER

Get a main and dessert at Pivot Bar & Bistro

Enjoy a gourmet meal at Pivot Bistro for just £20! Nestled in a historic townhouse overlooking Covent Garden's iconic Piazza, Pivot offers British classics with a modern twist, crafted by award-winning Chef Mark Greenaway. Indulge in dishes like Ratatouille or beef and bone marrow pie, and finish with a pavlova or sticky toffee pudding – all for an exclusive £10 off.

GET THE OFFER

Get the ultimate BYOB pottery experience from just £23 at Token Studio

Unleash your creativity at Token Studio with a fun 90-minute session! Try your hand at the potter’s wheel, create miniature pottery, or learn hand-building techniques. Prefer design? Opt for pottery painting and customise a mug, plate, or bowl. Plus, bring your favourite drinks to enjoy while you craft!

GET THE OFFER

Three sharing courses and a cocktail at Gouqi by Tong Chee Hwee for £35

Chef Tong returns to London’s dining scene at Gouqi, bringing his acclaimed expertise from Singapore, Malaysia, and Hakkasan. Enjoy top-tier dining for just £35 per person (down from £45) , featuring a Supreme royal dim sum platter, Taiwanese three-cup chicken pot, or Claypot silken egg tofu with seasonal vegetables and steamed jasmine rice. Experience elevated Chinese cuisine that delights!

GET THE OFFER

Enjoy three courses at Skylon on the South Bank for £28

Dinner on the South Bank can feel like a splurge, but Skylon’s set menu serves up style without the hefty price tag. Now £28 (down from £35), the three-course line-up features starters like smoked salmon or courgette with cashew mousse, comforting mains and desserts such as sticky toffee pudding – all enjoyed with sweeping Thames views from the Royal Festival Hall. Perfect for pre-theatre, date night or a chic riverside stop-off.

GET THE OFFER

Get 30% off a luxe hair makeover & a drink at The House of Keune by Bloom

Keep your hair (and your mood) fresh this season with a luxury salon experience at The House of Keune by Bloom, the award-winning chic salon inside the iconic Post Building. Just a short stroll from Holborn and Tottenham Court Road, this global flagship for Keune Hair Cosmetics is offering two indulgent hair packages exclusively with Time Out. Choose a precision cut and finish with a complimentary spa cream bath treatment, take-home goodies for just £70 (down from £109), or go for a half head of highlights with toner and blow dry for just £137 (was £197). Both options include a deep conditioning treatment, expert styling from award-winning pros, and a glass of bubbly to toast your transformation.

GET THE OFFER

Get a luxury cut and blow dry at Live True London from £39.95

Need a hair refresh? Get the full works at Live True London for just £39.95 (was £97). This exclusive deal includes a personalised consultation, professional cut and a proper blow dry finish, using premium FUL products to keep things glossy. Whether you’re after a big chop or a quick shape-up, the stylists here know what they’re doing – and they'll tailor the look to your lifestyle. Book in, sit back, and leave looking sharper than ever.

GET THE OFFER

£35 for a three-course menu for the table prosecco at Sea Containers Restaurant

Dine in style along the South Bank with this exclusive offer from Sea Containers Restaurant. Set inside the design-led Sea Containers London hotel and overlooking the Thames, this sleek spot serves up an American-British-inspired menu with seasonal flair. For just £35, enjoy a three-course meal featuring standout dishes like eggplant tartare, Atlantic cod, or a decadent chocolate brownie, all rounded off with a glass of prosecco. Ideal for everything from date night to a catch-up with friends – all with riverside views.

GET THE OFFER

Unwind with a five-star luxury experience for two at The Spa at Athenaeum Hotel

Do you feel that? It’s the feeling of a long-awaited self-care day on the horizon! Invite a friend or partner to escape the hustle and bustle of central London and share a five-star luxury experience at Mayfair’s Athenaeum Hotel Spa. Spend a relaxing hour in the wet area, sauna, steam rooms and hot tub, then take your pick from a facial and body wrap treatment or massage. All this with a glass of bubbly for 40% off – you’ll find it hard to say no.

GET THE OFFER

Get up to 30% off bowling sessions at Vintners Lanes

Save up to £151 on this Turkish Hammam spa experience

experience

Experience award-winning bowling at Vintners Lanes, Greenwich’s newest boutique hotspot. Recently crowned ‘Best in the World’, this six-lane venue blends vintage charm with industrial-chic style. For just £24.95, enjoy a game of bowling plus a burger, fries, and a drink of your choice. Just minutes from Greenwich DLR and mainline stations, it’s unbeatable value for a top night out. Just fancy the lanes? You can grab a bowling session on its own from just £8.95, the perfect reason to gather your mates and bowl the night away.

GET THE OFFER

Homes and businesses have suffered millions of pounds-worth of damage after a water main burst near Marylebone station in London.

Dramatic video captured on Thursday morning showed the toll left by floods around Enford Street with water reaching up to 4ft in some businesses, including a newly refurbished gym.

Diego Core, 45, who owns the Movement Harbour gym, has been left heartbroken after spending £60,000 on new equipment – only for it to be ruined by flooding.

He told Metro: ‘It’s all ruined. The water was four feet high now it has been pumped out but everything is wrecked. It’s heartbreaking I have spent 15 years building up this business.

‘Questions need answering, this was a massive leak. It’s my livelihood and I have just invested more I will be seeking compensation and want a full investigation.’

One homeowner, who didn’t want to be named, described the scene as a like a ‘bomb site with mud and water everywhere’.

Hearings at Westminster Magistrates’ Court were postponed after the building was forced to close.

A police cordon remains in place after more than 60 firefighters, police, and engineers from Thames Water scrambled to the scene after reports of flooding at 5.20am.

The fire service said four metres of water filled basements triggering the evacuation of some residents and leaving businesses unable to operate. 

A fire brigade statement said: ‘Eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters dealt with flooding in the area around Enford Street in Marylebone.

‘A burst 9cm water main flooded an area of around 200m by 100m, leaving up to 2m of water in basement flats along Enford Street and York Street. Approximately 14 residents from ground floor and basement properties were evacuated as a precaution. There were no reports of any injuries.’

Firefighters set up flood barriers and sandbags to divert flood water away from some homes as the scale of the leak became apparent. 

Station Commander Brien O’Keeffe, who was at the scene, said: ‘Crews worked hard to assist partner agencies to resolve the incident as quickly as possible in a safe manner and are continuing to support local businesses and the community.

‘Members of the public are advised to continue to avoid the local area. Traffic restrictions are in place on Marylebone Road, Seymour Place, Crawford Street and Gloucester Place.’

Welcome back to The Slice!

It’s really feeling like autumn now, which means cosy nights in, crisp walks through leaf-filled parks, and an abundance of Pumpkin Spice Lattes (love them or hate them).  

It also means Oktoberfest, so it’s time to have a proper party with your friends, glug some bier and stomp your feet to the sound of Oompah bands. You can even get a freebie if you wear your best Bavarian attire – more on that below.

We also visit Soho’s new Parisian spot, Marjorie’s. It oozes charm in that French way, but how does the food stack up? Spoiler: we’re still dreaming about it. 

Want to learn how to make mouthwatering, restaurant-quality Caribbean hummus? You’ll love The Diaspora Dish. Sign up to be the first to receive the first issue when it launches!

Things to do this week in London

If you’re looking for something to do this weekend, here are 9 of the best activities, dining, and drinking spots in the capital.

1. Go for a romantic dinner at Marjorie’s

By Lola Christina Alao

Date night just got sexier. With a Parisian-inspired menu, it’s only right that Marjorie’s has that allure. And I don’t just mean the dishes – the mood is just right too, with an intimate setting and candles on top of chrome coasters everywhere you look.

Start with the chicken liver rocher with morello and a generous hazelnut coating – share this between two, it’s rich enough that you’ll be satisfied after a few bites. Next the fried courgette with rouille and trout roe that look like a painting from a Shoreditch art gallery, are citrus-y with a crunch I can’t get enough of. The poached chicken and rice has a decadence from the brown butter but is missing the boldness of the other dishes.

But the bavette steak with an egg yolk emulsion is the best thing I tried, a dream to bite into because of how tender it is, soaked up by an ultra creamy sauce. For dessert, don’t skip the Mille-Feuille with strawberry and crème diploma. After I’m done admiring it I cut it into small pieces as the waiter advises. It’s flaky and light, and hard not to eat it without making a mess, but that doesn’t matter because it’s all gone in record time.

Small plates from £3.50, larger plates from £13. 26 Foubert’s Place, Soho, W1F 7PP. Book here.

2. Get a taste of Thailand at Platapian

By James Besanvalle

Platapian, from the founders of Patara, is giving you a taste of Thailand in the middle of Soho. The Platapian Set Menu is a tantalising selection of bold dishes, including the miang kham scallops, yellow curry with crab meat, tiger prawns, and pandan crème brûlée. The latter in particular blended a deliciously creamy coconut milk ice cream with a crispy thai roll crepe (think wafer sticks without the filling) against the earthy vanilla hints of pandan.

The claypot lobster tail stir-fried noodle dish is their take on pad thai, with tender lobster meat (presented in a decadent shell) with a familiar tanginess.

For drinks I’m immediately overwhelmed with delectable choices. I’m recommended the Tom Yum-tini, made with vodka, tom yum, lime, and chilli.

It’s like a spicy margarita, with just the right amount of kick to it. But what truly brought me back to the streets of Bangkok from my backpacking days was the Mango Sticky Rice cocktail, made from coconut sticky rice, vodka, and mango purée.

An elevated classic with a tasty twist – a common theme that runs throughout Platapian. 

Small plates from £4.95, large plates from £12.50. Platapian Set Menu, £65pp. 15 Greek St, Soho, W1D 4DP. Book here.

3. Love Marmtie? You’ll love Sael

Marmite… it divides people all over the UK. But for those of you in the ‘we love Marmite’ camp, Sael in St James is going all in for National Marmite Day. You can get a £34 full menu dedicated to the famous spread, including the Jason Atherton Marmite custard tart.

28 September only. Book here.  

4. Start the evening at Toklas for an ‘exceptional’ pre-theatre menu

By Martina Andretta

If we’re being honest, it’s hard to get excited about pre-theatre menus. They are too often neglected, a convenient afterthought with hurried service. Toklas, a Mediterranean restaurant just off the Strand, breaks the mould. With its parquet floors, art-deco touches and striking art, the mood is casual yet refined. The set menu is well-priced (£26 for two courses or £30 for three), balancing seasonal produce and clever flavour pairings. 
 
I start with the slow-grilled carrots with labneh, pistachio and sumac – sweet, tender and creamy. My main – tagliatelle with Datterini tomatoes and salted ricotta – is perfectly al dente, buttery and fresh. My companion opts for the crisp hake with chickpeas and aioli, sitting in a golden pool of delicious olive oil. The dessert option is a poached pear with vanilla ice cream and almonds. All lovely.
 
Yet it’s the service that truly elevates Toklas. We were welcomed warmly, our wobbly table fixed before we even noticed, and staff stayed attentive without intruding. It’s an exceptional pre-theatre choice.

2 courses, £26. 3 courses, £30. Available 5.30pm-6.30pm. 1 Surrey St, Temple, WC2R 2ND. Book here.

5. Prost! Join the Oktoberfest party with free bier and German specials

Albert’s Schloss

Best for: A Bavarian night out 
German bier palace Albert’s Schloss is putting on three weeks of Oktoberfest fun – complete with unique Bavarian brews, delicious new dishes, and live entertainment that just doesn’t stop.

Providing the soundtrack are a full band playing requests and so much more (with a different showtime entertainment theme each day). But you don’t have to force down beer if it’s not your cup of tea, there’ll also be an interactive cocktail serving station from a traditional handcrafted cuckoo-clock. 

Soho. Until 12 October. Find out more.

German Gymnasium

Best for: a freebie (if you dress the part)
It would be wrong for us not to tell you about German Gymnasium’s big Oktoberfest festival. The historic King’s Cross restaurant was once home to the first purpose built gymnasium in the UK, and it’s one of the go-to spots for a celebration of German culture and bier this week.

It’s offering a Spezialitäten menu curated by the head chef, as well as live performances from their very own Oompah band. Don’t forget to wear your best Bavarian outfit for a free stein of bier!

King’s Cross. Until 30 Oct. Find out more.

Oktoberfest on the Common

Best for: big groups
Clapham Common doesn’t do things by halves for Oktoberfest. Partnering with Munich’s Paulaner brewery, it will be pouring more than 50,000 steins for the occasion – of course alongside endless bratwurst, pretzels and more. And for even more fun, there will be a line up of Oompah bands, DJs, crowd games and  fairground rides. 

Clapham Common. 10-25 October. Tickets from £31.50. Book here.

6. Don’t miss your chance to try a Kebab Flight at Leydi

Try five incredible kebabs at Leydi’s one-night-only Kebab Flight Night. Forget the greasy one you get after a night out, this is a beautifully curated menu of incredible kebabs, like the quail dolma with chicken livers and urfa butter.

£95pp. Book here. 

7. Celebrate Flight Club’s 10th Birthday with free fun and prizes

Flight Club turns 10 next week, and they’re throwing a big birthday bash. On 1-2 October, rock up at Clerkenwell Fire Station between noon and 10pm to join in the free celebrations.

There’ll be DJs, food, flowing drinks, plus prizes to be won (did someone say a £1,000 bar tab?).

All party proceeds go to the Yellow Ball Foundation, which supports local charities. Bullseye!

8. Game on! Experience The Delusion at Serpentine Galleries

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Serpentine (@serpentineuk)

A fun new immersive experience by artist and game designer Danielle Brathwaite-Shirley comes to the Serpentine Galleries from 30 September.

Delving into themes of polarisation, censorship and social connection, it features a new series of video games by Danielle, her team and members of the Black Trans and Queer community.

Find out more.

9. See The Producers as it returns to London 20 years on

★★★★★

By Hugh Montgomery

Starting the autumn theatre season off with a bang, the musical version of Mel Brooks’s classic film comedy is back in the West End, 20 years after
its original run. And this new revival – a transfer from south London’s Menier Chocolate Factory – proves its gleefully camp theatrics and tasteless satirical humour haven’t aged a bit.

This time round in the tale of two producers trying to get rich quick by creating a Nazi-themed Broadway flop, instead of Nathan Lane and Lee Evans, the slightly less-famous pairing of Andy Nyman and Marc Antolin play the lead scam artists. But both have major star presence.

As down-on-his-luck Max Bialystock, Nyman is full of bullish charisma, while his nervy partner-in-crime Leo Bloom is played by Antolin with a brilliantly gangly physicality. But it’s the laughs that really power this production along. The only trouble perhaps, is that Springtime For Hitler comes towards the beginning of the second half, and the final section, wrapping the plot up, can only seem slightly low-key by comparison. But that hardly detracts from the fact that this is truly supreme entertainment. 

Tickets from £25. Garrick Theatre. Until 1 Feb. Book here.

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.

MORE: People are queueing down the street for this £15 sandwich — here’s my honest review

MORE: Greggs is opening its first-ever pub — complete with steak bake roast dinners