Historic Old Red Lion Theatre Pub Changes Hands After 25 Years

Historic Old Red Lion Theatre Pub Changes Hands After 25 Years

Actor Couple Takes Over Iconic Islington Venue, Ensuring Its Cultural Legacy

A beloved Islington landmark, the Old Red Lion Theatre Pub, has been sold after 25 years under the same ownership, securing its future as both a historic pub and a thriving theatre space.

A New Era for a London Institution
Originally listed for sale at £450,000, the Grade II-listed pub has now been acquired by Cowardly Theatre Limited, a company run by actors Janine Duvitski and Paul Bentall. The deal includes the pub, a 50-seat theatre, a two-bedroom flat, two bedsits, and a trade kitchen, all leased for 15 years from freeholder Star Pubs & Bars.

Dating back to 1415, the Old Red Lion has a long history as a public house, while the theatre, established in 1979, has helped launch the careers of numerous playwrights and performers, including Kathy Burke, Nina Raine, and Abi Morgan.

Securing the Theatre’s Future
The sale comes after concerns from the artistic community that the building’s cultural significance might be lost. Last year, artistic director Jack Robertson emphasised the need for stability rather than rescue efforts.

With the purchase now finalised, Robertson will remain in his role, and the pub and theatre will continue to operate, with Duvitski and Bentall’s daughter and son-in-law managing the venue.

“They plan to make subtle design changes while preserving its Victorian charm,” said Robertson, adding that the theatre will expand its role as a producing house.

A Persistent Journey to New Ownership
Previous owner Damien Devine had initially listed the pub for sale in 2019, but complications—including a change in freehold ownership, lease negotiations, and the pandemic’s impact on live theatre—delayed the process.

Significant renovations, including roof repairs and façade restoration, were completed before the sale, ensuring the building remains structurally sound for its new owners.

Simon Chaplin, of selling agents Christie & Co, described the transaction as a “tale of persistence”, ultimately resulting in a fitting outcome for one of London’s most cherished venues.

With the Old Red Lion now under new management, its legacy as a centre for arts and community remains intact, promising an exciting new chapter for both the pub and its theatre.

Luton Airport Expansion Approved Despite Environmental Opposition

Luton Airport Expansion Approved Despite Environmental Opposition

Government Overrules Concerns to Nearly Double Passenger Capacity by 2040

Luton Airport has secured government approval to increase its passenger capacity from 17 million to 32 million annually by 2040, a decision that defies environmental objections and prioritises aviation growth.

Expansion Plans Move Forward
Despite warnings from environmental groups and recommendations against the project from the Planning Inspectorate, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander gave the green light for the expansion. The project does not involve a second runway, but it includes terminal extensions, improved taxiways, and infrastructure upgrades to handle the additional traffic.

The expansion would result in 77,000 more annual take-offs and landings, averaging 211 additional flights per day. This decision aligns with previous government support for airport expansions at Heathrow and Gatwick, reinforcing the UK’s commitment to growing its aviation sector.

Opposition and Economic Implications
Critics argue that the increase in flights will contribute to carbon emissions, noise pollution, and traffic congestion. Green Party MP Sian Berry condemned the approval, calling it a “disastrous” decision that could harm coastal communities by diverting tourism spending abroad.

“The government should be supporting domestic tourism and sustainable travel rather than expanding airports,” Berry said, suggesting that a frequent flyer levy would be a more responsible economic approach.

However, Luton Airport CEO Alberto Martin defended the decision, highlighting the £2.4 billion investment and the potential job creation in the region. He also revealed that the expansion could enable new flight routes, including services to the Middle East.

Industry Growth and Local Opposition
The announcement coincides with Jet2 launching flights from Luton for the first time, joining easyJet, Ryanair, and Wizz Air as major operators at the airport.

Meanwhile, local campaign group Ladacan continues to resist the project, citing concerns about air pollution, noise levels, and traffic congestion.

With the government firmly backing aviation expansion, the debate over balancing economic benefits with environmental responsibility is far from over.

Campaigners Condemn Decision to Scrap Royal Parks Police

Campaigners Condemn Decision to Scrap Royal Parks Police

Scotland Yard Faces Staff Cuts Amid £260m Budget Crisis

The decision to disband the Royal Parks police unit has been met with strong criticism from campaigners, who describe it as short-sighted and damaging to public safety.

Scotland Yard is set to cut 1,700 officers, staff, and community support personnel due to a £260 million budget shortfall. Among those affected, 80 officers responsible for policing eight of London’s Royal Parks will be reassigned to local ward teams.

The unit plays a crucial role in enforcing wildlife laws, managing large public gatherings, and ensuring security at high-profile locations such as Hyde Park, St James’s Park, and Kensington Gardens. Critics, including local councils and former London Assembly members, warn that losing these specialised officers will compromise safety for both residents and visitors.

Councillor Gareth Roberts of Richmond Council called the decision a “very bad move,” arguing that Royal Parks officers possess unique expertise that cannot simply be absorbed into broader local policing teams. Former Assembly Member Tony Devenish also voiced concerns, stating that the cuts could make London feel less secure and discourage tourism.

The Met Police acknowledges the difficult choices being made, with reductions also affecting mounted patrols, cold case investigations, and anti-robbery squads. The Dogs Unit is set to shrink, while officers stationed in schools face redundancy.

Despite a record £1.16 billion investment by City Hall, Mayor Sadiq Khan has been criticised for not preventing the cuts. His administration insists that emergency response teams will remain untouched, but opponents argue that the loss of officers will have severe consequences for policing in the capital.

The Met Police is continuing discussions on the scale of the reductions, with some cuts potentially being reconsidered following an additional £32 million in funding.

Influencer Seeks £1.7m in Damages Over Allegedly Oversized Implants

Influencer Seeks £1.7m in Damages Over Allegedly Oversized Implants

Danielle Mansutti Sues Surgeon, Claiming Botched Surgery Ended Her Career

YouTube influencer Danielle Mansutti is suing Harley Street plastic surgeon Dr Domenico Mileto for £1.7m, alleging that oversized breast implants left her “disfigured” and forced her to abandon her social media career.

The 30-year-old, who amassed 1.6 million subscribers with beauty and lifestyle content, underwent three surgeries between December 2020 and May 2021 after experiencing complications. She claims that the implants were too large for her petite frame, leading to muscle damage and asymmetry.

Despite corrective procedures, Mansutti ultimately had the implants removed but says she was left with significant scarring and chronic pain. She argues that Dr Mileto failed to provide adequate advice on the risks associated with the implant size.

The surgeon, however, denies any wrongdoing, insisting that Mansutti was given the opportunity to choose implant sizes and that the procedure was performed correctly.

Legal proceedings are ongoing, with the High Court set to hear expert testimony regarding the medical and financial implications of the case.

Major Bill Increases Hit Londoners as April Tax Changes Set to Cost Families Thousands

Major Bill Increases Hit Londoners as April Tax Changes Set to Cost Families Thousands

From council tax to energy bills, households face steep rises with some expected to lose over £3,500 due to tax adjustments.

Londoners are bracing for substantial bill hikes starting in April, with essential services like energy, water, and council tax set to rise significantly. These increases, set to take effect on what is being referred to as “April Cruel Day,” are expected to add around £400 to the annual household budget.

Across the capital, council tax, water, energy, and broadband bills are all scheduled to go up, with some families seeing their costs spike by hundreds of pounds. The rise in energy bills, for instance, will add £111 to the average household’s annual costs, as Ofgem increases the price cap for the third consecutive quarter. This hike is primarily due to higher wholesale energy prices caused by cold weather and a shortfall in renewable generation.

In addition to the energy price increase, Thames Water customers will face a 31% rise in their bills, translating to an additional £203 annually. Furthermore, millions of households are also seeing their council tax bills increase, with a significant portion of London boroughs seeing charges exceed £2,000 a year.

The Conservative Party has forecast that due to National Insurance increases coming into effect on April 6, working families could lose over £3,500 each over the course of the Parliament. This is on top of the ongoing pressure from rising living costs. Citizens Advice has warned that the impact of these unavoidable costs is already stretching the finances of the lowest-income households, with some spending as much as 41% of their earnings on essential services.

Amid these increases, however, some workers will see the minimum wage rise by nearly 7%, potentially easing the strain for low-income earners. The new National Living Wage will rise to £12.21 an hour for those over 21, offering a potential lifeline to millions.

As the new tax year begins, families already dealing with the prolonged cost of living crisis now face additional challenges. The changes, combined with the broader economic climate, have led to warnings about the affordability of basic necessities, with some experts calling for stronger support measures to protect vulnerable households.

Veterinary Nurse Banned for Repeatedly Stealing Medication and Endangering Animal Welfare

Veterinary Nurse Banned for Repeatedly Stealing Medication and Endangering Animal Welfare

Dayna Johnson struck off after stealing drugs from multiple vet clinics and displaying unprofessional behaviour during surgeries.

A veterinary nurse from Bristol has been struck off after being found guilty of repeatedly stealing drugs intended for animals and displaying unprofessional conduct during surgeries. Dayna Johnson’s actions were deemed a serious breach of veterinary ethics, with the disciplinary committee ruling her unfit to practice.

Johnson, who worked at four different veterinary practices over a period of five years, was found to have stolen drugs, including methadone and buprenorphine, from the clinics. Her behaviour, which occurred on five separate occasions, was described as sustained and repeated by the committee.

During her time at Yatton Vets in September 2023, Johnson, while assisting in a dental surgery, appeared lethargic and nearly fell asleep on a spaniel. When questioned by a colleague, she attributed her condition to nervousness from starting a new job and lack of sleep. Despite this, her performance deteriorated, with Johnson failing to write legible notes and nearly collapsing on the animal during the procedure.

The following month, Johnson was caught stealing buprenorphine from the Bristol PDSA Pet Hospital, where she had started working after her previous job offer was rescinded due to earlier theft charges. She lied to her colleagues, claiming another surgeon had authorised the drug for the dog. In addition to this, she had previously stolen methadone while working at Vets4Pets in December 2022.

At Langford Small Animal Hospital in August 2023, Johnson’s inappropriate behaviour escalated when she was caught taking a syringe of methadone that was intended for a cocker spaniel’s joint surgery. A colleague observed Johnson’s erratic behaviour and witnessed her intentionally knocking the syringe to the floor before replacing it with another syringe filled with an unknown substance.

Johnson’s actions, which put both animal welfare and colleague trust at risk, were condemned by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, which stressed the importance of honesty, integrity, and responsible drug use in the profession. The committee found that Johnson’s actions breached the fundamental principles of veterinary care, including the promotion of animal welfare and the responsible use of controlled substances.

In December 2023, Johnson pleaded guilty to theft by employee and was fined. Despite being given a conditional caution by the police, she continued to steal drugs from her workplace. Following the ruling, she has been officially banned from practising as a veterinary nurse, bringing an end to her career in animal care.