As we near the end of the year, we have rounded up the business closures the Romford Recorder reported on across Havering in 2025.

Shared ownership homes are now available at Carpenter’s Yard in Epping, offering buyers the chance to purchase energy-efficient, zero bills homes with priority for local residents.

A Loughton nursing student has been raising awareness of childhood sepsis after losing her six-year-old sister to an infection.

David Lammy visited Thomas Fairchild Primary School to meet pupils, parents and staff, hearing how free breakfast clubs are improving attendance, well-being and learning for Hackney families.

Channel 4's The Dog House show is searching for would-be rescue dog adopters from Hampstead and Highgate who are happy to talk about why they want a pooch.

New data from the Office for National Statistics has revealed how long women in Bromley can expect to live on average.

Test your knowledge to see how well you know south east London with our “Pub Quiz”.

Some pretty big things happened in the London Borough of Southwark this year, from having three council leaders in one week to the launch of the Bakerloop bus route, which also passes through Lewisham – and 2026 is already shaping up to be signific...

A New York-inspired cocktail bar called Cato is set to open in Covent Garden in January, blending British produce with innovative drinks and bold flavours.

Looking for some fish and chips? See the best restaurants and fish and chip shops serving the dish in London.

Several restaurants and cafés across Sutton and nearby areas have won major awards this year.

New data from the Office for National Statistics has revealed how long women in Sutton can expect to live on average.

Vue Bromley is preparing for a packed festive weekend with family favourites, blockbusters, musicals and late-night horror screenings from December 26 to 28.

Odeon South Woodford will show Avatar: Fire and Ash, The SpongeBob Movie, The Housemaid and Anaconda from December 26–28, offering 3D, open-captioned and family-friendly screenings.

Cineworld Harlow is screening Avatar: Fire and Ash, The Housemaid and Anacondas from December 26–28, including 3D, 2D and audio-described options throughout the weekend.

A St John’s Wood woman who has hosted Christmas dinners for lonely older people for 25 years has been recognised with a Marsh Charitable Trust Award.

Islington Council will continue its Council Tax Support Scheme in 2026/27, with 24,500 households set to benefit.

North-west London’s Connect Centre transforms into a Santa Factory, delivering over 300 Christmas gifts to vulnerable children, seniors and families in need.

North Middlesex Hospital patient Samuel Soremekun, 6, met the Queen at Clarence House, thanks to Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity.

London man Dan Godley survived stage three pancreatic cancer with support from his fiancée, a dachshund puppy and groundbreaking treatment. He now urges support for Cancer Research UK.

Celebrities including Sue Perkins, Sir Derek Jacobi and Fearne Cotton gave festive readings at Mayhew’s Christmas concert, raising funds to support vulnerable dogs and cats.

The Kevin Jenkins OBE Newham Christmas Toy Appeal 2025 reached its target just in time, delivering festive gifts to almost 2,000 children thanks to community support and donations.

A London borough has been the location of more knife-crime offences than any other in 2025.

Readers have shared their nostalgic childhood Christmas memories of south east London, including visits to Santa and Christmas carols

Camden Council announces Christmas and New Year rubbish and recycling collection delays. Check revised bin collection dates and rules for Camden residents.

A young girl was left crying after a tired Santa "turned her away' at Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland.

From glittering gold bows to pink ribbons and twinkling fairy lights, Christmas spirit is shining brightly across south east London this year.

You may not know that the singer of a very popular Christmas classic was Croydon-born and raised.

Family and friends of much-loved Epping Forest rugby player Adam Ayres, who died in 2020, have donated a public defibrillator to the community in his memory.

TfL confirms no London buses will run on Christmas Day 2025, sparking debate on public transport, staff rights and festive travel for non-drivers.

After turkey, trimmings and altogether too much food, the best remedy is some fresh air and a walk in the park - here are five places in Havering we suggest for a Christmas Day or Boxing Day stroll.

The chairman of Epping Forest District Council, Councillor Louise Mead, has shared a festive message of kindness, peace and togetherness with residents ahead of Christmas.

Police are "urgently appealing" for help finding a missing man in Ealing.

London Christmas travel disruption: TfL, Tube, bus and rail closures, engineering works and strikes to cause major delays. Plan ahead for festive journeys.

Police have put out an appeal after two young children were kicked at White City Tube station.

A murder investigation has been launched following a fatal stabbing.

Two people have been taken to hospital after a fire at a takeaway in Penge.

Police are "increasingly concerned" about the welfare of a 13-year-old boy after he went missing from Islington nearly two weeks ago.

Hornsey Street Reuse and Recycling Centre in north London had to be evacuated and roads closed after waste caught fire.

Enquiries have been launched into the circumstances surrounding the death of a person who was hit by a train near a Kent railway station days before Christmas.

Two north London branches—Enfield and Tottenham Hale—will open on December 25 as part of Burger King’s nationwide festive openings, offering special holiday trading hours.

Home Office plans to house asylum seekers in Buckhurst Hill flats have been withdrawn after local opposition, Epping Forest District Council says.

Two London Underground lines have been suspended due to a customer incident on Christmas Eve. Live updates here.

Former Arsenal goalkeeper Graham Stack has donated £25,500 to the Royal Free Charity to support paediatric cancer care at Barnet Hospital after hosting a celebrity boxing fundraiser.

As we near the end of 2025, we recap the new business launches we have celebrated in Havering this year.

A fire has broken out at the Hornsey Street Reuse and Recycling Centre in Islington, with drivers advised to avoid the area.

Three south London immigration officers have been charged after an investigation into thefts from migrants.

Four men have now been arrested after a broad daylight stabbing in Greenford.

Families joined a community litter-pick in Tottenham last week, ahead of the Hartington Park's annual carol concert.

A person has died after being hit by a train on the line to a major London station.