Latest news with #Greenwich
Daily Mail
6 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
The Battle of Trafalgar (Tavern)! London pub boasting one of Britain's best beer gardens is under threat from killjoy council
One of Britain's most popular beer gardens is under threat after a council moved to remove its outdoor tables following a series of complaints. The Trafalgar Tavern in Greenwich, south-east London, is often hailed among the nation's most picturesque spots for a pint - showcasing views over the Thames and towards Canary Wharf and the Shard. But the historic Grade II-listed venue's outdoor seating could soon be axed after a local authority issued an enforcement notice. The Trafalgar Tavern's al fresco tables are located on the Thames Path, a narrow walkway running along the banks of the capital's river. Greenwich council has told of receiving complaints about access - and officials suggest the seating restricts movement for pedestrians, wheelchair users and families with pushchairs. The authority added that it was 'important that everyone can use [the path] easily' - and that a 'balance' was needed. But among those now hitting back is the pub's landlord Frank Dowling, who has been in charge since 2001, as well as its manager Vasil Vasilev. Mr Dowling said removing the tables would only create a 'different problem' and could also mean he has to lose some staff. He said: 'If you don't have tables and chairs there, you're going to have tons of people standing around drinking. 'Vertical drinking is not something that works for us. That causes a different problem. 'If we lose the structure, we lose control of the environment. People will just gather there anyway, but without the order that tables and service provide. 'We have unbelievable staff, and we're very proud of them. They're hardworking people - young people, old people. They're very good people.' Manager Mr Vasilev, 41, who has worked at the pub since 2017, said the council had told them the outdoor seating also restricts emergency vehicles from accessing a ramp - which he claims is already inaccessible due to a parking metre blocking it. Mr Vasilev added: 'It would absolutely damage tourism in the area, without any valid reasons whatsoever. 'It's just ridiculous. We are not blocking pedestrian access - there's plenty of room. 'There are three or four metres of access. We are a family-friendly pub - we have large groups of runners, mothers with prams. 'There is plenty of space outside. The reasons [for the enforcement notice] don't make much sense. The Trafalgar Tavern has been widely praised for its London riverside setting 'People like coming here because of what we offer, but we wouldn't be able to offer it anymore [if the enforcement notice went ahead].' Posting about the proposed ban on Facebook, the Trafalgar Tavern claimed Greenwich council was 'demanding' the outdoor seating be removed. The pub suggested the move risked 'threatening a space that's brought joy to locals, tourists and the wider community'. Mr Dowling said the area remained open to the public and was cleaned and jet-washed by staff several times a week. The pub sits on a section of the Thames Path which Mr Dowling says he leased from the Greenwich Foundation, a naval charity that supports the upkeep of historic buildings in the area. The landlord claims that the rent is paid annually to the foundation and that the pub has legal tenure over the space used for outdoor seating. In addition to the lease, Mr Dowling said the pub entered into a formal agreement with Greenwich council in 2005 under a Section 16 arrangement. As part of that deal, the pub allegedly paid for improvement works to the area outside its front door, including resurfacing, landscaping and changes to a public highway. Mr Dowling said the works were paid for entirely by the pub and carried out with council involvement and approval. One local resident told MailOnline: 'It's a great space but I can understand that additional benches have made it horrendously crowded - especially on a sunny day. 'It's a narrow path along there anyway.' The Trafalgar Tavern's owners previously had a bid for a new nearby pub called the Ship Tavern, beside the river and the historic Cutty Sark vessel, rejected last year. A Greenwich council spokesperson said: 'We're really proud of Greenwich Town Centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site visited by millions of people every year. 'Tourists love the vibrant businesses and beautiful scenery, and we do too. 'That's why we're committed to making sure the area is as accessible as possible, for everyone to enjoy. 'Whilst it's not always appropriate to comment on individual cases, we know that The Trafalgar Tavern is a much-loved, historic venue. 'But we have had some complaints about the extended outdoor seating onto the Thames Path and so there needs to be a balance. 'The Thames Path is very narrow, and it's important that everyone can use it easily - including people in wheelchairs, the elderly or people with pushchairs. 'There are planning policies in place that we need to follow, but we're confident we'll find a sensible solution that doesn't stop people enjoying the pub's view, or using the Thames Path.' Representations opposing the notice can be submitted to the council's planning inspectorate until June 12, quoting appeal reference APP/E5330/C/25/3364847.
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
This Morning sparks animal abuse row as livid viewers 'switch off' after 'cruel and infuriating' dog competition
This Morning viewers were left fuming and 'switched off' after a 'cruel and infuriating' segment about dogs during Monday's instalment of the ITV show. Cocker Spaniel Lola, French Bulldog Charlotte and their owners appeared on the sofa to chat to hosts Cat Deeley, 48, and Ben Shephard, 50, about participating in the Greenwich Dog Show, at the Old Royal Naval College last month. Lola placed first in the Best Bridgerton Lookalike contest, while Charlotte was given the rosette for runner-up. Cat asked Lola's owner Jo: 'How is she wearing the crown? Is she wearing it well?' Jo replied: 'Well reluctantly it seems. A few minutes ago trying to take the whole thing off...' 'She seems very, very happy, both of them seem so happy,' Cat said to the pair. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. This Morning viewers were left fuming and 'switched off' after a 'cruel and infuriating' segment about dogs during Monday's instalment of the ITV show Lola placed first best Bridgerton lookalike contest over the weekend (pictured above) while Charlotte (pictured below) was given the rosette for runner-up Pooch Charlotte's (pictured) owner Felicia said: 'She's pretty used to wearing clothes in general because we're used to, when we go out, I tend to dress her up' Jo said: 'Yes I think she's alright, she's alright now. She's settled.' Ben pointed out: 'People will be saying are the dogs happy, because dressing dogs up can sometimes get some criticism, but both the dogs seem particularly content, particularly Charlotte over there.' He added: 'She seems very unbothered.' Charlotte's owner Felicia said: 'She's pretty used to wearing clothes in general because we're used to, when we go out, I tend to dress her up. 'We try to coordinate our outfits. But those watching at home weren't impressed with the pooches wearing clothes, particularly under the lights of a TV studio. One pointed out on X: 'Must be absolutely sweltering #Thismorning.' 'Them poor dogs.' Those watching at home weren't impressed with the pooches wearing clothes and took to X to share their thoughts 'I literally switched this rubbish off.' 'Poor dressed up dog must be so hot with all that crap on! If u want something to dress up buy a doll! So cruel! Makes me so angry.' 'Dogs being dressed up makes me angry as fuck. Goodbye for now lol.' 'Coming up on #Thismorning animal abuse.' 'I hate seeing stuff like this encouraged on TV #ThisMorning.' 'WTF dogs in wigs, this is why I work, to not be subjected to morning crap on the TV.' '#thismorning these poor dogs.' '#Thismorning ffs this is just ridiculous, it's animal cruelty that's what it is...' But those watching at home weren't impressed with the pooches wearing clothes and took to X to complain MailOnline contacted This Morning for comment. Elsewhere in the episode Cat was accused of 'dressing for a night out or a beach bar' as viewers took a swipe at her 'unprofessional and bizarre' outfit. Ben wore cream chinos with a navy polo, and styled them with a pair of brown boots. Meanwhile Cat went for an elegant black, sleeveless blouse that was clasped together in a cross at the front paired with sleek red trousers. The presenter accessorised with gold jewellery and wore her hair down in loose waves. However, Cat's outfit sparked outrage from some fans who felt it looked 'unprofessional' for the show. This Morning airs weekdays on ITV1 from 10am and is available to stream on ITVX.
Wales Online
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
ITV This Morning sparks outrage as viewers slam 'cruel' dog segment
ITV This Morning sparks outrage as viewers slam 'cruel' dog segment This Morning viewers saw Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley detail the latest headlines on Monday's show. This Morning viewers were less than impressed on Monday's show with one particular segment. As Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley returned to their hosting duties on the ITV show, after a week-long break, they welcomed two guests and their dogs onto the sofa. However, the two pooches were dressed to the nines as they were wearing frocks like those from the Netflix hit show Bridgerton. It comes as the dogs were given prizes at this year's annual Greenwich dog show in a new category, Best Bridgerton Lookalike. One of the dogs called Lola, won first prize at the event and was seen wearing a blue dress and a wig with a crown on top, which her owner held in place. The other dog, who was runner-up in the show, was a French Bulldog called Charlloe and was in a pink dress with a blonde wig. Article continues below Kicking off the segment, Cat was in hysterics at the outfits before offering her congratulations. ITV This Morning sparks outrage as viewers slam 'cruel' dog segment However, it wasn't long before people took to X, formally Twitter, to share their thoughts on the segment, with many slamming it as 'cruel'. One person said: "Poor dressed up dog must be so hot with all that crap on! If you want something to dress up, buy a doll! So cruel! Makes me so angry." Another commented: "Sorry that dog is not happy!#thismorning." In agreement, one viewer added: "I'd suggest, if you have to hold the costume on the dog at all times, it's probably time to stop." One disgruntled viewer said: "ffs this is just ridiculous it's animal cruelty that's what it is..." Someone else wrote: "This show is so twisted. Preaching one minute, the next showing this type of content. Perhaps get Dr Scott on at the same time!" Viewers were not impressed with the segment on the show With another adding: "I hate seeing stuff like this encouraged on TV #ThisMorning" While someone else said: "This is just ridiculous..... Just let you dogs be f****ng dogs and not an attempt to make you relevant." However, some people enjoyed the segment, with one person tweeting: "2 Victorian Dogs. Ah Ha." While speaking to Lola's owner, she confessed the dog had tried to take the crown off before they were on air, as Cat highlighted: "She seems very happy! Both of them seem so happy." Greenwich's annual dog show added a new category this year, Best Bridgerton Lookalike She replied: "Yes, I think she's alright now, she's settled." Article continues below Ben added: "There will be people asking, 'Are the dogs happy?' because dressing dogs up can sometimes get some criticism. Are they happy wearing the outfits? She seems pretty unbothered." Charlotte's owner replied: "She's pretty used to wearing clothes in general; when we go out, I tend to dress her up and try to coordinate our outfits." This Morning is available to watch on ITVX.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Greenwich's Cutty Sark DLR station shuts for a year to replace 'unreliable' escalators
Cutty Sark DLR station has closed for a year to allow four new escalators to be installed. According to Greenwich Council, the four new state-of-the-art, energy efficient escalators will provide customers with 'easier and more reliable access' to and from the station. Cutty Sark DLR closed at the end of Saturday (May 31) and will stay shut until next spring to allow the existing escalators—described as 'increasingly unreliable' and 'beyond economical to repair'—to be replaced with new ones. Greenwich Council has urged those who use the station to use nearby Greenwich station throughout the closure, or local bus services. The council has installed additional street signage to direct customers between the Cutty Sark and Greenwich stations, which is a journey of around 11 minutes on foot. A Greenwich Council spokesperson said: 'We welcome the news of improvement works to Cutty Sark DLR station. The escalator replacement will ensure a fully accessible station for all users for many years to come. 'In the meantime, there are many other ways to get to and from Greenwich including buses, mainline rail stations and riverboat services. 'Greenwich town centre is always open. We're working closely with local businesses and our tourism partners to make sure the impact of the closure is as minimal as possible. 'As a UNESCO world heritage, millions of people come to Greenwich to visit its world-famous park, observatory and other attractions every year, so we'll be exploring all the ways we can work with TfL and others to keep our town centre the vibrant, bustling corner of London that people know and love.'
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Cutty Sark DLR station closes for new escalators
Cutty Sark Docklands Light Railway (DLR) station has closed for a year to allow four new escalators to be installed. The current escalators at the third-busiest station on the DLR have been described as "increasingly unreliable" and "beyond economical to repair". They will be replaced with state-of-the-art, energy efficient ones, which will provide customers with "more reliable access" to and from the south-east London station, Greenwich Council has said. The station closed at the end of the day on Saturday and is due to reopen next spring. Greenwich Council urged those who use the station to use nearby Greenwich station throughout the closure, or local bus services. The council has installed additional street signage to direct customers between the Cutty Sark and Greenwich stations, which is a journey of about 11 minutes on foot. A Greenwich Council spokesperson said: "We welcome the news of improvement works to Cutty Sark DLR station. The escalator replacement will ensure a fully accessible station for all users for many years to come. "In the meantime, there are many other ways to get to and from Greenwich including buses, mainline rail stations and riverboat services." The spokesperson added: "As a Unesco World Heritage Site, millions of people come to Greenwich to visit its world-famous park, observatory and other attractions every year, so we'll be exploring all the ways we can work with Transport for London and others to keep our town centre the vibrant, bustling corner of London that people know and love." In 2023, Cutty Sark was used by 7.6m passengers, making it the third busiest on the DLR behind Canary Wharf and Limehouse. Last year, Kentish Town Tube station reopened six months later than planned after the "most unreliable" escalators on the network were replaced. Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to Cutty Sark station to close for new escalators Kentish Town Tube station reopens after 18 months Rollout of new Docklands Light Railway trains delayed Transport for London
