Latest news with #JustineSimons
Evening Standard
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Evening Standard
Lauren Laverne's guide to London: Alexandra Palace, Dean St Townhouse parties and her favourite bakery
Sign up for the best picks from our travel, fashion and lifestyle writers. Sign up I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice. Lauren Laverne, the iconic 6 Music radio DJ, gives The Standard her rundown of what's hot and what's not around London, as she heads to Glastonbury. Home is … Muswell Hill. I moved to London when I was a teenager and have lived all over, but I've been in this neighbourhood almost 20 years now and I love it. The view from the terrace of Ally Pally is one of the most beautiful in London. Where was your first flat in London? I was in a band and we moved down to sign a record deal when I was 18. We got a place just off St Paul's Road in Camden which was within tottering distance of some great clubs. I had no idea, but my future husband was living round the corner on Camden Square. Camden was much more rough and ready back then. What was your first job in the city? A musician. I was supposed to be at university doing medieval studies but life intervened. Where would you recommend for a first date? I'm a huge fan of the V&A so I'd probably say to head down to their new museum in Olympic Park. The perfect place to while away an afternoon getting to know each other. Justine Simons who has seen her vision of the East Bank in the Olympic Park, Stratford become a reality Matt Writtle Which shops do you rely on? Liberty — if it's good enough for Emma Stone's Cruella it's good enough for me. Space NK in Covent Garden, where I could happily spend the whole day just smelling things. Foyles bookshop — same as Space NK but the smell is books. Audio Gold in Crouch End is my local record shop and sound system experts. The loveliest people and so knowledgeable. Dunns Bakery in Muswell Hill is an institution. Get the rosemary sourdough with salted crust, toast and butter it and watch your life change. What's the best meal you've had? My 40th birthday dinner at Dean Street Townhouse. I love it in there, especially in the winter when they have a fire blazing in that twinkly Georgian dining room. Dean St Townhouse Soho House What would you do if you were Mayor for the day? I'd reopen Bagley's in King's Cross for a gigantic rave. Who is the most iconic Londoner? Dickens. He knew every side of the city and the way he articulated its energy and people has become part of our collective memory. What's the best thing a cabbie has ever said to you? We always end up talking about music! I had one who has a successful sideline as a house DJ and had just bought a record label. We had a good time chatting a load of Balearics … Where do you let your hair down? A gig at Ally Pally or a night at Alexandra Palace Theatre. You can see anything from Iggy Pop or The Chemical Brothers tearing the place apart in the main space to brilliant plays and stand-up. And I can walk home! The terrace at Alexandra Palace Who do you call when you want to have fun? My kids! They're teenagers and just so much fun. I'm off to the ballet tonight to see Alice's Adventures in Wonderland at the Royal Opera House with my youngest, and it's Pulp at the O2 for my eldest tomorrow. What's your biggest extravagance? Museum memberships and theatre tickets. What's your London secret? Going to the clock gallery in the British Museum at 10 to twelve on a weekday and just waiting for everything to go off … symphonic! What are you up to for work? Getting the nation to start its day dancing on my 6 Music show, talking about life and music with a fascinating castaway on Desert Island Discs, and chewing the fat and having fun with The One Show team each. I'm also about to head back to Glastonbury to bring the event into listeners and viewers' homes with the BBC. Lauren Laverne in the band Kenickie in the Nineties Stephen Sweet/REX Who is your hero? Annie Nightingale taught me how to be joyful while also changing things — she always made being a pioneer look like a party! And my mam, who was the wisest, cleverest, most encouraging person I have ever known. What do you collect? Books and records — and far too many. The London work of art which makes me happiest is the Peter Blake portrait of Sir Michael Eavis Favourite work of art in London? The one that makes me happiest is the Peter Blake portrait of Sir Michael Eavis that hangs in the new entrance to the National Portrait Gallery. Michael is a wonderful man and seeing him honoured for all he and his family have done warms my heart. What was the last thing you googled? 'Shepton Mallet two-week weather forecast.' As told to Vicky Jessop
Daily Mirror
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Huge UK lido set to open in days for anyone near major river but there's a catch
A free-to-use outdoor swimming pool is slated to open up in the heart of East London, along with a whole host of summer activities. However, the lido will only run for a select period of time A free outdoor swimming pool is slated to open in the Big Smoke this summer, but there's one big catch Brits need to be aware of. With temperatures predicted to rise to a sweltering 38C this month across parts of the UK, the idea of cooling off in the water has never been so appealing. Luckily, the Royal Victoria Dock in east London is opening an al-fresco water space, dubbed Summer Splash. The unheated pool, which will be made from floating platforms, is completely free to use, and is set to open to the public next week, on Friday, July 25. However, the lido will not be a permanent feature - and will close down on Sunday, August 17. "It's the perfect place to cool off and relax, providing an urban retreat like no other," hails Royal Docks' official website. "Lounge in a deckchair, take a dip and soak up views of the Royal Docks' vast open waters, framed by the City's iconic skyline. "The summer also provides a wider offer for water sports and wellness fans. [You] can dive into the action with wakeboarding and paddleboarding atWakeUp Docklands, waterside relaxation at Sweheat sauna, or the thrill of open water swimming at either the Royal Docks Swim Series in June or Dock2Dock in August, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year." The lido, which will be manned by lifeguards, features a shallow section for children. There will also be a sandy play area, as well as deckchairs and a range of 'exciting activities' for kids. "The Royal Docks is one of London's best-kept secrets, a vibrant hotspot for creativity and culture, so I'm delighted to see the return of the At the Docks season," Justine Simons, the deputy mayor for culture and the creative industries, said. "There is so much for young people and families to enjoy, from fun activities to open-air performances and festivals, as we continue to build a better London for everyone." If you're heading into London to enjoy the free lido, Summer Splash is located just a short walk away from Royal Victoria DLR station. It is also close to the Emirates Cable Car on the embankment of Royal Victoria Dock next to The Crystal. You can plan your journey using TfL's route planner here. Brits are being encouraged to make the most of the lido while they can, as - in classic British fashion - downpours of rain are expected to brutally disrupt the UK's ongoing heatwave. You can read the full weather forecast here. *The lido's core opening hours are 10am-6pm every day. Adverse weather conditions may see the pool closed. Check @Yourroyaldocks on X (formerly Twitter) for updates. Children aged under eight must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Scottish Sun
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
New English lido to open next month with live DJ sessions and sunbathing deck – and it's free to visit
Plus, the UK's deepest lido is reopening this summer after three years SPLASH IN New English lido to open next month with live DJ sessions and sunbathing deck – and it's free to visit Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A NEW lido will open in London this summer - and it will be completely free for anyone to use. Opening for one month, Summer Splash will be located at the Royal Docks in London. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 A new free lido will open in London this summer Credit: Royal docks/Instagram 3 And alongside it, so will a whole host of water-based activities Credit: Royal Docks The lido opens each year to provide a safe outdoor water space for the local community, especially those living nearby without any gardens or outdoor space. The new lido will open on July 25 and stay open until August 17. It will be unheated though - so prepare yourself for a refreshing dip - but it is manned with lifeguards. However, it is one of the few London lidos with amazing views of the city skyline. At the lido there will be also be sandpits for kids as well as a deckchairs area, DJ events and a wood-fired sauna. The website states: "It's the perfect place to cool off and relax, providing an urban retreat like no other. "Lounge in a deckchair, take a dip and soak up views of the Royal Docks' vast open waters, framed by the City's iconic skyline." Not only that, but a larger programme of events also include paddle-boarding along with wakeboarding. In addition, there will be waterside event like The Cause's big birthday bash and Ensemble Festival with live circus and dance shows. According to Time Out, Justine Simons, the deputy mayor for culture and the creative industries, said: "The Royal Docks is one of London's best-kept secrets, a vibrant hotspot for creativity and culture, so I'm delighted to see the return of the At the Docks season. New £4million lido to open in UK next year "There's so much for young people and families to enjoy, from fun activities to open-air performances and festivals, as we continue to build a better London for everyone." Also part of the events this summer will be the 10th anniversary of Dock2Dock. According to the Royals Docks' website, this is "London's most iconic swim event" which allows participants to swim London's historical Royal Docks. There are five distances - 1.5k, 3k, 5k, 10k, EPIC 15k - and this year there will also be a special 20k feature to celebrate the anniversary. And later this month will be The Royal Wharf Summer Fete, which includes live music performances, morning fitness sessions, children's workshops and games, street food and a craft market. The fete will take place on June 28. A woman has also found the UK's little-known lidos to visit ahead of 29C weather – with no queues and some are even free to enter. Plus, the UK's deepest lido is reopening this summer after three years.
The Sun
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
New English lido to open next month with live DJ sessions and sunbathing deck – and it's free to visit
A NEW lido will open in London this summer - and it will be completely free for anyone to use. Opening for one month, Summer Splash will be located at the Royal Docks in London. 3 3 The lido opens each year to provide a safe outdoor water space for the local community, especially those living nearby without any gardens or outdoor space. The new lido will open on July 25 and stay open until August 17. It will be unheated though - so prepare yourself for a refreshing dip - but it is manned with lifeguards. However, it is one of the few London lidos with amazing views of the city skyline. At the lido there will be also be sandpits for kids as well as a deckchairs area, DJ events and a wood-fired sauna. The website states: "It's the perfect place to cool off and relax, providing an urban retreat like no other. "Lounge in a deckchair, take a dip and soak up views of the Royal Docks' vast open waters, framed by the City's iconic skyline." Not only that, but a larger programme of events also include paddle-boarding along with wakeboarding. In addition, there will be waterside event like The Cause's big birthday bash and Ensemble Festival with live circus and dance shows. According to Time Out, Justine Simons, the deputy mayor for culture and the creative industries, said: "The Royal Docks is one of London's best-kept secrets, a vibrant hotspot for creativity and culture, so I'm delighted to see the return of the At the Docks season. "There's so much for young people and families to enjoy, from fun activities to open-air performances and festivals, as we continue to build a better London for everyone." Also part of the events this summer will be the 10th anniversary of Dock2Dock. According to the Royals Docks' website, this is "London's most iconic swim event" which allows participants to swim London's historical Royal Docks. There are five distances - 1.5k, 3k, 5k, 10k, EPIC 15k - and this year there will also be a special 20k feature to celebrate the anniversary. And later this month will be The Royal Wharf Summer Fete, which includes live music performances, morning fitness sessions, children's workshops and games, street food and a craft market. The fete will take place on June 28. A woman has also found the UK's little-known lidos to visit ahead of 29C weather – with no queues and some are even free to enter. Plus, the UK's deepest lido is reopening this summer after three years. 3
Time Out
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
A new free lido will open in east London this summer
When summer comes to London, you can never have too many lidos. As soon as temperatures hit anything above 23C, we all flock to the nearest open-air pool to sunbathe and cool off. The problem is that they can often get packed and can be tricky to book. So, the more lidos, the better! Right on cue, Royal Docks is launching a temporary lido for a month later this summer. The lido, AKA Summer Splash, opens around this time every year and has been 'designed to provide a safe outdoor water space for local communities, young people, and particularly those without access to their own private garden or outdoor area'. For 2025, the pool will be accessible from Friday, July 25 until Sunday, August 17. It's unheated, just in case you need to mentally prepare yourself to brave the chill. Besides the pool itself, there'll be sandpits, deckchairs, lessons for kids, 'lates' DJs series and a wood-fired sauna. Like a sort of quasi beach club. Summer Splash part of a wider water-focused programme in the area, titled At The Docks, that'll also offer wakeboarding, paddle boarding and open water swimming. On top of all that, there's a bunch of waterside events planned, like The Cause 's big birthday bash and Ensemble Festival – a showcase of circus, dance and physical theatre. Justine Simons, the deputy mayor for culture and the creative industries, said: 'The Royal Docks is one of London's best-kept secrets, a vibrant hotspot for creativity and culture, so I'm delighted to see the return of the At the Docks season. There's so much for young people and families to enjoy, from fun activities to open-air performances and festivals, as we continue to build a better London for everyone.'
