Latest news with #NorthLondon
Forbes
10 hours ago
- Business
- Forbes
Which Striker Should Arsenal Add To Its Forward Line This Summer?
The 2024/25 season was an underwhelming one for Arsenal. While the Gunners finished second in the Premier League and made a run to the semi-finals of the Champions League, Mikel Arteta and his players wanted much more. This summer will therefore be pivotal for the development of the team at the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal's flaws were there for all to see. First and foremost, the Gunners require a new centre forward to lead the line. Kai Havertz has adapted to the role remarkably well over the last two seasons, but the German's injury in the second half of the season exposed how light for options Arsenal is in his position. And so Arsenal faces a big decision over who to target in the summer transfer window. Alexander Isak has been linked with a move to North London in the past. The Swede would certainly fit the bill as one of the best goalscorers in the Premier League. However, Newcastle United surely isn't prepared to let him leave. Benjamin Sesko is a more realistic target. The Slovenian has established himself as one of the best young strikers in Europe at RB Leipzig and is reportedly of interest to Arsenal. However, Sesko has frequently played as one half of a front two and Arsenal doesn't use this system. It needs a lone frontman. Viktor Gyökeres has played as a lone frontman for Sporting CP, scoring an incredible 62 goals in all competitions this season. The Swedish international is also believed to be on Arsenal's radar. Gyökeres would give the Gunners the sort of cutting edge they need, but at 26 he is older than some of the other alternatives. Arsenal has also been linked with Nico Williams who would give Arteta another attacker to deploy on the left side of his forward line. Martin Zubimendi is expected to join from Real Sociedad to strengthen the Gunners in the centre of the pitch, but the real focus this summer is on the final third and how Arsenal can become sharper in and around the penalty box. Arteta has given Arsenal a platform to build on. The Gunners have finished close to the top of the Premier League table in each of the last three seasons. Arsenal boasts one of the youngest squads in the English top division and it is growing year-on-year. However, it needs a different dimension to elevate the standard. This is where finding the right striker will be so crucial.
The Sun
a day ago
- Business
- The Sun
Sunday Brunch star chef suddenly closes ‘legendary' greasy spoon restaurant after 5 years in ‘very tough' decision
AN ICONIC chef has been forced to close his 'legendary' greasy spoon after just five years. The Sunday Brunch star shared that he closed the restaurant in what was a 'very tough' decision. 5 The North London eatery Norman's Cafe has long been a hub for influencers and fashion-forward people looking for a greasy spoon with a difference. Opened by Sunday Brunch chef Elliot Kaye and Richie Hayes, the posh restaurant first opened its doors in 2020. Norman's Cafe began as a sandwich shop before widening its menu to include a range of British classics. Despite its immense popularity, however, the shop's owners announced that it will close its doors in June 2025. The pair took to Instagram to break the news. They wrote: 'We would like to thank all of our customers & regulars who have dined with us & have shown the cafe support since we have opened. 'To all our amazing staff past & present, Thank you for all your hard work. 'We are both excited to progress and develop with what we have started at Norman's through other avenues & look forward to hopefully seeing some of you again soon.' The closure has come as a shock to many - particularly as it has partnered with some of the world's biggest fashion houses. The Archway based restaurant was taken over by Burberry in 2023, as part of the world-leading London Fashion Week. Sunday Brunch guest chef Elliot Kaye shares a beans on toast recipe Norman's was decked out in the brand's signature blue colour, while cabs across the capital were adorned with an English Rose print. The major Tube stop Bond Street also saw its name being changed to Burberry Street. The shop's closure comes as luxury eateries have been forced to close across the UK. Soaring rent prices have led many to shut their doors, with some blaming the Government's decision to raise national insurance contributions for employers. However, Chancellor Rachel Reeves has said that her decision was necessary to stabilise the economy - which unexpectedly grew in April. Others, like La Goccia in Covent Garden, blamed 'Covid' and 'Brexit' for making it difficult to hire trained staff. 5 5
The Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Son Heung-min wanted in mega-money Saudi transfer and Tottenham would consider cashing in on club legend
TOTTENHAM ace Son Heung-Min is being chased by clubs in Saudi Arabia. And sources close to Spurs say the club WOULD consider selling their captain if a massive offer comes their way this summer. 3 The Tottenham skipper remains a hugely popular figure at the North London club, despite his drop off in form this season. The 32-year-old signed a contract extension in January and is believed to be happy to stay, after Spurs' Europa League triumph secured Champions League football next season. But uncertainty over Ange Postecoglou 's future, and the chance to leave Spurs on a high, could persuade Son that now is the perfect moment to take on a new challenge. Daniel Levy will green-light a major shake up of the squad, although it's unclear whether Postecoglou will be trusted to oversee it or not. And although Spurs have secured a lucrative Champions League spot, a mega-money offer for Son would help to bankroll new signings. The South Korean winger has been identified by the billionaire-backers of the league as a superstar target, with Cristiano Ronaldo set to leave Al-Nassr. Chiefs believe Son can open the Saudi Pro League up to a whole new audience in the Far East, where he is adored and a national icon. Saudi League owners had hoped to persuade Mo Salah to join this summer. But the Egyptian has remained in the Premier League having signed a new bumper deal at champions Liverpool. That's led to Saudi switching their attention to Son, who has suffered this season with injuries. Uefa awkwardly RUN OUT of Europa League winners' medals as Son and Romero among Tottenham stars to miss out Son used to be Tottenham's ever-present and was a constant source of goals and assists down the years. But like many of his team-mates, he has been off the pace this term, scoring just 11 goals in all competitions. Son just ended his 10th season in North London and second with the armband after Hugo Lloris left for the MLS last summer. Meanwhile, the Saudi's have given Manchester United ace Bruno Fernandes a few days to make his mind up. Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal are willing to pay around £100million for Fernandes, 30, and will offer him a whopping £700,000 a week to ditch Old Trafford for the Middle East. 3
The Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
I save £1,200 a month on rent, even my bills are included and I get to live near top London attractions
SITTING in her stunning flat in London, Laura Watkins looks around at the beautiful Victorian fireplace as light spills in through the period bay window. The 34-year-old children's book illustrator pays a whopping £1,200 less a month than the average to live in the stunning studio flat in Finchley, North London. 2 2 She pays £812 a month which includes gas, electric, water and council tax to rent one of four flats within a Victorian home. They each share the kitchen, the bathroom and another living area. Laura got the amazing deal by signing up to be a property guardian. These are people who live in an empty building or part of a building that would otherwise be empty in order to ensure it is not broken into and safeguarded. Laura says becoming a guardian gives her the chance to live in amazing spaces and give back by ensuring the property she calls home doesn't fall into disrepair. She told The Sun: 'It means cheap rent, amazing places to live and a chance to live near some of London's best tourist attractions and places to visit. "It's also given me the chance to finally save for my own house and beat the escalating cost of living, something which overwhelmed me before I took on the role." Laura has also lived in a former pub down the road from Wembley Stadium. She said: 'On match days you could hear and feel the crowds cheering. It was so close. 'I can't believe more people aren't taking advantage of the chance to live in some of the country's most amazing and unusual locations for a fraction of the normal rent.' Best schemes for first-time buyers The scheme also suits Laura who needs plenty of space for work. Seven years ago, her career was starting off and she needed to be based in London but was overwhelmed at the thought of moving to the capital because of the high rents. She said: 'I work from home and need a space for my office and space to draw and paint. 'I had researched flats and the space I needed meant I'd have to pay almost £1,500 a month just for a small room." How to become a property guardian Laura is one of 10,000 people in Britain who have become a property guardian as a result of the rising cost of living, rents and property shortages. Properties available to rent under the guardianship schemes include former pubs, police stations, schools, nursing homes, old factories, office blocks, mansion blocks, council flats, huge family homes and even historic buildings. Guardians can then live there at up to 70% below market value often with the cost of gas, electric, water and council tax included. It comes as the Officefor National Statistics has revealed average UK monthly private rents again increased by 7.4% in the 12 months to April 2025. The average cost of renting across Britain is now £1,335 per month. Laura said: "I didn't know property guardianships existed until a friend told me about being one in 2017. 'At the time they were a guardian in a closed down pub and paying a minuscule amount of rent. It sounded amazing and you didn't need any experience to become one. Laura signed up with Live in Guardians, one of the companies in Britain that works with both property owners and potential guardians to find the right property for the right person. She had to fill out a questionnaire, provide her renting history and then had an interview with the company. Laura said: 'I didn't need any special skills. Once I was approved to be a guardian on their books I got to apply for the range of properties they had on offer." The first property Laura rented as a guardian was the former pub in Wembley, northeast London in January 2018. She said: 'The pub was closed, and I was one of four people who moved in as property guardians." Laura paid £600 a month for a room on part of the pub's ground floor. She added: 'Our communal lounge room was the original bar area. "We'd cook and eat our dinner at the pub's bar. 'I would watch TV and relax in the bar area. We moved on sofas and coffee tables. Someone moved in a grand piano and it is great having such a huge living room in the converted main bar area of a pub. 'I had space to relax and chill and space to work in as well as my own bedroom." In March 2020 Laura had the chance to move to Finchley into the ground floor of a semi detached Victorian house, 'It's in a residential; area and the house has been bought for redevelopment. 'I moved just before Covid hit and have been here ever since. I pay £812 a month and that includes my gas, electric, water and council tax. Laura pays for her own Wi-Fi and has use of a bathroom, shared kitchen, front and back garden and a shared living room as well as off street-parking - a big bonus in London. She added: 'Access to a private front and back garden in this area of London is brilliant." As well as rent all Laura has to do is report any maintenance issues to the property guardian company, keep the garden tidy and her area of the property clean. She said: 'The other people in the house are great and we all get on. 'The amount of space we each have means we have our own private areas as well as communal living rooms. 'There is no way I could afford to live in an area like this with as much space as this if I were paying private rental prices." If Laura were to rent a similar property in Finchley or nearby, she'd be looking at paying a minimum of £2,000 a month. By being a property guardian Laura is living in London at 60% less than market value - a saving of £1,184 a month. 'It's terrifying to think how much I would have to pay privately. I panicked just thinking about it. I couldn't afford to pay those sorts of prices,' Laura adds. 'I never thought I'd be a property guardian, but I am so thrilled I have the chance. 'I get to enjoy living in unusual buildings for a small fraction of the price it would normally cost." Laura rents her home on a 28-day rolling basis. She isn't considered a tenant but is a licensee and she only has to give 28 days' notice. Tenants have less security due to the fact as a licensee it's easier to be evicted. In some cases property guardians may have more basic living conditions because the commercial building may be temporarily modified to make kitchens and bathrooms. Laura says: 'As a guardian I don't have to worry if I want to put up pictures or wallpaper in my area. It's allowed. As long as you communicate with your agency and follow the agreement it works fine. 'As a guardian my agency has property for rent all over Britain. It means if I wanted to move to the country or into a remote area, I could see what is on their books and put in an application." Office for National Statistics figures show the median house price in England is £290,000 which is 7.7 times the median annual earnings of £37,600. Only 10% of people aged 20 to 44 who rent can afford to purchase their first home, with just 2.9% of young single adults financially able to do so. It's one reason there has been a huge increase in people wanting to be guardians, according to Arthur Duke, managing director of Live In Guardians, one of Britain's largest property guardian companies. He said: 'Live In Guardians has received more than 13,500 applications from people wanting to be guardians in the past 12 months. 'Since 2010 there have been more than 100,000 applications and demand is skyrocketing.' 'We have more than 700 guardians currently in properties and it's increasing daily. 'Our youngest guardian is 21 and the oldest is 70. 'The shortest property term we have is three months and the longest is seven years." The company has more than 32,500 possible guardians on its database and it looks after £500 million worth of property as part of the service. He says: 'People are seeking out new and affordable places to live. 'We also have more companies than ever before wanting us to provide live in property guardians to stop their empty properties being squattered in, vandalised or not properly being cared for, Property guardianship agencies say the scheme allows business people to pay reduced insurance and maintenance costs, generate an income on the empty premises, diversify its portfolio and ensure the properties are well cared for. Across Britain there are more than one million empty houses, according to the charity Action on Empty Homes. This includes 265,000 long term empty properties, 280,000 empty second homes, 237,000 short term vacant properties and a further 217,000 homes vacant because of specific exemptions like being in probate. Council figures for 2024 reveal there was a 50% increase on empty council flats and homes for rent with more than 70,000 sitting vacant. Commercial property is also sitting empty with government figures showing there is 105 million square feet of office space currently vacant across Britain. While the shuttering of local high streets across the country means 172,000 commercial properties are empty. Department for Housing, Communities and Local Government figures showing eight in 10 of these have been vacant for more than two years. Pros and Cons of being a property guardian Being a property guardian means you can pay reduced levels of rent. But there are some downsides to be aware of too... Benefits Below market rent Electric, gas, water and council tax often included 28 days notice needed if you want to leave Access to unique locations Flexible agreements Drawbacks Limited Legal protection You're a licensee, not a tenant which gives you reduced rights under UK housing law. Easier to evict a licensee Basic living conditions Often properties are 'modified' for temporary living Not suitable for families looking for long term living No guests, pets, or children in many cases Some companies charge application or 'admin fees'
BBC News
3 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Disabled Londoners campaign to stop Pip changes
"Pip goes some way to recognising that we are not on an even playing field," EastEnders actor and disability advocate Lisa Hammond has north Londoner is one of many signatories on the campaign to urge the government to stop the proposed changes to Personal Independence Payments (Pip).Deaf and disabled people are asking the prime minister in an open letter to adopt a different approach, after the Department for Work and Pensions announced what it called the biggest shake up to "rebalance" the welfare proposed changes from the government include changing the eligibility criteria for Pip, which campaigners said would be "catastrophic" for those who need support most. More than 140 celebrities including activists Liz Carr and Jack Thorne have signed the open letter, which was released on Tuesday. Comedian, actor and author, Samantha Baines, is an advocate for hearing loss and has signed the letter. Ms Baines, from Southwark, told the BBC: "This is a huge issue."Thousands of households are going to be driven into poverty or further into poverty because of this."For every pound cut from Pip, that's going to lead to £1.50 in additional costs for local authorities. This has been viewed as a human rights violation by the UN."Ms Hammond added: "We are not benefit scroungers, we are human beings who are trying to get by and live our lives." The proposed changes from the government to the welfare system include reintroducing reassessments for those who have the capability to work, changing the eligibility criteria for the Pip, rebalancing payment levels in Universal Credit and delaying access to the health element of Universal Credit until the claimant is campaign Taking the Pip stated that if the plans went ahead "700,000 families already living in poverty will face further devastation". 'Human beings, not statistics' Ms Hammond told the BBC: "The government's narrative is all about getting disabled people back to work but Pip has nothing to do with working, it's a benefit to support the things around our lives."Under the proposed changes, claimants would not qualify for Pip unless they scored a minimum of four points in a single daily living activity. Benefits expert Lee Healey, who has worked with disabled people for more than 30 years, said the proposed system was more likely to drive disabled people into poverty than work. Mr Healey told the BBC: "On the face of it that might not sound a lot, but it's a bit of a sneaky way of cutting support for people."He added the government needed to create working environments that disabled people could thrive in first."The key thing is a culture change. Show compassion, respect, that's going to make a massive difference to disabled people. They are human beings not statistics," he said. 'People's lives and dignity' The government said it believed the changes would end "years of inaction" when it came to one in eight people not currently being in work or also said the number of people receiving Pip had become "unsustainable and has more than doubled since the pandemic".A government spokesperson said: "We are determined to support people in all parts of the country by tackling poverty and creating secure, well-paid jobs."Pip is a part of the way that we support disabled people and people with long-term health conditions. But it's right that we rebalance the system to ensure support is targeted to those who need it most."But the signatories of the campaign believe that proposed cuts will prevent disabled people from contributing to society. Ms Baines said: "It's going to cost us more money in the long run and affect individual people's lives and their dignity."
