London’s long-gestating Earls Court redevelopment has advanced with planning approval confirmed for major new cultural venues, promising a fresh chapter for arts, performance and community engagement in west London.

Millions of journeys across roads, railways and airports are expected today as Christmas Eve travel reaches its busiest levels since the pandemic — with significant impacts for Londoners planning seasonal trips.

Colindale station on the Northern Line has reopened following a £35 million renovation, bringing step-free access and a redesigned station to north-west London just days before Christmas.

After ten years of pioneering cuisine, London’s acclaimed FKABAM has shut its doors permanently — a reminder of the financial pressures facing independent restaurants in the capital.

London’s most reliable last-minute cinema option is leaning hard into the season, with a rolling programme of Christmas favourites and cult staples aimed at people staying in the city this week.

Transport for London has provisionally awarded a major revenue-collection contract to Spain-based Indra, prompting political criticism and a legal challenge — with long-term implications for how Londoners pay to travel.

Industrial action is affecting a cluster of First Bus routes across west, northwest and southwest London through 24 December, with another walkout pencilled in for New Year’s Eve night.

A fresh Banksy mural spotted in west London, with a twin image briefly appearing by Centre Point, is being read as a pointed Christmas-season reminder of who gets overlooked in the city.

By Tara Sloane, Food & Drink Reporter

By Rachel Coole, Transport Correspondent

By Tara Sloane, Food & Drink Reporter

By Celeste Denham, Local Discoveries Editor