Stewart Carr

The 2026 US Open main draw begins on Sunday, August 30, with the women’s singles final on September 12 and the men’s final the following day. UK viewers can watch matches through the ESPN App and US Open streaming hub with an ESPN Unlimited subscription, while Disney+ subscribers can also access the tournament. Qualifying has been affected by rain, with Fran Jones, Katie Swan and Harriet Dart advancing, while Jannik Sinner is sidelined by injury and Carlos Alcaraz returns after wrist problems. Jakub Mensik and Karolina Muchova won the mixed doubles title, and the tournament will feature a record $108 million prize fund, including $5.5 million for each singles champion.

Stewart Carr reviews Portobello Ristorante Pizzeria in Notting Hill, praising its cosy setting, affordable menu and traditional Italian food. The restaurant’s special menu particularly impresses him, including ham, cheese and pea croquettes and a large sausage-and-mince pizza that is generous enough to exceed his appetite. An affogato provides a satisfying finish, leading him to recommend the restaurant for both casual lunches and relaxed evenings.

Isaac Shozi, 50, of Hackney, was charged with arson after around 10 small fires were deliberately started in London Fields near Lansdowne Drive in the early hours of August 15. Police arrested him on suspicion of arson, fire-setting and possession of a Class A drug. The London Fire Brigade extinguished all the fires, and no injuries were reported. Shozi was remanded in custody to appear at Barkingside Magistrates' Court on August 17. Detective Superintendent Liz Cumber warned that dry conditions and recent hot weather increased the risk of fires spreading and endangering people, buildings and open spaces.

Presale registration has opened for Skate at Somerset House, which will run from November 11, 2026, to January 10, 2027. The annual rink, located in Somerset House’s historic courtyard near Covent Garden, attracts more than 250,000 visitors and will feature skating, DJs, food stalls, drinks tents, pop-up dining and retail experiences.

M&S Foodhall and Waitrose on St John’s Road in Clapham Junction are temporarily closing for refurbishments. M&S closed on August 11 and is scheduled to reopen on September 2, while Waitrose will close on August 18 and reopen on September 17. The projects form part of wider investment and regeneration on the high street, which is also seeing refurbishments at Superdrug and McDonald’s and a possible Office Shoes relocation. Customers can use nearby Waitrose stores or Waitrose.com during the closure.

London is expected to cool from its fifth summer heatwave, during which Kew Gardens reached 38.1°C, as temperatures return to the low-to-mid 20s. Rain is forecast on six days between August 18 and August 29, with the heaviest showers expected on August 25 and 26, offering relief to drought-affected parks and green spaces after an exceptionally dry summer.

Chislehurst is presented as an appealing South London day-trip destination with a village-like atmosphere, leafy walking routes, historic houses and modern amenities. Highlights include the 300-year-old Rambler's Rest pub, the award-winning Cockpit, Chislehurst Caves, Royal Parade's independent restaurants and shops, and the High Street's pubs, cafés and international dining options. The area is portrayed as combining the character of a traditional Kentish village with convenient access from central London.

Stewart Carr visits The Cockpit, a micropub and florist in Chislehurst run by Adam Miller and Paul Steadman, after CAMRA named it the best pub in Greater London. He praises its rustic setting, independent beer selection, community spirit and unusual florist-pub format, highlighting Sussex Pale and Rothaus Pils. The owners say the award honours their team and the supporters who helped the business thrive since its 2020 opening.