The London Buzz – 19th August 2025

Old London – Houndsditch circa 1908
Today’s London news round-up:

The wooden work of art in Grovelands Park was damaged earlier this summer but has been restored thanks to a local carpenter Enfield Dispatch

When will Freight Brixton – ‘London’s largest open air rooftop venue’ – finally open? Brixton Buzz

East London tower block residents have described their flats as “the slums of tomorrow” after being left with a string of maintenance issues including no access to running water during last week’s heatwave. Standard

Oktoberfest: who needs Munich when there’s so much stein-sligning/sausage-munching/lederhosen-flaunting action right on London’s doorstep? Londonist

More than 40,000 people have signed a petition to stop the Bayeux tapestry from being loaned by France to the British Museum in London. Independent

Fresh concerns have been raised about urgent and emergency services at Whipps Cross Hospital following a Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection. Waltham Forest Echo

Epping Forest District Council has been granted an interim injunction to restrain the use of the Bell Hotel in Epping for the housing of asylum seekers. Press release

And from ianVisits:

Tickets Alert: Retro computer gaming nights at the Science Museum

Construction to start next year on the first part of the Crossrail 2 railway

Rare Blondie photos and memorabilia go on show at the Barbican

Viking longship to sail through Tower Bridge

How Network Rail plans to fix Lewisham’s dreaded signalling delays

Things to do in London tomorrow

Booking opens for Open House London – Free

The booking page will open today for the annual Open House London, with over 800 buildings across London opening their doors in September.

Summer lates at Westminster Abbey – £15

Experience Westminster Abbey in a quieter light during their special Wednesday late openings.

Burgh House Curator’s Talk & Object Session – £16.96