London news today · 29 October 2026
Oxford Street Becomes Traffic-Free for the First Time
London's iconic Oxford Street has been permanently closed to vehicles along a nearly one-kilometre stretch, marking a historic transformation of the world-famous shopping thoroughfare.
Mayor Hails 'Largest Devolution of Powers in a Generation' After Budget
Mayor Sadiq Khan welcomed the government's Budget as delivering the largest devolution of powers to London in a generation, unlocking major transport and housing projects.
London Bus and Tram Fares Rise for First Time in Three Years
Transport for London will increase bus and tram fares on 1 November, with single adult fares rising 10p to £1.85 — the first increase since March 2023.
Camden High Street to be Permanently Pedestrianised
Camden Council has confirmed that the pedestrianisation of Camden High Street, in place on a trial basis since May 2025, will be made permanent after a public consultation found majority support.
Angel Tube Station to Become Exit-Only at Weekends from Early 2027
Transport for London has announced Angel underground station will close to entering passengers on weekends and bank holidays from early 2027, as its ageing escalators — the longest on the entire network — require extensive repair work.
City of London Welcomes Budget but Insists Bank Tax Rise Must End as Scheduled
The City of London Corporation welcomed Budget measures supporting enterprise and investment, but insisted that the already time-limited rise in bank taxation must end as scheduled, and called for a stamp duty cut on UK shares to strengthen London's position as a global financial centre.
Shakespeare's Head in Clerkenwell Named London's Best Pub for 2026
Time Out London has crowned a low-key Victorian-era pub near Sadler's Wells Theatre in Clerkenwell as the capital's best pub for 2026, ending a year-long reign by a south London local.
London Christmas Markets: Every Opening Date for 2026–27
Time Out London has published the full opening dates for all major London Christmas markets for the 2026–27 season, with the first launching at Leicester Square on Halloween.
Pitchfork Festival London 2026: Six Must-See Gigs Picked
Time Out London has selected six unmissable performances from Pitchfork Festival London 2026, the festival's sixth edition, which runs from 2 to 8 November across 14 venues spread across London.
Plans to Pedestrianise Regent Street St James's Pushed Back
Westminster City Council and the Crown Estate have postponed plans to create 35,000 square metres of pedestrian space on Regent Street St James's, with an additional round of public consultation now set to launch next year before any approval is sought.
Royal Court Theatre Unveils 2027 Season with Jessie Buckley, Complicité and More
The Royal Court Theatre has announced its 2027 programme, headlined by a Tony Award-winning play directed by Phylicia Rashad, a new Complicité production directed by Simon McBurney, and a 2028 show starring Jessie Buckley.
Hackney Launches Interactive Map to Make Nights Out Safer
Hackney Council has launched a new digital night map allowing revellers to find toilets, drinking water, phone-charging points, wheelchair-accessible venues and safe routes home across east London.
Alley Cats Pizza Opens Fifth London Site in Battersea
Popular New York-style pizzeria Alley Cats, ranked 11th in Time Out's 2026 list of London's best pizza restaurants, is expanding to a fifth London location in Battersea, south-west London.
Persephone Books Returns to London After Five-Year Absence
Persephone Books, the beloved shop specialising in neglected or lesser-known female writers of the 20th century, is returning to London on 4 November 2026, opening in Fitzrovia after a five-year hiatus.
Diwali on the Square Returns to Trafalgar Square with 200 Dancers
Mayor Sadiq Khan announced the return of Diwali on the Square at Trafalgar Square on 25 October 2026, with 200 dancers, live music from Hindu, Sikh and Jain communities, and free family activities.