London news · 17 October 2026
Weekend of major Tube and train closures hits London
Large stretches of the Piccadilly, District and Elizabeth lines are suspended or reduced across the weekend of 17–18 October 2026 for engineering works.
London bus and tram fares to rise for the first time in three years
From 1 November 2026 single bus and tram fares climb 10p to £1.85, with the daily cap also going up, Transport for London confirms.
Mayor confirms New Year's Eve fireworks tickets go on sale next week
Tickets for London's 2026 New Year's Eve fireworks on the Thames go on sale 23 October, priced £20–£35 for Londoners and £40–£55 for others.
Mayor targets London's mobile phone 'dead zones' after survey
City Hall maps the capital's best and worst mobile signal, naming Eversholt Street, Dalston and Brick Lane as the worst spots and launching an action plan.
Prince Charles Cinema saved by 25-year lease on Leicester Square
London's cult independent cinema signs a 25-year lease with no break clause, ending nearly two years of fears it would be forced out of Leicester Square.
Daniel Craig takes over 250-year-old Clerkenwell pub
Former James Bond actor Daniel Craig becomes co-owner of The Horseshoe in Clerkenwell with Soho House founder Nick Jones, pledging to keep it as a 'boozer'.
New lesbian pub Dorothy's to open in Camberwell
Co-founders Molly McCabe and Beth White raise £46,116 to turn a former Camberwell pub into Dorothy's, London's third dedicated lesbian venue.
City of London to defend Hampstead Heath café ruling
The City of London Corporation says it will keep fighting after a court ruled against its selection process for cafés on Hampstead Heath.
City of London elects new Chief Commoner
Deputy Deborah Oliver TD, an Aldersgate councillor and former Army Reserve Colonel, is elected Chief Commoner for a one-year term starting spring 2027.
BFI London Film Festival rolls into its final weekend
Time Out spotlights free Film Festival events on 17 October including a Club Kid DJ night, a memoir Q&A with screenwriter Andrew Davies and a locations quiz.
Londonist's weekend guide: Fair Play, Light and Magic and Aardman at Lightroom
Londonist's 17–18 October guide picks a new fairer art fair at One Marylebone, Tate Britain's Light and Magic and an Aardman immersive at Lightroom.
Londonist rounds up the week's free things to do in London
Londonist's 12–18 October guide highlights a free Gresham puppet lecture, the Frieze Sculpture Trail in Regent's Park and a Bayeux Tapestry online talk.
Tory mayoral hopeful proposes Tube ban on loud music and phone calls
Conservative London mayoral candidate Festus Akinbusoye says he would ban loudspeaker calls and music on the Tube and hire hundreds more TfL guards.
UK bank shares slide as Chancellor eyes tax raid in Budget
Lloyds, NatWest and Barclays shares fall after reports Chancellor John Healey plans to raise the bank surcharge from 3% to 8% in his 28 October Budget.
Six best free things to do in London this weekend
Time Out picks six free weekend highlights, including Apple Day celebrations and a free cocktail party in central London on 17–18 October 2026.