Winter has finally hit in full force in the UK.

Even though the days are starting to get longer, we’re dealing with rain, sleet, snow, and the general gloom of January.

Couple the cold and grey with the January blues and it’s the perfect time to look for a new hobby to keep your mind busy.

Online casinos are an entertaining hobby to provide some distraction while we wait for spring.

Playing at online casinos has rapidly become a popular hobby in the London, especially in the last five years. Video games have been hugely popular for decades.

Online casinos take the fun and excitement of video games but remove the need to dedicate a lot of time to them or learn any complicated skills.

Given that London is a “world city” – it is one of the global leaders in technology, gaming, and casino gaming marketing.

So, as it does in so many other industries, it sits at the top of the mountain, as a cornerstone of global growth.

Even if you already have an with an online casino, it’s always smart to keep an eye out for new online casinos to play at.

ing new sites allows you to take advantage of welcome offers, try new games, and discover if there are any special features or perks that you prefer.

Finding the best online casino sites doesn’t have to be a time-consuming process.

A casino guide like NewCasinos can streamline the process for you or at least give you a good place to start.

In this article, we’ll explain casino guides and how they work.

We’ll also provide some tips for what to look for when choosing an online casino and some examples of leading online casinos that have caught our attention already in 2025.

What are casino guides? l5v2h

Casino guides are a valuable tool that has emerged out of the success of the iGaming industry.

These guides provide reviews of online casinos and games.

They also provide detailed information on payment methods, game types, bonuses, and everything else you need to know about online casinos in general.

When the UK Gambling Act 2005 was written into legislation, London quickly become the figurehead for the burgeoning sector.

It is a world leader in fashion, theatre, finance, and opulence, and with luxury casinos already a staple of nightlife in the Big Smoke, regulators were looking to use the English capital as a hub to springboard their casino gaming ideas into the vastness of the international market.

There are many casino guides today.

Some are international, while others have a limited regional focus.

Casino guides typically work through an system, so they are embedded in the industry and can share plenty of insider knowledge and expertise.

Readers should always look for a casino guide that is transparent about how they rate casinos.

A detailed explanation of the site’s rating system means the rankings are more likely to be fair and accurate.

NewCasinos is a prime example of a casino guide with a transparent rating system.

They rate casinos based on 12 factors: regulations and licensing, safety and security measures, game selection, experience, mobile friendly, customer , bonuses and promotions, payout speed, payment options, responsible gambling tools, transparency and fair play, and reputation.

The fact they have been able to grow to a multi-billion pound industry in the UK speaks volumes about the broad scope of high-quality options that are on the market, and while London is seen as an international hub, and certainly takes up the bulk of the market – it is a market that has spread right across the UK, and more recently, the US.

Reading a trusted casino guide like NewCasinos is the best way to start your search for a new online casino.

From there, you can consult gambling forums, read another guide for a second opinion or explore each casino’s site to get a feel for its vibe.

What to look for in an online casino 4c4r5n

Not every online casino is the same.

They may all have a lot of overlap in of games, bonuses and the general service offered, but there are also plenty of distinguishing features.

As with any online industry, you also need to keep an eye out for scams.

Online casinos make a good front for scammers because they require s to submit personal information and make deposits.

The first thing to look for when choosing an online casino is what licenses it has.

You should only play at online casinos that are fully licensed in your region.

For casino gamers in London, that means finding online casinos that are licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC).

Other respected licenses are issued by Malta, Gibraltar, and Ontario.

Next, that the site has adequate safety and security protocols in place.

The site should be encrypted using at least 128-bit SSL encryption to keep your private information safe.

While thinking about safety, check what responsible gambling tools the site offers.

You want to have the tools you need to keep gambling fun.

Deposit limits, reality checks, and time-outs are essential.

Once you’ve established that a site has all these must-haves covered, it’s time to consider the games, payment methods, and customer options.

You want a good-sized games library with plenty of options for your favourite games.

There should be a range of payment methods from trusted providers and at least one way to customer , such as email, phone, and/or live chat, and they should be efficient.

Below are some of the top new online casinos that have been recommended by the experts at NewCasinos.

Maybe one of these could become your new favourite place to play games during this long grey winter.

Casushi Casino 17654s

Casushi Casino has the tagline “the way we roll” and they definitely have a unique approach. From the neon letters to the burger icon for the menu, they keep things fun.

The site was launched in 2020 and has a UKGC license, and is a brand that has managed to attract an audience, even in a market that is as dense as varied as the London casino gaming sector.

They have over 750 games in their library, which isn’t huge but is enough to keep most players entertained.

Their main game providers are Betsoft, Big Time Gaming, and Evolution Gaming.

There is no mobile app for Casushi because the site is fully optimised for all devices.

Customer can be reached by live chat or by email.

Bet UK 3c70

Bet UK was an established betting brand prior to moving into online casinos.

They’ve used that industry expertise to create one of the most -friendly sites we’ve seen.

They have at least 2,000 games on offer with a focus on slots.

Bet UK is UKGC-licensed and their accepted payment methods include Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, and bank transfer. While the company originally launched in 2010 in Manchester, they too have a strong position in the domestic market throughout the UK, and especially in London.

HotWins Casino 2i5833

HotWins Casino is red hot because it is brand new.

The site was only launched in 2024 but has already spiced things up with players.

Their library has over 2,000 games from leading developers, including Games Global, NextGen, and 1×2 Gaming.

HotWins is UKGC-licensed.

They accept deposits by Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, PayByPhone, Apple Pay, bank transfer, Paysafecard, Payz, Neteller, and Skrill.

Picture credit: Free to use from amazonaws.com

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Open-plan living spaces are popular for their airy feel and seamless flow.

When it comes to flooring, herringbone engineered wood flooring can be a stunning choice for Londoners planning home updates.

Its unique pattern adds visual interest, making spaces feel both elegant and inviting.

Choosing herringbone flooring in an open-plan area can transform the look of a home.

It offers a blend of traditional style with a modern twist.

This flooring option is not just about aesthetics; it also provides durability and practicality for high-traffic areas.

Herringbone floors can be the perfect solution for those considering an upgrade, blending beauty with function.

If you’re thinking of adding this to your London home, consider the elegance and versatility of herringbone engineered wood flooring to elevate your space.

The basics of herringbone flooring 234c2m

Herringbone flooring offers a unique design that can add visual interest and create a sense of movement within open-plan living spaces.

Its classic style and versatility make it a popular choice for both modern and traditional interiors.

Defining herringbone flooring 2170p

Herringbone flooring consists of rectangular wooden planks arranged in a zigzag pattern.

This pattern is created by placing each piece at a 45-degree angle to the next, forming a V shape.

Unlike chevron patterns, the ends of herringbone planks are square, not angled.

This design has historical roots and is often seen in European architecture.

The appearance of herringbone can vary based on plank size and material.

Smaller planks tend to create a more intricate look, while larger ones give a bold presence.

This flooring is commonly made from wood, but other materials like laminate or tile are also available, providing options to suit various tastes and budgets.

Benefits of herringbone in open-plan spaces 364y28

Herringbone flooring is a great choice for open-plan areas because it can help define separate zones while maintaining a cohesive look.

The pattern naturally guides the eye, creating a visual flow that connects different areas without using walls or partitions.

Its geometric design also adds texture and interest to large spaces that might otherwise feel flat or plain.

Besides zoning, herringbone is known for durability.

The interlocking pattern of the planks adds stability, making it a practical option for high-traffic areas.

Additionally, it pairs well with other design elements, allowing for easy coordination with furniture and decor styles.

This versatility makes it an attractive choice for homeowners looking to combine aesthetics with function.

Implementing herringbone flooring in open-plan living e3lh

Herringbone flooring offers both style and functionality for open-plan spaces, making it a popular choice for modern interiors.

This pattern adds a dynamic visual interest to the room while maintaining a sense of continuity across the area.

Design considerations for open-plan layouts 6x2z3b

In open-plan areas, choosing the right herringbone pattern is important as it influences the room’s look and feel.

Smaller spaces benefit from smaller patterns, while larger areas can accommodate larger designs.

Colours and materials also play a role.

Light wood tones can make a space feel larger, while darker shades add warmth.

Consider mixing herringbone with straight planks to create visual boundaries in an open-plan setting.

Doing so may help define distinct areas, like dining and living spaces.

Installation tips and techniques z44i

Proper installation of herringbone flooring is necessary for achieving the desired effect.

Begin by preparing the subfloor, guaranteeing it is clean and level.

This groundwork aids in maintaining a smooth and seamless look once the herringbone pattern is in place.

When laying the pattern, start from the center of the room and work outward.

This method helps in balancing the design evenly across the area. Using spacers and a chalk line can guide the placement for precise alignment.

Taking the time during this step will prevent any future issues with uneven spacing or misalignment.

Maintaining herringbone flooring 1m6e61

Keeping herringbone flooring in good condition requires regular maintenance.

Sweeping or vacuuming the floor can remove dirt and debris that might scratch the surface.

For routine cleaning, use a damp mop and a cleaner specifically crafted for wood floors.

This method helps in preserving the floor’s finish without causing damage.

Watch for stains or spills and address them quickly to prevent permanent marks.

Placing furniture pads under chairs and tables can prevent scratches, keeping the floor looking flawless.

Regularly check the edges and seams of the floor to guarantee that they are intact and show no signs of wear.

Conclusion 3f271

Herringbone flooring is a great choice for open-plan living spaces in London.

It adds a stylish and timeless appearance that can fit different design styles.

The pattern’s unique layout can also guide the eye, creating a sense of direction and flow in larger areas.

Large boards, such as those ranging from 100mm to 125mm, are ideal for open spaces.

They fill the visual field without making the space feel cluttered.

Herringbone flooring is versatile.

It can brighten up any room and offer a blend of elegance and practicality.

This makes it appealing for Londoners seeking both beauty and function in their home design.

Picture credit: Free to use from Unsplash

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Four-fifths of young Brits do not think they will be attacked by someone with a weapon but will change their behaviour based on fears of weapon-carrying, according to new Office for National Statistics data.

Eighty percent of young people aged between 16 and 29 in the UK believe the actual threat they face of being attacked by someone with a weapon is unlikely or very unlikely.

Yet 70% of responses to an ONS survey on personal safety perceptions reveal young people hold active concerns over weapon-carrying. 

These fears directly impact their behaviour, with many young men and women avoiding travelling alone or going out at certain times of the day.

CEO of The Ben Kinsella Trust, Patrick Green said: “Holding a knife, you hold the heartbreak, the tragedy and the pain that will touch everybody around you.

“That is the one thing young people have never considered when they chose to carry a knife.”

Next week, May 19th to May 28th, is Knife Crime Awareness Week – a national campaign set up by the Ben Kinsella Trust in order to highlight the work of organisations and individuals dedicated to tackling rising knife crime levels and keeping young people safe.

Knife crime has risen by 87% in the last ten years, with a third of all knife crime offences recorded in England and Wales now taking place in London, according to the ONS. 

The Ben Kinsella Trust was founded in 2008 after 16-year-old Ben Kinsella was fatally stabbed in Islington, London while out celebrating the end of his GCSE exams.

As part of his GCSE English work, Ben had written a letter to then-Prime Minister Gordon Brown stressing the importance of tackling knife crime.

In his letter, he suggested youth club intervention and parenting awareness classes as key ways to curtail weapon possession.

Ben became the 17^th teenager to be killed in London in that year.

Green said: “At age nine, ten or 11 a belief system is already forming about how or what you may do to keep yourself safe.”

The charity uses early educational tools to combat young people’s personal safety concerns, prevent the normalisation of people carrying weapons as well as stopping young people engaging with violent behaviour.

Green said: “Without a strong counter-narrative, a core measure young people take to protect themselves is carrying a knife.

“It is a ripple effect, if they know someone who carries a knife, they know their brother and friends carry a knife, the ripples carry on growing.

“It creates a whirlpool and from the outside you can very quickly be dragged in.”

Green emphasised that to successfully decrease the number of knife crime incidents collaboration between organisations that offer is key.

He added: “Knife crime is a public health emergency and it is essential to have educational campaigners, like us, as the early screening process at the front line to pick up on the little things.

“When they hold that knife in workshops, when they make the realisation they never considered of how it impacts lives, it’s like a lightbulb goes off. These campaigns help stop people using knives and stop people fearing them.”

Between March 2023 and March 2025 there were an average of 470 possession of weapons offences recorded per month by the Metropolitan Police Service.

Personal safety perceptions are often felt at night by young people especially in the case of returning from nightlife venues. 

Twenty-one percent of women have avoided travelling alone due to weapon possession fears.

One of such volunteer organisations helping people feel safer while travelling home is StrutSafe, which runs a helpline for people to call if they are walking home at night to allay their concerns or offer further . 

Most calls to the service come from people who are walking through a dark area of town, an empty park, someone they do not know is walking behind them or those who have recently heard of a bad experience from one of their peers.

Head of service provision, Caragh Campbell told the SWLondoner: “I am on the end of the phone so that somebody feels safer.

“We receive calls from a full cross-section of society, we are always there for a chat, to help people and can always redirect them to trusted organisations if they need more .

“It is the best feeling when you hear someone reach their front door, when they say thank you and you know you’ve made another person feel better, it is cliche but it gives you a kind of glow inside.”

Another organisation focussed on enhancing safety standards for people working or enjoying night time venues is The Good Night Out Campaign.

The organisation emerged after a collaboration to enhance safety standards at Fabric nightclub in London in 2014.

Now they work across the UK, in Europe and Australia expanding beyond working with nightlife venues to everything from festivals to saunas.

Estella Adeyeri, communications coordinator and musician, said: “It is so important to encourage people to feel like they’re not on their own once they’ve left the venue or event they are attending.

“If you can cut a change in the way people approach thinking of personal safety it can have a real world impact beyond our dancefloors, but that is a good starting place.

“Being invested in keeping people safe is beneficial for everybody. It can empower you to be an active bystander or ensure if an unfortunate event should happen it would be less intimidating.”

Adeyeri also suggested investment in the environment and expanding volunteer initiatives that help provide people a safe way home would help alleviate personal safety fears among young people. 

She concluded: “Society shouldn’t be reliant upon volunteer labour when the safety of people getting home should surely be a pressing issue.”

Featured image courtesy of the Ben Kinsella Trust

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Sat in a sunny corner of her flat in Hammersmith where she works from home, Louise Elliot, a 24-year-old project officer for London at the National Energy Foundation (NEF), is still wearing her headset when she picks up our facetime.

When asked to describe her job, she smiles and explains she is on the front line of her charity helpline’s target to tackle and eradicate fuel poverty in the UK.

Every day, Elliot conducts ‘warm and well’ assessments of people in desperate situations, finding out about their health, living conditions, properties, and in particular energy bills and the way they pay them in order to help Londoners out of fuel poverty. 

Elliot said: “In of human effects of fuel poverty, some of the worst cases that I’ve spoken to are where children have been affected. 

“I had one woman whose child was six and had been in and out of hospital with pneumonia three or four times in his life already because their flat has so much mould.

“It’s just insanely small things that make residents feel so constrained like they are just not able to live, dehumanised almost.

“The cold is really depressing, it absolutely sucks the energy from you.

“Being able to shower, being able to wash up your dishes, these are such small actions but if that’s going to take a couple of pounds of your [pre-paid] meter then people don’t do it.” 

What is an EPC and why does it matter for fuel poverty?  2hr4n

The government considers one of the key underlying factors to improve these people’s lives is by improving the band of their energy performance certificate (EPC).

An EPC takes into the structure, insulation, and appliances within a residence in order to provide an official document rating the energy performance of a building. 

Since 2018 the government has required that any property to be let to renters or put on the market then it needs to have an EPC and a rating of E or above (EPC score of 39-45). 

In 2028 this is set to increase to a rating of C or above (69-80). 

A Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) spokesperson said: “We have recently consulted on plans to require private landlords to meet higher energy performance standards which will help deliver cheaper-to-heat homes.

“These plans could lift up to half a million households out of fuel poverty by 2030, while also making renters hundreds of pounds better off.”

Currently, fewer than a quarter of the London’s boroughs EPC averages meet the standard of C or above, according to Greater London Authority data.

At the top of this chart sits Tower Hamlets, which has one of the highest average EPC scores in not just London but the entire country at 74.18, which places firmly in the C category.

Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) data from 2022 showed there are some areas in London which have both very high EPC scores and low rates of fuel poverty, and vice versa.

Enfield, where 11.8% of households are in fuel poverty, shows an example of this with an average EPC score within the area of 64.67.

Only households in band D-G homes who fall below the poverty line after energy costs are considered as being in fuel poverty.

This definition means that changes in energy prices have the same impact, but in the opposite direction, as changes in income.

The average London EPC scores by borough, however, do not necessarily correspond to the areas worst affected by fuel poverty.

Newham, for example, is the borough with the highest population percentage of households in fuel poverty at 14.8% which is well above the 10.4% average for London as a whole, yet has a surprisingly high average EPC score of 70.4. 

Elliot said: “It’s interesting because even in richer areas it tends to be that the EPC is still really low because they’re old houses.”

This explains why boroughs have both poor EPC scores and low levels of fuel poverty, but the inverse can be seen in the gentrification of lower-income boroughs in the city.

A study from Trust of London shows Tower Hamlets, Brent, Southwark, Haringey, and Newham were the most gentrified areas in the city between 2012 and 2020.

The landlords’ perspective 5a4023

Private landlord Daisy Coombs, 51, who owns three small London flats, claimed planning permission becomes a huge set back for landlords with older homes who want to upgrade their properties.

This is particularly applicable if those building are listed or in an area of conservation where historical societies want to preserve the history of the city. 

She said: “If you are listed, you really can’t change windows and it’s a pain because people spend a fortune trying to get the right bit of paper to say they can then do work on a building to keep their tenants warm. 

“It can be a bit pen-pushy. It’s difficult because if you are in an older building but it has the character of that age, do you want to remove the beautiful bits of history to make it really efficient?

“You have to , as a renter, that every property now has to have its paperwork in order

“Those protections are in place to prevent bad landlords from swindling you, but for smaller landlords like myself the paperwork alone is cripplingly expensive.”

The short end the stick: private renting s366d

According to 2023 data from the DESNZ, a far higher percentage of private renters across England were likely to be in fuel poverty than in owner-occupied and social housing. 

This is a point of concern for the government, as it appears the fuel poverty rate nation wide is going to increase from 11% to 11.2%.

Schemes such as the Warm Homes Grant are currently being rolled out by councils.

The government has now released a list of the councils who have been granted the funding for the scheme, which can be found here.

Is change and improvement still possible? 4o2m3v

Charities and government schemes have two different ways of approaching EPC improvement.

There are large actions that can be taken such as fitting a new boiler, re-insulating a roof, or installing a heat pump.

Then there are smaller, day-to-day measures which can help keep people warm too, such as draught excluders, thermal blinds, and fuel vouchers. 

The potential to install these into different properties contributes to the potential average EPC score of an area.

If all homes were functioning at their most efficient and maintained their historical character, it is possible that every borough in London could reach its EPC rating goal of C and above. 

In Merton ward of Hackbridge and the Camden ward of Cricklewood, this is an almost 50% improvement on previous EPC scores.

If this can be achieved without interrupting the historical beauty of the city, perhaps there is a middle ground to be found between historical preservation and improving the lives of people who are weighed down by financial struggles amid the cost of living crisis.

Elliot smiles as she opens up about her favourite days on the helpline, when she gets to tell someone they can help with a big retrofit project.

She said: “I think it’s just the relief that they are finally being listened to and being just treated with dignity and not just being treated as cumbersome.

“To not be treated as a problem and just be helped without judgement I think is really important for people.

“I’ve had such lovely messages from residents who’ve said, this has really made a difference to my mental well being, it just made me feel cosy and comfortable and human again.”

Anyone struggling with their energy bills or who wants advice on how to improve their EPC can refer to Shine London, NEF, Groundwork, ECO4 or GBIS.

Feature image: Free to use from Unsplash

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Religion and spirituality in London is an extraordinarily diverse topic and as multicultural city, every believer has a church for themselves.

The Borough of Hounslow in the south west of the city is extremely ethnically diverse, with more than half of the residents identifying as having non-British heritage.

Hounslow itself has a high proportion of people who identify themselves as BAME (black, Asian and minority ethnic), and it is the borough’s most diverse town.

The proportion of BAME residents is above 70% seven of the town’s eight electoral wards and the town has a large British Asian and Somali community, with Hounslow Evangelical Church is seeing a steady rise in numbers from all walks of life.

The church’s Pastor Alan Dodd said: “Church attendance has increased from about 60-70 in 2011 to about 100 today.

“Just before the pandemic it was around 80, it then dropped when we first came back, but quickly covered to 80, but has since increased to 100 or so.”

Places of worship are abundant throughout all the London boroughs with all religious groups represented, be they Christian, Muslim, Jewish or non-denominational.

Hounslow Evangelical Church has taken numerous to encourage people to return to in-person worship, placing immense value on bringing people together.

Dodd said: “Our services are in person, we encourage people to come.

“We don’t do services online, but do video the sermon so those who miss the service can watch it later.

“The only online elements are videos from the Sunday talks and occasional video messages from me.”

Added to that are the initiatives which have been most effective in engaging children, youth, and families.

They include regular Sunday School sessions and enabling youth of the congregation to participate in serving in the church, plus all ageoservices several times a year which children participate in.

Dodd is in no doubt as to the importance of regular church attendance for individuals and the community.

He said: “Regular church attendance is the best way for believers in Christ to connect with each other, to live out their lives as disciples together and to worship God together.

“It is not necessary for salvation, but is vital for a believer to mature in their faith as it means they are able to others in the church and vice versa.

“For the community, I believe that when the church flourishes this benefits society as a whole.”

“Christians are encouraged to live lives modelled on that of Jesus Christ, which will encapsulate qualities which are for the common good, and church attendance is a help in understanding how to outwork the Christian life through the teaching from the Bible.”

Among the regular of the congregation is Anthony Elwell, who explained why he was drawn to the church.

Elwell said: “I was raised and baptised Catholic and discovered the evangelical church later in life, being baptised into it of my own volition.”

“I became closer to the church after a cancer scare, my health problems determining me to seek God and establish a closer personal connection with Him”.

Even for those not from a religious background, like Sharon Elwell, the church has made an impact on their personal life, relationships and spiritual growth.

She said: “Growing up, my family was not religious at all.

“Even though I discovered religion later, I would like to instill those values in my children and granchildren, and attend church regularly with my husband.”

Rose Freeman takes an active role in various areas of work the church does, and is keen to reach all areas of Hounslow’s commnity.

Freeman said: “I actively run the toddler’s group within the church, so I could say I am very involved in the life of the church community.

“New are always welcome to attend the sermon, youth and prayer groups and Bible study.”

Pastor Dodd is eager to encourage those who are hesitant or have stopped attending church to their congregation as well.

He said: “Try out a local church and be open minded.

“Look for a good loving community where the Bible is preached faithfully.”

“I am aware that many don’t attend church due to bad experiences or even, tragically, abuse.

“My message would be to not let that bad experience further damage you by missing out on the joy and of being part of a fellowship of believers.”

Dodd also encourages his congregation to do their bit to help secure the future of church attendance in the parish, too.

He said: “We continue to strive to ensure newcomers feel welcomed into the church.

“We engage in weekly High Street outreach, we encourage our congregants to witness to their friends, family and others, and to invite people to them at church.

“We are hoping to, shortly, begin an after-school club for secondary age youth, and hope that will also be effective at reaching the local community.

“I would measure the vitality of the church on the willingness of people to serve in the church, their attendance of other activities beyond the main Sunday service and above all their spiritual maturity when making life decisions and responses.”

Feature image credit: Hounslow Evangelical Church

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The Victoria Line stubbornly remains the hottest underground line, according to new TfL data, resisting the numerous cooling efforts enacted by TfL and presenting little potential for change.

Dubbed after Queen Victoria, the Underground line recorded an average temperature of 28 degrees Celsius in 2024, the same average as 2023, closely followed by the Central Line with 26.8.

Temperatures hiked as high as 31.1 degrees in August 2024 – the hottest month of the year – superseding August in 2023, and within the last two years, temperatures never dropped below 25 degrees Celsius – even within the winter months. 

Underground commuters have had to bear temperatures beyond the legally-advised temperature to transport cattle, which stands at 30 degrees, as outlined by UK government guidelines.

Millions are being invested into cooling technologies to make the Underground more bearable for commuters by TfL: at present, 40% of the Underground network is equipped with air-conditioning, and tunnel ventilation systems have been installed for both the Victoria and Jubilee lines.   

TfL’s Director of Customer Operations Nick Dent said that the organisation is working diligently to strengthen its transport services in light of increasingly extreme and frequent hot weather.

He added: “We’re constantly looking at how these innovative solutions could be rolled more widely on the transport network to ensure more engers experience cool and comfortable journeys in the summer.”

However, while climate change insists on being a general concern for most underground train lines, the Victoria and Central lines pose a more unique challenge to TfL engineers. 

Since 2013, the Victoria line temperatures have steadily increased at a faster pace than any other line, finally suring the Central line in 2019, and the Bakerloo line in 2021.

The average temperatures on the Victoria line have risen by almost seven degrees since 2013 – nearly a 30% increase.

Conversely, the increase in the average annual temperatures across all Underground lines from 2013 to 2024 was merely seven percent, placing Victoria’s temperature rise vastly above that.

The Victoria line has remained predominantly unaffected by TfL’s engineering efforts to cool down the temperatures – including tunnel ventilation installations, chiller systems pumping chilled air into mid-tunnel shafts and regenerative braking to reduce heat generated by trains breaking. 

TfL Senior Press Officer Chris Clements acknowledged the distinctive challenge that the Victoria and Central line tunnels present.

He said: “With the Victoria and Central lines, they are some of the deepest Tube lines on the network, going through thick London clay. 

“This clay acts as a heat insulator, meaning these lines get hotter than other tube lines. 

“The depth of these lines also makes the ventilation of heat – usually through vents at surface level – more challenging.”

Historically, the Underground infrastructure offered a respite from warm weather, indicated in Austin Cooper’s ‘It is cooler below’ poster, issued in 1924 by the Underground group to promote a more comfortable experience of travel during warm weather.

At present, the Victoria line is one of two train lines running entirely underground, and with vast temperature differences to the past – including sweltering heat waves – this quality is more likely to be considered as a liability than a convenience. 

As a result of the line being completely submerged underground, Clements said the effect of cooler air cannot be drawn into the tunnels from the surface.

The Senior Press Officer added that with many stations in close succession, the Victoria and Central lines experience frequent acceleration and braking, contributing to heat buildup within the tunnels. 

However, unlike the Victoria line trains, the Central Line Improvement Programme (CLIP) offers a future of completely refurbished trains to be completed by 2029 – backed by a £500 million investment. 

With summer approaching and London already experiencing a May heatwave, the new data suggests that high temperatures may once again be the norm on the Underground this year.

The Victoria Line average temperature in August last year was 60% higher in temperature than the average external temperature that month, measured at 19.5 degrees.  

The average temperature of all underground lines that month was around 27 degrees, almost 44% more than the average external temperature. 

However, the summer seasons are not the only months affected by hot temperatures. 

The data shows that the average temperatures of the Victoria line in the first quarter of 2024 – January, February and March – are the highest they’ve ever been since 2013, reaching a disproportionate average temperature of 26 degrees. 

The same applies for the average temperatures in the second quarter of 2024 – April, May and June – hiking to around 28 degrees. 

Evidently, the Victoria line is not the only line to be affected by steep temperatures in typically cooler months. 

Annie Mcclure from North London fainted from heat exhaustion as a result of high temperatures in a densely packed Northern line in February 2024.

The 31-year-old said: “I got on at Tottenham Court Road, and the train was packed. 

“Luckily I had a seat, but I could feel myself overheating so I took my coat off two stops before I was getting off.

“As I got up for my stop, I could feel myself going, and I just fainted.”

Mcclure said she had no underlying health issues, and that her fainting was purely a result from the heat on the tube. 

She added: “It was crazy because before I got onto the train, I went for lunch and I was hydrated.”

The average temperature for February of that year was nine degrees, while the Northern line average for that same month was 23.

As TfL’s engineering interventions have shown limited success, engers susceptible to high temperatures might be better served by opting for cooler Underground routes this summer. 

The air-conditioned sub-surface lines* collectively held the lowest average temperature of 2024, at 19 degrees, followed by the Waterloo and City line at 20 and finally the Jubilee at 22. 

In August, the hottest month of that year, the sub-surface lines reached their highest temperature of 25.7 degrees celsius, which conversely, was the lowest temperature the Victoria line stooped down to in the cooler month of January. 

*Sub-surface lines are the Circle, Hammersmith & City, District and Metropolitan lines.

Feature image credit: Maria Molinero, Unsplash

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Deaths related to drug use have skyrocketed across the capital, new data from London Gov has shown.

Whilst issions due to drug misuse have also skyrocketed, London Gov’s most recent data shows deaths due to drug poisoning in some of London’s boroughs have also spiked.

The more affluent City of London has maintained a steady low death rate, whilst other areas of London with a lower socio-economic rate have seen higher death rates.

The borough of Hammersmith & Fulham saw a spike in deaths between 2021 and 2023, and this trend remained similar in the borough of Hackney, where 20 people died in 2023 of a drug-related issue. 

A chief nurse who has asked to remain anonymous has said: “This is a cause for concern, and at the moment, we can only see the rise in drug incidents getting worse, not just in London but across the country, as data shows us.” 

When speaking to a recovery and wellness influencer, HealingWithZach, about the rise in fatalities, he said: “It is so easy to access drugs today, cocaine is no longer a luxurious drug. 

“Everyone from your neighbour to millionaires can access it, which means more people can take it, so more demand equals more incidents.” 

A historic high is also seen in male issions due to drug misuse hitting an all-time high across England and Wales, tripling that of women. 

Recent data shows that within London alone, there has been an increase in men being itted to hospital due to drugs. 

However, NHS England data published at the end of 2024 shows an overall decrease in hospital issions for drug poisoning across the rest of the country.

Between 2018 and 2019 and 2022 and 2023, there has been a 21.5% decrease in the ission of patients due to drug poisoning.

However, this does not rule out other drug-related incidents, like drug deaths and mental health-related issions induced by drugs.

This piece of data does not look at regions, gender or age either, but is a good indicator for the National Health Service that overall drug poisoning is decreasing. 

Recovery influencer Zachary O’Brian said: “There is no war on drugs, there is an epidemic, and it is increasing more and more.”

The influencer’s statement is backed up by recent data published, where in London alone, 12,600 men have been itted to hospital due to drug-related issues, triple that of women.

Zach said: “Addiction hits a certain type of person, insecurity, but the reason that is getting amped up is social media.

“People are trying to be something they’re not, they see something online they’re not so they’re chasing an escape that drugs can give them.” 

The Chief Nursing Officer added: “Men are more likely to be hospitalised due to the societal stigma around asking for help.

“Men don’t seem to ask for help as much as women do, and therefore we see a lot of male overdoses in our trust.” 

Zach also touched upon this, as he discussed the issues with both men and women in lower socioeconomic backgrounds who are worried about asking for help because they may lose their houses, children, or businesses. 

Dame Carol Black’s independent review of drugs recently called for the drug and alcohol treatment and recovery workforce to be rebuilt, so it can deliver a better outcome. 

 Drug Testing Kits UK recently analysed drug statistics across all UK regions, highlighting that Northwest England has the highest ission rates per 100,000 people.

Statistics from the Office of National Statistics confirmed that male deaths from drug misuse are at a historic high, emphasising a persistent gender gap. 

The Chief Nursing Officer further said: “There is a cultural emphasis on self-reliance which may cause men to attempt to manage their mental health issues independently, often through substance abuse.” 

This is shown through the data above, and therefore, London and other regions of England are seeing a disparity in drug-related deaths, particularly in men without sufficient .

Therefore, whilst drug-related deaths are decreasing across the country, they still remain an epidemic in the capital and the North West of England.

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Despite reports of skyrocketing ADHD diagnoses and medication shortages, only 10% of adults in England actually take an NHS prescription for the condition. Why are medication rates still so low? 6g4t3b

Over the past decade, reports of ADHD diagnosis rates soaring, prescription medication shortages, and years-long assessment waiting lists have been constant.

Yet behind the headlines is a stark reality: only 10% of people with ADHD in the UK actually take a prescription for the condition.

People said they didn’t want to ‘rely on chemicals’ to live their lives, and revealed being scared that a prescription for ADHD would make them ‘lose their spark’.

What is ADHD and how can it be medicated? 2t3l26

ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by inattentive, hyperactive, and impulsive behaviours that can interfere with daily life and development.

NHS England prescribes central nervous system stimulants and drugs to some patients diagnosed with ADHD to combat their symptoms.

These include methylphenidate hydrochloride (commonly branded as Ritalin or Methylin), lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (commonly branded as Vyvanse and Elvanse), dexamfetamine sulfate, atomoxetine hydrochloride, and guanfacine.

The latest NHS report on drugs used for ADHD from October-December 2024, published in March this year, revealed a clear increase in prescriptions for ADHD patients over the last ten years.

The number of patients taking an ADHD prescription at the end of 2024 was 248,012 – nearly triple the 2015 figure of 84,375.

But compared to the 2.6 million estimated by the ONS to have the condition in the UK, this figure remains small, with nine out of 10 people with ADHD therefore not taking a prescription.

Women, older people, and those living in low deprivation areas in England had the lowest rates of NHS ADHD prescriptions last year, whilst young boys and those in high deprivation areas were the most prescribed demographic.

Boys aged 10-14 made up nearly 20% of the overall total taking an NHS prescription for ADHD, whilst men on the whole made up almost two thirds.

Why are people hesitant? 4o1h1h

People with ADHD in England explained why they were hesitant to take a prescription. They listed a fear of losing their ‘spark’, restrictive lifestyle changes accompanying some drugs, hesitancy about the potential side effects, and years-long waiting lists to get an NHS prescription.

Molly was diagnosed with ADHD aged 27 privately after waiting two years on an NHS waiting list, and has taken Lisdexamfetamine for over a month.

While the medication has helped her organise her daily life, she felt that others might be reluctant to take a prescription because of the side effects and lifestyle changes required when taking certain CNS stimulant chemicals.

She said: “I think one reason why people are scared of taking medication is because of all of the stuff you can’t do, or have.

“With lisdexamfetamine for example you can’t have any Vitamin C in the morning, you have to eat before you have it, you can’t do strenuous exercise for two hours after taking it, it can make you feel quite sick if you have it on an empty stomach, and you’re not supposed to drink with it.

“I can imagine these are things that people diagnosed as adults wouldn’t want to do.”

Molly also explained the side effects from her prescription, which included higher blood pressure, queasiness, and insomnia if taken too late in the day.

She added that the concentration the prescription enables can also be a double-edged sword.

“It can go either way, because you can be focused on the wrong thing,” she said.

“One day, I spent the whole day packing and tidying my room, but this was on a day when I was supposed to be working!”

Others felt they were not fully informed by their doctors before taking the prescription.

Kirsty Holden, 38, is an ADHD coach and was diagnosed with ADHD in April 2024 by the NHS.

She began taking a prescription of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (Elvanse) in January this year, and now combines it with dexamfetamine sulfate (Amfexa).

She said: “The biggest thing for me is the lack of or direction around the medications – if I had been told that there will be things I will likely need to change slightly, that there are difficulties this will help with but that you also need to be open to switching strategies up, then I’d have gone into it a little less blind.

“It’s like I was effectively starting from scratch and re-learning things about me that I’d already processed or dealt with and found strategies for.”

Holden added that while the prescription has helped her with focusing, emotional regulation and binge eating, it is not a ‘magic pill’ and her partner had initial concerns about her taking it.

She said: “I could tell that my husband was scared about me losing my spark. I wasn’t worried though; I needed help!

“But I do feel it does affect it a little bit – the higher the dosage I went on the more boring and just ‘not bothered’ I became, which is not like me.

“It wasn’t and isn’t a magic pill.’”

Gender breakdown r5r33

Men made up nearly two thirds of the total identified NHS patients taking ADHD prescriptions on the NHS last year, with a total of 150,599 on a prescription compared to 97,188 women.

Whilst it is widely believed that ADHD in women and girls is under-diagnosed in England, there is not enough data or research currently to know for certain why.

The NHS states: “ADHD is thought to be recognised less often in girls than boys, perhaps because girls with ADHD more commonly have inattentive symptoms and these can be harder to recognise.”

Molly felt that women may be more hesitant to take the prescription because they often have other medications and health concerns to deal with.

She said: “I think a big thing among people not taking ADHD medication is the worry that it’s going to have other mental health side effects, especially for women as I wonder if the medication that you get is different from men.

“I know lots of my friends are trying to come off the contraceptive pill and stuff. Women have had lots of chemicals in our bodies for a long time, so they’re more reluctant.’”

Molly also felt that her gender contributed to her late diagnosis. Her ADHD symptoms exhibited differently to her brother’s, who was diagnosed with ADHD much earlier, at age 12.

She said: “My doctor thought it wasn’t noticed in me for so long because I was compared to my brother who had the classic male symptoms such as always moving, not sitting still and bouncing off the walls.

“Whereas mine manifested in more talkative behaviours, just being disorganised, and jumping around the creativity that feeds into me now as an adult.’”

Age analysis q274u

The latest NHS data showed that younger people had far higher rates of ADHD prescription than older people, with 56,035 10-14yr olds taking a prescription for ADHD last year compared to just 7,730 50-54yr olds.

Among those prescribed a CNS stimulant for ADHD by the NHS last year were also 18 infants aged 0-4 and 31 patients aged 90 and above.

But the demographic, by age and gender combined, with the highest rates were adolescent males, with 43,253 10-14yr old boys taking a prescription for ADHD in England last year, making up 17.4% of the patient total.

Those who had been diagnosed with ADHD later in life frequently said that since they had learnt to cope with the condition without a prescription thus far, they saw little need to start taking one as an adult.

Tess Eagle Swan, 61, was diagnosed with ADHD in April 2010 through the NHS.

She said: “I have never taken meds for it and never would.

“I have coped for many years now and have special tools to manage it.

“I do not want to be dependent on chemicals to manage life. Learning to accept who I am and how I am has been empowering. I have many strengths with ADHD.’”

But other adults have said that a prescription has been life-changing.

By deprivation index 481i5p

The data also uncovered a higher prescription rate for NHS patients with ADHD living in areas with the greatest deprivation levels (according to the Index of Multiple Deprivation [IMD]).

The highest deprivation areas had 51,885 patients taking an NHS prescription for ADHD, compared to 49,073 patients living in areas with the least deprivation.

The most prescribed drugs 1m250

The drug prescribed to the most patients was methylphenidate hydrochloride (commonly branded as Ritalin or Methylin), which was prescribed to 145,509 NHS patients last year. This was followed by lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (branded as Vyvanse or Elvanse) taken by 72,867 patients, and dexamfetamine sulfate, which was prescribed to 17,444 patients.

Featured image credit: Wikimedia Commons under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported License.

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When James Webster first took a study drug during his second year of university, he felt like he’d discovered a cheat code.

“It makes you feel like unless you get up and do something, you’re going to explode,” the 25-year-old said.

“Honestly, most of my mates use it. Around exams, it’s just kind of normal — like, everyone’s got their own stash. No one really thinks twice about it.”

The drug in question is modafinil, a prescription medication licensed in the UK to treat narcolepsy and other sleep disorders.

However, on university campuses, it’s found a second life as a cognitive enhancer — a so-called “smart drug” used by students hoping to stay sharp during long revision sessions.

Unlike recreational drugs, modafinil is prized not for its euphoric effects, but for its ability to promote wakefulness, improve focus, and stave off mental fatigue.

Though it doesn’t directly boost intelligence, many students believe it helps them work harder, for longer.

Webster is far from alone. A recent study found that 6.9% of UK university students have used modafinil without a prescription — a figure that equates to nearly 200,000 of the country’s 2.9 million students.

What’s more, researchers suggest the real number is likely higher due to underreporting.

Legally, the situation is murky. While it’s not illegal to possess modafinil for personal use, supplying it without a prescription is against the law.

Since 2019, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has seized over 700,000 pills, underscoring its widespread, and often illicit, availability.

On the black market, a single tablet can cost less than £1.

Yet, beyond legalities, a deeper ethical debate is simmering.

Is taking a cognitive enhancer, such as Modafinil, to improve academic performance fundamentally different from pulling an all-nighter with caffeine?

Is it an unfair advantage, or simply a modern tool for productivity?

The lines are blurred. A recent survey found that 72.5% of students do not consider using modafinil to be cheating.

That figure rose to 74% when participants were told its effects are comparable to a strong cup of coffee.

Many argue that since the drug doesn’t create new knowledge, it’s merely a study aid — no different from energy drinks or nootropics.

“I get it — I can understand why someone would do it,” said Jonny Davies, 25, who has a prescription for Ritalin, another stimulant sometimes used off-label for study.

“Especially when I saw mates burning out trying to keep up without anything extra. The system rewards output, not effort.

“For me, it helps me settle down and focus. There are just so many distractions these days.”

However, some students remain uneasy. The same study found that 21.5% of students do view the use of modafinil as a form of academic dishonesty, raising concerns about fairness and access.

Those without the financial means or willingness to use study drugs can feel left behind.

“It definitely tips the scales,” itted Webster. “But with no clear rules, people justify it as a personal choice.”

To make matters worse, institutional guidance is scarce. While UK universities have long-standing policies on plagiarism and collusion, few address cognitive enhancers in their academic integrity frameworks.

For instance, the London School of Economics (LSE) has no known initiatives to educate students on the risks of study drug use, leaving many in a grey area.

“I don’t want to cross the line,” Webster said. “I just don’t always know where it is.”

Beyond ethics, health concerns loom large. Students report side effects such as insomnia, headaches, and heightened anxiety.

For Davies, the downsides became painfully clear.

“The after-effects were never really explained,” he said.

“I started taking Concerta, and that stuff was intense. As soon as you took it, you’d get loads of work done — but the whole time, you’d feel incredibly socially anxious. I was never really an anxious person, but suddenly, I had social anxiety out of nowhere.

“If I take one after 4 o’clock, I’m not getting to sleep before midnight.”

Despite its popularity, scientific evidence for modafinil’s cognitive benefits remains modest.

A 2019 meta-analysis found small improvements in memory and processing speed, with more significant effects observed in sleep-deprived individuals — perhaps explaining its appeal during all-night cramming sessions.

Yet, as students increasingly turn to pharmaceutical aids, the broader implications of this cultural shift remain unclear.

The normalisation of neuroenhancement raises questions about fairness, pressure, and what academic achievement truly represents in a competitive environment.

Corporate interest in the space is growing too.

In 2018, Red Bull filed a patent for a modafinil compound, signalling that the market for cognitive enhancers is being eyed beyond the black market.

“There was a bit of a culture, but not as widespread as people say it is,” Davies added.

“People at university would always come and approach me and try to buy them.”

That culture, quiet though it may be, shows no sign of going away.

Featured image credit: ZC Comms via Wikimedia Commons under CC BY-SA 4.0 licence

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The United Kingdom is seeing a steady recovery in tourism since the Covid pandemic, despite the ongoing challenges posed by Brexit.

In the first quarter of 2024, 8.73 million total visits were made to the UK by overseas residents, the latest figures from the ONS (Office for National Statistics) show.

This is a 5% increase compared to the 8.33 million visits made during the same period in 2019, pointing to a steady growth in the inbound tourism figures.

In 2023, visits made by European travellers amounted to approximately two-thirds of the 38 million total visits made to the country, meaning that five years post Brexit, European nationals still for the majority of inbound tourism to the UK.

Joss Croft OBE, CEO of UKinbound said: “Over recent years, the UK’s inbound tourism industry has weathered the challenges of Brexit, which placed further burdens on travel and resulted in skilled workers leaving the industry, and the devastating impacts of the pandemic, which left travel grounded.

“We are proud that our industry has remained resilient, continues to grow and looks set to contribute over £33 billion in visitor spend to the UK economy this year, an increase on 2024 and above 2019 levels.”

The inbound tourism sector is one of the UK’s most significant export industries and contributors to the UK economy, and according to an ONS estimation in 2023 it ed 1.2 million jobs.

The latest figures reveal that in the first quarter of 2024 alone a total of five and a half billion pounds were spent by overseas residents, which is a 15% increase from the £4.8 billion figure spent in the first quarter of 2019.

According to a report by the House of Commons Library: “The government has set an ambition for visitor numbers to the UK to reach 50 million by 2030, and has said it will establish a new Visitor Economy Advisory Council to work with industry on tourism and design and deliver a new growth strategy.”

In October 2021, the UK stopped accepting national identity cards as a travel document, meaning European travellers required a port to travel to the country, a measure which sparked widespread controversy.

In a statement from the Home Office then Home Secretary Priti Patel said: “By ending the use of insecure ID cards we are strengthening our border and delivering on the people’s priority to take back control of our immigration system.”

UKinbound however believes the government should remove such barriers, as they continue to place inbound tourism at a competitive disadvantage compared with other nations.

Despite such worries, data from the Office for National Statistics shows that the number of visits made by European residents surged from 158,000 in the first quarter of 2021, to 2.9 million in the last quarter of that year.

This 1738% increase suggests that this border policy did not significantly alter the overall trajectory of the post-Covid recovery of inbound tourism.

Croft said: “Our industry has faced the challenges of the last few years irably and as the UK’s fifth largest export industry, it continues to play a vital role in economic growth, but international tourism is a competitive industry and we can’t assume international visitors will continue to choose the UK.”

In the second quarter of 2024, visitors from the USA, , and were the biggest spenders in the UK tourism market, with a total of £2,931 million spent amongst them.

But overall European residents continue to remain the UK’s most valuable tourism market, generating the highest spending.

In 2023 they ed for 43.2% of the total spending by overseas residents.

Aside from London, which is one of the most visited cities in the world, ONS data shows that from April to June 2024 the second most visited UK region by Europeans was the South East, despite Scotland seeing the most European spending.

During this three-month period, London attracted 3.3 million visits from Europe, ing for nearly half of all European visits, while the South East received 851,000, which made up 11%.

The government’s recent decision to expand the electronic travel authorisation (ETA) to European visitors potentially presents a further obstacle for European tourists.

From 2 April, EU, EEA and Swiss nationals who wish to visit the UK now require a travel permit that can be bought online for £16 and allows multiple journeys to the UK for stays of up to six months at a time over two years.

Gabriella Bettiga, a UK-based immigration solicitor said: “The purpose of the ETA is to enhance border security and there is no intention of deterring tourism.

“However, EEA visitors are generally not used to visa requirements and therefore the need to apply for an ETA in advance, potentially waiting up to three working days for approval, might discourage last-minute trips.”

This border control measure was introduced in stages throughout parts of the world, starting from Qatar in November 2023, and subsequently expanding to all other countries.

Whilst for non-European travellers the introduction of the ETA meant more accessible and cost-effective visits to the UK, for European nationals it established a new layer of bureaucracy which could deter them from making the visit.

Bettiga added: “The inclusion of EEA nationals in the ETA cohort shows that the UK government does not intend to give any ‘preferential’ treatment to European nationals, and privileges border control and security concerns over maintaining a special relationship with the EEA/EU.

“The ETA requirement may make EEA nationals less welcome, and deter tourism.

“This could particularly affect weekend travellers, schools or organised groups that might opt for a different destination in order to avoid the additional bureaucracy, or to a lesser extent, business visitors.”

Holidays remain the most common reason for visiting the UK among residents of all countries, this category includes trips for amateur sports, cruises, and inclusive tours.

Oscar Magrini, an Italian university student who travelled to London in May to visit a friend, said: “Whilst I did find the £16 fee frustrating, the ETA certainly didn’t put me off from making the visit.

“When I found out that I needed a special travel permit to visit the UK I thought it was quite normal, after all the UK is not part of the EU and plenty other countries like the US demand similar requirements.”

Like the post-Brexit border policy adopted in October 2021, analysis of the data from the past six years suggests that the extension of the ETA to EEA nationals is unlikely to have a detrimental effect on inbound tourism.

However, UKinbound warns that the government should be taking measures to ensure it meets its 50 million goal by 2030.

Croft said: “We stand ready to the government in this welcome ambition, but to meet this target it is essential that they remove barriers to growth, including introducing a UK/EU Youth Mobility Scheme, restoring VisitBritain’s international marketing budget and tackling the sky-high costs of travelling to the UK, including aviation taxes and visa costs.”

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