The Time Out London blog team

There’s everything to play for in this month’s London local election. Can the capital remain a Labour stronghold? Will the Green Party take Hackney? Could the Tories reclaim Westminster? Will Reform rise to power in Havering? By Saturday May 9, we’ll have all the answers.  Across London’s 32 boroughs, there are 1,817 council seats up for grabs. At the moment, Labour controls 21 of those boroughs but polling suggests that it could take a big hit this time around. On the flipside, YouGov predicts that the Greens and Reform will both make major gains. As well as local ward councillors, there are a few boroughs with their own mayors – Croydon, Hackney, Lewisham, Newham and Tower Hamlets. So, people who live in any of those will also be voting for who they want to be mayor.  Wherever and however you plan to vote in this week’s elections, here’s everything you need to know ahead of the big day. See you at the polling station!  When is the next London Local Election?  The London Local Election 2026 is taking place on Thursday May 7.  Where is my local polling station? If you’re registered to vote, you should have received a polling card which will have the address of your polling station. You can also check for your nearest polling station by entering your postcode here. What time do polling stations open?  Polling stations will open at 7am and close at 10pm. What documents do I need to bring to vote?  You must bring some form of photo ID with you to the polling station in...

Ninety-three-year-old artist Quentin Blake’s scratchy illustrations are recognised the world over, beloved for capturing all the mischief and magic behind stories like Fantastic Mr Fox or Matilda. But instead of resting on his laurels, he’s spent the past two decades trying to get a new project off the ground, one that’ll foster a new generation of British illustration talent. In 2002, he set up a charity for illustration, and between 2014–2020 the House of Illustration hosted small exhibitions in a temporary space in King’s Cross. Now, London’s on the brink of getting a permanent centre for illustration, named after its biggest champion: ‘I am proud to think the centre has my name on it – illustration is a wonderful universal and varied language,’ said Sir Quentin. The Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration will be housed in a formerly-derelict 18th century waterworks in Clerkenwell: an imposing brown brick building surrounded by gardens and cobbled terraces. Inside, visitors will find three exhibition spaces, a shop, a cafe, plus a free-to-access library and creative studio for aspiring illustrators to hone their skills. Works have been underway for some time, and now, there’s finally an official opening date: Friday 25th June, this year. The gallery’s debut exhibition MURUGIAH: Ever Feel Like will showcase the surreal world of British Sri-Lankan illustrator Murugiah, who explores identity and mental health in pop art-inspired cartoons. Image: Quentin Blake Centre for...

If you’re on the hunt for seriously swanky coffee, WatchHouse is the place. The chain’s rare range of brews can set you back by as much as £25 a pop – yep, those are some bougie beans. And its latest site is making it that much easier for northwest Londoners to splash some cash on a cup of joe. Launched in 2014 in Bermondsey Street, WatchHouse has sites dotted across the Big Smoke, including a newly-opened spot in St John’s Wood. Expect caffeinated classics and seasonal specialities on the drinks menu, along with a range of pastries from what it’s calling its ‘viennoiserie’ – basically a posh bakery.  As with all WatchHouse coffee shops, the NW8 cafe, which has taken over the high street space that was formerly home to Orée Boulangerie, takes design cues from the local area. On one of the walls hangs a signed ‘Three Forms Assembling’ print by Barbara Hepworth, who lived in the area during her early career as a sculptor. The 500 square foot coffee house centres around WatchHouse’s signature warm oak espresso bar. Other features include a concave ceiling (a nod to the nearby St John’s Wood Church) and chalk-toned walls.  Along with space for 20 covers inside, you’ll also be able to enjoy your cup of java al fresco courtesy of an outdoor seating area and awning extending onto the street front.  Photograph: WatchHouse We can expect to see a lot more WatchHouses popping up across the city. The chain has its sights set on shops at the Millennium Bridge, Queensway, Brunel...