The Standard

With the Budget on Wednesday getting us more focussed about stretching the pennies - who’s splashing out on £1,000-a-night on London’s new five-star hotel suites, amid a building boom? It seems there’s plenty of business at the top-end, with The London Standard’s business editor Jonathan Prynn reporting the capital is on the brink of a new luxury hotel “gold rush”, with destinations offering hundreds of five-star rooms and suites due to open over the next 18 months.In part two, could east London’s famed “Blackhorse beer mile” be at risk?The London Standard’s City Hall editor Ross Lydall reports on the fate of two breweries run by The Wild Card Brewery, which were shuttered after bailiffs arrived over apparent rent arrears with Waltham Forest council.Now there are concerns for other local businesses, which also have the council as their landlord.

Why is traveling off-season the best way to go? Sustainable travel expert Juliet Kinsman and journalist Jon Weeks transport us to Turkey, and we meet two inspiring guests who bring to life why so much good can come from our travels. Selina Pirinccioglu from Alavya hotel tempts us to Alaçati on the Çeşme peninsula, as they reflect on how traveling off-season is better for visitors and locals, and where else she’d like to explore across Turkey.Award-winning author Elif Shafak reminds us of the power of travel to connect with people around the world and emphasises the importance of immersing ourselves in other cultures through fiction, her latest novel is There are Rivers in the Sky.And Doug Lansky - of ReThinkingTourism on YouTube - brings the series to a poignant end with his concept of 'sustainable-ish’. Find out what else we're exploring as part of our Sustainable Travel campaign here.Follow us on X or on Threads, or have a look at Juliet’s Instagram @JulietKinsman

Lorry ‘blind spots’ continue to present serious hazards for London’s cyclists. The London Standard’s transport editor Ross Lydall examines why haulage companies have been given more time by TfL to tackle vision issues and install camera tech in HGVs being driven in London, despite concerns expressed by cycle campaigners.In part two, The Royal Ballet is currently showcasing a mixed programme of works by 21st century choreographers titled ‘Encounters: Four Contemporary Ballets’, which runs until November 22nd. The Standard podcast is joined by former alumnus of The Royal Ballet Choreographic Residency, Joseph Toonga, who discusses the world premiere his new work at the Royal Opera House, called Dusk, which combines classical ballet and hip hop.

In this special episode, we’re taking you behind the scenes of a conversation between the London Standard’s Editor in Chief, Dylan Jones, and former UK Prime Minister, Sir Tony Blair.He discusses themes in his book, On Leadership: Lessons for the 21st Century (which is published by Penguin), and the lessons that can be learned from executive action in government.The book looks at the importance of assembling the right team, effective implementation of policy, and what works and what doesn’t.So, how was negotiation key to securing the Good Friday Agreement, devolution and London mayoralty, and what would the former prime minister have done differently?You’ll also hear discussion on digital ID, the Middle East crisis and if Sir Tony would offer Sir Keir Starmer any advice.

Donald Trump’s claim that the “far-Left” Labour Party in Britain is interfering in the US elections was slapped down by a Cabinet minister on Wednesday.Environment Secretary Steve Reed insisted it was people linked to Labour acting as individuals going out to campaign for Democrat Kamala Harris, not any action organised by the party.The London Standard’s political editor Nicholas Cecil discusses Trump’s allegations and Labour’s response, with less than a fortnight to go in the race for the White House.In part two, our crime correspondent Anthony France reports on the ‘wine detectives’ combating an illegal trade in counterfeit luxury wines flooding London, the international gangs involved and how experts spot the fake stuff.

A murder plot targeting a rival gang member allegedly involving Met Police shooting victim Chris Kaba was among revelations about his criminal record that emerged on Tuesday.Kaba's convictions included prison sentences for weapons possession, as well as being subject to a domestic violence order, which surfaced following the judge’s lifting of reporting restrictions.Police firearms officer Martyn Blake was cleared of murder following the fatal shooting in a ‘hard stop’ in south London, but 24-year-old Kaba’s family described feeling a “deep pain of injustice” following the verdict.We’re joined from the Old Bailey by The London Standard’s courts correspondent, Tristan Kirk.In part two, our business editor Jonathan Prynn on the latest plans for 1 Undershaft - the Square Mile’s tallest skyscraper - how objections have changed this lengthy project and demand for space in the capital’s new-build office blocks.

A government minister has left open the door to big tax hikes in next week’s Budget hitting high-earners on more than £100,000 - as he refused to say if these high earners were “working people” under Labour’s definition.Care minister Stephen Kinnock was repeatedly asked on Sky News, but gave no clear answer, whether or nor people earning six figures were classified as “working people” by the government.We’re joined by The London Standard’s political editor Nicholas Cecil from Parliament to discuss the build-up to next week’s first Labour budget under Chancellor Rachel Reeves.Plus, in part two, The Standard’s transport editor Ross Lydall has been digging into Transport for London documents.He found the organisation’s being warned the capital’s post-Covid return to the office may have stalled as commuter journey numbers grew only at a snail’s pace.

In the fifth episode of our six-part travel series, we visit Marrakech, Fes and Chefchaouen, as sustainable travel expert Juliet Kinsman and journalist Jon Weeks discuss how small-group trips allow for immersive experiences. And they explain how responsible tourism can be a great way of supporting the empowerment of women.Experience the magic of a home-made breakfast in a private home in Marrakech's medina, appreciate the charm of a small family-owned hotel in Fes, explore the souks, and get a sense of the cinematic setting of the Blue City in this impact-unlocking Morocco adventure. Plus, find out what else we're exploring as part of our Sustainable Travel campaign here.Follow us on X or on Threads, or have a look at Juliet’s Instagram @JulietKinsman