Battersea Power Station hosts immersive fest, Franco Manca folds origin story, and The Jam still delivers. Here’s SWhat’s happening…

🇬🇧 SW News

Battersea Arts Festival Unveiled 🎨

Battersea Power Station is hosting a new wave of immersive art installations, markets and family-friendly activities over May half-term, including large-scale sensory experiences and creative exhibits. The riverside destination is drawing visitors with its mix of culture, food stalls and interactive installations across the site. Source

Franco Manca Closures Announced 🍕

Franco Manca is closing 16 UK restaurants as part of a major restructuring, with its original Brixton branch among those set to shut. The chain cites rising costs and taxes as key pressures, putting hundreds of jobs at risk across the business. Source

Lambeth Greens Challenge Labour 🌿

Labour is facing a strong challenge in Lambeth as Greens and independent candidates gain support ahead of the local elections, with polling suggesting a possible hung council. Campaigners say voters are reacting to cuts, housing issues and calls for more community-led politics in the borough. Source

Waitrose Worker Seeks New Job

Former Waitrose worker Walker Smith, sacked after tackling an Easter egg thief in Clapham Junction, says his priority is finding a new job, joking it should not involve dealing with shoplifters, following widespread attention and support for his dismissal case. Source

Bravery Recognition for Paramedic 🏅

A London Ambulance Service worker has been awarded a bravery honour after being praised for exceptional courage during a life-threatening incident. Colleagues highlighted their quick actions and calm response under pressure, crediting them with helping to save lives and inspiring others across the service. Source

🎉 Upcoming Events

Just Mustard

Post-punk noise-rock from Ireland with atmospheric guitars and driving rhythms as Just Mustard bring their live show to London. Source

Negativland - Issue 3 Launch Party

Experimental audio collage pioneers celebrate their new issue with a chaotic, genre-bending live launch event. Source

Finn Flood + Cass George

An intimate night of heartfelt indie-folk songwriting and stripped-back live performances from two emerging UK artists. Source

MPTL - May Day

High-energy underground live set marking May Day with a heavy, DIY-spirited lineup of alternative sounds. Source

Brixton Fridays: Hip Hop, Afrobeats & R&B

A bank-holiday club night with live music and DJs spinning hip-hop, Afrobeats and R&B right through to the early hours. Source

Childish Gambino: 10 Years of Redbone

A live-band tribute celebrating 10 years of Redbone, with fresh takes on Childish Gambino favourites and a big soulful party feel. Source

Brixton Market Tour with African and Caribbean Cuisine

Explore Brixton’s street art, market stalls and local landmarks while tasting African and Caribbean dishes from a handful of local spots. Source

✨ Hidden Gems

(Click each title to see them on Google Maps)

The Jam

The Jam in Chelsea has been a King’s Road institution since 1972, with a quirky, treehouse-style interior and cosy booth seating. It is a proper neighbourhood favourite for Italian food, relaxed meals and a bit of character on the way out.

Ilili Lebanese grill

Ilili Lebanese grill in Vauxhall serves generous Lebanese food around Kennington Lane, with grilled meats, mezze, takeaway, delivery and outdoor seating. It is a casual, flavour-packed choice for a quick dinner or an easy meal with friends nearby.

Brunswick House

Brunswick House in Vauxhall serves breakfast, lunch and dinner inside a grand Georgian mansion, with a setting full of old-world charm. It feels a bit special without being stuffy, making it a lovely spot for long lunches or relaxed evenings.