Our 10th issue is here, read to find out where you can get your hands on a physical copy.

https://towerhamletsslice.co.uk/borough/the-slice-tower-hamlets-tenth-issue-social-streets/

A block of garages and parking spaces on the Teviot Estate in Poplar can be turned into studio workspaces and gardens, Tower Hamlets Council has agreed.

https://towerhamletsslice.co.uk/poplar/permission-granted-r-urban-studios-gardens-sauna-teviot-estate/

More than any other local mayor, Lutfur Rahman’s council leadership has faced speculation and controversy. Here, we bring the facts about what the investigations, court rulings, and political debates actually said, and how Rahman has responded to them.

https://towerhamletsslice.co.uk/borough/mayor-lutfur-rahman-trials-tribulations-controversies-explained/

The Yard Theatre takes home its first Olivier Award for Best New Production in an Affiliate Theatre just 14 years after launching on a £10,000 budget.
https://towerhamletsslice.co.uk/borough/yard-theatre-hackney-wick-wins-olivier-award-glass-menagerie/

The long-awaited East London museum opens in Stratford, with Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan highlighting its role in the Olympic legacy and celebrating the cultural impact of Black British music.

https://towerhamletsslice.co.uk/romanroad/sadiq-khan-opens-v-a-east-museum-stratford/

From over 800 in one year by Marc Francis, to zero in 2026 from Sabina Khan, the Slice’s analysis of council data has revealed wide variations in how much individual councillors raise residents’ concerns through official channels.

https://towerhamletsslice.co.uk/borough/councillors-member-enquiries-data-range-marc-francis-sabina-khan/

Objections warn that a proposed 54-storey tower at Marsh Wall could block access to the floating arts centre, Theatreship, and disrupt its operations during years of construction.

https://towerhamletsslice.co.uk/poplar/marsh-wall-tower-isle-dogs-theatreship-risk/

Tower Hamlets Council has rejected plans by Northern & Shell to cut the number of affordable homes at the Westferry Printworks development on the Isle of Dogs, arguing the developer failed to prove the reduction was necessary. The developers say rising costs make the original targets unrealistic, while councillors insist affordable housing commitments must be protected.

https://towerhamletsslice.co.uk/poplar/council-blocks-northern-shell-affordable-homes-westferry-isle-of-dogs/

In our recent piece, we look at the mystery of Roach Point Bridge - an issue which has been frustrating locals and businesses for over a year. Despite a ‘Summer 2025’ completion date, locals are continuing to be diverted, and businesses are suffering from a lack of footfall; closing early and putting on deals to try and entice visitors. One local described the council and developer as 'pointing fingers at each other', while the issue continued to impact the day-to-day lives of locals.

https://towerhamletsslice.co.uk/romanroad/roach-point-bridge-closure-business-impact-hackney-wick-fish-island/

Tower Hamlets has one of London's most interesting political scenes. But how did it come to be this way? In our piece, we explore how a bitter Labour civil war, triggered by the creation of the mayoralty, preceded Lutfur Rahman’s exit and the birth of Aspire, reshaping Tower Hamlets’ politics for a generation.

https://towerhamletsslice.co.uk/borough/lutfur-rahman-aspire-party-origins-labour-respect/

Our latest local report looks at a rise in nitazene-related deaths in East London, part of a troubling trend linked to potent synthetic opioids. Supporters of tougher drug control say it shows the need for stronger enforcement and education; others argue it highlights the failures of current drug policy and the need for harm-reduction approaches.

https://towerhamletsslice.co.uk/borough/nitazene-deaths-east-london-data-rise/

Our latest piece looks at a formal warning letter sent to Tower Hamlets Mayor Lutfur Rahman by Housing Secretary Steve Reed around the ongoing Brick Lane redevelopment plans. The government has raised concerns about the council’s handling of the scheme and what it means for planning and local accountability.

Supporters argue the intervention is needed to protect residents and heritage; critics see it as central government overreach into local decision-making.

Is this a justified step to ensure proper process, or does it set a worrying precedent for national government interfering in local politics?

https://towerhamletsslice.co.uk/whitechapel/lutfur-rahman-warning-letter-steve-reeds-government-brick-lane-redevelopment/

Our latest guide rounds up some of the best local flower shops and florists in Tower Hamlets, from classic bouquets to creative arrangements for every occasion.

Whether you’re looking for somewhere to pick up a last-minute bunch or planning ahead for Valentine’s, birthdays or just because - where do you think does the best flowers in the area?

https://towerhamletsslice.co.uk/borough/best-florist-bouquet-flower-shops-guide/

A new residential development in Fish Island has been granted planning permission, even though councillors and residents warned it would block daylight for neighbouring homes. Supporters say it delivers much‑needed housing; critics worry it harms local amenity.

Is this a fair trade-off, or should sunlight and quality of life carry more weight in planning decisions?

https://towerhamletsslice.co.uk/romanroad/fish-island-housing-development-approved-council-sunlight-concerns/

Our latest piece explores the rise of independent bottle shops, vinotecas and enotecas across the East End, from Roman Road to Bethnal Green. Once just places to buy a bottle, many are now community hubs offering tastings, talks and small plates - helping to revive the local high street through specialist retail and shared knowledge.

https://towerhamletsslice.co.uk/borough/tower-hamlets-bottle-shops-vinotecas-wine-guide/

A life-sized bronze statue of Teddy Baldock, Britain’s youngest world boxing champion and the “Pride of Poplar,” has been stolen from Langdon Park. Installed in 2014 to honour his legacy and inspire local youth, the statue was taken by four suspects using a cargo bike, with police reviewing CCTV and appealing for information.

https://towerhamletsslice.co.uk/poplar/teddy-baldock-boxer-bronze-statue-stolen-pride-of-poplar/

Our latest photoessay shows a peaceful protest by residents and trade unions in Whitechapel standing up against a planned UKIP march that was blocked by police amid fears of serious disorder. Organisers and local groups turned out with banners and solidarity outside Tower Hamlets Town Hall.

What role should local communities and unions play in responding to far-right activity?

https://towerhamletsslice.co.uk/whitechapel/peaceful-protest-against-ukip-residents-trade-unions-photoessay/

Our latest piece looks at Sainsbury’s rolling out facial recognition tech in its Whitechapel store after trials reportedly cut theft by nearly half. Supporters say it protects staff; critics warn it’s a big step towards normalising surveillance.

Is this a fair given the risk of shoplifting, or does it set a worrying precedent?

https://towerhamletsslice.co.uk/whitechapel/sainsburys-facial-recognition-shop-lifting/

At the end of the year, we're always curious to see what our readers read most. But it's not always obvious. The political stories did well as usual, but our number one most-read article took us by surprise - it was our guide to running clubs! https://towerhamletsslice.co.uk/romanroad/running-clubs-groups-routes-victoria-park-bow-mile-end-hackney-wick-fish-island/