Isabel Loubser

United Kingdom

Reporter at Islington Tribune

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Articles

Break from the norm - Burberry collaboration cafe set to close

2 weeks ago | islingtontribune.co.uk | Isabel Loubser

A CAFE which shot to notoriety with a controversial collaboration with Burberry has announced that it is closing its doors. Norman’s Cafe, in Archway, opened in 2020 as a modern take on a greasy spoon, and quickly attracted thousands of customers with their servings of British classics, including beans on toast and jam roly-poly. But the cafe came under fire during London Fashion Week in 2023 after Burberry took over its blue gingham interior and plastered logos on plates and ketchup bottles.
Doris: How to live to… 102

2 weeks ago | islingtontribune.co.uk | Isabel Loubser

Doris JamesA FORMER school teacher who lived most of her life in Islington has celebrated her 102nd birthday in style by taking a tour around all the places that shaped her. Doris James was born on Sebastian Street in Clerkenwell and later spent more than 50 years living in Highbury, before eventually leaving the borough to move into a care home in Essex last year.
Fresh calls for ‘cash cow’ park festivals to end

2 weeks ago | islingtontribune.co.uk | Isabel Loubser

Gina Harkell and Katie Dawson, co-chairs of Friends of Finsbury ParkA COMMUNITY group is calling for an end to festivals in Finsbury Park following a High Court ruling that restricts the use of public parks for commercial events. The Friends of Finsbury Park have spent a decade campaigning for Haringey Council to stop using the park as a “cash cow”. Now, bolstered by a battle that has been raging in south London, they have renewed their efforts.
Head to head! Women join hair & beauty show’s ‘battle of barbers’

2 weeks ago | islingtontribune.co.uk | Isabel Loubser

The Afro Hair & Beauty show will take place at the Business Design Centre on Sunday and MondayBEAUTY businesses from across the borough, and further afield, will be taking over the Business Design Centre this weekend for a 44th annual convention of “Europe’s premier” Afro Hair & Beauty show. Barbers, hairdressers, make-up artists, and skincare specialists are all expected to showcase their skills and their products to the public on Sunday and Monday.
Removing canal bins doesn’t cause more litter? What a load of rubbish!

2 weeks ago | islingtontribune.co.uk | Isabel Loubser

Litter on the Regent’s Canal towpathCAMPAIGNERS are gearing up to fight back against the “appalling” level of litter on Islington’s canals that they say is caused by a decision to remove all bins. Cleaner Canals have launched their campaign on Instagram, and are encouraging residents to write to MP Emily Thornberry, after they say litter has turned “a beautiful area into a dumping ground”.
Housing protester ejected from new mayor ceremony

2 weeks ago | islingtontribune.co.uk | Isabel Loubser

Kane Newman shouts from the balconyA PROTESTER was escorted out of the Town Hall’s public gallery after disrupting the mayor-making ceremony. Kane Newman, North London Field Organiser for housing campaign group ACORN, shouted from the balcony as proceedings were getting under way last Thursday. He accused the council of failing to provide residents with decent accommodation, leaving them living with damp, mould, and overcrowding.
‘Zen Den’ bus puts the brakes on stress levels

3 weeks ago | islingtontribune.co.uk | Isabel Loubser

COMMUNITY groups from across Islington were invited to take some time out this week as the “Zen Den” arrived. Housed in an old American school bus, the Zen Den travels up and down the country running mindfulness sessions and on Monday was stationed outside the Jean Stokes Community Centre on Caledonian Road. One of the social enterprise’s founders, Kay Smith, told the Tribune: “We’re all about bringing mental health support to people who might not normally have access to it.
Anger over empty flats’ ‘secret’ sale

3 weeks ago | islingtontribune.co.uk | Isabel Loubser

The block of 28 flats near Pentonville PrisonFLATS which have been left empty for more than a decade have been sold – but the activists who have been campaigning for them to be brought back into use say they are angry about being left in the dark. The flats, just next to Pentonville prison, were originally used as officers’ accommodation.
Everybody stick your oar in!

3 weeks ago | islingtontribune.co.uk | Isabel Loubser

Islington Boat Club coaches Sam, Neil and MeghanDOZENS of paddle-boards and kayaks could be spotted over the weekend as Islington Boat Club welcomed community groups onto the water. It was the first time on Regent’s Canal for many members of the Islington Centre for Refugees and Migrants, St Luke’s Community Centre, and Muslim Welfare House.
‘It’s big and it’s bright!’ How new homes are changing lives

3 weeks ago | islingtontribune.co.uk | Isabel Loubser

Annette Wilson, who has autism and bipolar disorder, with Ngozi Nwizu, her support workerA STATE-OF-THE-ART supported living development has been opened near Angel, to the delight of new residents. Councillors officially cut the ribbon on the new block on Windsor Street last week, which will give 11 adults with learning disabilities the chance to live near their support networks in the community they grew up in.