THE BIG RETORT

Over a decade ago, London's ever-evolving landscape continued to surprise its residents with peculiar announcements and hidden gems. Back then, the launch of Police.uk by the Home Office marked a significant step in providing accessible street-level crime statistics across the nation. However, as we dive into the intricacies of one specific area, Brockley, a distinct urban enclave in the heart of the city, we unearth an enigmatic tale of burglary statistics and lack of police transparency. TheBigRetort... I n the deep past, the introduction of the new London Overground had residents lining up to catch a glimpse of their evolving city. One such stop, Brockley, seemed to blur into the background, overshadowed by the more recognisable, Bromley.  However, located just 5 miles southeast of Charing Cross, the "urban green" paradise of Brockley—also known by its postcode, SE4—actually offers, in estate-agent-speak,  ‘stunning views, desirable properties, and a slice of all-inc...

We dig deep into Fortnum and Mason's Chicken and Ham Mini Pie – the tantalising treat that holds all the promise of flavour-packed goodness and at a very affordable price. We find that there is a delicate balance between cost and quality and probe the culinery depths to uncover hamfisted advice with a use-by-date. The Big Retort review...   F ood exploration often uncovers delightful surprises, yet not every dish lives up to its reputation. In this candid review, we venture into the experience of trying Fortnum and Mason's Chicken and Ham Mini Pie – a promising delicacy that left us questioning the balance between cost and quality. As secret shoppers, we embarked on this culinary escapade to uncover the truth behind the tempting price tag. The allure of a discounted gourmet treat, especially from the renowned Fortnum and Mason, is undeniable. The prospect of savouring a blend of succulent chicken and ham encased in flaky pastry is enough to make anyone's mouth water. Pr...

In a fascinating historical account from the "Saint James's Chronicle" newspaper, dated December 20, 1842, we transport you back to a different era. We delve into an incident that unfolded within the revered halls of the Marlborough Street Magistrates' Court in London, England. A Prisoner's Refusal to Enter the Dock for Sentencing: TheBigRetort... O ne hundred and eighty-one years ago, Anne Maria Fenton, (not pictured), a woman said to possess a substantial fortune, found herself thrust into the spotlight due to an unfortunate circumstance.   Her story presents a captivating exploration of a woman's fashion sense and the intricate dance between public image and the legal consequences of her refusal to enter the dock for sentencing. Faced with the seemingly mundane charge of being "very drunk and incapable" in the early hours of the morning. What might have appeared to be a straightforward case, the unfolding events within the courtroom took an un...

As Lime bike riders continue to reshape the urban landscape one audacious parking spot at a time, many Londoners are left wondering: is this a playful trend or a quirky two-wheeled rebellion?    TheBigRetort A new mania earns its place in London's ongoing saga of eccentric ways to park. In a city that prides itself on artistic expression, this new form of urban artistry has taken London by storm: It’s called, "Cycledrama."  Not to be confused with the more mundane art of acting on a bike, this particular mania involves riders of Lime green bikes channelling their inner da Vinci, strategically placing their two-wheeled masterpieces in spots that redefine the concept of "parking”.  Move over, conventional bike racks – here are some of the most audacious Lime bike placements that'll make you do a double-take when you visit London: The Vulcan: What’s he got for blood, green slime? A cycling-inspired architectural masterpiece? Move along people, nothing to see h...

The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has wielded its authority, issuing an enforcement notice against London’s Lewisham Council in response to its abysmal failure to address numerous overdue requests made under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) 2000. TheBigRetort  was the lead complainant... The alarming discrepancies came to light as the Council's dismal performance on information access requests was revealed to the ICO, far surpassing the figures it displayed online. As of the close of 2022, the Council had amassed a staggering 338 requests for information that remained unanswered, with a staggering 221 of these lingering for over a year. The most disconcerting case dates back over two years to December 3, 2020. The Council prioritised handling new requests within the statutory time limit of 20 working days, intentionally neglecting its burgeoning backlog of older requests. Under the scrutiny of the ICO, it became painfully evident that the Council lacked a defin...

A recent communication from Lewisham Council peels back the layers of secrecy shrouding its operations. A two-year delay in addressing crucial Freedom of Information (FOI) Act requests. An Enforcement Notice from the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) followed.  A move that has left the council red-faced and motivated. TheBigRetort... Unearthing the Cryptic Email Recently, an unexpected missive from Lewisham Council's FOI team landed on our desk, triggering waves of surprise within our Room 300 command centre. Amid the confusion, we pondered whether we had filed an FOI request. Only to uncover a jolting detail. Not in the email's timestamp, but in its date: "2021." Two full years had passed since our FOI query. The question looms: why? Penetrating the Enigma that is Lewisham Council In response to mounting concerns, the ICO wielded its Enforcement Notice—a figurative hammer blow—and the departure of Lewisham Planning head Emma Talbot followed. Was thi...

A s the Plastic Mayor of Lewisham seeks higher office as the Labour Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Bristol North East, Damien Egan's political claims and actions during his tenure in the borough of Lewisham come under scrutiny. Despite his campaign touting dedication to "the people" and a better way of doing politics, Egan's track record in London paints a less rosy picture—one of overlooking serious allegations and failing to address residents' concerns.   TheBigRetort… In Lewisham, constituents have begun questioning the consistency between the mayor's public persona and his off-camera inactions. Once the flashbulbs pop and Egan bares his Hollywood smile, there are also some doubts that this candidate will truly fulfil his promises to the people of Bristol. Just like the Wizard of Oz, putting on a grand performance, but hiding behind a curtain of inaction when faced with real challenges, Egan has been the sham in Lewisham. The promise about protec...