Podcasts about Oxford Street

After Selfridge, shopping became a leisure activity.

Retail is moving fast, and this episode breaks down five of the clearest signals shaping the high street right now.Alex and Simone Oloman, Co-Founder of Need It For Tonight, unpack Molly-Mae's International Women's Day activation, Marks & Spencer's new Putney store format, Greggs' vending machine move, the Dove x Bridgerton activation at Battersea Power Station, and EE's new Oxford Street experience store. The thread running through all of it is clear: physical retail is becoming more experiential, more community-led, and more intentional.The episode also opens with reflections from EuroShop and ITAB Group, then closes on personal shopping, colour analysis, and what confidence-led retail experiences could mean for men's fashion.00:00 Intro + EuroShop / ITAB Group opening00:01 EuroShop reflections and expo scale00:02 Alex and Simone introduction00:03 Molly-Mae pop-up for International Women's Day00:05 Marks & Spencer's new store format in Putney00:06 Greggs vending machine expansion00:07 Dove x Bridgerton at Battersea Power Station00:08 EE's Oxford Street experience store00:09 The shift from transaction to experience00:09 Men's personal shopping event recap00:10 Colour analysis and confidence in menswear00:11 Outro

Now if you know Oxford Street you know the soundtrack. Buses roaring. Taxi horns. Engines revving. Delivery vans edging forward inch by inch like nervous chess pieces. It's noisy, chaotic, gloriously unmistakably London. So imagine this: Oxford Street… without traffic.

As the Welsh Government publishes 'Today, Tomorrow, Together - A vision for rail across Wales and Borders', Christian speaks exclusively to Ken Skates MS, Cabinet Secretary for Transport & North Wales, about how train services are being envisioned as well as covering Welsh bus reform and the controversial 20mph speed limit policy for local roads [2:36].  Christian discusses with broadcaster and former minister Michael Portillo his love of railways, finding a surprising twist on his current political outlook [29:43].  In his final thought from the departure lounge, Christian examines progress in the pedestrianisation of London's Oxford Street [39:38]. Find 'Calling All Stations - the transport podcast' on social media channels here: X (formerly Twitter) - https://x.com/AllStationsPod  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/Calling_all_Stations_podcast/  Threads - https://www.threads.net/@calling_all_stations_podcast  Facebook - https://m.facebook.com/p/Calling-All-Stations-The-Transport-Podcast-61551736964201/ Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/callingallstations.bsky.social

Welcome to the Superfast Recruitment podcast. In this episode, Sharon sits down with Sarah Bishop, founder of Recruit Recruit, based in Wolverhampton, and author of the newly published book Scale Up! The Founder’s Guide to Accelerating Growth by Building Dream Teams. Sarah has spent 30 years in recruitment, and her book is built around one of the most extraordinary case studies you will hear in this industry: helping a business called Your Doctor Film and Media grow from zero to £30 million in turnover in just 21 months, in the middle of a pandemic. This is a conversation about what strategic hiring actually looks like in practice, why culture and DNA matter far more than job specs, and how Sarah’s subscription model is changing the way small and growing businesses access great recruitment support. Sarah also shares something refreshingly honest: that despite all her success in helping others to scale, she has found it harder to apply the same thinking to her own business. What Made You Write the Book? Sharon: Before we get into the big case study, tell me, what made you decide to write the book in the first place? Sarah: It was a mixture of things, really. Throughout my career, I have worked with fast-growing businesses. Phones4U, Holiday Hypermarket, HomeServe. But those experiences were always as part of a larger team doing volume hiring. The case study at the heart of the book, Your Doctor Film and Media, was completely different because we were building every single team from scratch across every function. There were genuine moments where I thought I knew something, and then realised I knew it in theory but not in practice. And honestly, the second reason was to prove to myself that I could actually finish something as big as a book. The £30 Million Journey Sharon: So, your book is centred on helping Your Doctor Film and Media go from zero to £30 million in just 21 months, during a pandemic of all things. Walk me through it. What were the big recruitment challenges, and how did you help them see hiring as a competitive advantage rather than just a cost? Sarah: In the early days, it was a malay. Nobody knew what was going on or how long Covid was going to last. Your Doctor Film and Media started by providing Covid testing for the film and media industry at Pinewood Studios, beginning with Jurassic World Dominion, and it just snowballed from there. The turning point came when producers got frustrated that government laboratories could not turn tests around quickly enough. Hollywood producers are fairly exacting about their timetables and budgets, so Your Doctor made the very smart decision to build their own labs. Suddenly we were finding biomedical scientists and a Head of Science who, miraculously, got the labs ISO-accredited in a matter of weeks. I was brought in through Vanessa Deco, a brilliant Chief People Officer and a very good friend. She introduced me to Pete and Dr. Rick, and they trusted me from day one. They gave me access all areas, including board meetings and strategic planning sessions, which meant I could really do my job properly. I cannot take too much credit for the strategic approach. A lot of that was down to Pete and the founding team being willing to stop reacting and start building a proper business. Hiring for Roles That Do Not Exist Yet Sharon: That is such a challenge, is it not? Recruiting for roles that do not even exist yet. How did you figure out what talent was needed before the business even knew what it required? Sarah: The early stages were actually more straightforward than you might think. The first brief was very clear: find people who could interface between film crews and clinical teams, work antisocial hours without complaint, think on their feet, and handle what I called tricky people, meaning Hollywood producers who wanted the impossible done yesterday. I immediately knew that events and hospitality professionals, many of whom had been furloughed or made redundant during Covid, were the perfect fit. Some of my earliest placements were technically overqualified, but I could see they were going to become the future leaders of the business. Laura had spent years with Disney on their cruises and ended up heading up special productions including The Crown. Serge had been Events Manager at the Royal Opera House for 13 years and followed a similar path. The harder roles came later, on the technical and scientific side, where candidates tended to be more risk-averse. Some people I simply could not put in front of the client, not because they lacked the ability, but because they needed structure that did not exist yet and would not have lasted five minutes in that environment. Getting Culture and DNA Right Sharon: Most agencies just default to matching skills and experience when they are under pressure to move fast. How did you get under the skin of Your Doctor’s culture and DNA, and how did that actually change who you put forward? Sarah: Getting the DNA match right is not just about culture and values, though those matter. It is about genuinely understanding what a business is trying to achieve and where it is going, and then working out whether a candidate will actually thrive in that specific environment. I still cringe at the term ‘recruitment consultant’, because too many people in this industry are essentially order-takers. They get a job spec, they try to fill it, and they have no idea where the business is heading. I was very fortunate that Pete, Dr. Rick, and the whole team treated me as an equal, not as ‘the recruiter’. We were never left waiting for feedback. We were in the room. That is what allowed me to do my best work. Pete once said it was so nice to work with a recruiter where you did not feel you needed to arm yourself with a wooden stake and cloves of garlic. He had used all the big London names on previous projects, and I think that says everything. The Subscription Model Sharon: Tell me about your subscription model, because it is quite different from the traditional contingency approach. What drove you to develop it, and why do you think it works better for businesses that are growing fast? Sarah: I cannot believe I did not think of it sooner. Traditional contingency recruitment creates this start-stop-start dynamic that serves nobody. Even if the placements are brilliant, the reactive nature of it means businesses are always catching up. My model is designed to work like an embedded internal talent acquisition team, without all the overhead. Clients get predictable monthly costs rather than surprise fees, which is better for their cash flow. And from our side, we get the time to build proper talent pools, map the market, and do a genuinely good job rather than scrambling to fill an urgent vacancy. We have a startup mode from around four hundred pounds a month for sole traders taking on their first hire, right the way up to established corporates whose finance directors are looking at recruitment spend and do not want a full internal team sitting idle in quiet periods. I should also say, with some embarrassment, that I have not scaled my own business anywhere near as well as I have helped others to scale theirs. Classic physician-heal-thyself. The Hire That Changed Everything Sharon: So looking back over that whole 21-month journey, what was the single hire that you think really shifted things for Your Doctor? The one that unlocked the next stage of growth? Sarah: It is not the hire you might expect. The earliest placements, the events and hospitality professionals we brought in when nobody knew what was going on, had an enormous impact. Not just because they handled the chaos brilliantly, but because they stepped up and became managers and leaders as the business grew. In terms of a single hire that shifted the trajectory, I would point to Katie, the Director of HR. We had brought in Mandy as HR Manager initially, and she was brilliant at the transactional work: getting policies and procedures in place. But the business scaled so fast that it very quickly needed strategic HR leadership, and that was a completely different thing. One of the lessons I share in the book is that in rapid scaling, you need to think carefully about whether you are better off bringing in a senior hire or an interim from the start, rather than assuming you can grow up from a junior level. Getting a critical hire wrong at that stage is serious. At best it stalls you. At worst it could be the end of the business. From Car Sales to Recruitment Sharon: Right, let’s talk about you for a minute. Your background is not a conventional route into recruitment at all. Car sales, Wolverhampton, environmental science degree. How did all of that shape the way you approach this industry? Sarah: I graduated with an environmental science degree in the nineties, which was not especially useful, combined with a fairly significant student debt. My dad had run car yards and dealerships, I had done sales training working in shoe shops on Oxford Street, so I knew I could earn commission. I went in absolutely for the money. But the real lessons I took from that background into recruitment had nothing to do with cars. They were about human behaviour, psychology, and a genuine curiosity about what makes people tick. Understanding people, what they really mean when they say something, is the best skill you can bring to recruitment. It helps with interviewing, with building client rapport, with the DNA-matching work that has become central to everything I do. My autism and ADHD are part of that too. I have always been hypercurious about people, sometimes to an uncomfortable degree. When I joined Extra Personnel in 1996 as a temp controller, that curiosity was already there. As a temp controller you do not interview to a job spec, you interview the person. I have never really stopped doing it that way. Building a Team That Makes You Redundant Sharon: Now this one fascinates me, because there is a real tension in your book between being the external recruitment partner and your goal of building internal teams that eventually make the recruiter redundant. Why on earth would you want to do that? Sarah: I know it sounds like a poor business model, and I will admit it is. But I stand by it completely. A lot of this ties into my autism, which gives me a very finely tuned sense of what is fair and ethical. If I do such a good job that the client does not need me anymore, that is exactly what they brought me in to do. I am not going to sit there worrying about future revenue. And in practice, those clients always come back when they next need someone, because the relationship and the trust are already there. The subscription model does now offer a natural alternative, because not every business wants or can sustain an internal HR and recruitment function. Many HR professionals actively dislike doing recruitment because it pulls them away from everything else they need to manage. So now there is an option that gives clients consistency and strategic input without the overhead. I still stand by making yourself redundant as a principle, but I am glad we now also have a model that makes business sense alongside it. Marketing and Employer Brand Sharon: Your whole approach is very relational and very marketing-led. You think about employer brand, candidate experience, matching people not just for right now but for where the business is going. How does that differ from what most recruiters do? Sarah: I will be honest, our own marketing is very much a work in progress. We do not yet have a clearly defined candidate niche, which makes it harder to market with real specificity on that side, and that is a 2026 project for us. Where we have genuinely improved is in consistency. Having the monthly content from Superfast Recruitment means Marianne and I now have something to work with every single month instead of scrambling or just not getting things out at all. When the resources come through, we genuinely go ‘yes!’, because we can adapt them and get them out there. Our broader marketing philosophy is very relational. There is no corporate speak on our website or in our communications. It is very much us. The role marketing plays for us is simply making sure that when the right client or candidate finds us, they already have a sense of who we are and what we are like to work with. Scaling Your Own Business Sharon: So tell me, Bish. Writing about scaling is one thing, but doing it in your own business is a completely different story. What did writing this book teach you about your own operation? And what would the Sarah of today tell the Sarah who was just starting Recruit Recruit? Sarah: Take my own advice. That is the biggest lesson. I am genuinely good at solving other people’s problems, and I have been pretty poor at applying the same thinking to my own business. Two things really stand out from writing the book. The first came from going back to The E-Myth by Michael Gerber. Just sit down and sketch out the organisation chart for the size of business you want, not the one you have got right now. That single exercise forces you into strategic conversations about what will actually move the needle and who to bring in first. The second is accountability. I am slightly embarrassed to admit that nearly every chapter of Scale Up! was written on a Thursday evening, the night before my weekly call with my writing mentor. When I looked back at my calendar, it was painfully obvious. But the lesson is real: whether you are writing a book or building a business, an accountability partner who simply asks ‘did you do what you said you were going to do?’ makes an enormous difference. For founders picking up the book, the signs it is right for you are pretty clear. If you are juggling too many plates and not moving fast enough, if you find yourself thinking ‘why can they not understand what I want?’, or if you have a sizable team but you are still being pulled into everything because there is nobody senior enough to take things off your plate, that is the book for you. Finally Sharon: Bish, this has been brilliant. Honestly, one of my favourite conversations we have had on this podcast. The story of Your Doctor Film and Media is extraordinary, and I think there is so much in here that recruitment business owners can take and run with. If you want to get hold of Sarah’s book, Scale Up! The Founder’s Guide to Accelerating Growth by Building Dream Teams is available now. If today’s conversation has got you thinking about your own marketing and how to get more visible and consistent as a recruitment business, come and take our free Client and Candidate Attraction Scorecard. It takes about three minutes and gives you a personalised picture of where your marketing is right now and what to work on first. The post How Strategic Hiring Built a £30 Million Business in Under Two Years with Sarah Bishop appeared first on Superfast Recruitment.

L'une des rues les plus célèbres et les plus fréquentées de la capitale britannique, Oxford Street, va devenir piétonne. Cette artère emblématique du shopping londonien, située entre Marble Arch et Tottenham Court Road, longue de plus d'un kilomètre et bordée de près de 300 magasins, accueille jusqu'à un demi-million de visiteurs par jour lors des périodes de fêtes.Et pourtant, elle reste aujourd'hui traversée par la circulation automobile.Cela pourrait changer dès l'été 2026. Après deux consultations publiques ayant recueilli plus de 2 700 avis, la majorité des participants s'est prononcée en faveur de la fermeture à la circulation. Même certains commerçants, initialement réticents, soutiennent désormais le projet.Car les craintes des commerces face aux piétonniers reposent souvent sur une perception biaisée. Plusieurs études montrent que les commerçants surestiment largement la proportion de clients venant en voiture.Pourquoi cette erreur d'appréciation ?D'abord parce que beaucoup de commerçants eux-mêmes se déplacent en voiture. Ensuite parce qu'ils entendent régulièrement des automobilistes se plaindre du manque de stationnement. Ces remarques, répétées, finissent par influencer leur vision.Mais les chiffres racontent souvent une autre histoire. À Nancy, par exemple, des commerçants pensaient que 77 % de leurs clients venaient en voiture. En réalité, ils n'étaient que 35 %. La majorité des visiteurs arrivait à pied, en transports en commun ou à vélo.La perception ne correspond donc pas toujours aux faits.À Bruxelles, le piétonnier du boulevard Anspach illustre bien cette évolution. Chaque jour, il attire environ 35 000 personnes, soit 6 000 de plus qu'en 2024. Il est devenu la deuxième artère la plus fréquentée de la capitale après la Rue Neuve.En dix ans, la population du centre-ville a augmenté de 20 %. Les étages de nombreux commerces ont été réaménagés en logements, contribuant à redynamiser le quartier.Bien sûr, les piétonniers ne sont pas exempts de critiques. On évoque parfois la propreté, la mendicité ou un sentiment d'insécurité. Mais là encore, il est important de distinguer les impressions des données objectives.Les bénéfices, eux, sont tangibles : Moins de bruit. Moins de pollution. Plus d'espace pour flâner, se rencontrer, découvrir les commerces autrement.Cette tendance ne concerne pas que Londres ou Bruxelles. Namur prévoit d'étendre son piétonnier cette année, tout comme Liège. En province de Luxembourg, Marche-en-Famenne développe des projets intégrant davantage la mobilité douce.Le gouvernement wallon a même adopté un “Plan d'action Wallonie piétonne 2030”, visant à encourager les déplacements à pied, notamment pour les trajets courts de 2 à 5 kilomètres.Au fond, transformer une rue en espace piéton, ce n'est pas simplement interdire les voitures. C'est repenser la manière dont on habite la ville. Redonner la priorité aux humains plutôt qu'aux moteurs.Oxford Street sans voitures ? L'idée semblait impensable il y a quelques années. Elle pourrait bientôt devenir une réalité. Et peut-être, à terme, un nouveau modèle urbain.Vous aimez ce contenu ? Alors n'hésitez pas à vous abonner, à lui donner des étoiles et à partager ce podcast autour de vous. Ça nous aide à nous faire connaitre et à essaimer les idées constructives qui rendent le monde plus joli ! Une chronique signée Leslie Rijmenams à retrouver (aussi) sur Nostalgie et www.nostalgie.be

Greens win Gorton & Denton by-election, Soham murderer seriously injured in prison attack, and Oxford Street to be pedestrianised.

a new life-sciences flex lands in King's Cross as Genomics opens up shop in the Knowledge Quarter and shows off agentic AI for drug discovery. The government claims it's finally speeding up cyber fixes across public services — about time — and O2 starts selling a satellite bolt-on powered by Starlink for those “why do I pay for this contract?” dead zones. After that, NASA turns the Solar System into an audio experience you can actually listen to, and in gaming, it's launch day for Resident Evil Requiem — so dodge spoilers like it's Oxford Street at rush hour. More at standard.co.uk, and follow Tech and Science Daily from The Standard for your weekday briefing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

La qualità dell'aria nelle nostre città sta continuando a migliorare di anno in anno e nel 2025 pochissime hanno superato i limiti. Anche se con l'introduzione di limiti più severi nel 2030 andranno fatti ulteriori miglioramenti. Poi andiamo a Londra, dove la storica via di Oxford Street diventa pedonale. In Messico invece si riducono le ore lavorative, anche ancora non si può parlare di settimana corta. Infine chiudiamo alle Galápagos, con il ritorno delle tartarughe giganti a Floreana dopo 180 anni: un ripristino ecologico letteralmente gigantesco.INDICE:00:00:00 - Sommario00:00:59 - L'aria delle nostre città è sempre più pulita00:08:58 - Approvata a Londra la pedonalizzazione di Oxford Street00:12:31 - In Messico sbarca la settimana "corta"00:16:10 - Il record delle rinnovabili in Portogallo00:17:14 - Il ritorno delle tartarughe giganti alle GalapagosFonti: https://www.italiachecambia.org/podcast/aria-citta-sempre-piu-pulita/Abbonati a Italia che Cambia: https://www.italiachecambia.org/abbonati/ Vuoi sostenere Io Non Mi Rassegno? Abbonati a Italia che Cambia.

Shownotes are AI slop as usual. It's a week late cause nobody bothered to tell me it was recorded. Apologies for lack of freshness. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------Jack the Insider and Hong Kong Jack are back for Episode 144, recorded on 12 February. It's Liberal Party leadership spill eve and the boys break down whether Angus Taylor has the numbers to end Susan Ley's tenure — and what sort of baggage he'll carry into the job. From there: a landmark High Court ruling on the Catholic Church's duty of care for survivors of clergy abuse; the protests surrounding Israeli President Isaac Herzog's visit to Australia; the widening Epstein-Mandelson catastrophe engulfing Keir Starmer; the slow collapse of the Washington Post; Japan's election result and its implications for China; and a packed sports segment covering the T20 World Cup, AFL State of Origin, the Rugby World Cup opener, and the Winter Olympics.Show Notes & Timestamps

In this short conversation recorded at the new Puma store in Oxford Street, I sit down with Rose Harvey to talk honestly about returning from injury.We cover the mental challenges of being sidelined, rebuilding confidence, trusting the process when fitness feels far away, and how to approach the early stages of getting back into training without rushing or forcing it.A grounded, relatable listen for any runner navigating injury, setbacks, or the long road back to enjoying the sport again.

Episode 15 - The Courage to Dream - Margarita Mitchel Pollock explores sensitivity as a strength and the power of kindness, also featuring a special reading of Geoff Thompson's An Angel on Oxford Street by Christopher Eccleston. Disclaimer: Please note that all information and content on the UK Health Radio Network, all its radio broadcasts and podcasts are provided by the authors, producers, presenters and companies themselves and is only intended as additional information to your general knowledge. As a service to our listeners/readers our programs/content are for general information and entertainment only.  The UK Health Radio Network does not recommend, endorse, or object to the views, products or topics expressed or discussed by show hosts or their guests, authors and interviewees.  We suggest you always consult with your own professional – personal, medical, financial or legal advisor. So please do not delay or disregard any professional – personal, medical, financial or legal advice received due to something you have heard or read on the UK Health Radio Network.

There's a tradition among poets to write a poem to put inside the Christmas cards they send. So, the BBC World Service has commissioned one specially from the poet, dramatist and novelist, Michael Symmons Roberts whose Christian faith is important to his identity and work. But his art is not a direct expression of this, and instead he follows the poet Emily Dickinson's instruction to ‘Tell all the truth but tell it slant'.Michael has just become a grandfather, so feels keenly the happiness of the arrival of a cherished child, creating a parallel between his own life and the Christmas story of the birth of Jesus. For In the Studio Julian May follows Michael's creative process as he grapples huge spiritual and personal themes – distilling them to a length which can fit on a Christmas card: a daunting but joyful task.The programme begins with London's Oxford Street, where consumerism triggers preparations a full three months before Christmas - and ends with the sealing of the Christmas cards before they are popped into the post box.

Le Groupe Dynamite, qui connaît un grand succès économique, ouvrira un magasin sur la célèbre et prestigieuse Oxford Street à Londres et cible des centres commerciaux haut de gamme dans le monde. Écoutez la chroniqueuse économie Marie-Eve Fournier discuter de la stratégie d'expansion de la compagnie, mercredi, lors de sa chronique financière au micro de Patrick Lagacé. Voir https://www.cogecomedia.com/vie-privee pour notre politique de vie privée

Self confessed "shoe obsessive" Daniel Rubin launched fashion brand Dune London more than 30 years ago. Since then the brand has expanded from a shop on Oxford Street to locations across more than 130 countries.In this week's episode, Rubin discusses his new book - Sole Survivor: How I Built a Global Shoe Brand, which documents the brand's journey and the leadership lessons he learned along the way. He also dives into the challenges facing the modern day fashion industry.Credits:Presenter: Éilis CroninProducer: Inga MarsdenArtwork: Jenny Hardy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's Tech and Science Daily from The Standard, we look at Puma's massive new Oxford Street flagship store, Stansted and Southend finally joining London's contactless rail network, and how wetter winters are forcing the UK transport system to adapt. We also speak to Tim Johnson from the Civil Aviation Authority about staying safe from Travel Tuesday holiday scams, break down HSBC's new AI partnership with French startup Mistral AI, and run through December's biggest game releases – plus the best Cyber Monday tech deals for Londoners.For all the latest news, head to standard.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

​ @RitualsCosmeticsGlobal  has opened its newest flagship at 297 Oxford Street, London. And it's unlike anything the brand has built before.In this exclusive tour and interview, Alex Rezvan sits down with:• Annemarie Forsyth — Managing Director UK & Ireland• Richard Lems — Executive Director Format & DesignTogether, they reveal the design philosophy, customer-experience thinking, community strategy and the technology mindset that shaped this extraordinary store.You'll hear the story behind removing an entire floor to create a soaring atrium, how the Water Island anchors the brand experience, why the Mind Oasis is already fully booked for days, and how Rituals views the next five years of retail through wellbeing, community, and immersive physical spaces.If you're in London, Rituals Oxford Street opens today.

For the millions that walk Oxford Street or Regent Street each year, Oxford Circus is known as thaat junction of the two - but there is so much more to that intersection! Join us to learn more.....

London at Christmas (with Dave Groll)I am stepping in while Sascha takes a short break, and I am taking you on a glittering whirl through London's festive season. From what is open and what is closed over Christmas to the city's most magical light displays, I will help you plan a stress-free, sparkle-filled wander.In this episode, I cover:What is open vs. closed over ChristmasThe best Christmas lights and festive spots: Leadenhall Market, Belgravia, Bond Street, Covent Garden, Oxford Street, Carnaby Street, Southbank, The Shard, Marylebone Village, Regent Street, Old Spitalfields Market, and SohoHow to see it all on a Christmas lights bus tourA royal nod at Buckingham PalaceA grand day trip to Blenheim PalaceLinks & ContactChristmas Lights Bus Tour (in the show notes): https://guided.london/christmaslightstourQuestions or itinerary help? WhatsApp me at +44 7700 182299More London tips: seeyouin.london'Grab something warm, plug in, and let us chase the glow together. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Slip off Oxford Street and into another world – chandeliers, Rembrandts, and the best cakes in Marylebone. Housed in a stately mansion on Manchester Square, the Wallace Collection is London's most beautiful secret: an 18th-century treasure chest of art, armour, and elegance. A museum that still feels like a home – and, thanks to Rick Mather's sunlit café, the sweetest spot in the city for tea.

What does it take to build one of the world's most loved ethical brands without losing your principles?In this episode, I sit down with Rowena Bird, co-founder of Lush, to talk about the 30-year journey of growing from a small shop in Poole to a global retail brand with over 900 stores worldwide. Rowena shares how Lush has managed to scale without outside investors, why they've never compromised on values, and what it really takes to stay true to your ethics in business.From selling stock at car boot sales to opening flagship stores on Oxford Street and donating over £100 million to grassroots charities, Rowena's story is proof that a business can thrive by doing good. We discuss the lessons she's learned about scaling slowly, building a family-run business, and choosing people and partnerships based on trust rather than profit.She also opens up about Lush's bold decision to leave social media, their commitment to fair trade and cruelty-free products, and how innovation continues to shape their future with concepts like Lush Hair Labs and safe hair dyes.This episode is a must-listen for founders, ethical entrepreneurs, and anyone questioning whether you can stay true to your principles and still build something big.Key TakeawaysGrow with control. Scale step-by-step so you always understand your business before expanding.Hold your values firm. Never trade ethics for margin. Protect your principles, even when it costs more.Choose people over profit. Work with partners you like and trust. Strong relationships sustain a business.Stay innovative. Keep experimenting with products and experiences that align with your mission.Make impact part of business. Lush has donated £100 million to grassroots charities while remaining profitable.

Rituals' Richard Lems reveals how the brand designs slow shopping at scale—lighting, layouts, and refits that reuse ~60% of furniture—plus the Oxford Street flagship and Mind Oasis.About this episodeWe cover global consistency, the system of rolling improvements, sustainability baked into fixtures, and creative leadership habits you can steal tomorrow.Guest: Richard Lems, Executive Director, Format & Design — Rituals.

Micko Westmoreland in conversation with David Eastaugh https://landlinerecords.com https://www.facebook.com/MickoMellotronic/ The Mellotronics formed in 2017 with the intention of turning Micko Westmoreland's songwriting skills into a dynamic live prospect. Expanding from their initial three piece to the current four strong line up, the band sees Micko's rabble rousing vocals and spiky, agitational guitar work augmented perfectly by the crack squad of drummer Nick Mackay of hotly tipped rock duo Barricades, Owls of Now's Vicky Carroll providing immovable bassline solidity and the intricate, effects-soaked fretwork of Jon Klein (Siouxsie & The Banshees, Specimen). Since then they've been busy cutting their teeth with a series of shows around the capital and beyond, making return visits to the 100 Club in Oxford Street and earning multiple requests for support slots from acts as established as Evan Dando (Lemonheads), David Devant & His Spirit Wife, Blue Orchids, Sheep on Drugs, The Television Personalities and The Monochrome Set. Bringing a new dimension of sharp and economic post-punk/new wave attitude to the diverse Westmoreland songbook, they've been already been favourably compared to The Jam, Pil and Wire as well as the mean, lean but undeniably powerful sound of young bucks like Idles or Shame.  

On Monday the 12th of May 2008 at 4:45pm, two gangs clashed outside of the McDonald's on Oxford Street, London, leaving one man, 22-year-old Steven Bigby dead. It was the epitome of pointless, yet it became a mere footnote when the press realised what he was charged with. It was a crime so heinous, some said his killing was his just comeuppance, especially given how lightly his co-defendants were sentenced. But were any of this brutal gang properly punished for their heinous crime?Location #1: 27 Antill Road, Tottenham, London, N15Date: Wednesday 9th of January 2008 (attack on Girl A)Location #2: McDonald's, 185 Oxford Street, Soho, W1Date: Monday the 12th of May 2008 at 4:45pm (Steven's murder)Victims: 'GIrl A'Culprits #1: Rogel McMorris, Jason Brew and Hector Muaimba (convicted), Culprits #2: Anthony Costa (convicted of Steven Bigby's murder)This episode features a promo of Broken: The Black Dahlia Murder. Five time nominated at the True Crime Awards, Independent Podcast Awards and the British Podcast Awards, Murder Mile is one of the best UK / British true crime podcasts covering only 20 square miles of West London. It is researched, written and performed by Michael of Murder Mile UK True Crime Podcast with the main musical themes written and performed by Erik Stein and Jon Boux of Cult With No Name and additional music, as used under the Creative Commons License 4.0. A full listing of tracks used and a full transcript for each episode is listed here and a legal disclaimer.For links click hereTo subscribe via Patreon, click here Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/murdermile. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hairdressers descended upon Oxford Street on October 8th, 1906 to witness Karl Nessler's first public demonstration of his pioneering new ‘perm' - a style which didn't have its heyday until some eighty years later. Creating a long-lasting curl had been a goal for many stylists over the decades, but Nessler had hit upon a winning combination of technique and chemicals. He achieved this by subjecting his wife, Catherine, to a seemingly endless onslaught of painful and laborious experiments. In this episode, Arion, Rebecca and Olly reveal the system of weights, pulleys and chandeliers that facilitated these early experiments; discuss the parallel movement for (yet more risky) chemical relaxers in the African-American community; and compare notes on the weirdest hairdos they've permitted on their own heads...  Further Reading: • ‘The Story Of Hair and The Nessler Wave' (Timeless Tales, 2018): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Pi11YxY4ww • ‘Inside the heated history of the permanent wave machine' (The State Museum of Pennsylvania): http://statemuseumpa.org/wave-machine/ • ‘Making waves: Celebrating the centenary of the perm' (The Times, 2006): https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/making-waves-tnttbrtt30n This episode first aired in 2021 Love the show? Support us!  Join 

I was in London today and paid the new flagship Space NK another visit.There are a good few brand that talk a good talk but don't necessarily offer value for money BUT there are also some absolute gems.In this episode I'll talk you through the products that I rate and love.

In this episode of Style DNA I go on a style journey with the celebrated author, entrepreneur and television personality Jo Wood. Her life has been steeped in rock n roll having spent 24 years married to Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood. Jo left home at 16 to become a model, was married for the first time at 17 and had her first child at 18. Jo hilariously recounts meeting Ronnie at a party having “never been a Rolling Stones fan” …he followed her around the party and asked her where she worked. Having a laugh, she told him she worked on the broken biscuit counter at Woolworths on Oxford Street.  When she arrived home the following day she was greeted by a slightly confused Ronnie who had been waiting outside Woolworths for her… the rest is history. She spent years on the road with Ronnie and the Stones, often travelling with no fewer than 12 suitcases when they toured for a year at a time She clearly loved styling him and doing his wardrobing on stage, whilst respecting the Mick hierarchy in terms of looks… She has always had a passion for vintage fashion…and over the years she has clearly collected some amazing pieces that are obviously a diary of her life that she will probably never part with. For our interview she is sporting an 80's Saint Laurent tiger printed velvet jacket that looks as cool today as it must have done when designed… She laughs at herself when she recounts going on a pilgrimage to Tibet with Sadhguru. Meeting him the morning of their departure he told her that she would be carrying everything she needed on her back.  She had to edit her suitcase down in the hotel lobby to just enough clothes to fit in her backpack and how liberating that was…she didn't miss any of her extra “stuff”…there is probably a lesson there? Never one to take herself too seriously, Jo tells me that her worst fashion moment was probably  post-divorce and being caught on camera in a see through top that was seemingly opaque at home but under the power of flashlights completely see through. Thank you Jo Wood for being such an entertaining guest xx

President Trump has hailed Charlie Kirk as an American martyr. More than sixty thousand people attended a memorial service for the right-wing activist which was also described as a political rally. He was called a MAGA warrior and his widow, Erika, delivered a tearful speech in which she spoke of forgiveness. Also: Israel says there will never be a Palestinian state despite its recognition by western countries, South Korea's president says that the North could temporarily keep its existing nuclear weapons as part of a deal, the BBC gains rare access to war-torn Sudan, and Europe's busiest shopping street goes traffic-free for a day but can this change the fortunes of London's Oxford Street?The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking news you need to hear, as it happens. Listen for the latest headlines and current affairs from around the world. Politics, economics, climate, business, technology, health – we cover it all with expert analysis and insight. Get the news that matters, delivered twice a day on weekdays and daily at weekends, plus special bonus episodes reacting to urgent breaking stories. Follow or subscribe now and never miss a moment.

From the BBC World Service: In his first broadcast interview since taking office, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung talked about the potential impact of the expulsion of Korean workers from a U.S. battery plant. Also on today's show: more disruption is expected at airports in Europe following a cyberattack; we do the numbers on costs associated with Europe's spate of wildfires this summer; and London's Oxford Street, one of the world's busiest shopping areas, went car-free for a day.

From the BBC World Service: In his first broadcast interview since taking office, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung talked about the potential impact of the expulsion of Korean workers from a U.S. battery plant. Also on today's show: more disruption is expected at airports in Europe following a cyberattack; we do the numbers on costs associated with Europe's spate of wildfires this summer; and London's Oxford Street, one of the world's busiest shopping areas, went car-free for a day.

In this live episode, recorded at Newcastle Comedy Club, Frankie Fearce (she/they) returns!   We discuss excessive co-worker allyship, overly inquisitive cab drivers, Oxford Street dance floors, Glee queer awakenings, audience pride anthems, The Goofy Movie soundtrack, corporate greed of pride season, being gay and sober and trying to make friends, Frankie's upcoming projects, and another limelight-stealing story from Frankie and from an audience member, Fish!  

Five Things Friday (UK) with the incredible Simone Oloman — • Adaptive fashion at Asda • JLP's H1 turnaround plan • AI trolleys at Morrisons • Barbour × FARM Rio • Oxford Street car‑free dayThis week we break down five UK retail stories shaping the Golden Quarter: George at Asda's 28‑piece adaptive clothing line (inspired by the late Nicky Newman), John Lewis Partnership's H1 results and investment push, Instacart's Caper smart trolleys landing at Morrisons, Barbour's joyful collab with FARM Rio, and Oxford Street going traffic‑free on Sunday 21 September (12–8).Chapters00:00 Cold open00:10 Welcome & volume note01:37 Story 1 – George at Asda: adaptive clothing (inspired by Nicky Newman)04:02 Story 2 – John Lewis Partnership H1 results & investment07:03 Story 3 – Morrisons x Instacart: AI smart trolleys (Caper Carts)09:03 Story 4 – Barbour x FARM Rio collaboration11:49 Story 5 – Oxford Street traffic-free day (Sun 21 Sep, 12–8)12:54 Week ahead & sign-offLinks & sourcesRequested sources (credited)- Asda – Adaptive clothing range (press release): https://corporate.asda.com/newsroom/2025/08/09/new-george-at-asda-adaptive-clothing-range-honours-legacy-of-nicky-newman- John Lewis Partnership – Half‑Year Results 2025/26 (official PDF): https://www.johnlewispartnership.co.uk/content/dam/cws/pdfs/Juniper/HYR2025/JLP-Half-Year-Results-2025-26.pdf- Instacart & Morrisons – AI shopping trolleys (press release): https://investors.instacart.com/news-releases/news-release-details/instacart-and-morrisons-bring-ai-powered-shopping-trolleys-uk- Barbour × FARM Rio – collection page: https://farmrio.uk/collections/barbour-farm-rio?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22739867213&gbraid=0AAAAAqwOh7SWH-U6wP_HlnLlKJv7T42Go&gclid=CjwKCAjwiY_GBhBEEiwAFaghvkqYhKTWY4Pqn-CPlKL0aY-NSzPOwEIdwgYLrDhBUunQXqz1DXqEIRoC7jwQAvD_BwE- Nicky Newman – Instagram post referenced: https://www.instagram.com/p/DN7uPz1jf6-/Asda adaptive:- https://corporate.asda.com/newsroom/2025/08/09/new-george-at-asda-adaptive-clothing-range-honours-legacy-of-nicky-newman- https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2025/09/asda-george-adaptive-clothing/John Lewis H1:- https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/britains-john-lewis-track-full-year-profit-growth-2025-09-11/- https://www.ft.com/content/23e3ed3e-1055-47b2-a967-2a994e61a6caMorrisons x Instacart:- https://www.instacart.com/company/pressreleases/instacart-and-morrisons-bring-ai-powered-shopping-trolleys-to-the-uk/- https://chainstoreage.com/morrisons-launch-first-uk-pilot-instacart-smart-cartsBarbour x FARM Rio:- https://www.barbour.com/us/farm-rio.htmlOxford Street 21 Sep:- https://www.london.gov.uk/media-centre/mayors-press-release/mayor-invites-londoners-to-experience-oxford-street-like-youve-never-seen-it-before-as-street-is-transformed-and-made-traffic-free-for-landmark-event- https://tfl.gov.uk/status-updates/major-works-and-events/oxford-street-traffic-free-eventWaitrose BCC & awards:- https://www.johnlewispartnership.media/news/waitrose/07042025/waitrose-becomes-first-supermarket-to-set-new-benchmark-for-better-chicken-welfare-standards- https://thegrocergoldawards.co.uk/live/en/page/winners-2025HostsAlex — helps organisations that sell to the retail industry stay relevant with credible thought leadership.Co‑host: Simone Oloman — co‑founder & CEO, Need It For Tonight (NIFT).Support the show• Subscribe on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify• Join the newsletter: RetailNews.AI• Be a guest or partner: hello@theretailpodcast.comEditor's noteWe've re‑balanced the intro music to align with broadcast loudness targets (see notes below).DisclosuresNo paid placements in this episode. Affiliate links may appear in the description or on our

Geoff and Marie's Good Life: Part 3Busy WeekCan a retired couple's plan for sharing hubby work?Based on posts by Only In My Mind, in 15 parts. Listen to the Podcast at Explicit Novels.List of main characters.Geoff:   retired materials scientist. Mid-sixties. 5 foot 10 inch, ex amateur rugby player, still swims, runs and walks to keep fit. More than adequately equipped to satisfy his wife.Marie:   retired modern languages lecturer. Same age as her husband, Geoff. 5 foot 2 inch voluptuous build, with D cup tits and proportionate bum and hips. Shoulder length brown hair, brown eyes and olive skin inherited from her French grandmother.Angie:   possibly retired mathematician (may still be involved in intelligence gathering, she won't discuss her work). Early sixties. 5 foot 10 inch, slender athletic build. Firm B cup tits, brown hair and famously dirty mind.Mike:   research biochemist. Mid-fifties. 6 foot 1 inch, also rugby player. Good looking for his age.After they had left I wandered into the living room and started scrolling through the TV guide. Marie eventually joined me. I acknowledged her, but didn't speak. I got a feeling that any comment, at all, from me would be dissected, analyzed and found wanting."Say something then," she snapped."Okay," I replied. "Which would you rather watch, The News or House Of Games?""You know what I meant," she almost snarled."Do you know?" I responded. "I don't think that I do. I was willing to join a trial of a brand new drug, that I only need because you have this insane idea that my cock is the sexual equivalent of a charitable food bank: But do I get any thanks? Do I fuck! I just get attitude."I asked Mike out for a drink to get his opinion on vitamins and supplements to help a man in his sixties have better sex. He offered the trial place. You and Angie were both too drunk to talk sense to on the way home and we spent the rest of the time until you left this morning playing sex games with your mate or asleep."So, if my little Mediterranean princess isn't happy, the answer is simple. You ring Angie and tell her this weekend was a one-off and will never happen again. I will ring Craig and tell him I won't need his fucking drug after all, and the girls will have to find their own source of cock: Because you're having a tantrum."Now, I'm off to the pub. At least people will talk to me in a civil tone of voice there. Good job we made the bed in the spare room. I assume that's where I'll be sleeping for the foreseeable future. Enjoy the rest of your evening."And I left.I spent a couple of hours at the pub, though I only had two pints. I wasn't there to get hammered, just to calm down. The problem Marie and I have is reflected in our fields of study. She is about language; she can translate complex emotions by choosing the right words so that the true meanings are transferred between folks with no common tongue. I admire that. But sometimes she thinks that words can tell you everything.I am a scientist; I don't trust just words to tell me what I need to know; people have their own agendas: They use words to aggrandize themselves or for mischief, profit or power. I need data; evidence.Marie's concerns about new drugs were valid in part, but had been blown up by half-truths and downright lies on the internet. I had gone to a biochemist who actually understood the science and was familiar with the data and I asked for his advice. How did that work out for me? I was sat on my own in the pub while my wife was at home hating me.I looked at my watch. Half past eight. Honestly, I couldn't face another pint so I strolled home. I took out my key and opened the door; at least she hadn't changed the locks. I resisted the temptation to call out, "Hi, honey. I'm home." Probably too soon for that. I settled for, "It's only me."No reply, but there was a light on in the living room so I looked in. Marie was kneeling on the floor in the center of the room, hands in her lap, facing the door. When I moved forwards to see what was going on, she bent her head as if in prayer. What the fuck?"I'm sorry," she said quietly, straightening up. "I'm not going to ask you to spank me the way you did Angie yesterday, that was a game. This is too serious."She looked angry, but at herself. "I have spent decades of my life campaigning for women's right to control their own bodies and reproductive choices. But the first time I am confronted by you, a man, making a similar choice, I abuse you. If nothing else, that was total hypocrisy. Again, I'm so sorry."You have been nothing but supportive of my wish to make my friends happy, even though you've had your own concerns. I know the thought of having other women in your bed must have intrigued you, but you've always been more worried about damaging our marriage and resisted all the way."I am genuinely worried that this drug may damage you somehow but, if you give your word that you have considered the risks, I will leave the decision with you. Can you accept my apology?"I held out my hand and helped her to her feet. "Thank you. That was the most sincere apology I've ever heard. Of course, I accept. But why did you decide to make it like that? On your knees?"She thought before she replied. "When we were playing submissive spanky games with Angie, I didn't; engage with it the way she did, but I did feel different. I had chosen to give control to you because I trust you and I was; content."I was a bitch to you this afternoon, when you didn't deserve it so I decided to show you how much I regretted it. I decided to kneel in front of you to show the same respect today. I trust you. I should have trusted your decision. I needed you to see, as well as hear the words, how sorry I am."She looked carefully at me. "Tomorrow morning we either do or do not make those telephone calls. I've forfeited the right to choose," she said. "Do you want me to call Angie?"Honestly, I wasn't sure. Was this just the first of many arguments that we could avoid by just ditching the whole dumb idea? She looked stricken when I didn't respond straight away, but she said nothing as I weighed up the risks. I was balancing my marriage, my wife's happiness and my health against unknown outcomes. Even Angie admitted that her super-brain couldn't predict what would happen if we went ahead.I took a deep breath. "Fuck it! Let's just do it. I love you and if I get to fuck four, five or even all six of your friends to make you happy, I'd be insane not to. You must understand, though. If my enthusiasm for having sex with your friends starts to make you doubt my love for you, you have to tell me and we have to stop."In return, if I think that you are becoming emotionally over-attached to one or more of the women you are fucking. We stop. Are we agreed?"She stepped up and put her arms around me. "Agreed. Now, do you want to come upstairs and let me give you a more; intimate apology? I seem to remember that you were rejected twice this morning. That doesn't seem fair. As you aren't going to be in the spare bed tonight after all, I could practice those oral sex techniques that Angie showed me on you."As we made our way upstairs I told Marie that I needed the bathroom before we did anything else and Marie asked if I had ever considered 'water-sports'. For a confused moment I puzzled over why we were suddenly discussing paddle-boarding as a prelude to sex. Then I got the reference."Where the fuck did that come from?" I asked, stunned. After all, she'd never seen anything dirtier than Game Of Thrones until last month."You showed me how to access porn safely on the internet and I've found sites that describe and show people using piss in sex games," she replied airily. "If you have a bladder full of beer and you want to try, then I'm willing to submit as part of my atonement.""But do you find that arousing?" I asked.She was silent while she thought carefully. "I didn't at the time, but now I wonder if I might like to try one day. Maybe not now, unless you want to.""No. Not today." I said, "This gorgeous brunette with big boobs has promised me a blow-job to remember. Let's revisit this conversation another day."In the bathroom I unloaded my two pints of craft beer down the toilet bowl, rather than over my wife, then, after giving little (not that little) Geoffrey a good shake and a wash, I went to the bedroom, to find Marie sitting naked on our bed. She gestured for me to go to her and it seemed rude not to, so I did.She smiled at me as she started to unbuckle my belt. "Do you enjoy it when your wife wants only to submit and to pleasure you?""To be honest," I replied. "It's pretty much freaking me out." She looked at me quizzically. "Well," I said, a bit defensively, "It's not something I'm used to, I don't understand the boundaries and I know it isn't a role that particularly turns you on."By now she had my trousers unfastened and had them and my underwear around my ankles. I stepped out and pulled my polo shirt off. We were both naked and little Geoff was getting bigger."I understand," she said. "Games later; sex now." She started by licking my shaft from base to tip.Now, Marie has never shied away from sucking my cock, and I had never had anyone better to use as a comparison, until Angie the previous morning. Angie has always been hugely competitive so, when it came to oral sex, she had to be the best; and she was; she was Olympic standard. Fortunately she was also a generous friend who gave my wife a master-class (mistress-class?) only twenty four hours ago.Marie was a quick learner. Rather than going straight down on me, as I would have been delighted with previously, now she tormented me; licking along my length; vacuuming my balls into her mouth and molding them with her tongue. Eventually, when I was about to burst with exquisite frustration, she took me in her mouth and massaged my bulb with her tongue. Then she, literally, swallowed me. Her nose was pressed up against my belly and my balls were on her chin. Where the fuck my cock was, I truly could not imagine. But it felt fucking amazing.It felt good but, on the other hand, it sounded awful; all I could hear was her choking and gagging as she worked me back and forth into her throat but I couldn't pull away: she wouldn't let go of me. At last she slackened her hold on my hips and I pulled out of her mouth. Covered in pints of drool.She looked up at me, almost shyly, as if seeking approval. I wasn't going to make her ask. "That was fucking amazing. Now I want to taste you."Some people think that this is such a cliché: Woman sucks man, man sucks woman, then they fuck. If I had put my cock into Marie at that moment, I would have come before I was halfway in. So not only was I giving my wife pleasure, and I love going down on her anyway, but I was giving myself a moment to recover in order to extend our love-making.Normally I would have laid between her thighs to kiss her cunt, but we seemed to be pushing boundaries of late, so I got her to roll onto her belly with her bum raised. If you have never gone down on your woman like this, do it at least once if only for the view. My view was spectacular. My wife's glorious round ass with her truly adorable vulva peeking between her cheeks. It gave me an almost spiritual joy to behold.I started with her labia, acknowledging her clit but not over-stimulating it, and then moving to her anus. We've never really played bottom games before, but Marie's fascination tonight with; unconventional sex prompted me to experiment. Tonight I truly focused my oral attention on that little sphincter though my hands were permanently up to mischief elsewhere. Once I was satisfied she was happy with my efforts, I straightened up and rubbed my cock at her front door."About fucking time," she gasped. "I was going to start without you.""Oh, be quiet you randy old tart," I replied cheerfully as I slid completely into her. "If you're just going to complain, I won't do this."So saying I pushed my index finger, already well lubricated courtesy of Marie's cunt, into her tight little bum hole.She squealed with a mixture of horror and delight as my digit slipped easily into that place where the sun truly don't shine. At this point I was wishing that her hair was long enough for a pony tail for me to pull on, not just because that seemed to be a common trope in anal sex porn, but because I only had one hand left to pull her onto my cock and, honestly, I thought using the finger up her ass to do it seemed; crude.On the up side though, because we weren't actually 'doggy-style', I was fucking my wife down into the pillow so I consoled myself by just putting my spare hand on her bum, more to support me than anything else.So there we were, Marie with her head on the pillow and her ass in the air, me kneeling behind her with my cock in her cunt and my finger in her bum, both of us naked, horny, and loving every minute of this. No kids to burst in on us mid-fuck, no fear of pregnancy and no need to give a shit what the neighbors would think. We were putting the 'sex' into 'sexagenarian'.I started moving my cock in and out in my favorite long strokes. I think I'd read that the vagina is most sensitive near its entrance so I wanted to get the widest part of my cock stimulating her there as much as possible. Then I'd push my entire length in so she would feel full. I tried to move my finger in and out of her anus at the same time. I did my best, but it was like trying to rub your belly while you're patting your head. Still, Marie seemed to appreciate the effort. She was so wet with arousal that there seemed hardly any friction between us but her vaginal muscles were gripping me like an internal fist. She grunted as she pushed back against me as well as she could. We lasted longer than I expected but eventually we both got there."Oh, fuck;” She gasped, "I'm so; So close; Just touch me; There; Oh, yes; Just; Like; Ah!"Her orgasm was so intense and she gripped me so hard that I came too within less than a minute. I hadn't realized that vaginal and anal muscles seem to be on the same circuit. But when Marie's cunt muscles gripped my cock, her sphincter clamped onto my finger too. I managed to extract the offending digit from his naughty place and collapsed on the bed next to my wife, both of us trying to catch our breath."You dirty old bugger," she said. "What made you decide to do that now?""I'm not altogether sure," I replied truthfully. "But it's occurred to me a couple of times this weekend that I've kissed that little opening while I've been pleasuring both you and Angie, but I've never really done more than that. And I wanted to do it with you. Tonight seemed like the right time.""Mmm," she responded. "Well, just so you know, it's okay to keep that in your repertoire."I made a quick trip to the bathroom to wash hands and cock then climbed into bed to spoon my drowsy wife. As she dozed off, while I played with her boobs I started to think about what having sex with different women would mean to me. I mean, come on, different libidos, different erogenous zones, potentially different 'no-go' areas and, more interestingly different kinks. Marie had a well-intentioned idea, but muggins here had to deliver. And I wanted to do it properly so I slowly and surely drew my plans.TuesdayWe slept in a little that morning so we only had time for a quick missionary fuck to greet the day. Then we used the bathroom and went down to breakfast together. Over tea and toast we chatted about plans for the day. Now UK readers of a certain age will understand, but for everyone else, you might need to know this. British garden centers are often a weekly destination of choice for retirees. Yes they sell plants, and Brits are inveterate gardeners, but they also sell seasonal goods, artisan produce and have great coffee shops. Today though, I offered an alternative to our usual haunt."I think that we should go to a naughty shop." I suggested."Because?" Prompted Marie."Well, last night, after shagging you into unconsciousness, I was thinking about your, our, plan." I paused. "So far we have proved that you can cope seeing me screw another woman, and you can take pleasure with another woman yourself, and we've prepped the beds for lots of sex but;” I hesitated again."Go on," she urged me gently. "Let me see where you're going with this.""It's just that I barely know most of your friends, apart from Angie, and the reality is that we aren't even going on a date before I fuck them. I've no idea what turns them on or anything. Talk about going in unprepared. So I thought, we'd need lube and stuff, so why not a few toys too, to lighten the mood?"She sat back, "Oh, shit! Now I understand why you've not been nearly as excited as I expected. I've been so caught up in this fantasy of my friends all having the same great sex as me," she looked embarrassed. "But I did just what Angie said. She said we were discussing you the same way that the men we despised talk about women. But instead of tits and cunts, just as a cock with a man attached!"She burst into tears. "I'm supposed to be your wife," she sobbed. "I'm supposed to cherish you. But no, I'm just so excited about pimping you out to my friends that I forgot all about your feelings and fears. Fuck! What a bitch I am. Why do you even stay with me?"She ran from the room, tears streaming down her face. Maybe I should have gone after her, but she knew where I was when she was ready. Obviously, being British I made a cup of tea for myself and got one ready for Marie for when she emerged. After I'd finished my drink and eaten my Hobnob biscuit I went past our bedroom on the way to the loo and I could hear her speaking softly on her phone, her voice still breaking with emotion.On the way back downstairs I tapped on the door and looked in. She glanced up through tear stained eyes. I asked her if she wanted me to make her a cuppa. She nodded and told me that she'd be down shortly, after she'd been to the bathroom.She looked a little better when she came down. I shouted to her that I'd got her drink in the living room and she joined me there.She sighed. "We can't keep on like this, can we? I ruined our day yesterday, I've sobbed my heart out this morning for treating you like a whore and tomorrow you're going to join a drug trial: When all you actually wanted was to make love to your wife again."I said; nothing. She needed to work through this herself. Platitudes wouldn't help. Eventually she looked at me. "Geoff, tell me honestly, do you want to sleep with my friends?"I sat forward in my seat. "You have offered me most men's fantasy. A nearly open marriage where I am allowed to have sex with multiple women, and I don't have to think about you with other men. But I worry about the cost. What if this isn't a fantasy but a nightmare? What if it splits us up? What if you can't face living with me anymore after you've seen my cock in all of your friends? Where will we live? How do we explain to our family why we aren't together anymore? I keep trying to introduce reality into this fantasy, but I'm just not convinced that you 'get it' yet." And, yes, I did the air quotes."I suggested the rules, not you, I thought about the need for erection supplements, I bought the bedding. I've been thinking about stuff like sex toys, lube, boundaries for fuck's sake! I need you on the same page or this is a disaster waiting to happen."She sipped her tea. "You've thought about this, haven't you? What do you think could go wrong?""Okay, fair enough," I replied. "Imagine this. One of your fri

In this episode of The Outspoken Review I'll tell you my honest thoughts about the new Space NK Oxford Street which I visited for the first time earlier this week.I also spent time at the amazing K Beauty destination PureSeoul and ended up buying some really exciting products which I'll talk you through.Just a reminder that if you'd like 20% off the amazing supplement brand Ancient and Brave (who are supporting all my episodes this week) all you need to do is visit //ancientandbrave.earth/planet and use the code OUTSPOKEN.

It's time for my weekly catch up with beauty editor extraordinaire Perdita Nouril.This time we're chatting about the very exciting opening of the new Space NK on Oxford Street and also delving into the dramas that have been happening in the world of Elf and Urban Decay (who knew that the summer of 2025 would be so rife with beauty gossip!)Check out Perdi's instagram @perditanouril xx

Now we're up to the 2010s and for this Best of the Spurs Show we're revisiting our episode with Danny Rose! Mike Leigh was joined by Theo Delaney, Martin Lipton and Gerry Cox to welcome the incredible Danny Rose to end of 23-34 season live show special at the 100 Club in Oxford Street. Danny shares never before heard stories, funny anecdotes, and provides a fascinating insight into recent club history. Another Spurs Show screening and it's the Super Cup Final v PSG. Spurs fans only, private bar, big screen and food available! Another great chance to hang out with fellow Spurs fans and hopefully celebrate the lifting of another trophy! Get tickets here: https://tinyurl.com/27h8sv7k Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.betterhelp.com/SPURS⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get 10% off your first month – as heard on the podcast. For exclusive Spurs Show merchandise including new Sonny and new beautiful retro designs go to https://the-spurs-show-store.creator-spring.com   Come and join us at our #SpursShowLIVE events for just £10 a month! Grab your season ticket now from ⁠season.spursshow.net⁠  For more exclusive daily Spurs Show podcasts check out Patreon.com/spursshow  ⁠spursshow.net⁠  @spursshow  Support us at ⁠season.spursshow.net⁠  Produced by Paul Myers and Mike Leigh  A Playback Media Production- contact us here too for show sponsorship ⁠playbackmedia.co.uk⁠  Copyright 2024 Playback Media Ltd - ⁠playbackmedia.co.uk/copyright Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Neil sits down with Sydney nightlife legend Penny Clifford. From her early days discovering her identity in the 1970s to running one of Oxford Street’s most iconic clubs, Penny shares raw, funny, and moving stories of her life as a trailblazing trans woman, showgirl, and nightclub manager. It's a deep dive into identity, community, and the rise and fall of DCM – the club that changed the game.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, we're digging into The B1M's recent video "Is this Europe's Most Disastrous Airport Ever?". Liam is away this week, so it's just Fred & Luke asking, is Ciudad Real the most disastrous airport ever?This episode is sponsored by Trimble. Learn more about Trimble's design and detailing solutions here

In this continuation episode of The Clink, Mat Steinwede opens up about his journey from the party-fueled chaos of Oxford Street to the criminal underworld, drug addiction, and life on the run. In part two, Mat opens up about the emotional weight of raising his kids, the devastating loss of his son Logan, and how he’s built a life of purpose, discipline, and redemption from the ashes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome back to another episode of Fratello On Air! Please forgive us for the tardy release, but Balazs is traveling far away on the west coast of Canada. This week, we discuss the idea of a summer watch. Normally, this topic inspires lists of dive watches, but we take a slightly different track. Enjoy!If May and June are predictors, this summer is shaping up to be a hot one! Therefore, it calls for putting some thought into one's wristwear. In this episode, we conclude that a summer watch isn't simply one to use during two or three weeks of vacation. No, it is a watch that can work throughout the season.HandgelenkskontrolleWhile we all likely work over the next several months, there's a good chance of some downtime or lengthy travel. We start the show by mentioning the Diddy On Trial podcast from BBC Sounds. It's a brief weekly summation of the trial that started not long after the star's arrest. There's a lot to learn in terms of court procedures and legal jargon, and the hosts make it interesting in a non-celebrity-trial way.Next, it's BBC again with 7/7: The London Bombings, which documents the harrowing incidents that occurred in 2005. It's not an easy watch, but it's incredibly well done and respectful. Conclave, the 2024 Academy Award Winner for Best Adapted Screenplay, is also worth watching. We also mention the new New Balance store on Oxford Street, London, and the new 991v2 Grounded Pastels that were just released. Finally, we discuss the F1 movie and the IWC watches announced for the film. For the Handgelenkskontrolle, Mike is sporting his early '90s Rolex Datejust 16200, a watch equipped to handle the current hot and steamy weather. Likewise, Balazs is wearing a great daily watch, the first Omega Speedmaster Professional Speedy Tuesday edition.What is a summer watch?It's easy to assume that any summer watch must be a diver. After all, we think about the sea or the pool during this time of year. However, for those who live away from the water, is there a reason to change watch styles in the heat? Well, in short, yes! Last summer, Mike was shopping in London while wearing a vintage watch. It was incredibly humid, but the stores were ice cold. After leaving one shop, Mike's vintage watch fogged up immediately. Therefore, our idea for a good watch this time of year typically has to meet the following criteria:New and water resistant, or recently pressure testedWorn on a bracelet or a strap that's comfortable and easy to cleanPossibly a larger watch that works well with short sleeves or summer wearDepending on one's location, such as a busy city or a hectic holiday location, choose a worry-free watch and bring easy-change straps for varietyWe'd love to read your thoughts about a definition for this season's watch when you're at work or on holiday. Also, feel free to share some of your favorite models or strap combos. As always, thanks for listening! If you have ideas for future episodes, please let us know.

In this episode of The Clink, Mat Steinwede opens up about his journey from the party-fueled chaos of Oxford Street to the criminal underworld, drug addiction, and life on the run. He shares the dark moments that nearly destroyed him, and the unlikely lifeline that helped him begin to turn it all around. This is part one of a powerful story of survival, redemption, and the long road to rebuilding.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv North Korea What its warship failure teaches us about Kim Jong Uns regime Woman found fatally stabbed after Stoke Newington gas explosion Israels smaller, sophisticated military opposes larger Iran Kim Woodburn Celebrity Big Brother and How Clean Is Your House star dies aged 83 Mayor of London to move ahead with Oxford Street traffic ban Trump signs order confirming parts of UK US tariff deal Yellow heat health alerts issued for most of England with heatwave likely What are Trumps options for dealing with Iran Ed Sheerans co writer incredibly relieved as Thinking Out Loud case finally ends Warning over TikTok filming by hospital patients

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Trump signs order confirming parts of UK US tariff deal Ed Sheerans co writer incredibly relieved as Thinking Out Loud case finally ends Warning over TikTok filming by hospital patients What are Trumps options for dealing with Iran Yellow heat health alerts issued for most of England with heatwave likely Woman found fatally stabbed after Stoke Newington gas explosion Mayor of London to move ahead with Oxford Street traffic ban Israels smaller, sophisticated military opposes larger Iran North Korea What its warship failure teaches us about Kim Jong Uns regime Kim Woodburn Celebrity Big Brother and How Clean Is Your House star dies aged 83

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Ed Sheerans co writer incredibly relieved as Thinking Out Loud case finally ends Woman found fatally stabbed after Stoke Newington gas explosion Israels smaller, sophisticated military opposes larger Iran Kim Woodburn Celebrity Big Brother and How Clean Is Your House star dies aged 83 Yellow heat health alerts issued for most of England with heatwave likely Mayor of London to move ahead with Oxford Street traffic ban Warning over TikTok filming by hospital patients Trump signs order confirming parts of UK US tariff deal North Korea What its warship failure teaches us about Kim Jong Uns regime What are Trumps options for dealing with Iran

London mayor Sadiq Khan will press ahead with the part-pedestrianisation of Oxford Street to the cost of £150 million. The Standard's City Hall and Transport Editor Ross Lydall has the latest. And in part two, The Standard's celebrity correspondent Tina Campbell joins us to explain why fans are divided over the musical Evita which is currently showing at London's Palladium theatre. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We visit the Swedish homeware and furniture giant’s newest retail location on London’s Oxford Street.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Lynx could be first UK zoo born cat freed into the wild Streeting accused of betrayal over maternity funding plan Oxford Street candy shop raided after tourist charged 900 Apple braces for 900m blow from Trump tariffs Surrey woman, 115, becomes worlds oldest person Two Gazan girls first to arrive in UK for medical treatment Trump ousts national security adviser Mike Waltz Harrods latest retailer to be hit by cyber attack When will we know the results of the England local elections Woman killed in France was lovely person, says husband

India has suspended its participation in the Indus Waters Treaty, a major water-sharing agreement with Pakistan, following a recent attack in Indian-administered Kashmir. Also, more than 1,800 international students have seen their immigration statuses changed by the US government, prompting some to wonder if they should stay in the US or leave. And, US Rep. Marlin Stutzman (R-IN) discusses his recent trip to Syria. Plus, a look at the Poetry Pharmacy on London's famed Oxford Street — a small space packed with poems for every occasion.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Fed up with consumerism, Mia Westrap went a whole year without buying unnecessary stuff. She went viral, and so did her goal. Now, the Buy Nothing movement is fighting back against mindless consumption by doing...nothing. This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Andrea Kristinsdottir and Matt Billy, and hosted by Noel King. Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast Support Today, Explained by becoming a Vox Member today: http://www.vox.com/members A crush of shoppers on Oxford Street in London. Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One of the many traditions in London at Christmas is to visit the capital's festive lights. People travel from across the world to enjoy the colourful and eye-catching Christmas window displays along Oxford Street, one of London's main shopping roads. Andrea Kidd goes behind the glitter and tinsel with the teams at the flagship department store Selfridges, as they prepare to reveal their Christmas windows to the public for the first time. The concept is More the Merrier this year and senior lead of the windows team, Bobbie Tree, along with the production, styling and design teams, work with renowned artists Andrew Logan and Charles Jeffreys, to create vibrant and flamboyant window displays for the millions of people who walk past.