Londonist Weekly: Heritage Battles, Cultural Gems & City Life
The “Best Of Londonist: 9-15 February 2026” serves as a comprehensive weekly roundup, highlighting a diverse array of news, features, and cultural happenings across London and beyond. The collection presents a mix of significant urban developments, nostalgic reflections, and exciting event previews.
A major point of contention featured is the green light for the Liverpool Street Station revamp, which is described as a “sad day” for London due to its potential harm to the surrounding historic fabric. This development underscores concerns about preserving the city’s heritage amidst modernization efforts. Conversely, the Southbank Centre, including the Hayward Gallery and Queen Elizabeth Hall, received welcome listed status, offering protection to these iconic cultural institutions. The roundup also noted the closing of Brixton Tube’s newspaper stand after 36 years, marking the end of an era for local commuters.
On a more positive note, the article celebrates improvements in public amenities, announcing that a Tube station now has toilets, with more facilities planned, significantly enhancing passenger convenience. Cultural highlights include Londoners’ enthusiastic reaction to Taylor Swift’s Croydon music video, sparking local nostalgia, and a five-star review for the Aardman show featuring Wallace, Gromit, and co., praised as a superb hands-on exhibition. The Southbank Centre’s skatepark also marked its 50th anniversary with a celebratory exhibition, reflecting its enduring legacy.
Other features encourage exploration and engagement, from a guide to spending a day in Gravesend and an historic walk along the North Bank of the Thames, to recommendations for London’s best pancake spots and enchanting chocolate shops. The roundup also looked ahead to upcoming events, such as the Epic Model Railway Festival at Alexandra Palace, a Fairy Tales Exhibition at the British Library, and family-friendly theatre shows for Spring 2026, ensuring readers are well-informed about the city’s vibrant offerings.
(Source: https://londonist.com/london/best-of-london/best-of-londonist-9-15-february-2026)
