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Capella Kyoto Hotel To Open In March 2026 With Kengo Kuma’s Luxury Design Vision

March launch date announced for Kengo Kuma’s vision in an unrivalled address in the heart of Miyagawa-cho

Capella Kyoto will open on 22 March 2026, just as Kyoto’s legendary cherry blossoms reach their fleeting peak. Set in the historic Miyagawa-cho kagai (geisha district), Capella Hotels and Resorts’ inaugural property in Japan is located steps from the Kenninji temple and the Kamo river where kabuki was born.

Designed by Kengo Kuma & Associates and Singapore-based Brewin Design Office, the 89-key hotel reimagines the city’s traditional machiya (townhouse) and reinterprets Kyoto’s characteristic spatial composition—the layered sequence of narrow alleys, hidden gardens, and interior thresholds—arriving at a moment when the city is at its most transcendent: streets canopied in sakura, air scented with spring, and the ancient rhythms of Gion very much alive.

A MODERN-DAY MACHIYA

Clive Edwards, Senior Vice President, Operations, says: “Kyoto is one of the world’s greatest cradles of craft, ritual, and tradition, and Capella Kyoto has been conceived to honour that legacy in full. Japan has long been a destination we have deeply admired, and we have been intentional about introducing our brands here. Building on the success of Patina Osaka, which opened last year, we look forward to welcoming guests to Capella Kyoto as the next chapter in that journey — and the beginning of a deeper story in Japan. Every detail — from the unseen artistry embedded in the architecture to the most personal moments of service — reflects our belief that true luxury is the feeling of being deeply cared for, and being profoundly connected to a place and its living culture. Together, our properties are a heartfelt expression of Japanese culture that’s shaped by a genuine embrace of its traditions, people, and spirit.”

A HOTEL, A THEATRE, AND A COMMUNITY

Built on the former site of Shinmichi Elementary School, Capella Kyoto is part of a three-part development along Shinmichi Street together with the restored Miyagawa-cho Kaburenjo Theatre and a new community centre — carrying forward a legacy of learning, culture, and community.

At the heart of the development is the Kaburenjo itself: for generations the private training ground of Kyoto’s geiko and maiko, and a defining symbol of the kagai. Now restored, it grants Capella guests access to performances — a living tradition Kyoto has guarded for centuries.

ACCOMMODATIONS

The 89-room property rises four storeys, with accommodations ranging from Deluxe City Rooms to the 206-sqm top-floor Capella Suite. Among the most sought-after are the Premier Theatre Rooms — named for their outlook over the Kaburenjo — and the two Gion Suites, each with a direct view of Kenninji temple. Six Onsen Suites feature private hot spring baths, while the Capella Suite commands the full sweep of the Higashiyama skyline. From both the bedroom and the lounge, guests look out over the pagodas and rooftops of Higashiyama, with the iconic five-tiered silhouette of Yasaka Pagoda visible against the mountain ridge. The suite’s elevation above Miyagawa-cho also places guests at the best vantage point for one of Gion’s most elusive sights: geiko and maiko, dressed for the evening, making their way through the laneway below to the ochaya where they are engaged.

Capella Kyoto is home to SoNoMa by SingleThread, created in partnership with SingleThread, the Three-Michelin-starred restaurant based in Sonoma, California by Kyle and Katina Connaughton. As the signature restaurant of the property, SoNoMa by SingleThread offers an intimate 12-seat counter and a 20-seat lounge bar in the style of an ochaya (traditional teahouse). Helming the restaurant is Chef Keita Tominaga, who will celebrate the seasonal agriculture of both Kyoto’s Kansai region and California’s Dry Creek Valley through the lens of local farmers and craftspeople.

SingleThread Entremets, a dedicated patisserie programme led by Executive Pastry Chef Emma Horowitz and Chef Miu Morita, formerly of Michelin Three-Star L’Effervescence in Tokyo, offers seasonal confections for onsite enjoyment or packaged takeaway.

Yoi is a late-night dining destination offering kappo with a modern twist — a refreshing concept in Kyoto’s largely casual after-hours scene. The soul of Kyoto is revealed through one of Japan’s intimate dining traditions, where chefs prepare and present seasonal dishes directly before their guests — elevated here by innovative handcrafted cocktails. The space itself honours the local community through reclaimed timber and lighting fixtures sourced from the former Shinmichi Elementary School, quietly preserving the memory of the neighbourhood’s past.

Lanterne, the all-day French brasserie, reimagines Parisian café culture through Kyoto’s quiet craftsmanship, blending marble, herringbone floors, and pale woods with the serene sensibility of Japanese design.

AURIGA SPA

Wellness at Capella Kyoto is anchored by Auriga Spa, the brand’s signature sanctuary inspired by lunar cycles and holistic rituals. The spa features three private onsen rooms, wet and dry saunas, four treatment rooms, and a fitness centre. Signature treatments draw from both Japanese tradition and contemporary wellness practices, offering guests pathways to restoration that are rooted in the rhythms of the ancient city.

CAPELLA CURATES

Through “Capella Curates,” the hotel’s signature cultural programming, guests are granted access to Kyoto’s most closely held traditions — experiences rarely, if ever, open to visitors. Front-row seats at the revived Miyagawa-cho Kaburenjo Theatre — the historic home of Kyoto’s geiko and maiko, and for generations the private heart of the kagai — allow guests to witness the classical performing arts in the intimate surroundings where they are still taught and practised today. A private ochaya encounter offers a more personal audience with a maiko, in a teahouse that remains by-invitation only. A visit to a 150-year-old sandal atelier offers the chance to commission a bespoke pair, made by hand in the manner of old Gion. And a kintsugi workshop led by an urushi lacquerware master reveals the Japanese art of repairing what is broken — making it, in the process, more beautiful than before.

“WHISPERS OF GION” OPENING PACKAGE

Capella Kyoto opens its doors on 22 March 2026. To mark the occasion, the “Whispers of Gion” opening package includes:

Breakfast for two at Lanterne

Hotel Credit: JPY 10,000 (approx. GBP 47) (Deluxe and Premium Rooms), JPY 20,000 (approx. GBP 94) (Junior Suite, Onsen Suite, Gion Suite, Capella Suite) per stay
A curated gift handcrafted by Kyoto artisans exclusively for Capella guests — a rotating collection of limited works, from Orin bells and Kumiko trays to hand-turned wooden cups

Rates start from JPY 394,200 (approx. GBP 1,861++) for two pax, inclusive of taxes and service charges. Book at www.capellahotels.com/kyoto.

UK Business Leaders Face Rising Challenges In Regulation And Talent Retention Since 2020

A new survey of 500 senior decision-makers within UK businesses, commissioned by Alliance Manchester Business School (AMBS), has found:

73% say business leadership has become more complex over the past five years.
When asked about what had become more challenging since 2020, 59% said ‘navigating policy, regulation and legislation’ was now harder.
56% said the same about ‘attracting and retaining the best talent’.

Complying with regulation and retaining the best talent are the areas of business that senior decision-makers believe have become most challenging since 2020, according to new research by Alliance Manchester Business School (AMBS).

AMBS commissioned Censuswide to survey 500 managers, directors and C-suite executives within UK businesses. It found that 73% believe business leadership to have become more complex in the past five years.

When that group was asked about the specific elements of their job that have become more challenging since 2020, 59% said ‘navigating policy, regulation and legislation’ was now harder, the highest of all options.

Over half (56%) said ‘attracting and retaining the best talent’ had gotten harder in the past five years, while the same number (56%) said this about ‘maintaining a competitive advantage over rival businesses’.

It comes as just 71% of the business leaders surveyed say they have received training from their employer to enable them to do their job well, meaning 29% are missing out on vital support.

Sarah Featherstone, Director of Operations at Alliance Manchester Business School, said: “The message from business leaders is loud and clear – they feel their roles have become much more complex over the past five years. What’s telling is how this increased complexity is then translating into business outcomes, with the majority of the leaders surveyed highlighting how critical challenges, such as regulatory compliance and talent retention, are far harder today than they were in 2020.

“Businesses have found themselves in the middle of a perfect storm. How and where people work is changing; the economic climate has been challenging in recent years with inflationary pressures impacting businesses and consumers alike; AI is disrupting products, processes and systems; and employees’ financial and cultural demands are changing all the time. So, it is alarming that as many as 29% of UK business leaders have received no formal training to enable them to execute their roles well

“Whether it is managing a digital transformation project or evolving a business’ proposition to gain a competitive advantage, business leaders require support if they are to excel in key facets of their job. The key for organisations and individuals themselves is to identify what training and support will have the greatest impact and source the right ways to upskill, empowering them to lead with confidence and achieve excellence.”

High Street Kensington Becomes a Literary Tourism Hotspot With New Author-Themed Hotel

BOOKSMART ON HIGH STREET KENSINGTON FOR LITERARY TOURISM LOVERS

As literary tourism and the #BookTok continue to thrive, High Street Kensington has added to its already impressive credentials with the launch of The Kensington Hideaway – a hotel where each room is named after a writer connected to the West London destination. The 59-room boutique hotel, which opened in February, underlines Kensington’s remarkable heritage as a home and inspiration for influential authors, book illustrators and poets.

Adding to the literary story, within walking distance of the hotel, Kensington’s streets, gardens and houses are all brought to literary life through a number of experiences including a self-guided English Heritage blue plaques tour, visits to historic house museums, bookshop events, a specialist library haven plus specialist walking tours. Literary options waiting to be explored include:

Famous literary names and English Heritage’s Literary Kensington Blue Plaque Walk

Kensington has been a magnet for writers whose works have shaped British and global literature. English Heritage’s Literary Kensington blue plaque walk, brings these connections to life, with a walkable trail featuring the homes and workplaces of more than 10 celebrated authors including:

William Makepeace Thackeray who lived at 16 Young Street from 1846 to 1854, where he wrote Vanity Fair
Ezra Pound, the modernist American poet and critic who lived on Kensington Church Walk
Agatha Christie who resided at 58 Sheffield Terrace in the early 1930s, around the time she wrote Murder on the Orient Express and Death on the Nile.
Virginia Woolf who was born and raised in Kensington
T.S. Eliot who immortalised Victoria Grove (near Kensington High Street) in Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats as the home of Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer.

Sambourne House, Leighton House and the art of Victorian storytelling

Just behind Kensington High Street at 18 Stafford Terrace, is Sambourne House, the former home of celebrated Punch cartoonist Linley Sambourne and now a museum offering a fascinating peek into Victorian life and culture. Sambourne created more than 100 iconic illustrations for the 1885 edition of Charles Kingsley’s classic tale, The Water Babies, which remains a cornerstone of Victorian illustrated literature.

A short ten-minute walk away is Leighton House, the former home of Victorian artist Frederic, Lord Leighton, making the two houses ideal to visit together. Celebrating 100 years as a public museum this year, Leighton House was part of a wider Kensington circle where art, literature and intellectual life overlapped. A joint ticket to both houses costs £22 for adults and £8 children (under 6yrs free) https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/museums

Kensington Gardens, J.M. Barrie and Peter Pan

Images here.

No literary exploration of the area is complete without a visit to Kensington Gardens, to see the pipe playing Peter Pan surrounded by woodland animals. His creator J.M. Barrie lived in nearby South Kensington and Bayswater, and his walks here inspired his famous novel. In 1912, he secretly commissioned the Peter Pan statue near the Long Water – now one of London’s most beloved literary monuments. For more information https://www.royalparks.org.uk/read-watch-listen/shrine-youth-peter-pan-statue-kensington-gardens

Bookshops, libraries and author events

Images here.

For book shopping there’s an impressive in-store book shop selection (and enticing window display) of second hand books at the High Street Kensington Oxfam store. Nearby, Waterstones Kensington is a must visit too particularly on one of its many author talks and readings events. The High Street located bookshop also hosts seasonal and family activities plus a monthly Kensington book club evening. For more information and to buy tickets for the 2026 programme: https://www.waterstones.com/bookshops/waterstones-kensington

While nearby at The Library at Japan House London, there’s a rotating programme of themed book displays and literary-focused exhibitions (everything from Manga, Japanese food and folk arts), including the current exhibition which looks at cats in Japanese culture. I am a Cat – Japan House London is free and runs until 31^st May 2026.

Also free to explore is the permanent library collection. Featuring rare titles that are otherwise difficult to find in the UK, visitors can learn more about a wide range of subjects covering Japanese cultures and innovation, ranging from architecture, gardening, and aesthetics to ancient poetry and contemporary manga. Both English and Japanese language texts are available for visitors to discover more. The venue also has an extensive selection of books and magazines available to buy in its Shop. www.japanhouselondon.uk

For Russian readers, there’s also the Idiot Books on Kensington Church Street, which along with a huge choice of Russian novels and non-fiction books hosts events and musical sessions. For more information https://idiotbookslondon.com/

A new hotel for a literary neighbourhood

Perfect for book lovers – and the ideal base to discover the destination’s literary credentials – is recently launched The Kensington Hideaway. Befitting the theme, the rooms are named after a writer connected to the neighbourhood. From William Makepeace Thackeray and Agatha Christie to T.S. Eliot and P.L. Travers, each author-inspired room reflects its namesake through subtle design details and atmosphere – everything from decorative ink pots to typewriter key signage.

Alongside the bedrooms, literary nods feature in the hotel’s restaurant and bar space too. Here guests and non-residents alike can eat, enjoy a drink or relax with a good book in the 35-seat restaurant and bar. Rooms from £215 based on two sharing a double room. https://www.thekensingtonhideaway.com/

London Catering Firm Achieves Global First with Workplace Nutrition Certification

Workplace Nutrition Takes Centre Stage as the UK’s Pow Food Achieves Global First with ‘Works with Well’ Designation

London, March 11 2026: Workplace nutrition has been recognised as a critical factor in employee health and performance by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), the global benchmark for healthy buildings. UK wellness workplace catering company Pow Food has become the first firm worldwide to achieve the ‘Works with WELL’ designation, placing food alongside established environmental factors such as light and ventilation in shaping healthier workplaces.

Pow Food has been recognised for its healthy, nutrient-optimised menus offering full ingredient transparency, an emphasis on whole foods, responsible sourcing, and preparation to maximise health benefits. Works with Well is an evidence-based certification system recognising work environments that support human health, wellbeing and performance criteria.

Emily Warburton-Adams, Co-founder and Head of Sustainability at Pow Food, added: “Modern workplaces rigorously measure air and light, but rarely food – a fundamental blind spot. If workplace health truly matters, good food shouldn’t be an optional perk; it should be built into the infrastructure of the building. This status elevates catering from a background service to a strategic contributor to healthier, higher-performing workplaces. Pow Food now offers a proven, certified way to close the ‘food gap’ in building wellness for organisations seeking a healthier workforce and WELL accreditation.”

Good nutrition in the workplace is a powerful driver of employee health, performance, and organisational success. Research consistently shows that balanced, nutrient-rich diets, emphasising whole foods, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and stable-energy sources, help maintain steady energy levels, enhance cognitive function (including focus, memory, and problem-solving), and prevent the afternoon slumps caused by high-sugar or processed foods.

Vitality’s Britain’s Healthiest Workplace report reveals that lost productive days per employee doubled to 50 days annually, with working while unwell accounting for nearly 90% of losses; driven heavily by poor diet and inactivity, costing employers thousands per worker in hidden productivity drag. Employees with unhealthy diets are 66% more likely to report productivity loss, while healthier eating links to up to a 27% reduction in absenteeism and 11% higher job performance. UK employers can foster higher morale, better retention, and measurable bottom-line improvements in a competitive talent landscape by addressing nutrition as a core element of wellbeing.

Food and catering services have not previously been formally recognised within wellness frameworks, despite being a daily cornerstone of workplace health. The Works with Well programme changes this by allowing suppliers to be verified if they demonstrably support certain WELL attributes. To achieve the verification Pow Food’s operations were independently reviewed by third-party Green Business Certification Inc. the body that administers WELL. This makes Pow Food the only WELL-designated catering partner in the UK for developers, landlords, employers and facilities teams pursuing Gold or Platinum WELL certification levels, the gold standard for employees unlike many catering providers that only reference WELL principles without formal validation.

Jessica Cooper, IWBI Chief Product Officer, commented: “Congratulations to Pow Food for becoming the world’s first catering company to earn the Works with WELL designation by aligning its food practices with WELL Nourishment features. Now a board-level priority – driven by talent retention, performance metrics and ESG goals – nutrition is an essential part of a healthy work environment, Pow Food is setting a new global benchmark for the food industry by achieving Works with WELL status and demonstrating leadership in creating food environments that are transparent, inclusive and supportive of better outcomes for people and organisations alike.”

Key highlights of Pow Food’s menus include:

Over 75% of daily ingredients are organic.
Priority avoidance of high-pesticide “Dirty Dozen” produce to minimize exposure.
No hidden sugars, preservatives, or excessive salt – focusing on stable energy, cognitive support, and long-term health.

For more details, visit powfood.co.uk or contact alyse@powfood.co.uk

About Pow Food Catering

Founded in London by mother-daughter duo Ali Warburton and Emily Warburton-Adams, Pow Food Catering is a nutrition-first, sustainability-led workplace catering company. The business was the UK’s first female-founded catering company to achieve B Corp certification and is now the first catering company globally to achieve the Works with WELL designation. Pow Food designs chef-led, nutritionist-built menus that position workplace food as infrastructure for human performance and environmental responsibility.

About WELL Building Standard

The WELL Building Standard, created by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), is the world’s leading evidence-based certification system for creating spaces that actively support human health, well-being, and performance. Unlike traditional “green” building ratings (such as LEED, which emphasise environmental sustainability), WELL focuses on people – measuring how buildings impact occupants through 10 core concepts, including air quality, water, light, movement, thermal comfort, sound, materials, mind (mental health), community, and nourishment (access to nutritious food, hydration, and transparent eating environments).

WELL Certification is awarded to buildings after rigorous third-party verification of design, operations, and measurable outcomes. Thousands of offices, schools, hospitals, and other spaces worldwide pursue WELL to drive real benefits: studies show WELL-certified environments can deliver 10-15% productivity gains, reduced fatigue, lower absenteeism, and fewer symptoms linked to “sick building syndrome”.

Top Eight Mistakes Costing Vinted and eBay Sellers Five-Star Reviews Revealed

Research from Post Office reveals the top 8 mistakes Brits are unknowingly making when using re-seller sites.

From bad photos to messy packaging, the survey reveals the small details that could be damaging five-star reviews.

Many sellers struggle to package items correctly or post promptly, with late or poorly protected parcels frustrating buyers and lowering scores.

New research has uncovered that online re-sellers are unknowingly making simple mistakes that deter buyers – and this could be damaging their rating scores.

A survey of 2,000 UK adults by Post Office has revealed maintaining a five-star rating is key to attracting buyers and securing repeat sales on platforms such as Vinted and eBay – with over half (55 per cent) of buyers admitting they wouldn’t trust a seller with a low rating.

The survey also revealed that the most common knocks to five-star ratings come down to small, avoidable details sellers may be overlooking.

The biggest reason buyers leave less-than-perfect feedback is for receiving a poor quality or damaged item (72 per cent).

Presentation also plays a role, with may citing items not being as described (67 per cent), inaccurate photos (57 per cent), and poor or messy packaging (37 per cent) as a factor in reducing their rating.

Late postage is another common frustration, with 35 per cent of buyers citing delivery delays as a reason for holding back five stars. However, 15 per cent of sellers admitted they have posted items later than agreed.

Buyers also cited rude or unhelpful sellers (54 per cent), difficulties with returns or refunds (34 per cent) and overcharging for postage (34 per cent) as reasons for leaving less than favourable ratings.

More than a quarter (27 per cent) of sellers admit they struggle with the practical side of posting, finding it difficult to source the right packaging, while 26 per cent are unsure how best to protect items in transit – increasing the risk of damage before the parcel even arrives.

Candice Ohandjanian, Growth and Partnership Director at Post Office, said: “Five-star reviews are the currency of resale, but over half of buyers won’t trust a seller with a low rating, which means a few avoidable mistakes could be quietly killing your sales. The frustrating thing is that most of the issues we see, such as damaged items, late postage, and poor packaging, are entirely preventable. Post Office makes it straightforward to get right. With 11,500 branches, expert postmasters on hand for packaging advice, and a range of carriers all under one roof, sellers can post on time, in perfect condition, and keep those five-star reviews coming.”

Find out more at: www.postoffice.co.uk/mail

The top 8 reasons buyers hold back from leaving a five-star review include:

Poor quality or damaged items (72 per cent)

Items not as described/misleading description (67 per cent)

Inaccurate photos / images not matching the item (57 per cent)

Rude or unhelpful communication from the seller (54 per cent)

Poorly packaged or messy presentation (37 per cent)

Late posting / delivery delays (35 per cent)

Difficulty with returns or refunds (34 per cent)

Overcharging for postage (34 per cent)

Top 8 resale platforms Brits used in the past year

eBay – 63%
Facebook Marketplace – 50%
Vinted – 47%
Whatsapp – 23%
TikTok – 23%
Instagram – 20%
Gumtree – 19%
Depop – 8%

100 MILLION COFFEES IN 25 YEARS – AND FREE CAKE TO CELEBRATE

Coffee#1 Celebrates 25 Years With Free Cake Giveaway Across UK Stores

Coffee#1 has revealed the evolving coffee habits of the coffee drinker, with an estimated 100 million coffees served over the past 25 years – equating to 40 Olympic-sized swimming pools of coffee
11.00am-11.30am is the most popular time for ordering a coffee, with a latte our favourite espresso-based drink
To celebrate its 25th anniversary, Coffee#1 will offer a free slice of cake to customers on 30th April

Locally loved coffee shop Coffee#1 will celebrate its 25th anniversary this month, with a free cake giveaway on 30th April, across all 132 of its UK stores.

To mark 25 years on the high street, Coffee#1 has analysed how its customers’ habits have changed from the alternative milk debate to how hacks and trends are evolving its classic coffee orders. The classic latte wins in the battle of the breakfast brews in Coffee#1, while 11.00am and 11.30am is the most popular time for a coffee pick me up.

Around 42,000 litres of cow’s milk are used in store every week, but one in seven coffees are now made with non-dairy options – as demand for plant-based choices has grown. An estimated 6,800 litres of alternative milks are now used every week, with oat milk the most popular choice for the non-dairy customer.

In a quarter of a century, the brand has served an estimated 100 million coffees, equivalent to one cup every three seconds. That’s nearing 2,000 tonnes of coffee and an estimated 15 billion coffee beans, equating to roughly the same weight as 280 elephants.

Since opening its first café on Wood Street in Cardiff in 2001, the brand has grown into a coffee destination favourite; serving around 40,000 customers a day and around 28,000 hand-crafted coffees made by 1,000 baristas.

10 Coffee#1 facts to celebrate 25 years:

Since opening, Coffee#1 has served an estimated 100 million coffees

1. Coffees poured every day: 28,000
2. Tonnes of coffee beans used: 2,500 tonnes – enough coffee poured to fill 40 Olympic-sized swimming pools
3. Most popular drink: Latte
4. Most popular alternative milk: Oat
5. Busiest time of day: 11:00am–11:30am
6. Most popular menu item: Giant Tea Cake
7. Longest-serving Coffee#1 barista: 16 years
8. Litres of cow’s milk served per week: 42,000
9. Litres of alternative milk served per week: 6,840

Bruce Newman, Managing Director of Coffee#1, says: “We’re incredibly proud to be celebrating 25 years of Coffee#1. From our first store in Cardiff to over 130 locations nationwide, it’s been a remarkable journey. Giving away free cake on 30th April is our way of saying thank you – and celebrating with the communities and store teams across the UK that have supported us along the way.”

To mark the anniversary, every Coffee#1 store will be giving away a free slice of cake with any drink purchased in store on 30th April (while stock per location lasts).

Coffee#1 has also launched a brand-new drink to mark the occasion, the Birthday Fudge Mocha, made with smooth fudge, caramel syrup and dark chocolate sprinkles. The limited-edition drink will be available from Wednesday 8th April to Thursday 30th April, priced from £4.90.

Coffee#1’s presence stretches across England and Wales, from Buxton in the north to Paignton in the South; over 288 miles separates the furthest stores of Brighton and Haverfordwest, while in Cardiff two stores sit just 0.2 miles apart.

Ahead of the big day, Coffee#1 has also launched a birthday app game to kick off the month, where customers can scan the pull the present app for a chance to win a prize. Prizes include 50% off discounts, free soft drinks, cakes or a free hot drink.

Pensioners Urged To Stay Alert To Winter Fuel Payment Scam Risks

Winter Fuel Payments paid in winter 2025 will be recovered from pensioners with income above £35,000
Check if your payment will be reclaimed at GOV.UK – you don’t need to contact HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)
Scammers may try to trick customers into handing money over

Pensioners are being warned to be on high alert for scams as the recovery of Winter Fuel Payments begins this month.

Almost two million people are expected to repay their winter 2025 payment due to their annual income being more than £35,000 – for most, an automatic process.

HMRC saw more than 25,000 Winter Fuel Payment scam referrals over the last 12 months and is warning that scammers may now use the recovery process as a hook to use texts, emails and phone calls to target this group.

For most, the payment will be recovered through a change to their PAYE tax code from this month (April 2026) with no need to contact HMRC. For those in Self Assessment who file online, the payment should be pre-populated in their 2025 to 2026 tax return, due by 31 January 2027. Customers should check and add it manually if it is not shown. Paper filers will need to add it on their tax return, due by 31 October 2026.

This applies across the UK – including in Scotland, where the payment is known as the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment and in Northern Ireland, where payments were made by the Department for Work and Pensions on behalf of the Northern Ireland Executive. In all cases, recovery is handled by HMRC.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer, said:

“Criminals are great pretenders and often use fake letters, emails, calls and texts to impersonate HMRC and trick people into giving them money.

“I’d encourage anyone who’s unsure to use our online tool at GOV.UK to check whether and how their payment will be recovered – there’s no need to call us”

HMRC will never contact people by text or email to ask them to repay their Winter Fuel Payment, or to request bank details.

People can use HMRC’s online checking tool at GOV.UK to see whether their payment will be reclaimed and how.

British Airways Opens Applications For Fully Funded Speedbird Pilot Academy

British Airways is investing £18m to fund up to 160 places on the highly-competitive Speedbird Pilot Academy
The funding will cover the £100,000 cost of pilot training over two years and guarantee successful candidates a flying role on completion
The scheme removes costs, levels the playing field, and makes the prospect of becoming a commercial airline pilot realistic for all

British Airways’ fully-funded pilot training scheme has opened for applications for the fourth year running, with an £18m commitment by the airline for up to 160 aspiring pilots.

Tens of thousands of applicants are expected to apply for a place on the highly-competitive Speedbird Pilot Academy, which sees British Airways covering the £100,000 training cost for those who land a spot on the programme.

The scheme comes as new research reveals significant untapped interest in aviation careers, with almost one in four (24%) UK adults saying they would have considered becoming an airline pilot if training had been fully funded.

So far, almost 50 pilots have come through the Speedbird scheme, marking a significant commitment by the airline to ensure talented applicants from all backgrounds are able to follow their dream of becoming a commercial airline pilot.

Despite this interest, awareness of fully-funded pilot training remains low, with 87% of UK adults saying they have never heard of programmes that cover the cost of pilot training – underlining the importance of initiatives like the Speedbird Pilot Academy.

Sean Doyle, British Airways’ Chairman and Chief Executive, said: “The Speedbird Pilot Academy is an investment not just in British Airways, but in the future of UK aviation.

“We want the very best talent out there for our future generation of pilots; by removing the costs, we’re opening the opportunity up to more people and making a flying career more accessible to all.”

Applications to secure a place on the Speedbird Pilot Academy open today, Tuesday 14 April 2026 via the British Airways Careers website and will close on Thursday 23 April 2026. Those interested need to be between 17-58 years of age, and 18 years of age at the start of training.

Applicants also require six GCSEs grade A-C or 4-9, including Maths, English Language and a Science or equivalent qualifications, and hold a valid passport that permits unrestricted worldwide travel.

Previous years have seen in excess of 25,000 people apply for a place on the scheme. Successful applicants will train with one of British Airways’ approved training partners before moving towards a career on the flight deck.

Simon Cheadle, British Airways’ Director of Flight Operations, said: “We’re incredibly proud to open our doors once again to people who may never have believed a career as a pilot was within reach. The response to the Speedbird Pilot Academy in previous years has been extraordinary, and the calibre of applicants shows just how much talent is out there, talent that simply needs the opportunity.

“By launching the programme this year, we’re investing not only in individuals but in the long-term future of British Airways and UK aviation. This initiative strengthens our talent pipeline, supports the industry’s future leadership, and ensures we continue to attract the very best flying talent for years to come.”

Josh Bailey, British Airways Pilot and graduate of the Speedbird Pilot Academy, said: “Becoming a pilot always felt like a distant dream for someone like me. I didn’t go to university and the cost of training was completely out of reach, it was close to the value of the house I grew up in.

“The Speedbird Pilot Academy has changed my life. It’s given me an opportunity I never thought possible and opened the door to a career I’ve wanted for as long as I can remember.

“From standing at my bedroom window as a kid in Greater Manchester watching aircraft overhead, to now completing my A320 training with British Airways, it still doesn’t feel real.”

Snape Maltings Concert Hall Restoration Secures £1.9m Arts Council Grant

Britten Pears Arts is delighted to have been awarded a £1.9 million Creative Foundations Fund (CFF) grant by Arts Council England, enabling the second phase of its major capital programme to proceed. The grant will go towards the cost of restoring Snape Maltings Concert Hall, with work commencing in January 2027. The first phase of work, on the neighbouring Britten Pears Building, is nearing completion, and the building will open for the Aldeburgh Festival this June.

The second phase of the Capital Programme will deliver essential, urgent repairs and upgrades to Snape Maltings Concert Hall, the largest and best known of the site’s music buildings. The Hall has remained largely unchanged for over 25 years, with some of the infrastructure dating back even further to 1970 when it was rebuilt after a fire. These works are vital to ensure the site remains open and operational, replacing failing end-of-life systems with sustainable alternatives and supporting necessary repairs. They will increase the economic and environmental sustainability of the organisation by reducing maintenance costs, improving energy efficiency, and enabling us to adapt to the changing climate and needs of audiences.

Areas of work include:

Roof of the Concert Hall – essential remedial work and thermal insulation.
Seats in the Concert Hall will be refurbished to significantly improve comfort and durability and handrails will be installed.
Acoustic flexibility – retractable drapes will support amplified and spoken word events.
New LED lighting to cut energy use, carbon emissions and running costs.
Concert Hall lifts will be refurbished and a new platform lift will be created.
A new finishing kitchen will increase restaurant capacity and dining options.
Toilet facilities will be modernised and a new Changing Places facility will be created.
Air handling system – new plant will be installed.
Brickwork repairs throughout the building.

When all phases are complete, Britten Pears Arts’ £13.86 million Capital Programme will realise the organisation’s plan to create a truly sustainable and accessible creative campus. It will ensure that Britten Pears Arts’ buildings and sites have improved accessibility and comfort for everyone, are financially sustainable and help the organisation on its path towards net zero carbon emissions. This work will also be transformative for Britten Pears Arts’ Artist Development, Community and Creative Health programmes and will allow the charity to respond to an increased need by expanding existing programmes, adding new strands and reaching significantly more people through activity, knowledge exchange and partnership working.

Britten Pears Arts’ Chief Executive, Andrew Comben said:

‘We are delighted to be awarded this grant from the Creative Foundations Fund and are enormously grateful to Arts Council England for this endorsement of our project. Securing this award enables us to move forward with essential updates to Snape Maltings Concert Hall and to start the second phase of our Capital Programme. Our founders Benjamin Britten and Peter Pears believed in the power of the arts to connect and be useful to communities and this work will help more communities enjoy this very special place, from artists and performers through to visitors and audience members.’

Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy said:

“I want everyone, everywhere to feel a sense of pride about where they come from. Cultural organisations across the East of England are important custodians of local identity and play a key role in the story we tell ourselves as a nation. Our Arts Everywhere Fund is delivering on our commitment to support cultural assets across the country, increasing access and preserving them for future generations. This is demonstrated by grants announced today that will benefit twelve culture venues, museums, and library services across the East of England. Arts and culture are the beating hearts of our communities; they have the power to unite us in the face of division and break down barriers to opportunity. We want to harness the power to help us build a brighter future for the people of the East of England.”

Hazel Edwards, Southeast Area Director, Arts Council England, said:

“We are proud to support this new wave of investment through the Museum Estate and Development Fund, the Libraries Improvement Fund, and the Creative Foundations Fund. These programmes are strengthening the cultural infrastructure that communities rely on every day, from vibrant local libraries and much‑loved museums to the creative organisations that bring imagination and innovation to our towns and cities. This funding will help safeguard historic buildings, modernise essential public spaces, and ensure that cultural organisations can continue to thrive, adapt, and inspire. By investing in the foundations of our cultural lives, we are helping to secure a more sustainable, more accessible, and more creative future for people across the East of England and beyond.”

Capital Programme overview

The modernisation of the Britten Pears Building (the first phase, currently under construction) will enable increased levels of community use and the expansion of the Britten Pears Arts Artist Development, Community and Creative Health programmes. A new lift tower will ensure that everyone can use the revamped studios. The building is on course to reopen in June 2026.
A series of upgrades to Snape Maltings Concert Hall (the second phase) will improve access and audience comfort, programming flexibility and will reduce carbon emissions. There will be improvements to auditorium seating (including handrails), upgraded lighting, flexible acoustic baffles, an extra passenger lift, refurbished toilets and better kitchen facilities. With the CFF grant, work can start in January 2027.
Britten Pears Arts will significantly lower carbon emissions by installing roof insulation, photovoltaic panels, and by connecting the music buildings to a renewable heating system.
Britten Pears Arts has worked with the Alde and Ore Estuary Trust (AOET) and East Suffolk Water Management Board (ESWMB) to develop a scheme to raise the Snape Maltings flood defences to ensure that the Snape Maltings site and its world-renowned Concert Hall will be protected against major tidal surges in 2050. Subject to a separate fundraising campaign, work will commence in 2026/27.
Snape Rooms: As well as improvements to existing artist accommodation at Snape Maltings and in Aldeburgh, ten new bedrooms will be created at Snape Maltings for visiting musicians, arts practitioners and visitors. Work is due to start in late 2027.
There will be a new visitor exhibition at The Red House and a Discovery Centre at Snape Maltings, to tell the fascinating stories about the heritage sites.

Funding for the Capital Programme

The Britten Pears Arts Capital Programme is supported with public funding from Arts Council England, and trusts & foundations, including Paul Hamlyn Foundation; 29th May 1961 Charitable Trust; East Suffolk Council Rural Business Investment Fund; East Suffolk Council Rural Business & Community Hub Fund; The Foyle Foundation; Garfield Weston Foundation; the Wolfson Foundation; the Clore Duffield Foundation; the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership; the John and Penelope Lebus Trust; the Vanneck Charitable Trust.

Individual donors include Charles & Pascale Clark; Angela & John Crowther; In memory of Stefan T Edlis; Matthew Greenburgh & Helen Payne; Keith & Frances Griffiths; Peter & Veronica Lofthouse; Angela & Lawrence Mallinson; Lindy & Mark O’Hare; David Robbie & Fred Goetzen; Simon & Victoria Robey; Clive & Eileen Schlee; Alan Swerdlow & Jeremy Greenwood; Sarah Zins; Paul & Sybella Zisman and other anonymous donors. 

A public seat naming appeal will be launched in May 2026 and there will be additional naming opportunities for various elements of the project.

Further information about the campaign and how to contribute is available from Emily Stubbs (estubbs@brittenpearsarts.org) and Alison de Zoete (adezoete@brittenpearsarts.org).