XCity 2026
Lucy Morgan takes a look back at those nostalgic days of (paid for) excess. With industry spending tighter than ever, the 'golden age' of journalism has never felt further away. Pages 78-79...
Lucy Morgan
Lucy is a lifestyle, fashion and entertainment freelance journalist, specialising in social media and based in London.
Her writing has been featured in publications such as Stylist, heat, Closer, Drapers, Femme Tech, GTFO Mag, XCity Magazine, The Tab and The Mancunion.
My Articles
Intentional interaction: the resurgence of London’s listening bars
London’s listening bars are booming in popularity for those with an ear for elegance and a taste for mindful mingling.
You may have noticed the term ‘Listening Bars’ slipping into the cultural zeitgeist as they pop up across London. Yet listening bars are not just another fleeting trend. The revival is a long-desired response to our urge for so-called intentional interaction.
A listening bar fuses meticulously curated vinyl records with carefully selected drinks, using high-end sound sys...
You may have noticed the term ‘Listening Bars’ slipping into the cultural zeitgeist as they pop up across London. Yet listening bars are not just another fleeting trend. The revival is a long-desired response to our urge for so-called intentional interaction.
A listening bar fuses meticulously curated vinyl records with carefully selected drinks, using high-end sound sys...
Industry season 4: what to expect for the new season
Over the past five years, BBC’s Industry has gained a cult TV following, giving us a glorified look at the world of gritty grind culture within Pierpoint, a fictional investment bank. Written, created and produced by ex-bankers Mickey Down and Konrad Kay, we’ve been gripped by the authentic portrayal of those champagne and substance-fuelled finance bros. Pierpoint, frankly, is a place where integrity goes to die, so when season four finally arrives on 12 January, please do not try to contact us...
The GTFO team’s favourite London listening bars
From discoball-lit dancefloors to chic small plates, London’s listening bar scene is thriving.
Space Talk, Farringdon
Opening in 2024, this immaculately designed space is sleek, seductive and split into four sensory zones to serve whatever mood you’re in. It can be difficult to get in, but know there is a reason behind the queues. The dance floor opens up after 10:30pm on weekends.
18-20 St John Street, Barbican, London EC1M 4AY
All My Friends, Hackney
Also a record store, this l...
Space Talk, Farringdon
Opening in 2024, this immaculately designed space is sleek, seductive and split into four sensory zones to serve whatever mood you’re in. It can be difficult to get in, but know there is a reason behind the queues. The dance floor opens up after 10:30pm on weekends.
18-20 St John Street, Barbican, London EC1M 4AY
All My Friends, Hackney
Also a record store, this l...
7 of the best breakfast spots in London to start the day off
London’s breakfast scene has long taken its cues from New York’s need for Bloody Marys and Australia’s fondness for avocado, and now it seems that the capital is finally living up to its porridge and poached eggs potential. For those of us who are soldiering on with Dry January and forgoing boozy dinners and late-night bites, there is no better time to up your breakfast game than right now.The most important meal of the day may often be a bit neglected, but these breakfast spots across London ce...
8 journals and collage kits to get crafty with this year
In 2026, it’s safe to say that we are feeling the digital fatigue more than ever, so perhaps it’s time to lean back into the creativity of our inner child. Remember that back-to-school rush when buying new stationery? The books and pens may be a little more stylish now, but the experience can be just as thrilling.Whether your heart desires a cathartic word vomit onto the page, ridding you of your pent-up frustrations and anxieties, or you want to create an aesthetic masterpiece, we’ve got you. S...
How to spot a job worth jumping for: 4 green flags to spot
At the best of times, taking on a new role in a different environment comes with an element of risk. Will you like your colleagues as much? Is the package you’ve been offered all it’s cracked up to be? And in the current job market, where vacancies fell by 44,000 from March to June 2025, it can feel like even more of a gamble.This continued uncertainty has led to a trend experts have termed ‘job hugging’, where workers cling to their current role, even if they’re growing bored with it.According...
How to deal with job offer anxiety according to career experts
Can you accept two job offers at once? How do you politely decline an offer without burning any bridges? If you’ve already said yes, is it too late to withdraw? A career expert explains how to navigate job offer anxiety.Let’s face it: job hunting is rarely an easy task. Even after you’ve scoured the job boards, polished your CV and smiled your way through three rounds of tasks and interviews, the hunt for a new role can still leave you feeling scared to commit, overwhelmed by choice and insecure...
British Fashion Council announces Designer Fashion Fund shortlist
The designers on this year’s shortlist are Clothsurgeon, Derrick, Harri and Labrum London.
Launched in 2013, the Designer Fashion Fund recognises outstanding British designers and assists them in growing their businesses.
The winner receives the BFC/GQDFF award with a £100,000 grant prize, alongside a year-long mentorship with an industry leader, pro-bono legal services from law firm Sheridans, and access to a network of specialist advisors.
The cash prize is provided by the BFC Foundation, esta...
Launched in 2013, the Designer Fashion Fund recognises outstanding British designers and assists them in growing their businesses.
The winner receives the BFC/GQDFF award with a £100,000 grant prize, alongside a year-long mentorship with an industry leader, pro-bono legal services from law firm Sheridans, and access to a network of specialist advisors.
The cash prize is provided by the BFC Foundation, esta...
First wave of Russell & Bromley stores close
Drapers understands more closures are expected imminently, with the footwear specialist’s store in Covent Garden anticipated to close tomorrow (22 April), as well as its Bath and Harrogate stores being set to shutter this Thursday (23 April).
Clearance discounts across the remaining Russell & Bromley stores earmarked for closure now range up to 90% across everything, while this varies across its store estate.
Russell & Bromley’s joint administrators at Interpath did not provide a comment.
This c...
Clearance discounts across the remaining Russell & Bromley stores earmarked for closure now range up to 90% across everything, while this varies across its store estate.
Russell & Bromley’s joint administrators at Interpath did not provide a comment.
This c...
In pictures: Uniqlo's collaboration with Cecilie Bahnsen
The 13-piece collaboration will include women’s and girls’ wear designed by Cecilie Banhsen, who launched her eponymous brand in Copenhagen in 2015 and is known for signature floral motifs, voluminous sleeves and contemporary silhouettes
Based on the concept of “Shapes of Poetry”, the women’s collection consists of graphic T-shirts, shirred tops and skirts and a black shirred strappy dress. The girls’ collection includes tonal dresses, T-shirts, and skorts with adjustable waists and pockets whic...
Based on the concept of “Shapes of Poetry”, the women’s collection consists of graphic T-shirts, shirred tops and skirts and a black shirred strappy dress. The girls’ collection includes tonal dresses, T-shirts, and skorts with adjustable waists and pockets whic...
In pictures: Kaia Gerber fronts Vuori spring campaign
The new campaign, “For Kaia”, has been designed by Gerber, offering a curated capsule workout wardrobe with “modern” versatility.
The campaign aims to highlight pieces for “active moments and moments of recovery”, which have been directly influenced by Gerber’s personal looks.
Key pieces include sports bras (£65), shorts (£70), full zip sweatshirts (£113), classic crew neck tees (£85), track jackets (£140) and wide leg yoga pants (£115).
This continues the partnership between Vuori and Gerber, f...
The campaign aims to highlight pieces for “active moments and moments of recovery”, which have been directly influenced by Gerber’s personal looks.
Key pieces include sports bras (£65), shorts (£70), full zip sweatshirts (£113), classic crew neck tees (£85), track jackets (£140) and wide leg yoga pants (£115).
This continues the partnership between Vuori and Gerber, f...
Irish retail chain Born Clothing closes after 16 years
The well-established high street name is set to shut its doors for good throughout Ireland after entering provisional liquidation. Born Clothing has launched its closing-down Sale with up to 70% off all stock in its 15 shops across Ireland.
Since opening its store in Galway in 2009, Born Clothing has become a much-loved fixture within Ireland’s fashion retail landscape.
At its height, the brand operated more than 20 stores across Ireland including in Dublin, Cork and Limerick, and currently empl...
Since opening its store in Galway in 2009, Born Clothing has become a much-loved fixture within Ireland’s fashion retail landscape.
At its height, the brand operated more than 20 stores across Ireland including in Dublin, Cork and Limerick, and currently empl...
Paul Smith unveils Made in British Isles collection
The new spring/summer 26 collection pays homage to the specialist makers and manufacturing traditions that have moulded the brand since Paul Smith opened his first shop on Byard Lane in Nottingham in 1970.
Developed from traceable, responsibly sourced materials, the collection offers a curated blend of outerwear, knitwear, shirting, jersey and accessories with prices ranging from £26 for Merino wool socks to £750 for a 425gsm herringbone cotton mac.
Produced in collaboration with specialist manu...
Developed from traceable, responsibly sourced materials, the collection offers a curated blend of outerwear, knitwear, shirting, jersey and accessories with prices ranging from £26 for Merino wool socks to £750 for a 425gsm herringbone cotton mac.
Produced in collaboration with specialist manu...
British Footwear Association appoints new CEO
Cartwright will succeed Richard Shetliffe, who is stepping down after two years in the role.
Shetliffe first joined the BFA in May 2024, aiming to strengthen and stabilise its foundations during a period of change for both the association and the wider industry.
Ahead of the transition, Shetliffe will collaborate closely with the company to execute the complete schedule of events planned for 2026.
Cartwright joins the business from his most recent role as chief operating officer at footwear bran...
Shetliffe first joined the BFA in May 2024, aiming to strengthen and stabilise its foundations during a period of change for both the association and the wider industry.
Ahead of the transition, Shetliffe will collaborate closely with the company to execute the complete schedule of events planned for 2026.
Cartwright joins the business from his most recent role as chief operating officer at footwear bran...
'Consumers are getting the jitters' as confidence dips again
GFK’s latest Consumer Confidence Index, which was conducted between 1 and 15 April, shows an overall fall of four points in April to -25.
The forecast for personal financial situations over the last 12 months has also dropped four points to -11, which is one point worse than April 2025.
While, over the next year, the forecast for personal financial situations is down five points to -4. This is one point lower than April 2025.
Expectations for the general economic situation over the next 12 month...
The forecast for personal financial situations over the last 12 months has also dropped four points to -11, which is one point worse than April 2025.
While, over the next year, the forecast for personal financial situations is down five points to -4. This is one point lower than April 2025.
Expectations for the general economic situation over the next 12 month...
Marks & Spencer ramps up use of low emission vehicles
M&S announced today (23 April) plans to further deploy new biomenthane-powered trucks over the next year, reducing transport emissions.
The expansion will increase the size of M&S’s lower-emission fleet to include over 300 bio-CNG vehicles by the end of March 2027.
After first introducing the lower-emission vehicles last January, the company currently operates over 210 bio-CNG trucks. They are powered by biomethane, a sustainable and renewable fuel derived from domestic waste products including...
The expansion will increase the size of M&S’s lower-emission fleet to include over 300 bio-CNG vehicles by the end of March 2027.
After first introducing the lower-emission vehicles last January, the company currently operates over 210 bio-CNG trucks. They are powered by biomethane, a sustainable and renewable fuel derived from domestic waste products including...
TFG London opens first joint Hobbs, Phase Eight and Whistles store
The three-in-one store is spread across 3,851 sq ft of retail space at Northern Ireland designer outlet The Boulevard. The joint store offers a selection of fashion, footwear and accessories from each brand at discounted prices.
The store joins an array of major fashion brands housed at The Boulevard such as Kate Spade NY, French Connection, Kurt Geiger, Guess, Dune, M&S Outlet, Vila and Joules.
With The Boulevard located just off the main A1 motorway between Belfast and Dublin, the new store is...
The store joins an array of major fashion brands housed at The Boulevard such as Kate Spade NY, French Connection, Kurt Geiger, Guess, Dune, M&S Outlet, Vila and Joules.
With The Boulevard located just off the main A1 motorway between Belfast and Dublin, the new store is...
Karen Carney: ‘I knew that Strictly would be the thing that would fix me’
Breaking the Strictly footballer curse, Karen Carney is the first footballer to get this far in the dancing competition as she happily swaps footballs for the Glitterball. But for Karen, 'this experience is much bigger than the Glitterball Trophy.'
Partnered with professional Carlos Gu, the well-loved duo have had quite the emotional journey, with tears being shed as often as Craig Revel Horwood has brutally sighed, 'It was a complete di-sah-ster, darhlinggg.' But don’t fret, a lot of these hav...
Partnered with professional Carlos Gu, the well-loved duo have had quite the emotional journey, with tears being shed as often as Craig Revel Horwood has brutally sighed, 'It was a complete di-sah-ster, darhlinggg.' But don’t fret, a lot of these hav...
Strictly’s George Clarke speaks out on ’stumbles’ we DON’T see on TV
Social media sensation George Clarke has truly made his mark on the Strictly ballroom floor, learning to let loose as his trousers remain tight – like, really tight - even making Craig Revel Horwood hot under the collar.
‘I’m used to performing to a camera that’s by my face and I can cut out all the rubbish bits. Unfortunately, I can’t do that on the ballroom floor,’ he revealed at a press conference ahead of Saturday's final.
Unable to hide behind a screen or curtain, George has won over a wh...
‘I’m used to performing to a camera that’s by my face and I can cut out all the rubbish bits. Unfortunately, I can’t do that on the ballroom floor,’ he revealed at a press conference ahead of Saturday's final.
Unable to hide behind a screen or curtain, George has won over a wh...
Strictly’s Amber: ‘People don’t want to warm to me’
When Amber Davies got the call from Strictly producers confirming she would replace fellow Love Islander Dani Dyer, she was left with six hours to get to grips with her first dance. Pretty impressive.
Although the Welsh star may be petite at 5ft1, Amber’s strength and determination possess the dance-floor each week alongside partner, Nikita Kuzmin, whom she shares a “brother-sister relationship with.”
Speaking at the finalists Strictly press conference, Amber says, 'I’ll never experience anyth...
Although the Welsh star may be petite at 5ft1, Amber’s strength and determination possess the dance-floor each week alongside partner, Nikita Kuzmin, whom she shares a “brother-sister relationship with.”
Speaking at the finalists Strictly press conference, Amber says, 'I’ll never experience anyth...
Strictly Come Dancing’s most shocking exits ever
The JLS heart throb, also known for his signature backflips (and backflip fails) was a fan favourite until Shirley sent him packing. A battle of the bands saw Aston up against The Saturdays singer Mollie King back in 2017. After the doomed final vote by Shirley, his pro dance partner Janette Manrara burst into tears as their journey was cut short. Remember his lyrics, ‘One shot, so make it count’? Awks. Well, lucky for us, JLS have since reunited and continue to tour.
Another boyband beloved, a...
Another boyband beloved, a...
Five celebrities that have swapped shots for sobriety
Their reasoning for putting down the booze range from wanting to improve their mental health to achieving a better work-life balance, so maybe reaching for the alcohol-free beverage could be the go-to in 2026.
Ex-party girl Millie Mackintosh ran the streets of Kings Road with a glass of champagne in one hand and her cute little pooch in the other and who could forget Millie’s savage comment to Victoria Harper Baker-Harber, 'He normally likes other dogs, sorry.' Ouch.
However in a bid to improv...
Ex-party girl Millie Mackintosh ran the streets of Kings Road with a glass of champagne in one hand and her cute little pooch in the other and who could forget Millie’s savage comment to Victoria Harper Baker-Harber, 'He normally likes other dogs, sorry.' Ouch.
However in a bid to improv...
Strictly Come Dancing star NOT returning to the final
Apprentice star and Strictly contestant, Thomas Skinner – who was the first to be voted out alongside pro partner Amy Dowden – will be missing out on a Strictly 2025 reunion at this Saturday's (20 December 2025) final, citing prior TV commitments. Sorry, what else is on telly this weekend?
Breaking the all-star tradition, The Mirror reported that Thomas won’t be joining the Strictly gang for the ever-iconic class of 2025 group dance this Saturday.
Thomas' paso doble received a total of 12 poin...
Breaking the all-star tradition, The Mirror reported that Thomas won’t be joining the Strictly gang for the ever-iconic class of 2025 group dance this Saturday.
Thomas' paso doble received a total of 12 poin...
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