Bit of a side quest, but are those Harry Potter shops the new front for money laundering/tax evasion on Oxford Street? All the 'American Sweet Shop' places have all been shut down after all...

Funny how Bobby Galbraith doesn't mind her trademarks being used for nefarious purposes, is her attention elsewhere?

#HarryPotter #Budget25 #London #JKRowling #MoneyLaundering #TaxEvasion #OxfordStreet #HMRC

Opening date confirmed for Swansea’s new Y Storfa hub

According to Swansea Council, the transformation of the former BHS building at the junction of Oxford Street and Princess Way is a key part of its £1bn regeneration programme. The authority says the project is designed to revitalise the city centre and bring services together under one roof.

“Firm opening date before Christmas”

Council Leader Rob Stewart said the opening was a major milestone:

“It’s fantastic that we now have a firm opening date for Y Storfa – and that it’ll be before Christmas. It’ll be a great new facility that’ll help make the city centre an even better place to visit. The great public interest in Y Storfa will mean added footfall for nearby traders as the festive season develops. It’ll be a place where people can come together – to learn, access important services, or take part in community life in a modern and welcoming space.”

Services under one roof

Swansea Council says that when Y Storfa opens, visitors will be able to access the city’s Central Library, which the authority notes will include dedicated areas for children and families. The council also states that the building will house its Housing Options and Housing Support teams, alongside the West Glamorgan Archive Service.

According to the council, Y Storfa will not just feature council services. Careers Wales and Citizens Advice Swansea Neath Port Talbot have confirmed they will have permanent bases in the hub, while Swansea University has said its South Wales Miners’ Library is among the organisations preparing to move in over the coming weeks. The council describes these combined services as making Y Storfa a one‑stop destination for learning, advice, and community support.

Wider regeneration

Swansea Council says the opening of Y Storfa is part of a much broader transformation of the city centre. The authority points to work underway next door at Castle Square, which it describes as being redeveloped into a greener, more welcoming public space. Council leaders also highlight other recent projects they have driven, including the creation of the Swansea Building Society Arena, the redesign of The Kingsway and Wind Street, new office space at 71/72 Kingsway, and the restoration of the historic Palace Theatre.

According to the council, private developers are also investing heavily in the area. Projects cited include the Biophilic Living Building on Oxford Street, the Princess Quarter development, and the revival of the Albert Hall, which the authority says are adding to the momentum of regeneration in the city centre.

Backed by Welsh Government

Funding for Y Storfa has come from the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme, with construction led by The Kier Group.

The council says the hub will provide a modern, welcoming environment for residents and visitors, while boosting footfall for city centre traders in the run‑up to Christmas and beyond.

#bhs #castleSquareRedevelopment #centralLibrary #centralLibraryMove #centralLibraryRelocation #centralLibrarySwansea #kierGroup #oxfordStreet #princessWay #swansea #swanseaCentralLibrary #swanseaCouncil #swanseaRegeneration #yStorfa #yStorfaSwansea

Popeyes marks 100th UK store with nationwide giveaway – Swansea fans included

The New Orleans‑born fried chicken chain, which drew 18‑hour queues when it opened in Swansea city centre last month, will hand out 100 free Chicken Sandwiches at every UK restaurant and drive‑thru between 10am and 12pm on Tuesday 25 November.

The giveaway coincides with the launch of Popeyes’ latest site at London Bridge, but the celebrations will be felt across the country – including Swansea, where the brand opened in the former Topshop building on Oxford Street.

Week‑long deal for fans

For those who miss the giveaway, Popeyes is also offering a week‑long deal on its signature Chicken Sandwich, Fries and a Coca‑Cola® drink for just £5.99. The promotion runs from 24–30 November and can be redeemed nationwide through the Popeyes UK app.

Food & Drink News

Discover the latest restaurant openings, foodie events, and dining deals across Swansea Bay and South Wales.

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Rapid growth since 2021

Since debuting in the UK in 2021, Popeyes has expanded from its first restaurant in Westfield Stratford to 100 locations in just four years. The company says it has created over 2,000 jobs in the past year alone, with a team expected to reach 3,500 employees by the end of 2025.

Queues around the block have become a hallmark of Popeyes openings, with Swansea’s launch proving no exception. Hundreds of fans lined Oxford Street overnight to be among the first through the doors, echoing scenes seen at other UK sites since the brand’s arrival.

CEO thanks fans

Tom Crowley, CEO at Popeyes UK & Ireland, said:

“Reaching our 100th restaurant is an incredible milestone, and it’s all thanks to our amazing fans across the UK. We can’t wait to thank customers past and present with these giveaways of our most beloved menu item, and give everyone the chance to enjoy a true taste of New Orleans. Here’s to the next 100!”

What happens next

Popeyes lovers in Swansea can head to the Oxford Street restaurant from 10am on Tuesday 25 November to be in with a chance of bagging one of the 100 free Chicken Sandwiches.

The £5.99 Chicken Sandwich, Fries and Coca‑Cola® drink offer will be available all week through the Popeyes UK app.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

18‑hour queues as Popeyes opens in Swansea
Fans lined Oxford Street overnight as the fried chicken chain launched its first Swansea restaurant.

Popeyes to open Swansea restaurant in former Topshop building
The New Orleans‑born brand confirmed its city centre location ahead of the October launch.

Popeyes to open at Swansea city centre location
Excitement built as the chain revealed plans for its Oxford Street restaurant earlier this year.

Fried chicken restaurant Popeyes to open in Swansea
Early announcement of the chain’s arrival sparked huge interest among local food lovers.

#chickenRestaurant #chickenSandwich #foodDrink #friedChicken #oxfordStreet #popeyes #restaurant #swansea #swanseaCityCentre

New city centre courtyard to honour late council officer Huw Mowbray

Tribute in the heart of the city

According to the council, construction of Mowbray Yard will start this month after the appointment of Horan Construction Ltd as the main contractor. The courtyard, which the council says will feature trees, planting and new street furniture, is intended to provide a calm and welcoming space between The Kingsway and Oxford Street.

Council Leader Rob Stewart said:

“We’re delighted to confirm the appointment of a contractor to deliver Mowbray Yard – a beautiful new courtyard that will stand as a lasting tribute to Huw. His dedication, energy and vision helped shape many of Swansea’s most significant regeneration projects in recent years, so it’s only fitting that this space bears his name.”

A career that transformed Swansea

The council notes that Mr Mowbray, who died in 2023 aged 59, was a father of two and a long‑serving officer. Officials say he played a central role in delivering landmark schemes including the Swansea.com Stadium, Swansea Arena and the revamp of Wind Street.

Part of wider regeneration

Swansea Council says Mowbray Yard is due for completion in spring 2026. The courtyard will sit behind the new 71/72 Kingsway office development, which the authority describes as a key part of the city centre regeneration programme and part‑funded by the Swansea Bay City Deal.

The council says 80% of the office space at 71/72 Kingsway is now let, with hundreds of staff from companies including TUI and Futures First already moved in. Officials add that further tenants will be announced in the coming weeks.

#7172Kingsway #construction #courtyard #horanConstruction #huwMowbray #kingsway #kingswayRegeneration #mowbrayYard #oxfordStreet #regeneration #swansea #swanseaCityCentre #swanseaCityCentreRegeneration #swanseaCouncil

Another random view of the city while walking.

Oxford Street getting ready for the winter season, despite the sunshine.

#Photography #StreetPhotography #london #OxfordStreet

Daisy Lowe leads celebs at #Renault 4 E-Tech’s #UK launch in #London

https://lucire.com/insider/20251021/daisy-lowe-leads-celebs-at-renault-4-e-techs-uk-launch-in-london/ #ElectricCar #EV #DaisyLowe #celebrity #launch #living #lifestyle #car #voiture #England #OxfordStreet #PopUpShop