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UK's First Living Wage Zone Opens at North Acton Square
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UK's First Living Wage Zone Opens at North Acton Square
Big news in Ealing! Living Wage, art, dining, new radio, step-free travel & local events inside!
Horace France

Horace France

Sep 23, 2026

22 September, 2026|Issue #15|Ealing, London UK

North Acton Square has become the UK’s first Living Wage Zone, as every business there has pledged to pay at least the London Living Wage of £14.80 an hour.

 

This groundbreaking move means all workers, including those employed by third-party contractors, benefit from the commitment—not just direct staff.

 

The square, transformed from a former petrol station near North Acton Underground, now hosts six retail units and regular community events like markets and music.

 

The Republic Community Projects, led by director Johnny Brewin, created the square as an affordable space for small businesses and community groups, now enhanced by its Living Wage status.

 

With over 150 accredited Living Wage employers in the borough, North Acton continues to evolve into a lively hub for residents and visitors, showcasing the area’s ongoing transformation and rising profile.

 


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Quote Of The Day

"There's something quietly vibrant about Ealing—its parks, its music, its gentle hum that makes London feel like home."

— Michael Rosen

IMPACT Theatre in Perivale recently welcomed world-renowned underwater sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor, whose art has sparked new inspiration among the charity’s neurodivergent artists and performers.

 

Taylor, celebrated for his underwater museums and sculpture parks addressing environmental themes, attended the group’s Red Rope Live performance during the Harmony and Nature Festival.

 

Red Rope is IMPACT’s innovative project blending film, digital art, dance, music, poetry, and visual art to highlight the dangers of plastic pollution.

 

This creative collaboration is set to deepen, as Taylor has now invited the Perivale artists to his Kent workshop, where they will learn about sculpture and recycled materials.

 

Based at Ealing Central Sports Ground, IMPACT Theatre connects disability arts with global environmental issues—demonstrating how local creativity can influence and address worldwide challenges.


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Dementia-friendly radio has arrived in Ealing, bringing specialist programming to residents at St David’s Care Home and across west London.

 

The service, known as Dementia Radio, provides advert-free music from the 1940s to the 1980s—a period filled with songs that often unlock memories and spark conversation for people living with dementia.

 

This accessible radio station runs 24/7, aiming to support not just individuals with dementia but also their families and caregivers.

 

By focusing on nostalgic tracks, the station helps encourage reminiscence and emotional connection, whether at home or in care.

 

With music specifically chosen to resonate with different generations, listeners in Ealing can easily tune in via DAB radio or online, offering a simple yet powerful way to bring joy and meaningful moments to daily life.

 

For some, a single familiar song may be enough to reconnect with cherished memories.


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Families in Northolt are facing uncertainty as Ealing Council considers significant changes for Viking Primary School.

 

Among six options, the council's preferred plan could see Viking close by August 2027, with eligible pupils moving to neighbouring Downe Manor Primary School only half a mile away.

 

No final decision has been made, and a formal consultation is expected in autumn 2026 if plans move forward.

 

Falling pupil numbers across Ealing—especially in Northolt—are driving the proposals, as lower enrollment puts pressure on school funding and sustainability.

 

While Viking describes itself as a vibrant, close-knit school, the council notes Downe Manor's larger capacity and better long-term prospects.

 

Parents and the wider school community have raised concerns, highlighting the importance of clear communication and consideration for pupils' experiences during any transition.

 

For now, the future of Viking Primary remains undecided.


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Northolt Underground station now offers full step-free access, easing travel for residents with mobility challenges, parents with pushchairs, and anyone who finds stairs difficult.

 

Passengers can travel seamlessly from the street to the Central line platform thanks to a newly installed lift and footbridge.

 

Northolt becomes the 95th London Underground station to achieve step-free status, furthering Transport for London’s commitment to accessibility.

 

Manual boarding ramps and accessible toilet facilities are also now available, making the station more convenient for those with special requirements or heavy luggage.

 

Enhanced links to the Superloop SL9 bus offer quick connections between Heathrow Airport and Harrow, making Northolt a valuable interchange for accessible journeys.

 

This major upgrade marks a significant step for the Northolt community and promises easier daily travel for thousands.


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Joke Of The Day

Why did the squirrel move to Ealing?

He heard it was nuts about its parks!😆

Thai cuisine in Ealing offers far more than the familiar Pad Thai and green curry.

 

Locals can sample Angrid Thai at Ealing Broadway, a recent arrival whose owners' roots in Thailand stretch back decades, serving vibrant dishes with vegan options.

 

At Butler’s Thai on St Mary’s Road, the menu tempts with northern Khao Soi and lesser-seen specials like crispy pork and rich lamb Massaman, rewarding adventurous palates.

 

Meanwhile, Noi’s Thai Kitchen in Hanwell brings the warmth of a home kitchen, featuring aromatic slow-cooked Massaman and coconut-free Jungle Curry in a true neighbourhood setting.

 

For a unique twist, The Forester in West Ealing serves classic Thai plates in a historic pub, switching to a British carvery on Sundays.

 

Finally, Rosa’s Thai at Haven Green anchors the scene with accessible favourites and aromatic stir-fried dishes, rounding out Ealing’s diverse Thai offerings.


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Looking for things to do in Ealing this weekend? From a canal-side festival and outdoor cinema to live theatre, film, family activities and local walks, there are plenty of reasons to get out and explore the borough.


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Great Local Experiences to Try in the London Borough of Ealing. 

You don't have to head into central London to find something interesting to do this weekend. From a brand-new photography exhibition and contemporary art to hilltop views, a family zoo and a little local history, there's plenty to discover closer to home.

Here are seven ideas for exploring Ealing Borough over the weekend.

 


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Ealing’s tech startups are forging dynamic partnerships with local businesses, sparking growth and innovation across the borough.

 

By teaming up, both entrepreneurs and established shops can boost their visibility, share resources, and contribute to Ealing’s vibrant economic community.

 

Small and medium-sized business owners are embracing technology to enhance their marketing ROI and expand their online presence, drawing on real-world insights from those thriving in today’s digital marketplace.

 

These collaborations aren’t just about profit—they’re about forging lasting relationships and ensuring local businesses remain competitive in a fast-changing world.

 

Ealing Elevation’s latest episode—produced by the local agency Iroma Media—dives deep into these strategies, offering actionable advice and clear pathways for business owners who want to adapt and excel in an ever-evolving digital landscape.


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Interesting Facts about Ealing

  • Urban Fox Pioneers: Ealing played a significant role in the spread of urban foxes throughout London, with large populations documented in local parks as early as the 1930s.

 

  • Far West End: Ealing was humorously called the "Queen of the Suburbs" in the early 1900s for its leafy streets and was the first London district to get an electric tram service (in 1901), making it a fashionable commute for West End theatre-goers.

 

  • Hidden Japanese Garden: Walpole Park in Ealing is home to one of London’s oldest surviving Japanese-style gardens, created for the 1908 Franco-British Exhibition and later rehomed here in the 1930s.

 

Content syndication empowers businesses to extend the reach of their articles, blogs, and insights far beyond a single website.

 

By republishing quality content on relevant platforms, companies create more paths for potential customers to discover their expertise and brand — whether through search, social media, or industry publications.

 

Effective syndication isn’t about duplicating content everywhere.

 

Instead, it’s a strategic process that supports organic discovery, boosts referral traffic, and multiplies a business’s digital touchpoints.

 

Proper execution ensures that distributed content serves as both a discovery tool and an opportunity for audiences to engage, without falling into SEO pitfalls or duplicate content issues.

 

Partnering with platforms like Iroma Media helps local businesses turn a single piece into an ongoing asset, making their content investment work even harder.

 

If your business struggles to get content noticed, syndication could be the missing piece for greater reach and authority.


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Ealing Soup Kitchen is a dedicated charity offering warm, nutritious meals and vital support to those in need across Ealing.

 

Since 1973, volunteers have provided weekend meals at St John’s Church, focusing on serving the homeless, vulnerable, and those facing hardship.

 

The group also holds welcoming drop-in sessions every Monday and Friday.

 

Visitors can access fresh clothes, hot food, barber services, showers, foot care, and friendly games, alongside practical assistance for daily challenges.

 

Address:
Ealing Soup Kitchen
The Crypt, St John’s Church
Ealing W13 9LA

 

Contact:
Mobile: 07803 728288


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Your weekly guide to the best of Ealing — local, authentic, and alive. Ealing Spotlight is your go-to newsletter celebrating everything that makes this borough one of London's most vibrant communities. From buzzing restaurants and pubs to indie shops, nightlife, and the creative locals and businesses shaping the scene — we're here to shine a light on it all. Each week, we dig into the stories behind Ealing's small businesses, present their best services and explore Ealing's flavours, sounds, and culture, and bring you the stories that make this community truly special. Whether you're a proud Ealing local or just discovering the borough for the first time, Ealing Spotlight is your invitation to lock in, get inspired, and connect with the community around you. Good vibes. Great stories. Real Ealing. 🌟 Contact us for more information: Email: [email protected]

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