Latest news with #Bexleyheath
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
I tried PizzaExpress' new summer menu in Bexleyheath - I found the best new pizza
I tried PizzaExpress' new summer menu at the Bexleyheath branch – and found the best pizza I've ever eaten. PizzaExpress has always been my go-to spot for a relaxed meal out. As someone who eats gluten-free, I've found they cater brilliantly without sacrificing taste or options. So when I heard about their new summer menu, I couldn't wait to give it a try. Gluten-free diner finds spicy perfection in PizzaExpress' Calabrian Feast (Image: Holly Brencher) We started with the new Buffalo Chicken Wings and Buttermilk Chicken Strips. The wings were coated in Sauce Shop's Buffalo Hot Sauce and served with a creamy blue cheese dip. They were messy in the best way – tangy, spicy and completely addictive. Buffalo wings and buttermilk strips kick off PizzaExpress summer feast (Image: Holly Brencher) The buttermilk strips were perfectly golden and crispy, great for dipping and sharing. Both dishes felt fresh, packed with flavour and ideal for kicking things off. For drinks, we tried the new Soho Spritz. It was fruity and refreshing without being too sweet – ideal for summer. And with their current deal of two for £12, it felt like a bargain. Then it was time for the pizzas. Four Seasons Speciale offers a flavourful twist on a classic favourite (Image: Holly Brencher) I started with the Four Seasons Speciale – a modern rework of their iconic 1965 pizza. I ordered it on a gluten-free base, and as always, it was crisp and light without falling apart. Each quarter of the pizza had a different topping, which made it ideal for someone indecisive like me. One part had pepperoni and Calabrese sausage, bringing heat and richness. Another was topped with baby plum tomatoes and basil pesto, fresh and herby. There was also a quarter with mushrooms and truffle oil, which felt indulgent and earthy. And the last section – salty anchovies, olives and capers – packed a real flavour punch. It's a pizza that truly has something for everyone. But then came the real star of the meal – the Calabrian Feast. Calabrian Feast crowned standout dish in new PizzaExpress lineup (Image: Holly Brencher) This was honestly the best pizza I've ever eaten. It was loaded with 'nduja, Calabrese sausage, pepperoni and crispy pancetta. On top of that were two types of mozzarella, Gran Milano cheese and an extra chilli kick. The finishing touch was a drizzle of hot honey, which balanced the heat beautifully. Every bite was packed with bold, spicy flavour and rich, creamy cheese. It was indulgent, fiery and unforgettable. Now, I didn't try it myself, but PizzaExpress has found a bold new way to tackle the pineapple-on-pizza debate. Instead of serving it on pizza, they've created Hawaiian Hot Dough Balls. Tossed in garlic butter, topped with pancetta and pineapple, and drizzled with Pineapple Habanero Hot Sauce, they're certainly a talking point. According to new research from the brand, the UK is split 50/50 on pineapple on pizza. But more than half of people say they'd try these new Dough Balls, which just might be the middle ground we've all been waiting for. For dessert, we had the Birthday Cake Sundae. It was sweet, playful and totally satisfying. Birthday Cake Sundae ends the meal on a sweet, festive note (Image: Holly Brencher) Layers of vanilla gelato, raspberry coulis, whipped cream and sprinkles made it feel like a celebration. It even had a mini sponge cake and a topping of Joe & Seph's Birthday Cake Popcorn. A proper party in a glass. PizzaExpress has nailed it with this summer menu. They've kept their classics while bringing in bold new flavours and playful twists. Whether you're a spice lover, a sweet tooth or someone who wants variety, there's something here for you. And for gluten-free diners like me, it's one of the few places where you feel totally looked after. The Calabrian Feast alone is worth the visit. This menu is a summer treat that genuinely delivers.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The south east London dads who deserve a mention this Father's Day
From heart-wrenching tributes to viral fame and record-breaking feats, this Father's Day we're looking back at the inspiring, emotional, and often uplifting stories of the incredible dads we've spoken to over the past year. Each of them, in their own way, shows the strength, love, and dedication that defines fatherhood. TikTok stardom for Dartford dad and daughter duo From tragedy to joy, Dartford dad Jed Storey and his daughter Chloe have been lighting up screens on TikTok with their heartwarming and hilarious videos. The duo's account, @dadandcloshow, has gained nearly 200,000 followers thanks to their brilliant bond and fun content. Jed told us: 'We never expected it to take off so quickly… it's been an amazing way to connect.' Jed and Chloe Storey (Image: Jed Storey/@dadandcloshow) A chicken-shaped walk for a local legend In one of our quirkiest stories, Stephen Sangster, a dad from Orpington, walked over 11km in the shape of a chicken to celebrate the 130th anniversary of the Orpington Buff breed. 'It was an eggs-ercise in both fitness and creativity,' he joked, proving that even poultry-themed passion projects can be powered by pride, community, and a sense of humour. Stephen Sangster completed the walk in two hours (Image: Stephen Sangster) A father's grief turned into a call for change One of the most emotional stories came from Bora Bicakcim, the father of nine-year-old Ada, who tragically died after being hit by a bus in Bexleyheath. In the face of unimaginable pain, Bora shared his heartbreak with the News Shopper, describing the moment his world 'fractured beyond repair'. He told us: 'This tragedy happened on my watch, a father's ultimate failure… We will honour your name with acts of magnitude. You will never be forgotten.' Bora has since turned his grief into purpose, vowing to fight for change and raise awareness about the dangers of drug-driving. We think of Bora on his first Father's Day without Ada. Ada Bicakci was just nine-years-old when she was killed (Image: Family of Ada Bicacki) Beckenham dad goes the distance for a friend's daughter When Sam Wheeler from Beckenham heard his friend's daughter had been diagnosed with leukaemia, he didn't hesitate. The devoted dad will cycle more than 400km to Cornwall this August to raise money for Momentum Children's Charity – the same charity that's been supporting little Isla and her family since her diagnosis. Sam said the diagnosis came just a day after Isla had been at his house. Now, he's turning heartbreak into action. Sam is raising funds for Momentum Children's Charity (Image: Sam Wheeler) 500 miles across London – on foot Dave Thomas, a 64-year-old dad and retired NHS worker, took on a monumental challenge – running the entire London transport network. That's 12 Tube lines, the Overground, trams, DLR, and even the cable car – clocking up nearly 500 miles in just four months. Armed with selfies from every station and support from TfL, Dave is now waiting to hear if Guinness World Records will confirm his achievement. Dave Thomas (Image: SWNS) 35 years of community cuts and connections And finally, a special mention goes to Graham Norman, who has run The Crop Shop in Erith for 35 years with his wife Sharon and their five children. More than just a barber, Graham has been part of the local fabric since 1990 – cutting hair, making friends, and raising a family while keeping Erith looking sharp. Graham said: 'It's not just a barbers – it's part of the community. We've had generations of families come through the door.' The Crop Shop (Image: The Crop Shop) Happy Father's Day from all of us at the News Shopper.
BBC News
10-06-2025
- BBC News
Drug-driving bus driver jailed for killing nine-year-old cyclist
A bus driver who killed a nine-year-old girl riding her bike on the pavement having fallen asleep at the wheel with drugs in his system has been jailed for four Bicakci died in hospital in August last year, two days after the collision in Bexleyheath, south-east London, which left her with "catastrophic injuries".Martin Asolo-Ogugua, 23, was sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court on Monday, having pleaded guilty in April to causing Ada's death by dangerous driving and driving while unfit through of Southwark, south-east London, failed a drug test at the scene, having taken cannabis the night before. CCTV showed Asolo-Ogugua driving the bus with Ada on a footpath before he defendant fell bus drifted across the carriageway and into the path of the girl and her father, Bora Bicakci, said his world was "fractured beyond repair"."This tragedy happened on my watch, a father's ultimate failure. My world has been turned upside down, and with it, the foundations of my family have crumbled."My darling Ada. Our thanks are not enough to show our gratitude for you. We will honour your name with acts of magnitude. You will never be forgotten."Senior Crown Prosecutor Miranda Jollie called Asolo-Ogugua "reckless and utterly selfish".Ada, a Turkish-British national, lived in Bexleyheath with her family and was a keen gymnast and attended a local primary school where she was described as a "popular and happy pupil".Her organs were donated and she went on to help six other people after her death, her family said was also disqualified from driving for seven years.
The Sun
09-06-2025
- The Sun
Bus driver who killed girl, 9, after smashing into her while high on drugs is jailed as father pays touching tribute
A BUS driver who knocked down and killed a nine-year-old girl when he fell asleep after taking drugs has been jailed for four years. Martin Asolo-Agogua, 23, had been up all night at a social event when he struck Ada Bicakci with the double decker in Bexleyheath, South East London. 3 3 3 Emergency services arrived at the scene on Watling Street at 9.03am on August 3 last year. Despite their best efforts, the youngster tragically couldn't be saved and died two days later. Ada, a Turkish and British national, was a 'keen' gymnast and swimmer, according to tributes. Her five-year-old brother was also taken to hospital following the crash. Officers drug-tested Asolo-Ogugua at the scene, which he failed. The Met Police arrested him on suspicion of causing serious injury through dangerous driving and drug-driving. Asolo-Ogugua was today sentenced at Woolwith Crown Court for causing the nine-year-old's death. The court heard he fell asleep at the wheel, after having taken cannabis the night before. He mounted the opposite pavement as Ada was riding her bike with her family. Detectives from the Met's Roads and Transport team later trawled through CCTV evidence that revealed Asolo-Oguguathe first drove the bus out of the depot at around 8.45am. They were able to capture the exact moment he fell asleep, and saw the bus swerve cross the carriageway. Asolo-Oguguathe was charged in February earlier this year with causing death by dangerous driving while under influence of drugs as well as driving while over the drug limit. He admitted both offences at Woolwich Crown Court in April. Asolo-Ogugua, of Banfield Road, Southwark, was today jailed for four years. The 23-year-old has also been disqualified from driving for seven years. 'PILLARS OF STRENGTH' Detective Sergeant Sam Miles, who led the investigation, said: 'Asolo-Ogugua will have to spend the rest of his life regretting the night he chose to stay awake before getting behind the wheel of a bus with cannabis in his system. 'It's a night that has cost him his freedom and snatched away the life of an innocent little girl. 'Ada had her whole life ahead of her. 'She lived in the area and attended a local primary school where she was a popular and happy pupil. 'In a remarkable show of courage and humility, Ada's family chose to take her life forward to help others by donating her organs. 'I can only hope today's sentence brings some closure for Ada's family who have remained a pillar of strength throughout these proceedings.' FAMILY HEARTBREAK Ada's organs were donated and she went on to help six other people following her tragic death, her family said. They also previously shared two pictures of their daughter, including one that shows her having had her hair cut for donation. The nine-year-old was a Turkish-British national that lived in Bexleyheath with her family and attended a local primary school. In a heartwrenching statement shared by the Met Police, Ada's father, Bora, said: "The images of that horrific moment remain seared into my mind. That scene replays endlessly, a constant reminder of the day my world fractured beyond repair. "This tragedy happened on my watch, a father's ultimate failure. My world has been turned upside down, and with it, the foundations of my family have crumbled. "My darling Ada. Our thanks are not enough to show our gratitude for you. We will honour your name with acts of magnitude. You will never be forgotten. "We will make this story one of love and thanks that we owe everybody. Your presence, and passing, will leave a mark in this country and we will fight to make drug driving a part of its history." 'RECKLESS AND UTTERLY SELFISH' Senior Crown Prosecutor, Miranda Jollie, of the Crown Prosecution Service, added: 'Asolo-Ogugua was reckless and utterly selfish to get behind the wheel of a bus after consuming drugs and put many lives at risk that day. 'His actions have robbed a young girl of her entire life. Our thoughts remain with Ada's family and friends as they try to come to terms with their unimaginable loss "I hope his sentence today can help to bring some closure for Ada's family and highlight the devastating consequences of drug driving.'
Daily Mail
09-06-2025
- Daily Mail
Double-decker bus driver who killed nine-year-old girl after ploughing into her while high on drugs is jailed
A double-decker bus driver who killed a nine-year-old child after crashing into her while high on drugs has been jailed for four years. Martin Asolo-Agogua, 23, had been up all night at a social event when he ploughed into Ada Bicakci and her five-year-old brother. The horror unfolded at around 9.05am on August 3, 2024, on Watling Street in Bexleyheath, southeast London, a court heard. Asolo-Ogugua was today sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court for causing the death of Ada, a Turkish and British national, by dangerous driving and driving while unfit through drugs. He was also disqualified from driving for seven years. Asolo-Ogugua, of Banfield Road, Southwark, fell asleep at the wheel, having taken cannabis the previous night. He mounted the opposite pavement at the exact moment Ada was riding her bike across it with her family. The siblings, who were with a family member at the time, were immediately taken to hospital where Ada, who was a 'keen gymnast and swimmer' died two days later. Detective Sergeant Sam Miles, who led the investigation, said: 'Asolo-Ogugua will have to spend the rest of his life regretting the night he chose to stay awake before getting behind the wheel of a bus with cannabis in his system. 'It's a night that has cost him his freedom and snatched away the life of an innocent little girl. 'Ada had her whole life ahead of her. 'She lived in the area and attended a local primary school where she was a popular and happy pupil. 'In a remarkable show of courage and humility, Ada's family chose to take her life forward to help others by donating her organs. 'I can only hope today's sentence brings some closure for Ada's family who have remained a pillar of strength throughout these proceedings.' Police were called to the scene at Watling Street near the junction with Halcot Avenue in Bexleyheath at 09:03hrs on Saturday, 3 August 2024 where a bus had collided with two children, causing what paramedics described as life-threatening injuries to a little girl. Ada's family managed to jump to safety, but Ada was left with catastrophic injuries. Ada was taken to hospital but, despite the best efforts of medical staff, she sadly died on the afternoon of Monday, 5 August. Her family have continued to be supported by specialist officers. Ada's father, Bora, said: 'The images of that horrific moment remain seared into my mind. That scene replays endlessly, a constant reminder of the day my world fractured beyond repair. 'This tragedy happened on my watch, a father's ultimate failure. My world has been turned upside down, and with it, the foundations of my family have crumbled. 'My darling Ada. Our thanks are not enough to show our gratitude for you. We will honour your name with acts of magnitude. You will never be forgotten. 'We will make this story one of love and thanks that we owe everybody. Your presence, and passing, will leave a mark in this country and we will fight to make drug driving a part of its history.' Senior Crown Prosecutor, Miranda Jollie, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said: 'Asolo-Ogugua was reckless and utterly selfish to get behind the wheel of a bus after consuming drugs and put many lives at risk that day. 'His actions have robbed a young girl of her entire life. Our thoughts remain with Ada's family and friends as they try to come to terms with their unimaginable loss 'I hope his sentence today can help to bring some closure for Ada's family and highlight the devastating consequences of drug driving.' Following the tragedy, a GoFundMe page was launched to provide support to the police and ambulance service who had helped the nine-year-old, with more than £14,000 accumulated in donations. The family also donated her organs to other children, with her parents receiving a commendation from Anthony Clarkson, the Director of Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation. A statement on behalf of the Bacakci family, shared on the fundraising page, read: 'We have been hit and shattered into pieces, one became six, living in new places. 'Thanks are not enough to show our gratitude. We'll honour Ada with acts of magnitude.
