🦊There's a new kid on the block.

Good morning, London! Happy Friday, we hope.. wait! What’s that noise? Oh, just the sound of thousands of -private schools- parents racing out for one last drink coffee before half-term chaos kicks in this weekend💀. Weren’t the kids off for like two months just the other day? Anyway, worry not!

We’re thrilled to bring you the very first issue of The London Scoop, where we dish out the best of London for parents — all in a quick, bite-sized read to fit into your busy day. And just like that, we’re your new favorite email. You're welcome!

Here’s what we’ve got for you today:

• 📱 MP proposes law to ban smartphones in school

• ☕ Battle of the high street pumpkin spiced lattes

• 📅 Family things to do this week. It’s almost 🎃 time, baby

• 💎 London gems: In the Pizza ring: New York vs Napoli

• 🧠 Two kid-friendly facts to show off to your kids

But first the weather, because what else would we chat about with Olivia’s parents at pickup?

SCHOOLS
Unplug the kids, says MP

An MP is on a mission to yank smartphones out of schools! Josh MacAlister, Labour MP for Whitehaven and Workington, has proposed a new law to ban phones in schools and raise the 'internet adulthood' age from 13 to 16.

His plan? Kids under 16 would need parental permission to use social media apps like TikTok and Instagram.

MacAlister, a former teacher, says it’s all about protecting children from too much screen time and social media risks. While most schools already have phone restrictions, he wants it to be law. But not everyone's convinced – some argue phones can help with kids’ development and social lives. Full article.

HIGH STREET
Battle of the -pumpkin spice- latte’

Ok, I’ll come clean—never tried one of these. Call me a grown-up, but I stick to black coffee ☕. But why is everyone are Wimbledon & Chelsea moms obsessed with this trendy autumnal potion?

Well, according to this BBC piece, it's all about the brain's pleasure-seeking habits. The parts of our brain that process smells are closely tied to the areas dealing with memories and emotions. This means when a smell is involved, those cozy autumn memories can be retrieved easily—cue the pumpkin spice nostalgia!

Anyway, a reporter did some serious, Nobel-worthy investigation and tested eight high street versions to find out which are worth sipping and which are just sugar bombs.

Spoiler alert:

• Greggs Pumpkin Spice Latte – 5/5 ⭐
  | The sweet deal of the bunch, tasty and budget-friendly.

• Costa Maple Hazel Latte – 4/5 ⭐
  | Creamy, cozy, and full of flavor—but a calorie bomb.

• Leon Honeycomb Latte – 4/5 ⭐
  | A honey lover’s dream with just the right amount of sweetness.

• Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte – 3/5 ⭐
  | The OG, but sugar levels are off the charts.

• M&S Cafe Cinnamon Bun Latte – 3/5 ⭐
  | Smells great, tastes meh, but lighter on calories.

• McDonald’s Toffee Latte – 3/5 ⭐
  | Uber-sweet and not even pumpkin, but hey, it’s cheap.

• Pret A Manger Pumpkin Spice Latte – 2/5 ⭐
  | Decent, but not worth the price.

• Caffe Nero Amaretto Latte – 1/5 ⭐
  | Don’t waste my time.

  You can catch her full piece here.

WHAT’S ON?
London’s about to turn orange

Here’s what’s brewing in London this week (and a sneak peek at next week for you early planners). Halloween events and pumpkin patches are popping up faster than you can say 'pumpkin spice,' but don’t worry—we’ve got a full spooky guide coming your way next week!

🎃 Yayoi Kusama Giant Pumpkin
Date: Ongoing Location: Kensington Gardens
Snap a Halloween selfie next to a massive 6-meter-tall bronze pumpkin! This playful art piece blends art and nature for the ultimate spooky backdrop.
Age: All ages | Price: Free, gratis, nichts!
See More

🎃 Autumn Fayre
Date: October 19th Location: Barnes
Celebrate Apple Day and all things Autumn; explore the pumpkin trail! A community event for all.
Age: All ages | Price: Free, gratis, nichts!
See More

Not so free… but worth it!

👻 Halloween @ Kew Gardens
Date: October 18th - November 3rd Location: Kew Gardens
A yearly favorite! Tickets sell out quickly, so don’t wait! Explore the brand-new after-dark Halloween trail, packed with hidden surprises.
Age: All ages | Price: £15-£20
Video / Tickets

🧙‍♀️ Room on the Broom @ Kew Gardens
Date: October 19th - 27th Location: Kew Gardens
Dive into the magical world of Room on the Broom as you explore the gardens, spotting familiar characters and enjoying playful installations. Get involved in interactive activities inspired by Julia Donaldson’s beloved story and follow the witch’s enchanting journey through the autumn landscape.
Age: All ages | Price: Included with Kew Gardens entry (£5-£20)
See More

🎭 Musical: Luna Loves Library Day @ Polka Theatre
Date: Oct 17th-20th Location: Wimbledon
Join Luna and her Dad for a magical adventure in this new family musical, where Library Day brings exciting discoveries from dinosaurs to magic. For Luna, it’s not just about the books, but the special time spent with her Dad that makes it unforgettable.
Age: 4-8 years | Price: £10
Book

🎨 Build a Creature Workshop!
Date: October 19th Location: Cartoon Museum
Join the author and illustrator of The Monster Support Group, Laura Suárez, and build your very own creature. Hear about what inspired her to write the series and learn how she creates her creatures.
Age: All ages | Price: £5 Workshop / £9.99 Workshop + book
More Information

🎃 Pumpkin Patch @ Hobbledown Heath
Date: October 17th - 20th Location: Hounslow
Enjoy a fun family day picking pumpkins, exploring the adventure playground, and visiting the mini zoo.
Age: All ages | Price: From £17
Link

🚌 Halloween Kids Bus Tour
Date: October 19th - November 3rd Location: Across London
Discover London’s history enriched with fun facts and spooky tales.
Age: All ages | Price: £22
Book

🏰 Halloween @ Hampton Court Palace
Date: October 26th - November 3rd Location: Hampton Court Palace
Discover the magic behind Henry VIII’s haunted palace. Lose yourself in atmospheric projections and creepy sound effects as the palace is transformed by magical spells.
Age: All ages | Price: From £13.60
Link

🎃 Pumpkin Festival @ Crockford Bridge Farm
Date: Oct 25th - Nov 1st Location: Surrey
Evolved over the last 25+ years from a small 'creepy teepee' selling our homegrown pumpkins to an immersive wonderland experience with performers, entertainers and imaginative pumpkin installations.
Age: 5+ | Price: £14.5
Link

🎢 Howl’o’ween at Chessington
Date: Oct 19th - Nov 3rd Location: Chessington World of Adventures
Celebrate Halloween with family-friendly fun, including spellbinding entertainment, the return of Enchanted Hollow – Trick or Treat, theme park rides at dusk, and Halloween fancy dress competitions.
Age: All ages | Price: From £32
Book

Some usual on-going suspects:

🦖 Natural History Museum
Date: Ongoing Location: South Kensington
It's a classic for a reason—nothing like a roaring T-Rex to give your kids a good scare.
Age: All ages | Price: Free (booking required)
Book

🚀 Ted’s Space Adventure @ Royal Observatory
Date: Ongoing Location: Greenwich
A special live planetarium show with Ted – perfect for little astronauts.
Age: 3-7 years | Price: from £6
Book

🐻 Paddington Bear Experience
Date: Ongoing Location: Near the London Eye
One of the latest hits on the London scene, bit expensive for the whole family but it’s getting rave reviews from everyone who visits. Meet Paddington Bear and his beloved Aunt Lucy!
Age: All ages | Price: from £44
Book

LONDON GEMS
New York-style vs Napoletana. Which pizza side are you on?

It’s the family favorite—like the first or third child (sorry, middle child). Pizza brings everyone together and can even get the kids to sit down at the table. But nothing sparks a family debate quite like pizza preferences. Just like how half the family wakes up early on Sundays while the other half rise from the dead at noon—it’s in your genes. You can’t fight it.

Are you a crisp, thin slice with attitude—like a New Yorker on their third coffee—or do you prefer soft, fluffy pizza, more like a warm hug from Nonna? London’s got both, and here are two gems for you.

First up, Napoli on the Road in Chiswick has chosen its side and gone all-in. They've snagged the coveted title of "Best Pizza in Europe Outside of Naples"—basically the pizza Oscars. We're talking soft, fluffy crusts with just the right char and fresh toppings that practically sing "Italy." It’s the kind of pizza that could make even the most loyal New Yorker question their allegiance... if only for a moment. Want a sneak peek? Check their Insta, 30k loyal followers can’t be wrong. @napoli_on_the_road 9A Devonshire Rd, Chiswick, London W4 2EU.

Then there’s Crisp W6 @ the Chancellors, just down the road near Hammersmith, where the pizza isn’t just thin—it’s crisp. Like the sound your phone makes when it falls screen-down, but in a much less stressful way. Crisp W6 has built its reputation on that New York-style crunch that satisfies the craving for something a bit… sturdier. As reliable as your morning coffee. And with over 100k followers on @crisppizzaw6, they could fill up Wembley and then some. Take that, Taylor Swift.

Tip: You don’t reserve a table at Crisp Pizza, you pre-order dough. Then a 5 minute stroll and eat it by the river. Call, text, or WhatsApp them on 07515930582. Chancellors pub, 25 Crisp Road, Hammersmith, London W6 9RL.

CASUAL EINSTEIN
Not so fast, kids, I’ve still got things to teach you

• Random fact: Bananas are berries, but strawberries aren't. Yep, berries are fruits that grow from one flower with seeds inside. Bananas fit this description, but strawberries don't - their seeds are on the outside!

• London fact: There are more than 300 languages spoken in London, making it the most linguistically diverse city in the world.

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