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Late to Your Inbox, Hotter Than Ever – This Week in Peterborough Spotlight
Late to Your Inbox, Hotter Than Ever – This Week in Peterborough Spotlight
Late to Your Inbox, Hotter Than Ever – This Week in Peterborough Spotlight
Hotel chaos, curry wars, and a rumoured barge proposal – shall we spill?
Graham
Oct 4, 2025
Autumn's Here So Is Chaos |
Mornings are frosty, afternoons are sweaty, and half the city’s wondering if it’s time to dig out the slow cooker yet.
Conkers are dropping like health-and-safety hazards, the shops are already sneaking in Christmas, and somehow it’s only the start of October.
This week’s Spotlight has the lot: stalled hotels, street-food rows, scarecrows, bargains, gossip, and even a sofa-stealing Labrador. In other words Peterborough in a nutshell.
Grab a coffee, settle in, and let’s dive into what’s happening in your city. |
Fletton Quays Hilton – Who Picks Up the Tab? |
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It was meant to be the crown jewel of Peterborough’s regeneration: a shiny Hilton hotel on the Fletton Quays riverfront.
The glossy artist’s impressions showed a glass tower reflecting the Nene, stylish conference spaces, and a bar with sweeping city views.
A project that would, in theory, lure in tourists and business travellers while giving locals something to feel proud of.
But fast-forward to today and the reality is less glitzy.
Instead of a bustling hotel lobby, we’ve got a half-built shell wrapped in fencing.
The cranes have gone silent, construction has stalled, and the only people wandering nearby are dog walkers and joggers who shake their heads as they pass.
So what went wrong and more importantly...
who’s footing the bill?
Peterborough City Council had originally backed the project, arguing that Hilton’s presence would anchor the wider Fletton Quays development and boost the city’s reputation.
But with the private developer hitting financial snags, questions are mounting over how much exposure the council really has.
Some fear taxpayers could end up carrying the can for a hotel that may never open. Local opinion, as usual, is split.
“It’s embarrassing our city looks ridiculous with a stranded building site in such a prime spot,” said Martin, who works nearby. “We should finish it, even if it costs, because leaving it half-built sends the wrong message.”
Others disagree. “Why throw good money after bad?” asked Sharon, a shop worker in the city centre.
“If Hilton want it, let them pay. We’ve already seen too many ‘big ideas’ fizzle out.”
The debate ties into a bigger conversation about regeneration in Peterborough.
Over the years, the city has seen grand plans from ambitious shopping redevelopments to transport upgrades which either stalled or delivered less than promised.
Critics argue that the Hilton saga is just another example of over-promising and under-delivering.
Supporters counter that bold risks are part of moving a city forward.
And there’s the rub: does Peterborough play it safe, or does it gamble on projects that could change its skyline if they ever get finished?
For now, the Fletton Quays Hilton remains a symbol of both ambition and frustration.
The shell stands as a reminder of what could be and what happens when the money runs out mid-dream.
What’s your take?
Should the council do whatever it takes to get Hilton over the line, or cut its losses and leave the tower as a cautionary tale?
Reply and tell us your view. |
Lincoln Road After Dark — Food, Flavour & the G-Word |
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Walk down Lincoln Road after sunset and it’s like stepping into another world.
The neon lights from takeaway signs blink against shop shutters, the air is thick with the smell of sizzling lamb skewers, jerk chicken, and freshly fried samosas, and you’ll hear at least five different languages in the space of one block.
For years, locals have dubbed it Peterborough’s “food mile a place where you can eat around the globe without leaving PE1.
But Lincoln Road is also a street with a split personality.
For some, it’s vibrant, multicultural, and full of life.
For others, it’s run-down, scruffy, and the focus of endless debates about regeneration.
On the food side, there’s no denying the draw.
Queues snake outside bakeries selling still-warm flatbreads, families tuck into late-night curries, and students flock to bubble tea shops.
“It’s the one bit of Peterborough that actually feels like a city,” says Kiran, a 24-year-old who grew up nearby.
Yet walk a few paces further and you’ll spot broken pavements, overflowing bins, and shuttered shopfronts.
Critics argue that the council has poured too much money into “gentrification” plans sprucing up facades and talking up investments without tackling core issues like traffic, housing, and crime.
“I don’t need fancy paving slabs,” says Dave, a lifelong resident. “I need to feel safe walking home at night.”
Supporters counter that investment is overdue.
“Lincoln Road has been ignored for decades,” says business owner Yasmin, who runs a grocery store.
“If the council wants to polish it up, good. It deserves it.”
The tension lies in whether Peterborough wants Lincoln Road to stay rough-edged and authentic, or whether it should be pushed into something more polished.
Some fear regeneration will squeeze out the very businesses that make the street unique. Others hope a facelift could finally shake off its reputation as “the dodgy end of town.”
And in the middle?
Thousands of residents who just want a safe, lively, affordable high street that reflects the community around it.
Whatever side you’re on, one thing is clear: Lincoln Road is alive after dark, and it matters.
The smells, the sounds, the scruffiness, and the sparkle all collide here and the conversation about its future isn’t going away anytime soon.
What’s your take polish it up, or leave it authentic?
Reply and let us know which Lincoln Road you want to see. |
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October Buzz: Guitars, Gadgets & Glitter |
Peterborough’s October is looking anything but quiet unless you’re the neighbour who hates noise.
🎸 First up, the Cathedral turns rock venue on 25 Oct for An Evening of Pink Floyd.
No, Gilmour and Waters won’t be arguing on stage, but a full band with strings and brass will belt out the classics.
One fan in our inbox said: “I’ve waited 30 years to hear ‘Comfortably Numb’ under a stained glass window bucket list ticked.
” Expect dads (an quite a few mums) who haven’t been in a church since their wedding, swaying like it’s Knebworth ’90.
BABY SITTER job opportunties!!!
🤖 Then it’s the Peterborough STEM Festival think robots zooming across tables, eco-experiments bubbling away, and kids convinced they’ve invented time travel. Amelia from Gunthorpe messaged: “My lad got a robot to fist-bump him last year. He still tells people he’s Iron Man.” Parents love it because it’s free, and it wears the kids out.
📚 For the little ones, Library Rhymetime is back — clapping, singing, and yes, a guaranteed nap afterwards. “It’s basically a free babysitter with nursery rhymes,” laughed one mum in Hampton. 👉 Got a better event tip? Whisper it our way.
We love a scoop especially if it comes with Prosecco. |
The Dishes Worth Crossing Town For |
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2. The Chalkboard Tea Rooms (Riverside Walk by the Key Theatre)
Do you go classic scone, or stack your tray with biscoff cheesecake and brownies?
Lisa from Stanground admitted: “I went classy, my sister filled hers with four brownies. No regrets either way.” Plus, riverside tables mean a cheeky glass of fizz with a view.
3. Katana (Broadway)
The chefs do more tricks with an onion than most of us can manage with a whole fridge.
It’s lively, it’s loud, and perfect for a night when you don’t want to hear yourself think.
One couple celebrating their anniversary said: “We ended up sharing cocktails with the table next to us it’s that kind of place.”
The fish curry is the one that gets the nod tangy, fiery, and perfect mopped up with naan.
It’s not trying to be flashy; it’s just good food done right.
Raj from Hampton said: “It’s where we go when we want comfort food with a proper kick.”
👉 Where’s your favourite? Hit reply or post in the group we’ll test-drive the most recommended next time. |
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Phantoms Fly, Parkrun Plods, Posh Keep Us Guessing |
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The Peterborough Phantoms are flying: a 5–1 thumping of Romford and an 2-8 in the reverse fixture and a nail-biter 5–4 win over Telford already under their belt.Plus taking a couple of good wins over Yorkshire opposition beating the Steeldogs (Sheffield) and Knights (Leeds)., Still unbeaten as we go in to October.
“Best start in years,” grinned young Jason from Gunthorpe, scarf round his neck and voice half-gone from shouting.
“You don’t just watch Phantoms you live it.”
Over at Ferry Meadows, the Saturday parkrun was a more civilised affair.
Lucy from Stanground clocked her third week in a row: “I’m not fast, but I love the buzz and the coffee after.
” Her friend Anne from Orton added, “It’s cheaper than therapy and you actually feel good at the end.” Hundreds took part, some jogging, some strolling with dogs, proving again why parkrun has become a Peterborough ritual.
And then there’s Posh.
No wild results this week, but still the usual rollercoaster mood.
Darren from Werrington put it best: “Supporting Posh is like dating a bad boy you know it’ll end in tears, but you keep coming back.”
That’s Peterborough sport in a nutshell: ice, sweat, and occasional tears — and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
Were you rink-side, parkrun-side, or pitch-side?
Send us your highlight pic we’ll run the best next week. |
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Peterborough Home & Garden: From Van Hage to Big Dreams |
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Remember when it was Van Hage?
Now it’s Blue Diamond’s Peterborough Home & Garden, and the place is in the middle of a £27 million makeover.
Garden centre, lifestyle hub, café, gift shop it’s aiming to be less “bags of compost” and more “day out with the family.”
Locals are split. Sandra from Eye told us she loves the revamp:
“The new café feels fresh, and I like browsing the homeware bits after picking up plants.” But a regular from Millfield grumbled, “It was friendlier before.
Now it feels like they’re chasing John Lewis rather than gardeners.”
On a recent visit we spotted a same-sex couple cooing over garden furniture (“Perfect for a glass of wine at sunset”) and a Polish family filling a trolley with roses and patio pots.
Proof, if any was needed, that Peterborough’s 137 languages all agree on one thing: plants still make people happy.
Love it or roll your eyes at it, Peterborough Home & Garden is staking its claim as more than just a shop. Whether the sparkle matches the spend? That’s the real test.
What do you think exciting upgrade or just over-priced pot plants?
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Bedsits, Bills & Bust-Ups: HMO Crackdown Looms |
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Peterborough’s housing market is never dull, but right now one topic is sparking louder arguments than a family Monopoly game: HMO licensing.
For the uninitiated, an HMO is a House in Multiple Occupation basically a property split into rooms, often rented by young workers, students, or anyone who can’t afford sky-high rents.
The council already requires licences for bigger HMOs, but there’s talk of extending it city-wide, even to smaller ones.
Tenants are cheering. Aisha, 24, from Millfield, told us: “When I moved in, the bathroom ceiling was literally peeling, and it took weeks to fix. If stricter rules mean better standards, I’m all for it.”
Landlords? Not so much.
Mr. Patel, who owns three HMOs in Bretton, says the costs will “force small landlords to sell up” and shrink the rental market even further.
“It’s tenants who’ll pay, either in higher rents or less choice.”
And then there are the neighbours.
Some say HMOs cram too many people into one street, piling pressure on parking, rubbish collection, and community feel.
Others argue they’re vital for affordability in a city where even a one-bed flat can push £750 a month.
It’s not just a Peterborough story. Cities from Nottingham to Bristol are wrestling with the same balance: affordable rooms versus neighbourhood character.
And, as usual, it’s the council caught in the middle.
One thing’s clear: whatever happens, someone’s going to feel stitched up.
Where do you stand?
Better standards worth the squeeze, or another council red-tape headache?
Looking at renting or are considering a move to another property or just want to stay up with the latest new sign for our FREE weekly Peterborough Smart Property News it's the best read in the city for renters. |
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Theatre Musical Chairs: Key Shuts, New Takes the Stage |
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Trust Peterborough to turn theatre season into, well… theatre.
The Key Theatre is still wrapped in scaffolding after the RAAC concrete saga, meaning its main stage is out of action until at least the end of the year.
So what happens when your roof’s in pieces? You borrow someone else’s, of course.
This year’s panto, Jack & the Beanstalk, plus a run of other shows, are decamping up the road to the New Theatre on Broadway.
It’s a bit like moving house: same family, different front room.
Some die-hard fans are mourning the Key’s cosy riverside vibe, while others are excited to see their favourite acts with a bigger stage and comfier seats.
One woman in the interval queue summed it up: “I miss the view of the Nene, but the Prosecco here is colder.” Fair trade?
You decide.
Meanwhile, the Key isn’t totally dark. Studio shows, youth theatre, and workshops are keeping the lights on while the builders battle the roof.
What do you think does swapping Embankment for Broadway spoil the magic, or is it a chance to give PB’s arts scene a fresh stage? |
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Phones Down, Eyes Up: PB Schools Join the Ban |
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If you thought nagging your teenager to put their phone down was hard enough, spare a thought for Peterborough teachers.
Several local secondary schools including Jack Hunt and Ken Stimpson Academy are rolling out tighter mobile phone bans this term, following national guidance.
Students are expected to keep devices switched off and out of sight during lessons, breaks, and even lunchtimes.
Reactions are as mixed as a Year 8 science experiment.
Parents mostly cheer the move: “If my daughter spent half as much time on maths as Snapchat, she’d be flying,” said Karen from Paston.
Teachers are relieved too, one admitting, “It’s a constant battle — now at least the rules are clear.”
Not every pupil is impressed, of course.
A sixth-former outside Queensgate rolled her eyes: “So we can’t even check the bus app? Great.”
Expect some creative hiding spots for those phones blazer sleeves and loo breaks have already been mentioned.
The debate cuts deeper than screen time.
Supporters argue it’ll boost focus and cut bullying; critics worry it just pushes phone use underground.
Either way, the bell’s gone, and the rule’s in.
Parents, teachers, students do you think this ban is a game-changer, or just another rule to dodge? |
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Crown Lakes or Crown Headache? |
Ask ten locals about Crown Lakes and you’ll get ten different answers usually split between “peaceful nature reserve” and “why is there litter everywhere?”
On a good day, it’s lovely.
Swans gliding, anglers waiting for a bite, kids chasing dogs along the paths.
Jason, a regular runner from Orton, calls it “my reset button — half an hour round the lakes and I’m human again.”
But others aren’t buying the tranquil image.
One dog-walker told us she’s fed up with burnt-out barbecues and motorbikes tearing through the paths.
The council promises more patrols, but whether that changes things remains to be seen.
Meanwhile, just up the road, Itter Park has quietly scooped another Green Flag Award, one of the UK’s top marks for well-kept parks.
Families were out in force last weekend football on one side, picnics on the other.
Angela from Paston told us, “It’s safe, it’s clean, and my kids love it — we’re lucky to have it.”
Together, they show both sides of Peterborough’s green spaces: one struggling with its reputation, the other quietly shining.
Where do you go for a proper dose of fresh air Crown, Itter, or somewhere else entirely? |
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Roadworks, Reroutes & the Goods Shed Gamble |
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If you’ve been muttering at your windscreen lately, you’re not alone. A dozen roads and footpaths across Peterborough are closing this autumn for resurfacing and repair including stretches of Lincoln Road and Fulbridge Road.
Diversions are in place, but drivers know what that really means: longer journeys and more time shouting at the sat-nav.
Cyclists are already rerouting one told us, “I’m avoiding Lincoln Road like the plague until it’s finished.” Sensible or defeatist? You decide.
Meanwhile, councillors are dusting off a long-running saga: the Goods Shed, that old brick railway building next to the station.
On 2 October, Cabinet will decide whether to sell it to a private developer for around £250,000.
Some say it’s about time; others grumble it’s being sold off for peanuts..
So while diggers rumble through our streets and councillors debate over heritage bricks, the rest of us are stuck in traffic, hoping the “short-term pain” really does mean “long-term gain.”
Which hits you harder the road closures or the thought of the Goods Shed going private?
Drop us a line, we’ll keep the map handy. |
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Get the very latest on the AEPG Great Eastern Run By Clicking The Links Below
How To Enter and Informationhttps://www.greateastern.run/
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Standing Orders, Standing Still |
How many little payments sneak out of your account every month?
The ones you forgot you signed up for the £3.99 “free trial” that never ended, the £9.99 app your teenager swore they needed, the gym membership that’s been “on pause” since last Easter.
Experts reckon the average Brit wastes around £20 a month on unused subscriptions.
That’s £240 a year enough for a cheeky weekend away, or a trolley-dash at Lidl if you prefer.
Moira from Hampton Vale told us she finally checked her direct debits and found she was still paying for Amazon Music and Spotify.
“I don’t even know how to use Spotify my daughter set it up years ago. Cancelling it felt like a small victory.”
Sally’s tip this week:
Bonus hack?
Sign up for free trials, but set a phone reminder to cancel a week before billing. Think of it as playing chicken with your bank account except you win.
What’s the daftest direct debit you’ve ever spotted?
Reply and Sally might feature it next week. |
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Charity Begins at the Till: Finds & Good Feels |
Charity shops are quietly having their moment.
Footfall is up, tills are ringing, and Peterborough’s second-hand rails are suddenly more competitive than Zara on payday.
At Age UK on Bridge Street, one reader nabbed a Burberry-style trench for just £18. “It’s catwalk energy for less than dinner at Nando’s,” she laughed as she twirled down the shop aisle.
Over at Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice, volunteers say homeware donations are pouring in. “We had three breadmakers in a single afternoon.
Clearly, the sourdough era is over,” joked Sarah, a Saturday helper.
It’s not just bargain chic.
The Food Bank at Dogsthorpe Methodist is seeing record demand — but also record generosity.
Families are dropping off tins, toiletries, even baby clothes.
One volunteer put it simply: “People who are struggling themselves still find something to give. It’s humbling.”
So whether you’re hunting a statement coat, clearing out cupboards, or topping up the food bank, PB’s charity scene proves the city’s heart is bigger than its shopping bags.
Got a charity shop gem or a local cause close to your heart?
Tell us and we’ll feature the best in a future Spotlight. |
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When John Lewis Was King of Queensgate |
For years, John Lewis wasn’t just a shop in Queensgate it was the shop.
The place you went for wedding lists, posh perfumes, or a sofa you promised to “just look at” and somehow bought anyway.
From its opening in 1982, it was the anchor of Peterborough’s shiny new shopping centre.
Fast-forward to 2021 and the doors shut for good.
Locals called it the “end of an era.” Some still do the walk past the boarded windows with a twinge of sadness, remembering the escalators, the Christmas decorations, or the café that never quite managed a decent cappuccino.
But Queensgate hasn’t stood still.
The £60 million extension brought in a gleaming ODEON Luxe with IMAX, more restaurants, and a shuffle of big brands.
It’s less about haberdashery now, more about hot dogs and blockbusters.
One teenager told us: “I’d rather watch Marvel on a big screen than shop for towels, sorry.”
That’s retail evolution for you.
From fabric swatches to fast-food trays, Queensgate is still where PB meets on a Saturday it’s just swapped sewing machines for cinema tickets.
Do you miss John Lewis, or are you happier with nachos and IMAX? |
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Itter Park: Paston’s Pride (or Close Enough) |
Technically, Itter Park sits in Walton, but for most people it’s “that green bit near Paston.
Labels aside, it’s one of Peterborough’s most loved patches of grass and it’s just bagged another Green Flag Award, meaning it’s officially one of the best-kept parks in the UK.
On any sunny weekend you’ll find kids on the play equipment, families with picnics, and the odd game of five-a-side that looks more WWE than Premier League.
Angela from Paston told us: “I grew up here. My kids are now using the same swings I did though thankfully they’ve been replaced since the ’90s!”
Not everything’s rosy.
A few locals grumble about parking (there isn’t much), and litter after busy weekends.
But compared with some of the city’s more “rough around the edges” green spaces, Itter Park shines.
One dad we met summed it up while refereeing a kickabout: “At least here I don’t have to fish crisp packets out of the goal net.”
So whether you call it Walton or Paston, Itter Park keeps proving why a well-loved park matters: it’s not just grass and benches, it’s where childhoods are made and grown-ups get a breather.
Do you use Itter Park or is another park your go-to? |
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Headlines at a Glance |
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Business Expo at KingsGate
Stalls, speed-networking, and the usual forest of branded pens.
One exhibitor told us: “I’ve collected enough tote bags to do a weekly shop.”
. Cathedral Fundraising Push
Hampton Tiddlers Stay & Play
Hartbeeps Baby & Toddler Classes |
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Meet Luna: The Sofa-Stealer in Waiting |
At Woodgreen Animal Shelter, Luna the Labrador cross has become a bit of a staff favourite mostly because she thinks every chair is hers.
Two years old, bouncy as a pogo stick, and ridiculously affectionate, she’s the kind of dog who’ll greet you like you’ve been gone a year even if you just nipped out for milk.
She’ll need an active home with a garden (and ideally a decent sofa budget, because she’s claimed every cushion so far). The upside? You’ll never feel unloved again.
Could Luna be your new sidekick?
Contact Woodgreen Animal Shelter, Godmanchester to arrange a meet.
Since writing this article LUNA has been lucky enough to find her forever home (fingers crossed) but Woodgreen are always looking for homes for their dogs and other animals. |
Fizz Quick Fix: The 30-Second Prosecco Upgrade |
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Prosecco on its own?
Lovely. But if you’re tired of pouring the same old glass on a Friday night, here’s a cheeky hack that’ll make it look like you’ve been watching Nigella on repeat.
All you need:
Pour the fizz, add the cordial, drop in the berries. Done. The berries keep it chilled, you get a subtle blush colour, and suddenly you look like a cocktail queen without leaving the kitchen.
Julie from Stanground told us: “My mate thought I’d been to a mixology class.
Truth is, I just grabbed berries from the freezer.”
Got a lazy-but-genius drink or dinner hack?
Send it in we’ll test the best (hic). |
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From Benches to Bubbly: This Week’s PB Gossip Grab-Bag |
Football first: Posh chairman Darragh MacAnthony couldn’t resist a swipe at Makenzie Kirk.
After his £500k move from St Johnstone to Portsmouth. MacAnthony reckons the 21-year-old and his agent dad fancied the glamour of “sitting on the bench” at Pompey rather than playing every week at Posh.
One fan muttered: “My lad would play for free who picks splinters in your bum over minutes at the Weston Stadium?”
Back in town, the new Costa at Queensgate opened to queues so long you’d think they were giving away handbags.
By mid-morning, the croissant tray was emptier than a Friday night Prosecco bottle.
Romance rumour: a couple got engaged on Charters barge and apparently the ring nearly went overboard into the Nene.
Crisis averted, but it’s already office-kitchen chatter.
And the Strictly shake-up is stealing headlines.
With Dani Dyer out, producers have drafted in Amber Davies and some fans say it feels a bit like the Layton Williams saga all over again, with stage-trained talent raising eyebrows.
Top of the leader board but ...
Fair game or unfair advantage?
The mums’ WhatsApp groups are divided.
Got a hotter whisper local or national?
Send it in and we’ll Spotlight the best next week. |
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What’s Peterborough’s Real Treat? |
Time for a little reader mischief. We all love a treat but which one rules Peterborough?
🍸 Prosecco Fridays — nothing beats a fizz with the girls.
Cast your vote in our Facebook group (or hit reply) and we’ll crown Peterborough’s Ultimate Treat in the next issue.
Bonus points if you confess what you really spend most on. |
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Pumpkin Season, But Make It Chic |
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Forget soggy supermarket lanterns this year’s pumpkin craze is going glam.
Local mums’ groups are buzzing about no-carve pumpkin hacks: painting them with metallic spray, wrapping them in lace tights for a gothic vibe, or even bedazzling with leftover nail art gems.
Karen from Orton told us: “Carving is chaos — the kids lose interest in five minutes, and I end up elbow-deep in pumpkin guts. With paint and glitter, it lasts longer and looks classy.”
Shops in town are already shifting stencils and kits, but honestly, half the fun is raiding your own cupboards.
Think nail polish, washi tape, or even old tights (washed first, obviously)
Tried a pumpkin hack that turned out fab or a total disaster?
Send us a snap and we’ll share the funniest. |
Peterborough Furniture Services – Where Wobbly Chairs Find Their Swagger |
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We all own that one traitor chair the wobbly one that waits until guests arrive to show off or a dining table tattooed with ring marks from every “just a quick cuppa.”
Before you drag it to the tip, the team at Peterborough Furniture Services deserves a look-in.
This isn’t flat-pack triage.
It’s proper craftsmanship: loose joints re-glued so chairs stop wobbling, scratched surfaces re-finished so they shine (without looking brand new and weird), veneer lifted back down, colour matched so you can’t tell where the damage was.
Sideboards, dining tables, coffee tables, chests of drawers—if it’s wood and it’s sulking, they’ve likely seen it and sorted it.
Best bit?
You keep the piece you already love memories and all minus the quirks that drive you mad.
One reader told us her “don’t-look-too-closely dresser” came back looking like the grown-up it always wanted to be.
That’s the smug thrill you can’t buy off a shelf.
Prices aren’t bargain-bin (this is skilled work), but compared to replacing a whole set or sending good timber to landfill it’s smart money. And very PBS: repair, revive, then show off.
👉 Got a before/after you’re proud of or a “do you reckon this can be saved?” dilemma? Send us a photo. We’ll feature the best glow-ups in a future issue. |
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Cheat’s Autumn Crumble — 15 Minutes, No Faff |
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Because not all of us have time to channel Bake Off between school runs and Zoom calls.
This is the lazy crumble hack doing the rounds in local mum chats — and yes, it actually works.
You’ll need:
Tip the fruit (with syrup if you like it sweet) into an oven dish, dust with cinnamon, then cover with granola.
Bake for 10 minutes at 180°C.
That’s it. No rubbing butter into flour, no stress, just warm comfort pudding in less time than it takes to unload the dishwasher.
Rachel from Werrington said: “I served it with custard, and my husband thought I’d been baking for hours.
Didn’t tell him it was a tin and a bag.”
Got a lazy recipe that tricks people into thinking you’re a domestic goddess? Send it in. |
Your Turn, Peterborough |
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That’s us for this week — a little bit of gossip, a few grumbles, and hopefully a grin or two along the way.
But you know the deal: Spotlight’s never just us talking at you.
It’s stronger when you chip in.
Got a local whisper, a bargain brag, a recipe hack, or a Strictly rant?
Send it over. We’ll sprinkle some PBS fairy dust and share it with thousands of neighbours who love hearing the same chatter you do.
Next week we’re diving into more autumn chaos: pumpkins, puddles, and probably another council row or two. You bring the stories, we’ll bring the sass.
Hit reply, drop us a DM on Facebook, or post on the page or in the group your stories keep this whole thing alive. |