As cocaine use continues to rise in the capital, we’re revisiting this episode exploring why London has been dubbed the ‘cocaine capital’ of Europe. In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to freelance journalist Jordan Page, who recently investigated the capital’s latest Class A drug epidemic. They talk about how London’s pub culture intersects with the city’s cocaine habits, and why men in particular are using the drug more than ever. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more info...
Mar 16, 2026•16 min
From soaring costs to the future of the great British pub, we’re revisiting our conversation with Michelin-starred chef Tom Kerridge. Is the government doing enough to support the country’s hospitality sector? In this episode, The Standard’s Going Out editor David Ellis sits down with Michelin-starred chef, restaurateur and publican Tom Kerridge to discuss the realities of running a hospitality business today. From soaring business rates to rising costs and shrinking margins, Kerridge explains w...
Mar 13, 2026•17 min
We revisit this bumper travel episode, The Standard ’s lifestyle director Suzannah Ramsdale joins travel journalist Alicia Miller to unpack the trendiest destinations for 2026. From meadows in Cantabria to the sandy beaches of the new Maldives, the two select options for different budgets and trip lengths – and break down our current sauna obsession. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 12, 2026•21 min
For Episode Eight, Evgeny is joined by Carl Pei, founder and CEO of Nothing, the London-based consumer tech company trying to make devices feel fun. Carl explains how Nothing evolved from earbuds to smartphones, why he believes design and “focus-first” features can counter distraction, and what it means to build products with a distinct, instantly recognisable identity. Evgeny and Carl also explore the psychological cost of always-on devices, the battle for attention and consciousness, and what ...
Mar 11, 2026•13 min
Amid the escalating Middle East conflict, Iran’s near-closure of the Persian Gulf is rattling global markets. The disruption has sent oil prices soaring and sparked global concern over oil supply, which has had a spill-over effect on equity and gilt markets. In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to the Standard’s business editor, Jonathan Prynn, to discuss the impact of these events on markets – and our wallets. The two discuss how quickly bills will rise, how costly this could be for B...
Mar 10, 2026•17 min
London’s property market has come out of hibernation early and is experiencing one of its earliest “Spring surges”. Is now a good time to buy, and where can the best bargains be found? In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to Anna White, a freelance writer who covers homes and property for The Standard, who produced a bumper guide for first-time buyers for the paper. They discuss prime locations for bargains, new and accessible mortgage options, and whether the government will offer mor...
Mar 09, 2026•19 min
Keir Starmer has spent much of the week defending his decision not to join the US and Israel’s offensive in Iran, saying that “any UK actions must always have a lawful basis'. In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to international legal expert Marko Milanovic, Professor of Public International Law at the University of Reading. They discuss the legality of the US-Israeli intervention in Iran, if Starmer made the right call on behalf of Britain, and whether flouting international law can ...
Mar 06, 2026•24 min
Restaurateur Jeremy King’s latest venture, a revamp of the 200 year old Simpson’s in The Strand, speaks to London’s latest trend – classic dining. In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to The Standard’s Going Out Editor and restaurant critic, David Ellis, about why diners are regaining an appetite for traditional fare. Plus, David shares his recommendations for London’s most classic institutions, including newcomers who are embracing tried and tested dishes with a modern twist. Hosted o...
Mar 05, 2026•19 min
Dubai, alongside its Middle Eastern neighbours, is being targeted by Iranian strikes that have so far caused damage to airports, hotels and ports. At least 94,000 stranded Brits have registered their location with the Foreign Office to prepare for evacuation, and airlines have slowly begun to repatriate travellers. In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to freelance writer, Tom Place, who has been reporting on the repatriation story for The Standard. She also speaks to London expat Harle...
Mar 04, 2026•14 min
Over the weekend, the US and Israel seized on an opportune moment to eliminate senior figures of the ruling militia in Iran, including the supreme leader Ayatollah Khemeni. The UK, however, has not been instrumental to the success of this mission so far. In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to The Standard’s chief political correspondent, Rachael Burford, about Keir Starmer’s decision to refuse to send British military support for the initial strikes. Plus, a conversation with Laila Ja...
Mar 03, 2026•19 min
Londoners may notice their outgoings increase, due to higher TFL fares that kicked in yesterday. The cost of pay as you go Tube, rail and DLR services are rising by an average of 6% but it’s not all bad news, as bus fares and travel card fares have been frozen for now. To understand the latest changes to fares, host Tamara Kormornick sits down with Ross Lydall, the Standard’s City Hall and Transport correspondent, for a London travel update. They discuss why TFL made the decision to raise fares ...
Mar 02, 2026•15 min
There will be no major clubs left at all in the UK by 2030 if venue closures continue at the current rate, according to the Night Time Industries Association. Will Sadiq Khan’s London Nightlife Taskforce be able to preserve the capital’s late-night scene? In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to Cameron Leslie, co-founder of Fabric and chair of the Independent Nightlife Taskforce. They discuss the recommendations from the taskforce’s latest report, the city’s evolving club culture, and ...
Feb 27, 2026•17 min
For this episode of Brave New World , Evgeny is joined by Dr Sabine Donnai, a physician specialising in precision medicine, preventive health, and is the founder of Viavi Healthcare. They explore brain health beyond standard scans, discussing how gut function, inflammation, environmental exposure, and stress interact over time. Drawing on Evgeny’s own test results, Sabine explains why she believes long-term cognitive resilience starts not with extreme biohacks, but with fixing the basics - parti...
Feb 26, 2026•15 min
The upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election is set to be another major test of Keir Starmer’s authority as leader of the Labour party, following the arrest of his selected former British Ambassador to the United States, Peter Mandelson. In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to The Standard’s political editor, Nicolas Cecil, alongside chief political correspondent Rachel Burford, to lay out the possible outcomes of the by-election, and weigh up how catastrophic losing could be for Labour ...
Feb 25, 2026•17 min
Since January, there have been close to one hundred cases of measles reported In North London. The UK managed to eliminate measles via mass vaccination just under ten years ago. How did we get here, and how serious is this latest epidemic? In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to child immunisation specialist Dr Helen Bedford, professor of Children's Health at UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health. They discuss how serious this latest epidemic is, the different factors that ...
Feb 24, 2026•17 min
The 2026 Winter Olympic Games has been historic for Team GB, with podium placements in snowboarding, skiing, skeleton and curling. So, what exactly is in the mountain air this year? In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to decorated British ski champion, coach and winter sports pundit, Chemmy Alcott, about her experience reporting from the Winter Games at Milano-Cortina. They discuss the highs and lows for Team GB, the legacy of the 2026 Winter Games for British athletes, Chemmy’s recom...
Feb 23, 2026•19 min
Yesterday Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former Prince and Duke of York, was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office during his time as trade envoy to the UK. So, what’s next for Andrew, and how will the royal family navigate this hurdle? In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to The Standard’s crime correspondent, Anthony France, to dig into how the justice system deals with the crime of misconduct in public office, and how the royal family might cope with a potential tria...
Feb 20, 2026•15 min
London Fashion Week starts today, and the excitement is palpable. Julian MacDonald is back, Joseph are debuting a new runway collection for the first time in 8 years, and everyone is holding their breath for the Burberry finale. In this episode of The Standard, host Tamara Kormornick sits down with the Standard’s fashion editor Joe Bromley and lifestyle editor Jessica Burrell for a conversation about their expectations for the week. They share trend predictions, a lot of love for London’s design...
Feb 19, 2026•16 min
The takeover of Hampstead Heath’s cafés has sparked bullying accusations, a legal battle, and impassioned petitioning from locals — with actor Benedict Cumberbatch weighing in. In today’s episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to Standard journalist Niva Yadav about how the controversial café shakeup spiralled into much more than a storm in a teacup. Plus, Niva Yadav speaks to Hoxton Beach cafe co-owner Emma Fernandez, whose lease has been terminated by the City of London Corporation, and to Dai...
Feb 18, 2026•21 min
London is consistently ranked as one of the most expensive tourist destinations in the world. It’s set to get even more pricey this year with the introduction of a tourist tax that is predicted to raise £350 million per year. Is implementing an overnight levy the right move for London? To understand why councillors are backing the idea, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to Councillor Claire Holland, leader of the London Borough of Lambeth and chair of London Councils. They discuss how much the overn...
Feb 17, 2026•17 min
Social media is flooded with food influencers hyping up viral dishes and sharing ‘hidden gems’. But rave restaurant reviews come with a cost — often the experience for fellow diners. In this episode, Jeremy King tells The Standard about the behaviour of certain influencers in The Park, and the new policy he has put in place to thwart disruptive content creation. Plus, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to The Standard’s Going Out editor and restaurant critic, David Ellis, for his take on whether infl...
Feb 16, 2026•11 min
Many of the 5.8 million Brits who took out a Plan 2 student loan over the past decade are now facing astonishing levels of debt, and the government’s latest salary threshold freeze will nudge more graduates into repaying more than ever. So, is it high time the system had a shake up? In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to The Standard’s editor of the Londoner’s Diary and features writer, Claudia Cockerell, to discuss recent controversies around the student loans system, and untangle th...
Feb 13, 2026•19 min
Liverpool Street Station has had a major redevelopment plan green-lit by the City Corporation this week. The scheme would be mostly funded by office space situated in a new 320ft tall tower block, much to the dismay of Victorian heritage enthusiasts. Was this the right call? In this episode of The Standard, host Tamara Kormornick sits down with the Standard’s City Hall and Transport Editor, Ross Lydall, to unpick why the merits and downfalls of the application, and why the plans have caused such...
Feb 12, 2026•15 min
Emerald Fennel’s sizzling film adaptation of Emily Bronte’s canonical novel has divided critics ahead of its public release on Saturday 14. In this episode of The Standard, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to the Standard’s culture and lifestyle writer, India Block, about the gothic-inspired romance starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, from Fennel’s controversial creative choices to Charli XCX’s unexpected soundtrack. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Feb 11, 2026•15 min
Valentine’s Day is notoriously easy to get wrong — from forgettable restaurants to naff gifts. This year, the pressure is even more intense, as Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday. In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to The Standard’s Going Out editor, David Ellis, and food and drink writer, Josh Barrie, to get their recommendations on where to eat — and not eat — on Valentine’s Day. Plus, Tamara sits down with the Standard’s shopping editor Abha Shah, to hear her take on elevated gif...
Feb 10, 2026•19 min
Londoners are using cocaine more than ever, and men’s usage tips the scales two-to-one. So, why is London the ‘cocaine capital’ of Europe? In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to freelance journalist Jordan Page, who recently investigated the capital’s latest Class A drug epidemic. They talk about how London’s pub culture intersects with the city’s cocaine habits, and why men in particular are using the drug more than ever. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Feb 09, 2026•15 min
It’s been a trying week for the Prime Minister. Allegations surrounding Lord Peter Mandelson have angered many within the party, and raised fresh questions about Keir Starmer’s authority. Should Labour be panicking? In this episode, The Standard's political editor Nic Cecil speaks with Baroness Ayesha Hazarika, former advisor to senior Labour politicians, who worked closely with Peter Mandelson over the past couple of decades. She reflects on what it was like to work with him, the current mood i...
Feb 06, 2026•19 min
For this episode of Brave New World, Evgeny is joined by psychologist, author, and researcher Dr Jim Fadiman, a central figure in the modern understanding of psychedelics, who also goes by the “father of microdosing”. Drawing on decades of research and thousands of user reports, the conversation traces the history of psychedelics - from early scientific study in the 1950s and 60s, through prohibition, to today’s renewed interest in clinical and psychiatric settings. Jim discusses why most formal...
Feb 05, 2026•12 min
Over the weekend, suspicious photographs of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor with an unnamed woman surfaced among the latest batch of the Epstein files. While King Charles’ decision to strip Andrew of his titles was met with widespread approval, it also sparked questions over the Royals’ living arrangements - and inevitably, their finances. In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to Chris Blackhurst, strategic communications advisor and former editor of The Independent, who recently wrote a pie...
Feb 04, 2026•16 min
As Industry returns for its fourth series, the show continues to raise the stakes – and audience heart rates. But are its latest calamities a case of art imitating life? In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to Laura Martin, who recently wrote an article for The Standard about power dynamics in Industry, and culture writer for The Standard, Maddy Mussen. Together, they discuss what the show reveals about the relationship between power, privilege and wealth in London, and whether the sho...
Feb 03, 2026•17 min
