The Fence

The Carbuncle Cup 2026

Presenting the Carbuncle Cup, crowning what we believe to be the very worst new building in Britain built in the past two years.
Phin Jennings

The Art of the Deal

Stuart Semple was on the verge of superstardom in the London art world. Now he is operating from a studio in Bournemouth. What happened?
Sarah Haque

Burning Cash at the Wah Wah Hut

Can a band stay afloat on tour around Britain? In this economy?
Rory MacNeish

I Am Excited About the House of God

For most of his life, Tony Morris was a bookkeeper, quite content to be a failure. Now the Broomhill resident is an underground music sensation. Our writer meets a rockstar.
Lotte Brundle

Six or Seven Under Lime Street

Any risk of a beer? A dispatch from the last unreformed industry in London.
Fonie Mitsopoulou

Dean Street Comedown

For years, The Groucho was the epicentre of London clubland, a veritable icon of Cool Britannia, but recent years have seen one troubling story after another land in the headlines.
The Fence

Our Cringe Century

Since the start of the millennium Britain has found new and exquisite ways to humiliate herself. Here, in order, are the most embarrassing moments.
Sophie Heawood

How Do You Know Liz Truss?

One of our star new columnists recalls a memorable encounter with a dashing young man.
Sarah Haque

Singhs and Roundabouts

This writer is British and Bangladeshi. Somehow, she is also neither. She looks to the nation, and keeps score.
Dan Beaumont

Hideous Kinky

A trip into some dark rooms, as we venture into the capital’s sex clubs.