SE1's latest hotel opened its doors last week - the 394-room Riverbank Park Plaza on the Albert Embankment - boasting views overlooking the Houses of Parliament and Tate Britain.
A US chain of hotels for business travellers on an extended stay is to open one of its first UK properties in Southwark in late 2006.
Cherie Booth QC came to County Hall on Monday morning to launch Victim Support London's Sunrise Appeal to fund extra services for victims of unsupported crimes.
The Old Kent Road was closed to traffic in both directions on Sunday afternoon while firefighters tackled a fire in flats above a bar and restaurant.
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