Yesterday the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) confirmed that the Community Wealth Fund will be targeted at the doubly disadvantaged neighbourhoods most in need of investment in civic capacity building. The announcement reflects the ongoing, cross-sectoral support for the campaign’s core principles following the launch of a technical consultation on the Community Wealth Fund’s design principles in September 2023. These include long-term, patient funding (10-15 years); investment directly into doubly disadvantaged neighbourhoods; community-led decision making; and appropriate support provided to build community confidence and capacity. Over the course of its seven-year campaign, the CWFA has advocated for a targeted approach that addresses the needs of doubly disadvantaged neighbourhoods – areas that have historically missed out on their fair share of investment alongside facing the highest levels of deprivation and the weakest social infrastructure. Predominantly located in housing estates on the outskirts of former industrial towns and cities, as well as in coastal areas, many of these neighbourhoods are found outside small towns and were at risk of missing out on vital investment under previous proposals for the funding. Evidence from the Big Local programme, the fifteen-year long Lottery funded investment in rebuilding community social infrastructure, which is being delivered by Local Trust, shows that when trusted with time, resources and appropriate support, local residents are able to identify local needs and develop solutions that are sustainable over the long term. Using initial funding of £87.5 million between 2024 and 2028 from the expanded Dormant Assets Scheme, the Community Wealth Fund (CWF) will support the rebuilding of social infrastructure in some of England’s most deprived areas. The National Lottery Community Fund as the Scheme’s named distributor will deliver the CWF and has committed an additional £87.5 million towards the initiative, taking the total funding to £175 million. Rachel Rowney, Chief Executive at Local Trust, founding member and secretariat to the Community Wealth Fund Alliance, said: “Today’s announcement is a welcome culmination of the Alliance’s seven-year campaign for the Community Wealth Fund. “We are pleased that the principles we advocated for, including the importance of working at a hyper-local level, where residents lead decisions over the long-term on how resources are used are central components of the response. “We know this has the potential to shift the dial in the most disadvantaged neighbourhoods and we are hopeful that the Community Wealth Fund will help build vital social and economic capital, laying the foundations for lasting positive change in these areas. “We look forward to working with the National Lottery Community Fund as they take forward next steps on delivery of the Community Wealth Fund on behalf of government.”
Shoryu Ramen is about to make history.
On 7th October 2025, Shoryu Ramen are bringing its interpretation of the cult phenomenon Jiro Ramen ラーメン二郎 to the UK. Exclusively available at Shoryu Carnaby St, Covent Garden, Regent Street, Soho, Shoreditch, Westfield Stratford City World Food Court, Oxford and Manchester.
Forget everything you think you know about ramen. This is ramen like you’ve never seen before: rich, intense aromas, mountains of garlic, and a bowl so epic that by the time you’ve recovered, you’ll already be craving your next one.
First created in Tokyo in the 1960s, Jiro Ramen is more than a dish; it’s a cult-like movement. In Japan, it’s said to have divided households (some even joke that it’s caused divorces). It’s loud, indulgent, and designed to overwhelm in the best possible way. Superfans call themselves Jirorians ジロリアン, proudly claiming it’s “the ultimate ramen bowl” and “the best thing you’ll ever eat.” Critics say it’s “too much of everything” and “like a punch in the face.”
Each bowl of Shoryu’s Jiro Ramen (£23) features braised kakuni pork belly, thick futomen noodles, a mountain of bean sprouts, extra seabura (pork back fat), and heaps of minced garlic. Diners can upgrade their bowl with nitamago (soft-boiled egg) (£2.70).
While Ramen is celebrated for its heritage, refined technique and precision, Jiro Ramen is gloriously messy and unapologetically chaotic – and that’s precisely why people are obsessed with it. It’s ramen served in outrageous proportions; a ramen with a reputation.
To celebrate the launch, diners can take on the Jiro to Hero speed eating challenge. When the bowl hits the table, the clock starts, and it must be finished in under five minutes to qualify. Winners earn exclusive Jiro merch and a spot on the UK leaderboard, with the top challenger each month taking home a year’s supply of Shoryu Ramen.
Jiro Ramen will be available for a limited time until November 9, 2025, when it will be moved to the festive