Starbucks UK has blamed high rents and a hefty royalty payment to its US parent for its fifth consecutive year of losses.

The fashion chain Zara plans to open a record fifth store on London's Oxford Street, reinforcing the buoyant demand for prime retail property in the capital.

Alongside the council elections on Thursday, some 10 British cities will be voting on whether they want an elected mayor. It is to be hoped that they all vote "yes". At their best, mayors are not only a dynamic addition to local democracy, they are powerful figureheads for their city's identity and can help to reinvigorate slumping public interest in politics.

What do we want? A touch more passion

Rant

As the biggest national survey begins on Channel 4 tomorrow, Sarah Morrison separates reality from myth

Wolverhampton Wanderers' owner, Steve Morgan, who also controls the housebuilder Redrow, took an £80m punt on the London property market yesterday.

Siobhan Benita could surprise a few people. By Oliver Wright

So the Duke of Westminster has fallen on hard times?

Backlash builds against Osborne's proposed 'philanthropy tax'

Out of the abyss of poverty and into the dark night of the soul

"Bring on Barça" is the headline in the newsletter Chelsea send out to their junior members, but for now the Catalan conquistadors can wait. Having salvaged a fortuitous 2-1 victory against Wigan Athletic on Saturday, Roberto Di Matteo's charges must now withstand an ebullient Fulham in tonight's west London derby.

Pro-choice advocates concerned that we're turning the clock back on abortion

Moshi Monsters started life as virtual characters on a children's website but now they're taking over the real world, thanks to toys, stickers – and now their own album