Walking with friends: Imperial War Museum to Borough Market... and beyond

Bethlem Hospital

Saturday September 6, 2014

As is customary, Len and myself, and whomever else wants to join us, take a stroll around London, taking in the sights and sounds of the great city, when it is someone's birthday.

This year, Len, myself and Stephen Brown, who works with me, met at Watford Metropolitan station and headed off for Len's special day.

At Finchley Road Len and I changed on to a Jubilee Line train, while Stephen headed off to Baker Street, as he had a few things to do before meeting up with us again, later in the day.

Len and I got off the train at Westminster and headed towards our first destination; The Imperial War Museum. As we headed down the road, talking and generally catching up, I missed the correct turning, which we didn't even notice until we were on Borough High Street. Oops! After a quick drink, at The Trinity, we headed back towards the Imperial War Museum, arriving there just after 11:30.

The new 'improved' atrium.

I had last visited the Imperial War Museum in 2012, with my eldest, Alysha. Since then it has undergone a £40 million refurbishment. This has resulted in a completely remodelled, and enlarged, atrium where some of the museums larger exhibits can be seen. Other work carried out has seen the galleries increase by three times their original size and, with more than 1,300 objects on view, there is something for everyone, covering nearly every conflict, war and terrorist attack.

Katana.

Armour representing the differences between the people in Northern Ireland.

Iranian Embassy Siege, 1980.

Window frames from the World Trade Centre.

Unfortunately, the World War I galleries required a ticket, which we were issued with, but our allotted time was so far in to the afternoon that we would have to had spent the entire day at the museum, thereby missing out on seeing the rest of the sights. Instead, we walked around all of the other exhibits and saw;

• Rommel's map of northern Africa
• An Italian 'human' torpedo
• Various bomb shelters
• A Taliban motorcycle
• A Humber 'pig' from northern Ireland
• Wreckage of a Japanese fighter aircraft
• Katana swords
• An Exocet missile
• A piece of the Berlin wall
• The cockpit from a Lancaster Bomber
• Plus lots more

Then there were the various rooms, containing;

• The history of MI5, MI6, SOE and other Intelligence services
• The history of the war in Afghanistan
• Britain's SAS
• The war at home
• plus many more

A Sherman Tank

Wreckage of a Japanese fighter aircraft

The fuselage of an Avro Lancaster

A Harrier Jump-jet

We then went up to the very top floor, which is empty, except for the 'holocaust' exhibit which didn't interest either of us in the slightest, so we headed back out into the afternoon sun. 

We made our way down to Elephant & Castle and headed to Borough Market for some well deserved food, washed down with a well deserved pint. We ate at Hobbs, where Len had a roast pork bap, with stuffing, and I had the BBQ pulled pork on a bed of 'slaw' in a baguette. This was washed down with a pint in The Barrowboy and Banker.

Suitably fuelled, we continued on our way by dropping down on to Montague Close and heading westward. It wasn't long before we stopped again, this time at The Old Thameside Inn. We then headed to The Anchor, where we sat outside and sipped another refreshing beer, before continuing alongside the River Thames, taking in the sights and sounds.

Outside the Globe Theatre I spotted a Book Bench sculpture. There are fifty of these dotted around our great capital, celebrating London's literary heritage.

One of the fifty Book Bench sculptures

Our next stop was The Founders Arms, where we stood outside, with a beer, watching the myriad boats shuttling tourists back-and-forth along the River Thames. The sun had brought everyone out and, with Bankside getting busier, we decided to head in a different direction. We reached Stamford Street and followed it along until we came to The Thirsty Bear, where we stopped for some light refreshment, before continuing on to the Southbank, where we watched the street performers and took in the atmosphere.

Camouflaged for war

Snoggers like it on top

Len the champion

With it almost time to meet Stephen, we took a slow walk to Westminster Bridge and headed on to Parliament Street, where we waited for Stephen in The Red Lion.

With us back together we headed off up Parliament Street, up St Martin's Lane an onto Great Newport Street and on to Chinatown. From here we headed below the streets of London, by heading into Waxy O'Connor's. On leaving Waxy O'Connor's, we went to Ed's Diner, on Rupert Street, for some food. The burger was delicious, tasting even more so as Stephen decided to pay for dinner as a treat. What a guy!

Ed's Diner does amazing burgers.

From here we headed towards The Montagu Pyke, but not before Len purchased a present for his wife and a hat for himself. Now, The Montagu Pyke is a JD Wetherspoon pub, which is in the building that was The Marquee Club, from 1988-1996.

Len sports his new hat in what was The Marquee Club.

Leaving The Montagu Pyke, we meandered our merry way passed Soho Square and on to Great Marlborough Street, where we saw Michael Flatley getting mobbed by fans as he left the London Palladium.

Reaching Oxford Circus, we headed down and caught a train back to Baker Street and then on to Watford.

It's all too much for the old boy.

I believe that Len and Stephen had a great time, as I did, and I can't wait for my next visit to London.

Distance travelled:

• Bus - 0.0 miles
• Cable Car - 0.0 miles
• Car - 0.0 miles
• DLR - 0.0 miles
• Ferry - 0.0 miles
• Overground - 0.0 miles
• River Boat - 0.0 miles
• Taxi - 0.0 miles
• Train - 0.0 miles
• Underground - 41 miles
• Walking - 10 miles

Len's 53rd birthday: Baker Street to Borough Market... and beyond

Saturday September 7, 2013.

As has become customary, Len, Steve and myself headed off to London to celebrate Len’s birthday. Arriving at Baker Street, we took a slow walk along the Marylebone Road, turning in to Park Crescent and onto Portland Place. 

As we passed the BBC Broadcasting House, I pointed out the Dalek guarding the BBC Canteen. Seeing as both Steve and Len had never been inside, we headed in. The BBC Shop, which was due to open on September 1st still wasn’t open, so Steve settled for having his picture taken with the Dalek. We then continued our stroll by turning from Regent Street on to Margaret Street, so that we could grab a drink at the ‘Cock Tavern’ (1).

After our refreshment, we headed down Great Portland Street, crossed Oxford Street, headed along Argyll Street, crossed Great Marlborough Street and entered Carnaby Street, which is where we spotted the comedian, Sean Walsh. Still keeping a leisurely pace, we sauntered down Carnaby Street until we reached Beak Street. It was then that we noticed that many of the bars, that both Steve and I knew, were gone. Sacrilege! So, we turned on to Great Pulteney Street and headed for the ‘Vintage Magazine Shop’ on Brewer Street. 

After a damn good look around, I thought I would show Len and Steve my favourite Wine and Spirit shop. As we headed down Brewer Street to turn onto Rupert Street, we were passed by Simon ‘Scotty’ Pegg and his family. Unfortunately, due to the surprise of seeing him, I didn’t get a chance to say anything to him, so we continued on our way by turning on to Winnett Street and finally on to Old Compton Street, where ‘Gerry’s Wines & Spirits’ is situated. This was a place that my Dad had taken me to, many years ago, when he was looking for a special Vodka. Being a speciality shop, the prices on some items are truly astonishing, but it is still worth a visit.

A Duck Tour for Erin's 1st birthday

Erin and Emma waiting to take our first Duck Tour.

Saturday November 10, 2012

For Christmas 2011, Emma and I were bought tickets for the London Duck Tours Amazing Amphibious Adventure. And, since the tickets were shortly to expire, we had booked our places on the 11:30 Tour. So, we were up bright and early to catch the 09:30 train to Baker Street, changing to the Jubilee line at Finchley Road. We exited at Westminster, where we then walked across Westminster Bridge and found a place on York Road to get a bacon sandwich and coffee. We then went into the Duck Tours Booking Office, where we left Erin’s buggy, before heading across the road to the Duck Stop on Chicheley Street. Exactly on time our ‘Duck’ began its Tour, with Sam at the wheel and Ali as our Tour Guide.

Leaving Chicheley Street we turned right onto York Road, where Ali pointed out the abundance of cast-iron and steel lampposts on London’s streets, so unless we wanted to stop at St. Thomas’ Hospital we should keep our hands and heads inside the ‘Duck’ at all times. We were then instructed in the rules of the Duck Tour:

If you see another Duck Tour vehicle, you MUST flap your arms and make noises like a duck.

End of the rules.

We then crossed Westminster Bridge, all the time waving at the ‘tourists’ who were bemused by our WWII bright yellow and blue ‘Duck’ on wheels, but who still smiled and took photos. A quick trip around Parliament Square and we headed up Whitehall, passed Downing Street and Horse Guards and up to Trafalgar Square, where we were told some quite interesting facts (some of which were new, even to me) about Nelson and his Column. From here we were drove onto Cockspur Street and then Pall Mall, where we passed many Gentlemen’s Clubs and St. James’ Palace and the Club where John Montagu, 4th Earl of Sandwich ‘invented’ the sandwich. (Although for centuries people had placed meats between slices of bread and called them simply, “bread and meat” or “bread and cheese”.) From here we turned left onto Piccadilly, passing the Ritz Hotel and Green Park. At this point Ali gave us two different stories as to why Green Park is so green;

1. King Charles II and his wife were out walking in Upper St. James’ Park (as it was known), when she said to the King, “You should pick the most beautiful flower in this park and it give to the most beautiful woman you know.” So, King Charles II looked around and found the most beautiful flower he could and gave it to a passing maid. The Queen was so incensed by this that, on her arrival back at the Palace, she demanded the gardeners remove all the flowers and flowerbeds and never plant another flower in the park… Ever! And, to this day, there are still no formal flowerbeds in Green Park.

2. The Green Park was originally a swampy burial ground for the lepers from nearby St. James’s Hospital and, with so much leprosy in such a small place, the gardeners refused to plant flowers for fear of catching the disease.

I prefer story number one.

Len's 52nd birthday: Green Park to Westminster... and beyond

Saturday September 8, 2012.

It was that time of the year again, when Len, myself and whoever else is free head off to London. Unfortunately, Steve B was at a wedding and Jason had no babysitter, so it was just Len and myself. 

We took our normal train to London but alighted at Green Park, for a change. Our first port-of-call was the newly erected Bomber Command Memorial in Green Park. The Memorial recognises the 55,573, airmen from all corners of the Commonwealth, who gave their lives to free Europe from Nazi rule, between 1943-45. Although they are remembered at the memorial at Runnymede and also at St. Clement Dane's church, on Strand, they had never had a dedicated memorial... Until now. And what a memorial! Architect Liam O'Connor has created a masterpiece out of Portland Stone, befitting these heroic airmen. The memorial is open to the sky in a symbolic gesture, so that the sun can shine down on the statues of the seven nine-foot bronze airmen, crafted by Philip Jackson. Around the roof of the memorial are sections of aluminium, salvaged from a Handley Page Halifax bomber that crashed in Belgium. There is also an inscription, on the memorial, that says "also commemorates those of all nations who lost their lives in the bombing of 1939-1945." Both myself and Len were completely gobsmacked by the size and presence of the memorial, so much so that it was a subject that kept coming up in conversation throughout the day. I was so affected by the memorial that, as we walked around London, I began to write a poem about it in my head.

From here we headed down Constitution Hill towards Buckingham Palace, where the crowds were gathered for the changing of the guard. So, with many of the normal routes sealed off for the Paralympics marathon, we made a detour on to Pall Mall, then Waterloo Place and on to Horse Guards Road. 

We walked by the Memorial to the Great War and the memorial to the 202 victims of the Bali bombing in 2002, before heading into Parliament Square. As we approached Westminster Abbey, we found all the tourists. The queue to get into Westminster Abbey were some of the longest lines of people that I have witnessed, for anything. Bypassing the crowds we crossed St. Margaret Street and headed into the Victoria Tower Gardens. We stopped in the shade of the trees overlooking the River Thames, before continuing our jaunt. We exited the gardens and crossed Lambeth Bridge and headed along the South Bank. 

The temperature was still climbing into the high 20s, with barely a breeze in the air, so we slowed our pace slightly. As we reached the old County Hall, we decided to grab a bite to eat, which we ate outside before continuing Eastward. Dodging the milling masses, who were there for the Thames Festival as well as the Paralympics, we walked passed the Jubilee Gardens, where a 1000 strong group of children were playing steel drums. It was an awesome sight and the crowds were really enjoying it. We then passed the Royal Festival Hall before going under Waterloo Bridge. With the tide out on the River Thames, children and adults, were walking and playing on the Thames foreshore, as we approached Gabriel's Wharf. 

With the sun beating down we both decided it might be an idea to get a cold drink and find some shade. And, wouldn't you know it, we were by Doggett's pub. The inside of the pub was cool and remarkably quiet, as many of the patrons were using the various terraces on the upper floors, or sitting outside in the sun. This gave us a chance to sit down and watch a bit of Paralympic wheelchair fencing. Sadly the British man lost to the Chinese guy, but it was still fascinating to watch. We sipped our drinks, to make them last, before heading back out onto the South Bank.

Walking with family: My 40th Birthday

The Old Royal Naval college viewed from Island Gardens.

"Age is important only if you’re cheese or wine. Or something collectable." - Solomon Short

"Forty is almost like being a grown-up." - Solomon Short

Sunday 25th March, 2012.

Although it wasn't my birthday until Monday 26th, myself, Emma, Erin, my mum and uncle Martin decided to go for a day out in London. Alysha had a dance competition in Hemel Hempstead, so wasn't able to make it this time. We were up early, which wasn't bad considering the clocks had gone forward, and left the house just before 09:00. Mum an Martin met us at the corner of our road, and we made the short walk to Watford Metropolitan station. After all the 'Oyster' cards were topped up, or purchased in Martin's case, we boarded our train. 

We changed onto the Jubilee Line train, at Finchley Road, and continued our journey to North Greenwich. We exited North Greenwich station and walked out onto 'Peninsula Square'. The weather was decidedly cloudy and chilly so, after a few photographs were taken, we went into the 'O2 arena', for a look around and to warm up. We walked along the length of 'Entertainment Avenue', which takes up over half the floor space at the O2, and waited for the coffee shops to open. At 11:00 we went into 'Starbucks' for a drink and to feed Erin. Once we had finished, and Erin had been changed, we headed back outside onto Peninsula Square. 

The weather had improved considerably, so more photographs were taken, before we made our way to the North Greenwich Pier, to catch the 'Thames Clipper'. Because we all had 'Oyster' cards, we all got a 15% discount on our fare. After boarding the 'Clipper' we all sat at the back and got our first glimpse of the 'Olympic Stadium' and the 'Anish Kapoor Tower'. We also saw the supports for the new Thames Cable Car. 

The journey to Greenwich Pier was quick and we were soon at the 'Old Royal Naval College'. More photographs were taken, before we headed into Greenwich village. As we passed the 'Cutty Sark', Martin told me the story of the ships figurehead. Something that I was unaware of. 

The Cutty Sark’s figurehead is a young witch named ‘Nannie’ who was a character in the poem 'Tam O'Shanter', by Scottish poet Robert Burns. The poem concerns Tam, a farmer who, after an evening of drinking, was riding home on his horse called Meg. On his way, he saw that the churchyard was occupied by a collection of witches, with the Devil himself playing the bagpipes. Tam saw that among the group of witches, there was one which was young and beautiful. Her name was Nannie, and she wore only a 'cutty sark', Tam was bewitched and, in his excitement, he cried out "Weel done cutty sark!" The witches then pursued Tam who fled for his life to the bridge over the river Doon, for he knew that witches could not cross running water. Nannie was faster than the others and, as the mare galloped over the bridge, she seized it by the tail, which came off in her hand. Hence, the figurehead is always shown holding a horse's tail in her left hand. After this, we headed to 'Greenwich Market'. Greenwich has been home to a Royal Charter Market, originally assigned to the Commissioners of Greenwich Hospital, since the 19th December 1700. It used to be situated at the West Gate of the Old Royal Naval College, before moving to its current location in 1831. 

After a good look around we sat down to feed Erin and I bought Emma a coffee, while I had a pint of 'Ghost Ship' Pale Ale, from the 'Coach & Horses'. Meanwhile, my mum and Martin went for another look around and bought some prints. When we were all back together, we headed to the front of the Market and bought some food. Emma, Martin and my mum had Roast Beef with all the trimmings, while I had a spicy beef stir fry with rice. We then had a look around some more shops and more things were purchased. We then made our way back towards the 'Old Royal Naval College', and went into the 'Discover Greenwich Centre'. More photographs taken, before Erin was changed and we made our way back to Greenwich Pier. 

Once again we boarded the 'Clipper' and enjoyed a trip down the River Thames. We passed Canary Wharf, Surrey Docks, Bermondsey and Wapping before alighting at Tower Pier. With the sun beating down, we walked along the Thames, in front of the 'Tower of London', towards 'Tower Bridge'. After crossing 'Tower Bridge', we made our way onto the South Bank and continued heading West. Lots more photographs were taken, before we stopped at 'Hay's Galleria' for a coffee, and to feed Erin. We then continued along the River Thames, passing 'Southwark Cathedral', 'The Golden Hinde', 'The Clink Prison Museum' & 'The Globe Theatre'. 

We then crossed the Thames, via the 'MillenniuM Bridge', and headed to 'St. Paul's Cathedral'. As we were all getting a bit tired, we decided it might be worth heading towards a station. Farringdon station seemed our best bet, as it was a Metropolitan Line station, and it was less than a mile away. So, that's where we headed, passing the 'Old Bailey', the 'Musicians' church' and 'Smithfield Market' before reaching our destination. 

After a few minutes we boarded a train bound for Chesham and took this to Baker Street, where we changed onto a Watford train. We finally reached home at 19:00, at which point Erin passed out. Then Alysha came home, from her dance competition, looking exhausted. Lots of semi-final places but no medals or trophies, this time. Next Sunday Alysha has another dance competition, so hopefully she will win a few there. So, some food was ordered in, before we all turned in for the night.

All in all another great day in the World's Best Capital.

Walking with friends: Len's 50th Birthday

The birthday boy.

On Thursday 8th September, 1960, Len Erdwin was thrust in to this world!!!

On Wednesday 8th September, 2010, Len Erdwin was thrust upon London!!!

Saturday 4th September, 2010.

Len's birthday week began on Saturday 4th. Len had finished work on the Friday and was looking forward to a well deserved week off and a good day out on the Wednesday, to celebrate reaching 50. He arrived at my house at about 10am on the Saturday, while Emma and I were picking up his 'surprise.' Luckily Emma's brother, Adam, was at the house tiling the bathroom floor, so Len could get in. When we returned from collecting his 'surprise' we had to quickly hide it so that Len wouldn't see it. After a bite to eat, we left 'the boys' to it while we went to see Alysha in 'Hello, Mister Capello.'

On our return, from the play, it was decided that Len should have his surprise.

Adam kept Len busy in the garden while Me and Emma got things ready.

When we were sure that Len had his eyes shut, we carried it out in to the garden. Stuck it on the table and told him to open his eyes. As he opened his eyes he was silent and he just stared at it. I truly thought we had screwed up. It was then that he finally threw his arms out and said how happy he was.

(The 'surprise' was a birthday cake in the shape of a guitar. The lettering on the cake said, 'Len 50' and all around the base, on the icing, were musical notes and guitar shapes. It also read, 'Elvis 1935-1977'. The cake was based on a similar cake that Len had received for his 21st Birthday, which had also been an 'Elvis Cake.' My thanks go to Denise Cox from Tapestry Cakes, Watford for her excellent work. You're a Star.)

Once Len had got over the shock of the cake, and we had taken many photos of it, Len decided we should all try some. It tasted as good as it looked, if not better. A few more beers and cake and it was a great start to Len's Birthday week.

Wednesday 8th September, 2010.

Len and Swany arrived at my house at about 8:30am.

After a coffee I handed Len his birthday present. A black zippo lighter with a portrait of Elvis Presley on it. He seemed to like this present, too. 

Walking with Emma: Euston to Borough Market... and beyond

Yesterday Emma and myself went to London for the day. It was an early start as we left the house at 09:15 and walked to Watford Junction. The train was on time and we arrived at Euston Station at 10:15. After all the snow that we had in Watford, it was strange to arrive in London and find none. (Not a flake, anywhere.)

Once at Euston we took a gentle stroll to Holborn and onto Fleet Street and then down to the Thames. Stopping every now and again to take Photos. We then crossed the Thames and headed for Borough Market, Southwark. After wandering around the Market, we had a beautiful Scotch Beef baguette with creamy horseradish. Delicious.

We then headed along the Southbank, towards Westminster, where there was a German Market, a book sale, street performers and a sculptor on the 'beach' creating a sand sculpture.

Whilst looking at the books I was noticed by a friend from Derby, who had travelled down to London for her Birthday. (How freaky to go to somewhere the size of London and see someone you know!)

We then crossed over Westminster Bridge and headed up Whitehall to Trafalgar Square. Lots more photographs were taken of the Christmas Tree, Fountains, Statues and the Ice Polar Bear. 

Then we headed down the Mall to Buckingham Palace and on up to Marble Arch. More photographs before heading into Hyde Park for the Winter Wonderland. More food consumed and Hot Chocolate with Baileys. Perfect for warming you up on a cold afternoon.

We then retraced our steps and headed back to Trafalgar Square and onto Covent Garden. After a good look around the Market and Stalls, we took a slow walk back to Euston Station.

The journey home was warm and comfortable and we arrived home at 18:00.

According to Google Earth, we walked between 10 and 12 miles.

Fantastic!