'The Southwark Tavern'

The Southwark Tavern, on Southwark Street, is a wonderful pub situated on a corner opposite the busy Borough Market.

Its caramel-coloured tiles and leaded windows give the building an appealing look, especially in this area on the south bank.

Inside, the pub is not overly lit, which, along with its dark wood panelling, harkens back to days of old.

There is a large bar offering a wide selection of drinks, while meals can be ordered to be eaten at the various tables. 

Walking with friends: Borough Market to the Isle of Dogs... and beyond

With Covid-19 and the various lockdowns putting a pause on my walks with friends, around The Unfinished City, it is great to be able to start them up again.

Saturday April 2, 2022

After a breakfast of Pulled Pork Burger with apple sauce and sage & onion stuffing, from Hobbs in Borough Market, my friend Stephen and I began our first walk of 2022.

Borough Market is a food lovers paradise.

Heading towards the River Thames we made our way through the Contorted Tunnel, which Stephen had never seen, to the basement of Hay's Galleria. Climbing the stairs we headed out on to the embankment, by HMS Belfast, and followed the path to Tower Bridge. 

Tower Bridge and the Girl with a Dolphin.

Taking the eastern pedestrian path, across the bridge, we headed to St Katharine Docks Marina, where various yachts, barges, lifeboats and the Queen's Rowbarge 'Gloriana' were moored. As we rounded one of the buildings I pointed out Stanley Kubrick's original 'Monolith' from 2001: A Space Odyssey, which had been affixed to the wall of one of the buildings, back in 1977.

'Monolith' by Arthur Fleischmann.

From here we headed eastward towards Hermitage Basin and the Ornamental Canal, through Wapping Woods and on to Shadwell Basin. A small area of the basin was being used by Wapping Docklands Market, so we had a look around the different food stalls before heading in to the historic The Prospect of Whitby, for a well-deserved drink.

Our first drink in London together for a number of years.

Borough Market

The finest food market in London.

I have come to love my visits to Borough Market, where I invariably stop off for a late breakfast or an early lunch. With a truly great selection of fresh produce, exotic meats and street food from around the globe, there is something here for everyone. It is a vibrant, busy market, where I always discover something new to try. 

Although the market is always busy, it is worth visiting on a Sunday, when the stalls are closed, as you get an even greater understanding of its size. Plus, if you are very lucky, you may just spot a Harris Hawk, and his handler, who patrols the market to keep the pigeons away. 

Gallery

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.

Walking with family: Borough Market to St Paul's Cathedral... and beyond

Friday June 28, 2013

After dropping Erin at 'Busy Bees Nursery', Emma, Keilyn and I headed to London’s 'Borough Market', for lunch. Keilyn slept for pretty much the entire journey on the Metropolitan line, but woke as we changed to the Jubilee line. After a ‘toilet’ stop at London Bridge Station, we headed into Borough Market. 

The Market area, and Market itself, have gone through some major changes in the last few decades and finally the work is complete. The Market seems more spacious and appears to be a bit bigger. After a good look around, I settled on a ‘Boston’ double burger with red onion and rocket for lunch, while Emma had a hot Bap. 

With the crowds growing and the temperature rising, we decided to head over to the North side of the River Thames, which is something we rarely do as we prefer to stay on the South Bank, where it is a lot more pedestrian friendly.

Once we had crossed London Bridge, we headed along Cannon Street towards St. Paul’s Cathedral, popping in to the odd shop here-and-there. One of the best shops we went into was ‘Hardy’s Sweet Shop’, on Ludgate Hill. The shop has a myriad of jars full of ‘quarter’ sweets and lots of other hard-to-find sweets and candies. I bought some chewy nut caramels and Emma bought some Root Beer, amongst other things. 

We then continued on our merry way along Fleet Street and on to The Strand, heading for Trafalgar Square. The Square itself was surprisingly quiet, considering how nice the weather was and that this is where many of the tourists end up. So, after a brief stop, we decided to walk up Haymarket and then turned on to Regent Street.

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 friends: My Stag Day

Saturday March 3, 2012.

I was up early this morning, and I was looking forward to going to London for the day, with friends. After bathing, getting dressed, and after bathing Erin, I booked a taxi and headed for Watford Junction. 

I arrived at the station just before 09:00, and waited for Stephen Brown. Within a few minutes, he had arrived and, after purchasing our tickets, we made our way to the platform to await our train. We arrived at London Euston and headed into the labyrinth of tunnels to get the Northern line train to London Bridge. 

We arrived at London Bridge, just before 10:00 and headed into Borough Market and ordered breakfast at Maria's Cafe. I had a Steak bap, with rocket, olive oil and mushrooms. Beautiful. After breakfast, we had a look around the Market, before heading to the station to get the Jubilee line train to Canary Wharf. 

On arrival at Canary Wharf, we followed the seriously bad signage until we arrived at the DLR station. A few minutes later, and we were on our way to Greenwich, a place that I had not visited since I was at school. We alighted from the DLR at Cutty Sark station and made our way to the Old Royal Naval College. 

The Royal Naval College was based in Greenwich from 1873 until 1998 as a college to teach all aspects of naval sciences. More courses were added as and when new skills were developed. 

We walked around the grounds and viewed the buildings, before heading to Greenwich Market. The Market was packed with stalls selling wares of all kinds: Clothes, food, clocks, trinkets, magic tricks, paintings and coffee amongst others. I bought us both a coffee - Amaretto flavour for Stephen and Vanilla for me. I also bought 100 grams of Tia Maria flavoured ground coffee, for home. 

After leaving the Market, we headed for the Cutty Sark. 

The Cutty Sark was built in 1869, and, on February 16th 1870, the Cutty Sark left London on the first of eight trips to China. Throughout her working life, Cutty Sark transported cargoes such as Tea, wool and coal. She travelled to China, Japan, South and North America, Angola and more. In 1895, the Cutty Sark was sold to a Portuguese company, and her name was changed to Ferreira. In 1922, she was sold to another Portuguese owner, and she was renamed Maria do Amparo. She was then bought by an Englishman and, in 1923, her true name and nationality were restored. After being berthed in Falmouth and then Greenhithe, before being moved to her current, and final resting place. On May 21st 2007, a fire gutted the Cutty Sark, while she was having restoration work undertaken.

All around the ship, the paving and walkways are still being relayed, so it is difficult to see her clearly. The Cutty Sark will reopen to the public, next month. As time was getting on, we decided to head back towards the centre of town. It was at this point we decided to take the Clipper along the River Thames, rather than get the DLR and have to change trains at Canary Wharf. 

So, with the time close to 12:40, we boarded the Cyclone Clipper, and settled into our seats for our trip upriver. Having never travelled along this part of the River Thames, it was exciting to see the housing developments, and how each had been uniquely designed.

We arrived at Tower Bridge and disembarked the Cyclone Clipper, on the North Bank, in front of the Tower of London. After walking along the Thames, in front of the Tower of London, we came to Tower Bridge. We crossed the river here, and headed along the South Bank, towards London Bridge. 

Walking with family: A Halloween Stroll

Looking North, from below the MillenniuM Footbridge.

Friday 29th October, 2010.

It was an early start for us, as we were going to London with my Mum. The plan was go with her to Queen Square for her appointment, then we would all go around London as a family.

So, we got up, had a coffee and got to my Mums for 9 O'clock. We then booked a taxi to take us to Croxley Station. Then Alysha called. She had evidently changed her mind and wanted to come with us to London.

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!