Walking with Erin: Baker Street to Soho Square... and beyond

Saturday May 3, 2025.

Today I was joined on my London trip by Erin, who wanted to visit Liberty London, to explore the entire shop.

So, we headed off by catching a taxi to Watford Underground station, where we boarded a train to Baker Street. I then gave Erin the choice of catching a Bakerloo line train to Oxford Circus, or we could walk there. Erin decided we should walk.

We crossed Marylebone Road and headed east to Park Crescent and onto Portland Place, Langham Place and then Regent Street. For a Saturday afternoon the pavements were quite empty, making our walk a little easier. At Oxford Circus we turned onto Argyll Street, where we stopped for lunch at Wok to Walk. Erin is fond of noodles.

Once we had eaten we continued along Argyll Street and entered Liberty London, with Erin heading straight for the makeup and perfume departments. Then it was down into the basement where more perfumes and scents could be found. Various testing strips were sprayed and then wafted beneath our noses, before we made our way up the stairs to the clothing departments.

Erin checked out some of the dresses and outfits, inspecting the designs and quality, obviously deciding which designs she could use in her own designs. Every floor was investigated. Books and stationery, housewares and linen, and everything in between. Then it was back to the ground floor and the small shop, where, even the sale items, had eye-watering prices.

We exited the shop onto Carnaby Street, where around thirty to forty mopeds, including Lambrettas and Vespas, were preparing to embark on a road trip. The Mods were all dressed in period clothing, from Parkas to Italian-cut suits, while the scooters were customised with foxtails and extra mirrors, with some supporting custom paint jobs. The noise was deafening, while the smell of petrol filled the small area. I decided it was best to move onto Great Marlborough Street, where the area was more spacious and would allow for a better vantage point. Sure enough all of the scooters made their way off Carnaby Street and, as soon as the traffic allowed, took off along the road. A short video of the scooters and their departure.

We then continued our walk along Great Marlborough Street, spotting a 1948 Cadillac, before continuing onto Noel Road, where we turned south along Berwick Street, spotting a street market ahead of us. One stall, in particular, that caught Erin's eye was 'Crochets by Amy', where hand-made crocheted items were for sale. After scanning the various items Erin decided that she wanted a small pink whale, which I purchased for her. After looking at a few more stalls, chatting with the friendly vendors, we ended up going back to 'Crochets by Amy', where Erin purchased a crochet duck.

We then turned along Peter Street and onto Meard Street, up Dean Street, along Bateman Street and onto Frith Street, finally reaching Soho Square, where we sat in the dappled shade to have drink and rest. This small square was filled with people enjoying the afternoon sun. Children were running around, while others were playing table tennis. Young people were lying on the grass, while others were sitting on the countless benches. It is a wonderful little oasis, with a faux Tudor building at its centre.

Suitably rested we made our way out of Soho Square along Sutton Row to Soho Place and across Charing Cross Road to Outernet Place. A massive screen affixed to the building advertised 'Kleenex x Mr Doodle!', so we headed inside, where we were confronted by a large glass box, made to look like a tissue box, with half a dozen people inside of it, busily cleaning the glass. Intriguing. After listening to some of the other visitors and talking with one of the security personnel we discovered that Mr Doodle had teamed up with Kleenex to promote their products, for one day only. Today!

Kleenex x Mr Doodle! 'Outernet Live Doodling Event'

Saturday May 3, 2025.

There was a one-day event happening at The Outernet London, of which we were unaware of... until we stumbled across it.

Erin and I were heading towards The Outernet, as part of one of our walks, but had no idea that Mr Doodle would be there. Erin is a fan of his work and so became super excited.

The campaign involved Kleenex, a Kimberly-Clark brand, partnering with the artist Mr Doodle. 

The campaign included limited edition Kleenex tissue boxes, designed by Mr Doodle, alongside paid social media and other events. The biggest part of the campaign was the Outernet Live Doodling event. It was this that we had stumbled upon.

On our arrival the giant glass tissue box had a half dozen cleaners cleaning down the glass walls and door, readying it for the next event. Two presenters, Molly and Belinda, were busy talking into a camera, which was being broadcast live, which Erin and I kept trying to get into shot, succeeding on a number of occasions.

It wasn't long before the cleanup was completed and everyone eagerly awaited the next arrival of Mr Doodle. He entered the space, wearing his unique 'graffiti spaghetti' doodle outfit, with matching trainers, and entered the box. After placing his doodle markers on the floor, he picked up the blue and began doodling.

Walking with family: Canning Town to Canary Wharf... and beyond

Bow Creek.

Sunday April 27, 2025. Another Sunday and another trip to London. 

Keilyn, my mum and I took a leisurely stroll to Watford Metropolitan station, where we caught a Baker Street-bound train to Finchley Road, from where we caught a Stratford-bound train to Canning Town. With a football match, at Wembley Stadium, and the London Marathon, across London, the trains were a little busier than normal, but they soon cleared after we passed Canada Water.

'After the Dance' by Colin Spofforth

At Canning Town we took the lift to Footbridge Level and made our way across to City Island and Hopewell Square, and its sculpture entitled 'After the Dance', before we explored the wonderfully landscaped green spaces along Bow Creek and the River Lea. Because we were further east, than the eastern point of the London Marathon on the north bank, City Island was deserted.

We then had a short wander around East India Basin, before heading to Trinity Buoy Wharf.

Hot chocolate time.

Our first stop was at the Orchard Café, where drinks and food were ordered, which we finished while sitting at one of the tables. The beverages and pastries were wonderful, while the service was impeccable.

Keilyn, the photographer.

On leaving the café, we kept to the wharf wall, so that we could take in the historic vessels and the various sculptures dotted around. Then we entered the Faraday Effect shed and explored a little more.

After checking out the Faraday Effect, Keilyn led us into the Bow Creek Lighthouse, clambering up the stone stairs to the first floor, excited to see, and hear, 'Longplayer' again. Mum and I soon caught up to her, before she was leading us up the final set of stairs to the Lantern Room, where you can hear 'Longplayer' a lot clearer, whilst also taking in the views along the River Thames. Another visitor, to the lighthouse, was already in the Lantern Room, listening quietly to the music, and kindly offered to take a photo of the three of us.

Just the three of us.

After the photo and we had sat for a few minutes, we made our way downstairs and out of the lighthouse to look at more of the buildings and sculptures. We then made our way into the Trinity Art Studios, where we looked at paintings, sculptures and other pieces of art.

Now, we had a decision to make. Use the Lea Crossing, and head to the Royal Docks, or head towards Canary Wharf.

Sailing boats and the O2 Arena.

We headed west, walking through East India Basin and saw some small sail boats heading up the river. From here we headed to Virginia Quay and Prime Meridian Walk, before turning onto Newport Avenue, where we stopped at a convenience store to purchase some lunch and more drinks. We ate our baguettes in the shade, below the DLR, before heading up to platform level, where we caught a DLR train to Poplar.

Reuters Plaza.

Arriving at Poplar we used the lift to reach street level, following Aspen Way until we reached Upper Bank Street. Ahead of us we could see the bustle of spectators cheering on the marathon runners, which we soon got caught up in. After watching some of the competitors, from a vantage point at the corner of Canada Square and North Colonnade, we headed along South Colonnade until we reached Reuters Plaza. I have never seen this plaza filled with so many people, as shoppers mingled with fans and residents, all heading in opposing directions.

'Timepiece Sundial' by Wendy Ann Taylor

The sundial is one of man's oldest astronomical instruments.

In this particular form, known as an Equinoctial Sundial, the dial is in the same plane as the Earth's equator and the gnomon, or rod, is parallel to the axis of the Earth pointing true north.

The shadow of the gnomon moving across the dial indicates the time. In summer the shadow falls on the face of the dial, in winter on the inner edge.

Meath Memorial, Christ Church & the Memorial Cross, Lancaster Gate

Lancaster Gate

The square at Lancaster Gate is the focal point of a large residential estate, laid out in the late 1860s by the speculative developer Henry de Bruno Austin. The estate reputedly take sits name from the nearby north gate into Hyde Park, which honours Queen Victoria, the Duchess of Lancaster.

The square was refurbished by Westminster City Council in 2002 and creates a new setting for the restored Memorial Cross.

Bayswater Road follows the route of a Roman Road 'Via Trinobantia'. The area was predominantly farmland until the 19th century.

The botanist and playwright John Hill had his physic garden here until 1775. In 1795, the locality flourished as the Bayswater Tea Gardens, famous for its springs and salubrious air. Later, the name was changed to the Flora Tea Gardens and then Victoria Tea Gardens which finally closed in 1854 for comprehensive development.

Lancaster Gate is a fine example of a mid-Victorian London development. The layout and scale of its long imposing terraces represent Bayswater's most ambitious architectural achievement.

The Grade II listed stuccoed terraces are richly ornamented with classical porticoes, colonnaded balconies and console cornicing.. The terraces south of Lancaster Gate are the work of architect Sancton Wood. Those to the north, adjacent to the former Christ Church, are the work of architect John Johnson.

Meath Memorial

The monument at the junction with Bayswater Road is the Meath Memorial.

The memorial was designed by Hermon Cawthra RA and commemorates Reginald Brabazon, 12th Earl of Meath (1841-1929). It was unveiled in 1934. The Earl of Meath was actively engaged in social and philanthropic work. He was the first chairman of the Young Men's Friendly Society, first President of the British College of Physical Education, and founder and first President of the Lad's Drill Association.

Lord Meath was also the first chairman of both the London County Council Parks Committee and the Metropolitan Public Gardens Association.

Steps in the memorial lead to a tall pedestal with a portrait medallion together with a domed top surmounted by the figure of a seated boy.

The monument is Grade II listed.

'Chiswick': A Harland & Wolff 'Large Woolwich' type Cargo Ship

Monday April 21, 2025.

As much as I love walking through London, I also enjoy walking along the Grand Union Canal.

So it was that I came across this piece of London maritime history, while walking towards Hillingdon, along the Grand Union Canal. 

What caught my eye was the legend 'Harland & Wolff'. As I approached the vessel I could see a man standing beside it. After a quick introduction, his name is Mark, he told me a little about the narrowboat and allowed me to take some photographs of the signage and Harland & Wolff plaque.

He explained that it was one of the last working cargo ships on the Grand Union Canal and that part of the area, beneath the canvas, had now been converted, so that he could live on it. I then bid him farewell and continued on my way.

It is a beautiful craft and looks pretty good at 88 years and 1 day old.

History

London has always had a long history of shipbuilding, with the Port of London being one of the most important strategic maritime locations for over 2,000 years.

Over the centuries many companies moved, or opened, new facilities along the banks of the River Thames.

King Henry VIII created the first permanent dockyards at Woolwich. Then, over the centuries, more shipbuilders began to move to the River Thames, owing to the safety of the river and the Port of London. These companies included Ditchburg & Mare, Russell's, Samuda Brothers, Thames Ironworks, Watson & Company, Wigram's and Yarrow to name just a few.

One of the most famous names to appear, along the River Thames, was Harland & Wolff, of RMS Titanic fame, whose North Woolwich yard was the largest in London. They also had another six Harland & Wolff repair yards spread along the river at London, Millwall, Surrey and West India Docks.

Their North Woolwich yard had workshops for boiler making, French polishing, sail making, upholstery and a large forge.

The yard was also used for repairs to vessels, including warships. 

St Mary-at-Lambeth Church and Tower

Standing beside Lambeth Palace is all that remains of St Mary-at-Lambeth church. Or, more correctly, its tower.

There has been a church on this site since before 1086, while Lambeth Palace opened in 1435.

In 1851 the church was demolished, with the exception of the tower, and rebuilt, so that more seats could be added. This Middle Ages inspired building remained in use until 1972. 

At the base of the tower, is an immersion font. Archbishop of Canterbury Edward Benson (1883-1896) appointed his close friend John Reeve as the Rector of St Mary's, in 1894. Reeve commissioned this font in Benson's memory. It is one of only two known examples of an immersion font to be found in an Anglican church.

The tower is still accessible to visitors who, for a small fee, can climb the 131 steps to the roof of the tower.