Bananas on the Strand

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Benzine on the Shell building 

My Bob Dylan moment 

Chilling out at Me bar

With weary eyes and feet we head into Covent Garden to meet Peter for another of his magical walks, this one is Odditites of the Strand. Joe the photographer is there from the Mayfair walk and a few other interested London walkers. George, a 10 year old with a curious mind is charge of Quality Street chocolate distribution and keeps Jane and I well supplied. We are energized again and ready for the tourist trail.

We start off in Stanfords map shop where the floor is totally covered with a map of London. Everyone has fun finding where they live. Then onto so many different places and stories, the theatre where the Major and the Miss from Quality street chocolates starred, where JMW Turner was born, the oldest magic shop on earth where the grandson of the original owner does a magic trick for us, Gordons Wine Bar  the oldest in London where the ceilings are about 5ft high, it is nearly pitch black inside and so much more.

Peter shares story after story about how London has been shaped into what it is today. One of my favorites is about the workers in the Shell building, nicked named Benzine as the clock face is bigger than Big Ben and a play on being a petroleum company. In 1969 the decade of peace and love a delegation of staff went to management and said they no longer wanted to wear bowler hats. Management agreed and the next Monday 20,000 employees turned up without their bowler hats. Over the next few months all the other companies followed Shells lead and bowler hats where no longer compulsory, changing the visual landscape of London forever.

We see where the Thames River used to be and go into the exclusive “ in the know only access” bar at Me with great views over London. I reenact a Bob Dylan song recorded behind the Savoy and then we end in a little pub for the traditional end of the walk celebration. We sit around and discuss street artists, Dr Who locations and cool apps about London, Jane and I are in our element.

Our bodies are still on a Italy timetable but by now we are even hungry and finally head off to the National Portrait Gallery for a meal on the terrace. With more views, slick staff and great food we celebrate our return to London with a champagne.