Wednesday 15 August 2012

Monkeys About London Town ……

Our robust schedule in London’s fair city left us with very little spare time …. however we still managed to cram in a few extra excursions in the time we had and thought we would share a few of those moments with you ……
Beigel Bake Brick Lane Bakery
Beigel Bake in Brick Lane ….    Hugh told us this was a must on our itinerary, the best bagels in London.  We also sampled their cheesecake, doughnuts and apple strudel ….. nom , nom, nom and we couldn’t believe their prices, they were even cheaper than Greggs in Wolverhampton!
…… And still in Brick Lane ….. we thought it would be rude not to try out one of Boris’s for size …… beep beep!
Boris Bike.
Boris's Bikes Brick Lane
Darrell spotted Spearmint Rhino (below) and mused about belonging to an exclusive  “Gentlemen’s Club” himself ….. as he quite fancied himself sitting in a large leather chair, dressed in a smoking jacket, puffing on a large Havana cigar and being served his drink on a silver tray by a butler ……. I kept my mouth shut ….. and let him dream his dream, not wishing to burst his bubble with the unsavoury truth!
Spearmint Rhino
Mahoooosive Jessica Ennis

In Oxford Street we spotted  the most mahooosive poster of Jessica Ennis and I began to fear suspect that Darrell was on the cusp of developing  another one of his celebrity crushes!

Selfridges LondonSelfridge’s was next … to dab a few samples of manly aftershave behind our ears in the perfumery department …… swittttt swooooooo and then ….. we wondered why we were given a wide berth on the underground !!
London Underground Olympic

Even though it was packed!!




This was followed by a  morsel to eat in China Town …..  we decided to throw financial and dietary caution to the wind and indulge robustly, just this once, because we were on holiday after all!!! So we duly ordered a starter, main with sides AND a pudding ….. plus a vimto or two…. nom, nom, nom ….. nom, nom, nom!!!
China Town LondonLondon China Town
A little culture then ensued ….. with a visit to the Victoria and Albert Museum (below) ….. but we found we needed an awful lot more time to fully take in all the exhibits so we intend to return, perhaps on our next visit.
V & AAnd no trip to London would be complete without a visit to Harrods
Nigel does Harrods
Harrods Confectionary Dept

Especially the confectionary department …….. Mon Dieu et Mon Droit … there so much choice, unfortunately none of which we could afford ……


Harrods ChocolatesWe thought we might treat ourselves to something familiar like a Snickers, or a Twix  or some Tootie Fruities …. but they don’t seem to be the confectionary of choice for posh people.
Harrods Food Dept

Each to his own …..  but they don’t know what they are missing!




And then finally from the sublime to the ridiculous ……Primark ….Primark Oxford StreetA shop where we usually purchase all of our shoes, Darrell wanted to check just in case they had anything of an on trend, Gok type nature that they haven’t had in Wolverhampton …. but it was very busy and hot … so we beat a rather hasty retreat
…… We had the most glorious time …. and on the tube heading back to our room at Astor College for the final time we could not help but hum this very apt tune …..
So how can you tell me you're lonely,
And say for you that the sun don't shine?
Let me take you by the hand and lead you through the streets of London
I'll show you something to make you change your mind

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thank you SO much boys for that whistle stop tour of the Big Smoke. I LOVE London and it brought back many happy memories!
One day I will return too.
Brilliant blog - as always!
JantheFan x
I'm off to the other capital tomorrow for a wee bit of Haggis!
(well in around 8 hours, better get to bed!)

Mr.D said...

I used to get a picnic from Harrods and take it to Hyde Park. Memories.
A wonderful song on which to finish. Is it well know in the USA Diane?

marc said...

you boys fitted in so much you were A1 tourists and did some good places big love and showbiz wave Hugh and marc

Anonymous said...

Hi there Mr. D, I'm certain I have heard those lyrics, but don't know if they are well known in general...there are a lot of us British fans in the US and many songs mention London and it's charm, love A Foggy Day in London Town.........WOW boys! another fab day in London and we are right there with you...excellent choices foodwise and shopping at Harrods is a must..You are giving all of us a super great London visit!...hope Darrell keeps having such wonderful daydreams...Love to all..Dianne

Mr.D said...

Hi Dianne,
It is sung by Ralph McTell. I have found it on YouTube. I hope you like it.
Phil

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2r97Fo_HWE&feature=related

Anonymous said...

Mr. D, thank you so very much...Very beautiful.. know I've heard it, possibly as background music to something.......Was so VERY pleased to discover he also sang the opening song on Cosgrove-Hall's magfnificient beloved stop motion Wind in the Willows...I have all the DVD's available and the rest on tape....you never forget his beautiful voice singing the Wind in the Willows music...Dianne