Our last proper day of the holiday began with us jumping on the Lizzy (Elizabeth Line). It really is a lovely new line… wide, quiet trains, high ceilings for the tunnels, acoustic concrete and tiles making everything gentler. More relaxing. We glided effortlessly from Paddington to Liverpool Street, which was werdly quiet (it is Sunday).
From there we strolled through Spitalfields, gazing at the cheap wares on Petticoat Lane before stopping for a bagel and coffee at the Spitalfields Market proper. Then it was on through the city… a hotchpotch of magnificent stone, glass and steel buildings crammed into a few blocks. Then Leadenhall Market, tucked beneath the shadow of the Lloyd’s building… all Victorian ironwork, cobbles and arcades. Grand, theatrical, and very London. Amongst the pubs and stalls of second-hand clothing, L triumphantly unearthed a vintage leather jacket.
We made our way to London Bridge, where I spent far too long angling for the perfect Tower Bridge and bus shot (nailed it, probably). Then we ambled along the South Bank, people-watching and filling virtual camera rolls with Tower Bridge, the Tower and the City until drizzle set in.
A Tardis shoot was underway next to the Thames (so I guess next season is officially happening). We crossed back over the bridge, jostled through the Tower crowds, then looped the north bank towards St Paul’s and on into the 70s chic of the Barbican. By then the rain had settled.
We hopped across town… the Apple Store, Hamley’s (because one must), before landing in Soho for a Sunday night beer and gluten-free fish and chips.
Now back at the hotel, half-heartedly protopacking before the long day tomorrow.
The Obligatory Blog 