Friday 30 October 2015

Kylie Minogue is going to turn on Oxford Street’s Christmas lights Nov 1st 2015

Kylie Minogue will kick start the Christmas festivities in London by switching on Oxford Street's iconic Christmas lights on Sunday. The Spinning Around singer, who is releasing her own Christmas album in November, will join Capital FM hosts Dave Berry and Lisa Snowdon to light up the bustling shopping street.
The 47-year-old will take to the stage outside Pandora's flagship store by Marble Arch at 5.30pm, where a temporary ban on cars means thousands of revellers will be able to take to the streets for a special Switch On concert, sponsored by jewellery brand Pandora. Kylie Minogue 'can't wait' to switch on Oxford Street Christmas lights with Foxes and Ben Haenow. Minogue will be joined by special guests including Foxes, Gabrielle Aplin and a member of the cast of Matilda The Musical as well as 2014 X Factor contestants Fleur East and Ben Haenow who will perform their new singles. They will be joined by Capital FM DJ’s Lisa Snowden and Dave Berry at the event, which will be broadcast to a global audience through Periscope for the first time.Speaking about the annual switch on, Berry said: “This event officially marks the start of Christmas for London. The atmosphere on Oxford Street at the lights switch-on is always fantastic and it is great to be part of the Christmas countdown once again.”
Neilson Barnard/Getty Images

Haunted London, The British Museum Station


Where the entrance used to be.





























The British Museum Station at Bury place opened on the 30th of July 1900 and closed on the 25th September 1933 when nearby Holborn Station made access to the central line. The station is claimed to be haunted by an Egyptian figure; this being connected with the British Museums tales of a mummies curse The ghost of Amen-Ra and the curse of her tomb, an Egyptian Princess, dressed in a loincloth and Egyptian headdress would haunt the station and her screams could be heard in the tunnels. Before its closure, the rumours of its haunting gained in popularity and a news paper of the time offered a reward for anyone to spend a night at the Station! There were no takers……
Two years later a film was made referring to the museum station called Bulldog Jack. On its release date, two women disappeared from the platform of Holborn Station. The British Museum station on inspection found marks on the walls. Further Ghostly sightings and sounds have been heard since.


Here are a few snippets the first is a film made 1972 and was released in the UK as Deathline (Video Snip Below)  in the US it was released as Raw Meat (Theme Tune) This was apparently remade as Creep (video snip) in 2004.

You can see in Deathline near the end of the clip that the British Museum station was used in filming 

Ghostly Goings On: Haringey and Enfield's Most Haunted Places



This Is Local London: The eerie setting of Highgate Cemetery is believed by some to be among the most haunted hotspots in north LondonThe eerie setting of Highgate Cemetery is believed by some to be among the most haunted hotspots in North London
Paranormal experiences, eerie sightings and unexplained goings-on. The intrigue of the unknown instills a fascinating curiosity to explore what we cannot explain.
A number of sites across Haringey and Enfield have thrown up some mysterious ghostly sightings and experiences that have dumbfounded experts and lent weight to those who believe in the undead.
Here, we explore some of North London's most haunted hotspots and dig up the legendary stories behind their fabled reputations...
This Is Local London:
Forty Hall, Forty Hill, Enfield (above)
Visitors to this historic building have experienced ghostly goings on since it was opened to the public in 1951. People have reported feelings of being watched or followed by a ghost as they make their way around the corridors of the 17th Century building.
Most of the paranormal experiences have occurred on the first-floor landing on the main staircase, as well as what locals call ‘Raintom’s Bedroom.' Several years ago, when the room was sealed off to the public, the bedclothes were often found disturbed, as though someone had been sleeping in it. A group of paranormal investigators visited the museum last year and reported feeling a presence on the first-floor landing.
This Is Local London:
Bruce Castle, Lordship Lane, Tottenham (above)
This grade-one listed 16th Century manor has received a reputation as the home of ‘the Ghostly Lady of Bruce Castle’. Little is known about the early life of the woman but it is speculated that she committed suicides, and her spirit roams the grounds of what is Tottenham’s oldest park.
This Is Local London:
Highgate Cemetery, Swains Lane, Highgate (above)
Numerous ghostly sightings have been reported at the burial place of the late political philosopher Karl Marx. David Farrant, a British occultist, claims he saw a seven-foot-tall eerie spirit outside the gates of the cemetery. The spirit was nicknamed ‘The Highgate Vampire’. A group of ghost hunters named the North London Paranormal Investigators backed up Mr. Farrant’s claim, insisting they also ran into a tall, dark figure that appeared in front of them on a visit.
This Is Local London:
Gloucester Drive, Finsbury Park
Residents claim the footsteps of an invisible and unknown pedestrian can be heard on Gloucester Drive, in Finsbury Park, late at night. Witnesses say they hear the footsteps starting outside number seven and continuing across the front gardens, with cracking twigs breaking the deadly silence of the dark street. The reputation of Gloucester Road earned it the title of Britain’s fifth most haunted street.
This Is Local London:
Number 8 Ferrestone Road, Hornsey (above)
This seemingly normal residential property in North London has become known as the loitering place of the ‘Hornsey Coal Ghost’ after numerous sightings and paranormal experiences over the best part of a century. A violent poltergeist was said to be tormenting the house in the 1920s, and some strange events were reported in the property in 1999, including sudden changes in temperature. A crypt was discovered submerged in the garden under foliage some time ago, providing a possible clue as to the reasons for the spooky experiences.
This Is Local London:
The Rose and Crown, Clay Hill, Enfield (above)
This popular and old-fashioned public house was once owned by the grandfather of infamous highwayman Dick Turpin. Rumour has it that the serial robber would use the drinking hole as a hideout after his violent crimes. For decades, punters have reported seeing his ghostly figure outside the pub, sometimes accompanied by his horse.
This Is Local London:
Myddleton House, Bull’s Cross, Enfield (above)
This impressive historic estate was formerly the home of  Edward Augustus Bowles, one of Britain’s most famous self-taught gardeners, artists and expert botanists. A caretaker working at the 19th Century home claims she once saw a man in a suit walking towards an exhibition group while she was cleaning the ground floor. But as she followed him in to tick him off the list, he vanished, leading to a widely-held belief that the estate is haunted.
This Is Local London:
Hadley Road, Enfield (above)
Legend has it the ghost of a witch who lived in Hadley Road in the 1600s haunts this sometimes eerie country lane. She was reportedly executed in 1622 for witchcraft and residents insist that on cold, misty nights, her ghostly form returns.

Haunted London, House of Detention Clerkenwell

If you are out for a stroll and curiosity gets the better of you, and then you might have a look for the entrance of the house of detention in Clerkenwell.  Don't expect too much as its closed with the only indication to the entrance shown here to the left. The best way to describe its location (You can easily walk past it) Stand On the Corner of Saint James Walk and Scotswood street (use Scotswood Street to search maps). Look down the street, 2nd lamp post down its opposite.

If you could get access today, you would find a series of dark, damp tunnels and passageways. Records show that a prison had been on the site since 1616 with a rebuild in 1844. The underground chambers were used as a holding prison for those awaiting trial and earned its name as the house of detention. The buildings above the ground were demolished in 1890, the underground not being used until it became an air raid shelter WWII. In 1993, it opened for a few years as a museum, closing in 2000.

The Hauntings.
A lot of people used to say they had a feeling of being watched, the overall dark atmosphere adding to the eerie feeling. Reports of a shadowy figure have been seen rushing through the darkness ahead of them. An old lady who looks to be searching for something. A little girl is heard sobbing uncontrollably. As a holding prison, the occupants would have also been women and children, and this may explain some of the hauntings.

Haunted London Covent Garden Station















London Underground Ghosts-Covent Garden Station

Covent Garden Underground Railway Station

Covent Garden Station opened on 11 April 1907 and serves the Piccadilly Line. It is said to be haunted by the apparition of a tall man wearing white gloves, a top hat and a frock coat and grey suit. This figure has been reported many times since the 1950’s though recent sightings are uncommon. He has been seen in the tunnels and the staff rest room. The apparition may have been more common in the winter months.
The apparition has been identified as William Terriss, who it is said, apparently, would visit a baker’s which used to occupy the current location of the station. William Terriss (William Charles James Lewin) was born in London on 20 February 1847. Before taking to the stage, William is said to have tried his hand at several different careers in various parts of the world. These included sheep farming in the Falkland Islands, Tea growing in Bengal and Silver mining in America. Terriss made his first London stage appearance in 1871 and eventually became well known for playing swashbuckling heroic parts such as Robin Hood.
While working on a play called Harbour Lights, Terriss who was the manager and owner of the Adelphi Theatre took offence with a Scottish actor who usually filled minor rolls and fired him for unprofessional behaviour and heavy drinking. This actor was called Richard Archer Prince. Prince was mentally unstable and probably an alcoholic. He was upset at being dismissed and reportedly would visit pubs in the West End deframing Terriss’s character. Terriss, however, had personally recommended Prince to the Actor’s Benevolent Fund and through this he received financial support.
On 14 December 1897 Prince was seen arguing with Terriss in William’s dressing room at the Adelphi Theatre where he was in a play called Secret Service. On 16 December, desperate for money, Prince approached the Actors' Benevolent Fund’s office on Adam Street and demanded money from the secretary, Mr. Colston. It was explained to Prince that the emergency committee would be meeting the following day and his case could be discussed then. Prince then went outside, crossed the road and awaited in Maiden Lane where he knew Terriss had a private entrance into the Adelphi Theatre.
Prince then stabbed Terriss three times, wounds from which died shortly afterwards. On his arrest, Prince stated, “He has had due warning, and if he is dead, he knew what to expect from me. He prevented me getting money from the Fund today, and I have stopped him!” Terris was buried at Brompton Cemetery.
Prince was found guilty but was considered to be insane and committed to Broadmoor Asylum. He died in Broadmoor in 1936.
William Terriss is also said to haunt the Adelphi Theatre outside which he was murdered.

Haunted London is this the most Haunted house in London?

 50 Berkeley Square London W1J 5BA.





































50 Berkeley Square London W1J 5BA.

This four-storey London townhouse built around the 1740’s has quite a reputation, back in 1840 its was said to be haunted with a maid driven mad by the haunting of a ghost! Sir Robert Warboys took upon a dare to spend a night in the haunted house believing such nonsense to be poppycock. That night despite the warnings of the landlord he was insistent to address the task in hand. The landlord reluctantly agreed but stipulated that he must have a pistol and ring the bell cord should he encounter any eerie entities.
Forty-five minutes after the witching hour, The landlord was awoken with the bell from the cord vigorously ringing, and then a single gun shot could be heard. Sir Robert’s motionless body lay in the corner of the haunted room the pistol still smoking from the shot fired. Sir Robert had apparently died of traumatic Shock, his eyes bulging and lips curled back over clenched teeth.
One night two sailors who had been out on the town found that the premises were empty and for let. They took upon the opportunity to break in for a nights rest. Unfortunately, they chose the haunted room. During the night an ominous spectral figure burst forth into the room a struggle ensued with one of the sailors taking flight, later the body of the other was discovered in the basement his neck broken and the look of shear horror on his face. In 1840’s nearby occupants reported strange sounds of bumping, thumping and dragging with the servant bells ringing aloud. When one of the neighbours took courage and entered the house, there was no one there? The bells were still vibrating upon their hooks.
Other sightings include that of a little girl sat on the stairs and in more recent years in 1937 the house was unoccupied but a figure was seen at the window dressed in an old fashioned way. In 2001, it was said that a form dashed a pair of spectacles from the face of a visitor. Today late at night if you walk by you might just get a feeling that something lurks behind the windows.

The building is occupied today by Maggs Rare books and I would like to thank them for the tour tool on their site. You can view inside the shop and the exterior of 50 Berkley Square and see for your self. View Maggs Book Shop




View 50 Berkley Square as Google Streetview
View Larger Map

Haunted London The Viaduct Tavern

123 Newgate Street London EC1A 7AA



The Viaduct Tavern. Newgate Street. EC1. London

The Viaduct Tavern stands opposite the Old Bailey and is an example of a late Victorian GIN palace. It dates from 1875. Down in the cellars is where the Ghostly activity occurs......

.In 1996, a manager was tidying the cellar one Saturday morning, when the door suddenly slammed shut and the lights went out. Feeling his way to the door, he found that no matter how hard he pushed it just would not open. Fortunately, his wife heard his cries for help and came down stairs to investigate. She found that the doors, which would not open from the inside, were unlocked and easily pushed open from the outside.
In May 199 two electricians, working in one of the pubs upstairs rooms, also attracted the ghosts unwelcome attentions. They had rolled the carpet up and were taking up the floorboards when one of them felt a hand tap him on the shoulder. Thinking it was his workmate, he turned round but found that he was on the other side of the room. Believing he’s imagined it he went back to work and yet again he felt a tap on his shoulder. Standing up, he went over to his friend to ask if he was playing a prank, but the man denied any involvement. As he was about to return to his chores, both men watched as the heavy carpet, that lay rolled up by the window, was lifted into the air and dropped heavily onto the floor.
View Google Street View for the Viaduct Tavern
View Larger Map

Haunted London - Aldwych Station

Haunted London, Ghostly happening’s in London to get you in the mood for Halloween! We started the other day with the most haunted hotel in London that proved to be very popular. Now our next instalment, Part one haunted underground and railways.

Aldwych Station
The Station built on the site of the Old Royal Strand Theatre. Aldwych station opened as the Strand station on 30th of November 1907, later renamed due to the confusion of the same name used for Charing Cross station of that day. You can see from the picture that the entrance can clearly be seen. 

A proportion of the station was never used, and it closed during World War Two, for six years being used for an air raid shelter. The Station Closed on the 30th of September in 1994 due to refurbishment costs that were considered commercially unviable.
At night, reports have been made of a Ghostly form of a figure who appears on the tracks. The Ghost is said to be that of an actress who does not know that the show has finished. It seems that the Ghost moved position from the original building to the track location when the station commenced operations. In the main those who have seen her were the night shift station cleaners.

Thursday 29 October 2015

Transport for London - Weekend travel information 31 October/1 Nov 2015

weekly travel update to help you get around London this weekend, 31 October/1 November. Most of the network will be open with services running as normal, but please check if any of the following affect you.
Transport for London_________________Image not displayed




London Underground


We are undertaking a comprehensive improvement programme across London’s transport network, including the modernisation of the Tube.

For a map showing the planned line closures for this weekend and also bus replacement information, please click here


Bakerloo line
On Saturday, trains will not run between Queen’s Park and Harrow & Wealdstone. This is due to Network Rail track improvement work.

District line
Trains will not run between Turnham Green and Ealing Broadway. This is due to track replacement and renewal work at Ealing Common.

Piccadilly line
There will be no service between Acton Town and Uxbridge. This is due to track replacement and renewal work at Ealing Common.




London Overground


There will be no service between Gospel Oak and Barking. This is to prepare the line for electrification.

On Saturday, there will be no service between Queen’s Park and Wembley Central and on Sunday, trains will not run between Clapham Junction and Willesden Junction. This is due to Network Rail track work.





London Trams


Trams will not run between Wimbledon and Dundonald Road, while we construct an additional platform at Wimbledon.

For the latest status update on London Underground and London Overground this weekend, please click here

For an overview of planned track closures for the next six months, please click here





Buses


Central London - Until late November, Regent Street has lane restrictions in both directions, at the junction of New Burlington Street. New Burlington Street will also be closed during this time. This is due to Westminster City Council works. While we will try to maintain a good service, buses may be delayed or stop short of their normal destination.

Stratford - From 17:00 tomorrow, Friday, Westfield Avenue will be closed. Montfichet Road and Pool Street will also be closed from 20:30. This is due to Rugby World Cup 2015. Roads will be re-opened when it is safe to do so after the match has finished. Increased traffic in the area is expected for up to three hours following the end of matches. While we will try to maintain a good service, buses may be delayed or stop short of their normal destination. For more information, please visit tfl.gov.uk/rugby-travel

Central London - From 07:00 until 18:30 on Saturday, Regent Street will be closed in both directions between Mortimer Street and Piccadilly Circus. This is due to an event. While we will try to maintain a good service, buses may be delayed or stop short of their normal destination.

Central London - From 12:00 until 22:00 on Saturday, there will be road closures including Trafalgar Square, Northumberland Avenue (westbound only) and Strand (westbound only). This is due to Rugby World Cup 2015. While we will try to maintain a good service, buses may be delayed or stop short of their normal destination. For more information, please visit tfl.gov.uk/rugby-travel

Twickenham - From 13:00 on Saturday, certain roads will be closed, including the A316 Chertsey Road between London Road and Hospital Bridge Road. The eastbound entry to the A316 from Feltham Hill Road/Snakey Lane will also be closed. This is due to Rugby World Cup 2015. Roads will be re-opened when it is safe to do so after the match has finished. Increased traffic in the area is expected for up to three hours following the end of the match. While we will try to maintain a good service, buses may be delayed or stop short of their normal destination. For more information, please visit tfl.gov.uk/rugby-travel

Putney - From 09:00 until 17:00 on Sunday, Putney Bridge Road will be closed in both directions between Armoury Way and Putney High Street due to London Borough of Wandsworth road resurfacing works. While we will try to maintain a good service, buses may be delayed or stop short of their normal destination.

Wembley - From 12:00 until 19:30 on Sunday, the A406, Harrow Road, Wembley High Road and roads surrounding the stadium are expected to be busy. This is due to an event. While we will try to maintain a good service, buses may be delayed or stop short of their normal destination.

To check whether your bus is affected this weekend, please click here





Roads


Road users may be affected by the following this weekend:

Central London - Until late November, Regent Street has lane restrictions in both directions, at the junction of New Burlington Street. New Burlington Street will also be closed during this time. This is due to Westminster City Council works.

Stratford - From 17:00 tomorrow, Friday, Westfield Avenue will be closed. Montfichet Road and Pool Street will also be closed from 20:30. This is due to Rugby World Cup 2015. Roads will be re-opened when it is safe to do so after the match has finished. Increased traffic in the area is expected for up to three hours following the end of matches. For more information, please visit tfl.gov.uk/rugby-travel

Central London - From 07:00 until 18:30 on Saturday, Regent Street will be closed in both directions between Mortimer Street and Piccadilly Circus. This is due to an event.

Central London - From 12:00 until 22:00 on Saturday, there will be road closures including Trafalgar Square, Northumberland Avenue (westbound only) and Strand (westbound only). This is due to Rugby World Cup 2015. For more information, please visit tfl.gov.uk/rugby-travel

Twickenham - From 13:00 on Saturday, certain roads will be closed, including the A316 Chertsey Road between London Road and Hospital Bridge Road. The eastbound entry to the A316 from Feltham Hill Road/Snakey Lane will also be closed. This is due to Rugby World Cup 2015. Roads will be re-opened when it is safe to do so after the match has finished. Increased traffic in the area is expected for up to three hours following the end of the match. For more information, please visit tfl.gov.uk/rugby-travel

Putney - From 09:00 until 17:00 on Sunday, Putney Bridge Road will be closed in both directions between Armoury Way and Putney High Street due to London Borough of Wandsworth road resurfacing works.

Wembley - From 12:00 until 19:30 on Sunday, the A406, Harrow Road, Wembley High Road and roads surrounding the stadium are expected to be busy. This is due to an event.

We have produced a range of new information to help you plan your journeys while we improve London’s major roads. For more information, please click here

For the latest status update on road travel this weekend, please click here





Santander Cycles


The following docking stations will be out of service this weekend:
 Wansey Street and Seymour Place, for construction work
 Sea Containers House, for site development
 
For the latest update on docking station availability, please click here
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Natural History Museum Swarovski Ice Rink Buy Tickets Online 2015/16



Somerset House Ice Rink - Buy Tickets - Christmas 2015

Celebrate in style at London’s most beautiful ice rink.
Enjoy memorable winter experiences on and off the ice. By day, skate in the splendour of the stunning Somerset House courtyard, or join us after dark, when the rink hosts some of the best international clubs and festivals at exclusive Club Nights. This season, we have partnered with EFG London Jazz Festival for the first time to present a special one-off Jazz Skate


.
Après-skate, treat yourself to a cocktail, indulgent Welsh Rarebit or hot chocolate from Fortnum’s Lodge or the Skate Lounge.
Make your visit extra special with one of our Skate Extras including Champagne & Chocolate Truffles, Wine & Fondue for Two, or Champagne & Smoked Salmon Blini, all served in Fortnum’s Lodge on-site. Or go further afield to dine in style at Fortnum & Mason’s Piccadilly store or enjoy a luxury stay at The Savoy.
Everyone can brush up their skills at Skate School and young children can take their first steps on the ice with Polar Cub Club.
The West Wing will again be transformed into The Christmas Arcade, a pop-up version of the classic Fortnum & Mason Piccadilly store, open daily throughout the season until 3 January. Get festive at Tuesday Treats when skaters and spectators can enjoy seasonal food, drink and music plus late-night shopping experiences in the arcade.

Tuesday Treats

Tuesdays from 24 November to 22 December
17.30 - 21.00

Rooftop Film Club - Winter Screenings at The Roof Gardens

Rooftop Film Club
Coming Soon
Inside Out
Jurassic World
Birdies Crazy Golf
Birdies Club
Copyright © 2015 Rooftop Film Club, All rights reserved

Little Venice: A unique waterside location with high-end independent shops and cafe culture

The meeting point of the Regent’s Canal and the Paddington Arm of the Grand Union Canal forms the central point for this charming London neighbourhood
The canal from Blomfield Road, W9

The canal at Little Venice

The canal at Little Venice
Local authority

Little Venice is in the City of Westminster straddling W2 and W9. It is in the Westminster North parliamentary constituency. Council tax for Band A properties is £448.50; Band D properties will receive a bill of £672.74; in Band H would council tax is £1,345.48.
...
Property
Grand stucco-fronted houses and large Georgian and Victorian brick constructions line the wide streets of Little Venice.
Elnathan Mews, W9Elnathan Mews, W9
Blomfield Road, W9Blomfield Road, W9
If funds are not in the multi-million pound bracket take advantage of the canal-side location and try living on a houseboat, which sell for as little as £120,000 for a one-bed. The average price of a two-bedroom flat in the area is £849,424; for a terrace house it’s £2,399,500; and for a semi-detached house you can expect to pay £3,738,375.
Education
More than half of pupils at Paddington Green Primary School are refugees and asylum seekers in the early stages of learning English, but the school was rated good by Ofsted, which found that pupils make outstanding progress learning the language. Edward Wilson School also received a good rating. Ark Atwood Primary, the local free school was deemed outstanding at its last inspection. There are several religious primaries in the area: St Saviour’s CofE Primary School is rated outstanding by Ofsted, while St Mary Magdalene CofE Primary, Our Lady of Dolours RC Primary School and St Peter’s CofE School are all rated good. L’Ecole Bilingue Elementaire is a small, fee-paying bilingual French-English school rated outstanding.
For secondary education, both Westminster Academy and Paddington Academy received outstanding ratings from Ofsted.
Transport
Warwick Avenue stationWarwick Avenue station
Little Venice is in zone 2 on the London Underground with Warwick Avenue on the Bakerloo line serving the area. Just over the Westway, Royal Oak is a Hammersmith and City and Circle line station, also in zone 2. For a charming commute, the London waterbus travels along the Regent’s Canal between Little Venice and Camden Lock, with a standard one-way fare costing £8.30 and lasting 50 minutes.
Landmarks and history
The coining of the name Little Venice has been attributed to the poet Robert Browning, who lived in the area between 1862 and 1887 and Browning’s Pool was named after the poet.
Alan Turing plaque on The Colonnade HotelAlan Turing plaque on The Colonnade Hotel
However, this version of events is widely disputed and it is now believed that Lord Byron used the term satirically to describe the area. Code-breaker and computer science pioneer Alan Turing was born in what is now the Colonnade Hotel, where a blue plaque marks the spot.
Shopping and culture
Clifton Nurseries is a beloved local institution whose history stretches back as far as 1851. They offer a vast array of gorgeous garden goodies, alongside a garden design service and various events, pop ups and collaborations with perfumers and beauty brands throughout the year.
Clifton NurseriesClifton Nurseries
Clifton Road is the area’s chicest shopping street with Absolute Flowers, Sheepdrove Organic Butchers, greengrocer Clifton Greens, Raoul’s Deli, Baker and Spice and The Winery providing all the ingredients for a fabulous dinner party. Nearby Joujou & Lucy stocks sweet and often trendy children’s clothes while Paulie is a ladies’ fashion boutique. Formosa Street is a pretty hideaway with interiors shop akin and suri and lifestyle, clothing and kids’ boutique Pipa.
akin & suri - Handmade Interiors, Formosa Streetakin & suri - Handmade Interiors, Formosa Street
Eating and drinking
The Quince Tree café at Clifton Nurseries is the perfect location for an elegant afternoon tea in the palm house – they also serve breakfast and lunch. For a more down-to-earth meal try the cabman’s shelter by the water where an egg, sausage and bacon roll will set you back £2.80, and a cup of tea only 70p. Artist Martin Parr used the shelter as a location for one of his photography projects. It’s takeaway only though, unless you’re a cab driver. On Formosa Street Red Pepper is a good bet for wood fired pizzas and gastropub grub at The Prince Alfred dining room.
Green cab shelter, Warwick AvenueGreen cab shelter, Warwick Avenue
Waterside CafeWaterside Cafe
Canalside dining can be found at The Waterside Cafe, a barge based greasy spoon with overspill seating on the neighbouring towpath, The Summerhouse or The Waterway, which has a large outdoor terrace.
Sports and leisure
Little Venice Sports Centre has a recently refurbished gym and offers classes, as well as badminton (4 courts), table tennis and short tennis courts. Basketball, volleyball, netball and five-a-side football can be played in the multi-purpose indoor sports hall. There is also a physiotherapy and pilates studio at Little Venice Pilates on Bristol Gardens.
Little Venice Pilates, Bristol GardensLittle Venice Pilates, Bristol Gardens
Source - Ham High
The annual Canalway Cavalcade takes place each May Day bank holiday combining a boat rally with activities and entertainment for a family friendly day out.
Also on the canal is the Puppet Theatre Barge. It tours the Thames during the summer months but you can find the 55-seat venue on Blomfield Road for the rest of the year. They do put on shows for adults but the main focus is children’s marionette shows.
Puppet Theatre BargePuppet Theatre Barge