I recently had the opportunity to join Robert Elm on Radio London, where he asked me questions about London. Reflecting on his questions prompted me to reconsider aspects of city life that I often overlook, leading to a newfound appreciation for the incredible richness and diversity that London offers.
Here are some of my thoughts about London:
Favourite Neighbourhood: Marylebone High Street holds a special place in my heart. The eclectic mix of cultures and cuisines along the route from Paddington to Marylebone, including the vibrant Edgware Road and the serene Wallace Collection, never fails to captivate me.
Favourite Building: Without a doubt, the Royal Albert Hall holds fond memories for me, from family outings with my children to memorable charity events. Its grandeur and intimacy make it a truly remarkable landmark.
Least Favourite Building: The National Theatre, with its stark concrete facade, leaves me feeling somewhat melancholic. However, I must admit that the view from across the river offers a different perspective.
Best View in London: The view from my consulting room window never fails to inspire me, with its sprawling rooftops and glimpses of St. Mary's Hospital, where I spent many meaningful years.
Favourite Bar, Pub, or Restaurant: Clarke's is my go-to destination for special occasions, thanks to its delectable seasonal menu and warm ambiance.
Most Memorable Night Out: Attending a performance of "Guys and Dolls" with close friends was a highlight of the past year, followed by a delightful Thai supper and a leisurely stroll through the city streets.
Ideal Day Off in London: A leisurely morning walk to Tate Britain, followed by a late lunch and an afternoon movie, sounds like the perfect way to unwind.
Recommendation for Visitors: I would highly recommend Sadler's Wells for its innovative and captivating dance performances, offering a glimpse into London's thriving arts scene.
London is a truly a remarkable city and I feel very lucky to live here! I'd love to hear about some of your favourite London landmarks so please comment below as I'm always looking for places to explore!
Love,
Julia x
Oh how lovely. I like listening to Robert Elm, he so's so good at talking about London and the myriad of stories that help to connect us. My mum died in March last year. Your post made me think about her going on Robert Elm show in early April ten years ago when her first nursing memoir was published, and it was a beautiful spring and they talked about how alive everything felt. This spring hasn't felt like that but I'm hopeful there will be springs again full of spark and energy. Your books were such a comfort to me in the early weeks of grief last year. I live in West London and I think one of the reasons I do is I grew up in the belly of a forest next to a large stately home in Staffordshire and to me Kensington Gardens felt as close as I could get to that feeling. Whenever I need to feel brighter I find a walk past Hammersmith Bridge, or the Serpentine, or South Bank never fails. There's something about water, it's connection to past, present and future.
This was just the tonic I needed today - thank you! I moved to the UK 23 years ago from Australia and stayed on after marrying a Brit and having three children and a labrador. I find this time of year incredibly challenging and pine for Australia and get rather cranky! I was trying to focus on the positives today (I'm trying to garden, but it keeps raining) and was struggling. This was a reminder that, although I live in the East Midlands, I can get to London on the train and immerse myself in London for a weekend, at least till I can get my next trip back to Melbourne!!