h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

There is one ticket barrier on the main concourse that has been out for at least three weeks now.

The fruit stall outsude the station remains closed for a second week.

The huge monstrosity that is being built where there used to be a rather efficient book shop is still being constructed.

I like Fenchurch Street from the outside. I like the way it appears out of nowhere - tucked in around a corner. Its a nice friendly little station right in the middle of the big City. Wouldn't like to catch a train from there though.

I used to work in Leadenhall market once too - right next to the Lloyds building. A nice conjunction.

I Leadenhall market, especially before the sandwich bars, book shops and record stores moved in and changed its ambience.

Cutting through the market at 8am on the way into work seing all the hanging game in old market stalls with 'butchers' fussing over their trays. The fishmonger laying out his fresh fish - tray after tray - eye after tiny eye shining as you walk past. Although not keen on death on such a large scale it gave the market an air of being out of its time. It bustled and was alive.

Now, the tapas bar and loud music, coffee shops and modernism have regretably made Leadenhall a shaddow of its former self. The exit from the Market that brings you behind the Lloyds building does act as a big counterpoint and like a good sweet and sour sauce it works. If only the inside of the market did.

Perhaps it is just I am getting older.

There were market traders there when I worked there. I like the way the light goes when the sun shines through the roofs.

Have I answered this twice? I thought I wrote this, then found another 'Fenchurch Street' and answered that one.. Does it exist in a parallel universe? I always thought there was something odd about that station.

The city can have that effect on you - Fenchurch Street doubly so. Have you encountered Marylebone Station? It is realy pretty and creeps up on you too. In fact I like Marylebone station almost as much as I lke Leadenhall market. And yes, you are right about the light in Leadenhall market

Have some and <> to rest and get your sense of direction back. Or would you prefer a pint and a famous sandwich from The Lamb?

Hath
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*Trying to place 'The Lamb' - not sure if he can remember where it is*

Peter Ackroyd's book "London: A Biography" is just brilliant if you want to read all about the different atmospheres of the place.

I saw Marylebone station once or twice - and I love the back streets around there. I like the way St Christopher's Place sneaks quietly away from Oxford Street - and The Wallace Collection on Manchester Square.

I think if i visit London again I shall have to get you to give me a guided tour of all these quirky places.

, The Lamb Tavern is one of the four shops at the cross roads in the centre of Leadenhal market and was a film location for John Wayne in Brannigan and Robert Mitchum in Winds of War. I confess Manchester Square and the Wallace collection are new on me I will have to investigate that one at some point....

Peter Ackroyd is an excellent writer. I think I have the book in question but havent read it... either that or I bought it for my mother who is equally fascinated by our fair city. Either way I will make a start on it this summer I think. Might even be able to use it in my studies.

Mort, for the price of a I am available but there are more places in London that I dont know than I do know because the whole city is full of them...but at the risk of sounding like a door "glad to be of service".

Hath
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