Sunday, March 9, 2025

This England: In London's Colorful West End

I love London's West End with its theatres, book stores, and more. Best of all, it's very walkable and so after our hearty English breakfast we set out for this area. The first thing we encountered as a marvelous (and totally unexpected) video installation focusing on the musical "The Lion King," which was celebrating 25 years on stage in London's West End.


There were enormous projections, along with models of costumes and the marvelous masks and puppetry. My photos of the costumes weren't good ones but this one intrigues me with its reflections.


Everything here was free. We just happened upon it in an open but covered area.

 

Here's a quick video that shows one of the major projections. There's a lot of obnoxious crowd noise that seemed to be echoing here, so I recommend turning down your video. But I thought it was pretty amazing.

Our next destination was Denmark Street. Since the 1950s, the street has been a key locale in popular music, known as London's Tin Pan Alley. Not far into the turn of the 20th century, publishers set up shop here.  But later recording studios and music shops popped up in abundance.


And there were lots of guitars! So guess who had to take a look!


 Not much in the acoustic line but he saw a few!


Elton John worked at a music publisher on Denmark Street in the 60s and it was at No. 20 Denmark Street where he and Bernie Taupin wrote "Your Song."  Other names who frequented the street were David Bowie, and members of the Kinks and The Sex Pistols, Jimi Hendrix and Jimmy Page. Regent Sound Studio is a bit of a landmark. The Rolling Stones recorded their first album there and many others used the studios as well. (The studios have since moved and it is now purely retail.) Rick exited with a complimentary souvenir guitar pick!

Then we ambled down Charing Cross Road, passing a Banksy shop. 


No, I didn't go in. But I was tempted. (An umbrella that changes colors? Could have been mine!)


I was also tempted by J. Sheekey's, which was a restaurant favorite of Alan Rickman's. It was clear from the menu posted outside that he had a much bigger dining budget that I did! (Maybe someday!)


And best of all, it was right by the stage doors of the Wyndham Theatre, where we would be seeing a play the next evening.


We also made a stop at Neal's Yard, a spot I'd longed to see for its colorful buildings.


We didn't stick around long (it wasn't lunch time and I was refraining from shopping) but I loved the cheeriness of the area.


Moving along, we were off to St. Martin in the Fields again, where Rick bought tickets for the noon concert. We enjoyed a wonderful lunch at the Crypt downstairs first. (We had been to a concert at the Crypt a few days before!) I also noted when we went in that one could do brass rubbings there. It's something I really wanted to do -- and it didn't happen. Gotta leave something for next time!


After lunch we went upstairs into the church to hear pianist Sofia Sacco perform a a program of Couperin, Respighi and Lizst, among others. It was a beautiful venue and even though piano concerts are far from my favorites, I enjoyed it.

From there we walked a few blocks to Covent Garden. Think of Audrey Hepburn selling flowers in "My Fair Lady" -- and then completely forget that image! 

 

There were a zillion tourists and we heard every language under the sun as we wandered through a couple of the buildings selling the usual trash and trinkets. Perhaps we didn't stick around there long enough to see other elements. (I will say I probably would have spent longer looking around had I been on my own and will return on another trip.)


We did enjoy a street performer outside a church known as The Actors Church, which was locked (at least the door I checked). Darn! It has been associated with theatre since the 1600s, when Samuel Pepys noted the first "Italian Puppet Play" was done outside the portico, a spot that served as the setting for the opening of Shaw's "Pygmalion." 


The church continues to host the International Punch and Judy festival and also have their own theatre company. Luminaries including the great actress Edith Evans are entombed there.


A litter truck passed us by. I loved the look of it!

 

There was much more to this day, including a visit to Westminster Abbey and a dinner to die for. But that's next time!

Travel Tips:

  • There is much to do in the West End so don't plan to do it in one day. Things we didn't do this day included taking in a matinee at one of the many theatres, stopping in at the remarkable National Portrait Gallery or National Gallery, browse in the many bookstores that can be found on Charing Cross Road or shop (you'll definitely need your Visa card!) If you are only in London a short while, pick your activities and go from there. Or pick nothing and just enjoy!
  • Restaurants in the West End (like Sheekeys) are expensive. You can find a reasonably priced lunch or beverage at the chain Pret a Manger or "Pret." They are everywhere and you can select from a number of prepared sandwiches, among other things. Eat in or take out.
  • Hold onto your bag. We haven't experienced pick pocketing but were warned about it. I liked my cross body bag, which was lightweight, had a comfortable strap, a diagonal large pocket and two smaller zip pockets and a spot for glasses of your phone. I had room for my camera, wallet, kleenex and other things without a lot of weight. You can see mine in this photo. (After I got home, I ordered two more in different colors for the huge price of $9 each. Couldn't resist.)
  • Transportation is easy from any area with several tube stops. But you'll want comfy shoes for the walking.  

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46 comments:

Tom said...

...Jeanie, thank for taking me along yo see these fabulous sights. When I was in business I quickly learned that color sells!

Harvee44 said...

You had an eventful and colorful visit to London. Haven’t been there in ages! Enjoy!

Rita said...

The Lion King display looked amazing. LOVE those colorful building walls! Sounded and looked very crowded. Smart bag to use to prevent pickpockets. I'm surprised you didn't hit a couple of bookstores on Charing Cross Road. What an exciting trip. I am enjoying your travel posts so much. :)

Lowcarb team member said...

... and you end your post by saying you did more this day! You certainly pack a lot in ... well done.
It is so many years ago that I last visited London, youngest son goes quite a lot, he likes the vibe and colour always something going on.
Once again your photographs and narration were very enjoyable and I do like that photograph of you in front of the flowers.

Sending my good wishes across the miles.

All the best Jan

jeanie said...

I do enjoy getting to see all of this through your eyes. You are a good tour guide!

eileeninmd said...

Hello Jeanie,
What a fun day, it is nice to follow you around London.
Great photos of you and Rick. I love the colorful buildings. The Lion King projections video is great. Take care, have a happy week!

DeniseinVA said...

What an amazing day Jeanie! There are places here that I would love to see, okay all of them :) You gave us a great visual tour and can't tell you enough how much I enjoyed it. Thank you so much!

Bill said...

What a wonderful visit to London. Lots to do and see there, I would need a schedule to keep me focused. I enjoyed your photos and narrative.

Pam Richardson said...

Jeanie, I loved this post! I saw Mama Mia on the West End and thoroughly enjoyed. You packed in a lot of sights that looked fun and interesting!

Anvilcloud said...

Such variety in a seemingly small area. I really like the last pic of you in front of the flower cart.

roentare said...

The culture, the colours and the guitars are all very enchanting to look at

Prims By The Water said...

Such wonderful history. Would love to visit. TFS Janice

My name is Erika. said...

It looked like a fabulous day. It's always fun to explore parts of a city, isn't it? Unlike in the country, there are always little things to explore, like shops and architecture. I haven't been to any of these areas, but it was great to see them through your photos. Thanks for sharing again. Happy new week. hugs-Erika

Granny Sue said...

My goodness, you really saw a lot! I admit, I am not into cities, but you make London look alluring. I definitely would have gone into that Banksy shop!

Anonymous said...

Jeanie, would you mind posting a link for your crossbody? Thank you for sharing your photos of London!

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

Such interesting and colorful shops! I like Banksy's art and follow a grouop om facebook thta shares photos of it from around the world.

Iris Flavia said...

A wonderful light installation! Thank you for sharing this.
And what color can do on houses.
That little litter truck sure deserves to be presented, too, so cute.
You look very happy and I look forward to next time.

Veronica Lee said...

Love how you captured the energy of London’s West End! That Lion King installation sounds like an awesome surprise, and Denmark Street’s music history is so cool—what a place to explore! Neal’s Yard is such a colorful little gem too. Can’t wait to hear about Westminster Abbey and that amazing dinner!

David M. Gascoigne, said...

When I was last in London, about twenty years ago now, there were four of us and we each had a coffee and a scone at St. Martin in the Fields. It seemed like I needed to arrange a mortgage on the house to pay for it! There is expensive, and then there is London!

La Table De Nana said...

You are a travel guru:) You inspire many I am certain..My son-in-law would like that guitar place :)

kathyinozarks said...

Good morning, Looks like an awesome area to visit Happy new week

Carol @Comfort Spring Station said...

The Lion King is such a fun show, and the display reflects that. You had such a wonderful trip.

Deb Nance at Readerbuzz said...

I was pickpocketed in Paris though I had a crossbody bag. I still don't know how the person did it. I bought carabiners for all the zippers and I used them for the rest of the trip.

I would love to visit the West End!

maya said...

I loved wandering around with you (virtually), Jeanie! You mention so many good spots I've never been to before. The Banksy store? How have I not heard of this one?

And that's a good tip about pickpockets (It's still Dickens's London?). I should remember to warn my students!

Carol said...

Thank you for taking us on your trip to England. I was exhausted just reading what you saw and did in the west end. Fingers crossed we’ll go on a few trips next year, after I get a diagnosis for what’s going on.

Linda @ Life and Linda said...

Looks like a well managed trip with plenty to see. We did see Mama Mia while in London.

Lisa's Yarns said...

All those blooming flowers are a sight for sore eyes!! And I love the vibrancy of that area with the colorful murals and such. That crypt restaurant is so pretty!! I feel like that "crisis as usual" sign is very apt for our times....

anno said...

Jeanie -- You are absolutely glowing in that picture of you in front of the flower cart! Being in England certainly seems to agree with you. You were certainly on the move the entire time. And, how many pictures did you take? How many SIM cards did you fill? Just sorting through them looks like a years-long project! For those of us who can't make it to England anytime soon, it's been great to see them all -- thanks for sharing them with us!

Debbie said...

lots and lots of beautiful colors!! i enjoyed the video of lion king, the backround noise did not bother me. lion king has always been one of my favorites, we saw it on broadway in new york. my son would have loved the guitar shop!!

Anonymous said...

Looks like you and Rick had another GREAT day on your trip! OK I noticed someone else asked this question as well - could you post the link or just the website of wear you got that fantastic cross body bag????? Dawn P. Albany, GA

Red Rose Alley said...

A marketplace filled with color! Lots of unique and fun things to look at. The Lion King musical sounds neat. That's good that Rick got at least a souvenir guitar pick to take home. I have seen that picture before with the girl and the heart balloon floating up, it's one of my favs. That restaurant looks so charming.....and bright. I would love to visit the part of town where the colorful buildings were. It would be hard for me not to browse and shop and buy in those quaint shops. Another fun day in your London travels, Jeanie.

~Sheri

Anca said...

It's so interesting to see pictures from where I've been, as some of these I don't recognise. London can offer different highlights to different people. I loved your post.

This N That said...

Looks like an interesting area...maybe a tad busy for my taste..This has been a fun trip..Thanks for taking us along..

Joanne said...

Another fabulous sounding day; I would have really enjoyed The Lion King presentations and costumes.

Hena Tayeb said...

I love it.. brings me back to our trip, which feels like so many years ago. Excellent photos and great tips as well.

Breathtaking said...

Hello Jeanie :)
It looks like a sunny day, and you look radiant smiling with the flowers behind you.Nice photos of Rick too, especially as he left the guitar shop. There was so much to see and you packed such a lot into a day, I enjoyed the Lion King video, and al the colourful painted buildings.
I like your cross body bag, I have one which I find useful
too. Thank you for the tour Jeanie I really enjoyed everything
All the best
Sonjia

Sherry's Pickings said...

oh you lucky things - to be in London. We have not been for years but oh how i love it!

Marilyn Miller said...

What a beautiful street to visit. I think I would have insisted on going into the Banksy store and coming out with a tee shirt. Love all the colors of the street.

Carole @ From My Carolina Home said...

What a great day, wonderful shops to visit.

crackercrumblife said...

I didn't even know Banksy had stores!! How cool!! And I love those colorful buildings. I would have definitely wanted to spend time there too.

Do you have a link for the cross body bag? That looks handy!

Sandra Cox said...

Oh what fun! I love/loved Alan Rickman.

MELODY JACOB said...

What a fantastic day you had in London's West End! I love how you took us along on your journey—from the unexpected "Lion King" video installation to the historic Denmark Street. It's amazing how rich with history and creativity this area is, especially with the musical legends that walked those streets. And Neal’s Yard with its cheerful buildings sounds like such a charming spot. I can imagine how great the St. Martin in the Fields concert must have been too. It’s definitely a place you could keep coming back to, with something new to discover each time! Thanks for sharing this lovely adventure, and I’ll be looking forward to the next part of your story!

Nancy said...

Oh my goodness you sure did pack in a lot of wonderful adventures into your trip!
Europe knows how to make their towns and villages colorful and adorable. I would have enjoyed visiting those colorful buildings. I loved the picture of Beautiful you in front of the flowers!

Jenny Woolf said...

I'm glad you saw that. I had no idea it existed till we discovered it (again like you by accident) when walking back from the Garden Cinema. It's underneath the building which also houses the rebuilt Tottenham Court Road station. When we saw it, it had some cool things including something about a famous butterfly collector from Peru. The name of the building it's in is, I think, the Outernet, but I don't know much about it. AND I didn't know Banksy had a store either!!!! I will add both of these to the very very long list of things in London that I want to see more of soon!

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

I love the photos of you and Rick. You've lost weight! And I see your neat bag here too! I want one! lol

Sandi Magle said...

Golly your photos are so super...even when it's a bit dreary out! Hugs, and again the trip of a lifetime, Sandi

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