Tower Tavern Sign

Tower Tavern Sign

Unsurprisingly, the Tower Tavern is located right next to the BT Tower. However, I think it’s a very bizarre name for a pub. Pub names in the UK can be based on a variety of things such as animals, heraldry, colours, transport, historic events, etc. Location is also commonly used for naming pubs, but usually not something so recent.

Still at the end of the day, probably not worth thinking (or writing) too much about. Besides, the pedant in me would point out that the image of the BT Tower on the sign is how it used to look (with satellite dishes), so in a sense it’s at least using historic imagery.

This photo was taken during my Victoria Line Walk, in support of Bowel Cancer UK to see more photos from the walk you can visit my Flickr page.

St. Pancras Station Sign – Tourist Photo Op

St. Pancras Station Sign

Sign for St. Pancras International Rail Station. It is also a popular photo op for tourists (and it would seem people walking the tube).

This photo was taken during my Victoria Line Walk, in support of Bowel Cancer UK to see more photos from the walk you can visit my Flickr page.

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The Various Faces Of The King’s Cross Canopy Before Demolition

With word that the 1970’s era “temporary” canopy at King’s Cross is slated for demolition and removal over the next year, I thought I might take a quick look at some of the photos I’ve taken of it over the past few months.

One interesting fact I learned about the canopy while researching this post, is the fact that since it is considered a temporary structure, Camden council have had to renew planning approval for it each year.

King's Cross Station With St Pancras
The canopy with the St. Pancras Clock Tower in the background and the concourse underneath on show.

King's Cross Sign
Close-up of the canopy and sign with an ever present CCTV camera on show

King's Cross Station
The canopy with the King’s Cross Clock Tower in the background.

King's Cross Canopy Still Intact
One of four photos taken the weekend before demolition began, the edge of the concourse on a rainy day.

King's Cross and St. Pancras Signs
The canopy as seen through the sign for St. Pancras Station. The two rail stations share the same underground one.

Euston Road at King's Cross
The view down Euston Road, with the canopy to the left.

King's Cross
View of the Grade I listed façade of King’s Cross Station, with the roof of the canopy below.

Overall, I think the station will look far nicer with the removal of the canopy. Objectively, it is a rather ugly structure and blocks the much more beautiful façade of King’s Cross Station itself. However, I do feel a slight attachment to the canopy all the same. The last time I visited London before moving here (July 2005), I stayed at a hostel near King’s Cross and it’s been one of the few constants in the area over the years.

Still I very much look forward to how the new “public” square that will replace the canopy will look. If it looks anything like the one behind the station, it will be an improvement. Yet, concerns still remain that it the “public” square will be controlled by a private security firm like the area behind the station. Fine if you’re just walking through, but it does raise many questions about public spaces in London.

Colour Centre Beside Church

Colour Centre Beside Church

I’m not sure why I find the idea of paint and decorating centre in and old church slightly intriguing, but I do. This is located on Offord Road, just behind Caledonian Road & Barnsbury Overground station.

This photo was taken during my Victoria Line Walk, in support of Bowel Cancer UK to see more photos from the walk you can visit my Flickr page.

Arsenal Sign At Emirates Stadium

Arsenal Sign at Emirates Stadium

Following on from my previous post about Gillespie Road, here’s the current sign for Arsenal FC in front of Emirates Stadium. Even tough this was taken on a Game Day the crowds have disappeared. Even the souvenir sellers and hot dog vendors were closing up shop:

Arsenal Souvenirs Arsenal Food (Hot Dogs)

These photos were taken during my Victoria Line Walk, in support of Bowel Cancer UK to see more photos from the walk you can visit my Flickr page.

The Houses Of Gillespie Road

Houses of Gillespie Road

Gillespie Road Sign

If you’re not familiar with football and/or London you may wonder what makes Gillespie Road different from any other. Until 2006, the road served as the northern boundary to Arsenal Stadium, home of Arsenal Football Club. Emirates Stadium, their new home, is just slightly further west.

Gillespie Road was also the name given to the current Arsenal Station until 1932, when the club pressured the tube for a name change (the original name can still be seen on the tiles at Platform level). Returning to the houses, to me they don’t look like the type you’d expect to find next to one the most popular football clubs in the country. However, that may be my North American upbringing where sports stadiums increasingly tend to be built far away from housing.

This photo was taken during my Victoria Line Walk, in support of Bowel Cancer UK to see more photos from the walk you can visit my Flickr page.

Capital Ring (Walking Route) Sign

Capital Ring Sign

This sign for the Capital Ring circular walking route was seen along Seven Sisters Road. At 78 miles (126 km), the Capital Ring is actually the shorter of two orbital walking routes in London. The other – The London LOOP – is 152 miles (245 km) and passes the very edge of London, while The Capital Ring is relatively much more central.

It was very tempting to follow the Capital Ring during my walk as the stretch of Seven Sisters Road after it, was the ugliest part of my Victoria Line Walk and among the ugliest bits of London.

This photo was taken during my Victoria Line Walk, in support of Bowel Cancer UK to see more photos from the walk you can visit my Flickr page.

Colourful Student Flats At Tottenham Hale

Colourful Student Flats At Tottenham Hale

The area immediately around Tottenham Hale Station is not the nicest to look. However, these student colourful student flats really stood out. A little Googling revels that they are part of the Emily Bowes Court, Unite Student Accommodation, at up to £255 per week for a studio, they’re not exactly the cheapest London living option given the location.

This photo was taken during my Victoria Line Walk, in support of Bowel Cancer UK to see more photos from the walk you can visit my Flickr page.

Blackhorse Road Station Sign

Blackhorse Road Tube And Train Sign

Blackhorse Road Station is among the ugliest on the Victoria Line. However, during my walk I happened to pass by the station when there wasn’t a cloud in the sky and got a photo of the sign.

This photo was taken during my Victoria Line Walk, in support of Bowel Cancer UK to see more photos from the walk you can visit my Flickr page.