As soon as I set out of Paddington Station, I quickly realised that navigating these British streets would be tricky. Told the hotel was only 10 minutes walk away, I was lucky that the trusty data bundle I received from Vodafone was in effect and used GPS on the Samsung S3 to get my bearings and walk towards the hotel. Since I travel light it was no trouble at all doing the walk. In my travels one of the things I like to get acquainted with once in a city is how to cross the road. Do the pedestrians heed the lights and signals or is it a free for all. This time I noticed it’s a mix of both. Kenya is an all out who-can-cross-the-road-whenever-fest and other cities in Scandinavia like Alesund, Stockholm or Berlin people seem to use the signals and drivers always give way.
Finally made the walk over and made it to Shaftesbury Metropolis in Hyde Park at Sussex Gardens where I would be staying. It turned out to be very central for all my work with everything in walking distance pretty much.
The rooms turned out to be pretty nice and cosy if not modest on space. Given the Olympic season I was happy to be there and this was going to do just fine. They’d done well given the space and it suits the needs of the business traveller in many ways.
Next was exploring the night life that evening which included a visit to the Monkey Puzzle. A quintessential English pub if ever there was one. I made a few friends and was advised on what to do in the area and what to make sure I saw before I left town.
After the polite chit chat, I headed over to what was recommended to me as a good fish and chips place. The English love their fish and chips and though I’m a slow food kind of guy myself, it was great to indulge this one time. It turned out not to be any ordinary fish and chips shop but Micky’s which had been featured on popular BBC documentary In Search of Perfection where celebrated chef Heston Blumenthal searches the U.K. for culinary perfection. I was in for a treat and asked for their signature fish and chips dish which I was not disappointed with one bit.
The next day I was to have my meetings and brainstorms at the Hospital Club, a private members’ club and creative arts venue, which houses a television studio, music studio, screening room, restaurant and art gallery. It blew me away and everything from the eccentric decor, fabrics and artwork – a starling porcelain Buddha statue on an antique oak vanity desk near where I sat for breakfast all the way to paisley silk fabric in deep and rich shades of purple in some corners. Located in Endell Street, Covent Garden, London on the site of an 18th century hospital it’s known to be frequented by the creatives and is both a place to seek inspiration and to create. Currently it had a remarkable Jimmy Hendrix exhibition in the art gallery which was subtly the elevator music that played throughout the lifts and ever so gently crept into some of the hallways.
A getaway in the middle of busy London. It just so happened in the boardroom that I was in that there would be a piece by celebrated English designer Vivienne Westwood herself.
All in all a worthy trip to the city and finally out of the hustle and bustle of the airports and getting into the city. Next time we find out some of London’s coolest Android apps to help you navigate the city and take a look at some creative and quirky spots to get a bit, a drink and relax.