What do you do with your old cigar boxes?

Edward Sahakian of Davidoff London

If you are a regular cigar smoker you will have the problem of what to do with your empty cigar boxes. Once you have filled your shed and offices with boxes what else can you do?
Imagine if you were a cigar retailer selling huge quantities of cigars every year, then you would have a real challenge.
Edward Sahakian of Davidoff London has teamed up with a woodworking craftsman to produce some amazing electric cigar box guitars. Edwards son Eddie loved the guitars so much he bought one and is currently learning to play. The guitar that Edward is holding is made from a classic old Partagas box. In the window of Edward's London store I have recently seen some fantastic guitars made from Cohiba Behike boxed. The black varnished boxes look amazing. Pop in and see his latest guitars.  Visit Davidoff London on the Cuban Cigar Walk London.

The Beatles in Saville Row

We try to make our walks as cosmopolitan as possible and in a new audio guide due to be released in the next few days we will pass the site of the Beatles last performance at the old Apple Corporation building at number 3 Saville Row.

On 30th January 2009 it will be the 40th aniversary of that famous last live outing for the 'Fab Four.

It had been planned to re enact the concert and broadcast it to the world but somehow Westminter Council have managed to bog the idea down in red tape and it had to be cancelled.

So to get a true flavour we suggest you head to You Tube for a replay. There are three sections of film available and it's a real time capsule, I love the guy on the other side of Saville Row in the Bowler hat, with the pipe. They don't make them like that any more. Oh and aren't the police polite!

Section 1

Section 2

Section 3

So watch out for the release of our new walk. To be sure of getting details of new walks be sure to register for updates.

New Year Diet?

No trip to Paris would be complete without a visit to a traditional baker or boulangerie.

The Gastronomic Pleasures page of the Le Marais web site will allow you to review some of the wonderful spots on the Le Marais audio walk so that you can carefully plan your snacking as you go. A croissant here a pain-au-chocolat there.

Just remember that you are on an audio walk so you will probably be walking off those calories, now where can I get a wonderful rhum baba?

Borough Market – Now 3 days a week

Borough Market – Now 3 days a week

Borough Market (London SE1) should be on everyone’s must do list. Even when the market is quiet, the local streets are likely to be familiar as they are frequently used as locations for film and television productions.

Until recently, however, those wishing to sample the finest produce and the buzzing atmosphere at the food market would have to visit on a Friday or Saturday…

Reviewing our Bankside Walk I paused (10 a.m. Friday) at the Only Organics fruit and vegetable stall and met Paul who runs the stall with his partner Harriet.

Paul gave me some tips on the best times to visit the market. On Saturdays the market opens at 9.00 and gets really busy around 11 a.m. with crowds peaking at lunchtime when it can be a jostle to get a leisurely look at what is on sale. So…

Get there at opening time for a traditional English (or vegetarian) breakfast followed by great food shopping!

Friday is a quieter day with the “calmest” time between opening at 12 and 1 p.m. and then after 3 when the lunchtime surge of locals and tourists has eased.

Paul also gave me the great news that around 30 stalls now open for trade on Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. so even more opportunity to discover this treasure!

Check out the Borough Market web site for more details at http://www.boroughmarket.org.uk/


Sound Advice – added treasures to enhance your walking pleasure courtesy of: http://www.citiesinsound.com/

Evensong at Westminster Abbey - Arrive early and get the best seats

15.45 and Westminster Abbey’s main West entrance was closed. Guided on through Dean’s yard by my audio walk I found the entry to the cloister, I discovered that the main entrance would reopen at 16.30 offering free entry for sung evensong.

Helpful Vergers pointed the way as a queue forms by large blue gates to the left of the nave. Early, and close to the front of the queue, at exactly 16.30 I was shown to my seat, actually in the choir stalls, an honour extended to the first 100 visitors.

With 30 minutes before evensong, there was time for contemplation and the chance to study the magnificent carving and gilding on the stalls. Evensong began at 17.00 prompt, the choir surrounded us, lifting my spirit in song and allowing the imagination to wander to Coronation day, viewed from the best seat in town.

Look out for the marked seats in the back row for Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Canada, for a real special experience.

Check out the Westminster Web Site and click on the “What’s on” feature on the Abbey Web site for Evensong times: http://www.westminster-abbey.org/events/

Sound Advice – added treasures to enhance your walking pleasure courtesy of: www.citiesinsound.com