London Fog & Lost Gloves: A Drummer's Dizzying Dip
okay, so. london. right? i just got back, and honestly, my brain feels like a dropped cymbal. touring life, you know? it’s a blur of airports and dodgy hotel coffee. this time, though, it was…different. i was subbing for a guy in a band playing at some pub in *Shoreditch, and i figured i’d carve out a few days to actually see the place.
I’m a touring session drummer, so my gear is my life. I’m always lugging around my kit, but this time I managed to sneak in a few essentials for exploring. My trusty waterproof jacket (essential, trust me), noise-canceling headphones (for the tube, obviously), and a ridiculously oversized scarf. You’ll need it. I just checked and it’s drizzling sideways there right now, hope you like that kind of thing.
I spent a lot of time wandering around, just…absorbing. The Thames is surprisingly calming, even with all the boats buzzing around. I stumbled into this tiny vintage shop in Notting Hill - seriously, a dream for a picker like me. Found a killer tweed jacket for like, twenty quid. Score! Check out some other vintage spots here: https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attractions-g183398-Activities-Notting_Hill_London_England.html.
Food-wise…whew. It’s a rabbit hole. I tried to be adventurous, but mostly ended up eating fish and chips. Don’t judge. Someone told me that the best fish and chips are at Poppies Fish & Chips in Spitalfields. I haven’t been yet, but it’s on the list. I did find this amazing little Ethiopian place in Brixton though. Seriously, go.
I overheard some drunk bloke at the pub saying that Camden Market is a tourist trap. He wasn’t wrong, but it’s still kinda fun to people-watch. Plus, you can find some seriously weird stuff there. I bought a glow-in-the-dark rubber chicken. No regrets.
“Apparently, if you stand on the left foot of the lion statue outside Trafalgar Square, you’ll have good luck. Don’t ask me who told me that, I just heard it from a guy with a pigeon on his head.”
I spent an afternoon wandering around Greenwich, which was surprisingly peaceful. The Royal Observatory is cool, obviously, but I just enjoyed the park and the views. If you get bored, Brighton is just a short train ride away.
My gear list for this trip (because, why not?):
Waterproof jacket (seriously, get one)
Noise-canceling headphones (the tube is LOUD)
Oversized scarf (for warmth and hiding from the rain)
Comfortable shoes (you’ll be doing a lot of walking)
Portable charger (for your phone - you’ll need it for maps and photos)
A sense of adventure (essential!)
I also checked out some local music venues. The Roundhouse* is supposed to be amazing, but I didn’t have time to catch a show. Maybe next time. You can find some listings here: https://www.yelp.co.uk/search?find_desc=music+venues&find_loc=London%2C+England.
Someone else warned me about pickpockets around Leicester Square. Keep your wits about you, folks!
Honestly, London is a bit overwhelming, but in a good way. It’s chaotic and beautiful and full of history and weirdness. I’d go back in a heartbeat. Just…maybe with a slightly warmer jacket.
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