Caitlin Davies, author of Camden Lock and the Market (published by Frances Lincoln), tells us five facts about Camden Lock.

“Camden Lock is one of the busiest tourist destinations in London, famed for its shopping and entertainment. Yet 40 years ago the place was just a rundown timber wharf on the banks of the Regent’s Canal.

“I worked here as a teenager in the late 1970s, when there were just a few rows of stalls set on a dirty cobbled yard.  Now it’s part of the UK’s largest street market.

“How did it get so big? What happened to the original craftspeople and stallholders? As a novelist and non-fiction writer, I thought it would be a good idea for a book.

“So I found as many traders as possible who’ve worked here over the years. What I discovered was a story of dereliction and rejuvenation, of fortunes made, careers forged, and lives changed forever.

“Here are five things I never knew about Camden Lock….

1. There is no Camden Lock!

It’s the most famous canal lock in the world that doesn’t exist! Instead there are three dual locks in the area, built in the early 1800s as part of the Regent’s Canal. The nearest to the original market is Hampstead Road Locks, where you can watch the owners of colourful narrowboats operate the lock by hand – adjusting the water level to allow vessels to pass through..

2. Camden Lock is 40 this year

It began as a collection of craft workshops housed in Victorian horse stables, officially opened to the public in April 1973. Now Camden Lock is one of London’s most popular free attractions drawing five million visitors a year. There are 280 stalls, 54 retail shops (including Oddballs, England’s oldest juggling shop), 20 offices/studios, and four eateries/restaurants.

Camden Lock Fridays, which run through the summer, feature 30 stalls in the Middle Yard showcasing hand-made arts and crafts, while a summer Night Market runs until 10pm with global street food, cocktail bars and a pop up cinema.

3. Dingwalls Dance Hall is one of Camden’s first music venues

Dingwalls opened in 1973 in an empty packaging warehouse, and soon attracted customers from the world of music and art. Acts have included Frank Zappa, Bo Diddley, the Clash, the Stranglers and more recently Mumford & Sons. The four-level venue has a capacity for 500, with bands Sunday to Thursday and comedy every Friday and Saturday.

Other entertainment venues are Highlight Comedy, with four bars over three levels, and Lockside Lounge, a bar and restaurant with club nights, DJs and live music.

4. Famous fashion brands started at Camden Lock

Some famous fashion brands started out with a single stall at Camden Lock, including Red or Dead and BodyMap. The Lock has always attracted fashionable visitors, from David Bowie to Amy Winehouse. Spend a morning browsing racks of designer items and vintage one-offs, whether shoes, knitwear, unique t-shirts or vibrant accessories.

5. The first food stall was run by an Olympic medallist

Known simply as The Stall, Olympic sprinter June Carroll (nee Foulds) opened the Lock’s first food outlet in 1974. Soon there were queues down the street!

Now the West Yard is devoted to stallholders selling food from all over the world and there’s something for every taste. Among the most popular are Sonita’s Kitchen, serving North Indian curries, and When Mac Met Cheese, selling macaroni and cheese and deep-fried Oreos. In the nearby Dingwalls Gallery is Kim’s Vietnamese Hut, two-time winner of the King of Camden Best Food award.

More about Camden

Guest post by Alternative London Tours

London is home to some of the best street art on the planet! Something new pops up on an almost daily basis as artists from across the globe constantly add to the capital’s incredible outdoor gallery.

If you stop a hundred people on the street and ask them to name a street artist, most would say Banksy. That’s understandable as he has without a doubt changed the perception of street art and graffiti more than any other individual. But how many people could name a second, or even a third? Probably not many.

As great as Banksy is, there aren’t many of his works left in London and those that are can easily be found on a map. We want to show you what’s happened since Banksy and what’s happening right now in London. You can see a few of our favourite street artists above.

Don’t assume however, that these incredible works are always easy to find. Pieces are regularly painted over by other artists or cleaned off by the council (although almost all pieces are painted with the consent of building owners these days). Part of the beauty of this art form is that for the most part, the best bits are tucked away, hidden on back streets and created for the benefit of those who are dedicated to seeking them out during their short lifespan.

Alternative London is London’s original street art tour provider. Our walking tours and bike tours are led by local people closely connected with the scene – including some of the artists themselves. The tours go much deeper than the art on the walls by giving a historical and cultural context to the art and the areas in which it is created. We also offer street art workshops so you can learn to create your very own spray paint masterpiece!

(Images courtesy of www.hookedblog.co.uk London’s longest running street art blog – documenting this ephemeral art form every day).

You’ve got your tickets to London’s hottest show, but haven’t a clue what to wear, or how much time you need to get to the theatre! Luckily, Matthew Amer, Senior Editor at OfficialLondonTheatre.co.uk is on hand to give first time theatregoers his top tips:

“I’ve been working in West End theatre for a decade. I was fresh to the scene when I first set foot in the hallowed foyers of London’s incredible venues. I’d been a regular theatergoer before, of course, but not in London. Not in the famous West End. I didn’t know quite what to expect. I was unsure exactly how to act. I’ve learned a lot since then:

1. It really doesn’t matter what you wear. When I first experienced the magic of going to the West End as a child, it was as a once a year treat we spent months looking forward to. The whole family would dress in their best clothes; this was our special night out, after all. For many theatergoers I’m sure this is still the case, but it doesn’t have to be. If you’re more comfortable in jeans and a t-shirt, wear that. I’ve seen theatregoers in shorts, vests, fancy dress. If you’re happy, and you’re not making anyone else unhappy, it really doesn’t matter.
2. Give yourself time. There’s honestly nothing worse than getting caught on the Tube or stuck in traffic and realising you’re going to miss the start of the show. Your heart rate goes up, you start to sweat, you check your watch every 10 seconds. Where’s the fun in that? Get there early and relax. You can always find a bar, pub or restaurant to keep yourself amused in, this is London after all.
3. If you want interval drinks – and who doesn’t? – you can often order them before the show. That way you avoid what can be a very long wait at the bar, which makes that drink taste all the sweeter.
4. If you want to avoid the rest of the audience staring at you and tutting during the show’s most dramatic moment, turn your phone off! There is nothing more embarrassing than sitting in a near-silent theatre, everyone absorbed in one of the year’s finest performances, only to hear a Europop ringtone blaring from your pocket. Avoid that feeling of wanting to sink into your chair and turn it off at the start.

“Looking back now, it seems obvious. But back then, as a timid young thing, this was the most important information I could learn. Hopefully it can help you too.”

For the latest theatre news, interviews and show information, check out www.officiallondontheatre.co.uk

Mike Clewley, Cultural Tourism Officer at the Greater London Authority (GLA) introduces his pick of immersive performances in London:

As Shakespeare once wrote, “All the world’s a stage” so why should we confine theatre to traditional venues? London is home to a variety of incredible immersive experiences to enjoy whether you’re looking to dine out or just watch a film.

You may already be aware of this summer’s exciting new production from Punchdrunk and the National Theatre but if you’re the type of person who likes surprises and wants to be part of the experience, as well as being able to tell your friends “you’ll never guess what I did in London!”, then read on.

Secret Cinema

This is the closest you can get to immersing yourself in the fantasy world portrayed within a film without actually being on the screen. Hot off the heels of past successes including the Shawshank Redemption, Lawrence of Arabia and Bugsy Malone (including a massive custard pie fight), Secret Cinema continues to take London theatre, and its audience, to strange, new places.

Holding true to their mantra of “Tell No One”, you won’t know what you’re in for until you’re there, but this summer’s event promises to be intriguingly G.O.O.D.

Fawlty Towers – The Dining Experience

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to spend the evening dining with famous comic characters, now’s your chance. You can relive the legendary 70s British comedy Fawlty Towers in person with Basil, Sybil and Manuel in this theatrical dining experience like no other. Its set menu includes Duck “Surprise” (chicken) but no Waldorf Salad unfortunately. However, if you like your food served with chaos and hilarity then: bon appetit!

The Ginger Line

There are some great pop-up restaurants in London but The Ginger Line also serves up artists, chefs and actors for one of London’s most unique dining experiences. Adventurous diners make their way to a secret location (always on the East London Overground line, which is ginger coloured, hence the name) and are treated to a mix of theatre, cabaret and cocktails to meet new friends over fantastic food and new surroundings. Look out for the next The Ginger Line event this summer.

Mike Clewley is Cultural Tourism Officer for the Mayor of London: “I’m in a very privileged position to represent the kaleidoscope of culture on offer in this great city. I’m passionate about history, art, music, film and discovering those moments in life that will make you go “wow!”. I love the fact that London is so difficult to sum up and why it’s so great but that’s what makes it the best city on the planet”.

By Eleanor Mills

London has one of the best jazz scenes in the world. With the release of The Great Gatsby fast approaching, why not get in the mood with a visit to one of the capital’s best jazz clubs? If you’re planning a trip later in the year, make it November, for the London Jazz Festival.

Ronnie Scott’s, Soho

The most established of all London’s jazz clubs, Ronnie’s was set up in 1959 by Ronnie Scott who had dreamed of opening his own club after frequent trips to New York in the 1940s and 50s. Some of the biggest names in jazz have graced the stage there, including Miles Davis (above), Wynton Marsalis and even Jimi Hendrix. Ronnie’s has changed the face of British jazz and remains the quintessential jazz experience. With popular acts like legendary drummer Roy Haynes’s Fountain of Youth Band (15-16 May) and vocalist Claire Martin (29-30 May) coming up, be sure to book early.

The Vortex, Dalston

Off the beaten track, The Vortex Jazz Club has provided a platform for the most groundbreaking jazz for the last 25 years, launching the careers of many groups like Mercury prize nominees Polar Bear and Portico Quartet. Easy to get to on the London overground, the club regularly has outstanding musicians playing for very reasonable prices. Look out for a two-day residency with Oriole and Basquiat Strings (featuring the acclaimed drummer Seb Rochford, of Polar Bear) from Friday 17 to Saturday 18 May. Great burgers in the restaurant downstairs too!

Dover Street Restaurant & Bar, Mayfair

For a sophisticated jazz experience book tickets to the Dover Street Restaurant & Bar. With great blues outfits and lively big bands, Dover Street offers a fun night out. For a more traditional sound, watch out for the Sugar Ray Ford Quartet playing jive and swing classics on 3 June, or check out the Blues Engineers on 8 May or 11 June.

PizzaExpress Jazz Club, Soho

It does exactly what it says on the packet: great jazz, great pizza. This PizzaExpress venue is underground, giving the club a great ambience. Acts to see in the coming month include saxophonist and rapper Soweto Kinch playing with the Moses Boyd Band on Sunday 2 June and elegant jazz singer Nikki Iles with The Printmakers playing on Wednesday 5 June.

Hideaway, Streatham

One of London’s newest jazz venues, Hideaway has already made a mark on the UK jazz scene with renowned acts like the Neil Cowley Trio, Mark Lockheart, Ingrid Laubrock and Tom Cawley’s Curios playing there. The acoustics are great, food is delicious, service exceptional and, because it’s one of the capital’s best-kept jazz secrets, you’re bound to get good seats and an opportunity to meet the musicians afterwards. Make a trip down there on 16 June for Sunday lunch to see NYJO (the National Youth Jazz Orchestra).

More London jazz clubs and events

O Tours de Londres offer French language tours of London. Guest blogger Hugo took an afternoon tour of London and and gives us his thoughts (in French, of course!) below:

“Visitez Londres est une expérience fascinante. En effet, la ville a été le témoin de 21 siècles d’Histoire… Cependant, il est parfois difficile pour de nombreuses personnes non anglophones de réellement comprendre et découvrir la capitale anglaise. Heureusement, Ô Tours de Londres propose un circuit au bord de la Tamise adapté à tous les francophones.

“Pendant près de 2h30, vous marcherez de la Tour de Londres jusqu’à la Cathédrale St Paul en passant notamment par le Tower Bridge. Sur le trajet se succèdent d’incontournables monuments comme la Cathédrale Southwark miraculeusement conservée, le Shakespeare Globe Theatre ou encore les ruines du Palais de Winchester… Vous découvrirez aussi l’incroyable histoire du London Bridge, l’unique pont de Londres pendant près de 18 siècles…

“Au total, cette balade guidée comporte 13 arrêts qui vous permettront de découvrir des lieux mythiques de l’Histoire de Londres.

“Les guides compétents, dynamiques et disponibles vous dévoileront, de façon simple et claire, récits et anecdotes. Ils partageront avec vous les secrets des rues Londoniennes et de la Tamise et vous emmèneront sur les pas de Guillaume le Conquérant, Henri VIII, William Shakespeare ou encore Charles Dickens.

“C’est après ce fantastique voyage dans le temps, que vous serez à même de comprendre l’évolution de Londres, de sa mentalité et de ses habitants.

“Accessible à tous, cette balade est proposée à un prix très abordable : 15 £ par personne (17,5 €) (Gratuit pour les enfants de moins de 8 ans). Alors oubliez la barrière de la langue et allez découvrir Londres et son Histoire dans la bonne humeur grâce à Ô Tours de Londres !”

Pour plus d’informations et pour les réservations, n’hésitez pas à consulter le site de Ô Tours de Londres : www.o-toursdelondres.fr

Hugo was a guest of O Tours de Londres.

More London tours

By Bengt Bjorkberg

Standing on a platform in Moorgate station and seeing a steam train roll in is not an everyday occurrence, but I had the pleasure of experiencing it this month. OK, it was not a surprise as such, I had gotten my tickets, and London Transport Museum had pulled out all the stops to ensure that this would be a truly unique experience. Not only were there a station manager and police constable in period clothing, there was even a brass quintet entertaining passengers in the station lobby, not to mention the number of passengers that had put on their Sunday best. In fact the number of fellow commuters who seemed to have period Sunday best, ca. 1880-1940 surprised me and I felt under dressed myself!

Whatever interest you may have in trains and underground transportation; there is something magical about the old carriages being pulled by a steam locomotive. I admit that I, like most six-year-olds, dreamt of becoming a train driver for at least a week, but also must admit that I have been known to call roadside assistance for a flooded engine, so I have no specialist interest as such.

Saying that, the sound, smell and sight of this mode of transportation still awakes some romantic interest in the old days and this journey showed me what it may have been like. From the old “What to do in air raids” posters that are still in the third-class carriages to the detailed re-creation of the gas lamps in first-class carriage 353, to the Metropolitan Railways coat of arms on the locomotive, it all served to make it a unique experience of how it used to be.

Even if you did not have tickets, there was a chance to see the train along its route as it travelled from Moorgate to Edgeware Road and back. Judging by the number of smiling TfL workers, Transport Police officers and commuters who took the opportunity so snap a picture, it was worth the standard fare to see the train go by.

Did you encounter any of the Steam and Heritage Train Journeys this January? Tell us about it in the comments below

Did you see the fireworks and was it London’s best display yet?

The London 2012 Olympic rings on Tower Bridge

What a year it’s been for London. As well as hosting the biggest sporting event in the world the city has celebrated the Queen’s 60th year on the throne, marked Charles Dickens’ 200th birthday, re-opened the world’s last remaining tea clipper and played a big part in the World Shakespeare Festival. There are almost too many good bits to cram into one blog post, but here are some of the Visit London blog team’s 2012 highlights:

“It’s possibly been London’s best year since the Romans decided to build a crossing over the Thames. Highlights have included the 100m-high photo of the Royal Family on Sea Container’s House to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee, the completion of the Overground line making it easier to zip around London from south of the river and perhaps most memorable of all, seeing the Olympic Rings hanging from Tower Bridge. I’m sure the Romans would have approved.”
Tom Butler

“In 2012 I enjoyed flying through the sky on the Emirates Air Line, visiting the beautifully refurbished Cutty Sark and fell madly in love with the Hollywood Costume exhibition at the Victoria & Albert Museum. I had a great day out at Mudchute City Farm in the summer and met some splendid sheep and a grumpy rabbit. My favourite theatre show of the year was The Ladykillers with Peter Capaldi and I’m still excited about visiting The Who Shop.
I’ve watched people celebrating public events in The Mall on television so many times but the athletes’ parade was the first time I’ve ever joined the crowds in the street to cheer. It was an absolutely perfect afternoon, the perfect end to a wonderful London 2012 games and a London moment I’ll never forget.”
Lettice

“My 2012 highlights include seeing the Royal Ballet’s La Fille Mal Gardee with my mum (visiting from Australia) at the always impressive Royal Opera House. Finally seeing Wicked, and having second-row seats that meant I could bask in the full glory of the amazing costumes. And rocking out to Cold Chisel, Iggy Pop & The Stooges and Soundgarden in Hyde Park.
Closer to home, it was a real buzz to see Grayson Perry’s Walthamstow Tapestry in Walthamstow, at the newly renovated William Morris Gallery. I enjoyed my local street party for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. I also discovered the delights of Victoria Park, which I visited several times, including during the Olympics when the BT Live Site provided a great family day out.”
Claire Doble

“For me, 2012 was all about one-off festivals like BT River of Music and BT London Live where I saw Blur close the Olympic celebrations. There were also smaller experiences like sampling “pick your own” strawberries on the roof of the new Harmony boat on the Thames. Seeing Mark Rylance as Richard III at Shakespeare’s Globe was an honour, as was being in a room with London’s acting elite at the Evening Standard Theatre Awards. But the stand-out event, and it was so immense and unmatched that I’m not sure “event” really covers it, was Danny Boyle’s Olympic Opening Ceremony. I watched on TV (while playing an elaborate Olympic-themed drinking game) and am not ashamed to say that parts of it moved me to tears.”
Louise Ridley

“The undoubted highlight of my year was being part of the Thames Jubilee Pageant. Seeing 1,000 boats, carrying all manner of people, come together in celebration of The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, was something I’ll never forget. It was especially brilliant to see everyone ignoring the wet weather and carrying on regardless! Cultural highlights of my year were seeing Henry V at the Globe Theatre and finally visiting the Steam Museum at Kew. In 2012, London for me has also been augmented by the addition of Duck and Waffle to the capital’s vertical gastronomy scene, as well as a new Hawksmoor outpost in Air Street and the continued expansion of London’s craft beer scene.”
Caroline Roddis

“There have been so many amazing things to enjoy this year.  My highlights have to include the bright and beautiful paintings of David Hockney at the Royal Academy and the fabulous glamour of the musical Top Hat. I was thrilled to explore the Cutty Sark when it reopened looking more stunning than ever before. I loved the giant Olympic Rings at Tower Bridge and watching the city welcome the Olympic Games. I went to see the beach volleyball and loved the feeling of being on a beach in the middle of Horse Guard’s Parade. It has been an incredible 2012 for me!”
Aly

“Who wouldn’t put this year’s summer of sport as the number one highlight of 2012? However, it wasn’t just the sporting competitions that stood out for me. The showcase of celebrations and cultural events pulled together by the Mayor’s office was fantastic. In particular, the breath-taking open-air performance of Bells in Finchley, North London, on the day that the Olympic torch passed through the area. This aerial dance performance, a collaboration between Theater Tol (Belgium) and Akademi (London), was utterly original and awe-inspiring.

My kids also loved tracking down the many disguised Wenlocks and Mandevilles that were dotted around London throughout the summer. The trails were reminiscent of the Faberge egg hunt at Easter, which they also enjoyed.”
Lianne Korilin

“Aside from the all the buzz and excitement that goes with living and working in an Olympic city over the summer, there have been plenty of pre- and post-Games highlights. The bunting, the cake, and the precious hours before the torrential rain made for a brilliant Diamond Jubilee celebration in Battersea Park – I even saw the Queen as she floated past on the Royal Barge! The David Hockney exhibition at the Royal Academy lived up to all the hype and I also ticked a couple of London’s smaller museums off my list – Keat’s House and the Freud Museum. My favourite theatre of the year was undoubtedly Constellations (but in a parallel universe it might not be…)”
Jenny

“From Damien Hirst at Tate Modern to Fifty Years of Bond Style at the Barbican, 2012 has been a top year for exhibitions in London. I also loved seeing the totally bonkers Lucho Libre Mexican wrestling at Bethnal Green’s Resistance Gallery where I enjoyed a night of spandex, cabaret, comedy and body-slamming fun.

Culinary highlights included dinner at Ceviche, London’s hottest new Peruvian restaurant, and a delightful, great-value afternoon tea at Soho’s secret tea rooms, sited in a vintage-style room above a pub.

A visit to the Aquatics Centre at the Olympic Park was a stand-out moment for me, as well as soaking up some of the cultural events that ran alongside London 2012 – seeing hats on some of the capital’s most famous statues as part of Hatwalk and being wowed by the Lords of Lightning, who flung four million volts of raw electricity at one another at the hip Frank’s bar, perched atop Peckham multi-storey car park in South London, which has epic views of the city’s skyline.”
Janine Kelso

“An incredible year in London for me: from watching the Diamond Jubilee Pageant at Battersea Park to white water rafting at an Olympic venue, going up the Orbit during the 2012 games and bouncing on Jeremy Deller’s Sacrilege (an inflatable Stonehenge) . My theatre highlights have included Chariots of Fire, Last of the Haussmann’s, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night, and Constellations. From a foodie perspective I have loved all the street food at the South Bank and the most amazing breakfast with breath-taking panoramic views of London from the Duck and Waffle. There were so many surprises too, including the amazing pop-up circus spectacular in Piccadilly Circus and watching London’s Bridges dazzle. Roll on 2013 I can’t wait!
Madelene Yeshin

“My best experience of 2012 was at the Paralympic Games. After a few hours spent looking around the Olympic Park, enjoying the architecture, parklands and friendly atmosphere, I headed into the stadium for the athletics. I saw Oscar Pistorius unexpectedly lose the T44 200m final and David Weir roar into the lead at the last minute to win the 5,000m wheelchair race. So exciting! I thought the tickets were amazing value at just £20.

My second pick of the year is David Hockney: A Bigger Picture at the Royal Academy of Arts. I loved walking through room after room of Hockney’s big, colourful paintings. I was impressed by the fact that he has remained so productive and creative into his 70s, experimenting with new technologies such as iPad drawings, and spending days working outside in the Yorkshire countryside with spectacular results.”
Hannah

What was your highlight of the year in London?

By Amanda Craighead-Wheeler

Bonfire Night is a great way to experience London after dark. The Houses of Parliament are where the traditional began – and almost ended – in 1605. As well as over a dozen firework displays in the week around 5 November, London has a wealth of themed parties, gigs and club nights over the weekend where you can get the most bang for your Bonfire Night.

Battersea Park fireworks are one of the biggest displays. As well seeing them on the ground, there’s also the chance to see them on the river and even in the air. Thames Dinner Cruises are offering a Bonfire Night special, with drinks, live music and a special cruise letting your enjoy London at night and alight. The EDF Energy London Eye is offering 30 minute flights, giving you the chance take in not just one display but as many as the eye can see.

There are more unusual ways to remember the gunpowder, treason and plot, too. Club de Fromage at the O2 Islington is a club for those who like to wear silly outfits and party hard, playing all kinds of pop from the last 40 years. The club’s Neon Night special takes place on 3 November with upbeat cheesy tracks, bright lights, friendly faces and fancy dress.

If you want something more erudite, try the Midnight Apothecary on 3 November, a pop up cocktail bar on the roof gardens at the Brunel Museum. Five pounds will get you entry to the opening of the first tunnel under a river, the chance to try cocktails with ingredients handpicked from the museum’s gardens, and of course a bonfire and sparklers.

Have we missed any? Tell us if there’s somewhere you know that paints London red (or green, or gold with sparkles…)