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Favourite backpassgae of the day
Exchange Court
It can be found near to to Bull Inn Court, running down ancient sloped from Maiden Lane to Strand- our favourite road.This lane is (yawn) 'Dickensian', and we like to proclaim it a passage of Coxian dimension. The gas-lit southern end oozes atmosphere. It's a creepy, quiet place where only drunks loiter for long. We expect, and find, the now familiar stench of last night's bladder urge.Through the Stuart and Georgian eras, the neighbourhood was alive with seedy, vice-ridden markets. It's not clear whether the alley takes its name from the exchange of goods, or bodily fluids. Later, the court housed a troupe of errand-runners and odd-jobbers known as the Corps of Commissionaires - ex-servicemen with their own special uniform and military band. The Corps is still active today, having transmogrified into a security outfit. Why Use it? To get to the heart of Covent Garden without having to walk past loads of overpriced outdoor-persuits shops. And, as usual, bypass the tourists.
Backpassage and Back to Stay
Strandman is back after a voyage of discovery.
Where will I go next? Well Strand it is!
SM
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Friday on my mind
Drinking at Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese
I like this pub.
It is something of an institution on Fleet Street. As the sign outside the entrance ostentatiously states, it was rebuilt in 1667 (after the great fire, in case you don't recognise the date: see previous blogs) and has tried, and mostly succeeded, to hang on to its distinguished heritage.
Nooks and crannies abound, there are fireplaces, plenty of dark wood, there's not a right angle in the place etc etc. Over the years, the clientele has had an equally distinguished and colourful past, but now that the journalistic tradition that was Fleet Street has passed, this pub is really one for the tourists. The usual Sam Smith's offering is competently served and for some pub-goers, this may be a drawback - not everybody likes Sam Smith's provender.
SM
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