Summer in the city
Early June promised some warmer, sunnier weather to Londoners, tired of the long, wet, winter and spring of 2023/2024.
At the top of the list of those hoping for warmer temperatures were those taking part in the 19th World Naked Bike Ride on Saturday, June 8! This event has taken place every summer for the last 20 years, apart from 2020 when pandemic-related fears led to cancellation.
The event incorporates rides to suit everyone with eight meeting points that converge in central London. By the time they get to Wellington Arch (near Buckingham Palace), there are an astonishing 4km of naked bodies astride all manner of cycles!
Nudity is encouraged, of course, but ‘anything comfortable’ is permitted, so body paint and adornments proliferate! One rule is important though – no stripping off until you get to the starting point.
Sadly, London’s climate was not kind to the cyclists and the cool, damp summer weather in the UK capital continues at the time of writing!
Mind the gap
London’s underground metropolitan transit system is, of course, affectionately called ‘the tube’ and it remains the fastest way to get around the UK capital.
It was the first underground railway in the world and carries some 1.35 billion passengers each year. Though known as ‘the underground’, only 45% of the network goes through tunnels. There are 11 lines with 250 miles (400 km) of track, 272 stations, only 33 of which are south of the River Thames.
The summer month of June has brought some underground-related stories to the attention of your columnist who spends too much time just commuting on this incredible transit system!
In Walthamstow, North East London, the Pumphouse Museum can be found and there are two disused Victoria Line tube carriages on display. Not only used as exhibits and sets for movies and TV, on three nights each week, one transforms into an unusual and exclusive restaurant.
Columbian chef Beatriz Maldonado Carreño introduces her Latin American menu inspired mainly by her home country. Supperclub.tube has an amazing menu comprising some old favourites alongside haute cuisine dishes. White tablecloths, silver service and comfortable seating are guaranteed alongside atmospheric lighting and soft jazz.
Another underground treat is in store for Londoners and visitors this summer. A fully restored 1938 tube will travel along the Piccadilly Line with tickets available to ride and a talk included by the architect Charles Holden whose innovative designs played a massive role in shaping the appearance of London.
Bridging loan
In Newham, East London, many new homes have been built, with thousands more in the pipeline. The main organisation behind this development is the Silvertown Partnership and they have now put £41 million (€47.3 million) into a new bridge project by Newham Council.
There already is a crossing over the Royal Victoria Dock, but this is in poor condition with lifts that rarely function. This new bridge will swerve across the water with elegant curves in a style not seen before in London. The structure cleverly elevates the bridge on a gradual gradient to the centre and then falls away in a similar manner on the other side. This will allow smaller craft to pass under the centre and, as this is a mostly sealed dock, larger vessels are rare. However, the bridge will also be able to open if access is needed, using a clever swivel method.
This will provide an interesting walk to really appreciate the post-industrial nature of East London’s docklands generally. Controversially, many of the old dockside buildings have been demolished, but in this area, there are plenty of interesting conversions and new usage on show.
The ‘Silvertown Bridge’ will connect the newly opened Elizabeth Line and Docklands Light Railway stations and will provide a huge boost to the area generally. Work is scheduled to start soon, and the search is on for a nickname, with ‘Snake Bridge’ currently favourite!
Meanwhile, on the other side of town is a hidden gem of a bridge which relatively few Londoners know about. The Clattern Bridge in Kingston, South West London, is actually the oldest surviving bridge in the UK capital.
Clattern Bridge dates back to 1175 and its sturdy arches cross the Hogsmill river, a tributary of the mighty Thames. It wasn’t scheduled as an ancient monument until 1938, but it is now fully protected by Grade I listing as a significant part of London’s history. Amazingly, the bridge has stood the test of time, and the local stone has weathered well. Significant alterations were made in 1852 to accommodate the additional traffic of the industrial age, but it still retains the original style and features.
Bridges provided an ideal place of physical punishment for wrongdoing in bygone days and there is evidence on the structure of barbaric practices, including ducking stools and other humiliating treatment. Nearby is the Coronation stone where kings were once crowned, and both are worth a visit in the place that proudly calls itself the Royal Borough of Kingston Upon Thames.
Pride in London
The LGBTQ+ community in London is stronger than ever and each June upwards of one million people descend on the West End to celebrate diversity. 2024 will be the biggest yet with the huge parade through London and free music and other performances in Trafalgar Square and the West End.
Soho comes into its own as the centre of diversity. There are always parties and events in all the bars and clubs around the area but also all over London.
For those with stamina, a day-to-night Pride Party is planned in Hackney Wick, East London, called Howl Pride. This event lasts for 15 hours and starts with a garden party and guest performances. There are stalls, music and a bouncy castle with the whole event turning into an all-night rave. This is the latest of many such events, but the organisers are promising 2024 will be the ‘biggest party yet’.
Meanwhile, over on the southbank of the Thames, a Drag Brunch’ will take place with stars from Drag Race UK attending. Tickets for this are selling fast and no doubt the bottomless prosecco is a major attraction.
Sore heads beckon for many Londoners on the day after the night before (June 29, 2024)
Richard Lamberth leads parallel lives with homes and business interests in London and Portugal. He provides consultancy services to leading businesses in insurance and financial services, property and media sectors. He has four sons, two dogs and enjoys a busy family life. He likes swimming, keeping fit and an outdoor life.
londoncalling@portugalresident.com
