London 2026

My fifth consecutive summer trip to the UK capital was destined to be a hot one. All the temperature records were being broken and I had a full programme of walks planned. I decided to approach with a degree of caution and rework the plan if necessary. Getting down there has become something of a well-oiled machine. I opted for the West Coast Main Line both ways and arrived at Euston early evening on a Monday. I had booked my usual berth at the Walrus Hostel near Waterloo and I strolled leisurely towards the River Thames, pulling in for a quick pint at the Montagu Pyke - a large Wetherspoons pub on Charing Cross Road. I didn't realise it at the time, but I was sitting in a former London live music institution.