London's Elephants - One not yet in the series

I passed this restaurant, Elephant Royale in the Isle of Dogs and realised that I would have to come back and find an elephant figure here for the series. Potentially, it could be a good find because of its excellent riverside location and (apparently) reasonable prices, will be fun finding out.

Happy Eater

I thought I'd share my breakfast with you; these days I find it easier not to eat before I start in the morning so I break my journey in Hyde Park and have a bite to eat. Cameraphone struggles a bit, but you get the idea. I think I'm lucky.

Reflections on Flying

London City Airport is my very favourite in the world, mostly because I can be at home thirty minutes after landing, including collecting baggage. There's something fascinating about watching planes take off and land though, isn't there?

The narrow and the wide of it

Rather them than me, I caught this flotilla of narrow boats on the Thames. There was one pint in particular where they hit an eddy and it got very ... interesting... for those on board. The Canary Wharf skyline is very New York, though, isn't it?

Old and the New in Docklands

Time was those cranes would have been working night and day, now they are just a reminder of times past. Those houses are what the Docklands does now.

Wiltons Music Hall

Wilton's Music Hall is one of the most hidden of London's secrets, and hard to find even if you know where it is. I would recommend you pay a visit to the world's oldest surviving music hall, if you possibly can.

Out of the Strong Came Forth Sweetness

The old carving of the Tate & Lyle's trademark can be see outside their factory in Silvertown, and you can even see the bees in the story. I've always wondered about it, by the time the bees had made their home, the last vestiges of skin would have long gone.

London's Biggest Explosion

This forlorn monument, tucked away in deepest Docklands, commemorates what was probably London's biggest ever explosion. It happened in a TNT factory in Silvertown in 1917, which was purifying TNT against advice of the factory scientists ("manifestly very dangerous") - sited in a densely populated area. Apparently 50 tons of TNT exploded as well as a gasometer and the blast could be heard 100 miles away. 73 people died (amazingly few) but the area was devastated. Read more about it here

The Shipping Forecast

There will be ships in the Royal Victoria Dock. That is the end of the shipping forecast. Not certain what this is all about, a sort-of wet dry dock, although I rather like the image. Anyone know?

The Aquatic Centre

Also visible from Westfield is the Aquatic Centre, shown here. Those strange side pieces rather like wings are extra seating for the Olympics, that will be removed afterwards leaving the inner "pringle".

ArcelorMittal Orbit

Well, that is what this spaghetti Tower of Babel is called, and the one good thing about going to Westfield is that it affords you some of the very best views of the Olympic Park, as it takes shape.

Veni. Vidi.

I got bored and went home. Westfield, Stratford. It's just shops. Shops, shops and more shops. Shops like you can see anywhere in the world. Under a roof without weather. Why on earth are people excited about it? Sure, it's a good thing for East London - everyone else has these shops, why shouldn't we - but there's nothing new here.

Dazzleships

If you don't recognise the reference of the title, you can read about it here. I was reminded of it last week outside the Excel. It couldn't be this wee as I wouldn't be allowed to stand there, as the arms fair is on. I very much like the Space Hijackers creative move to get publicity. Dazzle Ships was also the title of an OMD album)

The Meaning of Sport

Half of the National Portrait Gallery Road to 2012 exhibition deals with the people behind the administration, half with the frontline athletes. The athletes have been photographed, together with a a person who inspires them. I wanted to show you this image of Anna Sharkey, playing Goalball. The eye shade blackouts are worn by all, allowing even partially sighted players to compete on an even footing (and possibly prepare for a time when they have no sight). I feel humble. If I had doubts before, I don't now - I am going to the paralympics.

The Magician

I was fortunate to be invited to the National Portrait Gallery Road to 2012 exhibition. Everyone can go, for free, but we got treated to a talk by the curator, Anne Braybon, who conjured this show together. Here you see an example from the half of the exhibition showing the people behind the scenes. The photo is of Paul Deighton the Chief Exec of the games preparation.

Dead End Gate

There's a little park in the back of nowhere in Docklands where you can see the gates from the Harland and Wolff shipyard, from 1924, now defunct. I've always imagined that the pearly gates would look a little like this.

The Thames Barrier

Public access to the barrier and most of the photos are on the South bank, but you can get a vantage point on the North Bank - just not that easy to find by accident.

The Shard Again

I think I've found what is going to be the definitive point to take Shard photos from - More London. That's a name of the street, not a description of this blog.

Dear me

As promised, my favourite photo from the Thames Festival. And no, I can't tell you how dear it was.

At a loose end? Nothing loose here

It's the end of the summer and the Thames Festival time again, I would really recommend a visit. This year, there seem to be far more craft and small business stalls. Oh yes, and one or two people, too. I'll show some other photos over the next days for thise that can't make it.

What's your job like?

Does it involve a lot of hanging around?

The LSE is slipping

Or at least, it looks as if their fascia is, on their building in Kingsway. Another understated artwork that people can walk past every day without noticing - if they don't look up.

On the move....

Saw this amended road sign at the south end of Harley Street, what's so much fun is that nobody notices it.

The Softer Side of Docklands

Many people visit Canary Wharf and never discover the Jubilee Park, which is a shame. It is a most surprising area and a welcome place to sit on a sunny day to munch a lunch.

Docklands Reflections

Sometimes, I reflect on big buildings. Sometimes, they reflect on me.

The Lunatics Have Taken Over the Asylum

And do you know what? It runs better. Often people think that you have to be crazy to cycle in London, but the truth is it's the best way to get about London, and on Sunday thousands of people go the chance to try it out on closed roads on the Skyride . It's an excellent start and a really good natured day.

Top Gun!

On Saturday and Sunday, a small corner of Docklands has been given over to become a piece of California for an open air showing of Top Gun and The Lost Boys, with added participation from cast/helpers and the audience. Around 8,000 paid the £25 needed to join in, I believe the event is sold out. I came across the cast members rehearsing earlier in the day - looked like a load of fun to be had. Facebook page here

The last days of summer

This year has been a bit of a miserable one weather wise, but this Friday and Saturday look set to be warm and cheerful - do make the most of them. (this was taken while I was out for a walk on Friday evening, on the Wanstead Flats, just near where I live)

The Eaton Rifles

This brass plaque around the back of Sloane Square puts me in mind of the Jam song, Eton Rifles, which has a fascinating story to it, I especially like the recent addition of Paul Weller's comment on David Cameron.

A Different Perspective

It's Monthly City Daily Photo theme day again, and the theme is Perspective. One thing for sure, this person has a different perspective on London life than you or I might have.

If you'd like to see how this has been interpreted around the world, click here to view thumbnails for all participants