I spend many hours in the bookshops along this stretch, namely Henry Pordes for second hand books and new discounted titles (pile on left of photo), as well as Koenig Books for new art books with lots of great discounts in the basement. (photo right). In 2001 the rents for much of this strip were increased to align them closer to market value but thanks to public support they were reduced again. Unfortunately some bookshops still closed down; Koenig replaced the beloved Zwemmers - a real institution - but thankfully still provide great books, although others are no longer bookshops at all.

It paces a Londoner's life. When the tide is low I like wandering on the "beach" and discovering tunnels that take me to the centre of the Earth.

2 Willow Road designed by Ernő Goldfinger and completed in 1939. It has been managed by the National Trust and is open to the public. Goldfinger lived here with his wife and their children until his death in 1987.

The walk along the South Bank from Westminster to Tower Bridge will take you past a plethora or interesting sights and cultural hotspots. There's always something interesting going on too.

Southbank has organically evolved into a place of cultural significance through the persistent creative use of skateboarders spanning over generations. Southbank is currently under threat of being destroyed and replaced by coffee shops and retail outlets. There has been an alternative skate spot preposed to be built under Hungerford Bridge, this at first glance seems like an appropriate solution. Unfortunately this undermines the grassroots movement that has been developed over the years. Skateboarders have utilised the unsuspecting angles of brutalist architecture in a way they were originally not intended, in doing so they have created a space that is special and unreplicable. You can help save this historic place by signing the petition.