Numero uno, it's a case of knowing where to go. The route. The best way to go. The best way to get there. Location, location, location. Or vantage points, if you prefer.

 

 

Numero secundo, it's a case of knowing where to look. That's also why you go on a walk. To get to see the delightful details – the stuff you'd otherwise miss.

 

 

Sometimes it's a case of just knowing.  Knowing where this is. Knowing the best way to get there. But also knowing the story about the famous American actress who lived here – and would get her parties off to a remarkable start by getting her panties off (and everything else) and, yup, answering the door stark naked when you pitched up and rang the bell. That's change-the-way-you-see-London savvy. That doorway ain't never going to look the same.

 

 

Or knowing which Mayfair town house is "the most haunted house in Europe". And knowing about those railings – who got impaled on them, and why. See his hair? No wonder it's standing up there. Okay, okay, it's the railings. But the back story is the reason this 'un was the photo that "made the cut". Quills upon the fretful porpentine, so to speak.

 

 

And knowing which alleyway turns up trumps – as opposed to the one that should be the alleyway not taken. Again, that's why you see it with a guide.

 

 

A great walking tour is a classy doorway into "the best neighbourhood in London"

 

 

 

And that's not to mention Apres Walk! You want a good restaurant – or gallery or show or museum – recommendation you've cracked it. You've got a local to call on. Local knowledge, you can't beat it.

 

 

Now. A "production note". All of these were shot on a January evening. Ergo the "tonality".  Will revisit Mayfair – camera in hand – come the vernal season. One bright spring morning.