Songbird Simon W.’s Covent Garden Podcast – Part 1

“Wouldn’t it be loverly…” Buried treasure – award-winning guide who bursts into song – “you’re going to look up and be absolutely astonished” – “Betsy with her immense size breasts” – Bridge of Aspiration – Bridge of Perspiration – classical Roman temple – Molly houses – place of past and present mystery – “because of this wretched virus we can’t take you on the walks but that doesn’t stop us because we can take the walks to you. So sit back, relax and use your imagination as I take you on the walk” – that coat of arms – the most famous market in England – Italian townhouse – Eddie Izzard – 1300 years of history – 18th-century Tinder – Noel Coward and Audrey Hepburn – 11 taverns and as many unlegislated brothels – we won’t be charged extra – an everyday story of domestic violence – graceful homage to the world of ballet – lowly Cockney flower girl…

7 responses to “Songbird Simon W.’s Covent Garden Podcast – Part 1”

  1. Janet Whitehead says:

    Last week on a visit to London, with my son Edward, I was fortunate to be able to go on a ‘live’ walk with Simon around Covent Garden. We were the only two people who turned up for the tour on a grey, drizzly London morning, in effect, our own private tour. I have visited Covent Garden many times over the years but knew very little of its history or famous inhabitants. Simon brought the history of the area to life and pointed out features on the buildings which we would otherwise not have noticed. I don’t recall him recounting the anecdote about ‘Betsy with her immense size breasts’ but perhaps he thought it inappropriate for a mother and son duo! However, that aside, we both thoroughly enjoyed the tour and would highly recommend it. I also look forward to going on other London walks on future visits to London.

  2. John Knight says:

    We went on the Little Venice walk yesterday. Absolutely loved it. Different from the pomp of the London city walks, a bit of an oasis, but just so good. Fabulously entertaining and warm guide, felt like being let into a secret world.

  3. David Tucker says:

    Ah, many thanks, John. Brilliant, show-stopping last phrase: “felt like being led into a secret world.” We’ll be quoting you, that’s for sure.

  4. David Tucker says:

    Ah, many thanks, Janet. In full agreement, of course. Simon’s the platonic ideal of a walking tour guide. And I can just imagine him doing that bit of “editing”, “reading the room” as it were.

  5. Peter Kerr says:

    Peter KERR

    Went on National Gallery walk with Simon.

    Very informative,interesting and enjoyable.

  6. Bev Mayhew says:

    Our family of four went on a private tour of Greenwich with Simon yesterday—a cold, windy, rainy day in late December. Simon was an exceptional guide. He had the ability to impart a crazy amount of history, using facts, figures and a good smattering of interesting stories, to keep us all thoroughly engaged. And his style, demonstrating his amazing knowledge without a whiff of pretension, was delightful. A highlight of our trip.

  7. Silvia says:

    Today we went on a Covent Garden interiors walk with Simon W. It was one of the best walks I have been. Super informative and fun. He took us to places that we would have missed otherwise. Loved him and his banter!

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