An Interview with: City Cruises

By Go City Expert

A Thames River Cruise is a highlight on a trip to London and is a real must when you’re planning your itinerary. City Cruises offer daily tours and a handful of different Thames experiences and routes to choose from, offering a unique perspective of London. Not to mention stunning views of the London skyline – and sunsets on a good day! We went down to their pier and spoke to one of their veterans, Gary Hancock, a boat captain, who has worked on the river for over a quarter of a century and who has his fair share of Thames tales! From the funniest questions he’s been asked, to his top London tips, Captain Hancock reveals all in our exclusive interview... London Pass: So tell me a bit about yourself and your life on the Thames GARY: I’ve actually worked for City Cruises on and off for the last 20 years... But I’ve been working on the River Thames for the last 34 years – time flies when you’re having fun! LP: What kind of views can you get from the Thames; you can really see London from a totally unique perspective can’t you? GARY: Well, if you’re travelling from Westminster to Greenwich and you get to Canary Wharf, with a clear view you can see back to Tower Bridge. Literally, the River bends in big horse shoes and people don’t believe that you can look back and see the all the landmarks when you’re that far along. You can even see the Gherkin and the Shard. LP: You must get some stunning sunsets? GARY: In the summer it is really beautiful when the sun’s setting and you get this orange colour just as the sun disappears over the horizon. LP: So where is the best place to be along the river to catch one of these sunsets? GARY: I think down Greenwich Pier, or down by the Naval Colleges in Greenwich. Greenwich is a very historical and important place. People often forget there are a lot more places to go than the obvious – they just think of the main ones: Cutty Sark, Royal Observatory... But there are lots of nooks and crannies to be explored, tucked away in Greenwich. You can spend a whole day down there. LP: There’s also a nice market isn’t there? GARY: Greenwich indoor market: that’s great for cuisines all round the world and is inexpensive, too. So if you’ve got children and are travelling as a family, or if you’re on a budget, it’s great! LP: So is that your top tip; you must go to Greenwich! GARY: My top tip would be, yes, go to Greenwich but go early in the morning and spend a day down there; plan your trip out – because it can’t be done in a couple of hours! The Cutty Sark is a must-see, especially since the multi-million pound re-development. Greenwich is a beautiful area; you’ve got the Naval College and the Queen’s House – and as you come into Greenwich Pier the view hasn’t changed in over 300 years, we sometimes take the boat in a bit further just to see it. It’s even depicted in Canaletto’s painting A View of Greenwich from the River – it still looks the same now as it did then. As you look up, you’ve got the Old Royal Naval Colleges, designed by Sir Christopher Wren, and you’ve got the Queen’s House and Greenwich Park and the statue of General James Wolf in the Royal Observatory. LP: So what would be the best trip for a tourist to take on a City Cruise boat? GARY: If you’ve got limited time, I would do the 45 minutes non-stop circular cruise from Tower pier – but you can’t go to Tower Bridge without going in the Tower! LP: Definitely, it’s most tourists’ favourite London landmark – and I’m not surprised, it’s got such a diverse history, plus it’s right on the river... GARY: It’s funny when a tourist asks about the Tower of London being an old prison, they never believe me when I tell them that the last people imprisoned there were Ronnie and Reggie Kray [1952]. They look at me like I’m mad! LP: You must have had some funny questions from passengers on your boat – what is the funniest thing you’ve been asked? GARY: I think the funniest thing was when we were at Westminster and someone asked me for the time, just as we were going under Big Ben... Big Ben’s another great landmark, and you can’t miss it either! Someone also asked me once where the rails were that the boat was running along... Like it was an underwater Disney ride! LP: They’ve definitely not been on a City Cruise boat before then! GARY: I get a lot of people who buy the ticket and don’t know where they’re going either – they don’t care where they end up or what they see, they just want a trip along the Thames! LP: So how much longer do you think you’ll be working on the Thames for? Indefinitely seeing as you love it so much? GARY: Until I feel the time is right – there are still watermen out here in their 70s! City Cruise boats are all-weather, modern boats with open upper decks and heated lower decks with seating and refreshments. For more information, visit their website.

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Interview with: Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens is one of London’s most popular attractions situated in the leafy suburbs of Richmond, West London. We should give thanks to ‘mad’ King George III who, together with his wife Charlotte, commissioned Kew gardens to become what it is today. With 121 hectares, a glass house, lakes, tree walks and nature trails – it’s no wonder Kew Gardens is a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular things to do in London. We spoke to Wesley Shaw, Palm House manager at Kew Gardens, to get more insight in what it’s really like behind-the-scenes at Kew and what it feels like to work in one of the best gardens in the world. What inspired you to work at Kew Gardens? Kew had the most diverse plant collection in the UK and for a gardener like me, who is naturally really into plants, it is just the best place to work. Kew contains the rarest and most unusual plants you are ever likely to come across. How long have you been working at Kew Gardens? Over eleven years now... Kew is a special place; there are some great people who work here and there’s a really great team effort. Why in your opinion, is Kew Gardens unlike any others of its kind in London? Kew Gardens is about the plants, of course; but it is more than that. We’ve got the science aspect of it and you have to appreciate all the research that goes on, too. In total, there’s the laboratory, we have art galleries and restaurants – the gardens come with the whole package. What do you think most attracts tourists and visitors to come to Kew Gardens? It’s obvious! Tourists come for the plants and to have a nice day out. Especially in the summer, everyone loves relaxing in the sun and enjoying everything Kew has to offer. How easy is it to maintain the gardens at Kew? It takes a lot of work. It takes a large workforce to keep everything looking good throughout the year. It is difficult and a challenge, but I think we all rise to it and do a pretty good job. Kew Gardens is made up of a number of different gardens - do you have a favourite and if so, why? I'd have to say the Palmhouse really, because that is my domain. The Palmhouse is Kew's iconic glasshouse, it is the one you see on all the pictures. It is the oldest of the glasshouses here at Kew, built back in 1844. Architecturally it is very important, it is a beautiful building home to a selection of tropical plants. Here we represent the habitat of a tropical rainforest. We keep the temperatures high and humid to grow plants from all over the tropics. We have a lot of important economic plants - so they would be things that people use every day in terms of medicine and clothes and food. Unlike other areas of the gardens, in the Palmhouse, we deal more with education than conservation. Conservation goes on behind the scenes, but with the plants in the garden, we try to tell visitors about the plants and how they are used so that people can both enjoy but learn about what they are experiencing. What plants or flowers do you plan to grow ahead of the summer season? The Palmhouse is really a static collection; it doesn't change that much. We have a seasonal display in the water lily house, which I also manage, but that’s more of a floral tropical display. What hints and tips are you asked by visitors who come to Kew Gardens? Working in the Palmhouse, we get lots of questions mainly about how to manage and grow house plants, so we always give people tips on the best way of doing that. There’s a lot of inspiration to be had from the Palmhouse. You must have had a few celebrity visitors at Kew Gardens? We've had Bradley Wiggins who did a photoshoot here in Kew. We've also had the top model, Lily Cole, come for a visit and Dido was here a few years ago. Because it’s not your typical garden, or park, there is so much going on here all the time – it always keeps things fresh and interesting. I suppose the last celebrity we had was James Cracknell doing a Question of Sport! Visit Kew Gardens for free with The London Pass - pay nothing and explore the huge gardens for the perfect family day out.
Vanessa Teo
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Where to go for the best brunches in London

When in London, it’s mandatory to do a tour of London through both sight and taste, as we explored with our Dine by Borough post, previously. There are so many places to be explored from the city’s top attractions down to the best street-side eateries to combine the two for a tasty, sightseeing adventure. As we’re lapping up the rest of the summer sun and making the most of the long days, we’re getting up earlier and starting our days on a high; happy with full bellies. This month we’re all about the brunches. For a unique tour of London, why not munch your way around the capital with the city’s best brunch spots. From West to East, Central to Soho, there are plenty of eateries to choose from. Here are some of our favourite brunches (to suit every budget!): Chiltern Firehouse: ££££ Chiltern Firehouse is the place to be at the moment. If you’re au fait with the British celebrity scene, there isn’t anyone who hasn’t been papped at the Chiltern Firehouse recently, or who isn’t on the waiting list to get in. A pre-booking-is-essential kind of place, it’s truly worth it though as at brunch time pretences are dropped and all you’re left with is excellent service. At the weekends you can enjoy a tasty brunch from 11am-3pm – great for the late risers – and should the sun be shining and there be a table, you might be able to eat in the quaint courtyard outside, too. Tuck into simple dishes given a Chiltern flair and you’ll be guaranteed one of the best brunches in town. 1 Chiltern St, W1U 7PA – Marylebone tube www.chilternfirehouse.com The Wolseley: £££ One of London’s most loved, and longest-standing, institutions, The Wolseley is a must-do on your tour of London. Even if it’s just to have a slice of toast and a pot of Earl Grey, sit back and enjoy your first meal of the day in one of London’s most traditional and upper class establishments. From 7am-11.30am on weekdays, opening an hour later on the weekend, it’s the best place to go to kick off your day of sightseeing bright and early. From freshly baked sweet pastries to continental dishes, book your place now for a breakfast to remember. 160 Piccadilly, W1J 9EB – Green Park tube www.thewolseley.com/breakfast The Riding House Café: £££ Tucked away behind the bustling high street, Oxford Circus, in the quieter streets of central London, this place is great for those after a spot of shopping. The Riding House Café is a hot spot for locals and those in-the-know, with breakfast kicking off at 7.30am on weekdays, served until midday, and 8.30am on the weekends, until 11.30am. If you're after more than that, you can also tuck into a brunch specific menu which runs until 3.30pm and 4pm respectively. It’s great for the healthy eaters, too, with a wide range of granolas and energising smoothies for an all-natural pick-me-up. 43-51 Great Titchfield St, W1W 7PQ – Oxford Circus tube www.ridinghousecafe.co.uk Muriel’s Kitchen: ££ Right in the heart of town, Muriel’s Kitchen is London’s answer to a hearty American-style brunch without the grease. Tuck into wedge-thick blueberry pancakes and maple syrup, or try an open sandwich with scrambled eggs, avocado and bacon. There’s a huge choice and something to suit everyone, especially those with a sweet tooth. With a variety of smoothies and milkshakes, too, think hearty American breakfasts with a Cath Kidston country-feel. Muriel’s is family friendly and a safe bet for the kids – no need to book either, brunch is served until 1pm Mon-Sat, or 2pm on Sundays. Soho - 36 - 38 Old Compton Street, W1D 4TT – Leicester Square tube South Kensington - 1-3 Pelham Street, SW7 2nd – South Kensington tube Leicester Square - 7-9 Leicester Square, WC2H 7NA – Leicester Square tube http://www.murielskitchen.co.uk/home Gail’s Artisan Bakery: ££ For those on-the-go Gail’s Bakery is the perfect answer. No need to book, there are a handful of Gail’s dotted around London from Goodge Street to Queen's Park so you’re more than likely to bump into one on your travels. Its artisan-ethos means most things are organic and freshly made that day; it’s basically London’s homemade step up from Starbucks. You can either sit down or take away and enjoy freshly brewed coffee, a variety of herbal teas and flavoured breads, muffins and a wide range of hot food, too. Most Londoners can locate their nearest within 5miles and it’s a great alternative for those who don’t want to splash too much cash. Barnes, Battersea, Belsize Park, Bloomsbury, Chiswick, Crouch End, Dulwich Village, Exmouth Market, Fulham Road, Hampstead, King’s Road, Notting Hill, Queen’s Park, Soho, South Kensington, St John’s Wood http://gailsbread.co.uk/
Vanessa Teo
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