Carnaby Street

It was probably a bit bonkers to head into central London on the last Saturday before the Christmas weekend, but I was keen to see the Carnaby Street lights and have a general soak in the Christmas atmosphere. Fred suggested starting with a warm cinnamon bun from the Nordic Bakery, which was a very fine idea indeed.

After a potter about the shops, we headed to the South Bank for a small bite to eat. By our table, we were surrounded by pretty girls in high heels and young lads, with one older chap who was being hugged continuously by one of these pretty ladies. The whole crowd had broad London accents, which was quite novel for my ears to hear in central London. I think it was a work night out of some sorts. Hearing those accents, it's very hard not to jump to stereotypes of wide boys from the East End, straight from the set of the soap. They aroused my curiosity, but I didn't dare ask them what line of work they were in. Suffice to say they were very loud and there was a little effing and blinding. All good natured, though.

The highlight of the evening was The Boy With Tape on his Face, who headlined the comedy gig we attended at the Purcell Rooms. He was absolutely hilarious. I thoroughly recommend going to see him. I also recommend that you do not sit in the front three rows, unless you wish to find yourself on stage. The folk who went up tonight were all good sports, especially the bloke who kept being called up on to the stage and who was blindfolded at the end (as on the end of the clip linked to above).