Blog ≫ 2025 ≫ Big London day out
After parkrun, dropped boys to Grandpa's house for the day, then we raced for our train to London. Well, to the train station, but the first step was a rail replacement bus to Ashford. And it was late and there were A LOT of people waiting, would we get on? We got on. As it left the station it passed an accident at the junction in Cheriton, possibly what had held it up originally. It was a replacement for the fast train, so M20 all the way to Ashford. Obviously running late now and has missed its connecting train but the next one was OK.
Quick snack in Gregg's. And hey there's a new Gregg's moving in to what was the bank in Folkestone. Where do I pay this Premium Bonds cheque in now?
Some kind of mental health situation going on in the toilets at St Pancras. A man shouting, having shut himself in a cubicle, refusing to come out. He was saying he needs an ambulance but he didn't trust anyone and wouldn't open the door. I don't know how it ended, we had places to be.
We walked to Covent Garden and window shopped for an hour or so. Tried to get Pokemon cards and briefly looked at clothes for me, then chose some new winter boots for the wife. Good to try them on, feeling a bit bad about wasting the shop's time as we couldn't carry them around with us today.
Next to pub, The Roundhouse, a place we used to meet at when first moving to London. It's a Fullers and had some great beer. Then to Rosa's for a fabulous Thai dinner. Vegan sharing platter to start, then all vegan mains too, drunken noodles, tofu and cashew stir fry, green beans, and rice. Very nice!
Next down to Hammersmith to look for a pub before the gig. Had three in mind, settled on The Blue Anchor, and I didn't really like it. Very popular, full of bright young things. On the river but not a nice enough day to benefit from that. Would be nicer in the summer.
Met our friend there and caught up, then on Hammersmith Odeon. Very busy a fully sold out crowd for Gene. Nearly everyone there our age, didn't recognise anyone though I thought I might have done. Missed the support, didn't buy any merch, not even a Gene tea towel.
They seemed to open with their encore to me. I forgot how many good songs they had. A good set, just a few in the second half I wasn't familiar with. They look much the same but older, funny that. Guitarist Steve has shaved his hair off but the others look about the same.
They did THREE encores sort of. Looks like only two actually according to setlist, I guess it was just big ending, then encore then, another.
London, Can You Wait?
Be My Light, Be My Guide
We Could Be Kings
Your Love, It Lies
Where Are They Now?
Truth, Rest Your Head
Long Sleeves for the Summer
Stop
Sleep Well Tonight
Rising for Sunset
Save Me, I'm Yours
O Lover
Speak to Me Someone
A Car That Sped
Walking in the Shallows
The British Disease
Haunted by You
Olympian
For the Dead
You'll Never Walk Again
Sick, Sober & Sorry
Fighting Fit
I Can't Help Myself
Somewhere in the World
Who Said This Was the End
I headed out after Olympian, during For The Dead, but they kept playing on. I waited in the lobby, seeing others filing out to get last trains and so on. Thought again about buying some signed Gene vinyl while waiting but probably good to save the money right now, got more gigs coming up. I must see what Gene vinyl I do have, no albums.
Made our planned train, actually running through the station, and of course rail replacement bus for the last leg. Also delayed. But finally home. Clare had not drunk as she is feeling a bit covidy so she drove back from the station. Saves a job collecting that today.
Completely missed the free Octopus Energy 1 again yesterday.
Sunny intervals and a fresh breeze, 8 - 16℃.
- Join Octopus Energy here and we both earn money.
💬 Gene
⬅️ Health stats 5/10/25 :: Parkrun 203 ➡️