London Fog & Lost Gloves: A Drummer's Dizzying Dip
okay, so. london. right? i just got back, and honestly, my brain feels like a cymbal that’s been hit one too many times. touring life, you know? it’s a rush, but it also leaves you…scattered. this trip was supposed to be a quick recharge, a few days to wander and maybe find a decent cup of coffee (a serious quest, let me tell you).
I landed, bleary-eyed, and immediately regretted not packing warmer socks. i just checked and it’s drizzling sideways, a proper London weep, there right now, hope you like that kind of thing. the air smells like wet pavement and…something vaguely floral? maybe someone’s got a really determined rose bush going on.
My hotel was near *Paddington, which was surprisingly…chill. not what i expected. I was expecting chaos, but it was more like a polite, slightly damp hum. I spent the first day just wandering, letting the city swallow me whole. Found a tiny record shop - Intoxica Records - seriously, if you’re into obscure jazz, go. It’s a rabbit hole. https://www.intoxicarecords.co.uk/
Food-wise…well. I’m a drummer, not a food critic. But I did overhear some drunk bloke at a pub near Hyde Park yelling about the best fish and chips. Apparently, The Golden Hind is the place to go. “Best cod this side of the Atlantic!” he slurred. I haven’t checked it out yet, but it’s on the list. I did find a phenomenal bakery, though. Lulu’s Bakery - seriously, their custard tarts are life-changing. https://www.luluslondon.com/
I spent a good chunk of time just people-watching. Londoners are a mood. So many layers. So much unspoken history. I saw a guy in a full tweed suit riding a scooter. A woman arguing with a pigeon. A group of teenagers breakdancing in the rain. It’s…a lot.
Someone told me that the British Museum is a must-see, but honestly, I’m more of a “stumble into interesting alleyways” kind of traveler. I did pop in for a bit, saw a few dusty artifacts, felt vaguely overwhelmed, and then escaped back into the drizzle.
If you get bored, Oxford and Cambridge are just a short train ride away. Apparently, they’re full of old buildings and even older traditions. Not really my vibe, but hey, to each their own. I’m more into the chaotic energy of the city itself.
I also heard a local warn me about pickpockets around Leicester Square. Apparently, it’s a hot spot. Keep your wits about you, yeah?
My gear list for this trip was minimal:
My trusty snare drum (had to practice, obviously)
Noise-canceling headphones (essential for sanity)
A ridiculously oversized scarf (London weather, duh)
A notebook and pen (for jotting down random thoughts and lyrics)
A portable charger (because my phone dies faster than my enthusiasm sometimes)
A reusable water bottle (gotta stay hydrated, even in the rain)
Pro-tip: download the Citymapper app. Seriously. It’s a lifesaver for navigating the Tube*. Also, don’t be afraid to get lost. Some of the best discoveries happen when you’re not looking for anything in particular. Check out some local events on https://www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/events too.
Honestly, London is…intense. But in a good way. It’s a city that gets under your skin, a city that challenges you, a city that leaves you feeling both exhausted and exhilarated. I’m already planning my return trip. Maybe next time I’ll actually check out that fish and chips place. And maybe I’ll find my lost glove.