London’s Little Italy & the Legends of Islington (4K)

[@stevelam5898]

The soul of London. Will never get tired of walking those streets, I hope till an old age.

[@hpoonis2010]

I used to work in Chapel market on Saturdays at a 'surplus' store (army gear) during the late 1970s. There was a toffee apple/apple fritter vendor in the street outside the store. A furrier was on one of the side roads (never liked it), and (my favourite) a cafe which sold lemon ice-cream from a whippy-like machine. ...and yes, I used to enjoy (double) pie & (double) mash at Manze's. In fact, my first experience of Manze's was in Hornsey. It was a bit of a walk down Hornsey Road to get there. There was another at Peckham and I would get a bus from Dulwich to visit that one. The last one I recall was Deptford High Street and I would always visit that one; on the other side of the road was a rival pie place, Goddard's. I only ever got sausage sandwiches from there. I'd be interested to know if any still remain. As a child, I attended Copenhagen School. I used to get beat up by a gang of kids who also attended, on far more than one occasion. I did catch each of the ringleaders on their own and offered some 7-year old retribution. The main character was the nephew of Charlie George.

[@jimmeltonbradley1497]

Amazing to see Finsbury Town hall, where I was married back in 1981. I was, at the time, living just off Essex Road in Islington and teaching at Islington Green School. I've not been back since then as, shortly after my wedding, we moved first to Devon and then to Blackheath on the other side of the river. I've not lived in London since 1991, (now in Somerset),. so I do love your walks.

[@MFTU268]

I grew up there. Farringdon Road. My family owned The Golden Fish Restaurant. All my family were baptised and confirmed in St Peters. My dad played the organ there and my brother was an altar boy. A great area of London. Brilliant stories of the Blitz and life around The Meat market. Superb characters...sadly all gone now.

[@jeddazenovka]

Also from Farringdon Rd, we used to go to that fish and chip shop get cod and chips and a wally every Friday Night in the 70's!

[@marctufano2162]

Their ancestors are here reading about it 😂👍

[@ZL54JK8]

@@marctufano2162 Did you serve in the restaurant? I often used to go there. Very good haddock and chips!

[@marctufano2162]

ZL54JK8 Excellent fish & chips, never had a job there but would have worked there haddock they asked 😀

[@calmeilles]

I used to work on Farringdon road and I couldn't count the number of times I had my lunch in there, or on a rare warm day had take-away to munch in Spa Fields. A while back I visited the area and was *hugely* disappointed to find it gone. As was Gazzano’s Italian deli, and so much more.

[@sallirobinson1753]

I lived in Crawford Passage from 1952 until 1960 with my other two sisters, Auria, Rosa and me. My dad was Italian, Pino Sterlini, my mother was from Newcastle. We lived at 108 Corporation buildings with our basement flat opening onto Crawford Passage. The flat was awful, but life was good, with much freedom for children. We would often sneak into the Mirror newspaper building and go down the various slides of all shapes.

[@marycarden6982]

My husband's roots belong in Little Italy. The Viscardini family were wood carvers and guilders and they lived and worked in Gough Street. A census from the late 19th Century revealed many families living in the same building all with their own trades: candle makers, cab drivers, silversmiths, dancers etc.. A fascinating insight into London life.

[@italymad]

I was born in Clerkenwell and grew up in there in the 60s and 70s. Exmouth Market was my world; my it has changed! I think I cried when the pie and mash shop shut! I was baptised in SS Peter & Paul and went to school there. Being of Italian parentage, I went to the Itaian Church too. The Italian Procession was the highlight each July. Lovely to hear all those historical facts. Fab.

[@joanj8419]

I went to school in SS Peter and Paul's and that was my church as well. The majority of the pupils were of Italian or Irish descent like myself. I think that's where my love of Italy has come from, love the Italian culture 😊

[@twinkle3026]

As an Italian lady, who was born and brought up, in The UK, by Italian immigrant parents, iam finding your video, very interesting. Thank you! xxxx

[@michaelbullen2390]

Wow!! Every street road and many of the buildings conjured memories and flashbacks from my years on the knowledge and as a London cabbie, such great nostalgia. I've not driven a taxi since the scourge of Uber really took hold some 4 years ago but this video has encouraged me to renew my license which is due to expire in Feb. I love London and just cant give up on it just yet. This video has also inspired me to take up walking in London and I've planned a hike in this very area next week with a friend. Thank you John, thank you very very much.

[@carolevans5285]

My mum and were both born and breed in london , my brothers also me lol. Mum and passed brother moved out of london. Im still her and the history in london is amazing , most of this i didnt no about. So thank you kind sir. Your a breath of fresh air to me.

[@dtoudassous]

Finall the algorithm recommended something good. This was a pleasure to watch.

[@dambrooks7578]

That is how I ended up here. When I took my partner to a pie & mash shop for her birthday, she also was not impressed and said; "But I have all my teeth, but I can see why you like it..."

[@shirlNicks]

Yes, thats how i ended up watching it as well..I love an interesting walk! Thank you so much for filming yr passion.

[@jankapf5807]

Exactly what I was thinking.

[@jennygibbons1258]

Always enjoy your channel which revisits so many haunts of my childhood . So interesting.

[@adonaiyah2196]

I always think this kind of video has the greatest content

[@QuBoadicea69]

I never want your videos to end, they’re so enjoyable. So I just put them on a loop. Your way is nice and casual and nicely easy to watch. Thank you for many hours of your sharing and enthusiasm and personal touch and knowledge. All of it is enjoyable and we need more people like you. Also, I greatly appreciate your not focusing on the gory and/or dark!!! I’m of your generation, who do not crave ugly stories like torture stories or Jack the Ripper--like it seems the younger generation does. Thank you for that. -Linda from Montana

[@JohnRogersWalks]

many thanks Linda

[@tommyd5238]

I enjoy your walks and your enthusiasm for London history, I once worked at Gamages department store 1969/70, I think I can remember that the goods lift was powered by water, the London hydraulic power company, almost silent running ! A very traditional store that sold almost everything, we even bought our pet budgie there, it also had a great toy department with a Santa for the children at Christmas, I was also a postman, circa 1972/75 at King Edward building, the EC delivery section, KIng Edward street, now Bank of America/ Merrill Lynch, around 1972 /75, the post office railway also ran beneath it, I was told that a few ghostly apparitions had been seen down there on occasions !

[@jennygibbons1258]

I have vague memories of Gamages as a small child...a sort of Harrods for real people ..it seemed to me huge and a bit posh 😆

[@charliecoutts3003]

I mention Gamages to in my post. My Dad used to take me and my brother there. It's one of my most vivid early memories (I was 4 or 5), having a turn on the enormous Scalextric in the toy dept. (top floor?) and the amazing model railway too. I envy you having worked there 👍☺️.

[@gezmondean293]

I have a photo with santa taken at gammeges .wow havent heard that name in yonks

[@marianman]

Hi John, please keep making this high-quality content. I now live in Australia but I was born a Londoner 73 years ago, and as a young office equipment technician I walked the streets of London in the late sixties and early seventies. Many of the streets and lanes that you show in your videos (as well as those in Essex) were my workplace at the time, firstly on foot and then later in a grey Morris Minor van. I did not know or understand much of the histories of these places at the time, but I always thought that they were special and deserved my respect. I enjoy your presentations, well-done mate.

[@thehumancanary131]

A very thoughtful, well-researched travelogue driven by love and duty. Love for the semi-forgotten places of London which recede further into the mists of human memory as time progresses, and a self-imposed duty to record such events lest they vanish forever. Well done, sir!

[@baylorsailor]

Well said!

[@joanj8419]

I went to school in Amwell Street. I spent my childhood in and around these streets. Always loved the feel of this area of London. Chapel market was the only and best place to do your shopping. For me, no other area matches Little Italy, Finsbury and the streets around Chapel market. Loved watching this.

[@sharonm2626]

Me2

[@lindalong5052]

There's a lovely Italian deli in Amwell St I discovered a little while ago. The name on the outside is something german-sounding (Schnitzels? Spiegel's? ??) Anyway,they do nice coffee and great bacon sarnies

[@sharonm2626]

@@lindalong5052 I'live right near amwell st.i seen the deli but I didn't no they done coffee ect..it is a lovely st buildings not changed since Victorian times.the only thing is it can be ABIT expensive..I defo gonna try the deli nice tip.,😻🤟🧸

[@lindalong5052]

@@sharonm2626 I seem to remember it was just over a tenner for 2 teas and 2 really nice bacon ""butties ( hanging out there with a northern friend) made with thick white bread or thin sliced wholemeal which is not bad for the area. And the staff are really friendly, cook the bacon how you ask them to. no seating inside-too small but a couple of tables outside. My friend is disabled and if she goes there alone she calls them over to the car and they bring her order out to her. They couldn't be more helpful and they remember you next time you go and how you like your tea.

[@emmamatthars688]

Thank you for this wonderful wander through a really interesting part of London. I shared it with my dad, as his grandfather is one of the fallen soldiers of WW1 commemorated on the outside of St Peter's church (he was killed in Italy on the last day of the war). My dad also told me he used to work for the Prudential in offices in Ely Place back in the day ("very posh" apparently). He told me he loved going into the very old church in the square during his lunch break. Thank you for letting me connect with my dad in this way while we can't see each other in person. x

[@JagBetty]

John, that was the best thing I’ve seen on KZbin since the lockdown began. Brilliant story telling and so much information. You are a true inspiration John and I’m now re reading This other London. Thanks for the upload 😎👍

[@johnfoster7996]

Wonderful - very much my territory through the 1960s - pure nostalgia for me - thank you.

[@markdenney7977]

Interesting video. I used to work on a stall at leather lane market, selling 3 brushed cotton shirts for a tenner, with my uncle Tony when I was 10 years old. I'm 50 now🤣🤣

[@baycast]

What a fantastic walk, and I've loved every moment. Its a magical journey, absorbing history, and all of the sights. I'm so excited that you've made a video about the 'River Fleet'. So that is my next search. Thank you again.

[@marichristian1072]

The one and only time I visited Hatton Garden was to buy my engagement ring. Alas- rather I should say fortunately- the romance dissolved before revisiting Hatton Garden for the wedding ring. John, you outdid yourself on this post. It was just fabulous. My grandfather used to take my sister and I to Leather Lane market. It was a wonderland for us. I can't thank you enough for evoking the memories.

[@VictoriaPichel]

as magnificient is this video! Great walk, John. I enjoyed it very much... though sad and heartbreaking, the empty streets and closed shops sort of added an extra layer of derelict ghostly feel to the area...Going to binge on previous videos now!

[@JohnRogersWalks]

thanks Victoria - hope you enjoy the other videos

[@paolobelocchi2539]

Hi John! Great job! Best Wishes from Italy (Rome)

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Paolo - I have many wonderful memories of your beautiful city

[@Viktoire25]

I used to live in London for 8 years, in the area of E1 right at Spitalfields. I absolutely love the city, but that E1, EC1 area is my favourite!! I wish I could have walked with you those streets.

[@helenhucker346]

Hello John and thank you for this video. As a child I lived on the Farringdon Road during the 50s and 60s and every July we would gather on the pavements to watch the Fiesta make it's way to the church in Little Italy. The crowd would sing Ave Maria which we didn't understand so we named the procession 'The Half Way'.

[@carolinefromspeakinstitche8888]

Oh that's brilliant, what a memory.

[@stuartscott7097]

Sad to hear about Manzi's in Chapel Market. About 10 years ago I had to go on a training course for work at the Angel. Every day, at lunch time, my colleagues would rush off to one of the sandwich shop chains , whilst I nipped round to Manzi's for my pie, mash and liquor. I always finished this off with some fruit from a stall in Chapel Market.

[@balham456]

Of the 2 surviving Manzies in London, one is on Sutton High St. I hope it survives lockdown.

[@didwest1249]

Yep gone now sad I remember me my mum and daughter they went McDonald's I had a pie n mash

[@jfilm7466]

The last time I ate in Chapel Market was 2017. My friends tell me there is no such thing as English food there anymore.

[@lindalong5052]

Go to Cooke's in Hoxton St Market. Open all day

[@daviddorrell8692]

Thanks for bringing my old neighbourhood back to life on a cold January day John. I grew up on the Bourne Estate - where many of the blocks are named after former Bishops of Ely (I live in Scrope, Laney, Radcliffe and Kirkby in my childhood days - all Bishops). Local rumour placed Fagin in a garret above a block on Leather Lane but probably more anecdote than truth. The Italian festival, dedicated to Our Lady of Mount Carmel, was - when I was child in the 60's - the biggest festival in Europe - with crowds of up to half a million thronging the streets as 'Jesus' (a young local man would play the role) dragged his cross through the streets, trailed by dozens of floats presenting Catholic tableau. When Jesus reached the junction just by Leather Lane and Portpool Lane white doves would be released from a cage held in place above the street by wires. Funnily enough this was also the spot where I watched young apprentices to the gold and silver crafts tarred and featherd as they sat tied to a chair - their finaI 'test' before becoming Masters. For a good peak at Leather Lane back then - toward the end of its post-war majesty (1972?) take a look at the Paul Newman film 'Mackintosh Man' - Newman filmed on Leather Lane (though the phone box he uses was a 'prop': www.gettyimages.de/detail/nachrichtenfoto/american-actor-paul-newman-during-the-filming-of-the-nachrichtenfoto/463258261). I lived in New River Head when it's redevelopment was completed - home to an incredible carved dining room, transported to NRH from its original building and attributed to the great wood-carver, Grinling Gibbons (maybe possible to view by appointment - truly a hidden masterpiece). Would be wrong to a fine family for the pie and mash on Exmouth to be attributed to the Manzi's when it was in fact run by the Clarks (I know - I ate there from when I was five up until its closure a few years back). And you didn't mention (though you perhaps alluded to) Sadler's Wells - another of the areas' 'springs/spas' but what I really wanted to know was - what's behind the wooden gates of Ely Place!? Please tell me - I've always wanted to know!

[@christinew9310]

Dad was a proud Londoner and used to walk all over London. Leather lane was the nearest market to his office and he used to bring home many weird and wonderful things, amongst them corn on the cob holders which we found very exotic. Hatton garden was where he took Mum to buy an eternity ring, which I now have. Thank you for so many memories and such a fascinating peeling back of London's history and folklore. I know Dad would have been hooked on your vlogs probably adding a tale or two of his own! Happy New Year

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Christine - Happy New Year

[@jharris947]

Worked in the area for 40 years. So many stories associated with it. Really enjoyed the video.

[@ducksandroses3571]

So excited to have found this channel! Walking around London is my favourite thing to do and I’ve been doing a lot of it in lockdown! Love knowing the history of spots like this

[@alltheteam69]

My husband knows London well we both love this area, his family had stalls in Chapel st but there is always something new to learn - so much history. Such a luxury to watch this in the warm with a glass of wine. Thanks so much John for filming this.....

[@lizstevenson7801]

I grew up in this area of Islington and Holborn plus work8ntbin the City too from 1950 -1974. Thank you.

[@michaelmcdermott1877]

I've just come across your videos by accident. Very interesting walks, and what amazing knowledge you have of the city of London. I was born in Islington and know all these areas well. I work in the city and visit clients all around the chambers and law firms in the area. Absolutely fascinating watching your videos of these areas. I'll be looking out for the landmarks and buildings you mentioned from now on. Thanks for putting these out.

[@neilhogbin7252]

Romance never dies,when John is on the case.Cheers.

[@g.c6075]

I worked in Hatton Garden as an apprentice and of a lunch time used to go into The Surprise pub on Bowling Green Lane, just off of Back Hill, Leather Lane was also a lunchtime haunt if funds were a bit low, there was a tobacconist called Masons and they would mix your own blend of pipe tobacco and sold cigarettes from around the world, there was some outstanding pubs and cafe's around in the mid seventies. Hatton Place had a pub at the arch end called The Hat and Tun. Fantastic video and a happy and healthy new year John

[@johnoakley6362]

I really enjoyed this video John, thank you. My favourite part was something very personal to me, Mount pleasant sorting office, it's where my Father & Uncle both worked for 42 years. I was born in Islington, and can trace my family back in the area to the early 1700's.

[@POGGIOALSERE]

Just found you John, and I couldn’t be more delighted. I was in London exactly a year ago and whenever I come there, I always don my walking shoes and walk at least 10 km a day and sometimes more.... all over the city. Can’t hardly wait to come back! Thank you for your wonderful videos. I’m excited to be able to catch up on all of the 200 of them! 🙏

[@stephenmoon2767]

I loved this vlog, thank you so much John. A few years back me and the wife did a guided ghost tour around limehouse and the guide was excellent, lots of stories of the history of the area and boundless enthusiasm for his subject. This vlog reminded me of that, as it was so full of stories, imagery and as ever your infectious enthusiasm, it was a real joy to watch. Stay safe and keep walking/vlogging 😀

[@peterblakey576]

Absolutely love Islington. Worked there for two years. You showed me places i didn't know existed. Thanks for keeping us entertained during lockdown. Stay safe, regards Pete

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Pete

[@w.g.hunter1300]

2:28 I guess with the pandemic and lockdown, this is the best (only?) time to teach your child how to ride a bike in Central London!

[@debzmazza145]

Hi John I just found your channel; binge watching and taking notes here in your wife's home country Australia. I am in Cairns Queensland at home in the air conditioning watching the rain drizzled atmosphere of the London Streets feeling the air of old England. Once we are 'free' to travel I'll come back to England and do the very walks you are showing us. It'll be good to see if I can get hold of any of the books you mention especially the London Compendium. Absolutely love your videos; so thanks so much.

[@caroledrury1411]

I’m glad I stumbled across this episode. It’s quite a wonderful thing to get such great footage and history from my ancestral stomping ground. My father was from London before he came to the states. I’ve always wanted to go back. I miss the history and so this is a great substitute. Keep up the great walks!

[@4evermistyblu]

I just happened to stumble upon your channel and I’m so glad I did. Sir, you are an incredible storyteller. I love your voice, so peaceful and intriguing. Stay Blessed 🙏🏾

[@JohnRogersWalks]

thanks so much MsCoco Brown

[@annemurray3913]

watching from Ireland , john , i love this

[@jonzeebollok2266]

Great history lesson, London is beautiful, Islington especially I grew not far from there.

[@dinglebay100]

Fantastic video, just bought your book, now I need to get some walking boots and away I go. Totally inspiring. Walking with the ghosts of old London Town.

[@thefishingone.7520]

Lovely to meet you on my run today John, I think I may have mentioned The Flitch Way in your comments even though I said otherwise. (i was a bit surprised to see you, not too mention a little "star struck" and put of breath from the running! Lol) Hope you enjoyed the rest of your walk, very much looking forward to seeing the video! Keep safe and thank you for keeping us entertained, especially in these current times. ☺

[@patsie1888]

And also, thanks for keeping me engaged during Lockdown 3.0. Your walks make life outside seem still normal. Very good for mental health.

[@marmoset3]

Manzes pie and mash shop in Chapel Market was a regular place to eat for me as a kid, as was De Marcos ice cream parlour. There was another ice cream parlour on the opposite corner, but I can't remember the name. A lot of stuff made sense to me with the Italian connection, I recently had a DNA test and I am 3% Italian. My grandfather worked in the Holborn/Hatton Garden area and my father worked for a plumbing company in Clerkenwell. My grandparents lived in a street parallel to Chapel Market, the local pub was The Cloudesley. Thank you so much for this.

[@terryflynn1956]

What a great start to the New Year and thanks for the memories. My first job at 15 was in Holborn so seeing leather lane , and it’s surrounding areas gave me goosebumps. The bleeding heart story was the jewel in the Hatton garden crown of this magnificent film. 😊👍

[@peacefamily212]

I'm going to settle down now and watch this. Its 2.45am here and I'm made up I've got something good to watch. Thank you! 😊

[@datpmf]

Thank you for these videos John. I've always had a fascination with London, history and its different parts and facets so these videos are a real treasure.

[@annjuurinen6553]

John you are such a treasure! Such great storytelling. Enthusiasm and positivity all wrapped up in delightful video. You have saved many of us from despondency with this new art form, much needed in a time of constraint. It makes me see my own small city in Canada with different eyes.

[@nicekko]

What a great video of London history Keep up the good work 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@JohnRogersWalks]

thanks John

[@martincox7354]

Outstanding work. Perhaps of most interest to those of us who have worked in central London, walking those streets and wondering about the names. You manage to deliver derivations and stories with the manner of a true story teller. Your collection of videos really ought to be stored for future generations to view

[@peterlowry6990]

Loved this! I live on Bartolomew Close so it was great to learn more about this area. I try and explore the City daily, so this new info will certainly add to my adventures.

[@paulachiarmonte3473]

Absolutely fabulous tour of history and mythology. Brilliant storytelling. Bravo!

[@porroh869]

Great video friend. My late mother was a 'Londoner' so I've always loved the history..

[@davekirwin]

Absolutely fascinating. Although not a Londoner, I worked there for a number of years and became fascinated by the the alley ways and how areas of the capital connected in a mental map as I walked about. I am a long way off knowing the whole of London really well and having found your channel I hope to learn much more. Thank you for putting up the street names and location maps too, this helps me get my bearings as I follow along.

[@Elconbrioso]

What an interesting part of London - thanks for letting us walk with you. Love the old red brick , dressed with stone . This area is close to my Mother's London roots - Barnsbury. There remains J. Ayton , undertakers , on the Caledonion Rd I think. Before she became one of the Diaspora and headed for the green fields of Kent

[@cerneuffington2656]

Thanks John. I worked in Clarkenwell (1986-2004), I used to explore this area during my lunch break. Had a pint or two in many of the pubs on your walk. It's great to see the place again, 17 years on.

[@angelagay7829]

Happy new year John and thanks for the wonderful walk around what was my manor from mid ‘70s to mid ‘80s. From a squat in Percy circus to a housing association in Duncan Terrace after setting up the Angel Housing co-op. A great enjoyable nostalgic walk for me. I wonder has the ‘London’s Occult Bookshop’ survived on the Pentenville rd. would of been facing what you referred to as ‘Merlin’s Spring’ what we knew as a covered reservoir and yes the great Italian cafes. Camden Passage second hand book market, Rising Free Bookshop on Upper st, Chapel Market, The East West Center end of City Rd. . .

[@nigelmcclatchey4490]

The name of the pub where The Coin Laundry is situated on the corner of Exmouth Marker(30:08) was known as London Spa. I worked there in the late 1980s. The governor of the pub once told me it had been a brothel back in the 19th century. People flocked to the spa in previous times for the waters and a little recreation and some light refreshments with their chosen escorts. The cellar of the pub was also said to be haunted (as most cellars are). The location is mentioned in a Dicken's novel, probably 'Oliver Twist', as this was the route the Artful Dodgers took to lead Oliver to Fagin's den when Oliver first arrives in London. Nice informative tour, by the way. The whole area is steeped with historical and literary interests.

[@jamiejosh96]

Big fan John, the videos are helping me stay sane during lockdown. Keep up the good work!

[@jimbee1590]

Just found you. Absolutely brilliant. Lived & worked in central London up till 2002 but never realised all the local history. Thanks.

[@TheGmp4ever]

Wonderful to see my neighbourhood and the streets I walk daily featured here. Thanks John, looking forward for the next walk.

[@angelajackson-smith3067]

Love watching these walks - so informative and interesting. Really nicely put together. Thank you x

[@jurismagone3887]

A great, informative walk, thank you. It is great to discover odd facts linked to the area. Clerkenwell has certainly retained a lot of its historical charm. The red Prudential assurance building had one of the first London underground lines. The passengers were laid down into coffin-like compartments and transported to Kings Cross. Apparently, it was a dreadful experience and the service did not last long. Nowadays it's full of cables.

[@nerfnerfification]

Thank you so much for the walk video - thoroughly enjoyed it.

[@darrellleverkuhn2204]

Wonderful video. And your music selections always add an extra bit of brilliance too. I particularly love the Satie.

[@ip5799]

Great episode 👌🏻 Love your content

[@littleacornslandscapes2935]

Thanks John, really enjoyed watching. And the editing was great.

[@worshipthenephilim]

Brilliant! You pack so much into these films they're truly wonder-full! I've been on the post office Underground Railway, it's extraordinary and feels like you're in a sci-fi film ('Stalker', specifically, for me!), plus you get to actually SEE the The Fleet running underground which is quite magical! Thanks so much and as many others have said, please keep making these films, they are a whole other window on our World.

[@lillianpotts9758]

I enjoyed this video so much!!! Excited to continue to watch your content. Thank you for sharing!

[@JohnRogersWalks]

thanks so much Lillian

[@thewalkingman777]

Well that was simply fascinating! I think that's the most ever information you've crammed into one of your videos. It took me about 2 hours to watch as I kept stopping to check the map and Google things ! Lol. I'll be going down to explore those areas at the earliest opportunity...have been in and around there before but will now see it with new eyes. I wonder why you didn't make more of the fact it was your 200th video, like you did with the 100th? Either way, one of my top 5 of yours now I reckon.

[@gc9017]

Absolutely fantastic, thanks John

[@andrewrobinson2565]

Wonderful walk with no traffic so we can see the geography. Subscribed. Marvellous storytelling. 😀

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Andrew

[@grandmasterbeats9732]

I did a music production course here in Hatton Garden and I recorded 7 albums with the music producer of Soul 2 Soul Jason Yarde down at Berry Street Studios which just out of Clerkenwell Road.

[@lizstevenson7801]

I did enjoy this walk, thank you. I grew up in Islington and Holborn 1948 - 74 and have many memories of this and surrounding areas infact the whole of London. Thank you so much.

[@christinetaylor6179]

John, this is a wonderful video, these streets are steeped in history. Thank you for taking us with you. Looking forward to what's in store for the coming year. Happy new year and keep safe and well.

[@russellsprout2223]

Totally absorbing video and quite literally one of the very few highlights of my week. My appreciation of your work knows no bounds. Thank you John. Atb.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks so much Russell

[@jacqueline_7562]

I have no idea how this ended up being on my feed but I am so glad it did. Absolute joy to watch. Thank you.

[@briancox144]

Nice to see you on your walks again in another lockdown John Rogers take care mate love the video nice to start 2021

[@jenniferlevine5406]

Really enjoyed this walk as well. You're a wonderful presenter and so knowledgeable!

[@Shabaan]

Convenient! During my lunchtime at work nearby, I am lucky enough to do the exact walk you have filmed step by step from 27:56 right up to the end of the video! Although I got to say how can you miss out the great regents canal nearby, the amazing Culpepper park rear garden maintained by some hardworking volenteers and cemetery of the clown! Guessing you haven't deliberately but you have another video lined up for them! Thanks for the great insight as always!

[@JohnRogersWalks]

thanks so much Shabz. I did intend to mention the canal but I think by then with all the other info skipped it. In daylight would have been great to go into Culpepper Park because that's the surviving remains of the White Conduit House pleasure garden and possibly the cricket pitch. I remember the excitement of finding the Grimaldi cemetery when I lived there (I studied clown) - but you're right I need to do another walk around the area and link it up with Canonbury Tavern

[@buckbumble]

Thank you Thom Yorke for your knowledge

[@ivanhockenhull2604]

Life affirming stuff, as always, John. You really are a panacea in these viral times.🇯🇪

[@Sherirose1]

Thank you for the history. I've been to Islington twice although living a bus ride away ( 56). Thanks for the lovely video.

[@gxheywood]

great film John, love the channel

[@kaysridgedell3404]

Thank you so much for sharing. Great walk.

[@sallypassmore8748]

Superb John. That's my old stomping ground. Looking forward to the next walk - wherever it may be. Stay safe & well and thank you so much for a fantastic walk today.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

thanks Sally glad you enjoyed it

[@mrchasey123]

Great memories for me John on this walk, deserted streets reminded me of Sunday mornings in the 1950's, all the shops closed except for one confectioners which closed at 1pm! then nothing till 7pm when the off licence opened. There used to be two pie and mash shops in Chapel St. market, the one you mentioned and also at the junction of Liverpool Rd. I live in Leyton now and I heard a rumour that the Manzes in Walthamstow market has closed down, I hope not because they were always the best!

[@nzd3742]

Yes, the Manzes in Walthamstow closed a few years ago. The bar that opened up there kept the exterior and much of the interior, but the lockdown has killed that, so who knows what will become of it. I think there are only three Manzes shops left in London now.

[@anthonychiappini5465]

There was a Lou Manzes shop in Southend-on-sea in Essex, wonder if any relation.

[@MrChunghau]

Recently discovered this channel. What a brilliant and fascinating video. I’ve lived and worked in London all my life and to hear the history and myths associated with it really does make me feel privileged. It’s such a nice change to see some videos of areas of London away from the ‘traditional fare’. Oh, and learning about more Pie ‘n’ Mash establishments, of course!

[@lindalong5052]

Cooke's pie n mash in Hoxton St Market. Open all day. 6 days a week. And there's a KZbin vid about it. Family business that I've known for 40 years. Excellent

[@athoshadjiantoni6403]

Happy New year to you too! 🍻👍

[@JohnRogersWalks]

thanks Athos - a Happy New Year to you too

[@robbojax2025]

One of my favourite parts of London to walk around. Delightful to hear your narration, particularly bits of information new to me. I used to be a regular at the Exmouth Market Pie and Mash shop and still mourning its demise. Looking forward to your next walk.

[@stjut]

I enjoyed the walk. ..brought back many memories. ..great storytelling. Thxs for yr time.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Cheers Stu

[@diomont8155]

This is amazing, thank you for this 👏❤️

[@michaelwood3099]

If anybody watching says they know everything in this video then they are lying, wonderful info as always.

[@alessiaserpi4410]

I loved your video..I used to attend mass at St Peters church years ago. I'm so fund of those places as Italian I wanted to discover London little Italy. Thanks to you I know ever more and definitely I will do the walk as soon as it is safe to do so!