Kentish Town Tube Station | Hidden London Hangouts Christmas Special (S06E10)

In this special Christmas episode the Team travel to Kentish Town to discover a wealth of hidden passages, original design features and the origin of Alex's love for the Tube. This is the final episode of series six. The Team will return with series seven in 2023.
Book your Hidden London tour at: www.ltmuseum.c...
Become a Hidden London Patreon member to access exclusive extra digital content and live events with the team: www.ltmuseum.c... Follow the Museum and the team on Instagram: @ltmuseum @alexgrundon @siddyholloway @ciphernorthsix @hiddenlondonlau

[@bostonrailfan2427]

respect to the four of you over that Titanic sketch: Chris for wearing the wig or hat, Siddy for playing the slide whistle so well, and Alex for smiling so brightly over the trio doing something special for him

[@camerabag15]

I was born and lived around the corner from the station. I remember the wooden ticket booth/office and the wooden escalators (and when they were replaced). Fascinating trip down memory lane.

[@techguy_drew]

i have never laughed so hard in my life. the slide whistle, the escalator, the wig 😭🤣 didn’t miss a BEAT

[@eon7125]

Turn left into Islip Street... 200yds to ST LUKES.. INSIDE BEAUTIFUL WINDOWS WITH arch angels. Prayers and a welcome from the locals.. 💐

[@ukcardcast6711]

Nice Geoff Marshall nod!

[@jgodfrey546]

Love the hair at the top of the escalator, @Chris Nix

[@johnreynolds5103]

Such a generous team of people and in Alex a tremendous piece of casting! As a former Londoner and LT railmen I love this show to death!

[@alexgrundon2346]

OH MY GOD WE LOVE YOU !!

[@simonbiggs9102]

Only 10 minutes or so in. Already in my top 3 stations

[@vinnyi8391]

You guys are like the Time Team of the tube. Love it and thank you for so much for the huge amount of entertainment knowledge and FUN!!!!

[@hungbearlover]

Always got off here for the Town & Country/ the Forum.

[@simonbiggs9102]

Alex you have great taste in wonderful station

[@alexgrundon2346]

❤

[@Znthony-london]

merry Christmas to you all

[@simonbiggs9102]

Wonderful... beautiful

[@Gneisenau3]

I’d love to see you visit South Kentish Town 👍

[@alexgrundon2346]

Next episode!

[@davidhamm7909]

@Chris Nix. Thanks . I’m usually doing dinner or something but I always watch later. Keep up the good work.

[@simonbiggs9102]

Happy Christmas 🎄

[@stephensaines7100]

Truth be told, I thought this location might have been a bit...'lame'...but it was surprisingly interesting. Agreed on 'Elephant and Castle'!

[@WagDemTails]

5:49 😂😂 THEY ADDED THE RECORDER TITANIC THEME 😂😂😂😂

[@johneisen6341]

Merry Christmas ⛄🌲

[@Blade_Daddy]

Love you guys

[@discogareth]

I had a similar love story from the mid 90s. I was about 14 and fell in love with a bus driver on my local bus route. I’d hang around bus stops for ages in the hope he’d pull up. He’s someone who will remain in my thoughts forever now. I often wonder where he is or what he’s doing now.

[@alexgrundon2346]

❤

[@discogareth]

@@timboatfield calm down dear.

[@discogareth]

@@timboatfield you’re the one who seems to be triggered that gay people exist. Don’t worry though, we not after you. Barge poles and all that.

[@discogareth]

@@timboatfield you’re weird.

[@lmj9517]

when the northern line goes between camden and KENTISH TOWN... it's really noisy like Hell!

[@stevehotspur]

Wonderful

[@paulwheeler4283]

Merry Christmas to you all Nadolig Llawen xx

[@sarahstrong7174]

Interesting episode thankyou.

[@1954alister]

What a fantastic episode. I have used the station many times and didn't realise there was so much to it. Thanks for bringing this to us. Really love seeing behind the scenes. Have a great Christmas and I look forward to the new series next year.

[@sarahstrong7174]

Thankyou for sharing.

[@mikegrayson4787]

Came to these really late and now desperately trying to keep up with the new ones while catching up on the other 5 series 😂. It just makes me want to be on the network with you, followed by pub and fish n chips! Worked for BR in the 80s at Paddington while living in Wigan, came down to Euston on a Monday and back on a Friday then crashed near Wembley Central in the week. West end on a Thursday........ Paddington is a fascinating place but would love more on buses too.

[@carolinecleaveley]

happy hols to you too.

[@sbowness]

Finally got to watch this (a tad late). Great episode. Thanks for telling your story, Alex. It was ready important.

[@RJBTransport]

Hidden London Hangouts hopefully next year you can do a episode on Camden Town and get track access at night and look at Camden town junction and this history how the Northern line come together by the junction.

[@martynthomas7486]

@Ryan Bonifert I've suggested Camdem Town to the team also as it must have loads of hidey holes as well as having that crazy, complicated junction.

[@alexgrundon2346]

YES AND YES! all in-hand

[@stephensaines7100]

Yes, yes, yes! There's a fascinating warren (pun intended, as per Warren Street) of tunnels there, and some reputedly vacant that were needed for the building of the junction.

[@stephensaines7100]

On second and considered thoughts. For practical and cost reasons, this wouldn't be possible. Unless the tunnels are embargoed, not even staff should be walking those tunnels unless it's an emergency. The risk of an unexpected vehicle movement is just too great, and there's absolutely no refuge if someone is caught in them. I agree, it would be absolutely fascinating to see a video on them, but unless it's footage shot from adjacent and/or intersecting unused tunnels, I wouldn't ask or expect the team to take the risk.

[@nixmixes770]

I used to travel in the back carriage and admire more than one of the guards. More recently, I have often stood by the grilled doors waiting for trains there. I knew there were the old lift exit passages behind them so It's great to be shown around, thanks. One odd factoid about the tiles: On the walls to the passages from the escalators are 1990's Lesely Green lookalikes, but when originally done, they were lined in square format beige/biscuit colour tiles (as seen on the platforms at Highgate or Swiss Cottage). I always found it a bit odd that they 'back-asetheticed' a later building phase and deleted a bit of visual history.

[@MrSteveFurness-Lappin]

Merry Christmas to all you and yours! Thank you for brightening my weeks with the hidden London hangouts.. can’t wait for 2023’s episodes x

[@alexgrundon2346]

I’m just checking…. Did everyone spot it’s CHRIS NIX in a black wig in the dream sequence……😂

[@chrisnix6352]

Was it??‽!!

[@liamkenny6747]

Spotted him! Can I ever un-see him now…. I was a guard on the Northern and had short brown hair Alex 😂

[@jamesbalchin4640]

Yep

[@bostonrailfan2427]

@@chrisnix6352it was Chris, with Siddy playing the slide whistle

[@bostonrailfan2427]

i thought it was him, it also looked like he was struggling to no laugh hard

[@unittaskforce]

A great way to end 2022. Some lovely hidden parts of the station and some touching personal history from Alex. Thanks guys, your hard work is really appreciated.

[@helenhickman8449]

Merry Christmas to you all. Another epic episode. Looking forward to the next series x

[@timothyp8947]

Another episode of our 4 intrepid and excited explorers - loved it, Team! It seems to me that there’s no such thing as an 'ordinary' Tube station. And who knows, maybe Alex's Guard watches the show? As someone who spent his early years with Kennington and the Elephant stations as closest to home, the idea of a future tour around Elephant & Castle is very appealing - as is revisiting your Kennington programme. Merry Christmas Team, and many thanks as always!

[@poedgar3085]

I absolutely love your videos plus im going to book a few tours with you guys soon and spend a few days in London. I also own an original 1981 London underground tube uniform. Plus i have autism and would love to work in your museum.

[@simonturton826]

Big fan of the Hangouts and it’s had the desired effect in that I’ve had many a trip to the museum and an open day at Acton. Looking to book a tour in the NY. Family are fed up on trips to London now with me pointing out things of interest. Great team, great job; all this history there to be discovered 🎉

[@jacksugden8190]

Excellent tour, it’s now New Years Eve, think I had only been past it on a train and by bus, so must make a visit, I remember those 1959 trains that Alex referred too, 1972 was when I had left school - now almost 67, amazed at how they got the equipment in for the VP, without a doubt this was a fascinating tour. Happy New Year ALL 🎉.

[@martynthomas7486]

Ah, one of the stations I've been looking forward to, what a nice early Christmas present! Hopefully we'll also get to see it's poor neighbour to the south which closed back in the 20's due to low passenger numbers sometime in the future.

[@alexgrundon2346]

S7 episode 1 actually!

[@martynthomas7486]

As it's Christmas Alex I'll just say 'wiz zese Kentish Towns you are reeley spoiling us'! Have a great Christmas to you, Siddy, Laura and Chris and roll on 2023!

[@martynthomas7486]

So when can we expect to see S7 then? I'm sure I'm not the only one getting withdrawal symptoms!

[@alexgrundon2346]

So…drumroll…. Mid-March! Just waiting to film an episode OVERNIGHT (hint as to what we’re doing) on Tuesday then we will let you know the date we return. And we have some more amazing news too.

[@andykopgod]

These time capsules are fascinating, so much history. brilliant work everyone.

[@watchmakersp9935]

Thanks for yet another interesting video..and merry christmas/break to the team and youtubers/viewers!

[@wubberlover]

Another super episode and who knows Alex your hunky guard from years gone by may well be watching you and the rest of the team . Have a wonderful Christmas and we'll see you in 2023 . Warren ..

[@alexgrundon2346]

Just imagine….

[@thomascook578]

Another great video...Merry Xmas to all at the LTM and HLH

[@fedup0110]

Merry Christmas guys!! One of my favourite team ever! All the best! ✌️😉

[@MrAsBBB]

Merry Christmas and a happy New Year to you all. This one is a favourite of mine. Lots to see and my confession on transport was a bus driver. From an Alex to an Alex, thanks for sharing your thoughts so beautifully. So many of my friends are interested in the transport and especially the tube. Some who I would have thought had no interest, I now find they have done the hidden London tours such as the depo tour which my partner Andy and myself really enjoyed as it was so well presented and relaxed. Well, looking forward to your 2023 Hangouts. All the best and love…❤

[@benalowery]

I was meant to go to the Aldwych tour on December 1st but couldn't make it which I was gutted about. Hopefully I can make it to one of the 2023 tours! 😃

[@hairyairey]

I was looking at one of those jumpers but they are almost all sold out. Need to visit the transport museum in October 2023 to stand a chance for next year. Price wasn't bad either.

[@gazritchie6077]

Another brilliant episode guys. Thanks for keeping us entertained this year. A very Merry Christmas to you all and a Fabulous New Year. See you in 2023. 😁

[@TheTimGowen]

Merry Christmas and thanks for this excellent show! Who'd have thought...!

[@mrcogginsgarage7062]

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all Thanks for another brilliant series looking forward to seeing what's coming up in 2023.

[@skyrules2007]

After a busy Christmas/New Year period, finally caught up with this episode. Happy New Year team.

[@steves6094]

Thanks for all the fantastic videos this year. Merry Christmas to you all. 🎄

[@djdubls]

@@timboatfield You're such a troll. If you don't like the content, don't watch it. You've clearly got a lot of free time on your hands if you're making comments like this. Go and do something productive.

[@djdubls]

@@timboatfield You appear to be confusing the London Transport Museum with TFL. These videos are produced by the London Transport Museum, who are funded by a number of supporters, many of which are private companies or individuals, not to mention ticket sales and sales at the gift shop. The majority of British TV channels are government owned and funded and show a variety of content, which some would consider to be far more risque than anything on this channel. I assume you use a considerable amount of your time writing them letters and comments too? You seem to be very sensitive and thin skinned if you find innuendos offensive, especially given it's 1:50am in the UK on a Sunday and you're taking the time to make these comments. The majority of viewers don't have a problem, so you're outnumbered I'm afraid. As I said, if you don't like the content, don't watch it. The rest of us will continue to enjoy it.

[@simonticehurst5899]

Hi team I was born in the 1950s in Muswell Hill so Wood Green station played a big part of my childhood have you or will you be doing a video on this part of the underground Many thanks Have a great Christmas

[@Shalott63]

I was brought up in the Bounds Green area, so I often used Wood Green tube when I was going shopping. The trouble is those Piccadilly Line extension stations haven't been altered very much since they were built, so as far as I know they won't really have many hidden bits (e.g. they had escalators from the start so there won't be any disused lift shafts). But I would love to be proved wrong.

[@Why24244]

a year on and Kentish town is going through yet another upgrade i wonder if there will be another visit to explore anymore hidden areas rediscovered after the lastest updates

[@antonyj2316]

Lovely episode. It's a shame you couldn't get into the original exit portal at street level (ex Wahaca restaurant) as it contains large amounts of the original acanthus green tiles and also access to the old lift winding room on the 1st floor.

[@stephensaines7100]

I suspect there was a lot not made accessible, but what was is in surprisingly good condition. The 'Emergency Exit' tunnel was a treat. I suspect some of the 'electrical rooms' that are 'off bounds' are also portals to repurposed tunnels, a point touched upon (pun unintended) by Nix et al. They would be safe to enter, but very bad practise to allow unqualified staff to do so.

[@alexgrundon2346]

“Access denied”

[@johneisen6341]

I wanted one of those Christmas jumpers but when I turned up @ The Transport Museum they had fun out of them.

[@tdkuk1]

Wonderful episode thank you! Would I be right in saying the top of the lift shaft which was plugged, is right below a shop that was a Motorbike shop back in the 1980s?

[@benpunter]

Hiya - Just an FYI, New videos are no longer appearing in the subscriptions area of YT, Only heard about this while watching the Southwark Ep.

[@petrolhead28]

The coldest station on the northern line

[@AtoZbyLocalBus]

I noticed Alex and Chris where both stand on the wrong side of the escalator, and blocking anyone that was walking down on the left side of the escalator. Also Merry Christmas to all the Hidden London Hangouts team.

[@alexgrundon2346]

We where indeed. But nobody minded were we stood for that journey 😉. Merry Christmas 🎉

[@hairyairey]

@@alexgrundon2346 If I was there I would have been the angry passenger trying to get past, but just for a laugh! 😂

[@MrAustinPowers]

Are there many stations liftshafts there planning on bringing back into use to provide step free disabled access?

[@longbranchmike7846]

Love this yet another great episode. But can I point something out? The microphone seems substandard compared to previous episodes - not full bandwidth, so the dialog was difficult to listen to. Also, I preferred the previous style of filming - I like the new intro, but there's something different in how the scenes are shot (& pos'ly edited). Though I do not know what's different.

[@alexgrundon2346]

We’re trying new stuff all the time. As a radio professional, I think the mic levels need turning down - would also aid the slight echo when we are stood near each other. But we are a work in progress. Merry Christmas

[@longbranchmike7846]

@@alexgrundon2346 The mic level sounds like the issue. Merry C Alex! Relax and leave the cranky comment replies for a few days! LBM

[@chrisnix6352]

We just had an issue with two of the mics that were replacements for some failed units. Unfortunately the default level was a little too hot and led to clipping on the peaks when we were in louder environments. There’s not much you can do to soften digital clipping once it’s hit the camera recording. The issue has been rectified.

[@longbranchmike7846]

@@chrisnix6352 Thanks Chris.

[@garycross228]

Thoroughly enjoyed this episode of Kentish Town. Any chance of it's neighbour, South Kentish Town please? Also, is British Museum Station a possibility?

[@alexgrundon2346]

YES!

[@pb4rton]

Another great episode, I am curious to know why some stations get a new entrance when escalators replace the lifts but some don't, like here!

[@alexgrundon2346]

Very much depends if the existing entrance can remain in place when the escalators arrive. You can’t move the platforms. Entrance can survive if the design of the station suitable gradient between the front door and the far end of platforms

[@hairyairey]

@@alexgrundon2346 this episode had me thinking, if Covent Garden had escalators that descended westwards they would have ended up close to the Leicester Square platforms!

[@alexgrundon2346]

John absolutely - but neither Covent Garden nor Leicester Sq were ripe for being shut, one stayed with lifts.

[@mrbma]

Sorry if I missed something being announced, but where have you guys gone ??? Any more videos planned ? Hope so.

[@ltmuseumvideo]

We're back tomorrow with series 7!

[@ClydebridgeStation]

Are there any hidden bits at Uxbridge, Cockfosters, and Heathrow terminals 2&3 and Heathrow terminal 4

[@geoffreymartin2764]

Why are the lift shafts round?

[@RiaLTodd]

I can't find the Euston video they keep referencing

[@JP_TaVeryMuch]

8:50 Wayleave - a property owner's rights down to, well.., to Hell and up to Heaven are governed by the property boundary. Whilst I admit that in cities, it's most likely to mean, Alex, "underneath a building" because they are built right up to the edge, in the country less so. Therefore this pedamtic correction is right to highlight.

[@richardmellish2371]

Covid times excepted, I use Kentish Town several times a year and I have never noticed that platform clock. Some of the dialogue in this episode is especially hard to make out above the sounds of trains. Sometimes you do stop talking when the noise is loudest. Could you do that more, and edit those bits out?

[@alexgrundon2346]

Mic levels are being worked on.

[@Glazepta]

this is great but please get some decent mics!

[@alexgrundon2346]

We’ve had a few issues with the new mics but they will be sorted, I promise

[@simonbiggs9102]

When is the next vlog.

[@alexgrundon2346]

Mid March with a big bit of news to tell you about too

[@simonbiggs9102]

@@alexgrundon2346 can't wait.. seems ages since last vlog.

[@davidhamm7909]

Yes. Come back soon. I’m missing you.

[@alexgrundon2346]

❤️

[@levigaming-1]

South Kentish Town?

[@ltmuseumvideo]

Our first episode for series 7, which is premiering tomorrow :)

[@levigaming-1]

Cool :D

[@alan-freeman]

Why is Chris not wearing an LT approved Hi-Vis? His is road certified and not LT - rip apart seam design.

[@chrisnix6352]

I always carry an LU Hi Vis in case we need to go trackside. In these films we are usually only wearing HiVis so that the station/train staff can see that we are staff filming as we move around the station. The HiVis I normally wear is a Hidden London one which is approved for station tours as we do not go trackside.

[@alan-freeman]

@@chrisnix6352 I was involved in the Wi-Fi project back in 2011/12 and was never track certified. We all HAD to have the rip apart vests even though we only ever went to corridor/SCR room areas. Mine is LU certified - but my company logo'd.

[@geoffreymartin2764]

Like number 777. 🏳‍🌈

[@arw2008]

Next video?

[@ltmuseumvideo]

Series 7 is starting tomorrow!

[@arw2008]

New video?

[@alexgrundon2346]

THIS SATURDAY - tomorrow

[@dobythedog]

I see you got the identity politics propaganda in. Not sure why it needed to be in this film though.