North End (Bull and Bush) | Hidden London Hangouts (S06E02)

The team celebrate the 100th episode of the Hidden London Hangouts by visiting the legendary hidden station of North End also known as Bull and Bush. We explore the remains of the Cold War era bunker conversion and the bare bones of what was set to be a classic Lesley Green styled station.
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[@chrisnix6352]

Thanks to everyone who has supported us to 100 episodes. Hope you like this one - a thank you from us to you!

[@jacksugden8190]

Had seen some tapes of this North End (not to be) station, be interesting to find a little more, had seen the platform dugouts for what would have been the platforms, disused Camden Town tube station would also be nice.

[@ulazygit]

@@jacksugden8190 if we’re going for ‘could have beens ’ on the Northern line, how about Brockley Hill, Elstree or Bushey Heath (probably need all three plus tunnels to make it worth while)and even touch on Aldenham?

[@stigroo9058]

Thanks to the HLH team

[@peterscutt2253]

Thanks for all you do love Hangouts and keeping me sane during lockdown.

[@ulazygit]

It’s been an all zones journey!

[@alexgrundon2346]

Can’t thank you enough for joining us on our sanity-saving explorations through lockdowns and beyond. As Chris says, this episode is our thank you to YOU for keeping us company and making us laugh too. Enjoy xx

[@secretsquirrelnutkin9499]

And thank you Alex & the team for bringing humour, hilarity & interesting topics into our lives - it’s like inviting 4 friends into my lounge every time I watch an episode 😁

[@andymiller4971]

Thanks Alex for your bottomless pit of contagious enthusiasm.

[@mrbma]

Alex and the team. Your episodes get better and better with each one. Your energy and clear enthusiasm never diminish. Keep going. We all love you and the team and the work you produce.

[@swiper1818]

👍👍👍

[@unittaskforce]

Alex, you and the team helped me through lockdown. But don’t underestimate the positive impact you are still having, these episodes are a great way to relax and keep some balance. Thanks for a hundred episodes, and I look forward to seeing where the journey takes us now.

[@alexgrundon2346]

You guys are so kind with your words. Thank you so much. Someone give us a tv series! ❤

[@mrbma]

I'm sure Mr Dunn could be most accomodating. The legend he is...and indeed you guys are !!!

[@stuartpalmer8233]

I'd say no - there's something very special about the current format which wouldn't transfer to TV.

[@alexgrundon2346]

We’d always love to keep the Hangouts format, but a tv series would be fun

[@thecomputedcat]

Why ever not? But only as an accompnyment

[@davekirwin]

Having been there from the start, watching Hidden London hangouts grow from essentially a Zoom call to sharing full-blown explorations of the dark but wonderful corners of the tube network, has been an utter joy. The level of genuine friendship and banter between all of the Fab 4 add so much enjoyment to each episode, imbuing them with the feeling that we (the viewers) are amongst friends who share the same interests and passion. HLH has given us so much: mental support during the pandemic, wonderful access to the depths of LTM archives with lovely posters and informative diagrams. Chris Nix's easy delivery of fact and figures, coupled with Siddy's knowledge and insights from Laura - not forgetting Alex's cheeky asides - makes it so enjoyable. I am truly grateful for the lengths and effort that the whole team (and others) do. Not just visiting the unique places for us to watch and enjoy, but all the unseen work such as preparation, filming, editing and not forgetting the time sacrificed for the recording and being there in the chat during broadcast. The Patreon extras are fun too - looking forward to more of them! Thanks Fab 4 and thanks LTM for allowing it to continue.

[@mecx7322]

Certainly the best report on Bull & Bush station ever made. Congratulations !

[@MH-sw9fy]

Thankyou for enthusiasm for sharing places on the London underground where it would be impossible to to see.

[@stephensaines7100]

To get a perspective on the rationale of building a station and ancillary passages *before* an access shaft from the surface is built, consider the opposite: Doing all that *with a running railway* after the shaft is siunk. For all the permutations of building the trackside structures before shaft access, it's *far less effort and intrusion* to do it then than after.

[@edbridges1164]

Happy 100th Episode Anniversary! Three Lockdowns Hidden London Hangouts has seen us fans through many problems good and bad I've learned of a Love for London Transport that I never knew I had! So thank you Guys & Girls for everything you have done for us fans! LONG MAY IT CONTINUE!

[@pauloconnor2980]

That was amazing, seeing that tube train go past @ 23:15!!!!!

[@JackPittman]

I can’t believe it’s already been 100 episodes. I remember how much I looked forward to watching the episodes during lockdown. It really put a smile on my face in such an unfamiliar time. It’s sparked my interest from just enjoying going to London on the train, to being so passionate about TfL’s heritage, spending days out in London exploring stations, buying moquette cushions and masks to visiting the depot.

[@alexgrundon2346]

You’re a star. Still remember vividly the amazing show-and-tell you sent us to read out

[@doublea06]

Happy 100th episode to London Transport Museum's Hidden London Hangouts series!

[@timothyp8947]

Another fabulous episode! Thank you so much for the Hangouts - 100 episodes now of delving into such a lot of fantastic behind-the-scenes infrastructure on our behalf, always with excitement and enjoyment. From the grime of a never-was station, to the pristine (then) yet-to-be Elizabeth Line stations, signal boxes, disused tunnels behind doors thousands walk past each day and even driving a double decker. I watch from my living room as you chat from your homes and genuinely feel as though I’m part of the gang.

[@SiVlog1989]

When Video 125 filmed in 1998/99, they mentioned about an experimental noise reduction lining that was installed that was installed in the southbound tunnel between Hampstead and Golders Green. It worked very well apparently, but in the 1970's, as people became aware of the affects caused by the material the lining was made from, the Asbestos in the tunnel lining was removed over a long period of time to ensure its safe extraction, though the service to and from Edgware did suffer as both directions used the northbound tunnel. Fortunately, due to the existence of North End (Bull and Bush) station site, it made the removal of the Asbestos slightly easier

[@simondawson4270]

Looking forward to this one as I met two of you having a sneaky tea in the bus station cafe that very morning.

[@alexgrundon2346]

😊

[@JW-lr1mc]

FABULOUS

[@ljrigsbee]

Thank you, lovely people, for taking us into these hidden spaces that we wouldn’t otherwise get to see. It’s very different to see a station in its bare bones form, reminds me of the unfinished part of Aldwych. I absolutely adore this series, I admit to having watched every episode at least twice! While you obviously couldn’t do productions like today’s episode during the early days due to lockdown, the genuine friendships between the four of you, the banter, and the filthy innuendos (“Alex’s massive clock”) were all there from episode 1. Cheers to 100 episodes, Team Hangouts, and long may they continue! Were you all channeling the old lady from Heart of the Angel on the way up the steps? “Nearly KILLED me!”

[@markellis6413]

Fab-u-lous! Congratulations & thank you!

[@johnnybeverage]

Fantastic episode. Thanks a lot!

[@raphaelnikolaus0486]

Congratulations. And Thanks to YOU guys (and gals)!

[@drew4744]

Happy 100th episode team! Thanks for producing such engaging, interesting and fun content, here's to the 1000th episode! X

[@alexmckenna1171]

Down at the Old Bull & Bush...

[@chrishall5140]

This was an amazing episode. Am binge watching your channel at the moment. Absolutely amazing stuff guys

[@Shalott63]

Congratulations on your 100th episode, team, and thanks for all the fun and the interesting things you've shown us.

[@peterpetrou2466]

Congrats on your Centenary milestone! A great achievement 👏

[@bernardhilton3527]

Well done ALL of you. Wonderfully informative videos. Here’s to the next 100. Thank you…

[@ltmuseumvideo]

Thanks very much for your kind words!

[@musclebear2b]

I remember you coming to the station to collect the keys. It had been a while since I went down into Bull and Bush myself, and I was a little envious that I wasn't joining you.

[@alexgrundon2346]

Come with us next time and thank you for being so kind to us at Golders!

[@mikehodder7833]

Excellent show. Probably my favorite so far.

[@TheTimGowen]

Well this was the first station I thought of when the series began. So happy that it's such a successful and popular show which I have thoroughly enjoyed since Episode 1. Thanks to all who put it together!

[@paulellis42]

A great series of hangouts thank you to Chris .Laura Alex and Siddy Keep up the good work from Paul

[@daveharris7224]

A great 100th episode. It was so interesting to learn of the proposed stations history & to see that the partially constructed station still exists. I hope that you manage to raise a glass or two together in the near future.

[@paulwheeler4283]

Happy 100 episodes love you all so much best episode ever loved every minute of it what an incredible station that wasn't so much history so much dusty Alex were are the wet wipes and I still can't believe it the 100 episode to wonderful journey and here's to many more to come xx

[@secretsquirrelnutkin9499]

Hi Alex, Chris, Laura & Siddy 👋🏻👋🏻 Congrats on 100 episodes, hope there will be many more to come.

[@paulgiffen6836]

HAPPY 100th TEAM, fab episode for this special day, i have been with you for every show, looking forward to the next 100. LOVE YOU TEAM FOR MAKING MY SATURDAY EXTRA GREAT 💖

[@rothberg107]

I was brought up in the area (on the street where the introduction to the North End / Bull and Bush episode of "Secrets of the Underground" was made). Hampstead Heath is an ancient heathland. The land Dame Henrietta Barnett bought was adjacent to the Heath itself and named Hampstead Heath Extension.

[@A60stock]

In 1981 British Transport Films were winding down and were to hand over 1,600 cans of 35mm film being the productions they shot for London Transport. At the time I ran the LT Public Relations Strategy Team and as such had to find a place to store the films. The Estates Department came up with the idea of North End as it provided a safe location to store the films in a room behind the upper landing of the lift shaft. In 1984 the films were moved to a former substation at Hendon used by LT Museum.

[@alexgrundon2346]

WOW! Where did the films go?

[@A60stock]

They are now at LTM's Acton Deopt@@alexgrundon2346

[@pb4rton]

Amazing! Thank you!! Don't tell the "Yesterday" TV channel, but I think I enjoyed this exploration of this station more than the other one 🤭 but it is great to see both from different view points!!

[@davidparker4652]

Just found this episode, brilliant video guys thank you very much

[@andyb7813]

I love all the old electronics stuff. Great video guys

[@ulazygit]

Great choice for episode 100 … that ‘trackside’ experience of full speed trains thundering past close enough to reach out and touch must have been exciting and frightening at the same time! I do wonder how the station may have coped with escalators … the land is minuscule and where could it have expanded to? I guess although the surrounding area is developed, there would be some space … ironically I guess it could now serve North End itself as the area has been built up! Looking forward to the next 100!

[@jamesbulpin]

Happy 100! The episodes just keep getting better and better. Great work!

[@JaapFilius]

Congratulations with this milestone! And what a wonderful excursion this is. Thank you all!!

[@arr8664]

Hello everyone frome Noth Caucas.

[@davidhamm7909]

Congratulations on 100 episodes. I’ve watched them all and enjoyed every one.

[@philipgrundy8530]

Thanks team for another great episode, and lots of thanks for the last 100 episodes. I’m looking forward to seeing the next 100. Keep up the great work 👏

[@julianslawson]

Amazing series, fantastic 100th episode, seen them all. Great team, informative and love the banter between you. Keep up the great work!

[@simonturton826]

Great episode, really enjoyed seeing an underground station in the making and makes it all the more special that it wasn't finished!

[@crompton48]

Congrats on 100 🎉 heres looking forward to 200 , the HL4 provide perfect coverage to the most interesting system and more

[@maltewotschke8743]

Congratulations on you first 100 episodes which were utterly enjoyable and so Interesting as well - all the best for you all! Greetings from Munich! ;-)

[@skyrules2007]

Congratulations on your 100th episode. We’ve been following the series right from the beginning, and loved learning more about a subject that I have found interesting since my first trip to London over 20 years ago, but also because it brought a little bit of London, our favourite world city, into our Australian lounge room every week. On our recent trip back to London, we saw things in a different light and spotted things we’d never even considered before, thanks to the Fab Four. Kym & Martin; Brisbane, Australia.

[@ceanothus_bluemoon]

A very happy 100th! (you don't look a day over 35 ;p ) Although I only discovered you all getting up to all kinds of filthy fun somewhat later, I binge watched every episode, and have seen most twice, to get a better look at all the detail. Especially with the Elizabeth Line, there was just so much to take in, particularly on a premiere. The rapport you have, and the fun you so clearly have together is a huge part of the show(how did you manage to forget to go the the OB&B pub?!) and is another reason we feel like we know you, and your kitties. Raising a glass to you, and at least another 100 episodes!

[@gromet9994]

Congrats on 100, it's always fun watching you all, the enthusiasm for what you do shines through, as does your friendship for each other. It's like watching a bunch of naughty teenagers having fun poking around the dark and dusty old London. Greetings from sunny Brisbane, looking forward to seeing where episode 200 takes you.

[@nightw4tchman]

Good god this is amazing. I've seen photos, read stories but never seen someone go right down to the track level in the tunnel and film it. Superb work from LTM and the four of you.

[@alexgrundon2346]

❤ you are lovely

[@damiagunbiade]

What a great eposide this is. Mad to think this is even there. People wouldn't know this is even there and they would be going through and this is just standing. I love the underground. So many secrets we don't see. You guys are fabolous and can't wait to see what will happen for the 200rh eposide. Love this

[@colinsaunderson6682]

i love these underground vids ..great work guys

[@daveharris7224]

As I understand it, this would have been the deepest station on the tube line, but was not finished due to the lack of expected customers. I hope that you went for a drink in the pub of the same name!

[@zerokenshi]

Love how they tried to edit out the DDS tags, then seemingly gave up when they realised they are everywhere. 🤣

[@martynthomas7486]

TON UP! Congratulations guys on an outstanding achievement. But Alex- there were no 'Notes, Queries and Questions' at the end of the episode, a section I enjoy as it can be often quite informative and quirky. For example, at Archway, I took the emergency stairs and discovered that not only were the original tiles still in place but you could get a good look at the former lift landing behind the grilles- certainly worth a poke round in a future episode perhaps?

[@alexgrundon2346]

Don’t worry! It’s back for series 6! We love it too so keep commenting

[@martynthomas7486]

Thanks Alex and even if you don't have Archway on your 'hit-list' do have a look at the bottom of those emergency stairs as the tiles are epic- Laura in particular would love it!

[@alexgrundon2346]

We’ve been chatting about Archway and the Kentish Towns - may try and do those before Xmas

[@GlennElert]

Best episode ever

[@hazelannenash5500]

Love the stuff you do guys as I’ve used Pinner station for years and years but not old enough as I’ve heard there was an old underground walkway instead of a bridge. There’s no pics but maybe you can help. Really enjoyed your stuff on the met line, it’s close to home. Cheers Hazel x ps done the Euston tour recently and it was amazing! ❤

[@soton5teve]

What other videos like this feature all 4 of the dream team 😊

[@Why24244]

There's a few Elizabeth line episodes

[@MrStevetmq]

Nice to see the coms and electric stuff

[@edbridges1164]

When Alex Mentioned at 06:10 about the Steps and Depth I was expecting "This is equal to a 15 storey building" lol still who doesn't love Bull n Bush

[@Why24244]

Someone watches Geoff Marshall 😅

[@edbridges1164]

*puts hands up* ok you got me! I surrender

[@Why24244]

@@edbridges1164 😆

[@randolph795]

Wonderful videos. Glad I looked for your channel. Been a fan of the TV show but this is like Secrets of the London Underground on steroids.

[@alexgrundon2346]

Thank you ❤

[@jamesbalchin4640]

Very interesting I have always wanted to stand there I knew it was there for years and saw it on a early map as well I remember seeing via the gap between Hampstead and golders green was I bus conductor in the 13 between 2003-04 I used to get off golders green

[@NicholasNA]

The local rumour is the the spoil from the excavation from the Hampstead Tube was used to construct Billy Lever”s garden (now known as the Hill Garden and Pergola). Apparently he didn’t like the public footpath through his garden, so built up his garden either side and bridged over the footpath with the pergola.

[@richardsingh5827]

Down at the old Bull and Bush

[@jacksugden8190]

An amazing engineering project. Thank you for this excellent tour. What a place to be if you have an accident, what about mobile phones, do they work, expecting you can raise the alarm for emergency service, was there a H&S officer with you and first aid kits please?.

[@scottyb2688]

Hey Alex Chris Siddy & Laura

[@geoffreymartin2764]

Your confidence has increased massively. Great to see and hear. Thanks mega big time. 🏳‍🌈

[@hildea.e3319]

From the time safety was a big thought.

[@thomascook578]

Would the station have been successful as a portal to The Heath, encourage people to visit and enjoy the fresh air

[@garycross228]

Thoroughly enjoyed this episode. Cannot believe it was the 100th one. Any idea what the surface building would have looked like if the building of the station had gone ahead? Would it have been a typical Leslie Green building?

[@Muswell]

Hey ! I know this building/access is down the road in Hampstead Way, but where was the tube entrance going to be? Maybe to the left or right of the Golders Hill Park entrance?

[@madhatter61]

The oddest thing about the station is that shower. That's later than 80s.

[@NJPurling]

There are a lot of graffiti 'tags' & some a-hole sprayed the control panel. That suggests some nutters walk the tunnels completely illegally to access disused/ abandoned places on the Tube system. Have you gone to the Lords station in St Johns Wood? There is more at track-level as I saw in a 'driver's -eye video filmed by a TFL driver. He was held at Lords by a signal.

[@ursusmaritimus7159]

What happened to the clock system which used to be there?

[@raphaelnikolaus0486]

197 steps (I reckon all at 17 cm)? Well, that's the equivalent of an 11 storey building. Pretty exactly even: 198 according to my records (based on Geoff Marshall's respective video). Would equal a depth 33.66 metres according to those records. 35.28 metres would be more akin to a 12 storey building, with 216 steps, at a depth of 36.72 metres. 🤓 (Well there's some geekery/nerdery for you, folks.)

[@mccobsta]

Seems old tox made his way down there at some point

[@Schlipperschlopper]

Please get that funny underground shower and toilet working again :-))))

[@edbridges1164]

Also I wonder what colour the Tiles would have been at North End?

[@Why24244]

I reckon they would have been Highgate green, what colour do you think

[@edbridges1164]

I'm not too sure to be fair But I love any green so I'll go with "Highgate Green"

[@TwoWholeWorms]

I do wonder if a station here makes more sense now...

[@Why24244]

For tourism on the Heath would be ideal

[@simonbiggs9102]

🎂🍾

[@chrishall5140]

How do I get a Hidden London roundal?

[@Why24244]

From the London transport museum either online or in covent garden store

[@raphaelnikolaus0486]

A question on the name of the station: Why was it to be called North End?

[@chenahusky1]

The road in front of the pub, which is close by, is North End Way.

[@NicholasNA]

Hampstead has (had) a north end, south end, west end and east end. Because of the confusion with the “West End” (Oxford St etc), Hampstead”s west end has become known as West Hampstead.

[@carolinesexplosion]

I love all your episodes, thank you so much! I am a real London tube buff, people think I am weird, but I don't give a f***k! I don't know how else to contact you for advice, so I am doing it here. I have been asked what I want for Christmas, and I can't think of anything better than a book on the tube, the kind with photos of the areas you visit in your hangouts. Can you either recommend a book for me or is this one OK do you think? Hidden London Discovering the Forgotten Underground from the London Transport shop? Have you written a book Chris Nix? Thank you so, so much Caroline

[@alexgrundon2346]

Hi there. Just seen this lovely note. I have to say the HIDDEN LONDON book from the museum shop is to die for. I read it cover to cover in two days and the pics are to die for. Give that a go and find us all on insta. We reply quickly x

[@alexgrundon2346]

Yea that book is great and if you can get hold of an old copy of Rails Through The Clay it’s a great book too

[@carolinesexplosion]

Thanks for the advice Alex, I’ll ask for them for Christmas!

[@carolinesexplosion]

I didn’t bother asking for that book, I just bought it, thank you 🎉

[@lotharhamburg5343]

Somewhere to go when the ICBMs start to strike 🤪🔥

[@barryamorris]

Why is the footage so blurry??

[@PrograError]

prob cos of rolling shutter in cameras...

[@grahamwootten890]

Clear signs of trespassers in 2009 - spot the graffiti ?

[@davidx4591]

Why don’t you guys comment on the graffiti, it’s totally ignored? Have you ever watched the film ‘journey to the bottom of the earth’, the guy before that expedition left his mark! And you can bet those naughty little critters, those graffiti artists had a far more exciting time than you, as there were no measures in place for them, they were not expected, real adventure!

[@alexgrundon2346]

We never draw attention to it. Much of it is obscene and to show it glorifies it.

[@dylancarter1831]

I like the episodes, but too much talking from your homes and not enough exploring more. I maybe a loan opinion on this, I don't know, lol :)

[@alexgrundon2346]

You’re welcome to your view. Good thing is you can spool into the bits you want to see

[@simonbiggs9102]

Don't want to make laura blush but she is a right hottie

[@geoffreymartin2764]

Are there any other not there stations? 🏳‍🌈

[@Why24244]

You have South Kentish town on the northern line and York road although York road has a surface station building both are episodes on here

[@mathewlawton8944]

Great video can't wait till 200 thank 4 ll your hard work