London Show (1 Viewer)

[chalklands]

Hi,
I've been to all of the London Toy Soldier shows since June 2008 (except for one). I have to admit that I much prefer the old venue. There just isn't the same ambiance at the Business Design Centre as there was at the Royal National. Agreed, the Royal National was quirky, but that is what made it enjoyable for me......the two split halls (a quick dash through the rain and wind and tourists to get to the other hall, and a bar inbetween the two), the wargame in the foyer. I could also pop down to the British Museum for an hour or so if needed. The BDC just doesn't do it for me I'm afraid. It's just too clinical.....

Sigh.....

Pete

 

[Go for Broke]

There's an old coffee shop near my house that I love to go to. The restaurant is over 60-years old and looks it, but there's a homey feel to it and you're bound to see someone you know. I was telling my kids how I much prefer this place to the modern franchised restaurants for exactly what you described.

 

[Old Bill]

Absolutely right Pete!

But that was then and this is now. It's happening to everything. I used to visit the old Foyles bookshop in Charring Cross Road on my visits to the Old Venue. Chock full of books, including a fantastic Military section (many rare second hand in terrific condition as well) over several floors off a tight winding old staircase........... heaven! They have now closed it and moved a little further down the road. To a two floor open plan monstrosity - not much stock, certainly no second hand editions. Now just about on a par with the local branch of Waterstones. (If you have one, Ha Ha!)

"They know the price of everything and the value of nothing"

Roy