Marriott’s Side Trips Stephen Marriott

“The smell of coffee is a feeling of home.”
 
In January 2021 England was experiencing its third lockdown. However, that didn’t prevent Emma (my partner) and myself from getting out and having some fun in the snow at our local London park one Sunday. When we returned we put the kettle on and as we warmed up in the kitchen I set up my recording device. And this was my first Side Trips’ episode, and the precursor to my lockdown interviews with London’s local traders and artists.In this pilot (bonus) episode I attempted to share Emma’s various stories - as this wayward girl has already lived a variety of lives! She’s been a secretary; a building surveyor specialising in cultural heritage in London; post-conflict conservationist in the Balkans; and bookstore and cafe proprietor. Now she’s an author and podcaster. We also talked about her ten weeks of driving around the Balkan backroads in a communist era Zastava 750.Put the kettle on and be prepared to be taken from Edinburgh, London to the Balkans, and back to London again.With most nations learning to live with the virus and travel restrictions easing I’m looking forward to the new year being a year of travel and sharing the stories of the wonderful characters I meet along the way. So watch this space as I’ll be back on the road later in 2022…LEARN MORE ABOUT EMMA CARMICHAEL
Website: travellingthrough.co.ukPodcast: https://www.travellingthrough.co.uk/podcast-1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travelling_throughFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thetravellingthroughpodcastBook: Driving Tito - Through the Balkan Backroads with a Celebrity
 
ABOUT MARRIOTT'S SIDE TRIPSAn overview and further information on Stephen Marriott can be found at the show's website: https://www.marriottssidetrips.comA quick way to find the latest episodes: https://www.marriottssidetrips.com/podcastMarriott shares images and videos from his travels, but rarely sunset shots, at Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephenrmarriottSign-up for the newsletter and grab a Free checklist, Essential Checklist for the Modern Day Traveller here: http://eepurl.com/hxsQf1If you have any questions or comments, Marriott always loves to hear from his listeners. You can reach him at: stephen@stephenrmarriott.com
 
Listen & SubscribeApple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | Google PodcastsRecorded in our kitchen on 23/01/21.

“If you put a little effort into something the difference is tremendous.”
With the travel restrictions, I’ve been grounded in London and getting to know those local traders and artists keeping the city ticking over. In the last episode of the series, I caught up with friend and musician Stephanie Mair, aka Fifi La Mer. Her repertoire includes Parisian folk music to selected modern tunes, performing solo or in her band Oh La La!
I tracked down Fifi in her north London home and we discuss the neighbourhood of Bounds Green; Parisian music influences; the “surreal experience” of performing as a duet outside Zédel’s restaurant in the empty streets of West End London; what resilience feels like for Fifi; learning the accordion; and touring again.
Pour yourself a glass of wine and prepare to be taken to London, Paris and back…
 
PEOPLE AND PLACES MENTIONED
More about Fifi and Oh La La!, including CD purchases: https://www.ohlalamusic.co.uk/index.phpNational Rural Touring and Fifi’s journey into French music: https://www.ruraltouring.org/facebook-event/oh-la-la-fifi-la-mer-4Live And Local: Living Room Project: http://www.liveandlocal.org.uk/livingroom.htmBounds Green: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bounds_GreenKenwood Ladies’ Pond, Hampstead Heath: https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/green-spaces/hampstead-heath/where-to-go-at-hampstead-heath/kenwood-ladies-pondBrasserie Zédel: https://www.brasseriezedel.comWhat is Pétanque?: https://thisispetanque.com/what-is-petanque.html
 
ABOUT MARRIOTT'S SIDE TRIPSAn overview and further information on Stephen Marriott can be found at the show's website: https://www.marriottssidetrips.comMarriott shares images and videos from his travels, but rarely sunset shots, at Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephenrmarriottAuthor’s Website and Free book: https://stephenrmarriott.comIf you have any questions or comments, Marriott always loves to hear from his listeners. You can reach him at: stephen@stephenrmarriott.comListen & SubscribeApple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Podcasts
Music: Fifi La Mer, performing La Complainte de la Butte by Jean Renoir. The show’s theme music is by Hanna and Julius, thank you.
Thank you to Fifi for hosting the episode on 28/05/2021.

“And it’s been noted how many people are very lonely and how many people are missing people, and this is what we do on a daily basis, we introduce people together.”
 
Andrew Ford is the landlord of my local pub, the Hand in Hand, on Wimbledon Common, South West London. It’s my sanctuary when London becomes too much for me, as stepping through its doors you enter a cosy country-style pub dating back to 1835. But more importantly, you’re greeted with a smile and a decent pint of beer.
 
On one level I have mixed feelings broadcasting about the pub, as I feel it’s one of London’s best-kept secrets – after all, there aren’t too many “village” pubs in London! However, the Hand in Hand and Andrew are full of stories; and stories should be shared.
 
So last month, I caught up with Andrew for a pint of ale, and we had a fine chat and a laugh. Our topics of conversation ranged from the history of the pub, which started life as a bakery; the pub as a community; the mental health effects of the lockdown on the staff as well as the regulars; the pub’s customers including Oliver Reed’s drinking shenanigans; serving a decent pint of ale; to working as a husband and wife team – Andrew’s wife Elzbieta runs the kitchen.
 
The Hand in Hand is the perfect example of why pubs are the heart and soul of a community. Pour yourself a drink and enjoy…
 
PEOPLE AND PLACES MENTIONED
The Hand in Hand: https://www.thehandinhandwimbledon.co.uk
Instagram: handinhandwimbledon
Wimbledon Common: https://www.wpcc.org.uk
Wimbledon Village: https://www.wimbledon-village.com
CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale): https://camra.org.uk
A history of Young’s & Co Brewery: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Young%27s
Oliver Reed’s Wimbledon 8-pub crawl: https://www.mylondon.news/whats-on/food-drink-news/wimbledon-8-pub-crawl-legendary-20491430
 
ABOUT MARRIOTT'S SIDE TRIPS
An overview and further information on Stephen Marriott can be found at the show's website: https://www.marriottssidetrips.com
A quick way to find the latest episodes: https://www.marriottssidetrips.com/podcast
Marriott shares images and videos from his travels, but rarely sunset shots, at Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephenrmarriott
Author’s Website and Free book: https://stephenrmarriott.com
If you have any questions or comments, Marriott always loves to hear from his listeners. You can reach him at: stephen@stephenrmarriott.com
 
Listen & Subscribe
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Podcasts
 
The show’s theme music is by Hanna and Julius, thank you.
Thank you to Andrew and the Hand in Hand for hosting the episode on 22/06/2021.

“Cooking takes a long time, especially if you want to cook it with love – love takes time.”
 
Angel Moran is one half of the brother and sister team of the Peruvian street food stall, The Hungry Llama, at Lower Marsh Market in Waterloo, London. Originally from Peru, they learned to cook from their mother, whose first food venture was selling cooked fish in the streets of Lima. And lucky for Londoner’s, their Mum knew a variety of Peruvian foods and flavours from the Andes, to the jungle to coastal dishes.
 
I met up with Angel on his day off from the stall in a local park in Waterloo and we chatted about adapting their Peruvian dishes to a European pallet; working through the pandemic; cooking with love; and Angel’s future culinary dreams, amongst other things.
 
Angel and his sister, Lesley, are great examples of how maintaining your passion and joy can get you through tough times. So if you’re ever in the Waterloo area, pass by The Hungry Llama as they’re guaranteed to put a smile on your face, not to mention feed you well. You may even get to dance salsa too!
 
PEOPLE AND PLACES MENTIONED
The Hungry Llama: https://www.facebook.com/TheHungryLLamaUK
Instagram: the_hungryllama
Lower Marsh Market: https://www.lowermarshmarket.com
Archbishop’s Park: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archbishop%27s_Park
Gastón Acurio: https://www.starchefs.com/cook/chefs/bio/gaston-acurio
 
ABOUT MARRIOTT'S SIDE TRIPS
An overview and further information on Stephen Marriott can be found at the show's website: https://www.marriottssidetrips.com
A quick way to find the latest episodes: https://www.marriottssidetrips.com/podcast
Marriott shares images and videos from his travels, but rarely sunset shots, at Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephenrmarriott
Author’s Website and Free book: https://stephenrmarriott.com
Sign-up for the newsletter and grab a Free checklist, Essential Checklist for the Modern Day Traveller here: http://eepurl.com/hxsQf1
If you have any questions or comments, Marriott always loves to hear from his listeners. You can reach him at: stephen@stephenrmarriott.com
 
Listen & Subscribe
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Podcasts
 
The show’s theme music is by Hanna and Julius, thank you.
This episode was recorded on 08/03/2021 in Archbishop’s Park.

“This challenge taught me to start and finish a drawing without any plan every day.”
 
I had the pleasure of first meeting Esra last summer when she was part of a collaborative exhibition in London, and she enthusiastically talked me through one of her striking pictures on display, which was inspired by the energy of cities, migration and movement. Esra talked passionately about her art, and it felt natural to invite her to be a guest on the show; especially as she’d already embarked on her epic 365-days drawing challenge. So on a rainy spring day, I headed over to her studio in Waterloo (London SE1).
 
Esra is originally from Istanbul, where she had worked as a graphic designer and artist. She’s also a mother, and five years ago she decided to relocate with her kids to London and start a new life. She’s a courageous woman; so it’s no surprise our conversation diverged into other subjects, beyond her 365-days lockdown challenge. We chatted gaining confidence in expressing daily feelings and spiritualism in Esra’s drawings; finding your way in London; acknowledging your purpose; and accepting the here and now.
 
Esra’s art has evolved as she has. This is her lockdown story.
 
PEOPLE AND PLACES MENTIONED
Esra’s website: https://www.esrakizirgokcen.com
Instagram: ekg_art_studio & ekg_365drawings
Make Space Studios: http://www.makespacestudios.com
The artists’ pool: https://www.theartistspool.co.uk
54 the gallery: https://54thegallery.co.uk/category/exhibitions
Renee Rilexie: http://www.rilexie.com
The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
 
ABOUT MARRIOTT'S SIDE TRIPS
An overview and further information on Stephen Marriott can be found at the show's website: https://www.marriottssidetrips.com
A quick way to find the latest episodes: https://www.marriottssidetrips.com/podcast
Marriott shares images and videos from his travels, but rarely sunset shots, at Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephenrmarriott
Sign-up for the newsletter and grab a Free checklist, Essential Checklist for the Modern Day Traveller here: http://eepurl.com/hxsQf1
If you have any questions or comments, Marriott always loves to hear from his listeners. You can reach him at: stephen@stephenrmarriott.com
 
Listen & Subscribe
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Podcasts
 
The show’s theme music is by Hanna and Julius, thank you.
Thanks to Esra and Make Space Studios for hosting the podcast on 20/05/2021.

“This whole lockdown period has definitely given a lot of people the ability to get out there and try it and get comfortable with it [cycling].”To see the centre of London almost car free was surreal during the peak of the lockdowns. But for me, like many other cyclists, this was an opportunity to reclaim London’s previously vehicle choked streets. So last May, I got myself a foldable bicycle, a Tern (I can recommend it) and discovered East Central Cycles, an independent bicycle shop in Exmouth Market, Clerkenwell, which had one in stock. Visiting the shop, it soon became clear that the lockdown had completely changed the operation of the business.I caught up with Charlie, one of the four founders of the store, when I returned to get my bike serviced, and we grabbed a park bench for a chat. We chatted setting up the shop with four friends; competing against the big chains; hipsters and the custom bike trend; meeting the challenges of lockdown and the resurgence of cycling in London; and Charlie’s favourite areas of London including exploring its backstreets.If there was ever an episode to inspire you to get out and about on two-wheels this is it. Meet Charlie and East Central Cycles…
 
PLACES MENTIONED
 
East Central Cycles website: http://www.eastcentralcycles.co.ukFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/eastcentralcycles
 
Exmouth Market: https://exmouth.london
 
Smithfield Market: http://www.smithfieldmarket.com
 
ABOUT MARRIOTT'S SIDE TRIPS
 
Website: https://www.marriottssidetrips.com
 
A quick way to find the latest episodes: https://www.marriottssidetrips.com/podcast
 
Instagram (my travel life, but rarely sunset shots): https://www.instagram.com/stephenrmarriott
 
Sign-up for the newsletter and grab a FREE Travel Checklist:http://eepurl.com/hxsQf1
 
If you have any questions, or comments please let us know what you think. Marriott always loves to hear from his listeners. You can reach him directly at: stephen@stephenrmarriott.comListen & SubscribeApple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | Google PodcastsThe show’s theme music is by Hanna and Julius, thank you.Thanks to Charlie and Spa Fields Park for hosting the podcast on 26/03/2021.