Beatles and London | Page 2 | Fab Forum | The Beatles Bible

I would recommend going to the MPL Communications office in Soho Square, The London Palladium, Sutherland House where Brian Epstein’s offices were from 1964-1967, the building in Savile Row where they played the rooftop concert, The Scotch Of St James nightclub where The Beatles, The Who and The Rolling Stones would hang out. 

I would also recommend going to The Playhouse Theatre where they recorded a session for the BBC Radio Show, Saturday Club on 31st March 1964, the London Pavilion where they had their movie premieres and the Prince Of Wales Theatre where they performed for The Royal Variety Show. 

You are welcome @meanmistermustard. I hope the trip goes well on Monday!

I went on a solo walking Beatles tour in London today with the help of my ‘Guide To The Beatles’ London’ book by Richard Porter and Google Maps for some of the directions.

First, I walked to the Radha Krishna Temple which is the London headquarters of the Hari Krishna movement. As you all know, George was a huge supporter of the movement. It is located on 10 Soho Street.

Secondly, I walked to Trident Studios (now Trident Sound Studio) in St Anne’s Court. This is where The Beatles recorded Hey Jude , Dear Prudence , Savoy Truffle , Honey Pie , Martha My Dear and I Want You (She’s So Heavy). George recorded some of his songs for the All Things Must Pass album there. Ringo also worked there for the It Don’t Come Easy single.

I also took a photo of the plaque dedicated to David Bowie.

Afterwards, I went outside of the toilets in Broadwick Street. This is where John appeared as a doorman for a comedy sketch with Peter Cook and Dudley Moore in ‘Not Only…….But Also….’, which was broadcast on 27th November 1966. It was the first time John was seen wearing his iconic round glasses on screen. As you all know, ‘How I Won The War’ wasn’t released until 1967. I stood on the spot where John was in the sketch and did a salute.

Next, I went to Carnaby Street. It was the heart of ‘Swinging London’ in the 60s. The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Who and Jimi Hendrix used to shop there.

Then, I walked to 9 Kingly Street where Bag O’ Nails was located. It was a night club that opened in 1966 and swiftly became popular with famous musicians. All 4 of The Beatles came there at least once, but it was Paul who went more than the others. He has admitted he used to go to the club to ‘pick up girls’!

Afterwards, I walked to Lower Regent Street where The BBC Paris Studios used to be. The Beatles came there many times to record BBC sessions from 1962 to 1964. They were regular guests on BBC radio shows and recorded ‘Pop Go The Beatles’ in the studios.

Next, I walked to Simpsons, which is now the Waterstones bookshop in Piccadilly. The Beatles bought clothes there on many occasions. After the building became Waterstones, Paul visited there for book signings.

I then walked to Fortnum and Mason, an expensive store where The Beatles bought groceries for Apple.

Next, I walked to The Scotch Of St James’s in Masons Yard. The Beatles visited there regularly and they even had their own table with a brass template on the side; if anyone else sat at that table they were told to move! It’s also where Paul met Stevie Wonder and they became life long friends.

Afterwards, I walked to 165-69 New Bond Street, where Asprey used to be. It was a famous jewellery shop that was featured in ‘Help !’

As I was walking down the street, I took a photo of the Stella McCartney store.

Next, I walked to 363 Oxford Street where HMV used to be. In February 1962, Brian Epstein came there to try and secure a recording contract for The Beatles. I took a photo of the plaque. The building is now House Of Candy.

Afterwards, I walked to 95 Wigmore Street where the Apple offices used to be from January to April 1968.

Next, I walked to the Devonshire Arms Pub where The Beatles visited a few times. It was also where they first met their NEMS press officer, Tony Barrow.

Afterwards, I walked to Manchester Square, where the headquarters of EMI Records were located. The Beatles were regular visitors to the building and photographed there on many occasions. The most famous photo sessions were the ones Angus McBean took for the Please, Please Me and Get Back album covers. As you all know, the 1963 and 1969 photos were used for the Red and Blue albums.

I walked to 52 Manchester Street, where Victor Spinetti used to live in the 1960s. He co-wrote a play with John, called ‘In His Own Write’ based on John’s two books, ‘In His Own Write’ and ‘A Spaniard In The Works’. He and Victor wrote some of the play at Victor’s house.

I went to the London Beatles Store afterwards and bought a print of a 1963 photograph and an Anthology photo release plate from 1995.

 I had a great time in London. 

Ron Nasty said
On the former HMV on Oxford Street, it will not be a House of Candy for much longer, as the building is still owned by HMV, and they recently announced that they are reopening their former flagship store there towards the end of this year.  

That’s great news. I remember going to the HMV store once with my Dad 14 years ago and bought the 2005 CD reissues of Kite and Electric Landlady by Kirsty MacColl there. I will definitely visit again when it reopens.

sigh butterfly said
Thanks for adding the images to your tour post @Rube. They are really fun to look at. You would be an awesome guide.

  

You are welcome. I’m glad you enjoy looking at the photos.