Paul O’Pray is the Head Concierge of London Bridge Hotel, the independent, four star property located just steps away from London Bridge and The Shard London. He has worked for the hotel for over 16 years this May and has become famous or perhaps infamous for his idiosyncratic musical choices shared via social media streams. We caught up with him to ask him for his personal London favourites.
You obviously love the area – what hidden gems are there hereabouts?
There’s Borough Market of course – unbeatable but I think the biggest gem in the collection has to be the Old Operating Theatre museum – just around the corner from us. It offers a glimpse into the Victorian age and is atmospheric and bursting with character – a very unique attraction.
The Old Operating Theatre by Sue Lowry
I also like Southwark Cathedral just a couple of minutes walk from us across the road. It’s a very peaceful oasis in the heart of the city – they offer a daily prayer and sometimes, it’s a very soothing place to visit and be at peace. There’s a monument to Shakespeare and the Marchioness memorial of course – I always stop for a moment there. Oh and I love the George Inn. The food is very good – there’s a mix of tourists and city types – it has a wonderful atmosphere and you can really feel the history – the coaches which must have pulled in here for refreshment before travelling onto Dover.
The George Inn by Sue Lowry
Oh and did you know, the captain of the Mayflower is buried in Bermondsey at the St Mary the Virgin Church in Rotherhide. Christopher Jones was his name. London has a wonderful maritime history – and I love its seafaring history.
St James Park by Sue Lowry
What else do you love about London?
I enjoy our parks – especially Hyde Park. Full of little gardens – you can really lose yourself in there and completely forget you are in the centre of the capital. I’m a bit of a gardener too so I always visit Regent’s and St James’s Parks to see what’s going on.
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