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Merchant City

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Attractions

Attractions

Discover the Merchant City ...

Glasgow Merchant City is a neighbourhood with its own identity located within the city centre area. Like many inner city areas throughout the world, the Merchant City has transformed itself from a former commercial trading area into the cool, chic haven of style that exists today. But it wasn’t always that way .

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The Merchant City is one of the oldest quarters of Glasgow and has been the home to monks, merchants and merry makers for centuries. In medieval times orangeries and rose gardens once scented the air, but as the city developed this pretty little area is where the dog and bird markets, bowling greens and places of entertainment could be found.

Throughout the eighties and nineties the Merchant City has been revitalised. Old warehouses became modern fashion houses;

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Unlimited free superfast wifi empty market buildings have been given new life as restaurants or bars and loft living and the birth of a strong and vibrant community arrived in style.

Artists colonised run-downworkshops and empty shop units; vacated merchants houses became hotels and restaurants while redundant churches have found new congregations in the theatre-going and music-loving audiences of the city; namely the Tron Theatre and St. Andrew’s in the Square.

Today the Merchant City is a remarkable mix of stylish bars, boutique hotels, luxury apartments, restaurants, shops and artists galleries. And amongst it all there still survive a few hidden gems, such as the Britannia Panopticon Music Hall where Stan Laurel made his debut or the architectural splendour of the magnificent 18th century St. Andrew’s in the Square or the sublime City Halls and Old Fruitmarket.

Whatever the content of these buildings the style and elegance of the architecture remains to be enjoyed by all.

Hard Rock Cafe Glasgow is located in the heart of Glasgow’s historic Style Mile in the restored, renaissanceinspired Athenaeum Theatre. Established in 1893, this striking theatre has musical history of its own: originally a music school, it later became the home to the Royal Scottish Academy of Music & Drama. With historic musical memorabilia gracing every wall, Hard Rock Cafe Glasgow fits right into the historic charm of the area and honors the history of the Athenaeum Theatre.

Glasgow’s Merchant City Merchant City highlights ...

Photo courtesy of Glasgow Life TRON THEATRE 63 Trongate G1 5HB 0141 552 4267 www.tron.co.uk The Tron is one of Scotland’s leading mid-scale producing and preenting theatres. Housing three performance space as well as the Tron Bar & Kitchen, it is a vibrant and bustling creative hub

ST ENOCH 3 MERCHANT CITY GLASGOW CATHEDRAL Castle Street G4 0141 552 8198 www.glasgowcathedral.org.uk The present Cathedral building was consecrated in 1197. Since that same period the Cathedral has never been unroofed and it has been a working church for more that 800 years. The cathedral has a regular and active congregation and well worth a visit.

BUCHANAN ST 2 GLASGOW CATHEDRAL GLASGOW POLICE MUSEUM 30 Bell Street. G1 1LG 0141 552 1818 www.policemuseum.org.uk The Glasgow Police Historical Exhibition contains artefacts and exhibits giving an insight into the people and events which contributed to the founding, development and progress of Britain’s first Police force.

ST ENOCH 4 MERCHANT CITY CITY HALLS Candleriggs G1 1NQ 0141 353 8000 www.glasgowconcerthalls.com This spectacular hall is the city’s oldest, but most loved, performance and meeting place and home to the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra.

BUCHANAN ST 3 MERCHANT CITY

WEST BAR & BREWERY Templeton Building. Glasgow Green. G40 1AW. 0141 550 0135 www.westbeer.com WEST Great for families, West brew its St.Mungo lager on the premises while serving a great range of simple, hearty and delicious food.

ST ENOCH (30 min walk) 5 GLASGOW GREEN

Smoked BBQ Food Craft Beer . Live Sport

81-85 Renfield St . Glasgow . G21LP www.theravenglasgow.com

OLD FRUITMARKET THEATRE CITATION TAVERNA & RESTAURANT ESCA Candleriggs (entered via City Halls) G1 1NQ. 40 Wilson Street. G1 1HD. 27 Chisholm Street (opp Tron Theatre) G1 5HA 0141 353 8000 www.glasgowconcerthalls.com 0141 559 6799. www.citation-glasgow.com 0141 553 0880 www.esca-restaurant.co.uk A stunning venue that used to be an old market, Citation is housed in the former landmark Sheriff Serving the Merchant City for over ten years, Esca with a huge downstairs performance area. There is Court building only a short walk from George was among the first to present rustic, authentic rean upstairs balcony area as well as a café/bar. Square. It offers a variety of classic and contempogional Italian cuisine to the area. Ever popular with

BUCHANAN ST 4 MERCHANT CITY rary dishes to suit every palate. locals and visitors, Esca is an ideal stop as its right BUCHANAN ST 3 MERCHANT SQ across the street from the Tron Theatre. BRITANNIA PANOPTICON MUSIC HALL MHARSANTA BAR & RESTAURANT ST ENOCH 4 MERCHANT CITY 113-117 Trongate G1 5HD 26 Bell St, Glasgow G1 1LG 0141 553 0840 www.britanniapanopticon.org The world’s oldest surviving music hall! Founded in 1857 on The Trongate the Britannia is famed and still popular as a place of entertainment and amusement in the city. ST ENOCH 3 MERCHANT CITY 0141 552 9900 www.mharsanta.co.uk Mharsanta offers a wonderful selection of new and traditional Scottish dishes. Mharsanta (pronounced “Var-Santah) meaning Merchant in Gaelic has a passion for using seasonal produce from Scotland, the best ready for you to enjoy. GUYS 24 Candleriggs. G1 1TD 0141 552 1114 www.guysrestaurant.co.uk Before opening Guys, Guy Cowan cooked on location for the film industry and so brings a delightful mix of superb globally influenced dishes combining ST ENOCH 3 MERCHANT CITY with local Scottish produce and an atmosphere of ST ANDREWS IN THE SQUARE 1 St. Andrew’s Street. G1 5PP 0141 559 5902 www.standrewsinthesquare.com Considered one of the finest classical church buildings in Britain and now home to Glasgow’s Centre for Scottish Culture. The venue plays host to HUTCHESON’S 158 Ingram Street. G1 1EJ 0141 552 4050 www.hutchesonsglasgow.com An award winning fine dining venue set in one of Glasgow’s iconic buildings this lovely restaurant warm, friendly welcome. ST ENOCH INGRAM WYND 58 Ingram Street. G1 1EX 4 MERCHANT CITY many events as well as Scottish opera concerts and serves the very best dry aged Scottish steak and 0141 553 2470 www.ingramwynd.co.uk is home to Café Source. fresh seafood in classic surroundings. A glimpse of 19th century Glasgow awaits you at

ST ENOCH 7 ST ANDREW SQ BUCHANAN ST 1 GEORGE SQ Ingram Wynd as well as a superb selection of menus WILSON STREET PANTRY This cosy little cafe/pantry is a haven of good wholesome food and drink and is popular with local residents which makes it the perfect shout if you need a caffeine fix and some freshly baked sweet treats to keep you going. Lunch is always busy so get there early!. BUCHANAN ST 3 MERCHANT SQ AMORE THE MERCHANT CHIPPIE 155 High Street. G1 1PH 0141 552 5789 www.merchantchippieglasgow.co.uk The Merchant Chippie is a traditional fish & chip shop and fishmongers. All food is cooked to order meaning that you get the freshest fish, simply cooked and ready to enjoy at its best. BUCHANAN ST 4 MERCHANT CITY ARISAIG 1 Merchant Square. G1 1LE that include spins on Scottish Classics such as lamb stovies or medallions of venison. There is also an outdoor terrace for al fresco dining! BUCHANAN ST 4 MERCHANT CITY KOOLBA 109 Candleriggs. G1 1NP 0141 552 2777 www.koolba.com Koolba combines the culinary styles of India and the Middle east to bring you an eclectic mix of exotic flavours produced using the finest locally sourced 30 Ingram Street. G1 1EZ 0141 553 1010 www.arisaigrestaurant.co.uk ingredients. Ideally located for pre or post concert 0141 553 0810 www.amoreglasgow.co.uk Arisaig specialises in modern Scottish dishes such dining. A fantastic, authentic Italian pizzeria & restaurant as hot smoked salmon, Arbroath Smokies and BUCHANAN ST 3 MERCHANT CITY serving the finest fresh produce and beautifully fabulous game all served with the freshest, seasonal prepared wood oven pizzas and wonderful pasta dishes. local accompaniments. BUCHANAN ST 4 MERCHANT CITY SAPPORO Ingram Street G1 1HA

BUCHANAN ST 4 MERCHANT CITY CAFÉ GANDOLFI 0141 290 0973 www.sapporo.co.uk PAESANO PIZZA 94 Miller Street. G1 1DT 0141 258 5565. www.paesanopizza.co.uk Enjoy great pizza, artisan, wood fired in a funky and very busy city centre location. This is one of Glasgow’s 64 Albion Street. G1 1NY 0141 552 6813 www.cafegandolfi.com One of Glasgow’s best known and iconic dining places. Café Gandolfi has been delighting diners with its passionate promotion of Scottish produce especially An exciting dining Japanese experience with food expertly prepared by entertaining Teppanyaki chefs who will dazzle you with their tricks while delivering mouth watering food to your plate. BUCHANAN ST 4 MERCHANT CITY busiest locations so be prepared to wait for a table. sourced from the Highlands and Islands.

BUCHANAN ST 1 GEORGE SQ BUCHANAN ST 3 MERCHANT SQ METROPOLITAN BOTECO DO BRASIL 62 Trongate. G1 5EP 07772 847311 www.botecodobrasil.com Glasgow’s little corner of Brasil. There is always a party going on at Boteco from live salsa to live sport and club nights. Really popular after show venue. Open late. ST ENOCH 3 MERCHANT SQ CITY MERCHANT 97-99 Candleriggs. G1 1NP 0141 553 1577 www.citymerchant.co.uk Known for its fresh seafood and game as well as aged beef and seasonal lamb, the City Merchant is a very popular place to dine ideally located in the heart of the Merchant City and directly across the street from the City Halls concert hall. BUCHANAN ST 4 MERCHANT CITY 5 Candleriggs. G1 1LE. 0141 552 9402 www.metropolitan-bar.com Award winning cocktail bar and Scottish a-la-carte restaurant, Metropolitan occupies a stunning location with Merchant Square where diners can experience a fantastic range of expertly made cocktails before choosing from the a varied, locally sourced menu. BUCHANAN ST 4 MERCHANT CITY

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The West End ...

Glasgow’s West End district is only Hunterian Museum, another important historical about two miles away from the city collection. centre but a world away in terms Also within easy reach of the West End is the of its unique character and style. On foot, award winning Riverside Transport Museum by subway or bus easily accesses the area with the awesome Titan Crane just a little further which is home to a fantastic and eclectic mixture of attractions, cafes, bars, famous restaurants, a world famous comedy club out towards Clydebank. If sightseeing on foot in the fresh air is more your thing then take the time to mingle within the cobbled lanes to enjoy the area’s Victorian as well as some really lovely boutique shops.

From the bustling daily activity of Byres Road to hidden gems nestled down historic cobbled lanes, The West End is a “Must Visit” no matter how long your trip to Glasgow is for.

The area is home to some of Glasgow’s most famous attractions. The stunning Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery houses some of Scotland’s most valued collections and is a short walk from the subway and is a stop for the City Sightseeing open top bus. Nearby is the architecture or wander around the famous campus at Glasgow University. You may also take time to enjoy the wonderful Botanic Gardens, yet another gem within a few minutes walk of Byres Road.

The West End provides a wonderful opportunity to escape from the city centre and still onlybe ten minutes away. Getting there is easy by subway or City Sightseeing bus.

Discover Glasgow in 21 stops!

West End highlights ...

Visiting the West End is a great contrast to the hustle and bustle of the city centre. The West End has an altogether more relaxed atmosphere and life moves at a much more relaxed pace.

There are plenty of places where you can stop for coffee or grab lunch and if the weather is favourable lots of outside spaces where you can sit back and watch the world go by.

The West End has some fabulous attractions, museums, boutique shops and a whole list of great restaurants and lively pubs. Have a look at some of our tips here, nearly all of which are within a short walk of either a subway station or sightseeing bus stop. THE RIVERSIDE MUSEUM OF TRANSPORT 100 Pointhouse Place G3 8RS 0141 287 2728 www.glasgowlife.org.uk A vast collections of Glasgow’s transport heritage assembled under one roof showcases the city’s important contribution to transportation through ship building, locomotive construction and car making. The museum can be accessed by foot from the West End.

PARTICK 14 RIVERSIDE MUSEUM

TITAN CRANE Queen’s Quay, Clydebank G81 1BF 0141 952 3771 www.titanclydebank.com Visit one of Scotland’s unique industrial attractions and imagine looking down on the Queen Mary or QE2 as thy were being built. A proud custodian of Glasgow’s shipbuilding past lives on. The museum is a short trip by train or bus from the West End. KELVINGROVE ART GALLERY & MUSEUM Argyle Street G3 8AG 0141 276 9500 www.glasgowlife.org.uk Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum is one of Scotland’s most popular free attractions. It has 22 themed, state-of=the-art galleries displaying an astonishing 8,000 objects. The collections are extensive, wide-ranging and internationally significant.

KELVIN HALL 18 KELVINGROVE BOTANIC GARDENS 730 Great Western Road G12 0UE 0141 276 1614 www.glasgowbotanicgardens.com Glasgow Botanic Gardens is an Arboretum and public park located close to Bhyres Road. It features several glasshourses, the most notable being the Kibble Palace. The gardens are popular for walking and picnics.

HILLHEAD 17 BOTANIC GARDENS

Photo courtesy of Glasgow Life

THE HUNTERIAN MUSEUM & ART GALLERY University Avenue G12 8QQ 0141 330 4221 www.gla.ac.uk Founded in 1807, the Hunterian is Scotland’s oldest public museum. The museum’s collections inc;ude scientific instruments used by James Watt, Joseph Lister and Lord Kelvin as well as outstanding Roman artefacts and other life science collections.

HILLHEAD 16 GLASGOW UNIVERSITY ATHENA GREEK TAVERNA 1116 Argyle Street G3 8TD 0141 339 3895 www.athenataverna.co.uk Locted very close to the West End at Finnieston and within walkung distance of Glasgow University. Athena provides authentic Greek dishes combining the freshest ingredients with old family recipes served in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

PARTICK 19 KELVINGROVE

LA VITA SPUNTINI 199-201 Byres Road G12 8TN 0141 339 4222 www.lavitapizzeria.co.uk Little brother to La Vita in the city centre, Spuntini creates a relaxed place where leisurely meals consisting of Bella Figura or Italian Tapas makes this an ideal family dining experience.

HILLHEAD 19 BYRES ROAD THE BUTCHERSHOP BAR & GRILL 1055 Sauchiehall Street G3 7UD 0141 339 2999 www.butchershopglasgow.com The Butchershop takes pride in serving only the finest grass fed beef, locally sourced and hung for between 21 & 35 days to ensure the finest, most succulent steak imaginable.

PARTICK 19 KELVINGROVE MASALA TWIST TIKKA TAPAS BAR 192-194 Byres Road G12 8SN 0141 339 3777 www.masalatwist.co.uk Authentic Indian cuisine with a Scottish twist. The chefs deliver classic Indian style dishes using the finest local ingredients. For a twist you can also enjoy rabbit or venison curry as well as pheasant tikka along with all the other well know selections.

HILLHEAD 18 BYRES ROAD CAFÉ ANDELUZ WEST END 2 Cresswell Lane G12 8AA Authentic Spanish tapas, paella and a hge range of Spanish wines and cocktails in a relaxed and bustling atmosphere. Cntrally located and a great family destination.

HILLHEAD 18 BYRES ROAD THE PELICAN CAFE 1377 Argyle Street G3 8AF 0844 573 0670 www.thepelicancafe.co.uk The Pelican Cafe has gained a very strong following since opening. Serving excellent locally sourced beef, seafood and produce, the restaurant combines this with a great selection of excellent fairly priced wines.

PARTICK 19 KELVINGROVE

THE BOTHY 11 Ruthven Lane G12 9BG 0141 334 4040 www.bothyglasgow.com A West End institution famous for its kilted staff and well sourced ingredients which include North Sea scallops, and Stornoay black pudding as well as Ayrshire lamb. Mouthwatering menus and a location within yards of bustling Byres Road..

HILLHEAD 18 BYRES ROAD STRAVAIGIN 28 Gibson Street G12 8NX 0141 334 2665 www.stravaigin.co.uk A hugely ppopular locl restaurant serving an impressive variety of dishes from around the world but with the common theme of using fresh Scottish ingredients locally sourced. Choose to dine either in the restaurant downstairs or the upstairs cafe/bar. KELVINBRIDGE 16 GLASGOW UNI TWO FAT LADIES 88 Dumbarton FRoad G11 6NX 0141 339 1944 www.twofatladiesrestaurant.com A firm Glasgow favourite with locals and visitors alike, Two Fat Ladies has an enviable reputation as one of the city’s best seafood restaurants with influences from France, Italy and the Middle East. Always busy so booking ahead is advised.

PARTICK 19 KELVINGROVE CAIL BRUICH 725 Great Western Road G12 8QX 0141 334 6265 www.cailbruich.co.uk An award winning Scottish dining experience located close to the Botanic Gardens serving an inspired menu created around seasonality, freshness and the highest welfare standards, Cail Bruich has a well-earned reputation for fine food cooked with passion.

KELVINBRIDGE 17 BOTANIC GARDENS LA LANTERNA WEST END 447 Great Western Road. G12 8Hh 0141 334 0686 www.lalanternawestend.co.uk La Lanterna West End opened in the Summer of 2017 and is the little brother of Glasgow’s oldest family run Italian restaurant.. Enjoy the La Lanterna warmth and authentic italian cooking .

KELVINBRIDGE 14 GLASGOW UNI THE UBIQUITOUS CHIP 12 Ashton Lane G12 8SJ 0141 334 5007 www.ubiquitouschip.co.uk Four more than 40 years the Ubiquitous Chip has been d elighting diners with its stunning location and equally stunning food. Enjoy long established favourites as well as new creations while enjoying one of Scotland’s finest wine lists.

HILLHEAD 18 BYRES ROAD NUMBER 16 16 Byres Road G11 5JY 0141 339 2544 www.number16.co.uk The award winning Number 16 is a cosy wellestablished neighbourhood restaurant located in the centre of the West End. Serving seasonal, locally sourced produce and bringing new ideas to traditionnal Scottish dishes, this is a restaurant well worth visiting during your stay.

HILLHEAD 18 BYRES ROAD ORAN MOR Byres Road G12 8QX 0141 357 6200 www.oran-mor.co.uk Formerly Kelvinside Parish Church, Oran Mor, (the Great Song), now offers visitors two restaurants, live music, lounge and whisky bar as well as hosting the worldfamous “A Play, a Pie and a Pint” theatre. A great venue where you can relax and enjoy great entertainment.

Staying in Glasgow ...

Glasgow offers a wide choice ofnaccommodation for visitors ranging from luxurious to budget stopovers. You will find familiar names in the city as well as boutique hotels, b&bs and good quality hostels There really is something to suit most budgets.

There is a wide choice of hotels within the city centre area itself and it is well worth staying central as you will be within walking distance of the sightseeing bus, subway and city centre shopping streets as well as evening entertainment and dining.

Depending on budget you can choose from recognised global names such as Hilton, Radisson Blu or Marriot or opt for more affordable local, and equally welcoming names such as Carlton George, Jury’s Inn, Ibis or Premier Inn.

By far the most affordable places are hostels such as Eurohostel or SYHA which

offer a secure and fun atmosphere often for less than £20 per night. Wherever you choose to rest your head you can be certain of a warm welcome and high standard of service throughout the city.

CARLTON GEORGE HOTEL West George Street G2 1DH 0141 353 6373 64 boutique rooms, a rooftop restaurant and exclusive executive lounge, the carlton George has a fantastic central location.

BUCHANAN ST 8 GEORGE SQUARE

In & Around Glasgow tries to include accommodation providers that are of a good standard or reputation. However, we cannot accept any responsibility whatsoever for any problems or issues arising during your stay in the city. ARGYLL HOTEL 973 Sauchiehall St. G3 7TQ 0141 337 3313 www.argyllhotelglasgow.co.uk Argyll Hotel is a family owned and run 3 Star property providing comfortable and affordable accommodation in the city centre. The hotel is within easy distance of Central Station.

ARTTO HOTEL Hope Street G2 6AE 0141 248 2489 www.arttohotel.com Individully designed rooms with crisp clean lines, soft woods and colourful throws that will help you to relax and unwind.

ST ENOCH 10 RADISSON BLU

RADISSON BLU Argyll Street G2 8DL 0141 204 3333 www.radissonblu.co.uk The 5 Star Radisson Blu has built an enviable reputation as one of Glasgow’s finest hotels with fantastic dining and relaxing bar areas.

ST ENOCH 10 RADISSON BLU

IBIS HOTEL West Regent Street G2 4DQ 0141 619 9000 www.ibis.com Ibis Glasgow is a budget hotel in a central areas with easy access to train stations and the restaurants abd nightlife of central Glasgow. B BUCHANAN STREET 22 ART SCHOOL

MARRIOT HOTEL Argyll Street G3 8RR 0141 226 5577 A long established luxury hotel located a short walk from city attractions, shopping and dining. Perfect for business or pleasure.

ST ENOCH 11 HOTELS

CITIZEN M HOTEL Renfrew Street G2 3BW 0141 404 9485 www.citizenm.com Ultra modern, fantastically trendy, the Citizen M is located jut a few steps away from theatres, shopping, sightseeing and dining.

BUCHANAN STREET 23 THEATRES

HOTEL INDIGO Waterloo Street G2 7DA 0141 226 7700 www.hotelindigoglasgow.com Centrally located, thismodern, stylish hotel provides a great base for visitors travelling for business or pleasure. Close to Central Station and within an easy walk of city centre attractions, shopping and dining.

ST ENOCH 11 HOTELS

JURY’S INN Jamaica Street G1 4QG 0141 314 4800 www.jurysinns.com One of the most popular city centre hotels, Jury’s is close to Central Station and only a 10 minute walk from Queen Street. Close to city centre attractions, shopping and dining.

ST ENOCH 10 RADISSON BLU APEX HOTEL Bath Street G2 2EN 0141 353 0800 www.apexhotels.co.uk Apex Hotel offers unique styling and personalised service in the heart of the city centre and, more precisely in Theatreland. B BUCHANAN STREET 22 ART SCHOOL

GLASGOW HILTON 0141 204 5555 www.hiltonglasgow.co.uk One of Glasgow’s most stylish five star hotels including a Livingwell Health Club, pooland Ocean Rooms Spa. The hotel is within walking distance of the business district and close to all city centre amenities.

ST ENOCH 11 HOTELS PARK INN West George Street G2 2JJ 0141 221 1211 www.parkinn.co.uk Ths new addition to the Glasgow hotel list iscentrally located close to the city centre and near to thebusiness distrcit. The hotel is within a short walk of all the main theatres, shops and restaurants in the city centre.

BUCHANAN STREET 9 ST VINCENT PLACE

MERCURE GLASGOW CITY Ingram Street G1 1DQ 0844 815 9103 www.mercureglasgow.co.uk Sitting in a perfect central location the Mercure is within a short walk of the city centre, sightseeing bus, shopping and dining.

BUCHANAN STREET 1 GEORGE SQUARE EUROHOSTEL Clyde Street G1 4NR 0141 222 2828 www.euro-hostels.co.uk Offering cheap. clean, comfortable and fun accommodation right in the heart of the city, Eurohostel fills the gap between ‘backpacker hostel’. A fun place to stay.

ST ENOCH 10 RADISSON BLU HOLIDAY INN THEATRELAND 161 West Nile Street. G1 2RL Comfortable city centre hotel ideally located close to Queen Street Station, Buchanan Bus station and right next to all the top venues, theatres, cinemas and Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. Includes the award winning La Bonne Auberge French bistro.

BUCHANAN ST 21 ROYAL CONCERT HALL SYHA Park Circus G3 6BY 0141 332 3004 www.syha.org.uk Glasgow Youth Hostel offers spacious and comfortable accommodation perfect for groups, families and individuals. The hostel is 30 minutes walk from the city centre and is close to transport links.

COWCADDENS 21 CHARING CROSS

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