A sponsored walk through 21st century London (St Paul's Cathedral - Dr Johnson's House, < ½ mile, 4 hours) [map]
Stage 1 (75 metres): Our walk starts outside St Paul's Cathedral, which is a big old nipple-domed temple or something. They serve wine (and mini bagels) here on Sundays, but that's no good to a thirsty tourist like you so let's move on quickly. Wander north into Paternoster Square, a collection of modern concrete buildings much admired by architects and the public alike. Soulless - that's how we like our religious experiences these days. Time for that coffee you've been promising yourself. Nip into the Starbucks on the corner of the square and treat yourself to a grande Cappuccino and a shrink-wrapped blueberry muffin. Perfect. [Starbucks, 1 Paternoster Sq, London, EC4M 9AD]
Stage 2 (75 metres): When you're relaxed and ready it's onward through the alleyway to Ludgate Hill. This is one of the most historic roads in London, but that's not important when there's shopping to be done! Thankfully the street also boasts a bijou-sizedStarbucks where you can sit down and plan your next pampering purchases. Accompany your deliberations with a refreshing Frappuccino Light and a slice of blueberry swirl cheesecake for good measure. Perfect. [Starbucks, 30-32 Ludgate Hill, London, EC4M 7DR]
Stage 3 (50 metres): After a short rest it's time to continue your strenuous walk across London. Or just across the road in this case, where another familiar green Starbucks logo beckons. It's the ideal spot to pause and reflect while staring out through the long glass window at the hustle and bustle of the street outside. And there's plenty of time for a classic Caffè Latte, and maybe a luxury almond croissant too. Perfect. [Starbucks, 57 Ludgate Hill, London, EC4V 6DR]
Stage 4 (150 metres): This next stretch of the walk is rather on the long side, but take heart because it's all down hill. Take care to maintain your haughty cosmopolitan aura as you tackle the busy pedestrian crossing at Ludgate Circus. Designer retail outlets abound, but head instead for the welcoming comfy sofas of the Starbucks at the bottom of Fleet Street. A handcrafted Caramel Macchiato makes for heaven in a mug, with a Prawn Caesar Wrap to quell those lunchtime hunger pangs. Perfect. [Starbucks, 32 Fleet Street, London, EC4Y 1AA]
Stage 5 (75 metres): Fleet Street was once the haunt of alcoholic journalists. Clearly they didn't have coffee available in quite such abundance in those days. Mmm, caffeine, it's so addictive isn't it? Don't worry - you can get your next fix at another Starbucks just a few metres up the road. Quick, before you start to get withdrawal symptoms. A Caffè Americano should calm your nerves, with a slab of Marshmallow Twizzle for that rapid sugar high. Perfect. [Starbucks, 90-91 Fleet Street, London, EC4Y 1DH]
Stage 6 (125 metres): Coffee. Need coffee. Now. Stumble further up street. Head buzzing. Locate Starbucks. Push open door. Demand triple espresso from barista. Wait. Wait longer. Oh come ON! Grab mug of steaming brown liquid. Gulp down sweet sweet caffeine. Aaaah!! And how about a frosted orange cake to clear the palate? Perfect. [Starbucks, 151-152 Fleet Street, London, EC4A 2BU]
Stage 7 (50 metres): Dr Johnson wrote a big dictionary 250 years ago and his house is now open to the public. But who cares? The curators don't serve drinks, so why bother going? Go home instead. And take some Fairtrade Blend beans with you, because you're not getting any sleep tonight. It's the future, you know. [Starbucks, everybloodywhere within 5 years]
Stage 2 (75 metres): When you're relaxed and ready it's onward through the alleyway to Ludgate Hill. This is one of the most historic roads in London, but that's not important when there's shopping to be done! Thankfully the street also boasts a bijou-sized Starbucks where you can sit down and plan your next pampering purchases. Accompany your deliberations with a refreshing Frappuccino Light and a slice of blueberry swirl cheesecake for good measure. Perfect.
Designer retail outlets abound, but head instead for the welcoming comfy sofas of the Starbucks at the bottom of Fleet Street. A handcrafted Caramel Macchiato makes for heaven in a mug, with a Prawn Caesar Wrap to quell those lunchtime hunger pangs. Perfect.
Stage 2 (75 metres): When you're relaxed and ready it's onward through the alleyway to 