Saturday, like many recent days, brought a real mix of weather – gusting winds, drizzle, brief downpours and bursts of sunshine. Having grown up in Melbourne, which has a reputation for delivering four seasons in one day, you would think I’d take this in my stride. But add in a bundle of nerves, and I was wishing I hadn’t committed to delivering a walk as part of London Festival of Architecture.

Leading a guided walk is, after all, a kind of performance. Will anyone turn up? Will my route and heritage info live up to expectations? Where can we shelter if it absolutely tips down?

Apparently, nerves are a good thing. And once our small group had gathered at Queenstown Road station we set off, and I got into my tour-guide stride. The focus of the walk was on the quieter side streets of Nine Elms and on less well known stories, with first-hand accounts of World War Two bombing, and community campaigns for safer streets and more areas for children to play. Sadly, some amenities, such as a cherished children’s farm, have been lost, but the positive impact of locals on the area is evident in colourful murals, reclaimed green spaces and commemorative plaques.

The walk ended by a former pub, the Butcher’s Arms, which, back in the day, welcomed thirsty locals as well as rock stars such as The Who, whose recording studio was just a short walk – or stumble – away.

Photos by Nick Rogers