>>Charing Cross Road always struck me as magical/literary

The area also had a more seedy side to it. When I was living in Regents Park Road I returned from a night out and as I walked up the road a taxi stopped and a slightly dishevelled young lady got out. She looked a little lost so I asked if I could help and she asked how to get to Charing Cross Rd. Having nothing better to do I ended up escorting her to one of the roads off Tottenham Ct Rd or Charing Cross Rd (I can't remember exactly which) and ending up in probably THE most seedy all night drinking club that I have ever been in. It was freuented by a very curious assortment of people from clubs, pubs, restaurants etc and people were drinking, playing cards, whatever.

I think I stood out like a sore thumb and was also advised by someone to keep any money I might have on me out of the way as it would probably get stolen or something. I stayed until the underground opened again at something like 5.30am and went home in one piece.

In retrospect I think I have a shrewd idea why the young lady was dishevelled and lost and some clue as to what she did for a living. The joys of being young and naive.