To the east of Tottenham Court Road tube station lies an area once notorious for its slums. Known as the ‘rookery’, the little alleys and lanes were home to misfits and gin shops. Dating from the 12th century and named after a leper hospital, St. Giles now boasts wonderful architecture, strong links to the music industry and a unique vibrancy in the form of colourful shop fronts and theatres. Join me (Rosalind Vincent) to delve into this area where I will draw your attention to the little details that I love and which reveal the real London.