When ever you get around to visiting this delighful station, and perhaps have time for a spot of sustenance, or literary persuitation, then dont "stitch yourself up" by paying a whole quid for a watered down cup of leaf-tea, or a tenner for a horrible hardback. Venture down to street level, and sample the delights of the local tradesmen, who are cheerful, cheaper, and delighted to be of service.

Not just yer regular 'greasy spoon', but in fact a resonably priced specialist in Thai cuisine. Delightful service, with odd shaped seating

Once named 'Angelos', and before that, 'Freshly Maid', this is a landmark cafe where Meester Angelo and family provided very rivetting conversation, as well as the amazing '5 second fry-up' and a cup of mud. I enjoyed Angelo's bizarre form of hospitality throughout my time working at Waterloo. Sadly, himself and son have secretly upped it and left on the quiet in 2003, maybe gone back to Cyprus, who knows? If anyone does know his whereabouts, let me know. The exterior still boasts the old Freshly Maid shop sign, and on that basis, I recommend a visit.

Relive the golden age of steam with a prehistoric parchment from these chaps, or maybe something from their range of transportation videos and magazines. Still selling the old BR style 'Rail News' if you need to catch up on modern day Train Trivia.

Now sadly converted to the trend victim hangout 'Ruby Lounge' (What about the workers?) This now mutilated former edwardian shack was once a homely little public house and has a classic place in Waterloo CTEB history. Twas a haven for 'leaving celebrations' and 'union meetings' and 'office liaisons' One could experience the arts of Sport, Ale, Pool, Darts, and more Sport. Supposedly still haunted by the ghost of the old Shop Steward...

Or 'Exclusive Men and Ladies Wear', this little boutique has an enchanting display of PVC and Rubber garments for every occasion. Even for train travel.

Superior standby hostelry, if you cant afford the Dorchester, coupled with a superior standby chip shop. Very handy if you've just been ejected from the Spanish Patriot Pub (for not being drunk enough)

This amazing store is a pandora's package of novelty items and roaring relics from the golden age of Hollywood and Vaudeville. Almost a museum, this outfit flogs obscure pleasurable artifacts to the public, specializing in the glamour years of the 20's to the 60's. Exciting stuff, I trust you'll agree.

Just in case you hadnt noticed, theres been a steet market of stalls on this little lane since the 1850's. Its open Monday to Saturday (starting quite early) And sells everything from essential items to gifts, food, and more. Come on down, save money, whist helping these marketeers earn their living.

Hidden under the bridge, this chippy has the main cultured trimmings, like plastic tablecloths, and tomato shaped ketchup dispensers, but sadly omits wrapping the chips in newspaper. This life saving part of the infrastructure has been instrumental in feeding many severely starving station staff.

Also under the bridge, this slightly seedy little cabin is another godsend for Londoners desperate for refreshment at unearthly hours. You dont have to be a railwayman, cabbie, or reject from Cardboard City to drink here.

Affectionately known as the Welly, this rather pleasant establishment hath seen and sufferred much from railwaymen over the years. Twas almost like a second home. Jolly nice beer and food. Even doubles as a hotel. Register for the night, and drift away to the sound of muffled station announcements.

Excellent service from the amazing bispectacled Mario, he the sarnie sorcerer, the consummate comedian, the daybreak philosopher. Amiably assisted by the amazing 'mum', who's a dab hand with the "salt and pepper"

Hastily converted brigade bastion, now consigned to delivering booze and nourishment to a connected consortium of professionals. Incredible.

CTEB's very own Local Legal Sarf London Gambling Den. (Dedicated to the Sport of Kings.) En route to Ascot? Well dont bother with that delayed & dirty toff laden cattle-truck train service upstairs, this smoke filled hell hole is the only place to flutter away ones fortune on the occasional three legged nag (still running), whilst simultaneously avioding the stomach churning champagne and cucumber sandwiches. Many a BR wagepacket invested here... many a BR railwayman taken to the cleaners.

A little store of the Waterloo colonnade (at number 272), near the mouth of the Lower Road, still hanging on after years of hell, years of battling for survival from behind a Jubilee Line building site. This poor chap did well, and was sometimes our only source of food, open when other traders went AWOL for a long weekend. And he's still there, ready to tempt the weary traveller with ample supplies of crisps, biscuits, cold drinks and Pot Noodles. Marvellous.

Purveyor of paper placed publishing opposite the Old Vic, Bookcase Two is the perfect offering in low priced readables. Its an unusual selection, which includes a transport division for the trembling enthusiast.

The taste that torments! You can never get too much of a good thing, and that includes a good chinky blowout at least once a week. One may spend a lifetime searching for the perfect chow mein, and this version is a right cracker.

Restaurant featuring the slithering delights of Eel-eating excitement supplemented by Pie, Mash, and lashings of liquor. This traditional English 'cockney concoction' is rather favourably priced, and the staff banter is exceptional.

Missed your last train to Weymouth? Not to worry, there may be an alternative seat in the glorious Old Vic theatre, where one may relax and experience echoes of Larry Olivier et al treading the boards and reciting Shake. Perchance to grab a cab home afterwards, me thinks.....

This was a jolly good standby alehouse in those far off CTEB days, and could accomodate a right royal booze up. It's a different atmos to the Welly and Spanish, and benefits from having some nice outdoor benches, unless, of course, its raining. This poor pub suffered horribly in 2001 at the hands of some naughty Millwall fans, who smashed the place up completely. How unsportsmanlike!

Cute little Public House hidden 'underneath the arches' just outside the main entrance. Once visited by, and partly demolished by, that rather boisterous young upstart and musician Keith Moon, whilst, ahem, 'under the influence'.