The Cross Keys is a charming building tucked away on Lawrence St in the very heart of fashionable Chelsea, close to the Thames. It dates from 1765 and derives its name from a common sign in Christian heraldry that symbolises the keys which Jesus gave to St Peter in order to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.
It is one of those very few places anywhere in London that is a reasonable distance from the tube, so I met with Tracey at South Kensington station and shared a cab with her to Lawrence St.
Its current owner and designer is Rudy Weller who has also designed the facades and interior decors of two other famed public houses, namely the Horses of Helios and the Three Graces, both in Piccadilly Circus. The building has four rooms, these being the downstairs bar, the Conservatory restaurant, the Gallery (where we met) and the Room at the Top. It is all very Art Deco but done in a tasteful style and this is where we all convened at 6:30pm.
Tracey and I were the first two guides on the scene, giving us the opportunity to meet Brian, Tony, Jill, Cameron, and Cia before the place started to fill up. We were all given name badges with our guide name and real name, hopefully to enable quick recognition in the somewhat dimly lit interior.
By 7:15pm, most people had arrived, so we were treated to some words from Tony, Richard Trillo, and finally Rob Humphries, distinguished author of several Rough Guides covering many diverse locations, including London.
Guides present by now included Steven (ssullivan), Jim (SFPhotocraft), David (Drever), Chris (Mutt), and Tracey (UK Flower Girl), as well as many from Rough Guides, along with their guests. The drinks flowed, and food was brought round at regular intervals as we all stood in various enclaves, talking to these friends who, in most instances, we only really knew from their passport pictures.
It was great to see that all the IgoUgo staff here took the time and trouble to come around and introduce themselves to everyone and to participate in the many lively conversations taking place. Goody bags were given out to all, containing the invaluable Rough Guides "London Directions" (written by Rob), an Igo umbrella, and a sweatshirt. My sweatshirt was unfortunately sized XL, meaning that I could actually take my wife camping in it. Brian, when you get back to NYC, please can I have a medium?
All too quickly, it was 10:30pm and time to make our ways back to the various hotels we were all staying at. It had been a great, fun evening, with the opportunity to talk to as many people as you wanted to and the eager anticipation of the forthcoming events over the next couple of days, along with the appearance of a few more guides.