Tom Alexander of Aukett Swanke tells us his favourite thing about London from our 50 of the best series.

A panoply of thoughts spring to mind: London’s villages, both visible and unseen; its enlightening blend of evolving global cultures; or its under-engaged but enticing river Thames, a swirling waterway that offers delightful movement for people and goods. And the way so much of it is stitched together with physical story lines. Routes by foot, wheelchair, scooter, cycle, or bus meandering from one part to another with their sounds, smells, colours, textures, joys, fears, challenges and opportunities.

The people can change as much as the nature and built fabric from one end to the other. Ladbroke Grove is a good example among many. From green Holland Park to pink Willesden Athletics track it runs in a sort of straight line via a Georgian hill town, a carnival of music, Grenfell Tower, a blistering flyover with market, a scruffy creative hotbed, Regent’s Canal, the Great Western Railway with industrial neighbours, Kensal Rise(ing) village, suburban semis with Lexi Cinema and up to the track. So many different cultures, views, memories, inspirations and needs.