Going underground

Heading up to town? Our guide to the Fieldiest destinations on the London tube map and their natural inhabitants

- NETIA WALKER

IF HENRY Beck were alive today, it is doubtful he would ever have to buy himself a drink: a long line of grateful London Underground users would get there first. His remarkable foresight saw the Tube map transformed in 1931 from chaotic, wiggly, multicoloured strands of spaghetti, with almost indecipherable station names written at jaunty angles, to the clearer format millions rely on today. However, for all Beck's good work, we wager The Field's Guide to the Underground will present an infinitely more recognisable map of town to readers.

BOND STREET

A visit to Purdey in South Audley Street is essential: not only has the gunmaker been assigned the Royal Warrant by every monarch since Queen Victoria, but the walk from the Tube takes in no end of must-dos while in town. Spot the shrewd wives encouraging husbands into Savile Row tailors knowing it makes the suggestion of 'popping into Burlington Arcade to pick up something soft and sumptuous in N Peal or Pickett hard to refuse, but watch out for those alluringly sparkly Bond Street jewellers. The attraction of this part of town isn't just gun slips and cashmere: Annabel's and 5 Hertford Street are just some of the upper-crust after-dark haunts.

GREEN PARK