Series 8 Episode 13 – The Cruel Canal

Filming Locations

TRAFFIC JAM – THEN & NOW  

VARIOUS SHOTS – A40 WESTWAY/A501 MARYLEBONE ROAD, NW1 

At the start of this episode, Ray is stuck in traffic and in the opening shot we see a glimpse of ‘The Battleship Building’ on Harrow Road in the background.

 

The second shot is Marylebone flyover, crossing Edgware Road. A view of both Sentinel House in the distance and 258 Edgware Road on the right can be seen in both shots.

 

The final shot before we first see Ray in the van is further along the A40 on Marylebone Road.

 

ARTHUR & DEREK RETURN TO THE LOCKUP – THEN & NOW  

BRISTOL ROAD, METROPOLITAN PARK/GREENFORD INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, GREENFORD, UB5 

At 02m47s, Arthur and Derek return to Arthur’s lockup in the back of Derek’s van and are seen driving along Bristol Road.

 

As Arthur complains to Derek about the quality of the roads, they drive straight on at the mini-roundabout towards Bridport Road.

 

TWO TONE’S VIDEOLUX SHOP – THEN & NOW 

3 THE HIGHWAY/AKA STATION ROAD, BEACONSFIELD, HP9 

At 03m04s, we first see Two Tone’s Videolux shop, where Ray is supposed to be delivering the video recorders.

 

Until 2008, this shop was known as Lakes and still sold electronics equipment. At 45m08s, Big Dai returns to the shop and we catch a glimpse of the corner of Burkes Road.

 

FREDDIE BARNETT’S BOATYARD – THEN & NOW  

ROWDELL ROAD/BRIDPORT ROAD, GREENFORD, UB5 

First seen at 17m10s, Arthur visits Freddie Barnett (the Aristotle Onassis of Greenford). Formerly a gas decontamination site, this riverside site has more recently housed Larkspur Rovers.

 

ARTHUR GETS SEASICK – THEN & NOW  

A4127 GREENFORD ROAD BRIDGE, GREENFORD, UB6 

At 26m50s, Arthur seems to be suffering from seasickness as we see Greenford Road Bridge in the background.

 

At 27m35s, Arthur comes back on deck and we see the former Glaxosmithkline factory on Greenford Road.

 

We then catch a glimpse of the next bridge along as Arthur looks at the map realising the trip to Limehouse might take longer than he thought.

 

GETTING DARK SOON – THEN & NOW  

HORSENDEN LANE NORTH BRIDGE, GREENFORD, UB6 

At 29m41s, as Arthur & Ray reminisce about a trip to Stratford-upon-Avon, Ray informs Arthur it will be dark soon and they pass under this bridge.

 

RAY FINDS A PUB – THEN & NOW 

WILLIAM IV PUB, 786 HARROW ROAD, NW10 

At 33m19s, Ray heads off to find some food & drink and spots this pub as he looks over a wall.

 

ARTHUR CALLS TWO-TONE – THEN & NOW 

KENSAL WHARF (NR CANAL ACTIVITY CENTRE), LADBROKE GROVE, W10 

At 38m38s following their night on the barge, Arthur calls Two-Tone from here while Ray brings the breakfast.

 

HITTING THE BRIDGE – THEN & NOW  

CARLTON BRIDGE, GREAT WESTERN ROAD, W9 2BA 

At 41m43s, Arthur & Ray are having an argument here as we see a view of Kensal Road and part of Trellick Tower in the background.

 

Not concentrating on where they are going, the height of the video recorders causes them to hit the underside of Carlton Bridge moments later.

 

REAR OF TWO-TONE’S PLACE – THEN & NOW 

CANAL BASIN NR SAINSBURYS SUPERMARKET, LADBROKE GROVE/CANAL WAY, KENSINGTON, W10 

At 45m39s, Arthur & Ray finally arrive at Two Tone’s place – a different location to his shop. Only the bridge still exists here.

 

The canal basin where the finale of this episode takes place has now been filled in. This supermarket location also features in #7.4 The Last Video Show.

 

Just after 49 minutes, Arthur & Ray head back to Greenford, with the Canalside building on Ladbroke Grove clearly visible on the right hand side of the shot.