Londonist's Back Passage

A tribute to the capital’s alleys, ginnels and snickleways.

7. Colonnade
Where? Turn right out of Russell Square Tube, down a side street, and there it is, leading out to the useless Grenville Street.

What? Bit of a cheat this one, given that you can drive down it. But with its cobbled surface and general out-of-the-wayness it feels like a right proper alley. Also possesses its own localised weather systems, judging by the ever-preset rain whenever we visit.

Why use? You have absolutely no business being down here unless you require access to one of the adjoining properties. Still, it’s a picturesque slice of Old Bloomsbury, and worth a diversion.

Also good for? OK, so we lied. There is something worth visiting down Colonnade - arts venue The Horse Hospital. Pop along this Saturday for the UK’s first festival devoted to Flash animation.