Australia with Simon Reeve
Sun May 19, 9-10pm, BBC2
It’s not all cricket, casual racism and ‘Wolf Creek’, apparently: ‘If you think you know Australia, think again.’ Wise words from professional globetrotter Simon Reeve, who begins his three-part jaunt Down Under by travelling from the nation’s parched centre to its west coast. Along the way he rounds up some camels, dives with blue fin tuna, tastes some wine, prospects for gold and drives a big lorry.
But, for all Reeve’s infectious enjoyment, it feels unfocused and a little thin on revelation compared to such previous high-concept ventures as ‘Equator’ or ‘Places That Don’t Exist’. Which isn’t to say there aren’t incidental pleasures: the camel-wrangling is a spectacular sight, and Reeve’s frustration at the gradual ecological ruin of Australia through mechanised agriculture and careless industry is as palpable as his dismay at the continuing exploitation of Aboriginal peoples.
Comments
Prime Burger St Pancras
This once-roaming burger stall was clearly keen to lay down some roots – not only is it now in situ here at St Pancras station, there's a second branch over at Euston, too. They could, of course, just love train stations. It's mostly about the burgers here, with their patties made with prime cuts from the forequarter and rib of Charolais, Limousin, Hereford and Angus cattle. Options range from the simple (the 'original' is just beef, tomato, lettuce, onion and house ketchup) to the busy (the 'bad boy' features two patties, double cheese, bacon, onion strings, lettuce, ketchup and gherkins). Veggie options also feature, as well as kids' meals, breakfasts, shakes and coffee.
Venue says: “Brilliant food for busy people on the move. Burgers are served in eight minutes or less, or you get your money back. Guaranteed.”
