Lace and Whiskey rock on the dock

When they finish their work day at the Financial Ombudsman Service, Melissa Collett returns to central London and Andrew Hodgson catches the train to Peterborough. So the only time the pair can practice is when they slip out in the middle of the day and tune up their guitars on a bench next to South Dock.

Their two-piece act, known as Lace And Whiskey, was on the bill during the British Big Splash at West India Quay.

Melissa said: "After you've been at work all morning, there's nothing like the feeling of just going out and playing instead of just grabbing a sandwich.

"I have a real buzz when I get back to the office. I feel relaxed, happy and energised. Some people go for a run, some go to the pub. We play chords."

While adjudicator Andrew is a fan of Alice Cooper, Iron Maiden and Thunder, ombudsman Melissa has a folkier streak, with influences including Amy MacDonald and Kirsty McColl. But Lace And Whiskey's soft melodic guitar and vocal harmonies are smooth enough to be played at the dockside without disturbing the nine to five neighbours.

Andrew said: "I had one bloke throw a quid at me once, but we've never had any complaints.

"It's a relief from the stresses of the office, and it's amazing what you can get done in an hour. I have a two hour journey home as well, so I do a lot of songwriting on the train.

"A lot of bands write cliches about I love you and you love me, but we're more interested in real-life situations.

"You can even write songs about office life, because that's a reality for most people. They can relate to that."

Andrew and Melissa will be well known to fans of Ombudsfest, the musical ombudsman showcase which will return to the Calders Wharf Community Centre for its third year on September 11.

Andrew said: "There's a lot of discussion in the office about the fact that you can be an ombudsman but still vent your creative side as well. You don't have to be just a one-track person."

The band have already composed about an album's worth of material, and have hit upon the plan of taking odd days off together to record a single song in a single day. They can also be found at the Club Acoustic night every third Tuesday of the month at Islington's Queen Boadicea.

Melissa said: "We're just doing it for the love of it.

"We both have solid jobs, and we're not struggling musicians desperate to make it to the big time.

"We're happy to do what we're doing with no pressure."