I can only speak for myself, but I have on a number of occasions done exactly what he did. Asked the tower guys how it looks from their station. They have a very good view all around, and first class knowledge of the local conditions.
I have also called the tower a number of times before deparure to get a fresh update of conditions. Obviously I don't call LHR tower to ask them, but the smaller airports are just happy to help.
Airmanship and CRM in practice. Use all available means.