This beautiful building used to be the Post Office. Many times I have posted items here, renewed my transport pass and performed sundry other transactions that fall within the purview of the Royal Mail.

The old Islington Post Office

Behind the public access area was the sorting and parcels offices. A couple of years ago, the site was sold off for redevelopment and the public office replaced by a modern shop front further along the road. Waiting for a bus to take us home, we spotted that the building is now open in its new incarnation, with the somewhat pretentious name of “Islington Square”. Having 12 minutes to wait for our bus, we crossed the road to take a look.

Here are a few views of what we saw.

Hall with glass ceiling

All traces of the post office have been swept away (except for a plaque recording the building’s original role) and it appears to have become a shopping mall. The need for such seems highly doubtful in an area already well supplied with every kind of retail outlet but, then again, when did developers ever consider social need as a factor in their designs?

Dark passage illuminated with Christmas lights

Quite a few – probably the majority – of premises were boarded up, perhaps still awaiting tenants. The Christmas lights help to make the place look cheerful and it remains to see what it is like when they have gone.

Open area with more shops

Behind the old Post Office is this open area with shops and, presumably, residential accommodation.

We did not explore thoroughly, firstly because the site was clearly not in its final state and, secondly, because it was cold and we didn’t want to miss our bus.

As it stands, I am not sure how useful a contribution this new development will make to the area. That will depend on the businesses that are established here. If they meet people’s needs, it will flourish; if not, it will wither on the vine like so many other ill-conceived projects.

Welcome to the brave new world of 2020.

St John Street, Angel, Islington

I took this photo from the bus stop in St John Street as we waited for a number 19 to take us up the road to Islington Green where we hoped to find breakfast.

It’s mid-morning already but the streets are very quiet. Many shops and cafes are closed but the buses are running and I have even seen a refuse lorry collecting rubbish from business premises.

Gallipoli, Turkish Restaurant

This is where we came for breakfast. They served us a Turkish breakfast with Turkish tea. Next to Russian Caravan, Turkish is my favourite tea.

Caffé Nero, Islington Green

After breakfast we strolled down to the Islington Green branch of Caffè Nero. Tigger has some crochet work with her and I have books to read on my phone and so I expect we shall be here for a while.

Happy New Decade!