Lloyd & Son’s Dairy

We left it a little later than usual to go out for our constitutional and trip to Myddelton’s for coffee and so missed the early sunshine. By now the forecast had changed to rain so I took my umbrella but it didn’t seem worth opening it just for the few drops of rain that came our way.

While waiting outside the deli as Tigger, inside, negotiated the purchase of coffee, I took a photo of Lloyd & Son’s Dairy on the opposite corner. At a estimated 114 years old, it can, I think, be cherished as historically interesting and worth preserving though Historic England doesn’t seem to have listed it.

Time has wreaked its usual havoc and the once fine golden signage has suffered badly. The inside has also been remodelled by successive occupants so only the outside remains to remind us of its former glory.

Since I came to live in Islington a mere decade and a half ago, it has undergone three changes – a turnover not unusual for this street which is just a little too far from the centre to attract more than local trade.

The first business I saw here was also a grocery cum dairy but selling a rather special line of goods – I remember the owner waxing lyrical about his Welsh cheeses . Competing with Myddelton’s opposite, it disappeared in fairly short order.

Next was an establishment called Unpackaged, selling ecologically sound products. The name came from the fact that most goods came out of sacks and drums and customers were encouraged to bring their own bags and bottles. After struggling along for a while, the business moved to what was hoped to be a more promising location.

After a period of standing empty and desolate, the premises were taken over by … hairdressers!

That business has been forced to close “for the duration”, as they used to say during WWII. Will it open again? We must wait and see.

With regard to hair, I had the accidental foresight to have mine cut just before the lockdown was imposed. As I have it cut very short these days (Harold would approve!), it should last me a while. However, just in case lockdown continues, Tigger ordered a head trimmer online. It arrived today. I must admit the idea scares me but if ever we get around to using it, I shall be sure to tell you all about it!