We both needed a couple of items from the shops and thought that Tottenham Court Road would be the best place to find them. The weather was cloudy with sunny intervals and a gusty wind like yesterday.

Waiting for the bus in St John Street

Because our usual bus to Tottenham Court Road, the 73, is diverted owing to road works, we chose an alternative route, taking the 38 in St John Street.

Aboard the 38

We caught a 38 which would take us near to our destination.

Tottenham Court Road

When we reached Tottenham Court Road, I was relieved to see it was not at all crowded as it was in our previous visit. (See Coffee and Portuguese tarts.)

Inside Hema

We started by visiting Hema which was also not crowded as it was last time. Tigger was able to buy what she needed but I drew a blank.

Flying Tiger of Copenhagen

We next tried Flying Tiger of Copenhagen. This shop changes its stock continually, so you never know what you will find there. It’s a matter of luck if you find what you are seeking. Today, I was not lucky.

Continuing along Tottenham Court Road

We continued along Tottenham Court Road as there were a couple of shops left to try.

Goodge Street Underground Station

As we passed Goodge Street Station, it reminded me that I hadn’t travelled by tube for months. I used to travel by tube a lot but I think my last journey by tube was months ago when I had to take my iPhone to the Apple store for a repair.

Robert Dyas

At the top of Tottenham Court Road is the stop for our bus back to the Angel but there is also a branch of Robert Dyas there. Would they have what I was looking for? Yes, they did, so our visit to Tottenham Court Road ended successfully.

Aboard the 390

There was going to be a wait for our usual bus so we took the 390 which would require us to change later. It’s a three-door bus but our preferred rear-facing seat was taken, so we took the one across the aisle from it.

Changing buses at Euston Station

We changed buses at Euston Station. To complete our journey, we chose the 30 as experience shows that it is usually not crowded. And so it proved.

The reservoir, Pentonville Road

We left the bus at the reservoir in Pentonville Road. Here too is the top end of Amwell Street.

Myddeltin’s deli

I expect you guessed where we went next: down Amwell Street to Myddelton’s deli.

A novelty – plates!
Photo by Tigger

We ordered coffee and custard tarts and went out to a table to wait. When the order arrived, there was a surprise: the tarts were on plates! Previously, they had brought them in a paper bag.

The sun shows itself

While we were dealing with our coffee and tarts, the sun came out and so I took the opportunity of a photo of the scene, momentarily sunlit.

Dramatic skyscape

This photo of the dramatic sky shows why the sun shows itself only from time to time and then only briefly.

Cumberland Gardens

After Myddelton’s we went for another walk. We crossed into Wharton Street and to the steps leading into the picturesque Cumbeland Gardens.

Walking through Cumberland Gardens

Cumberland Gardens leads into Great Percy Street and on the corner is a building that is now residential but was originally a pub, the Percy Arms.

Looking up Great Percy Street

We could have gone down Great Percy Street to our favourite spot in Percy Circus but today we crossed into Holford Street.

Cruikshank Street

In Cruikshank Street, I managed to catch another sunny moment. From here, we were very soon home and I will leave you with another familiar image but one that I cherish.

Milne Street and St Mark’s Church from Claremont Square