For once, the weather seemed to be in our favour so we started out early (early for us, that is), heading first, as we usually do, to the deli.

A day to make the most of

The sun was shining and it seemed to be shaping up to be a fine day.

A view from the terrace

We drank our coffee on the terrace at Myddelton’s then set off on our main ramble.

Percy Circus

We passed by that other favourite spot of ours, Percy Circus, but did not stop there.

Shelter for dining al fresco

In King’s Cross Road, we passed a Portuguese restaurant and I noticed that it still had a tent to protect diners from the weather, obviously installed during the “outside only” period and I wondered whether this would now become common, even though restaurants can serve customers inside. Perhaps Covid has started a new trend: dine outside in all weathers.

The Thames from London Bridge

We took a number 17 bus which deposited us on London Bridge where I took a quick photo of the Thames.

London Bridge Station

We crossed through London Bridge Station which was quite busy though perhaps not as much so as at “normal” times.

Eames Fine Art

We had come to Bermondsey Street and the gallery of Eames Fine Art where there was an exhibition of prints by Paul Catherall that Tigger wanted to see.

Print by Paul Catherall
From a photo by Tigger

Above is an example of the creations of Paul Catherall and you will find more on the cited website.

Where does it lead?

Also in Bermondsey Street we had an intriguing glimpse down this alley but did not explore it. Another time, perhaps.

Artwork, Tanner Street Park

We ventured into Tanner Street Park where we found a bench to sit on. Tigger bought coffee from a nearby outlet and we ate a picnic lunch. The above artwork was in the park but I saw no details as to the artist’s name or the title.

A corner of Tanner Street Park

The park has grass and trees and also tennis courts. Naturally, there were also people walking their dogs. This reminded me that there has been a crime wave of dog thefts. Dogs have been stolen from houses but also snatched from their owners on broad daylight. If you own a dog, beware.

The Pommeler’s Rest

We passed this striking pub, now owned by Weatherspoons. The name, Pommeler’s Rest, gave me pause as it is not a word I knew. According to Weatherspoons, the word has to do with the leather trade for which the district was once known. However, this dictionary gives an entirely different meaning. (I think I would probably put my money on Wetherspoons.)

Approaching Tower Bridge

Our next destination lay to the other side of Tower Bridge, which we now crossed.

Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge opened in 1894 and has a unique design, intended to harmonise with the nearby royal palace cum prison cum place of execution, the Tower of London. Its central sections can lift to allow tall ships to pass.

The Thames from Tower Bridge

When a bridge “lift” is in operation, road traffic and pedestrians are barred and have to wait. This operation can take some time. Fortunately, none were scheduled while we were there and we were able to cross unimpeded.

A view from Costa’s terrace

On the other side of the bridge, we stopped for coffee at a Costa Coffee shop. They were not serving inside but we could sit on their pleasant terrace which, as the weather was fine, was quite acceptable.

Walking beside the Tower of London

The next part of our route took as along the pedestrian path beside the Tower of London. This massive building has had a somewhat gruesome history. It was of course founded by the Normans in 1066 and was used by kings both as a residence as well as for less pleasant purposes. It is now a prime tourist destination though I think it is closed at present.

First glimpse of St Dunstan’s

The end point of our ramble was a ruined church called St Dunstan’s-in-the-East. The church dates originally from the 11th century but was damaged in the Great Fire of London (1666) and repaired. Bits were added at various times until in WWII it was gutted by bombs. It has not been rebuilt but it and the land it stands on have been designated a public park. Its location means that it is a popular place to explore and for office workers to eat lunch on fine days. You will find more information about St Dunstan’s here. Below are a few more photos of the church.

A last look

Leaving the church, we had a bit of a walk to reach a bus stop where we could catch a bus for home. In the photo below, taken from the bus stop, is another famous monument.

The Monument to the Great Fire

The slender tower is commonly known to Londoners simply as “(the) Monument”. Built 1671-7, it commemorates the Great Fire of London of 1666. The viewing platform became a place for suicides to jump from until it was enclosed with netting. There is more information about the monument here.

We soon boarded a 43 bus that carried us back to the Angel and home.