Flowers
Photo by Tigger

We decided that the time had come to have our first post-lockdown meal out, in a restaurant or cafe – an adventure of sorts. Tigger took the above photo as we walked along Pentonville Road.

Not very pleasant weather

The only downer was that the weather was rather unpleasant with rain and a gusty wind that made it feel cold. Gluttons for punishment that we are, we nonetheless set out on foot.

The Angel Crossroads

As today is a weekday, the roads and streets were quite busy. Shops and eateries were open and finding plenty of customers.

Liverpool Road and Upper Street

There is an embarrassment of choice in Upper Street for places to eat as it is lined with restaurants, pubs and takeaway food outlets. We had an idea where to go, provided it wasn’t too busy to accept us.

Upper Street and tram shed

Here we are walking along Upper Street, with the tram shed in the background. It is still enclosed in builders’ screens and we await its next opening with interest.

Islington Green

We passed by Islington Green but the weather was not suitable for sitting or strolling in parks so, like Felix, we kept on walking.

St Mary’s Church

When we reached St Mary’s Church, we could feel that we were well on our way to our goal but there was still some distance to travel.

Leading to Islington Square

I took a photo in passing of this passageway. It possibly has a name but if so, I don’t know what it is. It is one of those leading to Islington Square, the new “development” of shops and entertainment venues that has supplanted the old post office and sorting office. I have yet to explore the area properly but it’s on the list!

The Workers’ Cafe

This is where we had been heading, to the Workers’ Cafe. We used to come here often in the “old days”, before the pandemic, so it seemed reasonable to come here for our first “inside meal”.

There is an extensive menu

Like most cafes of the sort, the Workers’ has a very extensive menu. The photo shows just one side. On the other side is a list of drinks and still more food items. You’d be hard pressed not to find something you like.

Inside the Workers’ Cafe

I was glad to find that the place wasn’t crowded. It was easy to find a table. The decor is simple and basic but clean and as there were several people serving, we did not have to wait long. As it happens, they made a mistake with my order but put it right without any fuss.

Buildings of different dates and designs

After lunch, we had to face the journey home. Once again we walked and so had to confront the wind and rain.

St Mary’s Path
Photo by Tigger

For a variation, we left Upper Street by this leafy lane called St Mary’s Path that runs beside the church of the same name.

Street art by Zabou
Photo by Tigger

From the Path we went by Rothery Street into Gaskin Street where Tigger photographed this piece of street art, signed by Zabou.

Passing Islington Green again

From Gaskin Street into Essex Road where we passed Islington Green again but on the other side.

Camden Passage

We sidelined the main road by going along Camden Passage, once famous for its antiques shops and markets but these days more a foodie’s paradise.

From here we were soon home and I, for one, was glad finally to take refuge from the rain and wind. Let’s hope tomorrow’s weather is better for our planned outing.