Originally posted on May 23rd 2021, ed-edited with additions on May 25th 2021.

The weather continues cloudy with showers and a gusty windy that makes it feel colder than the thermometer indicates.

Cloudy skies over White Lion Street

As usual on Sundays, we started the day with a shopping run to Sainsbury’s.

Chapel Market – no tables and chairs

In Chapel Market, both the Farmers’ Market and the usual market were in full swing. One thing was noticeable: the complete absence of tables and chairs in the road in front of the pub and cafes. The pub and the Millennium Cafe had a couple of tables on the pavement but that was all. It’s as though they have all suddenly realised that they are allowed to serve customers inside and no longer need to provide covered seating outside.

Sainsbury’s – averagely busy

Sainsbury’s was averagely busy for a Sunday morning but we were soon finished because this week we needed relatively few items. That was a pity in one sense because I had a voucher for triple points but there is no sense in buying more than you need just to grab points. One can also be happy about spending less!

It’s beginning to rain

As I hurried ahead through the market to buy the coffee, it was beginning to rain, though not heavily. Coffee in hand, we returned home to put away the shopping and have lunch.

Balloons and flag

After lunch, we went out for a walk. In view of the weather, we remained in the local neighbourhood. In Pentonville Road, we spotted several cars decorated with flags. This one also had a collection of balloons on the roof. What was it about? It turns out that tomorrow, May 24th, is the anniversary of Eritrea’s independence (1991) from Ethiopia, and the occupants of the cars were in celebratory mood.

Cruikshank Street

We walked down Cruikshank Street and, along the way, noticed something odd about the numbering of the houses. The numbers were not in sequence. That’s all I can say at present as it will take more research to find out the reason for this.

In Cumberland Gardens

Cruikshank Street becomes Holford Street and leads into Great Percy Street, off which is the pleasant Cumberland Gardens.

Pretty flowers

In front of one of the houses was a bush or shrub full of tiny but beautiful flowers.

A marquee in Lloyd Square

Lloyd Square, you may remember, is one of the few squares whose central garden is still private to residents. The most we can do is to peer over the hedge. Today, we saw that they are in the process of erecting a marquee. Perhaps the square is going to celebrate a festival of some kind.

Wilmington Square Gardens

We later passed by Wilmington Square, one of those whose garden is open to the public. We did not go in on this visit so I made do with a quick photo.

Covered with mirrors
Photo by Tigger

In Merlin Street we spied a strange sight in an upper window. At a quick glance, it looked like a dressmaker’s dummy but closer observation showed that it was covered with reflective tiles or mirrors. I have no idea of its purpose (if, indeed, it has one).

Carriage entrance no more

Further allong is this rather fine arched entrance with a pair of gates. I assume it was origianlly intended as a carriage entrance though that usage has been discontinued by the placing of a bollard in the centre of the passage at the far end.

Hardewixcke Street

We entered Hardwicke Street and I stepped into the road to take a photo avoiding the parked vehicles, A car came round the corner behind me and passed very close, obviously not expecting to find a pedestrian in the way. Near miss!

Decorative lamp with faces

Where Hardwicke Street meets Rosebery Avenue stands a building, now residential, that was once the offices of the New River Company. In front of it is a pair of elegant lamps. I had not previously noticed that they are decorated with human faces.

Wonky lamp

No, I’m not holding the camera crooked! The street lamp is definitely leaning at a drunken angle. Perhaps the roots of the nearby tree have pushed it out of alignment.

War memorial and pigeons, Spa Green

We walked through Span Green Gardens. The pigeons, some perched on the memorial, others on the grass, seemed in happy mood. People feed them and so they are not as anxious to find food as other street pigeons and have more time for socialising.

A pleasant green oasis

Spa Green is quite small as parks go but it is pleasant and provides a welcome green osasis among the built-up streets.

New River Head Gardens

These gardens cover part of the area that originally comprised the New River Head, that is, the terminus of Hugh Myddelton’s aqueduct. I have seen an old photo which shows the area covered by lakes. All water now is confined underground.

The pub vine

We turned into Arlington Way and from there into Myddelton Passage. I thought I was the one who was obsessed by the pub vine but it turns out that Tigger is also! It was she who pointed out that there are already signs of grape clusters growing, still tiny, of course, but visible if you look carefully.

Gate to the viewing platform

The gate was open to the New River Head viewing platform so we went in. There are panels of information and illustrations but…

Obstructed view

…the view is disappointing as it is obstructed by new buildings and the growth of the gardens. There are plans to “develop” the New River Head, making it public access and this will no doubt degrade the historic site even further.

The church screened by foliage

We made our way home, passing through Myddelton Square. The trees are recovering their foliage nicely but the dull conditions do not show the gardens to best advantage. Let’s hope the weather improves soon.

Today we made an outing to Walthamstow. We were meeting a friend later on at the William Morris Gallery which we hoped to visit.

Aboard the 55 bus

We caught a number 55 bus to Walthamstow Central.

Walthamstow Central bus station

The bus brought us to Walthamstow bus station and we walked from there to the Mall.

The Mall

The Mall is one of Walthamstow’s main shopping centres. As we had some time before our friend reached us, we came here for a coffee break.

Pret A Manger

We tried Costa but there were no seats left (seating has been reduced everywhere to enable social distancing to be maintained). So we went to Pret instead.

Walthamstow Market

We walked throughWalthamstow Market which is quite large and was very busy.

Poundland

We visited Poundland (yes, we’re cheapskates 🙂 ) but didn’t buy anything.

Wilko

We also walked round Wilko’s, just to look, really, as we had no purchases in mind.

Hassan’s

This looks more like a tip than a shop, doesn’t it? But it is a shop.

Old Burton’s store

We have seen and photographed this building on previous visits. It’s an old store built by the Burton’s tailors chain. There are foundation stones visible dated 1931.

The cat in the window

We made our way from the Mall to the William Morris Gallery. On the way we spotted a cat at the window of a house and of course took a photo of it! The cat seemed less impressed than we were!

Decorative doorway

We photographed this unusually decorative doorway. It belonged to what is now a residential block. The lettering seems to spell out “Norwood House”. It was apparently built in 1895 by a Mr Norwood, a butcher of Walthamstow.

The Rose and Crown

This fine old pub rejoices in a traditional pub name and has so far escaped the modern fad of giving pubs stupid new names.

The William Morris Gallery

When we reached the William Morris Gallery, our friend had not yet arrived. To visit, we had needed to reserve timed tickets. We had arrived too late for those we had reserved and so did not manage to visit the Gallery on this occasion.

The gallery garden

Behind the house is a large and well kept garden. Today it was full of visitors.

A water feature

There was water in the garden but I didn’t have the opportunity to discover whether it is an artificial body of water or perhaps a live spring or river.

The gallery cafe

The gallery has a cafe, called the Larder, and you can enter this without a timed ticket. We came here to have coffee and wait for our friend.

The Bell

Our friend finally arrived and we started back towards Walthamstow Central and the Mall where we intended to have lunch. On the way we passed a pub called the Bell which bears the date 1906.

The Turkish restaurant

For lunch, we went to the Turkish restaurant called Gökyüzü. We have eaten here several times previously and so we were confident in the quality of the food. We were not disappointed.

In the restaurant

We had my favourite in Turkish cuisine, lentil soup, followed by pide with Turkish tea.

Aboard the 55

Our friend went off in one direction and we in another. We boarded the 55 bus and just in time as it started to rain. During the journey, though, the sky cleared.

Aboard the 38

At Clapton Pond we transferred to a 38 bus which brought us back to the Angel and home.

We were sorry to have missed a chance to revisit the William Morris Gallery but, all being well, there will be other opportunities.

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.

Today was rather a bitty day when we did this and that and nothing very much. Consequently, all I have to show you are a few random photos.

Window box in Myddelton Square

To the deli for coffee

Doppio Coffee Warehouse, Kentish Town

How many different ways are there to make coffee?

Damp and cold at Kentish Town crossroads

Foundation stone of the Abbey Tavern, Kentish Town

“I hate how they keep us hanging around”

Shops and bus stop, Kentish Town

On the 214 bus

Crossing through St Pancras Station

The Eurostar Terminal

No trains, no passengers

King’s Cross Station from St Pancras Station

Food market in King’s Cross Station forecourt

Well, I said they were random photos. Yes, we did go out for coffee this morning and we did pay a brief visit to Kentish Town this evening, but that hardly constitutes an adventure worth recounting.

Tomorrow is another day and we will see what it has in store for us.

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.