It’s another warm day today, warmer than yesterday with a projected maximum of 25°C. Once again, we went out in the morning for coffee, intending to spend the middle of the day at home and go out again in the evening when, all being well, the sun will have lost its sting.

Myddelton Square, west side

We walked round Myddelton Square, staying on the garden side of the road where there was shade.

Myddelton Square Gardens

I took a photo of the gardens over the railings. The trees are now more or less fully clothed in their green robes of summer.

Myddelton Square and River Street

Here we are progressing along the south side of the square which leads to River Street. The river of the name is of course the New River which is unfortunately no longer visible here.

Another view of the gardens

We went slowly so as to make the most of the scenery.

At Myddelton’s deli

At Myddelton’s deli, the tables in Lloyd Baker Street, where we usually sit because it is in the shade, were occupied so we had to make do with a table in Amwell Street in direct sunlight. This meant that we didn’t stay very long.

The George and Monkey

We walked along Inglebert Street where I photographed the pub, still quiet at this hour.

In Myddelton Square Gardens

On reaching the square again, we decided to sit in the gardens for a while. We found a bench in a shady corner. It was cool and pleasant and we must have spent about an hour there.

The kitten in the window

In Claremont Square we were rewarded with a sighting of the kitten-in-the-window. Seeing us taking photos, he gave us a thoughtful stare. We continued to home where we will have lunch and perhaps venture out again this evening.

——————————

As planned, we went out again at 5 pm. In a repeat of yesterday, it was still warm but a breeze had sprung up helping to keep us cool.

The Harlequin, Arlington Way

We walked down Arlington Way, staying on the shaded side of the street. The Harlequin had tables and chairs outside. It looked inviting but we continued on.

Looking back along Arlington Way

Arlington Way is quite a pleasant street with dwellings along one side and shops along the other. On a corner is Saddlers Wells Theatre but the street seems never to be busy, remaining quiet – as I like it 🙂

Gardens at New River Head

The gardens on the New River Head land looked peaceful in the evening sunshine.

Spa Green Gardens

We walked through Spa Green Gardens, that pleasant green oasis in Rosebery Avenue.

War memorial and pigeons

The resident pigeons were socialising on the grass and on the war memorial.

Exmouth Market

We made our way to Exmouth Market which is a market street like our own Chapel Market. It seems a lot livelier, however, and contains a large number of cafes, restaurants and bars, many of which had tables outside. We went along, looking for somewhere to have coffee, but all the seats were occupied. Then…

be-oom tea shop and garden

…we happened upon this establishment called be-oom (no capitals), offering a tea shop and garden. We ordered tea and sat outside on the stools you see in the picture. I didn’t retain the name of the tea. It was of a kind hitherto unknown to me, subtle tasting and quite pleasant.

A different tea for each of us

The tea is served in tiny glass teapots with infusers. The cups, also of glass, are almost spherical and tiny too. There is a flask of hot water for topping up your teapot. An interesting experience. Maybe we will call in again one day, as it makes a pleasant destination for a walk.

Church of the Holy Redeemer

The tea shop is opposite the Italianate-style Church of the Holy Redeemer. The street was quite busy and we had plenty to watch as we drank our tea.

Old Finsbury Town Hall

We returned along Rosebery Avenue and I photographed the beautiful old Finsbury Town Hall, although this is not a good photo because it’s hard to get a good view of it because of its size and the relative narrowness if the street.

Myddelton Passage

We passed through Myddelton Passage, another of my favourite quiet streets.

The pub vine

This gave us the opportunity to check on the vine in the wall of the Shakespeare’s Head. It is flourishing and has grown bushy in a remarkably short time.

Tiny grape clusters already

It already has tiny clusters of what will one day be grapes.

Electra in action

As we passed by Myddelton Square, a familiar figure flashed past: it was Electra cycling around and around the square. She must, like us, have waited until the day became cooler. Seeing her rounded off our outing nicely!