The weather has finally broken and the tropical sunshine has given way to rain. The temperature has also abated somewhat. Tigger went in to the office today (Thursday) and sent me a text suggesting we meet in Motel One in the Minories for tea. I like that hotel and was happy to agree.

Aboard the number 153

Accordingly, I went to the stop in St John Street and caught a trusty 153 bus. Happily, few people choose this as their route into the City and the bus is usually not crowded.

All Hallows, London Wall

To complete my journey, I needed to change to a number 100 bus. A convenient place to do this is at All Hallows Church in London Wall as both buses call at that stop. This is not a very good photo of the church but it’s all I had time for before my bus arrived. As the name suggests, this street follows part of the old city walls, sections of which, dating back to the Romans, are still extant.

Tigger was first at the rendezvous and found the hotel closed. When I joined her there, we decided to go to another of our favourite locations, the Citizen M hotel opposite the Tower of London. This required a few minutes’ walk. Fortunately the rain held off.

Crutched Friars

On the way we passed this sculpture, incorporated into a building on the corner of two streets, Rangoon Street and Crutched Friars. In medieval times there was an important priory here that has left traces of itself in place names in the area. The monks were known as “Crutched Friars”, not because they hobbled about on crutches but because each carried a staff topped with a cross, the Norman word for which came to be mispronounced as “crutch” (croix in modern French).

Railway Bridge

We passed under this bridge that carries trains of the Docklands Light Railway, turning left into the smaller tunnel you can see near the end.

Savage Gardens

This leads to a small street with the curious name of Savage Gardens. Whether there were once wild gardens here or gardens named after someone called Savage, I do not know. Perhaps I can find out.

Trees in Savage Gardens

Though this is a narrow street, a line of trees has been planted down the middle, perhaps to harmonise with the name of Savage Gardens.

Sculpture on old PLA building

In Trinity Square stands a large columned building that was once the offices of the Port of London Authority but is today a private club and hotel. This sculpture hints at the seafaring interests of its old owners.

Lounge, Citizen M

We reached the hotel and found it open. The ground floor forms a large lobby or lounge, divided into sections by chain-mail curtains. These are transparent and so create an intimate feeling in each section while allowing a view of the whole. There were very few people and the staff were very welcoming. There is at one end a cafe-style counter where you can buy drinks and snacks. We bought coffee and settled down on one of the comfortable settees.

Walls with nicknacks

The decor is slightly old-fashioned but I like it. The walls are covered with shelves loaded with nicknacks, anything from books and toys to objets d’art and military uniforms. There are also TV-style screens showing imaginary scenes. Altogether a place that is both interesting but, for me at least, restful at the same time.

Luxurious toilets

I paid a visit to the toilets (down two flights of stairs, 24 steps, in the basement, but you can take the lift, if necessary). They are as luxurious as you would expect in such an establishment. (In case you think I have avoided showing the urinals out of coyness, I will say that I didn’t avoid them: they don’t exist. You must use the cubicles as is only civilised in my opinion.)

The Tower and a piece of London Wall

At last there was no help for it and we needs must go out into the rain. Owing to Covid, you enter the hotel at the front but exit at the rear. This exit is handy for the bus stop and provides views of the Tower of London and sections of the old (Roman) town wall.

Waiting for the bus

Fortunately (as it was now raining), our bus stop was under the railway bridge and we were sheltered while waiting.

Liverpool Street Station

The first bus took us to Liverpool Street Station where we would catch the 153 back to the Angel. We had a long wait for our bus but, again, we could at least wait under cover.

The Banana Tree

When we reached the Angel, we decided that as today is Tigger’s last workday this week, it would be appropriate to go to the Banana Tree for dinner rather than tomorrow. It was quite busy but they found us a quiet corner, so all was well. Bon appétit!

Bon appétit!
Photo by Tigger