Waterloo impromptu

We started the day in classic style.

Myddelton's deli

It had rained but was currently dry, so we sat outside Myddelton’s.

Aboard the 341

After coffee, we went to the bus stop in St John Street and caught a 341 to Waterloo. When we started out, we didn’t know we were going to Waterloo. It was an idea that developed as we went. Hence the title of the post.

The Old Vic

At Waterloo, we passed in front of the famous Old Vic Theatre.

Lower Marsh

We made our way to the street called Lower Marsh. This has been made pedestrian only so some wit has called it Slower Marsh.

Fast food stalls

There is a row of fast-food stalls as well as plenty of cafes and restaurants.

Market trolloeys

The trolleys are waiting for market day.

Scoootert works cafe

This cafe used to be called Scooter Works because it was previously a repair shop for motor scooters. It has changed to a less interesting name.

Cafe decor

Traces, or souvenirs, of its motor scooter past remain.

Coffee and cake

We treated ourselves to coffee and cake.

Entrance to Leake Street

We next directed our attention to a tunnel.

The Graffiti Tunnel

The tunnel in question is the Graffiti Tunnel, originally known as Leake Street. Artists may exercise their skills here without restriction. As a result, there is a rapid turnover of paintings.

Portrait

Fashions change in art, as in everything else. Much of what is produced these days – lettering in tortured, illegible fonts, abstract patterns – is of little interest to me. Happily, there are still some more interesting examples to be found, such as the above.

Artist at work

There was an artist at work, being filmed by an admirer. The smell of spray paint hangs heavy on the air and I wonder what effects it has on the health of those who spend long periods down here breathing it in.

The main road

We returned to the main road and looked for a bus stop.

St John’s Waterloo

We passed by St John’s Waterloo and caught a 341 at the station.

Crossing the Thames

Here we are, aboard the bus and crossing the Thames by Waterloo Bridge.

Chapel Market

On arrival at the Angel we walked along Chapel Market. The market is closed today and the street open to motor traffic, so the cafes and restaurants do not have tables outside.

The pet shop

Our goal was the pet shop. Here we bought a bag of peanuts for our friends in Myddelton Square Garden, in particular the squirrels. That is an adventure to come!

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