Today’s plan for supper out is to go to Pizza Union in City Road near Old Street Station.

Coming from different directions and with the heavy traffic at this time of day (6 pm), we obviously won’t both arrive at the same time. I expect to be the first and, while waiting, to shelter from the cold in a nearby branch of Pret A Manger.

Aboard the 214

I presented myself at a bus stop in Pentonville Road at about 6 pm, as Tigger was leaving the office in this City. The first bus to reach me was a 214 which I boarded.

Keeping in touch by text, Tigger lets me know that she is aboard the first of her two buses.

Pret A Manger

In about 10 minutes (at this time of day, traffic is less heavy heading into the City than out of it) I arrived at Old Street Station. I made straight for Pret. This branch stays open until 8 pm, providing a place where I could wait for Tigger in relative comfort.

Green tea

I chose a green as my “entry ticket” to Pret and found a table where I was able to sit and follow Tigger’s progress on my phone. The wonders of modern communications, eh?

When Tigger’s bus approached the stop I left Pret and we met near Pizza Union.

Pizza Union

At Pizza Union you order your food and drinks at the counter. They give you your drinks and an electronic pager. You then find a table and wait while the pizzas are baked.

Pager and green tea

Tigger had coffee but I continued with the green tea. The pager flashes intermittently so you know it’s still working and has a number to identify your order.

Pizza Union interior

How would you describe the style of Pizza Union’s dining area? “Functional”, perhaps. It has everything necessary but with no unnecessary frills.

Pizza!

The pager duly buzzed and I fetched the pizzas. They are served on a metal plate with a paper cover between it and the food.

Busy City Road

Afterwards, we went out into cold in City Road and walked to the nearest bus stop. We missed the first bus because the road was busy with traffic and we had to wait for the crossing lights to change in our favour.

Lights and tall buildings

I stopped to take a photo of the lights before hurrying to the stop. Our bus was just leaving the stop but Tigger waved at the driver and he stopped to let us board. Kind man, thanks!

Aboard the 205

The bus was fairly full but we found seats on one side. The traffic was running well now and we were soon arriving at the Angel and home.