Today’s outing was short because I am waiting for an important phone call and would rather deal with this at home.

Islington High Street

We started by walking along a busy Islington High Street. The sun was shining but it felt very cold.

Marks & Spencer

We first visited Marks & Spencer in Chapel Market, specifically the food department, where we bought a few items.

White Lion Street

After our visit to M&S, we walked first along White Lion Street. This is the quieter end of that street. The other half leads to the High Street and carries a lot of traffic because there is no left turn at the end of Pentonville Road and vehicles are directed along Baron Street and White Lion Street instead.

Penton Street

White Lion Street leads into Penton Street. This street and the other Pentons and Pentonvilles in the neighbourhood are named after Henry Penton (1736-1812) who owned and developed the area in the 18th century.

Crossing Pentonville Road

Penton Street leads to Pentonville Road at the covered reservoir, placed here because it is the highest point of the neighbourhood.

Amwell Street

Amwell Street contains houses (some divided into flats as is common in our era) as well as shops and other businesses, including the George and Monkey pub.

The business in Amwell Street that we visit most often is of course Myddelton’s deli. We had been there only rarely before the pandemic and the imposition of lockdowns. Our “exercise” outings during lockdown found a natural focus in the deli. As suppliers of “essential” goods, i.e. food, they were able to stay open when other businesses were forced to close. We called in regularly and have continued to do so ever since.

It was too cold today to sit outside so we bought our coffees, chatted briefly with the friendly staff, and then made for home, clutching our precious cargo.

The Curvaceous Tree

In passing, I photographed my favourite, the Curvaceous Tree, which, thanks to winter, currently stands revealed in all its curvilinear, if skeletal, glory. I wonder whether the tree is looking forward, as I am, to it being clothed again in opulent green dress.