Sunshine in Inglebert Street

The sun was shining this morning when we set out for the deli. Would it be warm enough to sit outside with our coffee?

At the deli
Photo by Tigger

At the deli in Amwell Street, Tigger chose a table (and took the photo) while I was inside ordering our coffee.

At the bus stop

After enjoying the sunshine and peaceful atmosphere for a while, we walked up to Pentonville Road and waited for a number 30 bus.

Aboard the 30

We boarded the bus and off we went!

Somewhere in Dalston

We left the bus here in Dalston, a district that lies within the Borough of Hackney.

Church of St Mark Dalston

We went to take a look at this unusually large church, St Mark’s Dalston. Beside the door is a board bearing the following text: This Church, often referred to as “The Cathedral of the East End” is the largest Parish Church in London, it was built between 1866-1868 and is estimated to seat 2000 people (Poor punctuation as per the original.)

Barometer dial
Photo by Tigger

An unusual feature of this church is that what might be mistaken at a quick glance for a clock face is in fact the dial of a barometer, indicating the current meteorological conditions. We have never seen such a feature in a church before.

Primary school

Nearby we spied this school building. There was no date on it that we could see but we estimate that it dates from Victorian or Edwardian times.

The market

We passed by the market which was quite extensive and very busy.

Walking along Kingsland High Street

We walked along the main thoroughfare here named after the district of Kingsland, which, like Dalston, is also part of Hackney.

Old police station?

We spotted this attractive old building and speculated that it might be an old police station. That is just a guess, though, and could be wrong.

Che Men Cafe Restaurant

Feeling in need of refreshment, we entered this establishment. The name suggests Chinese but it seems to be a cafe tea room with Turkish overtones.

Inside Che Men

We found comfortable seats inside and started by ordering drinks.

Turkish coffee

I chose a Turkish coffee for a change. Turkish coffee has a characteristic taste and there is always a layer of coffee grounds in the bottom of the cup. We stayed on for lunch as the menu contained a number of vegetarian items.

Aziziye Mosque

Further along the road is the Aziziye Mosque which, I think, caters particularly for the Turkish population of the area.

Stoke Newington Baptist Church

Virtually next door to the mosque is this much less striking building, a Baptist Church. Its name reminds us that we have progressed into Stoke Newington, also part of the Borough of Hackney.

The Rochester Castle

We stopped to admire the decorative Rochester Castle pub. Now part of the Wetherspoons’ group, it has existed since the early 19th century.

Three Crowns

Another interesting pub nearly is the Three Crowns. The main building is large and relatively uninteresting but this bar is another story. I know nothing of its history but it is very striking and elegantly styled.

Abney Park

We entered Abney Park, a now disused cemetery. It was originally a park which, in 1840, became a cemetery. For more details of its history, see here. It is now largely overgrown and many of the tombs have fallen, their stones broken. Here are a couple more photos:

Abney Park

On a sunny day, it is quite a pleasant place in which to stroll or sit on one of the few benches. It also provides a welcome oasis for wildlife.

Aboard the 73

We crossed through Abney Park and exited into Stoke Newington High Street. Here there was a bus stop where we soon had a 73 bus which carried us back home to the Angel.