Sunshine in Pentonville Road

It was another warm, sunny day so we put off our weekly shopping run and went to the bus stop in Pentonville Road.

Aboard the 205

We boarded a 205 bus and off we went down City Road.

Bishopsgate

We left the bus in Bishopsgate where the tall buildimgs turn the street into a valley of shadow.

Arcade

We walked along the arcaded pavement until we came to a branch of Black Sheep Coffee.

On the terrace
Photo by Tigger

We sat out on the terrace and had… yes, we had our usual coffee and croissants.

Orphans
Bram Ellens

We now set out on foot through the quiet City streets (so busy in the week, like a ghost town at weekends). On the way we passed the above creation, allegedly art, which reminded us that we have not done our usual tour of the year’s Sculpture in the City.

Sainsbury’s Local

We popped into a Sainsbury’s Local store to pick up some sustenance for the trip ahead.

Fenchurch Street Station

We then continued on to Fenchurch Street Station. (The coloured plastic is an installation by Jun T. Lai, entitled Bloom Paradise.)

The train to Grays

We boarded a virtually empty train going to Grays.

Off we go!

There was a while to wait and then off we went!

Costa, Upminster

We changed at Upminster. Trains are not running to our destination today and rail replacement buses are one an hour so we came to Costa in the meantime.

Back to station

We went to the bus stop in plenty of time. We waited for the bus. And waited. We allowed for the bus to be late and waited a while linger. In the end, we decided the bus was not coming and gave up on it. We returned to the station and descended to Platform 1 to catch a train back to London,

On the train

The train was pretty crowded but we managed to find seats.

Fenchurch Street

We arrived back in London and walked along Fenchurch Street towards the church you can see in the background, St Botolph without Aldgate.

St Botolph’s church garden

We found a shaded bench in the garden of St Botolph’s and ate the lunch we had bought earlier in the day.

Black Sheep takeaway

Nearby was a Black Sheep Coffee stall. We bought takeaway coffees and took them back to our bench.

Aboard the 205

Then we walked to a nearby bus stop where we could catch a 205 for the Angel. We had to sit at the back, next to the engine. Nice in winter but not so good now that the weather is warmer!

It was disappointing, and somewhat frustrating, not to reach our intended destination but we at least had a pleasant day out and we will try again to reach our goal another day!

Sunshine in Amwell Street

We started today, as yesterday, by walking down Amwell Street to the deli. It was closed and, this time, we read the notice on the window saying they would be closed intil Tuesday.

Lloyd Square Garden

We walked through Lloyd Square where I enviously took a photo over the railings of their lovely but private garden. Most garden squares have reverted to Council care but just a fee remain private to residents of the square.

A friendly cat

Continuing down Lloyd Baker Street, we met a friendly cat who was sunbathing in a doorway. He looked a little disappointed when we took our leave and walked on.

Tree in blossom

We admired a tree in blossom in Granville Square.

Riceyman Steps

We walked down the famous Riceyman Steps.

St Andrews Gardens

We walked through St Andrews Gardens.

Stacked gravestones

This was once a church burial ground as can be seen from the gravestones stacked around the perimeter and…

Tombs left in place

…a few of the larger tombs left in place, some of which are leaning sideways like old boats that have become waterlogged.

Costa Coffee

We went along Clerkenwell Road and stopped off at a branch of Costa Coffee.

The usual
Photo by Tigger

We ordered the usual!

Aboard the 46

Next, we boarded a number 46 bus.

Hampstead High Street

After a longish ride, the bus brought us up the hill to Hampstead.

Waterstone’s

Here, we entered Waterstone’s bookshop and went upstairs to their cafe for a cup of tea.

The crêpe stall

As it seemed to be about lunchtime, we had recourse to one of the two crêpe stalls nearby.

Lunch!

We bought a crêpe each and sat on a bench in the High Street to eat them.

The Horse Pond

Afterwards, we went up to the top of the hill, the highest point hereabouts, and sat for a while by what is officially called the Whitestone Pond but has long been known as the Horse Pond.

Whitestone Garden

We started back down by first walking through a small park called Whitestone Garden.

Tall chimney

Then we followed a zigzag path through backstreets, passing this tall chimney on the way. It is the boilerhouse chimney of the former New End Hospital and is a Grade II listed building.

Flask Walk

The last lap was through the well known Flask Walk, a pedestrian passage lined with shops and the famous pub called – of course – The Flask.

The bus stop in the High Street

This took us out to the High Street again where we waited for a bus to begin our journey home.

Aboard the 46

We started by catching a 46 which would take us part of the way back to the Angel.

The railway bridge

Under the railway bridge in Kentish Town we changed buses.

Aboard the 214

We changed to a 214 that took us the rest of the way home where…

Tea!

…we could rest and relax with a nice cup of tea!

For once, we have a bank holiday when the weather is fine!

Sunny Amwell Street

Our first call was to a certain establishment in Amwell Street.

The deli – closed

The deli was closed. We thought it might be and we don’t begrudge them a well-earned holiday. We will perhaps look in again tomorrow.

St Peter and St Paul’s Catholic Church
Photo by Tigger

Tigger, though had a Plan. (Tigger always has a plan!) We walked on down Amwell Street, passing the Catholic church which was, as you might expect at Easter, open for business.

Bus stop in Rosebery Avenue

We crossed Rosebery Avenue and caught a number 38 bus to Shaftesbury Avenue.

Zédel

A short walk brought us to Zédel, one of my favourite coffee places.

Inside Zédel

We sat inside which is styled as an early 20th-century French brasserie.

Coffee and croissants
Photo by Tigger

No prizes for guessing that we ordered coffee and croissants! They had only three left but we shared the third one between us.

Group
Tony Cragg, 2014

In a courtyard, we saw this work of art by Tony Cragg entitled Group. Not my cup of tea, really, but someone probably likes it.

Chinatown

More Chinatown

We took a turn through Chinatown, all of whose streets are decorated with red lanterns.

Agatha Christie Memorial

We passed by the Agatha Christie Memorial.

Old Stanford’s premises

We were now in Covent Garden and walking up Long Acre (another unusual street name). This handsome building was for a long time the premises of famous map and travel book retailers, Stanford’s. Perhaps the rent had risen too high or the company needed to “downsize“ but, whatever the reason, Stanford’s moved out to smaller premises.

Passage to Conduit Court

We passed along this passageway which is lit by lamps that change colour.

Metal tree decoration

The passage leads into Conduit Court where we find a façade decorated with metal trees, with metal foliage and fruit.

Stanford’s now

There, beside a floral arch, is the current home of Stanford’s.

Inside Stanford’s

We went inside to have a look. Tigger is interested in maps and everything to do with travel and was therefore in her element. As for me, I’m like the cat: I am happiest in my familiar surroundings.

Costa in view

Out in the streets once more, we spied s branch of Costa Coffee and decided it was time for a break with refreshments!

Inside Costa

We found a soft, low settee to sit on while we consumed our coffee.

Private passage

We walked through this passageway. Like many in London, it is private property with gates that can be locked but is left open during the day as public access.

Church of St George
Photo by Tigger

We emerged eventually in Bloomsbury Way where St George’s Church stands.

Modern-style heraldic beasts
Photo by Tigger

The church is famous for, among other things, the modern-style heraldic beasts, including a rather nervous-looking unicorn, on the steeple.

A glimpse inside

St George’s too was open for business for Good Friday.

Aboard the 38

We, though, had come for the bus stop beside it. Here we boarded a 38 bus.

The Angel Crossroads

The 38 carried us swiftly back to the Angel and home, where…

A libation of ginger beet

…we celebrated our safe return with a toast of ginger beer – cheers!

Before the pandemic turned our lives upside down, I often travelled into the City on weekday evenings to meet Tigger from work. The pandemic put a stop to this and it has been a couple of years, I think, since I last made this journey. Today, as things were quiet at work, Tigger texted me to suggest I might join her there. No sooner proposed than accepted!

The bus stop in St John Street

I checked bus times on the handy app on my phone and made my way to St John Street. There are several ways to travel to Tigger’s workplace and I prefer to go by the 153 which is usually not crowded and is a nicer ride (in my opinion).

Aboard the 153

As expected, the 153 was far from crowded and I spent the ride looking out of the window and enjoying seeing the familiar scenery scroll past.

All Hallows Church

I had to change to the 100 to complete my journey and a convenient place to do this is at All Hallows Church as both buses stop there.

London Wall

The street in which All Hallows resides is famous but has an unusual name – London Wall,

A piece of the wall

You probably guessed that it takes its name from the actual defensive wall built around London by the Romans. Sections of it can still be seen.

Aboard the 100

I had only 3 minutes to wait for the 100 and then continued my journey.

The Highway

The 100 goes to Shadwell but I leave it in a street called The Highway. It is lined with a miscellaneous collection of buildings, some of which are office blocks and others apartments.

Garden with an igloo

I entered the precinct in which Tigger’s office is to be found. There is an open space surrounded by buildings and part of this has been arranged as a garden. I was surprised by a new feature (new to me, that is), namely a glass igloo in one corner. I don’t know what purpose it serves but will endeavour to find out,

In order to reach Tigger on the fourth floor of one of the buildings, I have to present myself at the reception desk. Tigger has already signed me in and I am given a small paper ticket which has to be surrendered when I leave.

The lifts

Now I must confront the lifts. These are controlled by touch pads. You touch the number of the floor you require and are told, both visually and by recorded voice, which of the six lift cars to enter. Simple? It would be if the wretched things worked properly but the system is skittish and it often takes me several tries to make it behave.

The reception area

I arrive eventually and take a seat in the company reception area. I am given coffee and now have to wait patiently until it’s time for Tigger to quit work.

Aboard the 100

When the time came, we returned to the Highway and boarded a 100.

Near the Museum of London

The bus brought us to a stop near the Museum of London where road passes under the Barbican Estate.

Aboard the 56-

Here we caught a 56 which carried us along Goswell Road to somewhere we have been before!

Kennedy’s

Although today is only Thursday, it’s a “virtual” Friday because this weekend consists of four days, Friday to Monday, instead of two, owing to it being Easter. We are not religious but we will take the extra holiday, thank you very much!

Inside Kennedy’s

We had deep fried halloumi with chips and tea. I also had a portion of mushy peas for a change. (“Mushy” is pronounced in the northern accent to rhyme with “cushy”.)

With that pleasant meal under our belts, we were soon home, ready to rest from the exertions of the week and to be ready for tomorrow because, as I often write, “The weekend starts here!”

Today started somewhat unusually. Instead of going shopping, as we usually do, I was given a ride in an ambulance to University College London Hospital.

A view from my gurney

I won’t bore you with the details but just say that a little health emergency occurred necessitating a visit to A&E. I took just one photo during the episode as it would not have been appropriate to take more.

Once again, I express my admiration for the staff of the NHS and the care and kindness with which I was treated.

I was released at about 12:25 and made my way to a bus stop. I had had the presence of mind to grab my handbag as I left home, so I had my travel card with me for the bus fare. Tigger stayed at home because in these days of Covid, medical services prefer patients to attend alone.

Back home at last, I washed and dressed (I had gone off to hospital with trousers, jacket and shoes over my night attire (imagine the funny looks I received on the bus!) and, well, as the title says, then we went shopping.

Cafe Sizzles for lunch

On the way, we stopped off at Cafe Sizzles for lunch. As we sat down, they brought us our tea without our having to ask for it.

The Farmers’ Market

I took my usual photos, starting with the Farmers’ Market which was still going strong even though it was by now about 2 pm.

In Sainsbury’s

In Sainsbury’s we each collected our share of the purchases and had soon finished. We then had to confront the queues at the checkouts but this didn’t take too long

On my way through Chapel Market

I then hurried through Chapel Market (though I stopped to take a photo, as you see) to Mercer’s to buy our coffee.

We made our way home where we enjoyed our coffee and then put away the shopping. I think that both of us were a little bit stressed by the events of the morning and so we did not go out again but preferred to rest up at home.

Tigger goes back to work tomorrow, sad to say, but we have the rest of the day together and will make the most of it.