It’s another fine sunny day, perfect for a carefree ramble.

Tree in flower, Claremont Square

Passing through Claremont Square, we paused to admire this tree covered in flowers. At its base is a tiny garden created by anonymous gardeners. At the moment, it has entered into the spirit of springtime and is magnificently overgrown.

The deli – all tables occupied

We of course called at the deli in Amwell Street for our coffee. Unsurprisingly on such a sunny day, all the tables were occupied.

Myddelton Square Garden

Hot cups in hand, we went along to Myddelton Square and found a bench in the central garden where we enjoyed our coffee in peaceful surroundings.

The pub vine

Afterwards, we walked down Arlington Way, pausing at Myddelton Passage to visit the pub vine which Tigger had not yet seen dressed in its fresh foliage. Tigger also noticed something else.

Tiny grapes have appeared

There were already tiny bunches of grapes forming! The vine is obviously full of life snd ready to produce its fruit. We shall continue to follow its progress through the year.

Old New River HQ

The turreted building that was once the offices of the New River Company (now a residential block) stood out in the sunshine behind its garden now full of flowers.

Saddler’s Wells Theatre

We reached Rosebery Avenue where I noticed that Saddler’s Wells Theatre ha acquired a strange red doorway. I don’t know what its purpose is (and it adds nothing to the aesthetics of the building) but I shall watch developments with interest.

Aboard the 38

We boarded a number 38 bus and sat in the “ejector seats”. Those are the seats beside the wheelchair area. Sitting here on one occasion, we were literally thrown onto the floor when the bus braked suddenly as a cyclist cut across its path. Fortunately, we were not hurt but we are now cautious of sitting here and hold onto the rail, just in case!

New Oxford Street

We left the bus in New Oxford Street and started walking.

Heading for Covent Garden

On foot, we crossed the lower end of High Holbourn towards Covent Garden.

Brightly coloured buildings

A characteristic of this area is that some of the buildings have been painted in unusually bright colours. This is not to everyone’s taste but some will find it cheerful.

Monmouth Street

We had a choice of where to go, Neal Street or Monmouth Street. Both are interesting but we chose Monmouth Street as we go that way less often.

To Neal’s Yard

We branched off Monmouth Street into an alley leading to Neal’s Yard. The Yard is famous and has been imitated elsewhere. It used to contain a lot of odd and “alternative” shops though today the premises seem to be mainly restaurants and takeaway food shops with a “healthy” bias. Each to to his own.

Neal’s Yard

Neal’s Yard today was less crowded and less lively than I remember it. Perhaps the current ethos has worn out and something new is needed to revitalise it.

Seven Dials

Returning to Monmouth Street, we continued to the top where there is a junction of seven streets, called Seven Dials. In the centre is a monument containing sundials. For more complete description, see this Wikipedia article. Traffic has a hard job moving through the junction because of people walking, standing and sitting here.

Caffè Nero

Here there is a small branch of Caffè Nero where we stopped off for refreshments. There is a second room for customers downstairs but it was empty. People preferred the ground floor room despite the cramped conditions.

A continuous queue

There was a continuous queue of new customers but, fortunately, most of these preferred to take their drinks away with them.

Piano as planter

Continuing on along Monmouth Street, we saw an old piano used as a planter and…

Any ghosts in view?

…visited an alley that is reputed to be haunted though we did not meet any ghosts.

St Martin’s Lane

Monmouth Street at last runs into – or, if you prefer, becomes – St Martin’s Lane. We went along here and looked at several eateries to see whether any of them appealed to us.

Brown’s restaurant

Among these was the well known Brown’s restaurant which occupies a building that was once a court of law.

Côte Brasserie

In the end, we chose Côte Brasserie. We had been here once before and on that occasion, I had distinguished myself by falling down in the entrance. I took care to remain vertical today!

Mushroom & Camembert Tart
Photo by Tigger

We both chose the Mushroom & Camembert Tart off the vegetarian menu. It comes with a bowl of cress with a dressing. It was good but not quite what I expected so a little disappointing.

St Martin-in-the-Fields

Walking on, we emerged at the lower end of Charing Cross Road in sight of the Church of St Martin-in-the-Fields. The church is still extant and in service but the fields in which it once stood disappeared under buildings long ago.

Trafalgar Square in view

Opposite St Martin’s is Trafalgar Square. Its remarkably talk pillar is still in place and is still occupied by an effigy of Sir Horatio Nelson, despite complaints and demands that he be removed because of his allegedly racist attitude. Arguments for and against will rumble on but I think the problem of what to do with the square – and, not least, what to call it – if its present resident were removed, will prevent any action being taken.

A bus to take us home

There was a bus at the stop beside Trafalgar Square and we hurried across to catch it and start our journey home. It was a good outing but it was also pleasant to leave the crowds behind and come home where we could make tea and relax.