We did not perform our usual shopping run today for a reason that I will explain later (but that you can perhaps guess – wait and see if you are right!)

Chapel Cafe

We had intended to go the Sizzies Cafe for breakfast but found it closed. That’s the second time this has happened and we are wondering whether it has closed permanently, being a victim of the economic downturn. Instead, we went to the Chapel Cafe that we tried out a few days ago. Service was faster today than last time (see Visiting the Tate Modern) so perhaps we will adopt this cafe until Sizzles comes alive again (if it does).

Angel Central

We did pop into Sainsbury’s though only for a single item and found it strangely quiet. We arrived before they opened and went to sit in Angel Central to wait.

Chapel Market

Afterwards, we set out for a ramble, passing Chapel Market which, in contrast to Sainsbury’s, was very lively.

Pigeons relaxing

As part of our enjoyment of Sunday, we called in at Myddelton’s deli. We had a choice of tables but unfortunately, another customer arrived and sat at the table next to ours where she began pollutung our air by smoking, so we took our coffee to Myddelton Square Garden and drank it in the pleasant company of the resident pigeons.

Artist at work

Tigger is a fan of artist Dan Kitchener and so, as he was at work only a short bus ride away, we went along to take a look.

A work in several parts

The work is commissioned by a hotel. It is in several parts on several separate surfaces, making it impossible to see the whole as a single piece.

Weather faded

This huge piece nearby, by the same artist, was created in winter, against the artist’s advice. As a result, it shows fading at the top through the effects of the inclement weather when it was painted.

Walking in Southampton Row

Two very different façades

Walking along Southampton Row, we saw many designs of buildings, including these two very different types of façade.

Grounds of the Imperial Hotel

We entered the grounds of the Imperial Hotel where we found an unusually styled building with a clock

A grove of sculptures

There was also a grove of Classical-style sculptures.

Old sign

Out in the street again, we passed this old signset into the pavement. It points the way to the Turkish baths though these baths ceased to exist long ago.

Decorative mouldings, Hotel Russell

We arrived at the magnificent Hotel Russell which would deserve an entire blog post to itself alone. The above is just one element in the decorative scheme.

The hotel cafe bar

We entered the cafe bar, which is open to the public.

Tea for two

We ordered tea for two which came in separate one-person teapots.

Russell Square Underground Station

After our tea break, we walked past Russell Square tube station with its unusual blue name plate. Though London’s tube stations share a “family resemblance”, each is unique and different from all the others.

Brunswick Centre

We entered the Brunswick Centre, an estate of apartments and shops. The shopping mall was very busy.

Picnic lunch

We bought a picnic lunch in Waitrose.

The Marchmont Community Garden

We took our purchases to the Marchmont Community Garden and settled on a vacant bench to enjoy our lunch in pleasant surroundings.

Cartwright Gardens

After lunch we walked along Marchmont Street and Cartwright Gardens – familiar territory to us from when we used to wash our laundry at the launderette here.

The British Library

We reached the Euston Road and the British Library where there is a bus stop.

Aboard the 73

We soon caught a number 73 bus which carried us up the hill to the Angel and home.

At home now, we have a few jobs to do to finish preparing for… well, for what comes next. All being well, I shall be able to tell you all about it!