It is quite chilly today (9-10°C) and though it is not raining, the condition are cloudy and dull. It’s not a day for rambling about the streets.

The Curvaceous Tree

On our way to the deli for coffee, I stopped have a look at my friend, the Curvaceous Tree. It still has some leaves gracing its branches but it is nearly bare, showing off its twisting branches.

Cloudy skies over Amwell Street

Unsurprisingly, all the tables but one were unoccupied at the deli. Despite the chill, we sat outside to drink our coffee.

Magpie and pigeons
Photo by Tigger

We watched a magpie and a couple of pigeons squabbling over food scraps. Though the magpie is fierce enough to chase the pigeons away, they keep coming back and eventually their persistence pays off.

Aboard the 73

After coffee, we walked up to the main road and boarded a number 73, the first of today’s buses.

Busy Oxford Street

The bus deposited us in a busy Oxford Street. To judge from the crowds, Christmas shopping (perhaps boosted by “Black Friday”) is well under way.

The next bus

After being jostled by the crowds, we caught another bus, though I forget which one it was. (Tigger is the bus guru and I just follow her, trusting to her knowledge.)

Notting Hill Gate

The bus deposited us here, in Notting Hill Gate. I was glad to find that, though busy, the streets were not as crowded as Oxford Street and walking about was easier.

In Leon

As it was about lunchtime, we entered a nearby branch of Leon. We found a table easily enough, despite the upstairs dining area being closed.

Lunch in a box
Photo by Tigger

Leon has a few Vegan dishes on its menu and we both had “Vegan Morocco Me*t Balls” with rice. I can’t say it was a memorable meal but it tided us over till later.

Aboard the 27

We next caught a number 27 bus. (You may notice the blue discs on the facing seats. These indicate “priority seats” for elderly and disabled passengers. Other passengers are supposed to give them up if needed by “priority” passengers but they do not always do so. There are a lot of selfish people about.

Hammersmith Broadway Shopping Centre

We left the bus in Hammersmith Bus Station and walked through the Hammersmith Broadway Shopping Centre sited below the bus staion though we did not tarry here.

Waiting for the crossing lights

Hammersmith is not my favourite district and the shopping area was quite busy, as you can see from the number of people waiting to cross the road.

King’s Mall

We went into the shopping centre called King’s Mall. As Tigger said, it was at least a warm place to go. The ceiling was covered with a dense network of lights. Quite pretty, really, and no doubt expensive to run at today’s fuel prices.

Inside Wilko

We went into the branch of Wilko that is there, as I had a couple of purchases to make.

The Hampshire (Hog)

In King Street, we went to the bus stop opposite this large and fairly handsome pub. Today called The Hampshire, it was originally called The Hampshire Hog. A pub has been here since the 17th century but the current building dates from the Victorian era (1883).

Aboard the 110

From here we caught a single-decker number 110 bus.

Hammersnith Station

This brought us back to Hammersmith Underground Station (1868).

Caffè Nero

Thinking it was time for refreshments, we found a branch of Caffè Nero and there enjoyed a coffee break.

Christmas lamp

We crossed back through Hammersmith Broadway Shopping Centre which is decorated with these brightly illuminated lamps.

Aboard the 27

In the bus station, we boarded a number 27 bus again, though this time in the opposite direction. I didn’t know where it would take us (Tigger knew, of course) and so I was surprised to arrive at…

Paddington Railway Station

…Paddington Railway Station. From here, one can catch a 205 bus back to the Angel. Curiously, our bus app told us that there were no 205s expected. We knew this was nonsense and we were proved right by a 205 arriving a few minutes later.

Aboard the 205

The 205 carried us to the stop in Pentonville Road.

Busy Pentonville Road

The road was busy in both directions and we crossed it risking life and limb but made it safely to the other side. From there, we had an easy walk home where we have a relaxing evening in view.