We set off without hurry, having no specific plans in mind. The weather is grey with occasional bursts of sunshine.

Walking along Upper Street

We walked along Upper Street, heading towards Islington Green.

Christmas wreaths on sale

A lot of shops were closed for Christmas but this florist’s shop was open, and still selling Christmas wreaths.

Islington Green

We reached the Green which is looking rather dull in its winter-drab costume.

Caffè Nero

You may have guessed that we were making for Caffè Nero to take in fuel for the next part of our outing.

Aboard the 43

After our coffee break, we caught a number 43 bus. It was quite full but we found seats in front upstairs.

Muswell Hill

The bus carried us to Muswell Hill where we set out on foot.

Muswell Hill Broadway

We walked along Muswell Hill Broadway, thinking about the possibility of having lunch.

Côte Brasserie

We came upon the local branch of Côte Brasserie and studied the menu posted on the window. According to this, breakfast was served until 12:30 and, as it was now 12:15, we hurried inside.

Inside Côte Brasserie
Photo by Tigger

Though many tables were reserved, they managed to fit us in. The menu they gave us didn’t mention breakfast so we asked about it. They said breakfast was finished and we could choose something from the brunch menu. So we got up to leave and this had the desired effect: they agreed to cook us the vegetarian breakfast.

Vegetarian breakfast

Thus we had breakfast for lunch!

Not a church – a steakhouse

After our breakfast-lunch, we went walking again. We passed this building that was obviously built as a church but is now serving as a steakhouse.

Looking down Hillfield Park

This view down Hillfield Park shows clearly that this district is indeed on top of a hill.

Still a church – St James

This building is still operating as a church. It is called St James Muswell Hill.

The Everyman Cinema

We passed the Everyman Cinema. Previously an Odeon cinema, it was built in 1835-6 and is a Grade II* listed building.

United Reformed Church

This building wears its heart in its sleeve or rather, its cross in its façade. It is the local United Reformed Church.

An old police station?

This little building intrigued us. Today is the premises of the Muswell Hill Preschool but we wonder whether it was originally a Victorian police station.

Aboard the 43

After a good walk round the neighbourhood, we caught a number 43 bus back to the Angel.

Back in Upper Street

We left the bus in Upper Street at the stop for Angel Station.

Redemption Roasters

Before returning home, we thought we could fit in one more coffee and made for Redemption Roasters in the High Street.

Duncan Street

To return home, we took a roundabout way rather than going straight there. We started off by taking Duncan Street.

Duncan Terrace

This led us into Duncan Terrace beside the gardens covering this stretch of the New River.

Illuminated star

Christmas decorations were in evidence here and there, like this illuminated star in a window, but seemed to me much much fewer and less elaborate than in previous years.

Christmas wreath

There were also a few wreaths on doors, like this sample, but again, it seemed to me that they were fewer than in past years.

“Bug hotels”

We ventured into Duncan Terrace Gardens to look at this array of miscellaneous “bug hotels”, presumably installed by the Council. I hope that, come the spring, they will find tenants.

The Angel crossroads

We arrived at the Angel crossroads, which was as busy as usual, and from here soon arrived home.

I have to say that it doesn’t feel like Christmas Eve to me but just like any other Saturday. Not that that matters particularly because the company of the one I love always makes any day a festive occasion.