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.

Sunshine in Inglebert Street

The sun was shining this morning when we set out for the deli. Would it be warm enough to sit outside with our coffee?

At the deli
Photo by Tigger

At the deli in Amwell Street, Tigger chose a table (and took the photo) while I was inside ordering our coffee.

At the bus stop

After enjoying the sunshine and peaceful atmosphere for a while, we walked up to Pentonville Road and waited for a number 30 bus.

Aboard the 30

We boarded the bus and off we went!

Somewhere in Dalston

We left the bus here in Dalston, a district that lies within the Borough of Hackney.

Church of St Mark Dalston

We went to take a look at this unusually large church, St Mark’s Dalston. Beside the door is a board bearing the following text: This Church, often referred to as “The Cathedral of the East End” is the largest Parish Church in London, it was built between 1866-1868 and is estimated to seat 2000 people (Poor punctuation as per the original.)

Barometer dial
Photo by Tigger

An unusual feature of this church is that what might be mistaken at a quick glance for a clock face is in fact the dial of a barometer, indicating the current meteorological conditions. We have never seen such a feature in a church before.

Primary school

Nearby we spied this school building. There was no date on it that we could see but we estimate that it dates from Victorian or Edwardian times.

The market

We passed by the market which was quite extensive and very busy.

Walking along Kingsland High Street

We walked along the main thoroughfare here named after the district of Kingsland, which, like Dalston, is also part of Hackney.

Old police station?

We spotted this attractive old building and speculated that it might be an old police station. That is just a guess, though, and could be wrong.

Che Men Cafe Restaurant

Feeling in need of refreshment, we entered this establishment. The name suggests Chinese but it seems to be a cafe tea room with Turkish overtones.

Inside Che Men

We found comfortable seats inside and started by ordering drinks.

Turkish coffee

I chose a Turkish coffee for a change. Turkish coffee has a characteristic taste and there is always a layer of coffee grounds in the bottom of the cup. We stayed on for lunch as the menu contained a number of vegetarian items.

Aziziye Mosque

Further along the road is the Aziziye Mosque which, I think, caters particularly for the Turkish population of the area.

Stoke Newington Baptist Church

Virtually next door to the mosque is this much less striking building, a Baptist Church. Its name reminds us that we have progressed into Stoke Newington, also part of the Borough of Hackney.

The Rochester Castle

We stopped to admire the decorative Rochester Castle pub. Now part of the Wetherspoons’ group, it has existed since the early 19th century.

Three Crowns

Another interesting pub nearly is the Three Crowns. The main building is large and relatively uninteresting but this bar is another story. I know nothing of its history but it is very striking and elegantly styled.

Abney Park

We entered Abney Park, a now disused cemetery. It was originally a park which, in 1840, became a cemetery. For more details of its history, see here. It is now largely overgrown and many of the tombs have fallen, their stones broken. Here are a couple more photos:

Abney Park

On a sunny day, it is quite a pleasant place in which to stroll or sit on one of the few benches. It also provides a welcome oasis for wildlife.

Aboard the 73

We crossed through Abney Park and exited into Stoke Newington High Street. Here there was a bus stop where we soon had a 73 bus which carried us back home to the Angel.

Tigger was working the late shift today. During the afternoon she sent me a text suggesting we meet at Kennedy’s for supper. I was happy to agree.

From the City to Kennedy’s in Goswell Road would take two buses. Tigger let me know when she boarded the second bus and that was the signal for me to set out on foot from home. The map apps on my phone agreed that it would take me about 15 minutes to walk to the restaurant.

The Angel crossroads

I passed through the Angel crossroads which was lit by evening sunlight. It was the rush hour and I had to grab a quick photo between the hurrying people and traffic.

Goswell Road and the clock tower

I entered Goswell Road where it divides from City Road just below the crossroads.

Continuous flow of traffic

There was a solid line of traffic, slowed by several sets of traffic lights. I would cross to the other side of the road when it was convenient to do so but as I had some way to go, there was no hurry.

Sunshine and shadow

The sun was shining between clouds but was by now low in the sky so that the streets were divided between sunlit areas and areas of deep shadow. It was rather chilly too, so I stayed in the sunlight as much as possible.

King Square Garden

I passed the small park called King Square Garden. In other circumstances, I might have gone in for a stroll but as Tigger would probably reach Kennedy’s before me, I contented myself with a quick photo and hurried on.

Inside Kennedy’s

When I arrived at Kennedy’s, Tigger was already seated at a table. Happily, the restaurant was not very busy and there were plenty of staff on hand.

Founded 1877

According to the inscription on the mirror, Kennedy’s was founded in 1877. To have survived for 145 years they must doing something right! Today, Kennedy’s is a fish and chips restaurant and takeaway outlet but the mirror’s motto reads “Purveyor of fine baked pies”, which suggests that the business has changed in accordance with customer demand.

The food arrives at last

Even though the restaurant was not very busy, it still took a long time for our food to arrive. I watched the door through which it would come and at last it did!

Halloumi and chips
Photo by Tigger

We had deep fried halloumi and chips. The halloumi comes with a serving of salad but I also had a side order of garden peas. We had tea to drink and that’s the tea bags to bottom left of the photo.

Leaving Kennedy’s

I don’t know whether Kennedy’s has been at the same address for the whole of its 145 year history – probably not. I believe they also have another branch elsewhere.

Aboard the 4

I had come to Kennedy’s on foot but we took the bus for the return journey. Or rather, for part of the journey, as we had to leave the bus at the clock tower and walk the rest of the way. Then again, a little post-prandial exercise is an entirely good thing!

On reaching home, we made proper tea with loose-leaf tea, not tea bags. Then we settled down comfortably for the evening because, as I often say on Fridays, “the weekend starts here”!