As the title indicates, conditions today are not ideal for outdoor activities. The sky is cloudy, it has rained and is threatening to do so again. To start with then, we went on a short outing to fetch coffee. We may decide to venture out again later.

Miniature pansies

The conditions being what they were, I photographed these colourful flowers in a window box, hoping their bright colours would add cheer to the situation.

Electra speeds by

If the flowers started to cheer me up, a familiar sight in the square helped further. Yes, we were in time to see “Electra” (as we now call her) go speeding past on her laps round the church. With her bright red top and blond hair streaming in the wind, she is a sight to behold. She doesn’t just trundle round but puts real effort into pushing those pedals.

Flowers on the doorstep

Several houses in the square have these pretty little white flowers growing up each side of the steps to the front door. They died back somewhat during the winter but have started to grow and flower again. Some householders have removed them but I enjoy seeing them where they still grow.

Grey clouds, green trees

I liked the contrast between the new spring-green foliage and the brooding grey of the clouds.

Foliage gradually hiding the church

In this view of Myddelton Square Gardens, the church is still visible, like someone peering between the heads in a crowd in order to be visible in the photo. As the trees put on their summer costumes, the church finds it harder to remain visible.

The same number as the year

We stopped to look at the view through these open doors that are usually closed when we go past. It’s no doubt the old carriage entrance. What caught my attention, though, was the number, written in words. The entrance serves numbers 20 and 21 but they have written it as a single numeral, twentytwentyone, which just happens to be the number of the current year. Was that done on purpose?

Glowing with colour

At one house, there were three window boxes, all very beautiful and I selected one as a sample. The flowers seemed to glow despite the dull light. If I needed further encouragement to be cheerful, this window box provided it.

Shortly, we reached Myddelton’s, collected our coffee and made for home, where I am writing this. However, Tigger has just proposed a plan for a second outing. I will add it to this preliminary account in due course.

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Down a busy Pentonville Road

Following Tigger’s plan, we set off down a busy Pentonville Road in the direction of King’s Cross. In addition to this morning’s dull, cloudy sky, there was now a gusty wind that caused me to attach my hat-lock, just in case.

St Mary of Zion

At the bottom end of the road we passed by this church. Called St Mary of Zion, it is currently an Ethiopian Orthodox church.

The Lighthouse and tower of St Pancras Station

Near the two stations, King’s Cross and St Pancras, is a nightclub cum music venue. Years ago, the then owners built a folly, in the shape of a lighthouse, on the roof. Time passed and the lighthouse became an accepted part of the scenery, so much so, that when the block was rebuilt recently, the developers were required to preserve the lighthouse in its original style and position.

The Great Northern Hotel

People often wonder why there are two mainline railway stations on opposite sides of a not very wide road. They were built, at the beginning of railway history, by rival railway companies competing for the lucrative London trade. These days, they each serve their own catalogue of routes and cooperate rather than compete with one another. The Great Northern Hotel was built to cater tor customers from King’s Cross but these days serves a wider clientele.

Where’s Tweetie Pie?

This giant bird cage stands near King’s Cross Station. It lights up at night and has contained a number of transient amusements but is currently empty. When first it was installed, it included a swing whose supports are still visible – I know, because I had a swing on it!

A bit too crowded for my tastes

With the cessation goods traffic on the railway, the hinterland of King’s Cross Station, previously given over the warehouses, has been redeveloped and now contains a mixture of residential and office accommodation and entertainment venues. Thither we went though it was a little too crowded for my tastes.

Notes coffee bar

Tigger’s plan was for us to go to Notes for coffee and cake. We had been here previously and knew we had to sit outside but as there was an awning, that was acceptable.

Menu with QR order code

On each table is a card with a QR code. Click on this code with your smart phone and it produces a menu from which you can order your items and pay for them electronically. The QR code includes your table number so that a waiter can deliver your order to you.

The cake arrives

We ordered carrot cake and coffee. The cake arrived first, wrapped in a plastic and paper envelope.

Traditional cups

The coffee arrived soon after, served in traditional cups, fortunately.

I couldn’t help reflecting how different this mode of service is from pre-Covid norms. We barely exchanged words with a human being (just “Thank you”, in fact) and no one touched anything resembling money or, for that matter, a payment machine. One thing that Covid has done is to speed the adoption of electronic ordering and payment systems and I can only suppose that these will continue in use when things return to whatever simulacrum of “normality” replaces pandemic regulations.

King’s Cross Departures

On our way back we crossed through the Departures hall of King’s Cross Station. As there were relatively few people about, it was a good occasion for taking photos of the revolutionary design which supports a roof over a large area but without any pillars acting as obstacles to movement. It also possesses a certain beauty, enhanced at times by coloured lights.

The main “tree”

We went onto the upper level from where there is a good view of the tree-like support structure.

Tower of St Pancras Station

We crossed the open courtyard in front of King’s Cross Station. From here you have a good view of the tower of the beautiful St Pancras Station. Yes, I photographed it the other day, and many times before that, but it’s always worth photographing. Well, that’s my opinion, anyway!

Aboard a number 30 bus

As we had been good (subjective opinion, I know!) we decided we could take the bus up the hill and so caught a number 30 which delivered us close to home.

Now we have supper and a pleasant evening to look forward to and, no doubt, other outings tomorrow.

I had a letter to post and, while there are pillar boxes not far from the tigers’ den, I decided to go to one in Upper Street, as that would make more of a walk for me.

An Angel landmark

Though our favourite building is the domed beauty on the corner of Pentonville Road and Islington High Street, this tower, on the former Angel Picture Theatre (now occupied by Starbucks), is also a landmark of which I have become fond.

The Tram Shed

This is the former tram shed, which was for many years occupied by antiques stalls until they were evicted – to much protest – and the space rented out to a succession of stores, none of which lasted very long. Recently, Amazon was planning to use it as a fully automated store but apparently, the Council is having second thoughts about granting permission.

Phelps Cottage, 1838

The High Street, which passes beside the tram shed, makes a left turn to run into Upper Street. In this section is a survival from past times: a two-storey house, bearing over the door, a plaque with the words “Phelps Cottage 1838”. The house is so named, apparently, after one Charles Phelps who lived there. As to who he was and when he lived there, I have no information. The house is Grade II listed.

Formerly the Three Wheatsheaves

On the other side of Upper Street stands this substantial building. It has housed several different businesses in the time I have lived here, none of which have lasted very long. To be honest, I hadn’t paid it much attention until today when I noticed that part of its old signage has for some reason been revealed. It reads “Barclay Perkins & Co Ltd”.

This enabled me to discover its history. Barclay Perkins owned, and still own, I believe, a string of pubs. This used to be one of theirs. It was called the Three Wheatsheaves and ran from 1889 to 1932. Subsequent tenants have pinned their names on it but the company name was there all along, waiting to be revealed.

Islington Green

I passed by Islington Green, a pleasant garden at the join of Essex Road with Upper Street. It would easy to imagine that this was once the village green. It never was, however, though it is a vestige of the past because it is the last remaining vestige of the local common. I wonder what would happen if you tried grazing cattle on it today!

The Screen on the Green

Like many businesses, this famous cinema, the Screen on the Green, has been closed and in virtual hibernation. May 17th promises a reawakening. Let’s hope nothing happens to frustrate their hopes.

St Mary’s Church, free of scaffolding at last

St Mary’s Church has been wrapped in scaffolding and builders’ screens for months. I saw today that it is finally free of all encumbrances. The faithful will no doubt also be looking forward to restrictions being lifted, enabling them to attend services.

Islington Fire Station

Islington’s fire station is not very old. It was built in 1993. It has a companion in the Essex Road fire station which used to do duty for both areas. With the – I think over-hasty – closure of police and fire stations, I suppose we can count ourselves lucky that these two have survived. The tower-block fire in Canary Wharf today shows the importance of fire services able to respond quickly to outbreaks.

Florence Tavern, defunct

I stepped briefly off Upper Street into Florence Street. I noticed that there was a lot of traffic for a side street. I think this is perhaps because it is being used as a rat-run between Upper Street and Essex Road. My sympathies go to the inhabitants who have to put up with the noise and pollution from the grid-locked traffic. I noticed the old pub, now closed. It used to be known as the Florence Tavern and existed since at least 1860. It closed almost a decade ago and its days as a pub seem to be over.

Decorative moulding

Another dead pub, this one on a corner of Upper Street with Cross Street, is the Old Parr’s Head. It started right at the beginning of the 19th century but closed in 2007. The premises has been used for retail but I don’t know its current status.

No more lunches

This sign embodies the optimism of the pub’s heyday but is now just a sad reminder of past glories. I wonder when the last lunch was served and whether the customer who bought knew it was the last.

The Almeida Theatre

Rather than return along the same road, I turned up Almeida Street, home to the theatre of the same name. Like pubs and churches, theatres will be looking forward to opening their doors again.

Is there a way out?

As you walk up Almeida Street, you might think that it’s a cul de sac and turn down one of the side streets. But hold your nerve and keep going…

Almeida Passage

In the corner, obscured by parked cars, is this alley called Almeida Passage. Open to the sky for the first few yards, it then passes through the terrace of houses in Milner Square. I mentioned this square in a recent post and I went to take another look at its central garden.

Milner Square Gardens

As I mentioned in my previous post, Milner Square Garden is virtually one big play area for children. I did not stay long here but continued along Milner Street to Gibson Square.

Gibson Square squirrel

On reaching Gibson Square, I entered the gardens and almost immediately encountered one of the inhabitants, a squirrel. He came by, hoping I had food but went on his way when I proved to be a disappointment.

Gibson Square Gardens

I described Gibson Square’s garden and the strange building in it that is really a ventilation shaft for the Underground so this photo will suffice.

Liverpool Road

From Gibson Square via Theberton Street, I came out into Liverpool Road which offered a near enough straight path to home.

Cloudesley Place

Nonetheless, I preferred to avoid the main road and follow quieter ones. Accordingly, I entered Cloudesley Place. You may remember me showing you the raised pavement in Liverpool Road with railings to stop you stepping off by accident. There is a raised pavement here as well, though I don’t know the reason for it.

The houses have steps to the door

Despite the raised pavement, the houses are raised still higher and have to have steps up to the front door. I bet the architects had fun with this arrangement!

Culpeper Park

Very soon, I found myself in Cloudesley Road beside Culpeper Park, another familiar landmark if you have followed my blog. This is not far from home and is therefore a good place for me to bid you adieu for today!

You may have noticed that Tigger has been on holiday recently, which has enabled us to explore areas beyond our immediate vicinity. I has been a very enjoyable time but the holiday has ended and today, Tigger has has to go in to the office and will do so again tomorrow.

This being so, I had to make do with my own company on my walk today. The forecast was promising rain but in the event, apart from the briefest of showers, the weather was dry and and there was even sunshine from time to time.

The Angel crossroads

I passed through the Angel crossroads which was quite busy, as you can see, with both vehicle traffic and pedestrians.

An elegant shop sign

Walking down St John Street, I passed this shop advertising “Designer clothing since 1993” and called Dress for Less London. I have passed it many times but today i noticed the elegant shop sign showing a lady in a full-length dress. In medieval times, shop signs were the rule but today they are a rarity though pubs still maintain the tradition. I don’t suppose that possessing a sign necessarily makes the business any better than the competition but I like to see them.

Rosebury Avenue and Sadler’s Wells Theatre

I turned down Rosebury Avenue (named after the Earl of Rosebery, 1847-1929), where we find the famous, though currently inactive, Sadler’s Wells Theatre.

A door with an intriguing notice

I noticed this intriguing notice on a door and wondered to whom it is directed. Here is an expanded version:

Is this an invitation?

I wondered whether it was an invitation to passers-by but assumed not.

Entering Spa Green

I crossed the road and entered Spa Green by the top gate. This is a small park but very pleasant.

A a magnificent old tree

In an open space stands this magnificent tree. It’s not clear from the photo how huge it is. I stood for quite a while observing it, imagining I was a squirrel and tracing all the routes up the tree to the too. I don’t know whether there is a resident squirrel or not. I couldn’t see a drey but there might be one hidden away in the upper branches.

Paved area with central tree

Further down, there is a paved area with its own central tree. It had benches but also another, less common, piece of furniture.

Fancy a game?

It consists of a table and two seats, all fixed in place, with a chess board inscribed on the table top. I have yet to see anyone playing chess here but perhaps it will happen one day.

Are there chess pieces here?

The notice on the side seems to indicate that there are chess pieces available but if so, I don’t know how you access them.

Finsbury War Memorial

Spa Green is home to the Finsbury War Memorial (Finsbury was an old borough that was absorbed into the Borough if Islington). It’s quite a handsome piece of work and serves the secondary purpose of providing a safe perch for the garden’s pigeon population.

Leaning trees

I returned up Rosebery Avenue and suddenly noticed this row of trees: they are all leaning, slightly by definitely, in the same direction. Since I became aware of my first leaning tree, I have been seeing them everywhere. Is this a London phenomenon or do most trees lean one way or another? I shall keeping observing them to find out!

Today’s give-away offer

It’s a rare day that I don’t find apparently serviceable items left out in the street, seemingly for anyone to take. Today it is a pair of table or beside lamps. They have been placed here, far away from any houses so are obviously dumped. No doubt someone will find a use for them.

Myddelton Passage

I went up Arlington Way and then into Myddelton Passage beside the Shakespeare’s Head pub. This was not by chance: I had intended to come here. Perhaps you can guess what I was looking for.

The pub vine – leaves at last!

You perhaps remember that I kept scrutinising the vine on the wall of the pub garden to see whether it produced any new leaves. It had been completely bare and I had begun to wonder whether it was dead. Today, I found it covered with bright green new leaves. Am I silly to feel relieved? Silly or not, I am pleased to see the new leaves and look forward to it producing its crop of tiny grapes in due season.

Myddelton Square

From the Passage, I crossed the lovely Myddelton Square with its church and central garden. (I didn’t see Electra, in case you are wondering 🙂 ) I entered the garden a strolled round it.

Squirrel eating

In the garden I met a squirrel who was not in the least fazed by my presence. Nor was he hoping for anything from me as he had found something to eat.

A quick performance

Afterwards, he put on a quick performance so as not to disappoint his audience.

A last look

I took a last look at the garden and left by the north gate. However, I did pay a quick visit to an old friend.

The Curvaceous Tree

My last photo was of my familiar Curvaceous Tree, gradually dressing itself in new green leaves to celebrate spring and approaching summer.

As for me, I am heading for home to make tea and look forward to Tigger returning from work.

Today we met a friend from outside London and took him round some of the places he wanted to see. We covered a good deal of ground and so I will simply show photographs of some of the things and places that we saw.

St Pancras and King’s Cross Stations

King’s Cross Departures

Striking building, St John’s Street and Charterhouse Street

Walking through Smithfield Market

One of the “Gates”

Entrance, Priory Church of St Bartholomew the Great

The Priory Church of St Bartholomew the Great

I Goat, Kenny Hunter, 2010

One of the elephants of the Herd of Hope exhibition

Stalls, Spitalfields Market

Wooden Boat with Seven People, Kalliopi Lemos, 2012

Jacob, dray horse monument, The Circle (near Tower Bridge)

Low tide, St Saviour’s Dock

The Thames and the sky

Pedestrian Bridge across St Saviour’s Dock

Shad Thames

Sun, rain and clouds over the Thames

Tower Bridge

Hay’s Galleria, previously Hay’s Wharf

The Navigators, David Kemp, 1987

The day started cloudy with sunny intervals with a cold wind. Towards the end of our outing, in defiance of the weather forecast, it began to rain torrentially.

From Hay’s Galleria, we were soon at London Bridge Station where we were able to catch a 43 bus back to the Angel.

We both needed a couple of items from the shops and thought that Tottenham Court Road would be the best place to find them. The weather was cloudy with sunny intervals and a gusty wind like yesterday.

Waiting for the bus in St John Street

Because our usual bus to Tottenham Court Road, the 73, is diverted owing to road works, we chose an alternative route, taking the 38 in St John Street.

Aboard the 38

We caught a 38 which would take us near to our destination.

Tottenham Court Road

When we reached Tottenham Court Road, I was relieved to see it was not at all crowded as it was in our previous visit. (See Coffee and Portuguese tarts.)

Inside Hema

We started by visiting Hema which was also not crowded as it was last time. Tigger was able to buy what she needed but I drew a blank.

Flying Tiger of Copenhagen

We next tried Flying Tiger of Copenhagen. This shop changes its stock continually, so you never know what you will find there. It’s a matter of luck if you find what you are seeking. Today, I was not lucky.

Continuing along Tottenham Court Road

We continued along Tottenham Court Road as there were a couple of shops left to try.

Goodge Street Underground Station

As we passed Goodge Street Station, it reminded me that I hadn’t travelled by tube for months. I used to travel by tube a lot but I think my last journey by tube was months ago when I had to take my iPhone to the Apple store for a repair.

Robert Dyas

At the top of Tottenham Court Road is the stop for our bus back to the Angel but there is also a branch of Robert Dyas there. Would they have what I was looking for? Yes, they did, so our visit to Tottenham Court Road ended successfully.

Aboard the 390

There was going to be a wait for our usual bus so we took the 390 which would require us to change later. It’s a three-door bus but our preferred rear-facing seat was taken, so we took the one across the aisle from it.

Changing buses at Euston Station

We changed buses at Euston Station. To complete our journey, we chose the 30 as experience shows that it is usually not crowded. And so it proved.

The reservoir, Pentonville Road

We left the bus at the reservoir in Pentonville Road. Here too is the top end of Amwell Street.

Myddeltin’s deli

I expect you guessed where we went next: down Amwell Street to Myddelton’s deli.

A novelty – plates!
Photo by Tigger

We ordered coffee and custard tarts and went out to a table to wait. When the order arrived, there was a surprise: the tarts were on plates! Previously, they had brought them in a paper bag.

The sun shows itself

While we were dealing with our coffee and tarts, the sun came out and so I took the opportunity of a photo of the scene, momentarily sunlit.

Dramatic skyscape

This photo of the dramatic sky shows why the sun shows itself only from time to time and then only briefly.

Cumberland Gardens

After Myddelton’s we went for another walk. We crossed into Wharton Street and to the steps leading into the picturesque Cumbeland Gardens.

Walking through Cumberland Gardens

Cumberland Gardens leads into Great Percy Street and on the corner is a building that is now residential but was originally a pub, the Percy Arms.

Looking up Great Percy Street

We could have gone down Great Percy Street to our favourite spot in Percy Circus but today we crossed into Holford Street.

Cruikshank Street

In Cruikshank Street, I managed to catch another sunny moment. From here, we were very soon home and I will leave you with another familiar image but one that I cherish.

Milne Street and St Mark’s Church from Claremont Square