The weather was not promising. It was cloudy and a gusty wind made it feel colder than the thermometer suggested. I put the hat-lock on my hat, to be on the safe side.

What’re you looking at?
Photo by Tigger

We passed through Claremont Square and, as always, looked for the kitten. He was in the window, which seems to be a favourite place. In the midst of grooming, he became aware of us and our interest and gave us a questioning stare.

“Electra” or the Circling Cyclist
Photo by Tigger

We took a turn round Myddelton Square and spied a familiar figure. The other day, we saw that the model name of her bicycle is “Electra”, and that struck us as a good name for its owner. Henceforth, we will refer to her as Electra!

We made our way to Myddelton’s deli and consumed our coffee on the “terrace” outside, despite the wind. Then we started walking again.

Wharton Street

From the deli, we walked along Wharton Street, which slopes downwards and reveals the BT Tower in the distance.

Melting steps

We were intrigued by these steps that seem to have partially melted.

Blowing in the wind
Photo by Tigger

This photo by Tigger will give you an idea of the conditions because it shows how the blossom is being shaken by the wind.

Strange fruit

We wondered what this strange bush was with unusual fruit that resembles onions…

Hanging by a thread…

They looked like onions because they are onions. Someone has hung them by strings from the branches of a shrub. I cannot imagine why.

King’s Cross Road

We arrived at the bottom of the hill at King’s Cross Road. It wasn’t as busy as it sometimes is and I was glad about that.

The Carpenter’s Arms

I think I have photographed this pub before. Built no later than 1840, it is looking rather miserable at the moment with the windows covered. Will it be revived? Many have closed during the pandemic never to open again.

Great Percy Street

We passed the end of Great Percy Street and so I photographed it from this, for us, unusual angle. You can just about make out the greenery of our “happy place”, Percy Circus.

Ornate doorway

This doorway is very ornate and includes a pair of winged lions or griffons. The building is currently occupied by a branch of Travelodge but I am sure it must have originally been intended for a nobler purpose.

Ghost signs

Nearing King’s Cross Station, we passed this building with faded signage on the façade. These old advertisements are often called “ghost signs”, a term that I don’t particularly like. They may have faded but they indicate the actual business once transacted here and are real enough. Perhaps “historical signs” would be a kinder name. I know nothing about the firm that had the signs painted or when it existed here.

Calidonian Road

We crossed the famous “Cally” (Caledonian) Road though it doesn’t appear to be anything special as seen from this viewpoint.

King Charles I

I noticed this Victorian pub in Northdown Street. What’s special about it? Nothing, really, but it struck me as a not very propitious name for a pub – or anything else – given the fate suffered by its namesake. Let’s hope the pub does not meet a similarly ignominious end.

Joseph Grimaldi Park

A couple of streets further on, we entered Joseph Grimaldi Park. The park is the former burial ground of the no longer extant St James’s Chapel. It was transformed into a public park by the removal of the gravestones – all but one, that is.

Gravestones placed against the wall

As with other old London graveyards, the stones have been removed to the periphery and placed against the wall where they are gradually weathering away and losing their inscriptions.

Grave of Joseph Grimaldi

The one exception is the grave of Joseph Grimaldi (1778-1837), the famous actor and comedian often dubbed “the father of clowning”. This has been restored and has given its name to the park. The grave is still visited by admirers.

Musical “graves”

In one corner of the park are to be found these mock graves. The intention is that treading on a section rings a bell, each bell having a different tone. Need I say that most of the bells no longer ring? How do I know? Guess!

Trying out the bells
Photo by Tigger

I tried them and Tigger photographed me while I was doing so. Busted!

A busy Pentonville Road

We left the park and entered into a busy Pentonville Road. We did not have to endure it for long, however, as from here we soon reached home where we rewarded ourselves with tea and slices of buttered fruit loaf!

This morning, it being Sunday, we did our usual shopping run to the supermarket.

Passing through Chapel Market

We passed through Chapel Market which was very busy and crowded, quite like “old times”.

Inside Sainsbury’s

In contrast, Sainsbury’s was not very busy and we sped round the shelves with very little difficulty.

To Mercer’s for coffee

As usual, too, we called in at Mercer’s for takeaway coffees on the way home.

Camden High Street

After lunch, we went first to Camden Town, where we visited a shop in Camden High Street. Then we caught a bus that took us to our main destination, Regent’s Park.

Regent’s Canal

We entered the park from the north at the entrance beside the famous ZSL London Zoo. The path takes us over the Regent’s Canal by a bridge.

Entering Regent’s Park

From the bridge, you need to cross a road called the Outer Circle and then you find yourself on a broad path in the park.

Leaning trees

We found a vacant bench and sat for a while, taking in the scene and the movement of people. I noticed that the trees in the other side of the path all leaned at the same angle. So did the trees on our side of the path. Why? Was this caused by the direction of the prevailing wind here?

Trying to fly a kite

After a while we went for a walk. The sky was cloudy and the sun broke through from time to time, making the park prettier then dull again.

Ready Money Drinking Fountain

We passed by the ornate drinking fountain donated in 1869 by Sir Cowasjee “Ready Money” Jehangir.

An area with trees

There are grassy areas (some with football matches in progress) and areas with trees.

Cafe

We called in at the cafe. You can order at the table, using your mobile and a QR code or go inside for a takeaway. They were controlling how many people could be inside at any one time and so there was a queue.

Sitting on the grass

There were many people, alone and in groups, sitting on the grass. There were also picnics in progress, some with large groups of people.

A corner of the lake

There is a lake, parts of which are used for boating and parts that are fenced off for water fowl to use in peace. This is such a section.

A heron

We spotted a heron. I think there are several that frequent this lake.

Stream and bridge

I don’t know whether this is a real stream but with the bridge it makes a picturesque scene.

Drinking fountain

This drinking fountain is obviously quite old (Victorian at a guess) but there was no inscription to confirm its age. And no, it doesn’t work.

Flower beds

There are flower bed in places all very beautiful and well kept.

Small pond

We sat for a while beside this small pond. I think it must once have been for small boats but at present it has been taken over by geese.

Lake and distant tower

This is a view of part of the main lake with distant views behind it. Perhaps you can make out to BT Tower.

Coots
Photo by Tigger

Though not as numerous as the coots in St James’s Park, there are a lot of coots here too. Many were diving for food which was fun to watch.

Egyptian goose
Photo by Tigger

There are ducks and geese on and around the lake. Canada geese are probably the most numerous species but there are a lot of the pretty Egyptian geese too.

Swan
Photo by Tigger

There were also a few swans who came sailing by just of the off-chance that there might be food in the offing. Some people did feed the birds, despite notices asking them not to do so.

Coots’ nest

Coots had built one of their typical untidy-looking nests. A coot was sitting on the nest, suggesting that there were eggs.

Old Marylebone Town Hall

We eventually left the park and walked via Baker Street to Marylebone Road when we waited at the bus stop across from this building with a tower. It was built as the Marylebone Town Hall but that borough no longer exists. I’m not sure what its present purpose is.

Aboard the number 30

We waited for a number 30 bus. This became a little crowded during the journey and a recorded voice informed us that the driver must limit numbers to prevent overcrowding. I don’t think he ever actually took any such action and we arrived home without further incident.

Leaving the 73 bus

We went to Tottenham Court Road but only briefly. We took the 73 bus but had to disembark early and walk because of bus diversions owing to road works. We sat at the back of the bus and left by the rear door, hence the slightly unusual viewpoint of the photo.

Wagtail
Photo by Tigger

Near Euston Square Station we spotted this wagtail prospecting for food. These speedy little birds used to be rare in towns but we are now seeing more and more of them. It seems that they are taking over the niche vacated by sparrows.

Tottenham Court Road and BT Tower

We reached Tottenham Court Road and went into Hema but it was crowded, so we left. We thought of visiting Flying Tiger but saw there was a queue for admission so gave up on the idea.

The Fitzrovia Mural
Photo by Tigger

This painting on the side of a building is known as the Fitzrovia Mural. Originally painted as a protest against property developers, it has become famous and has recently been repainted.

Front garden, Pentonville Road

Having exhausted the charms of Tottenham Court Road we returned to the Angel where I photographed this meadow-style lawn in a front garden. There is a campaign to leave lawns to grow naturally, to the benefit of wildlife, especially at this time of year. Observation suggests that the idea is catching on.

Looking down Milne Street

We walked through Claremont Square and Milne Street where this view was taken.

Myddelton Square

We walked round Myddelton Square, familiar territory, but which never loses it charm for us. The parakeets could be heard chattering in the trees.

Up for grabs

Someone has left furniture and other items out in the street. If there’s anything here you fancy, you’d better hurry!

Pretty window boxes

I admired this set of three pretty window boxes.

Coffee and Portuguese custard tarts
Photo by Tigger

When we reached Myddelton’s deli, the weather had improved enough to make us feel we could sit at their tables to drink our coffee. I suggested that as it was Saturday, we could spring to Portuguese custard tarts, a suggestion that received immediate favour!

Looking up Lloyd Street

Afterwards, we went for a further walk. We passed through Lloyd Square and I took a photo looking up Lloyd Street. If the names seem repetitious it is because the land hereabouts once belonged to the Lloyd Baker estate.

“Grecian revival”?

I have seen the style of these admittedly elegant houses in Lloyd Square described as “Grecian revival”, presumably on account of the triangular pediments. I’m not sure how accurate a description that is, given that these houses seen to me typical examples of the Georgian style common to the area.

Dramatic skyscape

The sky was cloudy but with gaps that allowed the sun to shine at intervals. The result was dramatic skyscapes and because the air was moist, the sun’s rays were often visible like searchlight beams.

Prideaux Place

We passed through Prideaux Place which is a short street between late 1920s or early 1939s apartment blocks with a few houses at one end. It seems to be a pleasant place to live.

Handsome trees

I admired these handsome trees that are in the process of dressing themselves in spring green. For a while we watched a magpie in the nearer tree as he hopped about, pulling at twigs. At last he found one that came loose. He was then faced with the difficulty of getting it free of the foliage so that he could fly off with it, presumably as nest-building material. Perseverance paid off in the end!

Beautiful flowers in Bevin Court
Photo by Tigger

We walked back home through Bevin Court where Tigger photographed these lovely flowers.

Leaning tree

I photographed this leaning tree because it intrigued me. What caused it to lean? Does this disadvantage it at all? It seems healthy enough with fresh green leaves growing on it.

Bevin Court’s “meadow lawn”

My last photo was of this lawn in Bevin Court that had been allowed to grow freely, like a meadow. I am sure this benefits wildlife, so I hope they continue to keep it like this.

Our plan this afternoon was to visit Hyde Park, the third of our Royal Parks. When we stepped outside, however, we found it was raining. We quickly went back to fetch rain jackets and set out again, hoping for the best.

On the 73 bus

We caught a number 73 bus and as it was fairly full downstairs went to the upper deck where a front seat was free.

Marble Arch and ping-pong tables

The bus dropped us off in Oxford Street and from there we walked to Marble Arch in front of which, incongruously, there are now two public ping-ping tables

Deckchairs in Hyde Park

A further walk brought us to Hyde Park. Entering from the north-eastern corner (by Speakers’ Corner) brings you to a wide open space of grass, crossed by paths. On a day like this, it seems bleak, despite the deckchairs and people sitting on the grass in defiance of the rain.

Some trees at last

After crossing the open space we came upon some trees which made me feel a little better though not completely at ease.

The Serpentine

Central to the park is a large lake, the Serpentine. You can hire a boat and row about in it, if you fancy that sort of thing.

A coot

I was more interested in the water fowl of which there were very few. Compared with St James’s Park, the lake seemed empty. I did observe this coot near the edge. Coots don’t have webbed feet like ducks but have “flanges” on their claws to help propel them in the water. You can see these in the photo.

A pair of swans

Seeing me standing by the water, a pair of swans came sailing over, obviously hoping I had food. Seeing I had none, they quickly moved on, looking for more generous folk.

Serpentine Bar & Kitchen

We passed by this rather oriental-looking structure. Beside it is a board announcing it to be the Serpentine Bar & Kitchen.

A heron

There is a bridge over the Serpentine and we crossed it. This led to the highlight of the expedition: the arrival of a heron. These strange but elegant birds are easy to photograph because they are champions at standing still. In fact, this one moved about quite a bit but in between movements stood statue-still, ideal for photos.

A flowerbed

I was finding the park rather dull when we at last discovered a flowerbed. Perhaps there are others but this is the only one I saw.

Sandy track for horses

Hyde Park is famous for providing facilities for horse-riders. We crossed a number of sandy tracks made for that purpose. The best known one is called Rotten Row, which I think is the one in the photo.

Narrow passageNarrow passage

We left the park by the south, crossing a roadway called South Carriage Drive, and engaging in a narrow passage which probably has a name but which I do not know.

A gallant figure
Photo by Tigger

Just before we left the scene, however, this gallant figure came riding past and Tigger managed a photo. (I expect he’s used to being photographed.)

Harvey Nichols, Knightsbridge

We reached the main road where we were in deepest Knightsbridge, as you can tell from the presence in the photo of the premises of Harvey Nichols.

Doorman, Mandarin Oriental
Photo by Tigger

We set off along Knightsbridge, looking for a bus stop. On the way, Tigger photographed the splendidly dressed doorman outside the Mandarin Oriental.

Down there somewhere

The bus stop was right at the end of the road just before the traffic lights. We out our best foot forward and reached the stop at last.

Aboard the 19 bus

We caught a number 19 bus, which is a three-door, and sat in the rear-facing seats. This bus brought us back to the Angel.

I found Hyde Park somewhat disappointing. Perhaps I will learn to love it more with further acquaintance. For now I was glad to reach home and make a nice pot of tea!

The sun was shining fitfully between clouds and we discussed the possibility of having lunch in Percy Circus. Once we stepped outside, however, we felt it was too chilly for eating outside. In the meantime we had some shopping to do.

First we called at Muji in the Angel Centre.

Then we passed through Chapel Market which was very busy, much like its old self.

We needed something from Marks & Spencer. Fortunately, it wasn’t crowded.

We queued at the checkout (remembering to leave one metre between ourselves and others) and paid for our purchases. (Will we laugh about all this one day, I wonder?)

We walked back along Chapel Market where the pub and cafes had their tables outside. Lunching al fresco is definitely in fashion!

We walked down Amwell Street to Myddelton’s deli. By now it seemed a little warmer and we decided to join the al fresco club ourselves and have lunch there. I acquired a table while Tigger bought lunch and coffee.

We had toasted baguettes and a cheese tart. And coffee, of course!

After lunch we returned home, though we have plans for this afternoon.

As we passed Myddelton Square Gardens, we spotted a crow, busy with something. We saw he was gathering twigs, presumably to build a nest. (He was rather far away so the image is somewhat blurred.)

After an absence, the Phantom Newspaper Dumper has returned. I can only presume that the delivery person runs out of time or energy (or both), dumps the load and claims to have delivered them.

We reached home where we had a rest (the less you do, the tireder what you do do makes you!). We may go forth again later.