London – Travels with Ali

Streets, Murals and Rooftops of London

During our stay in England we found time to escape for a couple of day trips up to London. For Anthony is was all about retail and restaurants for me bars and buildings. Fortunately we each found what we were looking for.

I love walking around the streets of the City and up to Brick Lane it brings back so many memories from when I used to work in London. I remember working in quite a few of these older buildigs. I used to be a legal secretarial temp so had many jobs over 16 years. Although the old buildings are still standing there are many skyscrapers and new streets that I can’t always get my bearings. Not just buildings either but all of the old pubs are still there and I have definitely been in a few of those for after work drinks on a Friday.

Views from a Rooftop Bar

Walking to Brick Lane we saw that another fantastic building had materialised since our last trip, we discovered it was a new Hilton. I could see there was a rooftop bar with a balcony so we decided to head up and take a look. The bar is called Floratica and is decorated with stunning lights and plants. We sipped on cocktails looking out at the panaramic views of London rooftops.

Zoom in and there is St. Paul’s in the distance

After finishing our drinks we set out for Brick Lane, for me to see any new murals and Anthony to head to his favourite shop.

Murals and Sculptures

Fabulous mural by Benzi Brofman – an in demand Israeli graffiti artist – who paints murals world wide.

Doors and Knockers

Like many people I’ve always had a thing for doors and as we walked down Princelet Street, I wasn’t disappointed. On closer inspection I saw the intricate designs of the door knockers, they were so intriguing.

Princelet Street, Spitalfields is a quiet unassuming street and I didn’t think too much about it until I googled No. 4, The Red House. The street itself dates back to the 1700’s and the houses were occupied mainly by poorer Londoners and migrants fleeing religious persecution and other atrocities. In the early 18th century the street saw many occupants who worked for the famous Truman Brewery. Nowadays No. 4 is rented out for events and films. I found much of this information on a blog called Memoirs of a Metrogirl. It’s a most interesting read.

No. 4 Princelet Street
It doesn’t seem like it’s been painted since the 1700s, staying as authentic as it can.

All these houses are Grade II listed heritage houses and if you’re in the market for a move to London they sell for approximately £2,800,000. No. 18 looks like it could do with a new door.

By now it was almost time for dinner and Anthony had set his heart/stomach on a French restaurant he had found on Google. It was called Chez Elles. As per usual he ordered Deep fried Veal Sweetbread with gazpacho sauce and then the Steak tartare and for me it was French Onion Soup followed by Confit Duck. It was a great choice of restaurant, very quaint and decorated like an authentic French Bistro.

As we won’t be back to London for quite a while (I hope!) we had a grand day out, finding something for both of us. You can’t go wrong with a day out in London can you?

Joining in for Natalie’s Weekend Coffee and PPAC and of course Dan’s Thursday Doors which once again I’ve missed the deadline!

🚣‍♀️ An Afternoon in Richmond-upon-Thames 🚣‍♀️

One sunny afternoon during our stay in England we drove to the picturesque town of Richmond. It’s long been on my list after watching the fabulous Ted Lasso and I had been urging Anthony to spend some time there.

It was a Bank Holiday Monday when we headed off and I thought I was being clever by taking a longer route from Basildon to Richmond to avoid the ULEZ (ultra low emission zones) charges! Just before entering the road to Richmond we saw the sign “you are now entering ULEZ”. Anthony said what to do? We circled the roundabout once again and drove down another road to check the map again. Sadly we were not going to get away with this. It’s a £17.50 flat rate, cheaper than the train I suppose.

It’s important to remember to check this up on your return by typing in your number plate on the ULEZ website to pay this fee. I imagine many overseas tourists get caught out by this with hire cars only to find weeks later a huge amount from the hire car company on their credit card for the charge, fine and administration fee.

Once into Richmond it was then a case of looking for a carpark, as you can imagine everyone and their dogs were out in force. Eventually we found one, worked out the meter (why can’t they all be the same) and off we went in search of lunch.

One of the main attractions of Richmond is simply the river itself and despite the grey clouds with imminent rain, there were people aplenty rowing up and down the river. We saw many cafes and restaurants but all looked to be very full. We ended up in a pub called the Pitcher and Piano for a pint and a pinot.

After this we took a leisurely stroll along the river and through one of the parks and headed to the high street, where to Anthony’s delight there were many clothes shops open. He was over the moon with some new purchases he found on sale.

We tried to eat here but they were full, looks so quaint.

Seriously! They couldn’t think of anything better. I definitely prefer Aphrodite.

As we walked away from the high street and towards the Green, I saw what I had been looking for, alas not Ted but the street where he lived and the pub where they met for drinks. Oh the excitement.

I stood here and shouted this is it, this is the place. So very satisfying!

The Crown and Anchor in Ted Lasso, in reality The Princes Head

**The Old Tower in Friars Lane, part of the site where Richmond Palace once stood**

We really enjoyed visiting Richmond and it was a gorgeous afternoon. It’s definitely worth a visit especially if you can fit in the Deer Park as well.

First Week in the UK – Catch Ups and Celebrations

I’ve been in the UK for a week now and it’s flown by. I’m staying with my parents in Essex after not seeing them for almost a year, not the best time of year but my mum turns 90 (yesterday actually) and there is a big celebration for her.

So far I’ve had a day in London with Sarah from Travel With Me, a night out with friends from way back and a 90th birthday party.

The day in London with Sarah started at the Barbican where I had suggested we meet. I have no idea why that place came to mind because there wasn’t too much there. Anyhow we made our way to a cafe for coffee and a “get to know you” conversation. We had so much to talk about, it’s great to meet up with a complete stranger and get on straight away. It was my first time to meet a fellow blogger, hopefully not my last. My Dad sent me off with warnings about how did I know this was a real person or even a woman, the worry for a child never goes.

A few of our photos below of our wonderful day together. If you follow Sarah and myself then you will have seen some of these photos already.

After coffee we walked to St. Paul’s and looked for a place for lunch. We found a very cosy pub in a little alleyway called Williamson’s Tavern, former residence of the Lord Mayors of London. A walk across the Millennium Bridge after to walk off lunch and a visit to the Tate Modern to look at some of the fabulous art on display. Back across the Blackfriars Bridge and then we said our goodbyes. It was good to put a face to a name and make another friend too.

“Each new friendship can make you a new person, because it opens up new doors inside of you.”

🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷

The weekend was very busy with a family lunch on Saturday with two cousins, brother and family and my mum and dad. I had not seen my two cousins for over three years so we had lots to talk about.

Sunday was the big day and my mum’s 90th birthday. The party started at 2pm and finished around 6.30pm. My dad had hired a hall and my brother and sister-in-law had organised all the food. It was a wonderful celebration for my mum. She received so many cards, flowers, chocolates and all kinds of gifts.

“Age is simply the number of years the world has been enjoying you!”

I’ll be adding this post to Natalie the Explorer’s blog for weekend coffee share and public art challenge.

🐇 Kung Hei Fat Choi 🐇

~ The Changing Seasons – March 2022 ~

March 2022 was a very different change of seasons for us literally. We were in the UK for the first half of the month and then flew back to Australia on the 15th March. So from Spring to Autumn, it felt more like Winter to Summer though. It was wonderful to throw off jumpers and sweatshirts and put on t-shirts and shorts again. Also it was quite strange going from complete freedom to move about to once again wearing masks and checking in.

First Half of March

The first week of March we were still recovering our strength from contracting Covid and as the weather wasn’t that good I decided to go through some of my parents’ old photo albums.

The doll is pretty scary for a three year old and has certain characteristics with Chuckie! 15 year old self is starting to rebel and refuses to have haircut anymore, not sure this was a wise choice. 21 year old self is looking very defiant!

We were also lucky to be able to travel to London twice more. I went with some friends for a very lavish lunch, cocktails and a show. We saw Pretty Woman. A fantastic afternoon and evening well spent.

It was shown at The Savoy Theatre and I have to say the seats were the most uncomfortable I’ve ever sat on, absolutely torturous! I didn’t realise that most stage musicals do not play the original soundtrack from the film, although the music in this production was very enjoyable. After the show these party girls still wanted to stay out so we went off in search of cocktails.

We could not get a seat at The Savoy Hotel cocktail bar so settled for the next best thing – The Waldorf. Here I am drinking a “Bus No 9”.

The last weekend dear husband said let’s go to London for dinner, so once more we took the train up to Fenchurch Street. This time we stayed around the city and had dinner in St. Katherine’s Dock. Firstly though cocktails in Spitalfields Market.

Second Half of March

We flew back to Perth on 15th March, it took a few days to get over the jet lag and then we were fine. Or so we thought. Poor hubby last week tested positive again for Covid, and yet was cleared to come home. All along he thought his jet lag was taking so long to get over, finally I made him go to the doctors. So unlucky for him.

Some little peeps were happy to see us home though.

Changing Seasons is hosted by Ju-Lynn @ Touring My Backyard and Brian @ Bushboy. I am a bit late with this post, but better late than never!

~ Across the Bridges of London ~

Our trip today into London was going to take us “across the water” to Borough Markets. It was a beautiful bright sunny day, perfect weather for pounding the pavements of London. From the station we walked down Fenchurch Street and across Philpot Lane onto King William Street and over London Bridge. Our first destination was Borough Markets.

Bloom Paradise by Jun T. Lai

These two very colourful sculptures are sitting just outside Fenchurch Street Station.
These ornamental works of art are part of Sculptures in the City and were commissioned to bring colour and life to the City. A wonderful contrast to the glass and steel monotone high rises that now line the streets of London.

**The Walkie Talkie – Fenchurch Building**

I’ve always wanted to go the top of this building to visit The Sky Garden. It’s a fairly difficult process though as I discovered. Although it’s free you have to book a time slot online and you also have to show a vaccination certificate. Although we’ve both been double jabbed and boostered, I couldn’t commit to a timeframe and I was also worried I would have no battery left on my phone to show our certificates. Something for another day then!

This building is where I had my first office job at 16. I thought I was the bee’s knees on £25 per week.

**The glittering Shard in all its glory**

It took us around half an hour to walk to Borough Markets. There were lots of different food stalls offering all kinds of cuisine. Seating was mainly outside only though and food was served in disposable boxes with wooden cutlery, plus it was very chilly. In the end we found a wonderful Spanish restaurant and had tapas.

I wanted to explore around for a while before my dear husband wanted to cross back over the water to head for the shops! He will be now be know as Mr. Shopper.

The top photo is a replica of the Golden Hinde, the galleon captained by Francis Drake in his circumnavigation of the world between 1577 and 1580. Not open on a Monday so just a look for us.

All that is left of Winchester Cathedral

A mural painted by an Australian painter, Jimmy C in 2016 to commemorate 400 years of Shakespeare.

We decided to cross the river at the Millennium Bridge as this was a pedestrian bridge.

In the background you can see Cannon Street Railway Bridge, London Bridge and in the far distance Tower Bridge.

Southwark Bridge opened in 1921. A beautiful arch bridge crossing over to Walbrook Wharf.

A very elegant Millennium Bridge in the distance held up by giant steel supports, opened in June 2000. Behind this bridge is Blackfriars Bridge.

Above are Cardinal Cap Alley and The Deanery. The Dean of Southwark Cathedral’s private residence and dates back to 1712. Cardinal Cap Alley is an alley in Bankside. It used to lead to a brothel called The Cardinal’s Cap named because it had been owned by Henry Cardinal Beaufort, the Bishop of Winchester, who had paraded here wearing his red hat, after being appointed a cardinal by the Pope. Source: Wikipedia

Walking over Millennium Bridge towards St. Paul’s Cathedral and with The Shard behind us

I was intrigued by this “river furniture” as they are described and did some research. They are the old red pillars that supported the original Blackfriars Bridge in 1864. I think they are rather beautiful and add a touch of colour to the grey river.

From here we walked towards the Strand and up to Southampton Street where the Shopper had some shopping to do. A few streets more and we were in Covent Garden. Deciding enough was enough I suggested a pit stop for a quick pick me up. We had a coffee and a beer in a very grand place called Caffe Concerto. Adorned with crystal chandeliers and small elegant tables we sat and rested before moving on.

**Murals and artwork around Covent Garden**

Chinatown was not too far away so we walked over towards that area and thought “Chinese for Dinner”.

Deciding on a restaurant that looked good we walked to the door only to be told that the restaurant was next door. Anthony asked the security guard why he was standing there in an empty doorway and he said there was a cocktail bar on the top floor, five flights up called Opium! Well not one to turn away a cocktail before dinner we found ourselves heading up the dark and gloomy staircase. At the very top we opened a very ordinary looking door to a small dark lounge and three men waiting to take us to a table. We ended up sitting at the bar chatting with the bar staff and the owner!

**A dry martini for 007 and a “Trip to Malaysia” for me**

Thanks for coming on this journey with us and hope you are not as exhausted as I was at the end of the day. I think we walked approximately 20,000 steps in all.

London Canal Walks – Limehouse Cut

A drab and dreary day faced us on waking up but we still decided to go ahead with our plan. We took a train from Basildon to Limehouse Station and as it was lunchtime the first thing we did was look for a restaurant. We found a very good one called La Figa, a traditional Italian. After a wonderful lunch we stepped outside and the rain was just as heavy, but my dear husband said we should stick to our plan as we needed to walk off our lunch.

I am fascinated by the canals throughout London and the walks along them. I love all the barges and often wonder who lives in these. Some are in shipshape condition while others look damp and dilapidated.

The Limehouse Cut is a straight long canal and the oldest canal in London, opening in 1770. It is relatively short but you can walk to Three Mile Island from here (our original plan).

Either side of the canal there are some very fancy apartments. A two bedroomed apartment would set you back a mere £570,000.

Would you rather live on a canal boat or in an apartment?

We wended our way along the canal walk for about half an hour, when dear husband turned and said it was enough! I must admit the weather was getting worse and to take any decent photos I had to turn my whole body as my hood was obscuring my view. One thing is for certain you wouldn’t find anyone swimming in these waters, except the ducks.

Walking to the next road we decided to catch the next bus, wherever it went? What a coincidence that it went to Westfield Shopping Centre in Stratford, husband’s dream come true.

Well until another find day when we can explore more of London’s canals and waterways.