After much planning and anticipation we flew to London last week. Our itinerary included a month in America, visiting friends and relatives. A visit to my mum was also long overdue.
My mum was overjoyed to see us on the first day, but sadly on the second had to be reminded of who I was. That is the cruelness of dementia.
Things were going swimmingly, flights and hotels were all booked for the US. Unfortunately a few days ago my poor husband had to visit the emergency department. There were problems with his bladder. He is now awaiting further tests.
Health always comes first obviously, but that still doesn’t mean there isn’t profound disappointment over a long awaited trip. We have both received quite a scare and a wake up call. As soon as he is fit to fly we will be making our way home.
We did have a few lovely days before this catastrophe. A walk along the River Crouch, along from where my brother lives. Staying at my brother and sister-in-law’s has been a blessing. We also had a fun day in London catching up with some cousins. Although Anthony did nearly fall down the stairs from the top of a double decker bus! He just about managed to hold on, this is where things started to go wrong. Who knows, a coincidence perhaps?
River CrouchSunset over the River Crouch
London Gallery
These are photos of the Guild Church of St. Katherine Cree and with the Gherkin in the background. I love walking around the streets of London, admiring the old and new. Although I think they could spend a few pounds on cleaning up this lovely old church! It is one of the oldest buildings in the city, with the present building dating back to 1628.
Overlooking Regent’s Canal
The best laid plans of Mice and Men is from a poem by Robert Burns. It highlights the idea that even the most carefully planned things can be disrupted. The best way forward is to accept all things with equanimity and not to rail against events that cannot be changed. This is my mantra for the moment.
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 distanceFrom one roof top to another The Gherkin on the right
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
The first CR emblem I’ve seen Mural on large garage door in Fashion Street You Are Enough by Neequaye Dreph Dsane Summer Moon” by Ugo Rondinone Commemorating Bangladesh’s 50th anniversary of independence – 2021 Mohammed Ali Aerosol Bob Marley
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?
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.
Guild of Architectural Ironmongers
Giraffe Cutouts on a building site!
From New Change
The Cordwainer Statue
St. Paul’s Cathedral reflected through stainless steel sphere
On the Millennium Bridge
Window on London Lights by Jimmy C
The Blackfriar, built in 1805 on the site of a former Dominican Friary
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.”
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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.
One for Monday Mural. This is a recent photo I took while In London a few weeks ago. It is very near Whitechapel High Street and painted by Insa, whose works can be seen all over the world.
Something to brighten up an old wall!
Posted as part of Monday Mural hosted by Sami at ColourfulWorld
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!
Tower Bridge
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.
Delicious delectables
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 Gruesome skeleton hanging outside Clink Prison
Colourful William!
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.
Millennium Bridge
A very elegant Millennium Bridge in the distance held up by giant steel supports, opened in June 2000. Behind this bridge is Blackfriars Bridge.
Shakespeare’s Globe PubGlobe Theatre
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.
“Taxi”
Apple Market, Covent Garden
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.
On a freezing cold day we travelled up to London by train for the first time in two years. From Basildon to Fenchurch Street Station takes around 30 minutes. From here we walked around to Tower Hill and instead of hopping on the tube we caught a taxi to Brick Lane! We could have walked really. Our first stop was my dear hubby’s favourite clothes shop Son of a Stag where he buys his jeans. While he was shopping I had a quick walk around to see if there was anything interesting to see.
Can you spot me in the corner?
From here we walked to Liverpool Street to catch a bus to New Bond Street, but first we stopped for lunch. We decided on The Ivy City Garden. A truly magnificent restaurant, exactly like a garden inside. Our lunch was sublime.
Roasted Scallops topped with crispy prosciutto on pureed potato in a red wine sauceSalmon and smoked haddock fish cake on a pea and herb sauce and poached egg on top
Outside this restaurant was a building I had never seen before, in all the years I had worked in London! It was just amazing.
This building first opened in 1895 to cater for the growing demand for luxury Turkish bath houses. This is now a private cocktail bar and you need an appointment to look around. The turquoise tiles are still beautiful to look at.
We then caught a bus to our next destination, enjoying the ride through the streets of London. As it was “the eleventh day of Christmas” the lights were still up.
St. Paul’s Cathedral
I was quite happy to wear a mask as it was getting colder by the minute, but at least the sun was shining. Masks are compulsory in the UK now but I don’t see any enforcement of this going on.
After walking down New Bond Street and South Molton Street it was time to head back. What a long walk we had before we could find the correct bus stop, then we found the road was closed and had to revise our plan. It was wonderful to walk though as I could stop frequently and take photos.
New Bond StreetSouth Molton StreetOxford Street
We had planned on having dinner at a favourite tapas restaurant near Fenchurch Street, but sadly this was not open. I had also made us get off the bus far too soon and we ended up having to walk another 20 minutes to our last stop! We walked around in a complete circle at one point due to the signal dropping out from Google maps. Dear hubby kept saying “you must know these streets, you worked here long enough”. Everywhere is so different now and there were certainly no high rise buildings when I worked there 30 years ago!
We had a brilliant day though and will be planning another day trip very soon.
This challenge kept me very busy for a few hours! Lots of fun editing and colouring in.
Cee says photos can be black and white, desaturated, sepia (brown tones) or selective colour.
Five Dinosaurs using colour fillFive tiers, Shimabara Castle, Kyusu Islands, Japan – using greyscale KagoshimaFive sun loungers, Bali – using Bandicoot Beautiful BaliFive Columns, Collbrook Bridge, Regents Canal, London – touch of colour Exploring LondonFive arches and five windows – Seville, Spain – in Sepia
This week Dr. B has posed the challenge of bridges. I remember posting some bridges earlier, but here goes again!
Arched glass bridge, Kings Park, Perth WA
Standing 52 metres high, the rusted steel structure finish was designed to blend in with the trees in the gardens. It provides a potent reminder of the rusted steel of camps, farms and mines in the Western Australian bush at the time of Federation. Source: Kings Park and Botanic Garden
Macclesfield Bridge
There is a short story about Macclesfield Bridge. In October 1874 a barge containing coffee and nuts exploded under this bridge. The bridge was destroyed and three men were killed, but the iron columns were left intact. The explosion could be heard from a mile away and caused uproar among the animals at the nearby London Zoo. (Posted as part of My A to Z Travel Challenge – L is for London – Part Two – 🏴)
This post features Camden to Little Venice and also Coal Drops Yard, King’s Cross
The North
Continuing the journey into London through my eyes! We’ll be travelling to the North and then to the West.
Camden Lock to Little Venice
This is a walk I’ve wanted to do for a while, but it’s hard to get my dear hubby interested in anything that doesn’t involve shops, even though he is a big walker and I’m not! We decided to give Camden Market a miss as it has become far too touristy. We took the tube and the bus to get to Camden Station, and then walked towards the start of the Regent’s Canal.
Shop fronts and art along the way
Thai Gift ShopVans Shoe ShopRayBan Shop Civil Rights Quote
Then it was onto the canal to begin our walk. The map said it would take approximately 40 minutes but part of the footpath was closed so after a long detour, it was close to an hour before we finally finished.
Starting the walkI wonder who’s in The Dog HouseSt. Mark’s Church in the background.
I could have taken so many more photos as the colours were amazing. What I really would have liked would be to look around one! Most we saw were all really well kept and a few had small gardens at the front. I imagine it would be quite damp in the English Autumn and Winter on board.
It was such an interesting walk and we walked under many bridges along the way and saw some unusual sights as well.
Under the Bridges
Red Shopping Bag always at the ready! Macclesfield Bridge
There is a short story about Macclesfield Bridge. In October 1874 a barge containing coffee and nuts exploded under this bridge. The bridge was destroyed and three men were killed, but the iron columns were left intact. The explosion could be heard from a mile away and caused uproar among the animals at the nearby London Zoo.
Strange and funny sights
A life size cow on the balconyA smoking monk in a leaking boatMen overboard!
Towards Little Venice you start seeing the most spectacular houses rather than the apartments near Camden. I definitely would have liked a tour around one of these houses.
Fabulous Houses
Just near the end of the Regent’s Canal we came across the famous Feng Shang Princess Floating Restaurant. A wonderful handcrafted red pagoda sits right on the canal bank.
And so ends our walk to Little Venice, which is in the West. The canal now becomes the Grand Union Canal and hopefully if I can persuade Anthony we can do this next time we visit London.
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Coal Drops Yard, King’s Cross
Source: Visitlondon.com
Another day, another visit to London. This time it was Anthony’s choice. The reason he chose this place was, lo and behold, a designer shop he had found online and he had seen a waistcoat he fancied. At first I wasn’t very impressed about going all the way to King’s Cross, but was in for a nice surprise when we arrived.
Coal Drops Yard dates back to the 1850’s when London was powered by coal. The unusual buildings were designed to handle 8 million tonnes of coal which were delivered to the capital every year.
Now it is home to many designer boutiques, restaurants and apartment buildings. It is located alongside the Regent’s Canal.
Man on a Mission
Afternoon aperitif
Grade II Listed Cast Iron framework now luxury apartmentsSt. Pancras LockFloating Book Shop
I really enjoyed our day here and it’s well worth a visit if you are ever in this area. It seems that more of London is being resurrected every year with great new projects that incorporate old derelict buildings.
That’s all from the North!
I’ll finish with a quote from a very famous designer
London, the city I was born in, worked in and lived for a while. It is one of my favourite cities and even though there must be hundred of blogs about London, these posts are about my memories of London. We try to visit at least a few times when we go back to the UK to see my parents, either taking the train which is around a 30 minute journey or drive up.
I found a wonderful website called Just Park . It’s a site where people rent out their parking spaces for a day at a time. We have never paid more than £10 a day, which is a bargain considering the astronomic cost of parking in London. If we take the train, we buy a travel card for the day and this lets you use, trains, tube and buses. The train for us takes us into Fenchurch Street Station and from here we walk to the tube or bus stop. I have found that google maps is brilliant for telling you what number bus to take and when it will arrive.
So much has changed over the last twenty years I find it hard to know my way around like I used to. Tall architecturally designed buildings now dominate the city with centuries old churches nestled in between.
By Day
St. Paul’s Cathedral
Tower of London
Plantation House
Monument to the Great Fire of London
The Walkie Talkie Building
St. Mary Aze
Leadenhall Street
Royal Exchange
The iconic red London double decker bus is the best way to see London especially if you are at the top in the front! We did manage this during one visit only to be turfed off shortly down the road due to the “Save the Planet” protests.
By Night
The Gherkin from the Heron Tower
The Gherkin with St. Mary Axe
Alleyways
and Pubs
Nowadays there are so many places to eat in the City, whereas many years ago it was really just pubs and cafes. The food is always good wherever you go giving London the gourmet reputation it deserves.
A fine bottle of Pouilly Fume
Crab Cakes
Seafood pasta
Obscure captioned poster!
Oops! Can you pay?
Lunchtime at Davy’s Bar, underneath the arches in Crutched Friars
Brick Lane
As I’ve written before my dear hubby is mostly interested in shopping and is always on the lookout for shops that sell a particular denim or certain item of clothing that has caught his eye. Brick Lane is where his favourite shop is located, Son of a Stag. It sells mostly jeans but there are also other quirky designer items. I usually sit on the bench inside and know I’m in for a long wait, while he discusses weight and thread count with the sales assistant. We’re normally here for 45 minutes but then have to go back to collect said item after it has been altered.
“I won’t be long”
“How does it look”
Street Art around Brick Lane
The old Truman Brewery, said to be founded in or around 1666 by Joseph Truman. Now it is home to East London’s arts and media centre. Housing bars, restaurants, galleries and shops.
Back to their roots
During one of our trips up to London my mum and dad came with us to show us where they used to live. My Dad came from Bethnal Green and my Mum from Hackney. We also visited the church where they got married.
Aged 10
Aged 84
Still has the same smirk!
Mum’s old housing estate
Outside St. Leonard’s Church, Shoreditch
Still going strong after 64 years
St. Leonard’s Church (also known as Shoreditch Church) dating back to approximately 1740. This church was mentioned in the nursery rhyme “Oranges and Lemons” – “when I grow rich, say the bells of Shoreditch”.
Prospect of Whitby, Wapping
Still in the East is the district of Wapping, sitting on the banks of the River Thames and near St. Katherine’s Docks and Tobacco Wharf. This area is now a much desired place to live. The Prospect of Whitby used to be one of my favourite pubs and I decided to revisit on one of our trips.
It dates back to around 1520 and is probably one of the oldest taverns in London. I don’t think anything has changed much over the years!
There is so much more to see of East London and the City especially the markets. You don’t always have to do the touristy stuff to have a good time in London.
Some of the fabulous markets to visit if you have time
Petticoat Lane Columbia Street Flower Market Leadenhall Market Old Spitalfields Market To name but a few!
