Here and there
The decisions of the judging in September were announced at the UK Bus Awards ceremony on Tuesday and so we found ourselves in a rather posh popup venue on the South Bank amongst old friends.
Though it was a lunchtime affair, you’d never have guessed for there were twinkly “stars” shining overhead and the lighting was – ermmm – interesting!
By the time we left, it was already dark even though it was only late afternoon and walking back over the bridge we reflected on what a great city it is!
We decided to stay over and made plans for the evening, amending them when events took an unexpected turn. Still, it means we’ll just have to do it all again when everyone is fighting fit again, won’t we?
We enjoyed a walk through Horseguards to Roux at Parliament Square, then, noting the almost-permanent traffic jam along the approach to Westminster. Driving here must need such patience.
We walked back along Whitehall, paying particular notice to the Women’s war memorial, adorned with knitted poppies and small tributes from WI members amongst others.
Yesterday morning, we were up and about to find the new location for the Georg Jensen shop, no longer in Bond Street. We soon found ourselves in an unfamiliar corner of the city, quite a haven of peace even though it was a mere step away from the bustle of Piccadilly. Here in Mount Street, Mayfair, we enjoyed a quiet stroll around until the magic opening hour of 10am!
I loved the Christmas decorations outside this estate agent’s in Mount Street.
This cute car version of our favourite Brio railway made an interesting shop window too.
Next door was a rather more traditional display.
And there, in between two shops lay a small pocket of green: Mount Street Gardens. I can see why this is a choice place to live!!
Across the park though, I spotted somewhere we had been before – this was not altogether new ground, then, because a few years ago, Edward had sung in that little church which is actually on South Audley Street. I had got my bearings again.
Georg Jensen found, then, decisions made (but no transactions completed!) we made our way back to Selfridges and more familiar territory.
Our appetites whetted for taking new and rather interesting diversions though, we decided to take a different route back to the hotel, this time through St James. We had another small errand to do here and in the space of five minutes and the space of a dozen or so buildings snapped a couple of chapters of British history.
I’ve learned quite a lot about Ada Lovelace in this, the centenary of her birth so was pleased to see her name on this building in St James Square.
Whilst I stopped to take that photograph, my hero had spotted an interesting registration plate.
A couple of doors along from Ada’s home, though, was another blue plaque. Here, at Chatham House, where all manner of important issues of the day are discussed, former residents include Pitt the Elder, Lord Derby and Gladstone and some remarkably eminent souls have passed over that particular threshold.
This square could surely tell some tales: look who lived here. It’s now home to the In and Out Club and that third blue plaque in as many minutes rounded off our morning walk nicely. A spot of lunch around the corner and we were ready for home.
