Jan 09 2009
The Gnus of Brixton
Had another “out & about” day today; this time with Sarah, rather than us trying to both find our separate ways through the maelstrom. Was pretty wonderful, victorious, glorious, fun & profitable. All this in one day - how can it be? Through more way than one, Grasshopper.
The day started off well enough, with working central heating - hoorah! -and we watched entranced as a pair of foxes investigated the neighbour’s greenhouse, obviously with a view to a quick cash purchase.
Property speculators in South West London
We then topped up our Oyster Cards having previously asked for our Bus & Tram Discount Cards to be applied to them - a vital step - and went the very long way around to Farringdon, there being essential works being carried out by the local rail network to fit their new rolling stock into their forthcoming scheme of things (and hopefully on to the tracks and in to and out of the tunnels - did they check sizes first, I wonder.)
We found a fab pub just off Hatton Garden - The One Tun - that has been in the business since 1759. Good prices, atmosphere and an excellent range of Thai food freshly cooked to order. Lunch and drinks for two came to just under £20; my only complaint was that they did not serve hot drinks; not even cold coffee, it transpired, when I came up with a work-around for this sad state of affairs.
Thence to JustGiving to see to what they are up and if they need a user interface designer followed by a leisurely stroll around the Clerkenwell / Farringdon area, taking in the history, architecture and ambiance. Alas, some of the former charm of the area has fallen off with the local trades and shops having closed or been forced out by high rents and competition by the less scrupulous. It is heartening to know that I was not the only person who mourned this passing from local sole traders to chains and themed establishments:
“We are the writing on your wall”
This short tour (tourette?!) of the area ended up with a quick half-pint of cranberry juice and some marvelling at the decor* and fittings at a favourite pub in the area: The Three Kings before setting off homeward.
* Piet Mondrian takes a leak at The Three Kings
Just out of the pub, Sarah received a call that matters concerning us were in hand and moving forward. This called for a celebration - and a wake for the English language - so off we trotted around the corner to The Betsey Trotwood for a restorative (or should that be “Restoration”?) coffee. This was another great find; relaxed atmosphere, good food (including vegetarian versions of most dishes), relaxed music and two additional bars for performance purposes. All this and “Nouvelle Vague” being played in the main bar - who could want for more?
We shall definitely return - to these three pubs especially; the area has changed somewhat since I vicariously plied my ”trade” there in the 1980s but still has much of its original charm and interest. Times change and sometimes we must move with them; some things need little improvement - this area is full of such places.
All that said, my resolutions seem to be coming along well: although little has happened today on the “getting published” front, I feel I have made progress in all other areas and so feel quite satisfied with the way things are going.
This, however, is just one step on the path to enlightenment and fulfillment - I must keep momentum. More tomorrow …
