Things can seem dire at times. Lockdown was eased up. Twice. Yet infections are rising. I get confused, decide they do what they want and it’s probably all arbitrary, but there’s nothing to do but follow my instincts and hope for the best. My instincts tell me to stay close to or at home whenever possible. No reason to do otherwise most of the time really. A few times, though, I have ventured out. Last week I even went outside of Hackney for the first time.
There doesn’t seem a lot to say either, since days blur into each other in terms of what I do and manage to achieve. However, I’m still taking photos and these remind me that life isn’t just one big Same Old Same Old after all. So let’s see where the photos take us.
This rare Victorian post (pillar) box is one of two in Stoke Newington. Stoke Newington is home to two rare hexagonal “Penfold” pillar boxes, which are Grade II listed. They are named after its designer John Wornham Penfold, and installed between 1866 and 1878. We found it on a longer walk than I’d planned back in the last days of June. While my legs weren’t happy, it was lovely to see some things I may have seen before but forgotten about.
I liked the lettering on this house near the pillar box. I need someone to translate it for me, though.I spotted some capers in this little shop and cafe. I also saw some great looking bread so I queued and got both.I’ve meant to look into this, but the truth is that I have nowhere to plant the seeds. I love wildflowers and the idea of bees and beehives and honey, despite my fear of being stungI’m always attracted to shops that do things like this. I think I’d like to this eclectic, this quirky, this surprisingButterfield Green, small and hidden away in the back streets of Stoke NewingtonI like these houses on Church Walk, the pedestrian way with no homes opposite. It makes it feel like a secretWe found allotments behind an iron barred fence. I’ve always wanted one but doubt I could manage it any more. I’d go for a rooftop terrace with some lovely planters full of herbs, some vegetables, and flowers. Happy!Choudhury is apparently a prolific Thai restaurateur and chef. I have yet to find out who Paulo Remedios isThere are never any words for stories like this. Tragic pandemic loss of life and a beloved old cobbler shop at Newington GreenThe Newington Green cobbler shop where Kamil Ahmet and his son, Ahmet Kamil, worked. They were both victims of Covid-19. The cobblers is in the oldest surviving terraced houses in London. Built in 1658, they are at 52-55 Newington Green
Last Friday we were brave. It was Krish’s birthday and I knew more than anything he had missed samosas from Ambala. It had been closed for some weeks but had just reopened. I’ve been reluctant to take any longer journeys because toilets are not only hard to find, but they are a bit risky to use these days. I figured that if we took the bus there and stayed focused, then took the bus right back, it was manageable. So that’s what we did.
I’ve done this journey so many times, taken so many photos, and blogged about it too but here’s what Whitechapel looks like these days.
A view I’ve seen so often from Whitechapel Road, but changing monthly with new buildings rising everywhereStanding on New Road, there are patches of the old east end. This row of terraced houses stands unscathed but for how long?Going into the cavern of Needoo, anticipating the spicy smell of the grillThe Needoo staff is always so welcoming and friendly. This time when he handed me my dal and aubergine, he winked and said, I added some onion bhaji for youRemembering to stay safe in WhitechapelOn New RoadShalamar is on the corner of New Road and Fieldgate Street. It’s where I buy lamb kebabs at 70p each. There are always lunchers and these guys were tucking inIntriguingFinally, we got some samosas and sweets in Ambala. This guy’s beard was fascinating.I looked back at Ambala and wondered if I’d see it againThe shops are different, but looking eastward along Whitechapel Road at Vallance Road, I could still be a child going ‘down the Waste’
There are fewer stalls on the present-day ‘Waste’ but they haven’t changed much since pre-lockdown
I feel lucky to still see interesting things despite a narrowed path to explore. Attitude is a lot to do with it, but this area continues to surprise and offer a richness I’m not sure I could find elsewhere.
There are even more photos of my mini adventures…for another time.
