A Day In London.  Add/Read Comments

From Trafalgar Square, through pigeons posing for the years first influx of snapping tourists, up the Strand. Surprised that a building on the edge of Aldwych has been pulled down then an inactive demo outside the Royal Courts for I know not what. On to the grotty bit of the Strand that merges into Fleet Street seemingly devoid of people in addition to interest.

St.Paul's looms ahead as the rise to Ludgate Hill approaches. Apparently steeper in the past as Thackeray’s 'Henry Esmond', opens with a description of the “coaches struggling up Ludgate Hill”. In the first warm sunshine of spring I took it in my stride. Leon ahead - heavily praised in the last Observer Food Monthly - cheap eats, seasonal food, good service, fresh... you name it they are good at it. No seats free.

Leon Takeaway

My fresh OJ gets spilt over the Moroccan Meatballs during a quick sprint through Dickensian backstreets down to the Millennium Bridge.

More carrot perhaps than was strictly necessary and one or two meatballs short of substantial but tasty all the same. Consumed as jogger after jogger thumped past or wheezed to rest right where I would rather not have to see flushed red faces and overly tight shorts on people who obviously don't have partners to advise on correct jogging attire. Fresh fruit salad to finish; the only one I have eaten with a little rhubarb in the bottom. The three for £10.30.

Over the bridge to the tate Modern. Normally leaves me cold does modern art but a bit of culture never hurts. I wanted to see the huge turbine room and the Embankment installation of white plastic blocks. What should one take away from this spectacle? Personally little more, I expect, than the mass of students milling around trying to be 'arty' and not bored while away from the classroom.

Rain outside. And not insubstantial either. Then hail. Dampened the enjoyment of strolling along Bankside, passed the replica of the Golden Hind, Southwark Cathedral and the mess of a box and crate-strewn empty Borough Market. First stop Neal's Yard Dairy for a tasting of Kirkham Lancashire of three differing ages and some Cheshire from Appleby's. Topped up with a small Pugliese loaf and away. Away as far as Brindisa just across Stony Street. A little carved ham and a large pack of spicy chorizo for a stew.