More of a Gastro-Pub these days. Eye-wateringly expensive nosebag. Few drinkers up the road at the Spaniards' also. Habits are changing.

Somewhat annoyingly called the Cafe 'Royale' by some, AND now known as the Cafe Royal Hotel. What a load of old boll***s is that.

@tracelarkhall.bsky.social Assuming that last evening was a blast. Founders certainly keep the bar high re hospitality, food and wine ! I have just spent two hours w a joiner re getting custom-made* book cases here. *meaning expensive. Much needed though. Will see you on your next visit to GL DV

Not quite relevant to this SM feed, but very relevant to what I do (did) and who I am. Taken from my FM 'memories' today from twelve years ago, when I was the drummer in the House Trio at the Griffin PH in Whetstone. The much-missed Nick Newall on Sax. Nick was a 60s colleague of Andy Summers !!

Brooch depicting lovers 1430-1450, made for the Burgundian Court. (Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien)

I have never been a fan of Robert Elms. He means well, but I simply never enjoyed his BBC Radio London programme. Congratulations to the man, however, for taking the Freedom of the City of London by dint of being an elector in the City of London. The small scribble in the top l/h corner tells all.

My iphone has deleted all the things I put into it - deadlines, bookings, hospital appointments, etc. Anyone else experienced this? Any remedies?

The Paddington books were the first books where I recall actually laughing out loud whilst reading in bed as a kid. Large format Puffin paperbacks ?

This morning I am heading into the City of London for the presentation of the shrieval chain and badge at the HAC to Alderman Robert Hughes-Penney (a Haberdasher). Having served his year as Sheriff, Rob will qualify for standing as Lord Mayor of London. Sadly Haberdashers' Hall is closed.

I'm not doing music on this SM account, but Simon's post cheers my heart, so an exception, yer tiz ... 'Trane. What can I say ? There was a time that I had never heard of this stuff. I'm grateful for my journey into jazz and for those who have helped me in the journey - which continues !

Today, I am heading-in to the City of London; specifically Fishmongers' Hall, for the presentation of a Shrieval Chain & Badge to Deputy Keith Bottomley, who will be admitted as Lay Sheriff in the next few days. There will be drinks and speeches. Then back home to the enlist list of chores !

Amazing.

The blank spot on the North of Fleet Street surrounding the Horn Tavern became the Harding bequest to the Goldsmiths' Company. Hence East & West Harding Street off New Fetter Lane. The Goldsmiths still own the freehold, which was substantially redeveloped about fifteen years ago. h/t Robin Ward

Candlestick painted with the coat of arms of the Worshipful Company of Fishmongers. Southwark, 1648. (V&A Museum, London)

I have never understood why the GLC removed the various air-raid sirens from atop Met Police Stations and other places. The siren at Chingford Mount E4 could be heard at our house over a mile and half away. Ideal flood warning signals.

Flying to deepest France today (Auvergne) for a few days with one of Nephews who left the UK after Brexit. Money/Mouth etc. Looking forward to some relaxation.

Yes, known as Hollow Ponds. The Lido was removed in the early 1980s, I believe.

2/2: Some thoughts... The streets were carnage. I thought that we were all working from home these days. Where were the 115,000 (yes, that's right) Private Hire drivers working on the U*er platform ? Few to be seen. However, back home with beautifully dried laundry on the line :)

1/2: Driving a Taxi in London on a tube strike day is always challenging. So challenging, I realise why I usually stay at home on such occasions.

Exquisite.

These Holbein portraits of moneyed, young men, I call "Porche, Rolex, Red Braces" portraits. Often sons of self-made businessmen ? I was working in the City when Big Bang happened (1986). What had been a place of studied understatement, became a forum of unabashed displays of new wealth.

I remember as a child, the Police officers of Southern-on-Sea Constabulary wearing white street helmets in the summer. Also worn in Brighton, I am told. Very Caribbean :) Southend-on-Sea Constabulary merged with Essex Police c1968.

On Substack this week, my post on how Conservative-controlled Birmingham City Council built 51,000 council homes between the wars. Its local MP and former mayor, Neville Chamberlain, called it an ‘achievement without parallel’ ... municipaldreams.substack.com/p/birmingham...

All Hallows by the Tower in the City of London. Also known as All Hallows Berkyngechurch (sp!?). Badly damaged in the Blitz during the Second World War. Here is is after a bit of post-bombing tidy-up ! I think that this is the only parish church in the City to have a Vicar, as opposed to a Rector.

Great benefactor to the Worshipful Company of Information Technologists, and an early Past Master. #CityLivery

Quite possibly the first TV credit that caught my attention as a child. No doubt because I had never then, come across the Scottish name Biddy (she was actually Joan) which was screened twice weekly. She founded the John Hosier Music Trust, which is administered by The Musicians' Company.

A beautiful summer's morning, here in fashionable North London.

I love the so-called Agas Map. Who doesn't ? #RhetoricalQ

Citizen, (Tyler) & Bricklayer ?

Ridiculously exquisite ! :)

I believe that Monoux (we always pronounced the X) has a connection with the Drapers' Company. I recall when the LM of London, Sir Peter Vanneck opened the new school swimming pool c1978. Another famous son being Sir John Dankworth.

The charity still exists, and welcomes new members/subscribers.

This photo of the Enterprise PH on Milligan Street in London has just appeared on my internet feed. Not one, but two cast-iron Poplar Metropolitan Borough boundary marks in view on the walls of the Pub. I think that there is at least still one of these marks surviving. @lccmunicipal.bsky.social

Hello Dutch speakers! We had a groundhopper at Plain Ham yesterday who's chatting to his friend on Shitter about our club. I know enough German to work out that he's saying nice things about us but a full translation would be cool, if someone can oblige? Thanks :)

Currently for sale on a famous internet auction site is this Merchant Taylors' Company iron property ownership mark (see my previous post re Lombard Court). Although I have a number of iron livery company marks in my house, this one is way too pricey for me.

The other morning, I took a wander through the pedestrian alley in the City of London known as 'Lombard Court'. It has been a number of years since I last did so. The Pub has been closed for over fifteen years. The St Bene't Gracechurch parish mark is still in situ. I was reminded of these:

As an alternative to Brynhild Parker's magnificent painting of "Interior" on a #SaturdayMorning, here's the iconic ELG image of "Cumberland Market" by Elwin Hawthorne from 1931. Currently available as a card or print with 40% off on all orders here: www.eastlondongroup.co.uk until 03/08/25

Fortunate to be in the number who treaded part of James the First royal progress in the City of London. Huge thanks to @tracelarkhall.bsky.social and all the members of the Founders' Company, who were truly hospitable. Great to meet @tchrob.bsky.social in person.

I see that for me to continue using the Bluesky messaging facility, I have to provide my blood-type, inside leg measurement and pet ferret's maiden name. Have I got that right ? @tracelarkhall.bsky.social

Asking for a friend, does anyone have or know of a collection of images of council estate signage (such as the one below from the Pepys Estate in Lewisham)? Thanks for any thoughts.

Perhaps a silly question but does anyone know how landlords advertised rental properties in sixteenth-century London?

@tracelarkhall.bsky.social OK. Can't message. Bluesky wants me to jump through some hoops. I'll email later. Just popping out. I need to settle-up with you. Go well.

A bit of historical pub quiz trivia for you all (& without googling, plz.) Name the street and church where these signs are located in the City of London (big clue there.) Also, yer man’s tomb has long since disappeared from the mystery church, probably as a result of the Great Fire of London.

'A Wet Night at Piccadilly Circus' (1910) by Arthur Hacker (Royal Academy of Arts)

I love this. Reminds me of the wind-veins on Billingsgate Market.

It hammered down on Saturday. I stayed at home. I can't stand driving a Black Cab in London in torrential rain. It's bloody dangerous. Seriously ...

'Soho Twilight' (1924) by Christopher RW Nevinson (Private collection)

One of my favourites.

Rembrandt The Anatomy Lesson of Dr Nicolaes Tulp It took place 31 Jan 1632 - these were annual events and the bodies were those of executed criminals. (Mauritshuis, The Hague) The artist was b. #otd 15 July 1606.

Slippery bastard.