OCTOBER 2024 UPDATES

 

Farewell, The George, Wanstead ....

    My local Wetherspoons closed on October 13. There has been a pub on this spot since 1716; and at least that will continue, with it reverting to it's original (pre-1904) name of The George and Dragon. So it's not all bad news; although I doubt if The George and Dragon will open much before noon.  And I'll certainly have to pay more than £1.79 for a pint of Ruddles. My nearest Spoons is now The Walnut Tree in Leytonstone which is only half a mile away so walkable (or one stop on the bus).

Update: Squatters have moved in! I'm wondering if there is still beer on tap.

Further update (2 days later): Squatters have gone. The rumour is they were not homeless but teenagers hoping for a payoff; and their parents were feeding them. Renovation has begun.

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The London Mural Festival

    Using public transport, I've been searching out the hundred plus new murals that appeared on the streets of London in September. I'm over halfway through but the rest are far-spread so will take some time to visit. Please keep checking my lavishly illustrated posts; the notes are brief so it won't take up much of your time.



londonmuralfestival.com

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    Spotted in Southwark:

     Located opposite Southward Underground station, this golden retriever statue was unveiled in 2013 on the final day of Charles Dicken's bicentenary. It is a copy made of elmwood by Michael Painter. The original, made of brass, can still be seen in Southwark's Cuming Museum .....
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