Retro Bar

Sunday 20th December 2015

We went into central London and called briefly into the Retro Bar, a gay pub near the Strand. It was mid afternoon and it was quiet (I am no fan of crowded pubs). There is some heavy decor in the Retro Bar but it's as camp as Christmas (and given Christmas was only 5 days away the description is quite fair!)

Palace Spice at Crystal Palace

Friday 18th December 2015

Our walk along the South Bank ended and we returned to Crystal Palace. We later headed out for dinner to the Palace Spice on the Triangle on Westow Hill. A pleasant establishment, we've eaten there a couple of times previously. Reasonably priced as well. We went for main course only. Our previous experience is that portions here are quite large.

Old Thameside Inn

Friday 18th December 2015

We continued walking along the South Bank but decided to call in at the Old Thameside Inn for a coffee.



The place was heaving. It seems to be a popular watering hole, at least on a Friday afternoon in the week before Christmas.

Winchester Palace

Friday 18th December 2015

Our walk along the South Bank took us past Winchester Palace, the now ruined medieval London home of the Bishops of Winchester. It is not possible to get into the ruins but they can be viewed from street level (free of charge as well!)

Tate Modern

Friday 18th December 2015

I am not a great follower of art but whilst on the South Bank we popped in to the Tate Modern to have a look at the work by Abraham Cruzvillegas. As a horticulturalist, his work had some interest for me. His display was made of large triangular planters.





We didn't visit the rest of the building.

View from the South Bank

Friday 18th December 2015

After lunch at Studio 6 we headed back along the South Bank. The walk was worth it for the great cityscape views across the Thames.







The walk also took us past the Globe Theatre.

Studio 6 (again)

Friday 18th December 2015

I've been to Studio 6 in Gabriel's Wharf a few times before. Food is always good. We went for the fish cakes and the salmon this time.