A much needed cup of tea

I am down in London for two days of meetings. It was an early start today and met with a colleague near the Ministry of Justice. I had directed her to a cafe I have been to since I first came to the Home Office in the 1970s. Run by Italians, it was one up from a greasy spoon, but always delivered a decent cup of tea or coffee, a bacon sandwich or a cheap lunch. Many the time we gathered there to discuss our strategy before going to a meeting in the government offices or afterwards we de-briefed, got angry or cheered our successes. Always outsiders to the governmental machine it felt like this cafe gave us a staging post to manage our assault.

I was amazed to find the cafe has gone. Replaced by a new and probably a small chain around London called Vital Ingredient. I have to say the tea and coffees were good and the mix your own salad was incredibly good. Change happens but sometimes you miss that familiarity.

It's been a tiring day and I have got to Walthamstow as I am staying overnight with my daughter. Before taking a taxi to her flat, I am enjoying a nice cup of tea in Costa Coffee just outside the underground station. The light fell beautifully on it and the reflection of the picture in the tea I liked.

Another day in London tomorrow but a good evening ahead so I thought I would blip early.