My latest Urban Wander is split into two. The first chronicles my drift from Vauxhall to Battersea, the second part will cover Battersea to Chelsea. I've separated them for several reasons, firstly the weather experienced on the two different sections of the wander make them look like two separate explorations, secondly there are about 25 pictures in all and probably too much for a single post, and finally I'm running out of material to share as I've not been able to get out anywhere this week so far, although I'm hoping that will change tomorrow when it looks like we are finally due a break in the miserable weather we've been having.
So, after spending an hour or so in the Tate Britain, we headed across the Thames and into Vauxhall, one of the boroughs in London that I've not really explored much before. It was a really cold and windy day and we wandered around looking for somewhere to grab some warming food, when we came across Harleyford Road Community Garden, just off the main road and sheltered from the wind. A nice enough garden in itself, but was was more interesting was that there was an open doorway leading through the ground floor of what seemed like the ground floor of residential flats or houses, which lead through into Bonnington Square. It had a bit of a Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe feeling about it. Coming out into Bonnington Square was not quite Narnia, but impressive nevertheless.
Bonnington Square also had its own gardens with some interesting sculptures.
Bonnington Square Gardens, Vauxhall, London
My favourite was this hand, balanced on a pergola.
Sculpture in Bonnington Square Gardens, Vauxhall, London
After a brief walk around the gardens, we headed out along the Vauxhall Grove towards Battersea and eventually found somewhere to eat, a small vegetarian café called the Bonnington Café. They were closing in 10 minutes so we were lucky to get in, but I have to say the food was excellent. Just a shame we only had time to try the excellent soup. We will be back.
Old House in Vauxhall Grove, London
From where I was sat in the café I could see what looked like a very feint ghost sign on the former Bonnington Square Bakery, but as sometimes happens, when I load a picture up from the phone onto the computer, the picture contrast seems to adjust itself and reveals the lettering better than it appeared in situ.
BAYS
FOR QUALITY
???
DAREN
BREAD
WEDDING & BIRTHDAY
???
Ghost sign in Vauxhall Grove, London
Leaving the quiet back streets of Vauxhall we headed on towards Battersea. Naturally I couldn't resist taking pictures of the power station, but the gasometer and gas tower were also both quite impressive, although a shame about the dreary sky (there's a much better sky in the second installment of this post).
Gasometer and gas tower, Battersea, London
Gasometer and gas tower, Battersea, London
Gasometer and gas tower, Battersea, London
Battersea Power Station, London
Battersea Power Station, London
Battersea Power Station, London
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