Walk: Georgian London

Today, headed back with Laurence Summers and the 45+ Not Grumpy Old Londoners, yay! I wasn't expecting to see them so soon again - but he had another new one, Georgian London. Advertised twice with the group, for some reason.. never mind, it'd be great to see them.

Bus, followed by Tube, was the only feasible option.. which was unproblematic, and I arrived on time. Having set out 10 minutes early.

We started out at All Souls, Langham Place:

Apparently, the shape lends itself nicely to the bend in the road. Go figure. It's right beside Broadcasting House:

and across from somewhere where Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Oscar Wilde met for a chinwag!

We popped into St. George's Hanover Square:

A handy information board tells the history of the place - notably, all the famous people married there!

Actually, much of the decor reminds me of St. Martin-in-the-Fields:

Note also the lists of aldermen, which date from 1725 to 1833 (at which point they seem to have run out of space), and include many members of the aristocracy.

After yesterday's film about Ukraine, I was glad to see a prayer for them:

Fetching lectern:

and organ:

Gorgeous gold detailing on the ceilings!

Outside again, and we came to the birthplace of the late Queen:

Across the road, her favourite designer:

Berkeley Square was primarily notable for luxury car showrooms, a marquee they were dismantling - and a row of Georgian buildings down one side:

We popped into Burlington House, home of many societies:

and oh, how handy - Fortnum & Mason is right nearby!

Hee-hee.. snapped off a photo before the doorman came out, waggling his finger, here: no photography allowed, these being private apartments:

We came across where Nancy Astor lived - which sparked something of a political discussion..

The Naval and Military Club moved its headquarters - the old building had the In and Out signs to mark where the carriages should go, and they've kept the signs for the new building! Indeed, the club is informally known as the "In and Out":

More Georgian buildings, round and about:

And finally, to the aforementioned St. Martin-in-the Fields:

The walk being a new one, Laurence wasn't quite sure of the timing, and it overran a bit - boy, were we ready for lunch! at the Lamb & Flag:

where we were well fed, and service was excellent! Afterwards, to the Spice of Life, which I've often passed, but never before entered - and their ornate bathroom mirrors:

Lovely to have had an unexpected day out with the group - roll on the next one!

Tomorrow, back with London Baroque Music Lovers, who are attending a concert of Handel's Music for the Royal Fireworks, by the Academy of Ancient Music, at the Barbican. Both of these booked when I was in transit, and trying to figure out time zones.. They're meeting in the Barbican Kitchen, but I fancy the Cote Barbican for food, so have booked there for beforehand.

On Thursday, I'm joining the London Horror Film Club for their Hallowe'en Social, at The Angel, St. Giles High Street. This is a group I've been a member of for a while, but whose events I've never yet attended - I think I know one of the organisers, though. Well anyway, how bad can it be, talking horror?

On Friday, I'm flying back to Ireland - it's my mother's birthday next Tuesday, so I said I'd stay in Ireland until the day after. Looking at films for Saturday, I see Killers of the Flower Moon is out - the trailer looks excellent for this film, starring Leonardo diCaprio in the true story of the persecution of an Indian tribe in the 1920s - they have become rich from the oil on their land. Robert de Niro plays his uncle, the bad guy, seemingly assisted by Brendan Fraser, John Lithgow is the prosecutor. Directed by Martin Scorsese, how can you lose?! Showing at a manageable time in the Omniplex..

For Sunday, it's looking like The Creator, another from the Star Wars universe. I wouldn't mind.. only afternoon showing is in Ennis.

On Monday, my mother is likely to drag me off to get flu vaccines. Next Tuesday is her birthday, so we'll see - if I escape to the cinema, it's going to be The Miracle Club. Starring Maggie Smith, Laura Linney, Kathy Bates, Stephen Rea as Kathy Bates' husband, and the voice of Brenda Fricker (!), this seems set in the Ireland of the 60s, and focuses on a group of women who want to go to Lourdes: a big deal, back in the day. Looks a bit naff, but could be all right.. Anyway, back to London next day.