I got the Thameslink down to London Bridge, which meant the usual change at Blackfriars.

The Millenium Bridge.

St Pauls, where we stood with a crowd for a while watching some people come out of a door.

Next stop, Ye Old Cheshire Cheese, which was lovely and atmospheric as ever.

Next, the Lamb and Flag in Covent Garden.

We somehow managed to get this much prized space by the window, so ended up lingering here for quite a while.

Admiralty Arch or whatever it's called, at the start of the Mall.

We had no real intention of trying to get close to Buckingham Palace, but felt at least a quick nod to the Mall was called for.

Next, the Red Lion on Crown Passage, another old favourite of mine, and I think the first time I've been back since The Unpleasantness (it seemed to remain closed for longer than a lot of other pubs when I'd tried to come here previously).

Andrew wanted me to retake the previous photo.

Around 4pm, we realised we hadn't had any lunch, and became quite hungry, but it turns out that's actually quite a difficult time to find something to eat nowadays - at least one place turned us away, not because of a lack of tables, but because the kitchen needed a break. By an amazing coincidence however, we bumped into our friend Natalie, who already had a reservation at Brasserie Zedel, and was able to squeeze us in. So here we are in the aforementioned French eatery. Not a very British conclusion to the afternoon, the only concession being this bottle of Furleigh Estate - a surprise to find English sparkling on the wine list here. More so given the Steven Spurrier / Judgement of Paris connection.

A picture of our table. I can't help but think there was a slight hint of regret from Natalie, who was probably hoping to have a nice quiet meal and a catch-up with her friend Geeta, but instead had to contend with Andrew and I at the tail end of a pub crawl.

Another picture with our main courses.

Alas my inner Floyd kicked in and I completely took over ordering the wine for the table, whether they wanted it or not. I thought this Gevrey Chambertin to be surprisingly good considering its youth.

Ended with Black Forest Gateau. A German cake in a French restaurant to round off a very British day. I'm sure there's something poignant about that or something.

One final photo of the table I think my dining companions might have been happier without.