Bits and Bobs: Pizza in Camden, Concert in Westminister

Sunday, December 20, 2019: Today we took the 27 Bus from Kensington High Street to Camden Town. We rode on the upper deck in the first row, affording us a panoramic view. The journey took close to an hour, bobbing up and down like a boat and weaving in an out of traffic. We arrived at Camden, and I realized that not all of London looks like Kensington or Chelsea. Camden is gritty, with evident graffiti and litter; however, it is also full of shops selling all kinds of unusual and wonderful things.

We went to Camden specifically to have lunch at Purezza which, when it opened almost five years ago, was the UK's first vegan pizzeria. Today there are many vegan pizzerias in the UK including the excellent NovaPizza in Edinburgh. We selected Purezza from the book "Veggie & Vegan London" that Eddie bought recently at Waterstone's on Kensington High Street. Purezza is a cozy and inexpensive restaurant and the pizzas were much bigger than we expected. I ordered the Marinara pizza with a red tomato base, and seasoned with freshly chopped garlic, oregano, extra virgin olive oil and basil. Eddie ordered the Couch Potato pizza, a pizza with a white base with smoked mozzarella, roasted aubergine, oven baked potatoes, basil leaves and shaved seitan, topped with garlic mayo. I thought it might be a little too weird, however, both pizzas were delectable

My delicious Marinara pizza at Purezza Pizzeria, Camden Town

The Chef at Work at Purezza Pizzeria, Camden

After lunch we explored Camden Market which is a fun place in which to ramble, with its myriad stalls and booths selling all kinds of curios and foods.

Camden Market, Camden Town

Food Stall on Asian Lane, Camden Market

The Temple of Seitan in Camden

We then walked along the Regent Street Canal toward Islington and when we reached King's Cross, we suddenly found ourselves in a strange and curious environment. There were Christmas trees in purple and blue and large residential towers converted from Victorian gas holders.

Gas Holder Buildings Converted to Apartments

Coal Drops Yard Shopping Mall, Converted 19th Century Warehouses

Shopping Mall (Samsung Store on Top)

Inside the Samsung Store

Continuing our walk along the Regent Street Canal, we came upon one of London's famous bookstores, Word on the Water, a unique bookstore inside a canal barge.

Word on the Water Bookstore, Regent Street Canal

We then proceeded to Westminister Abbey for a free organ recital. The music was stirring. Unfortunately, we were not able to explore the Abbey where many famous people are buried including Queen Elizabeth 1st and her cousin Mary, Queen of Scots.