Olympic London

London is a different place at the moment – the tube is empty, people are smiley, and the staff in Tesco Metro are wishing everyone a good day.

And the city is looking great.

I hadn’t noticed until now that it has been subtly tarted up – neglected areas have been planted, pubs are sporting exuberant hanging baskets and there’s red, white and blue everywhere.

Fitzroy Square is entirely lined with red geraniums (above) – at least 100 window boxes, I reckon. Bickenhall Street in Marylebone is flanked with patriotic planters – with blue railings to match.

I’m going to miss the Olympics. And until the Games started, I never thought I’d say that.
PS: You can read the post that I wrote about the fabulous Olympic Park last year here.