Colour on a grey day

A visit to the Algerian Coffee Stores for new coffee. I bought the coffee of the month, the house blend Velluto Nero (which has since been deemed too strong by Fred, so this wasn't a choice to repeat but I will chew through it).

I was with a friend who was with me the last time we visited the coffee shop and we'd promised ourselves that we'd go to Cafe de Nata and so we did. We enjoyed delicious custard tarts, one flavoured apple and cinnamon and one with coconut. Nom. 

Fred met me at Bethnal Green station after work and we had a quick, delicious dinner at the Japanese Canteen, where we spied Rachel Sermanii, the Carrbridge songstress we were due to see that evening. We'd obviously chosen our eaterie well.

The gig, in St John on Bethnal Green, was as enjoyable as I'd hoped. Rachel Sermanni despite her voice going, put on a grand show and showed skill when toning down her songs to a lower key to help her throat. We felt for her powering on, and this being the first day of her tour. Paws crossed that she is on good form for the rest of the tour. 

I suspect we heard more about the songs than we would have normally because she talked a lot between the music, perhaps to save her singing voice, but the stories were entertaining and I loved hearing them.

The couple of guys in her band who'd come from Berlin and the four backing singers (collectively called Archie) were fine additions.

We've booked to see her play at the 17th Transatlantic Sessions at The Royal Festival Hall next February. 

Songs by Rachel Sermanii here – and relax.