We went to Simpson's-in-the-Strand for luncheon a week or so ago and learnt that this iconic wood panelled London beef eatery with a stunning ceiling is closing...but only for a few weeks for complete refurbishment.  No one could say what was to be done design wise but that it will be very different.  A challenge for an Urban Sketcher; USs like to record reality and that includes change.  Simpson's kindly let me in towards the end of the luncheon sitting so along I went, sat at a corner table whilst remaining diners completed their chewing and conversation.  A couple of hours before the evening sitting let me start 3 for onward work at home.

Brentford Football Club who I support have outgrown their current home at Griffin Park.  After a lengthy planning negotiation and land acquisition have started on site just north of Kew Bridge. It will be a couple of seasons before we move over there.  A great opportunity to sketch change as the site is first cleared, through groundworks and construction to completion.  Here's the first.

I have been making irregular 'taxi' trips to the space between St Pancras - now International - and King's Cross Stations for ten years or more.  It has been fascinating while waiting to enjoy/draw the urban redevelopment.  Some successful some less so.  New alongside refurbished original has been very well done - the modern high rise offices although variegated less so. There are now good spaces for people, some on roofs, but the structures dominate them.  Good use of street furniture and sub-divided spaces does go some way to humanise the 'square'.