I have two mates called Bill, and last Friday I had the privilege of meeting up with both of them in London:

Here we are at the Founders Arms pub by the Thames in London – my favourite summer-time pub in the capital (in winter, I prefer Waxy O’ Connors, which I blogged about here). The Founders Arms was all the better for now serving banana bread beer, an unusual brew, but great for banana-lovers!

Now, Bill had never met Bill before (nor Bill Bill, for that matter), so it was nice they could meet their respective namesakes via a mutual friend. Big Bill (or beardy Bill if you prefer) is from the USA used to live in Cotonou, where he and I would often enjoy jazz, movies and chatting in German together. The Bill in blue (who works for London Transport) was at college in Ripon with me back in the early 90’s and we have remained good friends ever since.

My Friday evening finished in ’style’ with a curry in Brick Lane with Big Bill and another old college mate. This is one of the best places in England for a curry (and so many to choose from). It reminded me of Africa in the way that everyone was outside their shops touting for business:

“Come and have a delicious meal here sir!”
“No thanks, mate, we’ve just eaten one down the road.”
“Have another one please!”

On which culturally-enriching note, I will love you and leave you. Thanks for reading!