If I don't go a 'lunch time walk by the canal' near work, I can walk to a nearby parade of shops.
I think this picture paints a typical image of what many surburban shopping districts have become ...In this little stretch of shops there are 3 take away fast food outlets, a shop to let and a bookmakers.
I don't know if people outside the UK are familiar with the term 'Bookmakers', but this is a licensed betting shop where adults over the age of 18 can bet on just about anything they want...horses / dogs / football / cricket / politics / rugby etc.
In the next little stretch of shops there are more take away outlets another bookmakers, some charity shops etc.
UK suburban shops were once vibrant and busy, but now we all shop at purpose built retail parks that are all clones of each other .... Tesco, Asda, Walmart, Sainsburys etc.
I'm not saying purpose built retail outlets are bad, this is just a picture and observation of what I saw today in five shops.
Photo shot on my little HTC Desire android mobile phone
I I love the black and white. I wonder with the Royal Wedding coming up , if the bookmakers are extra busy?
My eyes were drawn immediately to the three people at the table in front of the cafe. Beautiful Shot!
You can bet on politics? Like who will win a race? That's intriguing. Are those apartments above the shops? I love that. Nice glimpse into your "work street," Phil!
@meredithwb Meredith , yes in the UK you can bet on politics, one bookmaker paid out on whether a certain politician would fall asleep in a recent budget speech ! The street is about 15 minutes walk from the office ! Thanks for your comments
And a good ole Greggs, that staple of the local shopping street! I like the curve in the architecture .. and the three people outside the cafe, making the most of the sunshine :o)
@sarahhorsfall Thanks Sarah, Greggs are becoming almost as common on our streets as McDonald's. I don't know what that says about the culinarily tastes of the English. Anyway glad you approve :)
@gill Thanks GIll, I'm glad you noticed the empty shop...I purposely included iy....sign of the times I'm afraid.
I tried a shot of this scene last week, but it was straight on to the bookmakers and didn't really have the same impact as the curve of the path and shop roof that lead you into the picture. Thanks:)
At least the street appears to be clean. Our downtown streets look a bit careworn and like yours, the shops are marginal. We don't have bookmakers (at least not legally!) but I'll bet you could find some action if you wanted to. This is definitely a shot where B&W sets the tone. I do like the textual interest of the metal security door and the human interest added by the 3 cronies having a little chat. You have given us an insight into modern urban life.
nice capture Phil - love the B&W and the scene. These little parades are fast becoming a rareity so it's nice to see one without boards up around it (though i notice the to let...) like the old guys having a cuppa and chewing the fat!!
@allie912 Allison, thanks for your words and I think you are right that the quality of the shops are marginal. Your support is much appreciated. It's good that I could show you a bit of UK life !
My eyes were drawn immediately to the three people at the table in front of the cafe. Beautiful Shot!
I tried a shot of this scene last week, but it was straight on to the bookmakers and didn't really have the same impact as the curve of the path and shop roof that lead you into the picture. Thanks:)