I live in Mile End so a great deal of what you describe in Spitalfields and Columbia Road is local to me and I have to thank you for opening my eyes and explaining many of the architectural mysteries I see as I walk the streets. I’ve been reading your blog almost since you began it and especially love your ability to capture all the marvellous minutiae of life – the manhole covers and fireplace tiles and peacock feather sellers – as well as the wonderful cast of characters who run market stalls, pubs and shops. But this particular entry caused me to write in for the first time because I was so pleased to see Parvaz from Champers. He is my local drycleaner and always provides such good service and is so unfailingly charming that it’s lovely to see him immortalised on these pages with such empathetic prose, his professionalism celebrated. I can’t imagine where else I would find a writer with the skill and awareness that you have to write so vividly on such an eclectic range of subjects so a heartfelt thank you for the daily pleasure.