In a bold lockdown development, I've taken up photography with a proper camera again. Made my first foray into the office yesterday - this is what a deserted capital and parliament look like.

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The press gallery was deserted on my day in this week, except for @GeorgeWParker who popped by for some socially distanced reporting. Most of the 200-odd journalists are working from home, some are trickling in again when the virtual parliament is sitting

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Hampstead Heath busier than on any day since the lockdown began. Couples and families were still social distancing, but those inept government briefings on picnics have been taken to heart. Heath police all but given up. Stunning London afternoon

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Kings Cross deserted in lockdown. A handful of trains are still running for key workers, but very few passengers milling around. All of the amenities are closed. And sadly like much of London, too many homeless sleepers.

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Kentish Town is gritty in the loveliest of times. In lockdown, nearly everything is closed, many shops are boarded up and the high street is pretty empty. Rio’s naturalist spa naturally deserted. Only the fruit and veg fella is happily trading.

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Pubs, wine bars and bottle shops are shuttered across north London. Our national pastime has moved indoors, at least until the summer. At my least my favourite little bakery is has reopened (when you can remember the limited hours)

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Covid commuting into Westminster today. The Tube was almost empty mid-morning, barely saw a dozen passengers. Face masks on everyone, stations deserted and social distancing rigorously observed.

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Spotted in the parliamentary press gallery for some socially distanced reporting this week: @MrHarryCole @LOS_Fisher @HenryDeedes @HugoGye. Most political journalists are still working remotely, but some are trickling back in for PMQs.

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The dozen or so rooms in the parliamentary press gallery are nigh abandoned, with old newspapers scattered around and plenty of dirty coffee mugs. The little canteen has been adapted for social distancing, ready for more hacks returning.

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North London was alive again this weekend. Plenty of DIY and garden tidying being done. Hampstead Heath was full of happy folks exercising, socialising, long afternoon drinking and enjoying the beautiful spring sunshine.

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The slight lockdown easing means @Pret is back. Take out only of course. Only six people are allowed in at one time, the shops are deserted and the stocks are low. But London lunchers can rejoice that mango pots and Flat Whites are back.

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No need for social distancing on the streets of SW1 as there’s no one about. Only workmen, cameramen and the odd runner can be spotted on the streets around Westminster. Barely any shops, cafes or offices are open.

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More trains are running, but the Tube is still almost deserted. Barely saw a dozen people on my journey into work yesterday. Wearing a mask and gloves this summer will be a joy when it’s warmer and busier.

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Fellow political journalists at work this week: @katyballs @tnewtondunn @JohnRentoul @nicholaswatt. More folks are gradually coming back to work in Westminster, although the parliamentary press gallery is still mostly deserted.

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