In today’s instalment of “Why We Love”, we’ll be taking a look at the City of London and Clerkenwell. For this edition we’ve interviewed a number of local businesses and influencers to find out exactly what makes the EC postcode so special.
Local businesses we’ve interviewed:
Arram Berlyn Gardner is a firm of chartered accountants, registered auditors and tax and business advisers. They were established in 1965 with 8 partners, and now have approximately 65 staff based in an office in London, EC1. ABG moved into EC1 in 2006. According to Kay Merryman, their marketing manager, working in the EC area is great for business: “We are ideally located to offer our skills and expertise to the tech and media industries, which are both in close proximity of our office.” As for why they love the area? “We are on the borders of 4 very different areas which offer us diversity and variety -the City and its financial district, local residential areas, “Tech City” and the variety and diversity of Hoxton. We consider ourselves very lucky.”
The Craft Beer Company is a good old fashioned British pub with a modern twist – they stock a great range of small batch, craft beer from around the world from cask, keg and bottles. Robbie Sykes, manager of the Craft Beer Company, explained that “The number of smaller businesses, particularly in the Leather Lane area, make it [City of London] a great place to work and socialise, with so many people demonstrating their ideas and beliefs with great passion and urgency.” The vibrancy of the area also attracts many customers, helping businesses to grow.
Vivat Bacchus is a restaurant and wine bar that has been in the area for over 10 years – Farringdon is their first site, which opened in 2003. They also have another branch in London Bridge, which opened in 2008. Louis Fernando, who manages the restaurant’s marketing, loves the EC area because “It’s vibrant and we have customers who come from a wide range of backgrounds.”
The Clerkenwell Collection, which opened in 2003, is a high end retail store and art gallery, stocking both resident and guest luxury brands which include products such as fine wine, silk scarves, handmade shoes, exotic bags, cigars, jewellery and fine art.Anita Morris, in charge of business development at The Clerkenwell Collection, explained that “Being on the edge of the ‘Tech City’ has been beneficial as our entrepreneur owner has a very successful software company Ve Interactive, based just behind the store. This helps footfall.” As to what makes the EC area special? “It’s a world away from the exhausting retail world of the west end, and attracts a more discerning type of customer, who is looking for something a little different – not run of the mill.”
Kingston Smith is a chartered accountancy firm who also act as advisers to entrepreneurial businesses. Indeed, Jon Dawson, a partner at Kingston Smith, co-founded and runs East Central, an entrepreneurial network for business owners in the EC postcode area. Kingston Smith was founded in the EC area in 1923, and credits the area with helping their business grow. “Traditionally, we’ve had a large client base in the financial and professional firms sectors, but now we look after an extensive and growing number of technology and creative businesses that have moved towards EC in recent years, because it is such a commercial hub. We also work with a number of entrepreneurial businesses that have temporary or shared workspace in some of the buildings that have emerged in the EC area. This is a growing sector, which is very positive.”
Apex Hotels is a UK operator of four-star, contemporary hotels. Based in Edinburgh, the company currently operates three hotels in London, four in Edinburgh and one in Dundee. They opened their first hotel, The Apex City of London Hotel, in the EC area, just over seven years ago. Danica Smith, their marketing project manager, said that she loves the area because “It has great transport access to both the east and west of the city and the rest of the UK. I love the character of the buildings – they tell a story. The history of EC is amazing and often quirky i.e. Mother Goose is buried next door to our hotel! The diversity of cuisine and restaurants in the EC is great too.” She added that “The location of the area is the main benefit of the EC postcode as it’s heavily corporate focused. As the economy begins to pick up this year, hotels have seen an increase in occupancy in the EC area compared to 2012.”
K10 is a ‘kaiten’ (conveyor belt) restaurant serving modern Japanese food. The first branch was established in Copthall Avenue in 2000, and the second restaurant opened in Appold Street in March 2013. Maurice Abboudi of K10 said that EC London is “The most buzzing postcode in London. Just come and walk around London Wall or Broadgate at lunchtime and you will see what we mean!”
The Wilmington is a listed 19th century public house conveniently positioned across from Exmouth Market. Formerly a music venue, the building has been transformed into an elegant restaurant. Jonathon from The Wilmington said that “I love the vibrancy of its [EC London] people, and the great many shops, restaurants, and market stalls it has to offer. Plus you have Smithfields on the corner, and connections are great with Kings Cross and Farringdon on your door step.” As for how the EC area has helped the business grow, Jonathon explains that “Since we have opened, the area is full of great dining out restaurants, bistros and pubs. This means competition is everywhere, which in turn brings a lot of people to the area.”
What makes the EC area unique from other business centres in the UK and around the world?
According to Kay, the EC postcode’s diversity, variety and good transport links make it a unique area in which to do business. Meanwhile, Robbie from The Craft Beer Company told us that East Central London consists of a good mix of suited professional types and younger, more creative industries, which means the area remains on its toes, so to speak -forward thinking and ahead of the curve.
Louis from Vivat Bacchus believes that “EC is unique as it’s the European hub for a number of large firms which are headquartered here”, whilst Anita added that “The area is jam packed with office furniture designers, jewellers, graphic designers and architects – meaning there is a very creative feel.”
Jon explains that “The area is a central focus for Europe and a hub for innovation in the UK. It has a very diverse community of entrepreneurs from across the globe. It’s an iconic location. As well as being home to one of the biggest financial capitals in the world, it’s also diverse, quirky and has so much personality.” Maurice added: “It’s the mix – you have cool Hoxton, Spitalfields and the Heron Tower within a few hundred yards of each other.”
The vibe and character of East Central London is what makes it unique, according to Danica. “I think our pavement culture of drinking outside is very unique to the EC area and not seen anywhere else in the world – it’s great in the summer! We have such a diverse culture here with so many activities. I love the up and coming EC areas such as Shoreditch and the ‘pop-up’ culture that is currently present. There aren’t many business cities in the world that offer such a great variety of activities as the EC – making it enjoyable for corporate visitors.
What are the challenges of operating a business in the City of London?
Jon from Kingston Smith said that “Traffic, as with most parts of London, has increased, so getting to the area can be a challenge from other parts of London – hopefully Crossrail will lead to significant improvements!” According to Robbie, challenges include staying ahead of rivals in a busy competitive area, and continuing to be forward looking in order to attract a knowledgeable, well informed customer base, whilst Louis mentioned that one of the drawbacks is having to operate around ‘business’ hours – i.e. they can’t open on the weekend and August is always very slow. Kay from ABG added that finding reasonable parking charges for their clients visiting by car sometimes presents a challenge.
Anita from The Clerkenwell Collection said that “People come here primarily for food and lifestyle, not retail.” Danica from Apex Hotels had a similar opinion: “From a leisure perspective, it is difficult to highlight to our international guests just how easily accessible the West End is. The opening hours of local shops and restaurants on the weekend is also a constant challenge for hotels. Furthermore, there is also a lack of awareness of leisure attractions in the Square Mile.”
Jonathon says that “For us the challenges are accommodating large numbers of people in a short space of time during lunch. Our guests generally only have about an hour to arrive, order, drink, eat, pay and get back all within 45minutes.”
Where do you go for your morning coffee?
Arram Berlyn Gardner staffers frequent the Shoreditch Grind, while Robbie recommends the aptly named Department of Coffee and Social Affairs. Louis seconds this recommendation, explaining that the Department of Coffee and Social Affairs serve some of the best coffee in London!
For her morning caffeine fix, Anita visits Shop on Clerkenwell Road, or Gails on Exmouth Market. Danica, meanwhile, said that “It has to be Coca De Mamas. It’s an independent coffee store with the best coffee in the city.”
According to Jon, “Timber Yard on Old Street have really good coffee and cakes. It’s also a nice meeting place as well as an inspiring place to work from!” Maurice gets his daily coffee from Manon Café in Copthall Ave. “They give you a lovely Leondis chocolate with your coffee!”
Clearly, when it comes to coffee in EC London, there are plenty of great places to choose from.
Do you know of a hidden gem for business lunches?
Kay from ABG recommends a private members club called Eight, whilst Robbie from the Craft Beer Company said that “Trents on Leather Lane serve wonderful fresh cooked Mediterranean food and have an excellent conference suite downstairs”
Louis from Vivat Bacchus enjoyed a spot of self-promotion: “We’re very popular at lunchtimes, perfect for those who need a solid business lunch venue with friendly service and a relaxed atmosphere.”
When he’s not enjoying a spot of lunch at his own restaurant, Jonathon recommends Morito on Exmouth Market.
Anita, meanwhile, is a fan of Polpo on Cowcross Street, or Medcalf on Exmouth Market, whilst Jon recommends the Barbican Lounge in the Barbican Centre, which he says has a fantastic terrace in the summer and a very good menu.
Maurice had a number of suggestions. “For Mexican – Tortilla in Leadenhall Market. Steak has to be Goodman or Hawksmoor in Guildhall, and for a quick healthy lunch K10 is hard to beat.”
As for Danica? “The Addendum Restaurant at the Apex City of London is great lunching in style. Our Chambers bar and courtyard on Fleet Street is definitely is a hidden gem and a great sun trap in the summer!”
Where is your favourite spot for a drink after work?
According to Kay, “Most of us can be found at No1 Bar in City Road after 5.30pm!” Louis recommends Bird of Smithfield, Quality Chop House, Kench & Bibsey and 5cc, whilst Anita’s favourites include the wine cellar at The Clerkenwell Collection – belonging to her fine wine business, The Perfect Cellar, as well as The Jerusalem on Britton Street.
“The Cellar Gascon in Smithfield has a great selection of wines and, for a nightcap, The Zetter Town House is a favourite – they do pretty good cocktails too,” says Jon. Danica frequents The Jamaica pub near Bank, and is also a fan of the Drake & Morgan bars.
Thanks to all the businesses who took the time to answer our questions – we greatly appreciate your help! Look out for our City of London guide, which will be live soon.
Do you have a favourite EC coffee spot or local business? Let us know in the comments below.
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