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EDITOR’S LETTER Hello ! We would like to welcome you to the first issue of Made in Shoreditch. This magazine is for those who genuinely love Shoreditch and for those who want to discover how vibrant and diverse this area is. We want to showcase the best of Shoreditch by giving the credit to people who work/live here and make the area what it is. Think of this magazine as the guide of Shoreditch. There is so much happening here and we want to share it with everyone who are interested in this area. A great time for a magazine like this , wouldn’t you say? Our team spend a long time bringing this issue to life and finally you hold it in your hands now. We would like to thank everyone involved for making this happen. Especially to our team, who worked so hard, our sponsors who believed in us and our friends at Made in Palo Alto who inspired us to start this project. Contributors from a multiple backgrounds: journalists, photographers, designers, music lovers, dj’s thrown a good measure towards building Made in Shoreditch community online and now we hope they will join us for the new ride. Wishing each and everyone of you truly enjoyable summer ahead! Giedrius & Thomas Madeinshoreditch.co.uk Facebook.com/MadeInShoreditch @MadeiShoreditch All enquiries: info@madeinshoreditch.co.uk
CONTENTS Contributors 4-7
Innovation 8 - 23
Fashion
Dining 44 - 59
Shopping
Arts/ Culture 78 - 93
Nightlife 94 - 109
Community
Living 118 - 125
Events 126 - 133
24 - 43
60 - 77
110 - 117
CONTRIBUTORS
Maria
Adam
Creative Director/ Designer
Events Director
Rafaela
Chris JL
Photographer
Sandra Designer
Photographer (Intro Pics Š)
Drew Writer
Š Nearby Digital Limited can not accept in such information we reserve the right of this magazine may be reproduced w publisher. All information contained in without the written permission of
t responsibility of errors and inaccuracy t to publish and edit any letters. No part without the written permission of the this magazine may not be reproduced the publisher. All rights reserved.
Charlotte
Burce
Writer
Writer
Erika
Marketing executive
Dranginis窶天ee Photographer
Lucy
Writer
BUSINESS/ INNOVATION
The possibilities are endless in a district renowned for thinking outside the box. With a successful number of unique independent businesses already established and the famous tech city paving the way into the new digital age, it’s safe to say that Shoreditch is thriving with opportunity.
Mecca for Innovation Written by: Giedrius Ivanauskas
Everyone knows Shoreditch for its artistic soul, ultra fashionable people and the creative types glued to their iMacs in local cafes, but surprisingly there are still quite a lot of people who are not aware about the techie side of Shoreditch and are surprised to hear about the world leading companies like Last.fm, MindCandy or Tweetdeck operating in the area. The number of digital companies has doubled in the last decade to over 3000 companies working in Tech City and after the attention brought by successful local developments like Digital Shoreditch Festival and establishment of Google Campus as well as government support, these numbers are likely to keep growing in the foreseeable future. The initiative to develop Shoreditch as an alternative to Silicon Valley in US sounds intriguing, but these areas differ so much that it is still too early and
11 BUSINESS/
almost irrelevant to discuss if Shoreditch can become the next Silicon Valley. However, it is quite interesting to analyse what makes this area so special and what attracts and drives innovation in Shoreditch. In the past few months I had a chance to interview quite a few business owners in Shoreditch, who shared their opinion on what makes Silicon Roundabout the Mecca for innovation. According to Greg McCulloch, the managing director of Interxion, one of the factors that Shoreditch is becoming a unique centre of innovation is the variety of businesses that are located in a relatively confined area, therefore can help each other and develop faster. A good example is companies like SC Patents –patents attorneys, helping their local partners CardCub to acquire intellectual property rights. Matthew Evans, director at Solid State Group and manager of Hoxton Mix suggests that Shoreditch is starting to become a tech cluster because of reasonable rent prices and social life, what is very important for young start-ups. CEO of FundApps Andrew White, thinks that the unique location (Shoreditch being on the doorstep of banking capital of Europe) is one of the main benefits. There were many more factors mentioned but probably the one which was identified by almost all the interviewees was the people. As Accelerator Manager, Richard Celm put it - Shoreditch is a great place to start a digital business because of the high concentration of other great people from around the world, because these people feed off each other’s energy, share ideas and create success stories. I do agree with Richard, the
people’s factor is one of the key elements of successful innovation. Shoreditch has an incredible variety of people who make the area what it is and help to shape what it will become. Furthermore, the diversity of people in Shoreditch is one of the key factors why Shoreditch cannot be easily compared to any other startup area in the world, also it is one of the factors why it has potential to become even greater than Silicon Valley. The unique crowd of artists, creatives, fashionistas, musicians, bankers, students and immigrants has a lot to offer. First of all, there is no better match than artists and entrepreneurs. Creative people just like entrepreneurs, are the visionaries who see things a little bit differently, are very open to taking risks and strive to achieve the impossible. They inspire the innovation by telling the stories through the art, which often get picked by businesses and converted into business ideas. Artists create the fiction; businessmen help the fiction to become the reality. It is not commonly recognised, but a lot of innovation comes from the artists who write books, create unimaginable movies or develop pieces of art which breaks boundaries and gives us a glimpse into the future. Everything starts with a brave thought and thank god there are a lot of brave thinkers in Shoreditch.
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BUSINESS/ INNOVATION
The neighbouring bankers at the Square Mile are the catalyst for innovation in Shoreditch as well. They have eaten the fear of risk for breakfast and are eager to try their luck in the new ventures. Also, they have the money to do so, which always helps. Shoreditch is a perfect place for them to roll the dice. Historically, Shoreditch was an area known for the strong immigrant communities - it started with French, then Jews, Bangladeshi and Vietnamese communities who all brought something special and different from around the world. The skill set of facing challenges and constant learning in order to adapt in the new environment has developed throughout the years. Also the recent wave of immigration from EU countries added its own twist as well. A lot of young people come here to explore the ‘cool’ culture of Shoreditch and end up staying and becoming a part of that culture while adding some new pieces to the mosaic. All these factors create a diverse pool of knowledge which naturally results in innovation and even though the recent researches suggest that there is a shortage of brain power in Shoreditch and of course a lot of things need to be done still to attract even more talent to the area, there are already plenty of amazing people living and working here who help innovation to flourish in Shoreditch everyday.
Patent and Trade Mark Attorney Firm
We understand tech start-ups We can protect your brands and ideas Contact us for a free initial meeting
Gerard Chandrahasen at gerard@scpatents.com Ben Snipe at ben@scpatents ' 020 7692 0789 SC PATENTS, 35 Kingsland Road, Shoreditch, E2 8AA
More information on Accelerator can be found at www.accelerator-london.com You can follow them @AcceleratorUK or call them on 020 7749 4840.
Accelerator London 35 Kingsland Rd London, E2 8AA
BUSINESS/ INNOVATION
on what value they deliver, for whom and are ready to deliver a pitch to a potential investor. Angel Den’s Bill Morrow is a regular attender so businesses get to hear from and talk to the most successful Angel Network owner in the UK. Accelerator’s manager Richard Celm (@richcelm) is proud of the work the centre has done over the last decade. “I love the fact we have helped so many people over the years. I still get a rush every time we help a new student start a business or help someone in the incubator get funding”
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Accelerator is London Metropolitan University’s specialist business incubator in Shoreditch’s “Tech City”, the heart of London’s ICT and digital media community. Established in 2003, the 10,000 sq ft modern building on Kingsland Rd has been helping entrepreneurs in Hackney for nearly ten years. As well as housing a number of businesses in the building’s incubator programme, Accelerator engages and assists local entrepreneurs by providing high quality small business training, mentoring and networking events. It also has meeting rooms, training rooms, a conference room and video conferencing facilities which local businesses can hire. Accelerator is the home of London Metropolitan University’s Student Business Hatchery. The Hatchery, officially opened earlier this year by HRH The Duke of York provides aspiring entrepreneurial students with the space and support to turn ideas into businesses. The programme’s manager Matthew Connelly (@connelly_matt) runs an intensive training and mentoring programme for recent London Met graduates. “We focus on bootstrapping and getting them trading as quickly as possible.” Accelerator also runs intensive two day ‘Bootcamps’ designed for digital entrepreneurs allowing business owners to test their business and marketing strategies. Successful local business owners are brought in to share their ‘war stories’ and tips for success. At the conclusion of the programme, business owners are clear
Buzzing Startups in Shoreditch
Interview with Lee Hawkins and Peter Ryder the founders of CardCub, the exciting new startup in Tech City. Written by: Drew Ellery
19 BUSINESS/ INNOVATION
CardCub is the first and only way to send real handwritten greetings cards using your mobile. All you need is a pen, paper and your smartphone. No stamps, no hassle and no more typed messages. Real printed cards sent straight from your smartphone!
For me, sending cards has always been a problem, from remembering someone’s birthday to actually going down to the shop to buy a card, let alone having a stamp! Sure, you can send a greeting card through the Internet if you don’t mind a typed and impersonal message on the inside, and it’s even more disappointing for the recipient. It looks like you
couldn’t be bothered to make the effort. CardCub changes all this by adding that personal touch back into greetings cards sent online. So how does it work? It’s really simple. First, download the Card CiPhone app. Once installed, pick a card design and write your message using a traditional pen and paper
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Now, all you have to do is take a photo of your message and the app will magically extract your handwriting and place it on the inside of your card. Enter the lucky person’s address and you’re done. Voilà, a handwritten card straight from your mobile sent to anywhere in the world. Sounds great, but what happens
How are you including local community in the creative process of CardCub? All of the cards available on CardCub are designed by independent artists and designers. We know getting noticed as an artist is tough going, especially in this climate. This is why CardCub is a great opportunity for designers to get noticed and earn some money along the way. But it also works well for us. We’ve now got an amazing selection of cards including some you’d never find on the high street, and we’re adding hundreds of new designs.
BUSINESS/ INNOVATION
when other online card companies start doing the same thing? As soon as we came up with the idea, we knew we had to protect it. In fact, the first person we spoke to about it was our patent lawyer, Gerard, at SC Patents. The patent world has a language of its own, so having someone like Gerard who understood our solution right down to the finest detail really helped us through the process.
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What were the biggest obstacles when launching CardCub? The biggest obstacle for us and probably most startups is staying afloat whilst developing your product. We were quite fortunate that, between us, we had the design and technical angles covered. Meaning everything could be done without having to shell out too much money. It just took a lot longer. Why Shoreditch is the best place to launch a business? Shoreditch is an amazing hub for digital innovation. You can attend an event every night of the week ranging from accounting or legal
workshops to pizza and beer fuelled hackathons. As you walk around, you can just feel creativity everywhere. It’s inspiring! What advice could you give for those wanting to start a business in Shoreditch? DO network. You never know where or when you may meet your next hire or investor. DO test your idea before starting any development. DON’T start a tech business if you’re not tech, either get tech or get a co-founder. You mentioned before you had something for our readers? Made In Shoreditch readers can get 50% off their first card! Just use the coupon code ‘MIS50’. You can download the app now by searching CardCub in the app store or visiting: www.cardcub.com/getapp
BUSINESS/ INNOVATION
What has been your most memorable experience while developing CardCub? One of our most memorable moments was when we launched the CardCub Design website and received our first card submission. We’ve now received over 2,500 designs from independent artists and designers from all over the globe.
FASHION
In Shoreditch Fashion comes together from every era of style from the 60s to present day. It is this formidable mixture of fusing the past with present that has inspired some of the brightest established and upcoming local designers to take Shoreditch style to the catwalk.
London’s East End is a community steeped in rich fashion history. Its designers, style icons and creative’s have maintained a global influence over the fashion world and continue to put this thriving area onto the map. Shoreditch in particular has become East London’s ‘central hub’ for fashion industry, with its newly developed studio spaces, rapid retail influx and hipster- gentrification all contributing to London’s latest up-andcoming area. Here, the fashionable search for hidden treasures in the vast assortment of edgy independent boutiques, notoriously popular sample sales and let’s not forget the glorified vintage shops that have given East London its own trademark panache. One of the more surprising developments has been the explosion of high street retailers into Shoreditch. With the opening of the Boxpark Mall, you can browse the best of both worlds with West End shops in the heart of East London. It is this juxtaposition of different
FASHION
Written by: Drew Ellery
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No Strings Attached Fashion
idioms that defines the area from all others in a simply unique melting pot of substance, style and beauty. While shopping can become exhausting through the endless crowds and queues of London’s major high streets, Shoreditch is as relaxed as its inhabitants. You’ll be sure to brag about that special item you never knew existed but now can’t live without. Regardless of how much money you have to spend, fashion has no price in Shoreditch. Whether it’s a genuine classic designer gown, a vintage original punk-era jacket or a one-of-a-kind pair of glam rock platforms you can always find a great outfit that’s in your price range. The best part of shopping is that what’s being sold usually has a history behind it and you could be buying the next big fashion brand that could be worth thousands in years to come. It’s this fresh and undiscovered aspect of Shoreditch fashion that makes coming here so unique, not to mention that East London designed labels are far edgier and satisfyingly cheaper as well. Shoreditch gives you the freedom to become your own style muse. There are no rules or boundaries here, giving you the opportunity to experiment and go wild, to be celebrated for your style. Whether you enjoy exploring many facets of your
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FASHION
David Mayer Naman fashion show
personality with radical different looks, or
31 FASHION
your own clothes, Shoreditch has endless forms of inspiration. You may get “papped” on every corner by style scouts and who knows, you could end up featuring in next season’s look-book. A large number of internationally renowned designer’s have been attracted to the area’s large number of warehouse spaces and industrial buildings. Big fashion names such as Richard Nicoll, Erdem and Giles Deacon are all based in Shoreditch. In 2000, Fashion East launched a non-profit initiative to help emerging young designers at the Old Truman Brewery which has been credited for starting the careers of the UK’s most sought after designers. Shoreditch is also home to some of the most lavish designer events and collection openings bringing together an exciting array of London’s brightest creative’s. Young designers especially, use the area as an inexpensive showcase to receive an audience. Keep your eyes peeled during Fashion Week when the area comes alive with industry moguls and free events. Anyone who is anyone appears... but then soon disappears when the free drinks run out!
SHOREDITCH STYLE
Photos by : Rafaela Goes
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FASHION
Heaven for Independent Designers Written by: Lucy Jay
37 FASHION The independent art scene of Shoreditch has been flourishing for hundreds of years, attracting alternative trends and always encouraging creativity. An area that was heavily bombed in the Second World War, Shoreditch was left poverty stricken, a no mans land of cheap market stall clothing and pie and mash, never would the area of been seen asa upcoming or remotely trendy. However, Shoreditch soon became the new found home for independent designers; an area that represented a specific lifestyle, the cutting edge of culture and ultimately a cheap place for all these creatives in need of somewhere to live. So, it is no wonder that today Shoreditch itself is still changing and developing, so much so that independent designers still choose to flock here and call it home, but who are these designer and are the finding Shoreditch as inspirational as ever?
Currently the work of Stone and Spear can be found just about everywhere; Simon Cook works under his pseudonym producing an eclectic mix of bold graphic shapes, retro photography and illustration to create the dynamics for his illustrations. Having been featured in the likes of Dazed and Confused, Creative Review and Digital Arts Magazine his work presents the perfect mix of fine art and contemporary culture. ‘Working independently is a great yet daunting experience which ultimately allows you to access a completely different mindset.’ Marketing himself as a brand he has ensured his work has developed in a way that he creates brand loyalty and an overall hubbub around his work. Simon states his key to his continuing success is ‘having the drive and ambition, he continues, ‘that is all you need’. What is great about Simon’s work is by working independently in this way, he is able to remain loyal to his design philosophies. By doing so and developing his work in such a way, it is no wonder Creative Review crowned him as ‘one of the years most promising graduates’ in 2010’. Here Simon presents the importance of thinking outside of the box whilst working as an independent designer because you have to ensure your work is a cut above the rest. This is really when the inspirations and ideas within
39 FASHION Shoreditch and it’s community really start to be a great advantage. ‘Working as an independent designer can be tough but I love the creative freedom I have. I feel Shoreditch is a hub of inspiration and creativity.’ Myia Bonner, jewelry maker and designer, the driving force behind The Diamond Collection enjoys exploring the relationship between the opposing realms of craft: computing, science and nature. Within her collection you will find the traditional and well-recognized diamond as she plays with this idea by giving each piece in the collection a rarity, similar to the stone itself. ‘In our society of a throw-away generation we need these designers to make things that are truly unique and built to last’, explains Myia. These ideas are most definitely reflected in the jewelry itself, with her individual style and intricate pieces. With a background in fashion design Myia work really celebrates the combination of craftsmanship and fashion. Her shapes and forms present to us new idea and give us the insight experimentalism of working independently like this. From these pieces and ideas we can really start to feel the community of the independent designers and observe that Shoreditch it is undoubtedly as inspirational as ever. Collectively representing a handful of such designers
and at the heart of it all you will find The Jaguar Shoes Collective. A design collective who I myself have had the pleasure of working with recently and are very much seen as the core for independent designers in East London. With their much love and support the small team make it possible for designers to really showcase their work and give them the opportunity to present these pieces through exhibitions and collaborations. Take Carnovsky, a design duo who successfully merged with the collective creating beautiful artworks presented as wallpaper. In the unique way you can interact with and mutate the pieces, as the lights highlight and present various imagery throughout the artwork itself. Pushing these boundaries of design lead the duo to be awarded by non other than Wallpaper Magazine, praising them fro their design work and innovation. Working with the Jaguar Shoes collective ensures that press coverage launches the designers they work with, so they can be recognized on a greater scale. The designers can then start to present their work to a wider audience. As this is what commercial companies are looking to, as independent designers are increasingly becoming the main influential hub. I myself set up my own accessories label, just over two years ago: the vision for the Lucy Jay label was derived from combining together unusual concepts and representing them through shapes, colour and graphic pattern. Most recently the Autumn/Winter 2013 collection took its inspiration from colourful character Sue Kreitzman, an artist from New York living in East London. The bright colours and themes are my take on Sue and her work, combined together to create what I think is my most bold and intricate collection yet. I
41 FASHION
enjoy interweaving personal inspirations with a rich and intricate aesthetic to produce instantly recognizable digitally printed scarves. I have ensured that I am developing a brand that is fresh and unique with her visceral approach and belief that a scarf is an all year round necessity. What is evident from working as an independent designer is you have the freedom to push your work as much (or as little) as you like and how you take you achievements and move them to them on. Working in a community that is becoming both nationally and internationally recognized is truly exhilarating itself, but it is then working independently and remaining loyal to your design philosophies that make it all worth while and make being an independent designer the best feeling in the world.
WESTFIELD LONDON UNIT 1050A ARIEL WAY - W12 7GD 020 87403202 BOXPARK SHOREDITCH UNIT 15 BETHNAL GREEN ROAD - E1 6GY 020 77298562
DINING
Eat with confidence and feed your obsession for fine food in one of London’s top culinary hotspots. Shoreditch holds a remarkable dining culture that mixes eccentricity and style with affordability. It’s glorious synthesis of International and modern British cooking is a showcase of the cultural influences that are held at its heart.
Don't be foolish, don’t stay hungry
Written by: Charlotte Lily Prior
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One could easily be forgiven for food not being the very first thought that comes to your mind when you think of Shoreditch. I mean, you’ve got shopping on Brick Lane and Box Park, a plethora of art galleries alongside a sea of street art, unusual and interesting pubs a plenty, not to mention more nightclubs and bars than you can shake a stick at. However, on closer inspection, Shoreditch is the perfect place to find your ideal dish, whether that is a flash meal for two, or a cheap and cheerful lunch with your mates. And I don’t just mean a great place for a good curry. Don’t get me wrong, head to Brick Lane and more likely than not, the only restaurants you will
DINING find are going to be of that nature. And if it is an Indian you fancy then this is definitely the place to be. But there is so much more to the Shoreditch food scene. Try out some of the exciting food stalls also on Brick Lane and visit the weekend markets that serve up almost any kind of food you could possibly imagine. Try Chinese noodles, Japanese sushi, meatballs, Jerk chicken, American hotdogs… the choice is practically endless. At the other end of the spectrum, you will find a great selection of fine dining establishments around this side of town, where you will definitely have to dress to impress. Spitalfields is the place to be for a great steak and a glass of wine or two. While the famous Rivington Grill will be right up your street, if champagne
and oysters is what you crave. Head to Kingsland Road and you will find a pocket of brilliant Vietnamese restaurants, most of which allow you to bring your own bottle and are very reasonable in price. Then you have a range of great, ‘proper’ English pubs which will do you a Sunday roast as good as your mothers, in a portion size that will leave even the greediest of people in a daze of fulfilment. There is also a smattering of Mexican restaurants which serve food like they would in Mexico, along with some mouth wateringly-good Mohitos. Thai is another cuisine which Shoreditch does exceedingly well. Hoxton Square is where you’ll find the best. Moroccan food is also done well, if you head towards Old Street you will find restaurants that will provide you with a delicious tangine full of the most flavourful food you will ever try. Broadway market also provides us with one of the most diverse food markets for those who prefer to source the ingredients and put the work in themselves. If not, walking towards
49 DINING
London Fields you will also find some great mezze bars where you can sit outside in the sunshine and pick at various delicious Greek delights. These are also the places that you will get a great bit of dessert if you find you are still hungry! What is so nice about Shoreditch is the fact that a lot of these food establishments are independently owned and run, therefore offering a more personalised service that really makes a customer feel valued. Hoxton Street is dotted with plenty of these ‘indie’ style eateries and is definitely worth checking out. Of course if adventure is not your scene, then fear not; a beer and a burger are never very far from reach, neither is a good pizza with all of your favourite toppings. Again, Hoxton Square is the best place to head for some of these old classics. Shoreditch’s vibrant and diverse culture really comes across in the number of different restaurants that offer a huge variety of different dishes to their customers. The vast range of dining options really helps to make what Shoreditch is known for – a place where almost anything is possible.
Traditional italian stone baked pizza and pastas for delivery,take away ,eat in at dreambagsjaguarshoes or see our new Amici Miei Restaurant situated just next door.
32 Kingsland road, London E2 8DA Opened : Mon - Sun: 12:00 am - 11:00 pm 020 7729 4192 | duesardi@ymail.com | www.duesardi.com
Amici Miei Restaurant is a new project made up from our Due Sardi pizza delivery, we aim to give new and existing customers the warm feeling of autentic and fresh home cooked food.
28-30 Kingsland Road, Hoxton, London E2 8DA Opened : Mon - Sun: 12:00 am - 11:00 pm 020 7729 1594 | info@amici-miei.co.uk | www.amicimiei.co.uk
DINING
Written by: Bruce Kaya
53
Pho-wer to Vietnamese Cuisine in Shoreditch
Vietnamese is probably not the first cuisine that comes to mind when one fancies Asian cooking, thanks to the dominance of Japanese and Thai restaurants popping up like Shiitake Mushrooms all around London. For beginners, Vietnamese cuisine can be summarized as a combination of meats, vegetables, spices and fresh herbs mostly stir fried with very little oil. This makes it one of the healthiest cuisines in the world and surprisingly delicious. I find it surprising, because my brain usually tends to decode the word “healthy” as “tasteless” but this is so not the case with Vietnamese food. Thanks to the use of taste bombs such as garlic, ginger, peppercorn, fish sauce and chilli, your taste buds will appreciate the food as much as your cholesterol. Also, as a result of the Buddhist influence Vietnamese
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cuisine is as generous to vegetarians as it is to carnivores. It is not only the taste but the combination of contrasting textures that makes Vietnamese cuisine so delightful. Expect soft translucent rice paper (bánh tráng) wrapped around crispy vegetables or tender meat in a light noodle soup (pho), grilled fish crispy on the outside, soft on the inside and various sauces, some thick and some light but all of them heavenly. This exotic cuisine has a lot to offer with bursting flavours from South Asia, and it’s waiting to be discovered by more Londoners. The place to start is no wonder East London, as it is the home of Vietnamese cuisine as well as many other ethnic groups blending together in this part of the town. Here’s a guide to lead you to the right way.
Cay Tre
Cay Tre, Shoreditch has a special place in my heart as it was here where I had my first Vietnamese experience in London. It was a sunny day, I was wearing a floral dress and Cay Tre had beautiful, black and white wall paper on its walls. It was a good first impression. Although it was a busy day in the restaurant I was spoilt by the smooth and quick service. My first encounter with the food was through the Spring Roll Bowl served at room temperature as it is traditionally done in Vietnam (so they say). I still have my eye on the Banana Leaf Roasted Whole Mackerel, a good excuse to revisit my first love, Cay Tre! 301 Old Street, EC1V 9LA,
Song Que
Having received all-star in many guides and reviews Song Que had to be mentioned when it is Vietnamese food that we are talking about. It is famous for its pho (noodle soup); however with around 150 dishes on the menu, it is far from being a simple noodle restaurant. The reason why long queues aren’t rare in front of its green door is simple: delicious food at very affordable prices. Join the masses, tuck your napking into your shirt and get ready to experiment! 134 Kingsland Road , E2 8DY
Hung Viet Restaurant
Neighbour to famous Song Que on Kingslandroad, Hung Viet has a rich menu with so many dishes, hard to choose from. For a feast of the eye go for the Flaming Beef, which comes in a clay pot with blue flames blazing around. Vietnamese coconut curry is not as showy as its opalescent friend Flaming Beef but it is just as tasty (comes with chicken or beef ). 134a Kingsland Road, E2 8DY
Keu!
Sandwich doesn’t always have to be ham and cheese stuck between two triangular bread slices. Vietnamese baguette Banh Mi, a clunary outcome of the French colonisation of Vietnam, is like a breath of fresh air to the world of sandwich. Think crusty baguette filled with meats, vegetables fragrant herbs and spices and most commonly dressed with mayo. Stop by Kêu (kay-o), which means “that’s fantastic” in Vietnamese, and turn your lunch into an exotic trip. The baguettes are baked on the premises and served hot straight from the kitchen; kêu indeed! Dear Pret a Manger, I love you but do you think this means war? 332 Old Street, EC1V 9LA 57 DINING
Vietgrill
For Vietnamese food, Kingsland Road (known as the pho mile) is the same with what Brick Lane is for Indian. It is hard to choose in which restaurant to start your exotic journey but you can’t go wrong in Viet Grill if what you’re looking for is authentic Vietnamese food. Well, it is bravely claimed this is “as authentic as it gets”. Chef Vinh’s Beef, charcoaled lemongrass skewered rib eye beef served with fermented soy dip, seems like the perfect choice for meat lovers. For a more exotic choice I recommend the Bun Bo Hue (a spicy noodle soup) with Red Sea Prawns. For groups they also offer set menus for £21 per person. 58 Kingsland Road, E2 8DP
Loong Kee Cafe
Long Kee Cafe is one of the best Vietnamese restaurants serving authentic Vietnamese cuisine on Kingsland Road. A great thing about it, that it is unlicensed so customers can bring their own drink. How about that? 134G Kingsland Road Bethnal Green, E2 8DY
Unit 61 BOXPARK, 4-6 Bethnal Green Road, London E1 6GY OPENED: Monday - Saturday 12-8 Late Thursdays until 10 Sunday from 12-6 020 7033 6601 | info@bukowski-grill.co.uk | www.bukowski-grill.co.uk
59 DINING Bukowski charcoal grill is nestled comfortably on the upstairs section of the Boxpark Mall on Shoreditch High street. It’s the perfect spot to grab a coffee and sit with your laptop, have a lunch meeting or enjoy some cocktails before the night begins. Bukowski is the joint venture between Chef Robin Freeman and kitchen-veteranturned-entrepreneur Alberto Figueroa. The restaurant prides itself on ‘sourcing meats and produce ethically’ and these ingredients are fused together to make mouth watering food using the Jospher, “an enclosed, charcoal-fired oven- grill, with record cooking times,” to seal in the flavour and juices for each high quality gourmet meal. My Bukowki’s special Black and Blue Burger arrived oozing with onions, fresh lettuce and pickles. The onions spread generously, were delicious and full of flavour. I ordered the burger rare and it came out exactly as I’d hoped: succulent, juicy and pink. The meat had an intensely mouth-watering, smoky taste, infused with the dripping hot blue cheese and was simply mouth-watering. Surprisingly what stood out most was the quality of the bread. It may have been the freshest bread I’ve yet eaten and it complimented the very juicy burger beautifully. The side dish of organic, triple-cooked chips had a divine golden appearance and a fantastic crispy texture. There was also a table serving of red hot sauce and tangy horseradish to enhance the dish and create stronger flavours. I washed down my dinner with an ice cold lashing of Bukowki’s famous green demon Hopdeamon ale beer. It complemented the food marvellously and made every new bite as flavoursome as the next. After the meal, I moved outside into the breezy and social decking area to relax and sip my icy Bukowski Margarita, looking out across the Shoreditch sunset.
SHOPPING
Shoreditch prides itself on its eclectic, artistic image and nowhere is this reflected more than in its shops. From the independent designers to the plush home ware and gift stores, everything you could ever need is here and more.
Lifestylebazaar Interview with Lifestylebazaar founders: Christopher Curtis and Laurent Nurisso
Written by: Drew Ellery
“We wanted to create a space where people can find unusual design; pieces by young and emerging designers mixed with bits from bigger names and brands but all at a reasonable price�.
Why do people like shopping in Shoreditch? I think it is because it feels and looks different to the rest of London. There is no high street filled with fast food or chains or the shops that you will find everywhere else. The shops here are all different in style or look: there are nice cafés, restaurants and pubs with a good food selection. There are great art galleries too, with work from unknown artists to mega stars. What could be better than starting your Sunday with the flower market, brunch and then shopping before having a quiet drink in an old pub?
Can you purchase Lifestylebazaar merchandise online? Yes, we have an online store at www.lifestylebazaar.com where you will find all the products and the large furniture & lighting collection from Kartell. Products can be shipped all around the world or can be reserved and picked-up from the store itself. What are Lifestylebazaar exclusives that can’t be found anywhere else? Probably 80 to 90 percent of our stock, to be honest! We try to make sure we have objects and furniture you can’t find in the other local shops, although it’s not always
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How do you find inspiration for Lifestylebazaar? We find our stock from major international trade fairs and smaller shows, as well as through online searching, blogs, magazines and people who now approach us directly too. We do actually stock pieces by a few designers from Dalston, Hackney Wick, even a few just doors away from us!
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It is possible to buy a chair by Phillippe Starck, a mug by a designer who has graduated from St Martin College, beautiful bone china from a top manufacturer in Stoke en Trent, a hand printed postcard or soap from Provence. The mix is unique and the fact that we have so many products made in small batches, means that you essentially won’t find many of them in big department stores.
possible. It is very important for us to be exciting and stand out when visitors shop in the area so that they come back. This is why variety and difference is really important to us. What is different about customers in Shoreditch? We do have a lot of local customers, people who work and/or live here. People do generally know it is our business and seem to appreciate that we are here to help them. Generally there are not that many owner/ managers actually present in their shops these days and that’s quite a unique feature. What has been the best part about starting Lifestylebazaar in Shoreditch? We do sometimes get super trendy people coming in to the shop carrying off some pretty eccentric fashion, and even though I would not wear what they do, I love to see it on them, it’s always a treat! For a bit of name dropping, Keira Knightley did some shopping with us once, as did Jude Law on more than one occasion! Where do you shop in Shoreditch? I Like Milk Boutique, Present in Kingsland Road, The Book shop in Rivington street, as well as some of the Jeans shops in Charlotte road. I also like Object for Use, our new neighbour, who are completely different to us but are very charming and sell useful products from Japan. For food I really love Amici Miei, The Book Club, The Dragon. For pubs I like to go to the Royal
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Lifestylebazaar 11a Kingsland Road, Shoreditch, E2 8AA
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Oak and the Shoreditch Princess. Also I love to browse and pick stuff up here and there rather than going to the same places all the time. Where do you want to see Shoreditch in a few years? I hope it will carry on being full of independent, fun, quirky shops and restaurants, without becoming too gentrified, and I hope that the ‘high street’ does not become another sanitised place where everything looks the same. Fingers crossed!
Made in Shoreditch From humble beginnings in northern England to the covers of platinum selling hip hop albums, cultural movements and era defining films, Kangol has established itself as a leading icon of street style. Adorning the heads of soldiers, pop stars, musicians and sportspeople for over 70 years, Kangol is one of the most recognisable and long-standing headwear brands in existence. Key landmarks in Kangol’s rich heritage include: providing military caps to the British Armed Forces in WWII, supplying uniform berets for the 1948 London Olympics, winning sole international rights to headwear featuring The Beatles logo and collaborating with Mary Quant. Music sensations and film stars firmly put Kangol on the A List map including Stevie Wonder, LL Cool J, Run DMC, Samuel Jackson, Eminem, Brad Pitt and many, many more.
Last year Kangol launched it’s first ever retail site in the UK at Boxpark in Shoreditch. This venture has proven to be a great success with a consistently buzzing trade and great customer feedback. “Boxpark in Shoreditch has been a great location for Kangol’s first retail dalliance in the UK.We have been very impressed and excited about the sales results, customer feedback and capabilities offered by the venue. Kangol has forever been aligned with style, culture and attitude which resonates with the attitude and customer-base of Boxpark.We look forward to another successful season of trading.” Julie Swan, Managing Director, Kangol Headwear.
Kangol is pleased to announce its first season collaboration with P2i, the world leader in liquid repellent nano-coating technology. The revolutionary process creates an ultra-thin polymer layer that changes the surface properties & causes liquids to form beads that simply roll off. It does this without changing how the hat looks or feels & protects it from the effects of water & all other liquids. P2i’s ion-mask™ technology has been applied to iconic Kangol shapes. Available now at the Kangol Boxpark shop. Kangol KangolBoxpark Boxpark Unit Unit29 29Boxpark, Boxpark, 2-4 2-4Bethnal BethnalGreen GreenRd, Rd, London LondonE1 E16GY 6GY 02077398806 02077398806 www.kangol.com www.kangol.com
SCAN HERE TO SEE P2i IN ACTION
The iconic Shoreditch triangle (Dalston-Hoxton-Shoreditch) is a living and breathing specimen of the inspiration, innovation and decadence of artistic
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culture. Its name can be spoken with tales of notoriety and fascination for its eccentric happenings and its more than eccentric inhabitants…but is Shoreditch changing?
Everything about BOXPARK embodies innovation - from its eco-friendly design created using strips and refits of shipping containers to its central hub location situated on Bethnal Green road directly opposite Shoreditch House and creative agency, the Tea building. Since the containers are all inherently
movable, the whole mall can simply be packed up and shipped anywhere else in the world! This alone truly accentuates the creativity and originality of Shoreditch.The infrastructure of the micro-mall is made entirely from 60 shipping containers, fixed together creating a symbol of urban aesthetic. Due to BOXPARKS rejection of big business high-street chains, the infrastructure has been made into a platform for a ground-breaking mix of alternative brands and local organisations that create more of a community hang-out than a retail pit-stop. BOXPARK is home to a large range of range international fashion brands and independent retailers such as 55DSL, Nike, ONETrueSaxon, New Era and Farah Vintage. The first floor is more of a chill-out area, jam-packed with cafes, coffee shops, art galleries and concept stores. The soul of BOXPARK is truly a community within itself that brings a social and relaxed aspect to shopping rather than the intrusive and
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invasive experience that is so common these days in more commercial areas of London such as Oxford Street. One of the most prominent organisations is Art Against Knives, which Which has a permanent gallery and retail space in the East London shopping mall. The charity was set up after the unprovoked stabbing of Oliver Hemsley, a 21-year-old student from Central Saint Martin’s College just around the corner from where BOXPARK stands now. The youth-led charity works with the community to reduce knife crime through arts initiatives that provide an alternative to violent gang culture. It’s obvious to see that due to development and regeneration over the years the face of Shoreditch has dramatically changed and still is changing. Just around the corner is Brick Lane, which was once a dank and dilapidated scene. Now there are “hipsters” selling customised outfits and vintage gems on market stalls and not
to mention the abundance of the tantalising cooked food stands. Brick lane has also become a paradise for tourists, contributing to its own revival and growth of local businesses. Even the Shoreditch skyline is slowly changing heralding breathtaking architecture from the construction
BOXPAK 2-4 , Bethnal Green Rd, Shoreditch, E1 6GY
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Written by: Drew Ellery
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of new luxury properties. There are some cries to say that Shoreditch has now become too “commercial” and “sold out”, that this once thriving metropolis of bohemian culture is no longer what is was. But art and creativity is the heart of regeneration and places are constantly evolving like anywhere else. Regardless of these issues, 20 years ago Shoreditch High Street had nothing other than decrepit scenes of crumbling buildings and abandoned, ratinfested warehouses. Even if some disagree with the current regeneration that could lose its title as London’s alternative scene, the progress that has been made surely outweighs all else. This region has evolved so much and hopefully it will carry on growing.
The very first day at Sunday Up-Market in Brick Lane more than a year ago proved that Shoe Embassy will make a lot of women’s dreams come true. We are happy that we lost count of the numbers, of both women and dreams, so we can say that they are going to be infinite. We love our loyal customers, especially the shoe loving ladies who keep coming back for more, and it is not because the shoes are magnetic but because we offer the best quality genuine leather ladies shoes made in Europe. Shoes so fabulous that one wishes to sleep with them on. Our variety of designs and colours does not make the choice easy, but comfort and the fact that you will not find the same shoes anywhere else, does the job. Our customers know the formula: comfort + style = exclusivity. Plus good prices come as a bonus. Men will love you in your new shoes. But be aware of their envy – and that is because they can’t have them.
Shoe Embassy can be found every weekend at Old Spitalfields Market, Sunday Up-Market in Brick Lane and Greenwich Market and every day at our new store in Camden Town Stables Market. More information on: www.shoeembassy.com The new website and online shop is coming this August.
ARTS/ CULTURE
The rich and vibrant cultural landscape of Shoreditch is an active hub for creativity and expression. Not only does it exhibit some of best artistic genius that pushes conventional boundaries, but is also the home of this cutting edge talent.
Quintessentially Shoreditch:
STRONGROOM Interview with Danny Kellard, a partner at the Strongroom & Air Entertainment Group. Written by: Drew Ellery
Strongroom began life as a single studio in Curtain Road, Shoreditch in 1984. At the time, it was one of very few active businesses on or around Curtain Road.
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From its outset, Strongroom’s guiding principles were clear – the best, most innovative technology in a vibrant and creative environment. This determination to do things differently whilst retaining the highest technical standards quickly established Strongroom as one of the best studios in London in which to record and mix music in. Strongroom’s first album credit was John Cale’s self-produced ‘Artificial Intelligence’, released on Beggar’s Banquet in 1985, followed shortly after by Nico’s ‘Camera Obscura’, again produced by Cale. Classic albums from the Housemartins (London 0 Hull 4) and Nick Cave (Your Funeral… My Trial) soon followed as the studio’s reputation grew. Spurred on by the success of this, Strongroom opened a second studio above Strongroom 1. This smaller space was dedicated to the emerging MIDI
technology, and featured an Atari 520ST and one of the earliest Apple Macintosh computers. At the time, this was a radical move for a recording studio. Elsewhere, studio owners played down the significance of the new technology, fearing the affect it would have on traditional recording methods and the studio practices that had led to healthy profits throughout the 1980s. Strongroom, however, embraced it and passionately advocated its use, offering musicians, producers and engineers endless new possibilities. This small studio paved the way for Strongroom 2, which opened in 1989. It was the first commercial studio to fully integrate MIDI with traditional analogue equipment; the decor was as revolutionary as the technology. Reinforcing Richard Boote’s passion for creating a creative atmosphere distinct from the functional approach of other studios, Jamie Reid (the “Godfather” of Punk art and design) was brought in to inject the studio with a colourful interior that furthered Strongroom’s reputation for radical and innovative thinking. Following a flood in 1990 (during an Erasure session engineered by – who else? – U2’s producer, Flood), Strongroom 1 was refitted and Jamie Reid was again given the role of artistic director, continuing and developing the theme he had established in Strongroom 2. These distinctive interiors were not
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limited to the insides of the studios. Leisure rooms, offices, stairwells and kitchens were all incorporated, leading to the creation of a unique identity that to this day shows Strongroom is one of the most recognisable studios in the world. The small studio above Strongroom 1 continued to draw clients, in particular writers and producers looking for space to rent on a longer-term basis. Again sensing a new trend, and mindful of the increasing affordability of professional audio equipment, Strongroom saw the opportunity to offer its clients something unavailable elsewhere and in 1990 opened three programming rooms – smaller studios, acoustically treated and with access to the technical support and admin infrastructure provided to clients in the larger rooms. Early residents of these studios included artists/producers The Beatmasters, Orbital and songwriters Pascal Gabriel, Phil Harding and Ian Curnow and Richard ‘Biff’ Stannard, in whose studio the first Spice Girls album was created. As well as contributing to the creative community atmosphere at Strongroom, these residents continued to book the original, larger studios when necessary too, prompting the creation of three similar rooms in 1993. In May 1997, Strongroom opened two brand new studios, Strongroom 3 and Strongroom 4. This was a major redevelopment of a large part of the building that had been derelict and included the creation of a large bar and restaurant. Strongroom Bar & Kitchen (originally known as The Weary Traveller) was
an immediate success and today remains a stalwart of the Shoreditch scene. Home to some legendary parties, often spilling out into the courtyard, and impromptu performances by bands working in the studios, it serves as a hub around which the Strongroom community revolves. The bar & kitchen is well known for its live gigs, DJ sets, great food and an extensive range of craft beers. Indeed it launched it’s own Strongroom Organic Lager and Strongroom Dark
Stout this year. Strongroom continues to move forward with the same energy it had when it was established in 1984. In February 2012 Strongroom Alive (Strongroomalive. com) was launched, a music & lifestyle radio station that broadcasts worldwide on-line and through mobile devices (Free apps are available from iTunes & Android). The station has a great line up of shows from the likes of Dazed & Confused, Ross Allen, Vice Magazine, The Pure Evil Gallery, Clash Magazine, Ninja Tunes, 1234 Festival, Moshi Moshi & Strongroom Presents to name but a few. Strongroom Alive has been a critical and instant success with 100,000 plus listeners and a large growing social network following also. Having started in one corner of the industrial space at a time when Shoreditch
was a place to avoid, over fifteen years Strongroom succeeded in colonising the entire building and contributed heavily to the artistic vibe of the area, helping transform it into one of the most popular and fashionable parts of London. What have been the most successful projects developed at Strongroom? The recording element of the studios has always been successful; our
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discography is testament to that. Strongroom Bar & Kitchen recently hosted the Strongroom London Beer Festival, a weekend-long event that showcased the best beers & ales brewed in London, which was hugely successful. Sales of our own lager in the bar are on par with some of the bigger brands we serve, and we’re about to get distribution in other bars with some potential export orders on the way. Strongroom Alive, as mentioned earlier has launched successfully and has a bright future. We’re also in the process of launching a Strongroom digital music distribution business. Who are some famous artists that have worked with Strongroom? Arctic Monkeys, Nick Cave, Craig David, The Prodigy, Radiohead, Spice Girls, Groove Armada, Underworld and Jamiroquai to name a few.
Who are your favourite artists in Shoreditch? The streets of Shoreditch are one big outdoor gallery. I never tire of walking around the streets and seeing the latest piece of street or graffiti art. I have no particular favourite artists; I tend to go with pieces that I like. I think some of the real stars of Shoreditch are the galleries themselves, such as Black Rat Projects & the Pure Evil Gallery. What’s the future looking like for Strongroom in Shoreditch? I actually grew up in Islington and Hackney, so I’ve seen the area change beyond all recognition over the years. Like most Londoners, you realize that London is an ever-evolving city. Technology and globalization over the past ten years have had the most impact. Shoreditch doesn’t compete with other areas of the city anymore, but is more
connected with other global creative hubs such as Williamsburg, the East Village or Berlin, with the commonality coming from creativity and socially networked communities. Strongroom is about connecting creative communities. It’s what defines us in Shoreditch. Our long-term vision is to expand and create other Strongroom communities globally and develop Strongroom Alive into a major connector of those communities. Strongroom Bar & Kitchen 120 - 124 Curtain Road Shoreditch, London, EC2A 3SQ www.strongroombar.com
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Galleries in Shoreditch Written by: Karen Shidlo
Shoreditch has had a long and undisturbed tie to the art scene since medieval times, when artistic guilds established their presence in the area. From the 1960's through the 1980's, artists such as Bridget Riley and the YBA made good use of the post Blitz warehouses and industrial buildings, turning them into spacious studios for working artists. In recent years, Shoreditch has seen a revival, with many of its buildings re-housing young and aspiring artists and its main street being revamped with a new lease of life to the whole borough. The influx of galleries and abundant street art has put the area on the map as a visual arts hub. From the high-end, expensive artwork of museum grade art of White Cube, Hoxton Square, to the work of young, emerging and talented British Slade, Chelsea and RA graduates shown in Jester Jacques Gallery, the neighbourhood is full of artwork appealing to every taste and every budget.
White Cube Gallery
48 Hoxton Square London N1 6PB Opened in 2000, the gallery is a stunning, albeit smaller, version of White Cube Bermondsey, with high ceilings, polished floors and gleaming presentation. Boasting the works of ubiquitously acclaimed and museum exhibited artists such as Tracey Emin, Gilbert & George and Damien Hirst, you are always bound to find an exciting and didactic show up. 89 64 Charlotte Road Hoxton London EC2A 3PE Showcasing the works of young talent snatched up from such top British art schools as Royal Academy and Slade, this compact gallery space serves as a venue for a variety of exhibitions, rotating the twelve artists they represent in both group and solo shows.
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Hoxton Art Gallery
EB & Flow
77 Leonard Street London EC2A 4QS Not simply a commercial gallery space, the two floor space is also utilized as a venue for education, with regular artist talks and programs being held there. With each exhibition up only for about a month, revisiting frequently never fails to disappoint, especially as they collaborate with artists such as Sweetoof and always use their ample room to its full potential, including large installations and paintings.
Pure Evil
108 Leonard Street London EC2A 4RH Owned by street artist Pure Evil, aka Charles Uzzell Edwards, the gallery specialises in prints. As well as selling his own work, Edwards has the work of such famous street artists as Eine and Roa, both of whose work can be seen around Shoreditch and Bricklane. The shop itself is small and cluttered, but you can always buy easily from them online and their inventory is regularly updated.
Jester Jacques Gallery
Opening Soon Conceived by a painter who trained in Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY and her brother, a marketing and business expert, Jester Jacques Gallery is intent on creating a unique, fresh and exciting gallery experience. The gallery will showcase juxtaposing modern installations, street art style works, abstract paintings, conceptual mixed media work and limited edition prints. Through four annual exhibitions and a consistently updated inventory of prints, paintings and drawings, the Gallery is a venue of interest for collectors, students and buyers.
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Stolen Space Gallery
Dray Walk, The Old Truman Brewery 91 Brick Lane London E1 6QL Located in the heart of Brick Lane, Stolen Space is one of the best galleries in London to visit if you have an affinity for new, trendy and inspiring street art. Self proclaimed exhibitors of artists “influenced by society’s prevailing subculture,” there is everything from the illustrative and affordable prints by Miss Van, to sculpture, installations and hyper realistic paintings.
Nelly Duff
156 Columbia road London e2 7rg Located on a quiet and trendy street, this petite gallery is attractive from the storefront, where there are usually bright and evocative pieces hanging visibly. Specializing in prints, Nelly Duff sells work by street and tattoo artists from all over the world. Their online shop is accessible and regularly updated and their in house shows are exciting.
SLAUGHTER HOUSE
Kingsland Viaduct Arch 372, Geffrye Street, E2 8HZ London, United Kingdom Slaughter House is a gallery mixing the benefits of fashion photography studio with a variety of events organised by Slaughter House team or their clients. Situated just off Kingsland road in Hoxton and set inside a stunning open brick archway it is an amazing location for creative hangouts with the projects range from exhibitions to styling and film.
Victoria Miro Gallery
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16 Wharf Road London N1 7RW Housed in an 8,000 square foot former factory, Victoria Miro’s artist list is impressive. Peter Doig, William Eggleston and Alice Neel are just some of the big names she shows regularly, making each visit to the space truly educational. The exhibitions are always innovative, akin to the caliber of the White Cube in Hoxton Square.
ARTS/ CULTURE
Hundred Years Gallery
13 Pearson Street, London E2 8JD Acting as host to international and London based artists, this cafĂŠ cum gallery offers politically and culturally charged exhibitions to be enjoyed over their spacious two floors. With a focus on Spanish art, their event and show program is varied and unique and the shop is a great place to find affordable and collectable pieces of artwork.
NIGHTLIFE
Shoreditch has gained a well-deserved reputation as one of London’s favourite night time destinations. Its abundance of pioneering club nights, bars and pubs have created a spectacular scene that is inexpensive and loads of fun!
Zigfrid von
Underbelly
Interview with Paul Daly Written by: Giedrius Ivanauskas
How has living in Shoreditch shaped your business? Living and working in Shoreditch as an artist and a designer since 1988 has given me a unique viewing point of an area from dereliction through regeneration to becoming a new fully fledged cultural area of London. My businesses are designed with that journey in mind. Since when did Shoreditch become party central? In the early and mid 80s, the warehouse parties on City Road were the hippest in town. The area is steeped in cutting edge parties and events organized by creative people such as those Mutoid Waste parties in 1985. When we came to Hoxton Square in 1988, I had already known the area as a place where one can get away with bigger and better.
Roadtrip &
The
Workshop
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How is Shoreditch since back then? Completely different in that most of the existing buildings had nobody in them. There were no shops and you had to go to the gas station to get some milk for your tea. But the people were all making something in a warehouse that they weren’t paying very much rent on. These were pioneering times. It’s a good thing I’m immature, still here doing the same things. Why did you open bars like Zigfrid von Underbelly, Roadtrip and The Workshop? I was designing bars nationwide and decided I wanted one for myself. There are very few of us around – designer-artist-operators. It’s a rare breed. I have spent so much time in my life in bars all around the world, consuming different drinks, interiors and music and I really felt I wanted to and could do an independent bar myself, including the live music part. I used to be in a band and now have a stage for young bands in all my venues with equipment that wasn’t available for my band in the 80s. What makes your venues the goto places in the neighbourhood? My bars never stay the same as I view them as ever changing art installations that people happen to be eating, drinking, dancing, speaking, snogging in. Why do people keep flocking to Shoreditch? This area is the new London conceived by artists and
99 NIGHTLIFE Zigfrid von Underbelly 11 Hoxton Square London N1 6NU
Roadtrip & The Workshop 243 Old Street EC1V 9EY
designers and consequently attracts creative people or non-creative people who like creative people. The creativity now in Shoreditch is not only about making art in a warehouse but has extended to digital media, web technology, marketing, clever retail concepts, amazing bars with amazing musicians and so on. We use that to attract people to the area, whether to set up another new and exciting venture, come for an afternoon browse in local shops, have tea and cake or party all night long. Where’s Shoreditch going in the future? Hoxton and Shoreditch are probably at about 20 percent of the way into regeneration before it goes as far as say Covent Garden has since it was a flower market. We have a long way to go and remember - the journey is the destination. What is you favourite party tune? What song gets your patrons out on the dance floor? Justice vs. Simian, “We Are Your Friends”. Everyone goes mental when this comes on for the last ten years.
What is the wildest experience you’ve had at a Shoreditch party? In the mid 80s warehouse parties, we used to all climb on to a massive art vehicle made by the Mutoid Waste Company. They would then drive it towards a wall and break at the last minute and everyone would fall off. Mental fun, but totally illegal!
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What is the best pick up line you’ve heard in your clubs? “Last time, I came in here often”
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What is your go-to drink for a memorable night out? I am a red wine man, and a jack and coke man when I’ve had too much of the red. Love caipiroskas in the sun.
W W W . M A R I AS A G U N . C O M
Shoreditch Nightlife Take a stroll around Shoreditch, night or day, and you’ll quickly realise that this is a place where you can be whoever you want to be. You don’t have to limit yourself to any conventions. The rules are thrown away. The ‘Shoreditch playground’ is a masked ball where all the party goers come to be young once again. The vast array of art galleries, bars, clubs, and warehouses fused together in one area to create a melting pot of artistic fulfilment with a good helping of hedonistic spice. Shoreditch has arguably one of the best nightlife scenes in London where even the most discriminating party goer can find something to take their fancy. As leader of the cities electro scene, Shoreditch oozes with the hypnotic vibes and cutting edge beats that have made the area so popular. Even if electro doesn’t float your musical boat then you can discover dozens of nightclubs and bars that will surely stimulate your senses. One of the area’s proudest features is its live music scene which has hosted the likes of the Arctic Monkeys, Lily Allen, Amy Winehouse and Ladyhwake at its secret gigs and intimate music festivals.
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There is a plethora of style bars and nightclubs for those who want to cutit with the beautiful uber-stylish and do a bit of celebrity spotting. If that’s not to your fancy then there’s a wide selection of underground party’s that last way past dawn so make sure you keep your sunglasses in check because Shoreditch never sleeps. Going out in the area has a powerful ability to cater to all of your partying needs, from silent nights drinking glasses of wine to booze fuelled decadence and dabourchary, you can find it in Shoreditch. One of the most unique parts of the nightlife experience is the sense of community where people from all walks of life come together as friends for a good night out. Unlike many other areas in London, it’s so easy to get to know the people around you and enjoy some of the best nights out with complete strangers. Many people have declared meeting some of their best friends on Shoreditch nights-out. East-London is also one the only few places where
sexual orientation doesn’t have the disco balls. to define your night out, gay or Venues like The Book Club straight you’re in for a good time. offer a cultural revolution to the The beauty of clubbing in Shoreditch social scene. Fusing Shoreditch is that nobody seems creative, friendly and fun into to mind if you’re getting down one edgy space, The Book Club to disco one day, is definitely the failing over to pop sophisticated face One of the tunes the next, then of cool. Offering greatest bouncing to pop hip workshops, talks, aspects of the cultural showcases hop tunes the day Shoreditch after. Whatever your and the best in new idea of clubbing nightlife is that music, the crowd may be, you’re sure the best clubs are smart enough to find somewhere to fuse boozing with and bars are brain power but the in Shoreditch to do free to enter it and with plenty of interiors and the people to do it with. antics are no less eccentric than One of the greatest aspects of the rest of the area. the Shoreditch nightlife is that The spacious two-story the best clubs and bars are free warehouse on Leonard Street to enter, this means that you can blends mix and match vintage save your pounds for the pints furnishings, mosaics and graphic rather than the door. Don’t be put lighting features. The constantly off by unusual bar locations that evolving exhibitions that adorn consist of spaces inserted beside the walls provide perpetual disused railway arches because stimulation whilst the venue inside the designs are spectacular, presents an eclectic ongoing usually filled with glass frontage programme of events and social bar interiors and hyper-modern activities. The book club definitely mixes of effects and not to forget is one to put on your to-do-list.
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The Book Club 100-106 Leonard Street EC2A 4RH
Many people hold the preconception that this is an area obsessed with appearance...they’d be right. But this means different things for different people, for some this is dressing head- to-toe-in designer gear, for others its wearing their favourite band t-shirt, and for a the finest few it’s mixing bin bag chic with faux leather leggings. Thiers no denying however extravert or not that it brightens the place up – and this is exactly what makes Shoreditch so unique. For those who want to get fully stuck-in make your way to the queen of Hoxton, curtain road, where you can admire the latest art installations, photographic exhibitions and screenings as you sip your vodka tonic. Situated
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Queen of Hoxton 1-5 Curtain Road EC2A 3JX
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in the heart of Shoreditch, this bar, club and art collective is certainly a jewel in the crown of East London nightlife. From the ground floor with its blend of window etchings, graffiti, ivy and dazzling strobe lights that give off an almost hallucinogenic feel to the dark and twisted basement bar that keeps all the music lovers raving and all the ravers loving the music. Art fiends and hedonists will be forever attracted to the cutting edge gigs and the sweaty raves which have included; The Drums, Gold Panda, The Phenomenal Handclap Band and Roots Manuva. It would be difficult to describe every detail of the unique Shoreditch nightlife, so get out there and see for yourself what’s on offer. Written by: Drew Ellery
COMMUNITY
With a diverse range of backgrounds, ages and cultures that all come together to make this area what it is today. It doesn’t matter who you are and what you do. In Shoreditch, the community is one big happy family.
by Silvia Kar
COMMUNITY
Submit your story for a chance to be featured in the next issue ! More info: http://madeinshoreditch.co.uk/competition
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All roads lead to Shoreditch, and if you haven’t been here you haven’t lived. A woman knows the face of the man she loves, while I know all the streets of Shoreditch, as though it were my lover, stealing all of my days and nights. Do you have these moments when you let yourself walk without thinking? When you end up at a doorstep of your beloved one? Every time I let myself wonder like that, I see a sign for Shoreditch High Street and a smile instantly marks my face. It feels like a true home, a feeling I haven’t felt for a while, with its paint like pallet of unique people, of different size and colour, and its doors to a world full of unusual sounds, smells, styles and sensations. So what brings me here? If someone asked you how you know that you love the man or the woman that you do, you would tell them – ‘I just know’. The thing is, human love always changes and drifts apart at some point, whereas Shoreditch will always be there for me; as a friend offering a drink, as an inspiration to create, or even as a lover on a sleepless night. It doesn’t matter how you feel or look in Shoreditch, I could even sit there in my funny pyjamas and animal slippers feeling more at home than if I was on my own couch, knowing that everything I could ever need is here. So come along and take a deep breath with me.
Paul Dowling Founder of Dreamstake I love Shoreditch because it is the centre of startup activity in London and represents hope to thousands of budding entrepreneurs. The area used to be low-cost, and this attracted a vibrant community of creatives and techies. They are often working together to create great companies like Moo and Mind Candy. It is great to go down to places like the Tea Building and see hope these companies are providing interesting employment for thousands of people. Even more important is that every startup represents a dream, a dream to change something or make an impact. Shoreditch has the atmosphere and culture to encourage that. I love the events that that take place there. The big ones like Digital Shoreditch as well as the small ones like MiniBar staged at Mother. These events connect entrepreneurs and create a catalyst for creativity; a Silicon Valley-type eco-system, but with a uniquely British flavour. Submit your story for a chance to be featured in the next issue! More info: http://madeinshoreditch.co.uk/competition
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COMMUNITY
printed t-shirts in shoreditch Transformer has been based in Shoreditch since its inception in 2001. Setting up in this area was initially based purely on its central location and availability. However it has now proved to be a hotbed for the ever growing creative industries who require our printed garments. Over the years we have serviced many local fashion labels as well as the up and coming designers, artists and couture specialists. The nearby City area also provides a steady stream of corporate event and branding work. The music industry is major part of our portfolio with many local record labels, touring bands and nightclubs using our services.
range of services
special offers There is always a range of great special offers to choose from on our website, it’s really worth checking the special offer section out, great value if you are on a budget.
For single colour printing orders may be as small as from 20+ garments per design, whilst multi-colour printing orders start from 50+ garments per design. We can also print using water base inks onto organic fair trade cottons for those who require it, all the garments we sell are ethically produced. We offer other print applications like flocking and foil, also specialist inks, for example metallic inks, fluorescents and glow in the dark inks. We can also offer a garment bagging and labelling service if required. Visits by appointment.
sales@transformer-t-shirts.com tel: 020 7729 0750
LIVING
Shoreditch life is the essence of living, from the fantastic food shops that cater to your every dietary and cultural need to the luxury and affordable housing for professionals and students alike. It doesn’t matter what your budget is; Shoreditch is for you.
Where did the idea for Base Property
back’ based on how other agents THINK the job
Specialists come?
should be done – but tells us that our clients love
Firstly, we wanted to create a company that
what we do and how we do it. It’s the only opinion
was far more than just an Estate Agency – and
we truly care about!
we have. As well as the usual Sales, Lettings
Later that year one of our negotiators, Monika,
& Property Management we also do property
won Best Lettings Negotiator at the Property
maintenance, interior design and refurbishment,
Awards for Women for a small company. This was
next day furniture, mortgages, insurance and
a huge reward for Monika, recognised as one of
more. Secondly, and most importantly, we wanted
the best female negotiators in the entire UK! This
to create a company with the highest possible
made us equally proud, as Monika had joined us 4
customer service standards. A company that is
years earlier with no knowledge or experience of
renowned for both its professionalism but also its
the industry at all.
personal touch and attention to detail. I think our
We rounded of 2011 being recognised as double
success to date shows that we are well on our way
Finalists at the Landlord & Letting Agent Awards.
to achieving this.
We were shortlisted as one of London’s Top Letting Agents and also, and probably more
category of Best Customer Service – which was
It’s been a phenomenal last 15 months or so. Our
both a National & Industry – wide category. Whilst
first recognition was at the ESTAS 2011 (Estate &
we didn’t walk away with either of the big prizes
Letting Agent Awards) where we were recognised
on the night, this was a great way to wrap up
as one of London’s Top 10 Letting Agents. The
the year.
ESTAS is incredibly important to us because,
2012, however, has seen us build on this success.
unlike ANY other industry award, the results are
In April we attended the ESTAS 2012 and were
based exclusively on detailed reviews which can
delighted to be recognised as the Best Letting
only be submitted by paying clients from the
Agent in London – North
previous year. This therefore isn’t a ‘pat on the
LIVING
important to us, we were also finalists in the
over the past year?
119
How has Base Property Specialists Evolved
of the river. It was a huge occasion and we were
patch. So we drew 2 lines and there, where they
truly delighted to walk away with the coveted Gold
met, was Old Street.
Award on such a prestigious night. We did the
The very next day we were in Shoreditch, money
night in style, too, with fabulous outfits from the
literally in hand, on the prowl for new premises. I
awesome local Junky Styling.
think it took us all of about 30 minutes to realise
The Awards are fun – but they are far from the
THIS was where we wanted to be! The eclectic mix
b – all and end – all to what we do here. In fact,
of City meets art meets music meets fashion with
I think our staff get far more excited about the
the most fantastic variety of architecture made us
awards, and winning them, then An and I ever will.
sure. We didn’t leave the area until we found what
What we do love, particularly with the ESTAS, is
we were looking for!
we get a detailed report back including a host of
I can honestly say that with each day we have spent
comments from our Landlords that voted. Some of
here since then, back in February 2004, we have
the key words that kept coming up were: efficient,
fallen more and more in love with the area. The
trustworthy, honest, quality, value, professional,
shops, the people, the originality, the diversity... I
helpful, dedicated, excellent, reliable, enthusiastic,
wouldn’t want to work anywhere else.
diligent. Need I say more? What sets Shoreditch apart from the rest of Why did you choose Shoreditch to run your
London?
business?
Shoreditch is probably one of the most diverse, and
Fate played a large part. We initially offered on
therefore complete, property areas in London and I
premises in Highgate in North London but, at the last
think that is the secret of its success. From its punk
minute, the Landlord pulled out. In a spin, we had
beginnings back in the early 80’s through the boom
an emergency meeting and agreed we had chosen
of artists and on in to the silicon age it has always
for the wrong reason – we had wanted to work close
retained uniqueness, an originality.
to home.
As they always say with property – location,
After years working in the East London property
location, location. It’s the one thing you can’t
market, we decided it was madness to stay North.
change about a property or an area and Shoreditch
However, we also agreed that neither of us wanted
has it. Excellent transport links, on the cusp of the
to be in the Bow/ Mile End/ Stratford/ Docklands
City but also the gateway to the East End. The river
is a stone’s throw away and the West End isn’t much What are the most sought after properties in further! Whatever you want to do in London, it’s
Shoreditch?
never far from Shoreditch (that is in the unlikely
Not as easy to answer as it sounds – partly
event that it isn’t already happening in Shoreditch).
because it depends what you define as Shoreditch.
People love Shoreditch because on any one street
Traditionally and officially it is a small area but if you
you can look at a dress for £1,000 then see an
talk to some agents it apparently stretches across
original Banksy on a wall, grab some of the best
half of East London!
coffee in Europe, pick up a future masterpiece for a few quid, grab a vintage piece for a deal and round
The heart of Shoreditch ... To read the full interview
it all off with an amazing cocktail. I don’t know
and for exclusive offers for MiS readers visit:
anywhere in London with the life, soul and integrity www.baseps.co.uk/mis that Shoreditch has and that, ultimately, is why people want to live here.
123 LIVING
www.baseps.co.uk
Opening doors to a new world of property
Award-winning sales, lettings and property management from your local estate agent Whatever residential property needs you might have baseps are here to help. Whether it’s our award winning lettings & property management or our fast growing sales department. We’re giving Landlords and Sellers the service they deserve.
So, if you need an agent to sell, let or manage your property then maybe you should give us a call and talk to one of our friendly staff? You can call us now on 020 7033 1901
We have a range of special offers exclusive for readers of Made in Shoreditch
To find out more & register your interest go to www.baseps.co.uk/mis
app: base property specialists facebook.com/baseps @baseproperty www.baseps.co.uk/news
We’d love to talk, write, tweet, like, blog, chat‌ with you!
EVENTS
Not a day goes by without an event happening in Shoreditch. The variety of festivals, concerts, exhibitions, art shows, meetups and conferences make every day a unique experience.
ROOFTOP FILM CLUB: 30 APRIL - 31 AUGUST http://www.rooftopfilmclub.com/ The Rooftop Film Club has something for everyone - Whether it’s a cult movie with your mates or a rom-com with your other half.Film lovers are able eat fabulous food, drink beer and watch their favourite movies as the stars begin to sparkle. MINIBAR MEETUP – EVERY MONTH http://www.meetup.com/minibar/ MiniBar is a social evening in Shoreditch, which offers people a chance to snaffle some free beer while discussing mobile web, web applications, start ups, social networking, investment and general Web 2.0 mayhem & fandango. There is usually a brilliant mix of around 250 web entrepreneurs, d SILICON DRINKABOUT MEETUP: EVERY FRIDAY http://www.silicondrinkabout.com/ Silicon Drinkabout is a regular after work drinks for startups every Friday round the Silicon Roundabout! Silicon Drinkabout is open to startups of all sizes as a place to meet like-minded people, have some fun and relax after another busy week in ‘Tech City’. SHOREDITCH FRINGE FESTIVAL: 6 JULY - 27 AUGUST http://www.shoreditchfringe.org/ Shoreditch Fringe is an epic seven-week cultural festival, taking place in the venues, streets and hidden corners of Shoreditch. Working with the local creative community to present a smorgasbord of art, performance, experience and wonderment, it’s seven weeks filled with East London promise and decadent surprise. SHOREDITCH FESTIVAL: 14 – 22 JULY http://www.shoreditchfestival.org.uk/ Shoreditch Festival - a free programme of performance, entertainment and exploration along the Regent’s Canal and across Shoreditch. The Festival opens with a celebration of one of Shoreditch’s most imaginative and historic locations with the Hoxton Street Party on 14 July. Shoreditch Festival will culminate in a fantastic weekend of live music along the Regent’s Canal on 21 and 22 July as the Festival welcomes the 2012 Olympic torch. BT LONDON LIVE - JUL 27-SEP 9 http://www.btlondonlive.com/ A combination of multiple state-of-the-art screens and concert quality sound systems will show all of the London 2012 action. Plus sports participation activities, live music and cultural entertainment will be on offer every day until late evening so get involved!
UNDERAGE FESTIVAL: 31 AUGUST http://www.underagefestivals.com/ Underage Festival an event for 13 to 17 year olds (strictly no over17s; 17-year olds are welcome) will happen on Friday 31st August 2012 and is run by London’s Underage club. Musical savvy youngsters are able to attend this festival on their own. The bars will be soft drinks only and there will be food available. THE 1234 SHOREDITCH FESTIVAL: 1 SEPTEMBER http://the1234shoreditch.com/ Brought to you by legendary promoter Sean McLusky, THE1234 presents the best new underground music alongside inspirational international artists, set deep in the heart of London’s most creative and cultural quarter. It is an outdoor music festival, which takes place in Shoreditch Park. THE1234 SHOREDITCH manifesto is to provide a platform for the best musical talents from East London and the best emerging talent from around the globe. BOOKSTOCK: 1ST SEPTEMBER http://www.wearetbc.com/bookstock/ Celebrate the last bank holiday of 2012 with a whole day dedicated to music, dancing, dressing up, games, great food and flowing booze – and a whole lot of festival fun besides. Brought to you by Shoreditch venue The Book Club, Bookstock is Leonard Street’s answer to the summer festivals – and it’s a seriously big deal, with two new arenas, and even slicker production and sound for this year.
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OPEN HOUSE LONDON 2012: 22 - 23 SEPTEMBER http://www.londonopenhouse.org/ Open House London celebrates all that is best about the capital’s buildings, places and neighbourhoods. Every September is a unique opportunity to get out and under the skin of London’s amazing architecture. Over 700 buildings of all kinds are opening their doors to everyone, all for free.
EVENTS
THE LONDON DESIGN FESTIVAL: 14 – 23 SEPTEMBER http://www.londondesignfestival.com/ Over ten days in September, the London Design Festival will feature hundreds of events that take place across London, showcasing the city’s pivotal role in global design. The Festival is both a cultural and a commercial event. The programme ranges from major international exhibitions to trade events, installations to talks and seminars, from product launches to receptions, private views and parties. The majority of events are free of charge.
shoreditchfringe.org
This summer, the creative community of Shoreditch proudly steps up to present its first ever Fringe Festival, a seven week cultural programme bursting with imaginative, innovative events and animating one of London’s most vibrant , diverse and creative hubs. Inspired by the spirit of the pioneering Edinburgh Fringe, the trail of cultural activity will fill the area’s bars, pubs, theatres, galleries, clubs, parks and open spaces with a high profile, dynamic range of art, performance and digital media. Reflecting the quirky DNA and the DIY vibe of the area, the fringe is an open access festival, inviting participation from all, with the large
EVENTS 131
the small, established, emerging, arty, subversive, leaders and shakers all coming together to create and present a fantastic range of work packed into the seven week festival period. Expect an eclectic range of events and unusual experiences bought to you by the areas leading creative’s sparks with something in the bag for everyone no matter their age taste or background with something to see, feel, watch, download or do. Programme highlights include; Weather its Raining or Not, a tongue in cheek weather installation in Hoxton Square with RIBA & the LFA, the Ministry of Stories pop up Embassy for Children, London Mex Fest , a hot weekend of film and fiesta with Morella Film Festival taking over Rich Mix , Grinder a unique interactive 121 theatre tour with you and your smart phone, where live performers & augmented reality merge on the streets of Shoreditch, ROH2’s secret performance of Edward Leers Owl and the Pussycat along the canal, Naked Homo, a site specific one man naked show, taking place in a local fetish shop plus loads of brilliant exhibitions, games, concerts and street festivals and a number of arty underground pop up parties and music events to be announced with Desperados Beer . Visit: www.shoreditchfringe.org for further information and to join the fiesta.
Roadtrip & The Workshop
Shoreditch Park Garden
Hoxton Square
Zigfrid von Underbelly
Accelerator
Lifestylebazaar
Hoxton
Geffrye Museum
Haggerston Park
Haggerston Broadway Market
Moorgate
Old Street
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Google Campus
Liverpool Street
Queen of Hoxton
The Book Club
Aldgate
Brushfield
St
Rich Mix
Aldgate East
Old Truman Brewery
Boxpark Shoreditch High Street
Old Spitalfields Market
Strongroom
Whitechapel
Allen Gardens
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