fringe bene ts encourage staff back into the office

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Everybody bene ts from workplace events like these – they create a bit of a buzz integrated communications agency, with 29 offices across the world – employee perks are part of the company culture.

Get Groomed was founded by Giuliano Dore and Sabrina Vjaykumar offering haircuts and beard trims in homes, offices and hotel rooms across London, Manchester, Birmingham, Kent and Guildford, Surrey.

Giuliano said: “Everybody benefits from workplace events like these – they create a bit of a buzz and give the employer another reason to encourage staff back into the office.

“We have a team of barbers now in Canary Wharf ready to provide the latest hair trends.”

Go to gogetgroomed.co.uk

Canary Wharf Group have teamed up with the social media entrepreneur and Dragon’s Den investor for a series of talks with thought leaders. The rst one features the man himself and focuses on how he’s navigating today’s evolving workplace.

putting the in March

THE DEAL Margaritas seem to be avour of the month right now on the Wharf – we suspect the hidden hand of a tequila brand, but no matter. It’s our job to check these things out. Caravan in Reuters Plaza is currently advertising a Chef’s Margarita cocktail and Margherita pizza for £12 on Mondays from 4pm-7pm or after 9.30pm. This actually turns out to be £15.19 with service included but the drink – a savoury take on the classic – is great. There are far better pizzas on the Wharf, but it’s warming fuel to get you through the bite of the alcohol. taste ★★★✩✩ value

The Barbados born singer promises an evening of “irresistible reggae and dancehall beats”. The performer, who is set to come to the Cabot Square venue next month, has worked with the likes of Tom Jones, Robbie Williams and Sting.

THE STALWART

Although a relative newcomer to Canary Wharf, those in the know are already regulars at MMy Wood Wharf for mixed drinks. Lo- cocktail bar Ethika serves up reassuringly reliable tipples at the mini food market, so it’s our tip for a classic Margarita (£12.50) served with a halfsalt rim. Sharp, refreshing and crisp, it’s a drink that beckons to spring and summer. Not too long now... taste ★★★★✩ value ★★★✩✩

THE SPECIAL Next door, The Alchemist has created a whole Margarita menu to tempt Wharfers in. As per usual this involves some theatrical glassware, dry ice and general air. We opted to try the Purple Haze (£10.50), which celebrates the strain of cannabis it takes its name from by being served in a little bong. A blend of Patron Silver Tequila, lime, blueberry, soda and fruit salad it’s sadly weak on the taste front. taste ★✩✩✩✩ value

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Russell & Bromley pulls off a neat trick. The latest retailer to arrive in Canary Wharf is both a brand with decades of history while also shining out of its new store in Canada Place with a cool blast of chic modernity.

Even before officially opening its doors, the footwear and handbag shop’s wall-size visual display was drawing attention in the mall.

But step into the pale wood, brass and bronze interior and the atmosphere has a subtle flavour of the brand’s pedigree to it, with golden metal and minimal displays showing off the products to luxurious effect.

“We have a 140-year-old family owned business that looks to entertain its customers with a modern shopping experience and offers a wide range of products for men and women manufactured in Italy, Spain, Portugal and Northern Europe,” said Andrew Bromley, CEO of Russell & Bromley.

“We blend modern styling with longevity and quality through long-term partnerships with factories, including some that my grandfather worked with.

“I knew him well – he was around for a long time. I’ve taken over from my father, having apprenticed with him 25 years ago and he took over from his.

“My brother’s now doing what my uncle did, and he did what his uncle did.

BORIS - £245

R&B says: “With a stitched toe-cap and five eyelet lacing, Boris is a quintessential Oxford lace-up. Hand crafted in northern Portugal, the chestnut toned calf leather has been expertly polished to produce the rich finish. The addition of a contrast welt and blake stitched leather sole ensures they’ll be the ideal bridge to all smart-casual looks.”

“Originally the Russells and the Bromleys were both shoe purveying families. The Russells were manufacturers and the Bromleys were in sales

“George Russell got together with Julia Bromley, and George Bromley got together with Liz Russell. There’s a huge thread that runs through it all.

“Today my brother, my cousin and I are now all working in the business and the wider family are sill linked in too – especially with what the brand is doing and where we are going. For us, it’s about balancing that heritage with modernity and the passion we bring to the business.”

In 2023, Russell & Bromley is very much a forward-looking, high end retailer focused on building and continuing to develop and market products under its own brand.

Its 1,300sq ft Canary Wharf store sees the brand operating in more than 33 stores worldwide including a recent opening in Dublin.

“The Canada Place shop is a new concept, which we’ve built to further engage customers,” said Andrew. “We’re data-led as a business so we see how customers interact with our stores and what continued on Page 6

ORIEL, £275

R&B says: “Add the preppy refinement of collegiate style to your outfits with Oriel. Crafted from butter-soft tan-brown suede to a round-toed frame that contrasted with sleek leather panels, piping and tassels, and set on comfy gum soles, they’re the perfect week to weekend shoe.” from Page 5 they require. It’s the balance of online and in-store shopping.

“People like to try shoes on in person. There’s nothing like walking out of a shop with a pair you know will fit.

“Buying online works too and that’s a big part of our business – customer satisfaction is about wearing fashion that’s comfortable, modern, puts a smile on your face and gives you confidence.

HOVE M, £245

R&B says: “Hove M is a luxurious yet laid-back lace-up derby designed to walk you through the everyday. Crafted from rich double-faced calf leather in a glossy brown hue, this style boasts a buttery soft, sumptuous feel from top to toe, whilst a statement square toe detail has been accentuated by enlarged piping and intricate stitchwork. Finished on a translucent, leisure-inspired gum sole creating a clean elevation, Hove M offers both style and durability with each step.”

CLEOPATRA, £275

R&B says: “Cleopatra is a contemporary reimagining of our bestselling loafer. Crafted from smooth nappa leather in a bold pink hue and set on a lightweight contrast sole, this style has been adorned with a chunky gold three-ring chain trim, structured piping detail and a subtle plaited welt, offering chic finish to a cult classic.”

SLINGPOINT, £245

R&B says: “Bringing back the Y2K kitten heel, Slingpoint is a comfortable way to wear the heeled slingback trend. Crafted in Italy from metallic pink leather, this chic pump has been set on a vintage-inspired kickback flared heel wrapped in matching pink metallic leather.”

TOPFORM, £245

R&B says: “Evoke 70s styling with the Topform sandal. Crafted from criss-crossing straps of smooth lilac suede, this style has been detailed with a flattering ankle strap and buckle fastening. Set on a chunky platform sole and comfortable block heel, effortlessly ease back into occasionwear in style.”

“Shopping in a store is a different experience, but still incredibly relevant. When customers come in to see us they will find a team with great expertise, knowledge of the trends we’re offering and the outfits they can be worn with.

“We love people to feel welcome and that comes from the environment we’ve created, the skills of the team and the general ambience. The most exciting thing for us is to see a customer’s face when they walk out of the shop happy.

“We aim to create a family environment in our stores and in the company as a whole. That binds us together and adds an element of the personalities of all those involved in the journey.

“The store team in Canary Wharf will add their piece to the story while also having the knowledge passed down from the buying and marketing teams, so they know what fits with what our customers are after.”

While Andrew and the team are unquestionably focused on the business side of the brand’s operation, there’s a real sense of enjoyment at the prospect of engaging with customers on the Wharf – a place that’s long been on the firm’s radar as a possible “Black is, of course, one of the main colours, but coming out of the pandemic we’re seeing people really wanting some colour,” said Andrew.

QUILTBOX, £295

R&B says: “Refined elegance is optimised with Quiltbox, our timeless quilted shoulder bag. It’s crafted in Italy to a rectangular silhouette. Wear it day and night, casually or to finish off evening looks.”

“One of the big things we look for when selecting products is that glint in the eye – shoes where the customer can have a bit of fun trying them on, then going out for dinner or heading out to meet friends.

“We have really important relationships with our manufacturers – we don’t own a factory ourselves, but work with different

“What people see in the stores is a very carefully considered, curated edit. The customer is always in our minds and the data we have from them is central to the whole process. It’s about presenting people with what we feel they need.

“I could easily say that it’s the opening of the Elizabeth Line that has led us to Canary Wharf, but there’s been a constant increase in interest over a much longer time.

“We had success at Westfield White City and we always felt our brand would do well in Canary Wharf.

“It’s a huge community which has developed beyond just office spaces.

“There’s a lot of lifestyle options here, a lot of residents and a lot of hospitality businesses.

“People are living their lives in Canary Wharf in a way that perhaps they didn’t before, so we felt now was the right time.”

As for the future, the brand’s latest store is right at the forefront of its increasing integration of digtal and traditional retail.

“We’ve got a big project to enhance customer experience – joining up online and in-store to make things seamless,” said Andrew.

“It’s bringing the storytelling of what we do and why we’re doing it to both places.

“About 80% of customer journeys start online, and yet nearly 70% of our business is in-store.

“There’s always going to be a need – a lot of brands that started online are now seeking physical space. Our message is that wherever you want to buy, we’re here for you.”

Go to russellandbromley.co.uk

by Chris Ezekiel