Ahead of the London Design Festival 2018, we took a look at some of Shoreditch's creative companies, a number of whom will be exhibiting at this years festival.
In recent years the remains of Shakespeare’s Curtain Theatre have been discovered. Historically Shoreditch was known for its links with theatre, entertainment and a thriving textile trade. Although much of this disappeared, the area is again a hub of creativity with many independent manufacturers, bars, restaurants and shops. Here's our favourites, which you can visit in a day enjoying the area and all within close proximity to each other with plenty of cafes and eateries for a quick refresh.
Check out The Clove Club in Shoreditch Town Hall for modern British cooking in an elegant interior.
Claybrook recently moved into their new studio and showroom in Shoreditch. Across two floors you’ll find their gorgeous range of floor and wall tiles on display. Advice and samples are readily available. Here are some of our own favourite looks from the range...
Unto This Last takes its name from an essay by John Ruskin, a leading Victorian art critic and patron, champion of the Pre-Rahaelites and supporter of the Arts and Crafts movement. The company operates a unique open studio from their Brick Lane premises, producing their furniture and products in full view of the customers. Their process allows them to cut down on costs by eliminating transport, warehousing and packaging costs - delivering direct from workshop to customer. We love the clean, simple lines of their hand-produced furniture and accessories.
20 years ago British Standard started out with a unique ethos, the name referring to exactly what they produced; primed ready to paint, standard sized cabinetry which can be fitted and painted by the customer in whatever configuration they want. Their design team help you every step of the way to achieve the kitchen or storage space you need. They've now added bespoke kitchens which they can install for you. We particularly like the simple understated designs.
As well as being a working studio, offering high quality restoration and re-upholstery, Shoreditch Design Rooms also offers accredited courses and individual classes, if you want to try your hand at a traditional craft. Shoreditch Design Rooms has established itself as the most innovative and successful upholstery training centre in the country, offering small class sizes and expert tuition.
For a truly unique shopping experience stop by Boxpark Shoreditch, the worlds first pop-up shopping mall. Constructed entirely from re-fitted shipping containers, the mall has everything from popular street food and global brands, to clothing and individual homewares suppliers.
Originally an on-line store, Decorum now have a presence in Boxpark... this homewares store stocks an eclectic mix of vintage, modern and contemporary items and supports new and up-and-coming designers and artisans.
Labour and Wait is another shop with an interesting name which this time takes its inspiration from a poem by Longfellow. Their approach to the selection of items on sale is based on simplicity, functionality, and endurance - items which mellow over time and are not discarded but improve with age. Trading for over 18 years, they are housed in a former Victorian pub, with branches in Dover Street Market London & New York and Sendagaya Tokyo.
Don’t forget to stop by Luna & Curious, an independent miniature department store owned by three creatives with a vision to offer a wonderful mix of products focusing on British manufacture.
Well made in England and designed for you, is a key concept of Kent & London. Their custom made crafted furniture and kitchens using English woods are hand-built to last and become an integral part of your lifestyle. Pop in to their large airy space in Shoreditch to see their range of kitchens, furniture and homewares.
Monologue London is a contemporary concept store on the popular Redchurch Street in Shoreditch. They focus on conceptual design, emerging designers, interiors and homeware. Monologue carries an exclusive selection of curated items for the home and a handpicked range of design accessories and furniture.
We'll be reviewing the London Design Festival 2018 taking place this September.
