BLOK’s new industrial fitness complex gets pulses racing in Shoreditch
A new gym on the block has opened in Shoreditch. The second instalment of the Clapton-based ‘award-winning fitness meets art, design and fashion’ boutique BLOK, founded by Reema Stanbury, Ed Stanbury and fashion photographer Max Oppenheim, is located on the corner of Norman Foster’s Principal Place. It’s part of a larger redevelopment plan to bridge the City and Shoreditch, that will also house Amazon’s new headquarters.
BLOK Shoreditch is designed by Daytrip Studio (Iwan Halstead and Emily Potter) and lighting design studio There’s Light. The latter have made the whole space feel like one, long corridor animated by light, colour and reflections, which mingle with the smell of coffee and Malin & Goetz bespoke products, alongside photography by Oppenheim and installations by Ben Cullen Williams.
The complex also features a café bathed in natural light and a small shop. Beyond, an industrial floating staircase leads you up to the studios. The designers have used a combination of materials (concrete, glass, steal, wood and fabric) to create contrasts between hard and soft surfaces, light and shadow; illustrating the divide between the hectic London urban environment and the relaxing energy of the practice rooms.
Apart from great coffee, the café offers a menu of smoothies, protein boosters and a choice of nutrient-dense, plant-based grab-and-go pots, curated by Essence Cuisine.
The studios offer a wide range of classes, including a variety of yoga styles and pilates, to boxing and signature workouts (like BLOKFIT, BLOKFLEX, BLOCKORE) deisgned to ‘push you to your limits’. We tried Lila’s Power Yoga and the teacher carefully choreographed an intense, flowing sequence with clear instructions and experienced, insightful adjustments.
Friendly, lively and fun, the BLOK brothers have built a strong and unique brand, aiming to promote the social, artistic and cultural aspects of east London’s fitness scene.
INFORMATION
For more information, visit the BLOK website
ADDRESS
2 Hearn Street
London, EC2A 3BR
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox
-
Spanish design studio Masquespacio's new HQ is a historical mansion bursting with colour
Design studio Masquespacio presents its new home and office, a bold and unique space in a beautifully refurbished historic villa near Valencia
By Léa Teuscher Published
-
Surreal, uncanny, seductive: step into Graham Little’s world
Scottish artist Graham Little presents his first US retrospective at The FLAG Art Foundation in New York
By Hannah Silver Published
-
Junya Ishigami designs at Maniera Gallery are as ethereal as his architecture
Junya Ishigami presents new furniture at Maniera Gallery in Belgium (until 31 August 2024), following the series' launch during Milan Design Week
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
First look at Samba Room, London’s innovative cocktail lounge packed with Brazilian energy
London’s Samba Room, an extension of SushiSamba, is a dynamic bar, lounge and private dining space designed by Fabled Studio
By Tianna Williams Published
-
Reborn distillery Port Ellen welcomes Islay whisky pilgrims with smoky delights
The resurrection of Islay whisky distillery Port Ellen has been hailed by connoisseurs, among them Neil Ridley, who explored the smoky delights of this Scottish west coast gem
By Neil Ridley Published
-
The Connaught Bar shakes up home cocktail making with first book by Phaidon
'The Connaught Bar: Recipes and Iconic Creations' by Phaidon allows anyone to elevate their cocktail making at home, for every occasion
By Tianna Williams Published
-
Claridge’s new restaurant is a beacon for art deco elegance and fine dining
Claridge’s new restaurant, designed by Bryan O’Sullivan, is a redefined London brasserie richly layered in decadent style and cuisine
By Melina Keays Published
-
Josephine is a classic French bistro in London, built on comfort and authenticity
Josephine opens in London’s Chelsea, serving up French bistro classics and family recipes
By Tianna Williams Published
-
Step inside London’s first Scottish deli, dishing up wee plates and hearty scran
Auld Hag-The Shoap is London’s first Scottish deli. Discover fridges and countertops brimming with produce celebrating the best of Scotland’s culinary heritage
By Tianna Williams Published
-
NoMad London introduces afternoon tea with a New York twist
NoMad London serves up an afternoon tea menu spanning from elegant finger sandwiches to elevated New York street food classics
By Tianna Williams Published
-
First look inside St John at Fortnum & Mason, bringing nose-to-tail to Piccadilly
St John at Fortnum & Mason opens for three weeks, securing your nose-to-tail fix while the restaurant’s Smithfield home is refitted
By Robert Johnston Published