One part lifestyle destination, one part design mecca, London’s recently launched retail temple on Farringdon Road is a treasure trove of furniture, homewares, fashion, jewellery, art and gastronomy.
That’s not to say Clerkenwell London is suffering from an identity crisis. Rather, it falls into a rare breed of luxury superstore able to cater to every imaginable whim. Spanning 10,000 sq ft of newly overhauled space, the shop is stocked with an assortment of practical – and in some cases, not so practical – goods, with plenty on offer from local and international designers alike. We were taken, for example, by the ornate, hand-painted backgammon sets from Alexandra Llewellyn, and lighting from British woodworkers Another Country.
The newly minted venture also boasts a womenswear area (complete with an ‘Undressing Room’), vinyl lounge, perfumery, bistro and bar – and that’s just the ground floor. Executive chef Gavin Gordon takes the reigns at 155 Bar & Kitchen, dishing up a menu with a French influence and a focus on seasonal British produce. Downstairs offers men’s tailoring service, a wine library, two private dining rooms, piano lounge area, while a spa is currently in the works. An ever-changing roster of events will see the remarkable space come to life in the evenings, with wine tastings and a cocktail master class planned.
