SMOOTH ABSEILING Lord Mayor Jeffrey Mountevans sent over the edge of the St Lawrence Jewry clock tower for Lord Mayor’s Appeal Page 4
GREAT EXPECTATIONS Four Sisters Townhouse brings a unique shot of Dickensian elegance to the after-work scene around St Paul’s Page 9
CITY MATTERS 20-26 October 2016
Incorporating the City of London & Dockland Times
Edition 005
Firms on alert after £11bn fraud report
CITY POLICE FORCE DELIVER WARNING TO SMALL BUSINESSES CITY of London Police has moved to protect the Square Mile’s small business scene after figures revealed that fraud and cybercrime cost the UK economy close to £11billion in the last year. Statistics from Get Safe Online, an awareness resource devised to assist in the prevention of internet fraud, show that £10.9bn escaped the pockets of taxpayers as a result of criminal activity – with small firms among the most vulnerable. The figure equates to approximately £210 per person over the age of 16, but represents only reported fraud and cybercrime to Action Fraud. A specially commissioned survey to mark Get Safe Online Day (18 October), reveals that this number is likely to be much greater, with respondents who had been a victim of online crime alone losing an average of £523 each – this being more than the average weekly earnings figure for the UK, which currently stands at £505.
Concerned In addition, 39% of people who reported they’d been victims of online crime said they hadn’t reported the incident – meaning the overall amount lost could be even more. Furthermore, a quarter (25%) said that they had a limited understanding of the risks they face when going online, but nine in 10 (89%) said they were “somewhat or very concerned” about their online safety and security. The vast majority also felt online crime was as damaging or more damaging than physical crime. City of London Police Commander Chris Greany, the national co-ordinator for economic crime, said: “All of us need to ask ourselves ‘are we
concerted effort: to protect the City
doing everything we can to protect ourselves from online criminals’. Unfortunately, people still click on links in unsolicited emails and fail to update their security software. Just as you wouldn’t leave your door unlocked, so you shouldn’t leave yourself unprotected online.” The Get Safe Online report went on to say that basic security procedure was not being followed by the large majority of the public – with 43% using the same password for multiple accounts. Chief executive of Get Safe Online Tony Neate described the results as “frightening”. He added: “It is clear from our survey that people are very concerned, and rightly so. “The fact that over a third of people felt there was nothing that could have been done to stop them becoming a victim is alarming indeed – particularly
when it’s so easy to protect yourself online. Also, as our research shows, people are losing large sums of money on average – £523 being the equivalent of a holiday abroad or the price of a new piece of technology in the home. As a result, it seems there is still a big education job to do.” Mr Neate advised people to check out the list of staying safe online tips at getsafeonline.org. “Let’s not let cyber criminals get away with it anymore by ensuring that each and every one of us is updating the operating systems of our various devices and ensuring security software is always updated,” he added. “What’s more, we all need to ensure that we have a different password for each online account we own and website we visit. Online safety needs to be part of our everyday routines.”
Michael Sheen shares in the spirit of giving for Social Saturday PAGE 3
Soprano on song to commemorate Great Fire of London PAGE 7 Fright night: where to get your freak on this Halloween PAGES 14&15
Page 2 | 20-26 October 2016
CITYMATTERS.LONDON
News Matters On this week down the years
painting a picture: while tackling London's air pollution situation
26 October 1951: The Conservatives defeat Labour in the general election by a small majority, making Winston Churchill Prime Minister for the second time. 22 October 1966: One of Britain’s most notorious double-agents, George Blake, escapes from prison in a daring break-out believed to have been masterminded by the Soviet Union. 20 October 1988: Government announces plans to change the law so that remaining silent could incriminate rather than protect a suspect.
focal figure: former PM Winston Churchill
Corrections & clarifications The editorial team at City Matters strives to ensure all information printed is true and correct at the time of publication. If you notice a story has been printed with an error or omission, please contact us through the website and we will be happy to amend as appropriate. Alternatively, to speak to a member of the news team, please contact us on the number below.
£2m project taking flight LONDON City Airport has introduced a stateof-the-art millimetrewave full-body scanner to increase the speed of security screening and detection at the airport. The Quick Personnel Security scanner R&S QPS200 from Rohde & Schwarz completes a scan in a matter of seconds and automatically detects potentially dangerous items. The device aims to maintain the airport’s customer pledge of 20 minutes from the front door to departure lounge as part of a £2million security investment.
Brick by very expensive brick
Air pollution problem put firmly on the map A CAMPAIGN to ‘Map London’ and create a street-by-street air map of the Capital has the backing of Greenpeace and the British Lung Foundation. Drayson Technologies plans to compile extensive air pollution data by equipping Londoners with personal smart sensors called ‘CleanSpace Tags’. “London is in the midst of an air pollution crisis,” said chairman and CEO of Drayson Technologies, Lord Paul Drayson. “But by equipping people with CleanSpace Tags we can empower [people] with info on the air around them. “We’re helping them avoid pollution hot spots on a street-by-street basis, whether it’s around their school, local park or hospital.” With outdoor air pollution contributing to around 10,000 early deaths a year in the Capital, the campaign aims to allow
Office runners tie up £167,000 STAFF rivalries reached fever pitch as employees from the London office of accountancy firm Wilkins Kennedy completed the annual Run the River fundraiser. A team of 15 runners put their best feet forward in 5km or 10km races to help fill the coffers of Teach First to the tune of £167,000. Every penny raised while hurtling alongside the Thames will go towards helping children from low-income backgrounds in the UK have access to a first-rate education. Craig Dallender, manager at Wilkins Kennedy’s corporate finance division, said bragging rights had been up for grabs prior to the starting gun. “On a personal note, I was particularly pleased to finish ahead of all of the runners from the tax department! “In all seriousness the team spirit was great not just within our team but amongst everyone involved at the event, which made for a really fun evening that we look forward to being a part of again next year.”
Londoners to take steps to reduce their exposure. “‘Map London’ relies on the power of the public to map air pollution on a hyperlocal level,” explained Lord Drayson. “As more people, groups and organisations use CleanSpace Tags, they will be crowdsourcing data that is vital to individuals, businesses and policy makers as we all take action against air pollution.
Establish “We’re excited to see how many CleanSpace Tags are deployed as part of this campaign, in order to establish London as a smart city that works together to collect air pollution data.” Chief executive of the British Lung Foundation, Dr Penny Woods, said it was refreshing to see companies using innovative ways to track air quality in areas where
people live, work and study. “Poor air quality, particularly concentrations of diesel pollution of the kind seen in many busy city locations, can seriously affect people’s health – especially if you have a pre-existing lung condition or are a growing child,” she added. “The important question is, what do we do with this information? We would urge public and private companies to work together to control and reduce pollution levels to improve all our health.” Greenpeace’s senior air quality campaigner, Barbara Stoll, hopes the project will prompt decisive action from the very top. She said: “Being aware of pollution levels around us is solving a part of the problem, but to truly solve the crisis what we need is action from the government – both at London and national level – to ensure that people are breathing cleaner air.”
PROSPECTIVE homebuyers are ‘bricking it’ at the prospect of four more years of rises in houseprices. Each brick in the average London home is now valued at £121.08, according to a new study. The Centre for Economics and Business Research for Barclays Mortgages estimates that the value of a brick in homes in the Capital will soar to £150 by 2020.
Spectacle is not to be missed MORE than two million TV viewers are expected to tune into the Lord Mayor’s Show when the illustrious spectacle pulls into town on 12 November. The party gets into full swing from 9am with a river pageant before a procession weaves its way through the City streets. Full details to come in City Matters.
Cheque mates! City Bridge Trust splash out NEARLY £500,000 has been ploughed into community projects across London by the City Bridge Trust this month. The Corporation’s charitable funder – the Capital’s biggest independent grant giver with £20million in donations made each year – has written sizeable cheques to the St Giles Trust in Camberwell, the Baytree Centre in Brixton, the East London Out Project in Walthamstow, and the School Food Matters campaign in Richmond. Speaking about the numerous donations, trust director David Farnsworth said: “We are committed to supporting Londoners to help
CITY MATTERS
Editorial Director: Tom Oxtoby Deputy Editor: Jo Davy Publisher: Roy Court editorial@citymatters.london 020 8766 0500
make our city a fairer place in which to live and work.” And as part of that pledge a total of £150,270 is heading to St Giles Trust. Funds will be used to help finance the organisation’s Wire project, which supports women who have recently left prison. Elsewhere, The Baytree Centre has banked in excess of £108,000 to assist in their delivery of an English Breakthrough scheme; designed to help women improve their English language skills, enabling them to participate in the wider community and access services. In Walthamstow, East London Out will
Commercial Director: Nick Chapman Media Executive: Laura May Woodley Advertising Design Manager: Serena Newbury advertising@citymatters.london 020 8766 0500
use their £147,470 grant to provide mental health services to the lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender community. Money will be spent on counselling services for a community who are on average more than twice as likely to experience psychological or emotional problems. The School Food Matters campaign, meanwhile, has been backed to the sum of £88,840. The grant will be used to help fund the Know Your Onions project. Working with 15 secondary schools in five London boroughs, the scheme will develop food growing programmes so that pupils can better understand the benefits of fresh fruit and veg.
Associate Editor: Dennis Delderfield Production: Steve Muscroft, Robert Money Social Enterprise Press Ltd
We at City Matters are committed to reducing the City of London’s carbon footprint – please pass this newspaper on before recycling.
CITYMATTERS.LONDON
Spending on Halloween to reach £300m SO-called Millennials will splash the cash this year as Halloween spending eclipses £300million for the first time. A poll estimates that half of those aged 16 to 35 will fork out on costumes and evenings out next week, bringing the amount pumped into the traditionally American holiday up from the £295m spent last year. Meanwhile, revellers have been urged to exercise extreme caution during their Halloween festivities. The ‘killer clown’ craze that originated in the US has recently touched down in the UK and officers are operating a robust approach to those aiming to harass and unnerve members of the public. “While we do not want to stop people from enjoying themselves, it is important that while having fun they remember to act in a responsible manner and understand that they could be prosecuted if a criminal offence is committed,” said the Metropolitan Police.
20-26 October 2016 | Page 3
Social souls show the way forward ACTOR Michael Sheen joined forces with the men and women behind social enterprises across region at the weekend as they congregated at Borough Market for Social Saturday. The star of stage and screen was in town to see first hand the contribution the alternative business models are having in the communities they serve. “Recently I’ve been visiting social enterprises in the UK and Spain to learn more about how they’re helping to change people’s lives for the better,” said Mr Sheen. “I’m keen to understand how I can help bring some of the strengths of this alternative business movement back to Wales.”
Consumers The UK is home to 70,000 social enterprises, including City Matters, and the chief executive officer of campaigning body Social Enterprise UK, Peter Holbrook, was delighted to have the backing of such a household name for one of the biggest day’s in his organisation’s calendar. “Awareness of social enterprise is growing in the UK and the key reason for this is the rise in the number of social enterprises selling to British consumers,” said Mr Holbrook. “People care about the ripple effect of their spending – it’s one of the reasons that the
dream team: Social Enterprise UK staff
social enterprise movement is thriving.” Social enterprises operate in communities across the nation, from coffee shops and cinemas to dentists, supermarkets and leisure centres, contributing £24billion to the economy while employing one million people. Free of shareholders, social enterprises– which include cooperatives – choose to
CENTRAL London has lost its billionaire appeal, according to luxury property sales statistics. Property group London Central Portfolio (LCP) carried out analysis on ‘super-prime’ luxury homes valued in excess of £10million, and discovered that sales had tumbled by 86% in a year. Hikes in stamp duty have been blamed for the downturn. Naomi Heaton of LCP said: “A price correction was inevitable and is widely reflected in reports of price discounting. “Whilst the long term outlook remains compelling, the market is likely to experience continued instability.”
Send your City of London stories to tom@citymatters.london
plough their profits back into the business to deliver on their social or environmental cause; whether that be getting ex-offenders back into employment or reducing the amount of waste that goes into landfill. Social Saturday was not just confined to the Capital, with numerous similar gatherings orchestrated across the country on 15 October.
Time for a review of green spaces NEARLY half of London business leaders believe the Government should take another look at the classification of poor quality Green Belt with a view to using it for housing. A poll by ComRes, commissioned by London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) – headquartered in the City – found 47% of business decision makers support the reclassification of poor quality Green Belt land around London to enable new housing development. It follows previous research by LCCI which found that London businesses see land availability as the top barrier to house building in London. Alongside an honest review of the Green Belt, LCCI has called on the Mayor of London to promote increased housing density around transport hubs to make the most out of existing infrastructure rather than relying on private transport.
top of Saturday’s menu: Michael Sheen samples the Brigade’s enticing dishes
Super wealth won’t foot bill
Something to share?
News Matters
Christmas 2016 Three Course Xmas Lunch - £27.50 per person Xmas Lunch Buffet - £13.50 per person Three Course Xmas Dinner & Disco - £35.00 per person Xmas Buffet & Disco - £15.00 per person All Three Course Lunches & Dinners receive a Free Glass of Prosecco per Person Private Venue Hire Available Up to 175 for Evening Reception Up to 90 Seated for Dinner Smaller Private Areas from 20 to 80
Riders rack up bike fines CYCLISTS have been incurring the wrath of City of London Police by flouting the ban on bikes on Tower Bridge. The iconic landmark is closed to vehicles and bicycles until the new year while essential
maintenance is undertaken. But while cyclists are permitted to dismount and cross the bridge using the still accessible public footpath, riders are paying the penalty for refusing to jump out of the saddle.
at steam you come as a customer but leave as a friend 1 St George’s Lane, London EC3R 8DJ 020 7929 0819 www.steamwinebar.com @steamwinebar | facebook/steamwinebar
Page 4 | 20-26 October 2016
CITYMATTERS.LONDON
News Matters
One eye kept on next door CENTRAL Londoners rank fourth in the nosiest neighbours table when it comes to finding out what other people’s homes are worth. Zoopla says that Reading, Milton Keynes and Cambridge complete the top three, with residents of the Berkshire town checking out the price of their neighbours’ homes nearly twice as much as the national average. At the other end of the spectrum Dundee, Middlesbrough, Hull and Glasgow households prefer to keep a closer eye on their own homes.
Cyclist happy to be back in the saddle A RELIEVED woman has thanked City of London Police after her bicycle was returned a month after it was stolen. Officers were able to reunite the victim with her prized possession because it was registered with BikeRegister, a national cycle database. The woman said: “It’s a great system, and I’m delighted to have my bike back.”
Buses need to pick up the pace PEDESTRIANS could soon be leaving bus passengers in the dust, according to a study on traffic in London. Congestion for motorists has risen by 40% over the course of the last four years, and now traffic in some areas of the city moves as quickly as pedestrians. So says data compiled by traffic information company Inrix, who estimate that the average speed of buses on the busiest Capital roads was just 3.8mph. The average walking speed is 3.1mph.
you raise me up: the Lord Mayor in action
Smooth abseiling WHAT goes up must come down – and it that’s exactly what happened as the Lord Mayor’s Appeal reached new heights. On 14 October Jeffrey Mountevans and the Lady Mayoress abseiled down from the clock tower of the historical St Lawrence Jewry, followed by almost 50 other brave participants who all wanted to do their bit for charity. Among the fearless flock to float down from the heavens last week were Lawson Muncaster, who is the managing director and co-founder of City A.M, and Martin Coles, the chief executive of the Sea Cadets. The
challenge began by climbing up the narrow spiral staircase to the top of the clock tower and then abseiling 94ft down the building to the sounds of cheering from waiting supporters below.
Tremendous Feet firmly back on the ground, the Lord Mayor said: “I had a tremendous time abseiling down St Lawrence Jewry with the Lady Mayoress and people from City businesses, charities and Livery Companies. “It was great fun, even if I was slightly too
No shocks over GOSH’s new man GREAT Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) has named James Hatchley as a new non-executive director. Mr Hatchley joins a team of five non-executive directors on the trust’s board, who together contribute to development of strategy, monitor activity and represent GOSH to the immediate and wider community. Commenting on his appointment, Mr
pre-occupied to enjoy the view! Thank you to everybody who watched, participated or donated money – your efforts will directly benefit the Lord Mayor’s Appeal and the work of its two beneficiary charities, JDRF and the Sea Cadets.” Plans are already in place to repeat the challenge, at a location yet to be decided, next year. There is still time to make a donation by searching ‘Lord Mayor Abseil 2016’ on JustGiving.
DUTCH Bank ING have shifted some 60 traders from overseas to the heart of the Square Mile. It is a move that allays fears the City would see a wave of jobs move away from the heart of London following the Brexit vote.
Salvation could come in public observation
Park up for two of Britain’s top 10 TWO central London open spaces have been named in the top 10 favourite parks in Britain. Victoria Park, managed by Tower Hamlets, and Arlington Square Gardens, Islington, were ranked second and ninth by voters in a Keep Britain Tidy poll. The charity then awarded their Green Flag Award to the best of the bunch, with Alexandra Palace gardens coming out on top. Commenting on why their park is so popular, a spokesperson for Victoria Park said: “Victoria Park is truly a place for a great day out. It is the largest and most popular park in East London. “It has more than 4,000 trees, two large lakes, boating pond, playgrounds and plenty of space for sports and relaxation. Sporting facilities include football, rugby, cricket pitches, tennis courts and a bowling green. “The park contains numerous heritage and listed features such as the BurdettCoutts Fountain, the Dogs of Alcibiades statues, three listed canal bridges, and two stone alcoves from the original London Bridge.”
City cashes in with ING
appointment: James Hatchley
Hatchley said: “It is a privilege to join the trust board of this world-leading institution. “I am looking forward to collaborating with the rest of the team to ensure the delivery of strong corporate governance.” Mr Hatchley has over 25 years of executive-level experience working in the financial services industry, most recently as European chief operating officer of Kohlberg Kravis and Roberts, a US-listed global investment firm. Since May 2015, he has acted as the independent member of the GOSH audit committee and the quality and safety assurance committee.
THE Salvation Army, in collaboration with Stop the Traffik, the Metropolitan Police and numerous cab companies, is launching a ‘Drive for Freedom’ campaign to raise awareness about modern slavery amongst taxi and mini cab drivers. Drive for Freedom recognises that professional drivers have a unique insight into what is happening in their districts. ‘They are out in the community at all times of the day and night, and often in a position to spot the signs that something suspicious is taking place,’ say organisers. Human traffickers are also known to target these vehicles when transporting victims from place to place. Speaking ahead of the launch event at The Salvation Army’s international headquarters in the City of London, Anne Read, director of antitrafficking and modern slavery at the charity said: “We are calling on taxi and mini cab drivers across London to be the ears and eyes of the community. “At The Salvation Army we work with victims of modern slavery at the start of their long journey to recovery and witness every day the devastation that human trafficking wreaks on people’s lives. ” To kick start Drive for Freedom, officers are distributing air fresheners printed with information on what to look out for along with safe and appropriate ways to report suspicious incidents. DCI Philip Brewer from the Metropolitan Police modern slavery and kidnap unit said: “Any piece of information, however big or small it is, could be relevant and form a missing piece
of the picture that could help us rescue someone at risk, bring perpetrators to justice and protect others potentially at risk of exploitation.” Meanwhile, ‘The Stop App’ can be downloaded on smartphones and gives anyone the opportunity to report what they’ve seen which might relate to human trafficking and modern slavery. Stop the Traffik CEO Ruth Dearnley hopes that by building a public-driven network of information officers will be able to make their investigations more efficient. She explained: “Lack of intelligence to build the real time picture of what is taking place is one of the greatest obstacles in disrupting this global crime.
Initiatives “We hope that communities of drivers across the UK will take the lead from successful initiatives like this one in London.” The scheme has been warmly welcomed by taxi firms across the Capital. Anjum Chowdhery of Goldline cars said: “We are delighted to support something as important as Drive for Freedom. “We have seen the real difference it can make when our drivers are informed about what to look out for and where to report something suspicious they see.” This week also sees The Salvation Army call on the public and city-central businesses to increase their awareness for the crime of modern slavery with its #askthequestion initiative. The campaign was launched in conjunction with Anti-Slavery Day (18 October).
CITYMATTERS.LONDON
Strike action on the cards A ROW over pay could see flights at London City Airport grounded from 20 October. CityJet cabin crew have announced five days of strike action if their demands for salary reviews are not met. An ‘array of issues’ is behind the decision to strike, which was supported by 84% of cabin crew staff, say Unite the Union. A major factor in the dispute was the loss of overnight allowances in Amsterdam when the airline opened a base in the city, along with the impact of lost income from the reduction in flights. Unite regional officer Jo Jaques said: “It is our view that the company is not taking its employees’ position seriously. “We call on CityJet to come up with serious proposals to address the members’ concerns and recognise that the hardworking crew have to live near City Airport to get to work on time. “Management needs to recognise that London is one of the most expensive cities in the world to live in.”
Businesses get their wish AN ‘overwhelming response’ from the business community has prompted the introduction of a permanent flight path between Cardiff and London City Airport. Flybe had taken the decision to temporarily run a capital-to-capital service while extensive maintenance was being completed on the Severn Tunnel. But following calls for the service to continue, Flybe has moved to appease their swelling new passenger base. Chief revenue officer Vincent Hodder said: “This route has quite simply taken off. “We are delighted to continue operating it to meet demand and look forward to going from strength to strength.” Flights take off twice a day and cost from £35 one-way.
20-26 October 2016 | Page 5
Recognising the Dr’s contribution HOMAGE PAID TO CHARITY FOUNDER AT ST PAUL’S
BARNARDO’S beneficiaries came together for a multi-faith thanksgiving service to recognise the charity’s founder Dr Thomas Barnardo recently. The achievements of young people and families who’ve turned their lives around with the charity’s support were also honoured with a series of speeches, poems, hymns and prayers at St Paul’s. Thanks was given to those who have worked tirelessly over the past 150 years to help transform the lives of the UK’s most disadvantaged children.
heart of gold: Dr Thomas Barnardo
of our founder. It also acknowledges the diverse backgrounds of our staff, volunteers and children, and recognises the huge contribution they have made over the past 150 years.” The congregation heard from Dr David Barnardo, the great-great nephew of Thomas
Eight companies make headlines with warrants ‘EXCEPTIONAL quality and unique products’ were recognised as the Worshipful Company of Stationers & Newspaper Makers awarded eight City firms with Product Warrants for 2017. The initiative, introduced by the Company’s former Master Helen Esmonde in 2015, takes into consideration wares from various sectors of the livery. Company chiefs say the scheme incorporates the original aims of livery companies in maintaining a high-standard of production while welcoming innovation. Once awarded, the warrant’s logo can be used on advertising and promotional material, and packaging. Court assistant Mike
Raise a glass to giving ESTEEMED members of the Worshipful Company of International Bankers will mark breaking the £1million charitable donation barrier on 20 October. The Company will be dropping in on a Brokerage CityLink workshop at Salesforce Tower in Bishopsgate to formally recognise the landmark.
Chance to shape force
Commemorative Not one but two specially commissioned commemorative anthems – created by internationally renowned supporters of Barnardo’s, composer John Rutter and poet Kevin Crossley-Holland collaborating with composer Cecilia McDowell – filled the halls on 19 October. Speaking ahead of the poignant ceremony, Barnardo’s chief executive Javed Khan said: “We have been helping vulnerable children and their families for 150 years, no matter what their background, religion or faith. “This multi-faith service at St Paul’s Cathedral reflects on the invaluable work
News Matters
James announced the winners (below) at a Livery Lunch last week.
THE BIG WINNERS
Prima: Cloud-based back office systems for independent dealers Victor Stationery: Flexibound notebook Dynamic: Ergo chair Acco: Rexel auto-feed shredder Sigel: Artveum world map glass board Euroffice: Office power concept for independent dealers Slightly Foxed: New concept in publishing Durable: Luctra table lamp
class acts: proud warrant winners
Something to share?
Gardeners get green light
Send your City of London stories to jo@citymatters.london
THE Corporation has picked up coveted silverware thanks to the help of green-fingered gurus. The City’s gardens have been officially recognised in the Royal Horticultural Society’s Britain in Bloom competition – with a silver
gilt on the way to the Guildhall after caretakers and landscapers impressed judges with their diligence. The annual contest has been encouraging people to improve their local environment since 1964.
Barnardo and vice president of the charity, while leaders of different faiths offered reflections and a prayer of thanksgiving for Barnardo’s life and work. Several other services are planned across the UK between October and December.
CITY of London Police have launched a survey in a bid to improve its service. A spokesman said: “It is an opportunity to provide important feedback on your views, concerns and suggestions about the City. “The information provided in your responses will be used for research purposes by both the City of London Police and the Corporation.” Search @CityPolice on Twitter to find the link to the survey.
CITYMATTERS.LONDON
20-26 October 2016 | Page 7
Entertainment Matters
What’s on in the City this week
blazing talent: soprano Raphaela Papadakis takes centre stage
Raphaela in a baptism of fire OPERA COMMEMORATES THE GREAT FIRE AND WHERE IT WAS FINALLY EXTINGUISHED THE crackle and pop of flames. Timber building frames capsizing. Shrieking sirens. Shrieking people. There are many sounds the ear might associate with the Great Fire of London, but the award-winning pipes of accomplished soprano Raphaela Papadakis probably isn’t one of them. Yet here she is, poised to perform And London Burned, probably the first opera ever written on the subject to commemorate the 350th anniversary of the fire that destroyed most of the City. So what does an opera written about a huge fire sound like? “I think the music is particularly effective at conveying the different degrees of panic over a passage of time,” Raphaela says.
Illustrates “If you look at the timeline, there was quite a long period in the beginning where people just stood around and didn’t really do anything, and then there’s huge uproar when St Paul’s literally starts melting. “So it’s that element of progression, that building to something enormously dramatic, that the piece illustrates particularly well.” Temple Music Foundation commissioned the piece in recognition of Inner Temple Hall, where Royal Bencher, James Duke of York, eventually extinguished the final flames on 5 September 1666. Composer Matt Rogers was tasked with creating a piece that chronicles the events leading up to and during the five-day fire as it jumped from building to building. “The sparks were being blown to various places, and because we were at war with
the Dutch, the response was to blame the foreigners,” Raphaela says. “At this point the opera really becomes quite menacing, and I think it really highlights the suspicion and finger pointing that’s absolutely relevant for today.” Overall, however, the message remains a positive one: “London burned but the city was rebuilt and regenerated, so there’s as much an emphasis on that as the destruction.”
Attractive And London Burned caps off a jam-packed year for the 28-year-old, who was singled out by the Financial Times as the “most attractive solo performance” in her debut at Garsington Opera in 2014. Recitals at Caregie Hall in New York and a residency at the Banff Centre in Canada quickly followed, as did first prizes at the Mozart Competition and at the London Handel Festival. Raphaela is also the recipient of a two-year sponsorship by the City Music Foundation (CMF), which works to mentor young musical artists and equip them with tools in financial, promotional and legal management to help further their careers. “I’ve had the opportunity to work with the likes of Joan Rodgers and Roger Vignoles, and those are relationships that are continuing beyond CMF; they really want you to succeed,” she says. And London Burned opens at The Temple Church on 27 October at 7.30pm, with further performances on 28 and 29 October. templemusic.org.
FESTIVAL / Battle of Ideas (right) Who controls driverless cars? Are dating apps the end of romance? Will the UK economy sink or swim after Brexit? These are just some of the burning questions that will be debated, discussed, argued and (ideally) answered in this annual war of words from the Institute of Ideas and the Barbican. More than 400 speakers will do battle over everything from internet privacy to why the term ‘pop-up’ still gets everybody into a tizz. Institute of Ideas director Claire Fox says the event “encourages an audience of freethinkers”. She added: “The festival’s slogan is ‘Free Speech Allowed’, an antidote to today’s climate of offence-taking.” Let the battle begin. Barbican Centre, Silk Street EC2Y 8DT 22 and 23 October THEATRE / Ragtime This all singing, all dancing picture of life in turn-of-the-20th-century New York was the Hamilton of the 1998 Tony Awards, leading with 12 nominations and four wins following its debut on Broadway. Almost two decades later, the story of three very diverse groups searching for the American dream remains especially potent for its exploration of race, immigration and violence. Ragtime will be Charing Cross Theatre’s second ever production following an ambitious production of Titanic earlier this summer. Charing Cross Theatre, The Arches, Villiers Street WC2N 6NL Until 10 December
EXHIBITION / The Big Bang Next week marks 30 years since the City of London changed forever. On 27 October, the London Stock Exchange was deregulated and markets were introduced to electronic trading. The sudden changes, known as the Big Bang, ended the gentleman’s club era of the Square Mile and kick-started London’s drive to become the global capital of financial services. See how it all unfolded with this display of original documents from the Bank of England’s archive. Bank of England Museum, Bartholomew Lane EC2R 8AH From 24 October DANCE / Pinocchio Forget the Disney version, Jasmin Vardimon Company’s innovative take on Carlo Collodi’s classic fairytale combines ‘physical theatre, quirky characterisation and innovative technologies with text and dance to explore the idea of what it means to be human.’ Following a successful debut at bOing, Kent’s international family festival, Israeliborn Vardimon, a Sadler’s Wells associate artist since 2006, brings Pinocchio home just in time for half-term holidays. Sadler’s Wells Theatre, Rosebery Avenue EC1R 4TN 24 and 25 October
Page 8 | 20-26 October 2016
Community Matters
in focus: Nick Boulton Thames by Graham Martin features in 'Money and Power' at the Guildhall
FAIR / Leadenhall Market Autumn Fair All that red and gold splendour makes historic Leadenhall Market prime for an Autumn Fair. Take a break from the daily grind with musical entertainment, a traditional skittle alley and of course plenty of food and drink from the traders. There’s also a golf putting challenge if you need a change from doing deals in the boardroom, with the winner receiving a trophy and ultimate bragging rights. Leadenhall Market, Gracechurch St, London EC3V 1LT 20 October, midday-3pm FESTIVAL / Omnivore Creativity and innovation are on the menu for this French-founded travelling food festival that debuted in London last year. Paving the way for ‘young cuisine’ internationally since 2013, the London event will call in the likes of Nuno Mendes, James Knappett, Tom Aikens, Lee Westcott, Gregory Marchand, Elizabeth Allen and Amandine Chaignot to champion the next generation of super chefs. Come hungry to make the most of a jam-packed schedule of free talks and demonstrations, one-off ticketed dinners, and lively artisans and street food market. Old Truman Brewery, Hanbury Street E1 6QL 21-23 October EXHIBITION / Money and Power When the London-based Gay Photographers Network were invited to exhibit work on the theme ‘Money and Power’, member Graham
CITYMATTERS.LONDON
What’s on when & where in the City Martin knew exactly which photo to submit. “Nick Boulton Thames links to ‘Money and Power’ in various ways – a well built guy; stripped to his underwear and standing in the Thames, a powerful and iconic river, which helped London develop as the financial centre of the world.” Guildhall Art Gallery, Guildhall Yard EC2V 5AE 21 October until 4 December WALK / Behind the Curtain London’s theatre scene is booming, with a reported 22million people seeing a play in the city every year. From the capital’s largest theatre, The Coliseum, to its “most perfect” Theatre Royal (according to Noel Coward, anyway), hear stories from some of our most iconic stages over this 90-minute wander through the worldfamous West End. Museum of London, 150 London Wall EC2Y 5HN 21 October, 2pm FESTIVAL / Bloomsbury Festival Between the British Library, the Museum of Comedy, Pushkin House and the Wellcome Collection, Bloomsbury has some serious
cultural cache year-round. But this little pocket of London turns up the dial to 11 every October for the annual Bloomsbury Festival. Now in its 11th year, Bloomsbury’s streets, parks, museums, galleries, laboratories and public and private buildings will play host to an explosion of arts, culture and science in 130 events over five days. Highlights include street party Step Out Store Street, global beats on the SOAS World Music Stage, and the event’s first ever pop-up literary festival. Various locations, Bloomsbury Until 23 October TALK / Sail to Stream: London’s role in a shipbuilding revolution From Gresham College’s Maritime Archeology Series, learn about how London became the largest port and industrial city in the world. Bermondsey, Deptford, Blackwall and Greenwich were all major centres for shipbuilding. Museum of London archeology project officer Elliot Wragg will look at the industrial river and consider the changing needs of shipping with the transition from sail to steam and its impact on London as a port. Museum of London, 150 London Wall EC2Y 5HN 24 October, 1pm-2pm KIDS / Animals in the Tower The Tower of London is famous as the home of crown jewels and criminals, but did you know it also played host to the royal menagerie? Among the animals gifted to the King were an African elephant, a couple of lions and a polar bear, which was kept on a long leash and permitted to swim and catch fish in the Thames. In these drop-in workshops, children can sketch wild beasts to add to a modern menagerie. Tower of London, EC3N 4AB 24 to 28 October
hotting up: Bloomsbury Festival. Photo by Stuart Keegan
get the lead out: Leadenhall Market will welcome the return of its Autumn Fair on 20 October
EAT / National Honey Week at OXBO It’s National Honey Week and OXBO Bankside’s one-off honey cake ice-cream sundae will have sweet tooths flocking to the Hilton dining spot like bees to…well, you know. It’s been a year full
of the sweet stuff for The Hilton, which partnered with Bermondsey Street Bees to install four beehives on their meadow garden in May, with the first harvest taking place last month. Taste the fruits of their labour at OXBO’s Saturday bottomless brunch, or grab yourself a sundae for £8 for a limited time. OXBO Bankside, 2-8 Great Suffolk St SE1 0UG 24 to 31 October
Weekly Planner Thursday FAIR / Leadenhall Market Autumn Fair Friday FESTIVAL / Omnivore Saturday EXHIBITION / Money and Power Sunday FESTIVAL / Bloomsbury Festival Monday TALK / Sail to Stream: London’s role in a shipbuilding revolution Tuesday EXHIBITION / The Big Bang Wednesday EAT / National Honey Week at OXBO
CITYMATTERS.LONDON
20-26 October 2016 | Page 9
Food Matters
Whimsical Sister Act FOUR SISTERS TOWNHOUSE DISHES UP REAL DICKENSIAN ELEGANCE; SHAKEN & STIRRED IT’S Thursday evening in the cobbled alleyways around St Paul’s and all around City workers are bursting from over-polished lobbies, looking around desperately for the nearest drink. Then there’s the question that brings the stampede to a screeching halt: “well, where are we meeting?” The traditional boozers are already buzzing with beery bankers and the restaurants are booked up with the smug and organised. Hidden away at the end of the Dickensian doors that line Grovedale
Court, off Bow Lane, Four Sisters is your answer. Billed as a “mischievous, whimsical” escape from the City with the essence of a Victorian-style gentleman’s club, Four Sisters is the lively but still relatively obscure cocktail bar sorely needed at this end of town. True to its tagline, the interiors do err on the side of whimsy, with floral wallpapers, gilt-framed mirrors, plush velvet coverings on banquet seating and up-cycled knick knacks and curiosities cluttering the bar and bookshelves. It’s
tuck in: at the Four Sisters
glass and a half of delight: sample the extensive cocktails menu on offer
a cosy atmosphere likely to do well as drinkers head back indoors over the coming months. Those familiar with sister(s) bar Four Sisters in Islington will have great expectations of the cocktail list and are unlikely to be disappointed. The Market to Glass menu is entirely seasonal; a tequila, lime, jalapeno and grapefruit combo we tried in late summer has been replaced by concoctions around cognac and aromatic bitters. There is also a dedicated menu for new wave, classic and forgotten cocktails. Staff are well-versed on the weekly changing menu, however, so if you’re nonplussed by all the new combinations, just let them know your flavour and they’ll do the rest. Food-wise, it would be fair to say the Four Sisters’ menu is patently aware of its market. For business lunchers and those who have to return to the office at some point, there are hearty sandwiches or more substantial meals, again with a seasonal nod. As for evening, when bar eats usually serves the sole purpose of lining the stomach, a selection of grazing platters will keep groups happy and upright. 5 Groveland Court EC4M 9EF
LET’S DO...
TRUFFLE SEASON: Coq d’Argent Autumn spells the beginning of truffle season for fine diners and Coq d’Argent is celebrating with a partnership with Maille that more than cuts the mustard. Head chef Damien Rigollet has created a special six-course tasting menu to highlight the in-season white truffle and Maille mustard. Dishes include duck foie gras ballotine with pear, honey-mustard and white truffle chutney, and sea bass with Devon crab and white truffle risotto and wholegrain mustard. Enjoy this match made in heaven for £95, or £150 with wine pairings for a limited time from 25 October. 1 Poultry EC2R 8EJ PRE-COMMUTE PINTS: Three Cranes Tavern This traditional boozer opposite Mansion House Station re-opened with a slick new look in August, around the time that most of EC4 was mid-way through a pitcher of Sangria somewhere in Spain. Now that we’re all well and truly back to the daily grind, Three Cranes’ well-honed wine list (we are in Vintry Ward, after all) and selection of craft beers are the perfect antidote for those who can’t quite bear the thought of the Tube during rush hour. Tasty bar snacks at ground level and more traditional three-course dining on level two might have you sticking around past the last train home. Not to worry, though, there’s a boutique hotel on level three. 28 Garlick Hill EC4V 2BA ALL-DAY DRINKING AND DINING: Burdock Well that sounds dangerous. Particularly when the bar’s owners – ETM Group – have already more than proved their stripes locally with The Jugged Hare. Burdock opened on the ground floor of the brand new Montcalm Royal London House Hotel in Finsbury Square earlier this month and it’s just as fancy as the digs above it. Four overhanging beer tanks filled with rotating craft ales preside over the 20,000 sq ft bar, which is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks. A dedicated juice bar caters for early risers, while light lunchers can snack on superfood salads. Stick around for something more substantial from the casual menu of small plates and sharing dishes, washed down with a couple of cocktails. 22-25 Finsbury Square EC2A 1DX
Want a Christmas party with a difference?
Get volunteering
Organise a day of corporate volunteering on the same day as your Christmas do and you’ll have a real reason to celebrate. Spend the day making mince pies with lonely older
people or wrapping presents for children … you get the celebration in the evening but the day has been spent putting the goodwill back into Christmas, doing something amazing and really getting to know your colleagues.
TimeBank makes it easy by taking care of all the
arrangements and making sure everything runs smoothly. TAKE A LOOK AT
http://timebank.org.uk/employeevolunteering/christmas-volunteering or call us on 0203 111 0721
Page 10 | 20-26 October 2016
CITYMATTERS.LONDON
Pay for a Day at Maggie’s We are calling on businesses and their employees to help fund a day at their Maggie’s Centre. All the money raised will go directly to providing practical, emotional and social support to people with cancer in your community. On average a Maggie’s Centre sees up to 100 people a day, providing support to anyone affected by cancer through a team of trained professionals in a warm and welcoming environment. It costs £2,400 a day to run a Centre and we are only able to keep our doors open, free of charge thanks to the support we receive from organisations and individuals.
To find out more about supporting your local London Centre contact Ali Orr at ali.orr@maggiescentres.org or on 020 7386 3523 www.maggiescentres.org/payforaday
Maggie Keswick Jencks Cancer Caring Centres Trust (Maggie’s) is a registered charity, No.SC024414
CITYMATTERS.LONDON
20-26 October 2016 | Page 11
Shopping Matters
The write stuff
Sampling the City’s top 3 stationary shops
Setting up shop hot property: the Royal Exchange has welcomed new retailers
Quill Quill’s calligraphy workshops have bridesto-be lining out the door, but it’s founder Lucy Edmonds’ eye for stylish stationary that keeps them coming back. Lucy stocks everything from neon Japanese iPad covers to beautiful scalloped leather goods from Washington D.C-based accessories label Matine, plus her own range of pretty personalised stationary. 37 Amwell Street EC1R 1UR Present & Correct The founders of Present & Correct are both graphic designers, who opened this cute-asa-button Clerkenwell shop to showcase “the things we have enjoyed since school”. Cue vintage-inspired notebooks, chalkboards and thick, bright pencils from all over the world. 23 Arlington Way EC1R 1UY London Graphic Centre A veritable haven of line and colour for those in the art and design fields, London Graphic Centre’s Covent Garden flagship stocks just about every pen, pencil and marker in the business. Feed your craft addiction with a huge selection of paints, brushes, pastels and fine liners. 16-18 Shelton Street WC2H 9JL
ASPINAL of London and Halcyon Days are among four new high-end retailers to set up shop in the Royal Exchange by the end of the year. Building owner Oxford Properties has announced the new additions as part of a push to further establish the Grade I-listed building as a luxury shopping destination within the City’s threadbare retail scene. Jeweller Halcyon Days opened its first City store last week, joining swimwear label Orlebar Brown, and accessories brand Aspinal of London, which both signed new five-year leases in June. Artisanal coffee chain Grind & Co opened Royal Exchange Grind in May and will be joined by high-end eyewear label TD Tom Davies, by the end of the year. Officially opened by Queen Elizabeth I in
1571, The Royal Exchange was founded by merchant Thomas Gresham, who wanted to establish a centre for the Capital’s trading. Oxford Properties purchased the historic building in 2013 for a reported £86.5million. The Canadian real estate group has taken a strategic approach in promoting the scheme as the only contemporary luxury shopping destination within the Square Mile. Current tenants include Tiffany & Co, Hermes, Watches of Switzerland, Montblanc and George Jenson. This is the second set of retailers to move in since the purchase, after Leica, E. Marinella and Georg Jensen took up residency last year. Jonathan Harley, associate asset manager at Oxford Properties, said: “The Royal Exchange is home to an unrivalled collection of
contemporary and luxury brands, and is where the City converges to meet, eat and shop. “We are delighted to announce so much activity over the last nine months.” Law firm CBRE acted as leasing agent for Oxford Properties. Steven Stedman, executive director of central London retail at CBRE, said: “The Royal Exchange is part of the very fabric of London and its bustling location makes it an ideal base for both luxury retailers and exciting restaurant brands. The five new tenants will further enhance what is already a diverse offering. “The Royal Exchange team has been able to attract the right brands to appeal to the City demographic, many of whom are new entrants to the City market, and I have no doubt that they’ll prove to be a success.”
02072833051 | 02072833047 53-54 LEADENHALL MARKET LONDON EC3V 1LT WWW.CHEQUERSBEAUTY.CO.UK
BO D Y BE AU TIQU E BY S IO BHAN its cup to you: Mark Lilley wants to inspire change
Abokado targets coffee cup wastage House community to follow suit. If all outlets operate a similar offer then together we can dramatically address the current situation and make a positive impact on the environment.” The campaign follows a similar trial from Starbucks earlier this year, where the US chain offered 50p off for customers who brought in reusable cups in response to criticism that high street coffee chains were making false claims about how many cups they recycle. Costa, Pret and Café Nero were among the chains to face backlash over their sleeves bearing the recycle symbol, which environmental campaigners claim is tricking the consumer into thinking the whole cup was being recycled, not just the sleeve. While most coffee cups are paper, they need to be sent to specialist recycling facilities where the plastic used to laminate the paper is removed. Fewer than three million were recycled last year, according to Simply Cups, which operates Britain’s only paper cup recycling service.
DISCOUNTS ON ALL LASER HAIR REMOVAL COURSES MICRO AREA SMALL AREA
(COURSE OF 8) WAS £212 NOW 10% £190.80 (COURSE OF 8) WAS £276 NOW 10% £248.40
MEDIUM AREA (COURSE OF 8) WAS £340 NOW 10% £306.00 EASY PAYMENT PLANS AVAILABLE
A N T I -AG E IN G S KIN RE J U VE NATIN G TRE ATME N TS BY FAYE GLYCOLIC PEEL (40%)
WAS £70 NOW £50.00
DERMAPEN (MICRO-NEEDLING) • EYE TREATMENT • FACE • NECK & DECOLLETAGE
WAS £95 NOW £75.00 WAS £180 NOW £140.00 WAS £150 NOW £110.00
RED CARPET FACIAL
WAS £165 NOW £125.00 • INCLUDES DERMAPEN, GLYCOLIC PEEL, COLLAGEN FACE MASK
T&C’S • MUST BRING THIS VOUCHER TO REDEEM DISCOUNTS • ALL OFFERS EXPIRE 9TH DEC 2016 • NOT VALID IN CONJUNCTION WITH ANY OTHER OFFERS OR DISCOUNTS
LONDON-based healthy ‘grab-and-go’ chain Abokado has joined the war on coffee cup waste, offering a 25p discount on their coffee for customers who bring their own reusable cup. The ‘Cupcycle’ campaign has been introduced in response to findings from coffee cup recycling scheme Simply Cups, which suggested fewer than one in 400 high street coffee chain paper cups are recycled in the UK. Abokado founder Mark Lilley is calling on all coffee chains to follow suit, in an effort to make a dint in the 2.5billion coffee cups handed out across the Capital each year. The chain is currently in talks with the developers of a 100% recyclable cup and plans to introduce the model in its 28 outlets across central London within the next year. Mr Lilley said: “In the meantime, we hope this 25p off initiative will not only help reduce the number of unrecyclable cups leaving our stores, but encourage London’s great Coffee
10%
Page 12 | 20-26 October 2016
CITYMATTERS.LONDON
History Matters
A Lord Mayor like no other
THE RADICAL JOHN WILKES BLAZED A TRAIL AS A CHARMER AND AGITATOR EARLIER this week, 17 October to be exact, was the birthday of 18th-century radical John Wilkes (1725-1797) in Clerkenwell. From a middle class background, Wilkes was a sophisticated intellectual who built a career as a fearless and charismatic politician who charmed or enraged all who knew him: a huge personality in an era of egotistical celebrity. He eventually became Lord Mayor of London and then Chamberlain, having struggled somewhat with life in Parliament. Not a handsome man, he was nonetheless a very successful seducer, claiming that he loved all women except his wife and that it only took him half an hour to explain away his face. Unfortunately, the most well-known likeness of him is a severely cross-eyed caricature from the pen of William Hogarth, an enemy. This has been countered in part by a striking modern statue in Fetter Lane: look out for it. Owing to deliberately disobliging (and pornographic) articles against King and administration in his publication The North Briton, Wilkes was excluded from parliament several times as well as being sent to gaol in 1770
for seditious libel, following four years of French exile. Wilkes enjoyed a huge following on the streets of London, where the threat of violence was ever-present. “Wilkes and Liberty!” went the cry. His incarceration caused a riot with fatalities in Southwark. Excluded from parliamentary life in 1669, Wilkes turned his attention to the City, where he had plenty of support and became a far more powerful and influential politician thereby. Having completed his sentence, he served as Alderman and then Sheriff before becoming Lord Mayor in 1774.
Largesse He made daughter Polly – to whom he was utterly devoted – his lady mayoress and proceeded on a year of lavish entertainment and largesse, well beyond his official allowance and indeed his own pocket (Wilkes always had money problems which he never allowed to detain him unduly). But he took his duties and responsibilities as Lord Mayor seriously and his was a hugely popular administration. As a City politician Wilkes pursued many
immortalised: the statue in Fetter Lane
radical causes: opposing the corruption of juries; fighting against the death sentence for trivial crimes; speaking out against rotten boroughs; and so on. Most crucially and successfully of all though, he used the City to break the ban on the reporting of Parliament. As a pamphleteer, journalist and publisher himself, and one who had seen the inside of a gaol for it, freedom of the Press was the cause closest to his heart. In 1771 he used his faction’s dominance in the City to grant refuge to all printers who wished to report on Parliament – strictly against the law.
The government thought better of fighting this particular battle. This massive coup for Press freedom was Wilkes’s greatest achievement. John Wilkes became Chamberlain of London (the City) in 1779, a post he held until his death 18 years later, finally leaving Parliament for good in 1790. In this role he played a leading part in suppressing the massively violent Gordon Riots in 1780, directing troops in the defence of the Bank of England. This act completed his poacher turned gamekeeper transformation. MIKE PATERSON @LondonHistorians
PUBLIC NOTICES Licensing Act 2003 Notice of Application for a Variation to a Premises Licence Notice is hereby given that Exchange Square Management Ltd has applied to the City of London Corporation on 18th October 2016 for the variation to a premises licence to use the premises Exchange Square, London, EC2A 2BQ for the provision to include the sale of alcohol between the hours of 1100 and 2300hrs. The record of this application is held by the Licensing Authority and can be viewed on the website www.cityoflondon.gov.uk or inspected at the offices of the City of London Corporation, Licensing Service PO Box 270, Guildhall, London, EC2P 2EJ during normal office hours (Ring in advance for appointment). Any person wishing to submit representations to the application must give notice in writing to the Licensing Authority at the address shown above, giving in detail the grounds for objection by Tuesday 15th November 2016 (28 days from display of notice). Representations must be received by the Licensing Authority by the date given above. The Licensing Authority will have regard to any representations made when considering this application. It is an offence under section 158 of the Licensing Act 2003 for anyone to recklessly or knowingly make a false statement in connection with a licensing application. The maximum fine on conviction is £5,000.
CITYMATTERS.LONDON
20-26 October 2016 | Page 13
Wellness Matters
Greener grocers City’s top organic supermarkets
Planet Organic Planet Organic was founded in 1995 by Renée Elliott, who spotted the strength of the organic trend in the US and was the first to bring it over to the UK. It’s now our largest fully certified organic supermarket chain, with seven central London locations stocking more than 8,000 lines of organic, sustainably sourced meats and groceries plus ethical beauty products. Unit 3, 4 & 5 Devonshire Square EC2M 4AE As Nature Intended This multi-award winning purveyor of healthy, eco-friendly foods sources products according to how they affect the environment, animal welfare, fair trade practices and British businesses. Around 80% of the product lines are certified organic, and nothing contains any artificial nasties or preservatives. The Exchange Building 132 Commercial Street E1 6NG Alara Health Store This Bloomsbury favourite is part independent health food store, part vegetarian café. In the grocery aisles, you’ll find a range of organic cereals, seeds, nuts and grains, plus nutritional supplements and eco-friendly skincare. The on-site kitchen also pumps out a huge variety of salads, soups and veggie meals to eat in or takeaway. 58 Marchmont Street WC1N 1AB
Playing matchmaker
Desk gadgets are a magnet for germs
the winning combination: classes boast a perfect blend
IT wasn’t all that long ago that free weights and yoga mats belonged on opposite sides of the gym, as did the people using them. But a new breed of hybrid studios is sweeping London’s fitness scene, spruiking the benefits of a combination workout that puts the downward dog in your deadlift and vice versa.
What is it?
New Spitalfields studio ETHOS offers classes in barre, yoga, High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), spin and TRX. Where students would normally have to hit two or three gyms to get this kind of variety, ETHOS has the whole lot under one roof, as well as signature fusion classes that combine the principles of more than one discipline. All are held in heated studios and promise a big hit of cardio and body detoxing.
How does it work?
Students can mix and match their weekly classes, experimenting with new combinations of spin and yoga, or barre and HIIT. ETHOS is the brainchild of couple Dr Theo Koutroukides and Jennifer Hersch, both Cambridge graduates with a PhD in Biotechnology and Neuroscience and a Masters of Philosophy in Indian Philosophy/ Sanskrit respectively. This unique combination of qualifications led to some fairly unique thinking around the fusing worlds of yoga, fitness and science, hence the ‘Mind, Body, Alchemy’ tagline. For a more thorough going over, head to the FitLab, where Theo performs genetic analysis for diet and fitness, as well as tests to measure your adrenal stress, bacterial levels and potential food allergies.
Why all the fuss?
Having taught a variety of classes, Jennifer noticed some of her yoga students needed help with strength and cardio, while fitness fanatics often need assistance opening up the body. “Our approach allows both types of students to work better on balancing the body, preventing injury and having an open mind,” she says. “For us, yoga and fitness can be the same thing if approached from mindfulness – an overused buzz word these days where people think they have to attend a special workshop to work on it. You can work on it in every aspect of your life including how and when you work your body.”
How much?
£20 per class, or a flexi pass will get you eight classes a month for £120.
Where can I try it?
Old Spitalfields Market, 8 Horner Square E1 6EW
OFFICE workers might want to think about stocking up on antibacterial wipes ahead of flu season, after new research revealed the average keyboard carries over 20,000 times more bacteria than a toilet seat. IT training providers CBT Nuggets swabbed common technological devices found in the office to find out how much bacteria they harboured. The results revealed that the electronic ID badge was the dirtiest item, with an average of over 4.6million colony forming units (CFUs) per square inch. That’s 243 times more bacteria than a pet toy, which has around 19,000. The smartphone came in at third dirtiest, with just over 16,000 CFUs per square inch, 20,500 times more bacteria than what was found on an average a toilet seat. Researchers said: “We keep our desks tidy, we wipe down counters, and our office attire gets washed regularly. But so many of us never consider cleaning our devices. “It might be safe to say that illness could be lurking at your fingertips.”
Make the money you spend on print work twice
Buy your print from Social Enterprise Press. The profit from your work will help provide training for ex-service personnel requiring a route back to civilian life.
Find out more at info@sepress.org or call 020 8640 6015