WALK DOWN MEMORY LANE Mike Paterson explores Temple Bar and its significance to the City’s rich history, and what the future holds for the landmark Page 14
SENSE OF ADVENTURE Innovative Young Explorers’ Map will help open up a whole new world for children at St Paul’s Cathedral Page 2
CITY MATTERS 02-08 November 2016
Incorporating the City of London & Dockland Times
Edition 007
Journey times to City ‘could treble’
FESTIVE RAIL DISRUPTION IS ON THE CARDS OVER CHRISTMAS PASSENGERS heading to the City have been urged to keep their Christmas on track by planning now for major winter rail engineering works. Train users have been warned that travel times could treble over the festive period, with scheduled maintenance set to completely close Liverpool Street, Paddington and Charing Cross stations for parts of the holiday. London Bridge will also be subject to delays and a rescheduled service, impacting passengers’ ability to move freely in and out of the Square Mile. The extensive plans (listed right) have been described as over ambitious by travel consultants IBPTS and campaign group Railfuture, but Network Rail hit back and said all measures had been taken to minimise disruption. Phil Hufton, managing director for England & Wales at Network Rail, said: “Work takes place all year round as part of our Railway Upgrade Plan, but we usually carry out larger upgrades over bank holidays as this is when passenger numbers are at their lowest. “This Christmas will see significant investment in our railway with thousands of Network Rail’s orange army working hard to deliver hundreds of crucial projects to improve Britain’s railways. “This will mean changes to services over the festive period, so we strongly advise passengers to plan their journeys as early as possible.” Upcoming maintenance represents another huge programme of improvements under the The Railway Upgrade Plan banner, with up to 200 projects
orange army: will be out in force
Where the train pain will be felt locally: Crossrail West: Work taking place between Old Oak Common, Stockley, Hayes, Acton and Maidenhead sees significant changes to services out of London Paddington from Christmas Eve, including services to Heathrow.
Culinary stars are shining brightly over at Merchant’s Tavern PAGE 9
Crossrail East: Major upgrades in preparation for new services in 2017 will mean that bus replacements and diversions will be in place to some services out of London’s Liverpool Street on the Great Eastern main line to Colchester, Ipswich and Norwich from 23 December until 4 January. Thameslink: Major improvement work on the approaches to London Bridge means there will be no Southeastern services to London Bridge and Charing Cross from 24-28 December, or to Cannon Street from 24-27 December.
being delivered across Britain simultaneously. The Railway Upgrade Plan makes up two-thirds of Network Rail’s £40billion spending priorities for a five-year period to 2019, and represents the biggest sustained programme of rail modernisation since the Victorian era. Mr Hufton stressed that despite the grand undertaking, services will for the most part continue as usual. He added: “Despite our essential
upgrades, the vast majority of the rail network – more than 90% – remains unaffected and will be open for business as usual. “This vital investment will make the railway more reliable for years to come, while improving journeys for thousands of passengers. “There’s never a good time to impact on journeys and I’d like to thank passengers in advance for their patience.”
Stressed out? Make getting yourself a digital detox a top priority PAGE 10 Yet to book the office Christmas meal? Here’s your last chance! PAGE 15
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News Matters On this week down the years
Spooky spirits are on a high
6 November 1956: British and French troops protecting allied interests in the Suez Canal battle with Egyptian soldiers in the Canal Zone. 3 November 1975: The Queen formally begins the operation of the UK’s first oil pipeline at a £500,000 ceremony in Scotland. 2 November 2000: The controversial chief inspector of schools in England, Chris Woodhead, steps down, to the delight of teachers’ unions.
LONDON has crept – or should that be crypt – into the top 10 most generous cities in the UK for rewarding trick or treaters. Some cities are stingier than others when it comes to delivering the goods for those dressed as ghouls and ghosts on Halloween, but the Capital finds itself on the more popular list of top 10s in a seasonal survey. Households in Leeds spent on average £16.40 on treats for creatures of the night last week, with Colchester (£16.20) and Bristol (£16) rounding off the top three. London homes came 10th in the poll, spending £13.75 on revellers. Hull was found to be the least generous on All Hallows’ Eve, spending a meagre average of £1.25 on sweets; followed closely by Nottingham and Cambridge.
riding in formation: the Suez Canal battle
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.
all mapped out: Reuben Coe
St Paul’s has sprinkling of some animal magic A NEW Young Explorers’ Map featuring many of St Paul’s weird and wonderful animals, including an owl, camel and lions, has youngsters looking at the cathedral in a whole new light. The map was designed by Reuben Coe, an artist who has Down Syndrome, in partnership with St Paul’s in a bid to make the iconic landmark more accessible for people of a young age. It also has informative text in Reuben’s Font – a design based on the artist’s handwriting. Speaking at the launch of the interactive map on 27 October, St Paul’s Canon Chancellor Rev Mark Oakley explained: “Reuben Coe is many things. He is a son, a brother, an uncle, a friend, a writer, an artist, a comedian. And he is also a person who was born with Down Syndrome... Thank you Reuben for working
Slice of drama on Bread Street POLICE cordons had to be put in place last week after reports of a suspicious vehicle in the heart of the City – but the incident proved to be a false alarm. Officers from the City of London Police were called into action at around 10.30am on 26 October after concerns were raised in Bread Street, close to St Paul’s. Locals went to social media channels in search of an answer to the commotion.
Evacuated One user, Ben Daniels, said on Twitter: “Being told to stay away from windows. Bomb threat on Bread Street near St Paul’s. Interesting Wednesday morning.” Employees at nearby offices were evacuated as a precautionary measure while police waited for specialist units to arrive and assess the vehicle. And around an hour after police arrived on the scene the situation was declared safe, allowing workers to get back to their desks.
with us and for the way in which you have brought these animals to life. We are excited to introduce them to our youngest visitors to the cathedral.” After sub-organist Peter Holder played Reuben’s favourite hymn – How Great Thou Art – some visitors started to seek out St Paul’s animals with the map. St Paul’s head of schools and family learning, Donna McDowell, said: “Reuben was an absolute delight to work with. In his initial meeting with myself and the designer he brought along a portfolio of his work, and it was obvious from looking at his drawings of London that he was perfect for this project. “We spent time together in the cathedral, talking about the art work and the statues and the cathedral’s history. I wanted Reuben
to get a sense of the place and all the imagery inside before settling on what illustrations he would provide for our new Young Explorers’ Map. “Reuben was really taken with the different lions that can be found all around the cathedral and so it felt very natural to make animals our focus. “We took some photographs and Reuben’s brother Manni told me that as soon as they went back to their hotel he started drawing them. He also drew himself dancing in the rain outside the cathedral with his umbrella. “This is my favourite illustration as it really captures Reuben’s infectious joy and the delight he felt at discovering St Paul’s for himself.” The artist himself said: “I’m looking forward to seeing the Young Explorers use the map.”
Only 39% of us are secure FIGURES show that only 39% of people in London are following government’s latest advice to use strong passwords made up of three random words. It is, according to the National Cyber Security Centre, one the most important actions people can take to protect themselves from cybercrime. Security Minister Ben Wallace said: “While we will invest £1.9billion in security over the next years, we can all take simple steps, like using three random words to create a strong password.”
Committee marks its 30th anniversary A SPECIAL service at St Paul’s on 1 November marked the start of a year of events commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Archbishops’ committee for minority ethnic Anglican concerns (CMEAC). The committee was established to encourage and engage participation from the church’s minority populations at every level. CMEAC is the primary point of contact for advice and resources regarding ethnic difference and marginalisation, advocacy and radical justice. St Paul’s Canon Pastor Rev Tricia Hillas said: “If I have seen further it is by standing
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on the shoulders of Giants, said Isaac Newton, recognising the debt he owed to those who had gone before him. “On this All Saints Day, the church recognises and celebrates the inspired souls, the saints and holy people whose lives and witness encourage and guide us in our own response to God’s call.
Thanks “This year, as we mark All Saints Day, we take the opportunity to give special thanks for the women and men of colour from around the world who have gone before us and who are now part of the great cloud of witnesses. Coming
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from diverse backgrounds, representing many different nationalities and cultures, these black saints inspire us by their lives; they give us hope amidst the changes and challenges of our own day. “We are delighted to welcome supporters of CMEAC which works for the full inclusion and participation of people of black and minority ethnic backgrounds at every level within the Church of England.” The 12-month programme of events concludes in 2017 with the launch of a new publication Inspired Souls – Black Saints and Holy People from around the World.
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Bicycle chase banker fined AN investment banker has been fined almost £2,500 for leading police on a 20-minute chase through the Square Mile on his bicycle after cutting up a patrol car. Tanneguy Marie De Carne, 53, a senior figure at banking giant Société Générale, ran red lights and cycled along pavements in a bid to evade police and escape back to his £2.7million home in St John’s Wood back in March. The Frenchnational ignored the police car’s flashing blue lights and officers’ repeated orders for him to stop. He appeared at City of London Magistrates’ Court on 26 October, pleading guilty to dangerous cycling and failing to stop for police. Judge Catherine Hobey-Hamsher fined Mr De Carne £1,250 for dangerous cycling and a further £1,000 for failing to stop. During sentencing, she commented: “People do not like cyclists, and you are doing nothing to enhance their reputation.” Angry advocacy group Cycling UK condemned both Mr De Carne’s actions and the judge for her comments. The organisation says it plans to lodge a complaint with the City of London Magistrates’ Court that a judge with such disparaging views should not be presiding over cases involving cyclists.
Abandoned car cause of delays CITY Police were called to remove an abandoned car from London Wall on Monday morning. One lane was blocked to traffic heading west bound and substantial delays meant office workers were late clocking in.
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02-08 November 2016 | Page 3
On song City duo are in the running TWO members of the Department of Music at City University London have hit the right notes and been shortlisted in the 2016 British Composer Awards. Lecturer Dr Claudia Molitor has been named in the Sonic Art category, while performance officer Leo Chadburn is up for the Chamber Ensemble prize. Dr Molitor has been recognised for her work Sonorama, a smartphone app that train passengers can listen to on journeys between St Pancras International and Margate station in Kent. Inspired by trains, journeying and the disconnect between looking at the passing landscape and hearing only the interior sounds of the carriage, the work fills the gap between the visual and sonic realities of rail travel. Imagining the journey as the ‘score’, the collection of compositions, interviews, readings and archive material respond to the social history of the route, covering topics as diverse as visio-centricity, Roman history and hop-picking – all relating to a different point or area between London and Margate and informed through a collaboration with historian David Hendy and the British Library. Dr Molitor said: “It’s very exciting that Sonorama has been shortlisted alongside the
News Matters 19% of London earns less than living wage LONDON has the lowest proportion of workers earning less than the voluntary living wage – but nearly a fifth are still short of taking home what is deemed acceptable. Estimates put the Capital and the south east top of the lot when it comes to making sure employees pick up a pay packet they can live on, but 19% still earn below the threshold.
Increasing
scores of talent: Claudia and Leo
work of two fantastic artists, Magz Hall and Hanna Tuulikki. Indeed, the whole list of nominees for these awards is impressive, I feel honoured to be included.” Meanwhile, proud Leo’s nominated piece, Freezywater, was commissioned by Wigmore Hall and was premiered by the ensemble Apartment House. Influenced by the concepts of psychogeography and ‘deep topography’, the words in the 15-minute composition are the names of 50 topographical features such as hills, rivers, roads and woods that are found
in a huge circle around outer London. Leo is thrilled to be in the running, and said: “This year’s shortlist features an incredibly diverse range of musicians, including many composers who I would cite as inspirations, personal creative mentors and great artists. “I’m very proud my name has been chosen to be in amongst them.” The winners will be announced at a ceremony on Tuesday 6 December at the British Film Institute, with their work broadcast on the BBC Radio 3 programme Hear and Now the following Saturday.
Research by Markit for KPMG shows five million (one in five) people in the UK earn less than £8.25 per hour, or £9.40 if they live in London. Staff in Northern Ireland are the most adrift of the voluntary living wage line, with an average of 27% earning less than they should be. Shortly after the figures were released Mayor of London Sadiq Khan announced that he was increasing the London living wage to £9.75 per hour.
Chaos as bike crew revs up Halloween RESIDENTS and visitors to the City were scared stiff on Halloween, but not by trick or treaters. Locals were left leaping for safety over the weekend when hundreds of masked riders on motorbikes and quadbikes took to the streets in what has become an annual rideout.
“Whilst we welcome the use of the public road network we do not tolerate any antisocial or intimidating behaviour. “There is a policing plan in place, with additional officers in place across a number of boroughs to tackle any offences or associated crimes.
Mounted
“Police will take action against anyone found to be committing dangerous or careless riding, road traffic, antisocial and public order offences.” The incident follows a similar event this time last year when 200 riders – some also on quadbikes – drove around south London to mark Halloween. Thieves within the group stole an estimated £400 in petrol and sweets from a fuel station in Streatham.
The crew – that some witnesses said was around 500 strong – mounted pavements and were reportedly throwing firecrackers at police as they raced around the centre of London. One was allegedly halted by officers at London Bridge. A spokesman for the Met confirmed that on 30 October the force received reports of a number of riders engaging in antisocial behaviour. The statement added:
‘the idyllic fish restaurant in the heart of the city’.
Dangerous
Bed bugs striking back OFF on holiday? Be careful not to bring anything unwanted back with you. The phones of pest controllers have been ringing off their hooks since the summer holiday season, with a 140% spike in reports of bed bugs. Rentokil Pest Control says
Cthehamberlain’s Restaurant in the heart of the Historical Leadenhall Market, one of oldest Markets in London dating back to the 14th century has been described as
international travel is most likely the cause of the sharp increase in the blood-sucking insects’ growing population in the UK. Last month City Matters reported an outbreak of bed bugs at a sheltered living complex in Tower Hamlets.
Chamberlains offers an a la carte menu, with such classic dishes as Dover Sole, Carlingford Irish Oysters, Skate Wing, vegetarian and gluten free choices.
We have a carefully selected wine list offering wines from around the world to compliment your food selection, and reasonable priced wines by the glass. Our Whisky & Cognac bar is the place to meet when in the city or relax on our chesterfields enjoying one of our many Scottish Single Malts, Irish and Japanese Whiskies together with boutique Cognacs and Armagnacs. If cigars are what you prefer we have a varied selection of hand rolled Havana Cigars, for you to enjoy outside or to take home.
Chamberlain’s Restaurant is available for private hire and offers complete flexibility – from relaxed intimate dining for tables of 12 up the 200 with exclusive use of all floors, to formal lunches, presentations, weddings, drinks and canapé receptions.
23 – 25 Leadenhall Market London EC3V 1LR T 020 7648 8690 E info@chamberlainsoflondon.com www.chamberlainsoflondon.com
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News Matters
Public panel to take on US election issues PROFESSOR Inderjeet Parmar will be among the panelists during a public talk on the US election. Clinton vs Trump: What Does America Stand For? will feature US politics experts and is to be held at City University of London on 2 November. Among the subjects being discussed are: why women are still voting for Trump (below); links between US political change and the unravelling of the current global order; racial issues including Black Lives Matter; and a class-based analysis of the election. The free to attend discussion starts at 5.30pm.
CITYMATTERS.LONDON
Children vital to future planning A CITY-based social mobility charity celebrated its 20th birthday with a special awards and celebration evening late last month. The landmark ceremony of The Brokerage Citylink recognised the support the charity has received throughout the past two decades. The event, which was held in the WalkieTalkie building at City law firm DWF, welcomed Mark Boleat, chairman of the policy and resources committee at the Corporation, as guest of honour – and he shared his experience of working with the charity down the years. Among the guests were Year 6 pupils from Saint Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Southwark, who impressed corporate reps with their networking and presentation skills. The Brokerage has been building links between employers and the local communities surrounding the financial districts since 1996. These relationships enable the charity to help young people achieve their career potential by providing experience of work, employability skills and jobs in financial, professional and related services. Bridget Gardiner, executive director of The Brokerage, said: “Our vision is a world where a young person’s ability and aspiration alone determine their career path. Whilst
Brokerage’s big winners Outstanding Corporate Supporter: Winner – UBS Highly Commended – Allen and Overy Outstanding Volunteering: Winner – Société Générale Highly Commended – Bank of England Outstanding School: Winner – Heathcote Secondary School Brokerage Champion: Winner – Richard Zaborski
the kids are all right: prize winners and local pupils
we are pleased that there have been huge improvements in social mobility and the employment of talented, young, local people, London is changing and The Brokerage is changing with it. “These awards acknowledge some fantastic achievements, whilst providing an opportunity for us to engage with new partners in order to offer opportunities for state-school students in disadvantaged schools and boroughs throughout Greater
London.” As well as reflecting on the past 20 years, The Brokerage took the opportunity to announce its future plans. In January, the charity will be holding a conference in partnership with Tower Hamlets Education Business Partnership and Lloyd’s on what the future of work will look like by 2040. A recent report suggests that by then, 65% of today’s primary school children will be doing jobs which do not currently exist.
Outstanding Partnership (all Highly Commended) City Corporation Worshipful Company of International Bankers Worshipful Company of Insurers
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shift in perspective: is renting the way to go?
We’re better off renting? RENTING in the Capital is cheaper than having a mortgage, figures from Zoopla suggest. A study puts London at the top of the charts in a table outlining where renting a home beats buying by an average of more than £1,000 a month. The property search website says that, on average, renting in the city is up to £1,118 cheaper than having a mortgage in the same location. That paints a stark contrast to the housing market outside of London. For instance, owning a home in Glasgow works out at 28% less expensive than renting it. Zoopla spokesman Lawrence Hall explained that ownership was becoming a more legitimate option, but only outside the city: “Buying a
property is a costly process, but once you get past the initial fees, it can – as our data shows – prove a more economical option on a monthly basis. Although large parts of Britain remain unaffordable for those looking to take their first steps on to or another step up the property ladder, these latest figures tell an encouraging story. “Whereas back in April it was cheaper to service a monthly mortgage than pay a rental fee in just under half of Britain’s biggest cities, people are now offered better value in nearly two-thirds of these locations (when renting).” The table was compiled based on the average renting costs of two-bedroom homes across 50 UK cities and the cost of repaying a mortgage on similar properties with a 10% deposit.
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Business Matters
Safety has always come thirst for City’s licensees THE annual Safety Thirst Awards were held in the City of London last week. The scheme is open to all licensed premises in the Square Mile and aims to promote high standards in reducing crime and anti-social behaviour while also helping to ensure a safe and pleasant environment for people to socialise and enjoy the City. Organisers say the accolade is a great way of recognising the effort and commitment of the City’s best-run venues. This year, some 46 venues were accredited with the prestigious award. The Forge on Cornhill and The Alice on Houndsditch were named as the overall winners for demonstrating exceptionally high standards of practice, and were honoured with an additional prize; the Safety Thirst Premises of the Year 2016.
Record The event was also attended by Club Soda Limited who will work with licensed premises in the City of London over the coming months to promote non-alcoholic beers at their venues. Peter Dunphy, chairman of the licensing committee at Corporation, said: “A record number of premises won awards this year which is a credit to the licensed trade in the City of London who are working closely with the Corporation to make the City a safe and welcoming place for the workers, visitors and residents of the Square Mile.” Officers from the City of London Police also spoke at the event and discussed how the force and licensees have been working hard to successfully reduce violent crime in the City around late-night venues. The Corporation, through the Safer City Partnership, has been running the Safety Thirst scheme since 2005.
LCCI welcomes airport verdict THE City-based London Chamber of Commerce and Industry want improved services at London City Airport and Stanstead until rubberstamped plans
for Heathrow’s expansion bear fruit. Chief executive Colin Stanbridge said he was relieved that a decision has finally been made, and firmly believed it is the right one. He added: “The constant dithering over a decision in past years has risked damaging British business, but now we
Who knew it’d be so, so good? Guest column
Social Enterprise UK SOCIAL Enterprise Day later this month is an opportunity for the 70,000 social enterprises across the UK to shout about the good work they’re doing and the difference they’re making. Using social media is an easy and quick way to do this. And so we’re inviting social enterprises to tell their story with the #whoknew hashtag and to post pictures on their social media feeds (including Twitter, Facebook and Instagram). We’re also inviting people who love and buy from social enterprises to post pictures of their favourite social enterprise products or services on their social media feeds. It’s easy to get involved, simply print off a #whoknew sign, take a photo and share on social media using hashtags #whoknew and #SocialEnterpriseDay
between Monday 14 and Thursday 17 November. Chief executive of Social Enterprise UK, Peter Holbrook said: “Social enterprises can be found in nearly every sector and industry, yet it’s often the case that people are unaware that the products and services they’re buying are from businesses that are helping to change lives and improve communities – and reinvesting their profits for good. “Awareness of social enterprises is on the up – a recent poll shows that 51% of the British public are aware of their existence but there is still some way to go. “Social enterprises work in a variety of markets delivering social care services, nurseries, woodworking, mental health services, affordable housing, GP practices, consumer goods, grounds maintenance, painting and redecorating – and that’s just the start. The #whoknew campaign is
Commences Following the success of earlier offerings, next year’s programme commences with a conference (30 January), giving 60 participants the opportunity to explore the changing workplace and the role of the returner in this new office environment through a number of speaker sessions and workshops. Participants will also gain insight into Bank of America Merrill Lynch as a potential employer. Thirty attendees will then be selected to attend two full-day workshops (6 and 10 February), designed to support a transition back to work; offer practical guidance on focusing and managing a career search; provide interview
all about shining a spotlight on the diversity of the sector and gives social enterprises the chance to shout out loud about the ground breaking work they do. “In London, the London Early Year’s Foundation runs many of the city’s nurseries and reinvests all profits back into the business supporting parents with a free nursery place. “GLL operates leisure centres across the Capital, including the Olympic swimming pool. “In fact the newspaper you’re reading right now is itself a social enterprise. “So, look out for the campaign on social media. You’ll see the breadth and dynamism of the sector and who knows, you may be in for a few surprises.”
encouragement: Peter Holbrook and some of his team
Blue findings MEMBERS of the Capital’s blue light services should live in the city – London Chamber of Commerce and Industry says in light of findings from the Lord Harris review. The report, commissioned by Mayor Sadiq Khan, suggested that the City of London Police, the Met and British Transport Police should merge in a bid to better protect national security in the event of a terror attack. An LCCI statement said: “We hope the Mayor will examine why over half our Blue Light essential services workers live outside the Capital, and that City Hall will ensure the London Plan has provision for emergency services housing. “As well as having the necessary equipment and processes in place, safety depends on emergency workers living in close proximity to London.”
Contactless is rolled out to all black cabs
Banking on experience BANK of America Merrill Lynch has opened applications for its seventh UK Returning Talent programme. Individuals who have been out of work for 12 months or longer (former stay-at-home parents or carers, or someone who has chosen to take a career break, for example), are invited to apply via the company’s Careers site. The application closing date is 6 December. The bank, in partnership with the Executive Coaching Consultancy, is looking to attract individuals with a financial services background including but not limited to: business, project or relationship management; banking operations; technology; and compliance. Specifically, the company is looking to source suitable candidates from the programme to fill three positions – business analyst, project manager and programmer – for their expanding Bromley-based controls and middle office technology team.
finally have the chance to act to futureproof the UK economy. “As the (new third) runway will take years to be operational we need to make best use of existing aviation infrastructure, including strengthening rail links and improving services at London City and Stanstead airports.”
skills sessions and insights into balancing work and home lives; and access to executive coaching. There will also be opportunities for participants to start building their professional connections through a series of networking opportunities with bank employees. Neeha Khurana, international talent executive at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, said: “The launch of our seventh UK Returning Talent programme is not only testament to its success, but also demonstrates the value and importance we place on identifying strong and diverse talent across our business. “Through initiatives such as this, we are able to give people at all stages of their lives and careers, the support, confidence and skills to prosper, and the inspiration to succeed in the financial services marketplace.” Five years ago, Bank of America Merrill Lynch pioneered one of the first returner programmes for experienced professionals. More than 200 people have now taken part in this initiative, with many going on to secure roles at the bank or at other firms. The company’s progress in this area, as well as its ongoing commitment to develop female talent, won it the 2015 Working Mums Top Employer Award for Career Progression.
HAILING one of London’s famous black cabs will no longer mean making sure you’ve got money on you or stopping for cash. In a move that will make travelling by taxi even easier, passengers are now able to pay for any journey using just credit and debit cards, including contactless payments. The new system was introduced on 31 October. Although many of London’s black taxis have accepted cards for years, cash has remained the standard form of payment. From Monday, however, all taxis now carry a card payment device, ending uncertainty for customers about how they will be able to pay. The move is part of Mayor Sadiq Khan’s ambitious Taxi and Private Hire Action Plan, which will make life easier for passengers, improve safety and ensure London has a worldclass taxi and private hire market where all providers can thrive. It has the support of the campaign group Future Taxis, which represents the major London taxi driver associations (including the LTDA, the LCDC and Unite), the taxi booking apps (Hailo and Gett) and LTC, the largest London taxi manufacturer. Until next year, card payment devices can be fixed or hand-held, but from January 2017 they will need to be installed in the passenger compartment. The move comes after 86% of respondents to TfL’s consultation said they wanted to be able to use cards and contactless payments in taxis. Mayor Khan said: “I’m delighted to announce
that everyone using our iconic black cabs will be able to pay by card, making their journeys quicker and more convenient. “Since becoming Mayor, I’ve been determined to ensure we have a vibrant taxi and private hire market that provides a truly world-class service for Londoners. “While many black cab drivers already provide the service, it’s important that Londoners know for certain that they won’t have to run to the cash machine before they start their journey. “Our black cabs provide a unique and invaluable service for Londoners and guaranteed card payment will be good for our black cab industry, and good for passengers across London.” TfL’s taxi and private hire general manager, Helen Chapman, added: “We have listened to customers, and we believe this will make journeys in London’s black taxis even more convenient. “We’re hoping, too, that this will benefit London’s historic cab trade, and enable them to stay an attractive choice in an increasingly cashless world.” Speaking on behalf of Future Taxis, Steve McNamara, said: “Card payment has been available in many taxis for years, but ensuring consistency for all customers is something our ‘StayFareMayor’ campaign repeatedly supported. “We are delighted to see another part of our transformation plan coming into effect as we continue to build a faster, smarter, greener taxi trade.”
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Community Matters
What’s on when & where in the City
stylish addition: Renegade Craft Fair
EXHIBITION / Annual Bookbinding COMPETITION There is a minimum of 24 individual processes that go into binding a stack of pages into a book by hand. This largely lost craft requires some serious skills and a small group of bookbinders are working to keep them alive in the UK with competitions and exhibitions throughout the year. The Designer Bookbinder Competition exhibition showcases the best and the brightest of bookbinders for 2016 at the spiritual home of the City press – St Brides. Guest speakers will kick things off on 5 November with a series of lectures, and the fortnight-long exhibition follows a week later. St Brides Foundation, Bride Lane, Fleet Street EC4Y 8EQ 5 November (lecture day)
ART SHOW / Flux The third edition of Flux brings the next big things of the art world to the Old Truman Brewery for five days only. A diverse group of 140 artists will showcase their work at the exhibition, which has established itself as a premier platform for up and coming talent. Seasoned art collectors can get ahead of the game and, for the first time, budding buyers can kick start their collections with Mini Masterpieces – smaller original works for sale at £200 or less. 2 November to 6 November Old Truman Brewery LECTURE / Girl Talk As things start winding down for the year, it’s never too early to start planning for the next one. In the final Girls Talk event for 2016, men and women who rose the top of their fields will share their success stories and strategies for the future – a perfect starting off point for your own. The panel will feature
BBC presenter Ria Hebden, Guy’s & St Thomas’ nursing and children’s services head Irene Sanyauke, and Partnerships in Care hospital director Beatrice Nyamande among others, so get ready to feel inspired and kick start 2017. Rabobank International, Thames Court, 1 Queenhithe EC4V 3RL 3 November, 6pm-8pm OPERA / Mavra/Iolanta Russian composers Stravinsky and Tchaikovsky were famously critical of their own work, so to have two of their selfproclaimed best pieces on one stage as a double bill is something special. Guildhall School vocalists will bring to life Stravinky’s Mavra (a neo-classical opera buffa, which he dedicated to Tchaikovsky) followed by Tchaikovsky’s Iolanta, a touchingly beautiful journey of blindness to enlightenment. Barbican Theatre, Silk Street EC2Y 8DS 4 and 7 November, 7pm
CRAFT / Renegade Craft Fair The world’s largest independent showcase of modern makers is descending on the Old Truman Brewery just in time to make your Christmas a crafty one. Attendees will be treated to world-class design and handcrafted goods by more than 200 carefully selected makers and artisans, including jewelry and accessories, home decor, apothecary and art. Celebrating the very best of emerging and established handcrafted goods and DIY culture, the fair serves as the premier shopping destination for original and one-ofa-kind items, and an array of interactive workshops, food, libations and more. Old Truman Brewery, 81 Brick Lane E1 6QL 5 and 6 November CONCERT / Spiritualized Next year will mark the 20th anniversary of the release of Spiritualized’s critically acclaimed album Ladies and Gentlemen We are Floating in Space – music nerds will recall NME named the record Album of the Year for 1997. The space rock band are readying to release their eighth studio album in 2017, so now seems as good a time as any to celebrate the old one. Front man J Spaceman said
returning to the Barbican to play the album live was an opportunity not be missed. “In one 70-minute blast it just about covers everything. I still find interest in and engaging in music...from free jazz, doo-wop, and soul to rock & roll, gospel, and the blues...All with heavy guns and the Barbican’s wide screen stage as the backdrop.” Some passionate stuff there, so don’t miss your opportunity to see the show. Barbican Hall, Silk Street EC2Y 8DS 7 and 8 November, 9pm EXHIBITION / Designer Jewellers All that glitters really is gold (or silver, or gemstones) in the Barbican Foyers this festive season as the Designer Jewellers descend with a showcase of their best work. All the work on display is for sale for as little as £30, and with opportunities to collaborate with individual designers on special commissions, this could be your one-stop Christmas shop. Barbican Foyers, Silk Street EC2Y 8DS Until 1 January
Weekly Planner
Wednesday ART SHOW / Flux Thursday LECTURE / Girl Talk Friday OPERA / Mavra/Iolanta Saturday EXHIBITION / Annual Bookbinding Competition Sunday CRAFT / Renegade Craft Fair Monday EXHIBITION / Designer Jewellers Tuesday FILM / Cheap Thrills: Trash, Movies and The Art of Transgression
CITYMATTERS.LONDON
02-08 November 2016 | Page 9
Food Matters
They call it open season IT’S OFFICIALLY ‘GAME ON’ OVER AT MERCHANT’S TAVERN THIS AUTUMN plated perfection: Merchant’s Tavern has excelled this autumn
AUTUMN in Shoreditch and those evenings spent crammed into an industrially-dressed food truck park getting Aperol Spritz-ed already seem like a distant memory. Thankfully, there are plenty of winterfriendly eateries ready and waiting to help pick up the slack. Merchant’s Tavern, from Angela Hartnett and head chef Neil Borthwick, is one such venue that shines at this time of year. The décor of the Charlotte Street Victorian warehouse – all dark timber panelling, cushy leather banquettes and warm lighting – beckons
as a tantalising respite from the wrath of the winds of Old Street roundabout. But it is Borthwick’s talent for making seasonal produce sing that will have you hanging up your coat and settling in for the evening.
Creative Autumn, of course, is also game season and an opportunity for Borthwick to get creative with the furred and feathered on the Merchant Tavern’s menu. Partridge, venison and grouse star, with winter vegetables out in full force as the supporting act. By far the best way to get your
game on with Neil and Angela is at the Kitchen Counter – a bespoke five or eight-course tasting menu with matching wines, dished up at the bar that surrounds the open kitchen so you can see all the action. Groups can select their own dishes from the menu, or let the chefs decide for you, which is how we came to consume a rich game pate and a smoked grouse and endive salad not currently on the menu. The lardo-draped roast venison is served on a bed of crushed celeriac with a potato galette and quince; thoughtful composition that elevates
the dish beyond a haunch of in-season meat. A lull between courses offers the opportunity for a look-in at the frenzied but not quite frantic kitchen staff under the direction of Borthwick and, as a treat, Hartnett herself. Surely they’re feeling the fishbowl effect? There can be no leaning against counters or mopping of brows with an entire dining room watching. But you get the sense that Borthwick, and especially the famously hardworking Hartnett, wouldn’t allow that anyway, particularly in this, their season to shine. 36 Charlotte Road EC2A 3PG
‘Season’s greetings’ to festive sarnies
LET’S DO...
PHILLY CHEESESTEAK/Liberty Cheesesteak Company Rough interpretations of the famous Philly cheesesteak aren’t that hard to find in London thanks to our longrunning obsession with all things Americana. But for the real deal, head to former Philly boy JP Teti, who dishes up an authentic, mouthwatering cheesesteak sandwich from his truck in Spitalfields Market. For extra cultural cache, place your order like true a Philadelphian: “whole, wiz, wit” will land you a whole cheesesteak in a roll with JP’s secret recipe cheese and onions. You might even snag some free fries for your efforts. 6 Lamb Street E1 6EA BAKED GOODS / Bread Ahead Bread Ahead’s salted-caramel doughnuts have sweet tooths and social media hounds forming a near-constant queue outside its Borough Market headquarters, so it was only a matter of time before they branched out. The new Seven Dials bakery will have all your favourites fresh from the oven, including their popular brioche sandwiches with your choice of savoury stuffings and loaves of classic English sourdough to take home. Home bakers will also be able to sign up for full or half-day workshops in the adjacent artisanal baking school, which are taught by Bread Ahead’s own bakers. We smell the perfect Christmas gift for our foodie friends. 1a Monmouth Street WC2H 9DA ALL ASIAN / Yuu South East Asian flavours and mangainspired décor are on the menu at this brand new Aldgate East eatery run by (who else?) a couple of Aussies. Former Icebar manager Stephen Lowe and ex-Nobu chef Jon de Villa are behind the punchy pan-Asian menu that stars poke bowls, meaty bao buns and plenty of seafood options, including a grilled octopus and green papaya salad. Interiors pay homage to Asian pop art with Singaporean design studio Rockett creating a concept around manga and comic book culture, including specially commissioned digital prints from Hong Kong artist Lunatic. 29 Commercial Street E1 6NE
NO sooner had you a chance to bin those rotting pumpkins and the Christmas announcements are out in full force, starting with one of the biggest: what will food retailers be stuffing their Christmas sandwiches with this year? Marks and Spencer’s, Starbucks and Boots were among the first to announce their festive fillings for 2016 last week, with several new combinations guaranteed to get your taste buds in the holiday spirit. Starbucks’ turkey and maple bacon sandwich offers a twist on the classic with layers of pork, sage and onion stuffing and potato hash, topped with sweet potato and pumpkin puree and cranberry sauce for £3.29 to take away. And as of today (2 November), you can wash it all down with the coffee chain’s seasonal beverage range – including the classic eggnog latte – served up in the famous festive red cup. Highlights of Marks and Spencer’s Christmas on the Move menu include the
baby cheeses: Paul’s toasted camembert and caramelised onion
venison & sour cherry chutney sandwich and the festive club – a brioche roll stuffed with buttermilk turkey steak, smoked bacon and brussel sprout ’slaw with cranberry relish. Subway has also thrown its reindeer antlers into the ring for the first time this year with a six-inch sub filled with turkey breast, pork sausage, streaky bacon and cranberry sauce plus your choice of salad items for £4 with a drink. At the posh end of the scale, French bakery chain Paul have announced the addition of the Dinde de Noël (£4.50); sliced turkey, smoked bacon and spinach with cream cheese and horseradish, and a new camembert and caramelised onion toastie for £3.85. Both will be available in-store from 11 November. Pret, Eat and Greggs are yet to reveal their seasonal sandwich range, as are supermarkets Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Waitrose. Most are expected on the shelves by the middle of the month.
Page 10 | 02-08 November 2016
Wellness Matters
Raise the barre
City’s top 3 barre classes
Frame For those who are new to the barre, Frame’s Barre Basics is the ideal workout for beginners with basic poses, plenty of repetitions and dance jargon kept to a minimum. When you’re feeling confident, make a flying leap over to the more advanced adult ballet class, which ups the ante on the grand jetes while improving tone and posture. 29 New Inn Yard EC2A 3EY Third Space Third Space’s Barre Burn and Barre Body classes use ballet-inspired moves and highrepetitions to help burn fat and sculpt long lean muscles. Burn works on conditioning and core, while Body will raise your heart rate and build strength with a faster paced, high energy work out that targets your lower body, abs and arms. 2b More London Riverside SE1 2AP Gymbox Gymbox’s Ballet Barre classes combine dynamic and static movements, isometric holds, core strengthening and stretching to deliver longer, leaner limbs and a full body workout. Bank, 71 Lombard Street EC3V 9AY Farringdon, 20 Farringdon Road EC1M 3AP Holborn, 100 High Holborn WC1V 6RD
CITYMATTERS.LONDON
Digital detox FINDING TIME TO LOG OFF AND SHUT DOWN
IT’S hard to imagine even an hour without technology. We reach for our phones as soon as soon as our alarm goes off in the morning (in many cases, the phone is the alarm), we sit at a computer all day, we scroll through social media while watching television in the evenings, and so on. A recent study from management consultancy Deloitte found that one in three UK adults regularly wake up in the middle of the night to check their phones, so it’s little wonder that digital detox programmes are growing in popularity.
What is it?
A digital detox is a period of time dedicated to unplugging or ‘switching off’ from the technology that has become part of our daily routine. This could mean a break from your iPhone for a couple of hours, a social media ban for a few days or, at the more extreme end of the scale, no screens at all for a week or longer. Some are designed as weekend retreats with plenty of yoga and no smartphones allowed. Others, like the Digital Detox Company’s
Corporate Digital Wellness programmes, are facilitated as a professional development course, using mindfulness tactics to help employees manage their technology use and minimise harmful side effects.
How does it work?
Orianna Fielding founded The Digital Detox Company after researching her book Unplugged: How to Live Mindfully in a Digital World. She says a digital detox is about making technology a tool, rather than a driver in our lives. “Our lives come with an embedded digital layer,” she says. “The Digital Wellness programme explores how to harness and maximise the positive potential of that digital connectivity.” Orianna and her team of experts create bespoke programmes for different companies based on employees’ responses to their Digital Wellness Survey. They build a one-day course of interactive, offline workshops drawing from six key areas of digital wellness: digital consciousness, neuroscience, psychology,
mindfulness, yoga and creativity. “This provides them with a practical digital toolkit to enable them to manage their digital landscapes in both their work and home environments in new and balanced ways,” Orianna explains.
Why all the fuss?
Overuse of technology has been found to cause high levels of anxiety, shorten your attention span, and cause problems with time management and planning, problems Orianna says can be solved with mindfulness techniques. “We believe that a digital detox restores balance and helps people maintain digital wellbeing, which is essential not only for their quality of life but for their concentration, their ability to make decisions, their productivity, their physical health and their relationships with other people.”
How much?
Workshops start at around £1,000 for a one-day workshop for groups of up to 30.
Where can I try it?
Go online to digitaldetoxcompany.com.
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FLEXIBLE working hours and financial rewards are key to creating a less stressful workplace, according to new research. Cascade HR surveyed more than 1,000 UK workers on what their bosses could do to reduce stress and anxiety in the workplace, and found that almost half felt that flexibility with their hours would make the most significant impact. Around 40% of respondents said that early finishes on Fridays and a caring and friendly management style were also key to creating a less stressful workplace. The study found that recognising hard work with tangible rewards is another effective strategy for reducing stress, with more than a third (35%) saying financial rewards such as cash bonuses, and holidays in lieu, would achieve it. Cascade’s chief executive officer, Oliver Shaw, said: “It is interesting to see that the measures that employers can take which have the most significant impact on reducing workplace stress are actually relatively achievable and inexpensive. “Fancy water features and expensive mindfulness classes might be fashionable – but clearly, looking at the results of this research, it’s the simple things that employers should be considering first.” Research from Britain’s Healthiest Workplace released earlier this year found that high stress is causing industries to lose up to 27 days of productive time per employee each year. Healthcare and finance industries were among the worst for stress-related productivity problems, losing 26.6 and 24.9 days per employee a year respectively. The workplace being clean and tidy was the factor that workers felt could go the furthest to
reducing their stress (35%), while almost 1 in 3 felt having music playing would help to keep their stress at bay. Many also said that having a space away from desks in which to chill out or to eat during breaks would also aid their stress levels. Mr Shaw added: “British employees are quite content with simple environmental enhancements – whether it’s music playing in the office or simply putting in some chairs and perhaps some plants or a screen to create a quiet, separate space within the office for relaxing during break times.”
CITYMATTERS.LONDON
02-08 November 2016 | Page 11
Entertainment Matters
What’s on in the City this week
sax power: YolanDa Brown jazzes up reggae rhythms
DANCE / Rambert Leading contemporary dance company Rambert celebrates its 90th anniversary with a trio of commissions from the next generation of dance makers. Pieces by emerging choreographers Alexander Whitley, Malgorzata Dzierzon and Patricia Okenwa explore themes of capitalism, migration, identity, society and art, each embodying the company’s appetite for pushing boundaries. Here’s to another 90 years. Sadler’s Wells Theatre, Rosebery Avenue EC1R 4TN 7 & 8 November
Frames: choreographed by Alexander Whitely. Photo by Tristam Kenton
EXHIBITION / Well Said! Favourite Shakespeare Quotes From ‘To be or not to be’ to ‘All the world’s a stage’ the Bard certainly could pen a quotable. Check out artistic representations of his most memorable one, two and 10-liners as chosen by writers, actors and poets. This visual feast includes a range of disciplines and techniques, spanning from illustration to calligraphy and stone carving, with works by An Endless Supply, Gary Breeze, Gareth Courage, Jonny Hannah, Harrington & Squires, Soraya Syed, The Brilliant Sign Company and Karina Thompson. Barbican Centre, Silk Street EC2Y 8DS Until 23 December EXHIBITION / Hair by Sam McKnight From Kate Moss’ bedhead to Princess Diana’s slicked-back crop, Sam McKnight’s sharp scissors have produced some of the best hair days in the business. As one of the first hair stylists to have solely carved a career in the fashion world, McKnight’s portfolio spans beautiful blow drys, braids and waves for editorial shoots, ad campaigns and catwalk shows. This exhibition, curated by Shonagh Mitchell, presents the highlights of McKnight’s impressive 40-year career. Somerset House, Strand WC2R 1LA 2 November until 12 March
All that jazz THE 24TH ANNUAL EFG LONDON JAZZ FESTIVAL RETURNS TO KICK THE GENRE’S RESURGENCE INTO HIGH GEAR AFTER decades on the sidelines of the mainstream music scene, it would seem that jazz has found itself in a new golden age. US rapper Kendrick Lamar shined a spotlight on the genre late last year with his critically acclaimed album To Pimp A Butterfly, as did Lady Gaga in pairing up with crooner Tony Bennett for not one but two albums. Closer to home, David Bowie’s final album Blackstar topped the charts with a jazz backing on every track, while up-and-coming acts like Manchester trio GoGo Penguin and South East London duo Yussef Kamaal are breaking all the rules and blending in genres like hip hop, rock and dance. It is clear that jazz in 2016 wears many hats, as reflected in the diverse programming of the 24th annual EFG London Jazz Festival, which starts next week. Producer Serious has pulled together more than 2,000 artists for the largest UK jazz festival, with 10 days of performances, screenings, panels and installations across the Capital. The Barbican’s programme of events makes it ground zero for City jazz fans as host to several of the festival’s standout acts: Art Spiegelman / WORDLESS
Kate Moss: photographed by Nick Knight for Vogue, September 2000
Celebrated American cartoonist Art Spiegelman will team up with jazz composer Phillip Johnston to deliver an “intellectual vaudeville show” leading audiences on a personal tour of the first graphic novels. Spiegelman is lauded for elevating comics to
literary texts with his Pulitzer Prize-winning graphic novel MAUS, and will discuss further expansion of the medium accompanied by an all new score from Johnston and his sextet, The Silent Six. Barbican Hall, 11 November, 7.30pm Tord Gustavsen
YolanDa Brown It has been a big year for Barking-born saxophonist YolanDa Brown. The double MOBO award-winner has been zig-zagging all over the UK with her Reggae Love Songs tour, taking her smooth rhythms from Coventry to Cardiff. Now, she is kicking the show into high gear for the Jazz Festival, debuting new material from her upcoming album, with the help of her 10-piece band and vocalist Shingai Shoniwa from The Noisettes. Jazz inflections and electronics give Brown’s diverse musical roots the unique flavour that made her the first musician ever to receive the Best Jazz MOBO award two years running. Barbican Hall, 15 November, 8pm Elza Soares
Norwegian pianist Tord Gustavsen made his name with a blend of pensive improv and hymns from his homeland. In the lyrical ECM album What Was Said, he gives the whole lot a healthy injection of contemporary jazz, reinterpreting the hymns from his childhood with the help of drummer Jarle Vespestad and German Afghan vocalist Simin Tander. Milton Court, 12 November, 7.30pm Miguel Atwood-Ferguson / Suite for Ma Dukes Multi-talented composer, instrumentalist and producer Miguel Atwood-Ferguson will pay tribute to legendary American hip-hop producer J Dilla, 10 years after his untimely death. Atwood-Ferguson has partnered with Carlos Niño, a co-producer on the original live dates and recording, and a 17-piece ensemble to interpret Dilla’s music as a radical take on contemporary chamber music. The pair first began working on a tribute to Dilla in 2007, and this Barbican show will be the first live realisation of the project since it was performed in 2009 at a J Dilla tribute concert in LA. Barbican Hall, 16 November, 7.30pm
Time knows no boundaries for the extraordinary Elza Soares, who first burst on to the Brazilian music scene way back in the 1950s. The samba artist has since featured on more than 50 albums, including collaborations with the likes of Caetano Veloso, Chico Barque and Jorge Ben Jor. Her latest album, The Woman at the End of the World, is a groundbreaking combination of experimental samba that has been savaged by rock ’n’ roll and free jazz, offering a snapshot of 21st-century music in Brazil. Barbican Hall, 13 November, 7.30pm For the full line-up, visit efgjazzfestival.org.uk
Page 12 | 02-08 November 2016
CITYMATTERS.LONDON
CITYMATTERS.LONDON
Smell like roses
City’s top 3 perfumeries
Bloom Perfumery Fans of niche fragrances would do well to follow their noses to Bloom Perfumery’s famed Covent Garden store, which stocks a huge range of seldom-smelled perfumes from all over the world. Particularly fussy? Create your own signature scent in less than an hour with the help of expert staff in the Bloom perfume lab. 4 Langley Court WC2A 9JY Penhaligon’s Penhaglion’s has been keeping Londoners smelling sweet ever since a Cornish barber named William Penthaligon was inspired by the sulphurous scents of the Turkish baths on Jermyn Street to create his first fragrance ‘Hammam Baths’ in 1872. Today Penthaligon’s stocks a range of 38 distinctive fragrances, all made in England using the finest ingredients. 4 Royal Exchange EC3V 3LL Angela Flanders If Columbia Road’s famed flower markets aren’t enough for your nose, take a whiff inside Angela Flanders. A self-taught perfumer, Angela has concocted 40 unique, individual scents in her secret workshop, many of them internationally acclaimed. Angela sadly passed away earlier this year but her memory lives on in her fragrances, often described as “a little bit of magic in a bottle.” 96 Columbia Road E2 7QB
02-08 November 2016 | Page 13
Family friendly FAMILY TREE BRINGS UNIQUE GIFTS WITH AN ECO EDGE TO EXMOUTH MARKET THE backlash over fast fashion is in full swing and the homemade is all the range, but certain connotations still linger over the term “shopping sustainably”: namely that all eco products fall somewhere on the spectrum of 50 shades of brown. Takako Copeland has been challenging this perception for well over a decade with Family Tree, a mecca of independently crafted interior accessories and gifts with an ethical edge in Exmouth Market. The story of how Takako came to lay down roots in this crafty corner of Clerkenwell will be a familiar one to the hundreds of thousands of expats living in London. She left her rural village in southern Japan in the mid-90s to study graphic design at Central Saint Martins, with no plans to stick around but fell in love with the city and never left. She undertook further study in gemology and silversmithing, and began selling her illustrated textiles and prints at a stall in Spitalfields Market before setting up Family Tree with her husband Matthew in 2004. Fast-forward more than a decade and Family Tree has cemented its position as a go-to for
bag a top deal: right here in the Capital
The go-to for luxury bargains FANS of the coveted Louis Vuitton handbag will be booking flights to Heathrow at the news that London is currently the cheapest city in the world to buy luxury goods. A new report from accountancy firm Deloitte shows the fall in the value of the sterling has led to international bargains in the UK’s luxury market. According to the research, which was conducted for the Wall Street Journal, London shoppers can purchase a Louis Vuitton ‘Speedy 30’ handbag for £657 as at 6 October, whereas in Paris it would set them back £696. Luxury shoppers in New York would pay £795 for the same item. You can snap up a dress from French fashion house Balenciaga in London for £1,074, but over in China it will cost you around £300 more, while the ‘Elephant’ bag from Lowe is £254, compared with £380 in the United States. The pound has fallen more than
Shopping Matters
17% against the dollar since June, but most luxury-goods makers – protected by fat product margins – haven’t yet raised their prices. Britain has already seen an inf lux of international tourists taking advantage of the bargains, particularly from China. Westfield said its retailers were reporting that Chinese tourists were bulk-buying designer items to make the most of the weak pound. Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Burberry were seeing strong custom from the Far East, with handbags and accessories the most popular items. But the low prices aren’t expected to last with Deloitte advisory business director Nick Pope telling Fashion Network that if the sterling remains at its current position over the next six months, brands would be forced to react to protect their margins.
eco-friendly: sustainably produced homewares at Family Tree. Below: Linen Clutch Pouch £29
people who appreciate interior accessories and gifts that have been manufactured using responsible methods. Takako has partnered with textile designer Jo Waterhouse to stock their own ranges of jewellery, printed homewares, accessories, toys and stationary, plus a carefully curated selection of products from independent designers. But though the name has grown – Takako has had commissions from Liberty, Tate Modern and the V&A – the message has remained: good design, small runs, responsibly sourced materials, and plenty of help from local manufacturers. “We mostly work with local makers who are our friends and family [hence the name of the shop], if products are coming from far away,
we make sure they are produced responsibly,” Takado says. “These products are always more beautiful and special compared to anything that is produced en mass.” 53 Exmouth Market EC1R 4QL
Page 14 | 02-08 November 2016
CITYMATTERS.LONDON
History Matters
Where the Kings and Queens meet the City CENTRAL London, as you know, comprises three main entities, each with distinct characteristics: the City, Westminster; and Southwark. The road border between the City and Westminster, where Strand and Fleet Streets meet, is at Temple Bar. Why “Temple Bar”? Because it’s next to the Temple district, marked by the medieval Temple Church (well worth visiting), founded by the crusading Knights Templar in the 12th century, and two of the four Inns of Court: Middle Temple and Inner Temple.
Barrier In medieval times it was literally a barrier between the cities of London and Westminster where officials could regulate the traffic of
goods, people and services entering the City. Early on it would have comprised a chain, gate or a number of posts. The City’s relationship with the monarchy has been long, complicated and indeed sometimes violent. Owing to its privileges dating back to the Conquerors’ time, the City has unique independent features which include the requirement that the monarch must be met by the Lord Mayor before entering the City, not to be granted leave to proceed, as is often thought, but quite the opposite: it symbolises the City acknowledging the King or Queen’s overlordship. The ancient ceremony usually takes place at Temple Bar; it involves the Lord Mayor presenting the monarch with the City’s Sword of State. Nowhere is symbolism more important than in the Square Mile.
Pressure
monumental: grand detailing
Almost unnoticed in the din of taxis, tourists, cyclists and general chaos, today Temple Bar is marked with a grand Victorian monument by Horace Jones in the middle of the road. It was raised when the previous marker – literally a stone gate – had to be removed to relieve pressure from the sheer weight of traffic coming down the thoroughfare. This earlier and better-known Temple Bar straddled the entire road with three openings – two for pedestrians and one for coaches and carts. It was designed by Sir Christopher Wren as a tribute to Stuart rule, completed in 1672.
days gone by: the old Temple Bar
This pedigree probably saved it from complete demolition in 1887, unlike the seven gates in the old London Wall which were swept away in the early 1760s. The fate of Wren’s gate is an interesting story. In 1887, the City authorities didn’t really know what to do with the dismantled old barrier. Then, a marvellous character named Lady Valerie Meux suggested to her husband, the wealthy brewer Sir Henry Meux MP, that they purchase the old Temple Bar from the City of London Corporation. This they did, and it was re-erected on their country estate, Theobalds in Hertfordshire.
Lady Valerie used it to entertain guests in the upstairs room. Fast forward to the 1990s and the development of Paternoster Square next to St Paul’s. It was suggested that the old Temple Bar – now in a state of serious decay after a century of relative neglect on a damp country estate – be returned to the City. Controversial at the time, by 2004 the restoration was expertly completed and to see it today you wouldn’t think it had only been there just over 20 years. I for one think it looks sensational. MIKE PATERSON @LondonHistorians
PUBLIC NOTICES Notice of application for the grant of a Premises Licence under Section 17 of the Licensing Act 2003 Notice is hereby given that Simmons & Simmons LLP applied to City of London Corporation for the grant of Premises Licence in respect of Premises to be known as: Simmons & Simmons LLP, CityPoint, One Ropemaker Street, London EC2Y 9SS, United Kingdom The proposed licensable activities and their hours are: 1. Provision of regulated entertainment in the form of recorded music from 7:30- 20:30 Monday-Friday 2. The supply of alcohol from 12noon to 11 pm (regular opening hours from 7:30-20:30 Monday-Friday) 3. The supply of alcohol from 12noon to 11pm (occasional Saturday or Sunday service) Any representations regarding the above mentioned application must be received in writing by Licensing Authority, City of London Licensing Authority, Markets and Consumer Protection, PO Box 270, Guildhall, EC2P 2EJ no later than 28th November 2016 stating the grounds for representation. The register of City of London Corporation and the record of the application may be inspected at the address of the council, given above, during normal business hours or on the council’s website www.cityoflondon.gov.uk It is an offence knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with an application. A person is liable to an unlimited fine on conviction should such a false statement be made.
Licensing Act 2003 Application for a new Premises Licence Notice is hereby given that TNK (2009) Limited has applied to the City of London on 27 October 2016 for a new premises licence to use Ground and basement floors (known as the Northern Unit), Angel Court, London, EC2 for the provision of late night refreshment and for the sale by retail of alcohol. A record of this application is held by the City of London and can be viewed by members of the public online by visiting www.cityoflondon.gov.uk or by appointment at the offices of City of London licensing authority, Walbrook Wharf, 78-83 Upper Thames Street, London EC4R 3TD. Any person wishing to make a representation in relation to this application must give notice in writing to the licensing authority at the address shown above, giving in detail the grounds of objection by 24 November 2016. The licensing authority must receive representations by the date given above. The licensing authority will have regard to any such representation when considering the application. It is an offence, under section 158 of the Licensing Act 2003, to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in or in connection with an application for premises licence and the maximum fine on being convicted of such an offence is £5000.
CITYMATTERS.LONDON
02-08 November 2016 | Page 15
Christmas Dinner NewsMatters! Matters
Make your Christmas dinner a real cracker It’s the most wonderful time of the year... unless you’re an HR or office manager who still hasn’t gotten around to booking the office Christmas Party. If you thought all the best spots were snapped up in September, don’t despair. There’s a whole range of City venues still available throughout December, whether you’re looking for a classy soiree to impress your colleagues or a low-budget boozy bash. So, before your banish your office party to the boardroom, check out our guide.
not find us napping on beer duty at The Oyster Shed: we’ve got a cracking range featuring locally brewed favourites, proper English ales and continental classics. The wine list is none too shabby either and we make a mean Bloody Mary for those lazy afternoons!” they say. And the dining is pretty heavenly too, as the staff love to profess. “No pre-made rubbish here, all of our food is prepared fresh in our kitchen by Head Chef JP and his talented crew using only the best ethically-sourced ingredients and we’re so proud of them we make sure that you can see them at work in our open kitchen.” Despite what the name may suggest, the Oyster Shed menu is not restricted to seafood, although they are famed for the treats they serve up from the deep. Pan-fried sea bass makes it on to a special Christmas menu that’ll have diners hooked from the off, and with three courses going for a more than reasonable £37.50 a head, the team in accounts will also be rubbing their hands together in glee. 1 Angel Lane EC4R 3AB
Fill your boots – and a glass – at El Vino
Tickle your French fancy close to St Paul’s SPRINKLE some French delights into your Christmas meal this December with a sumptuous six (yes six) course meal at Cafe Rouge. There’ll be plenty of va-va-voom about Santa’s red sleigh in the shadow of St Paul’s Cathedral this Yuletide holiday, with loads of seasonal favourites on the menu alongside French delicacies. Chestnut mushrooms in garlic may not quite hit the Christmas marker for a starter but turkey paupiette with all the trimmings – including pigs in blankets, don’t worry, we checked – will no doubt convert any sceptics among the group. By the time the dessert menu comes around, which includes a winter berry
pavlova and crumble, the party will be the talk of the water cooler come the new year. Cafe Rouge staff are confident of their menu being a hit: “Our beautiful festive banquets start from £16.95, and our Christmas party planners are on hand to look after you and tailor make your perfect event, be it a corporate reception and dinner, private party or an intimate get-together.” Better book now before the last places are snuffled up. Unit 5 Condor house, St Paul’s Churchyard, London
PROBABLY the best place to be when it comes to settling on what wine should be paired with your turkey is El Vino. The wine merchant has carved out a grand reputation for wining and dining with a Spanish-influenced menu, and although they are keeping things strictly traditional this winter, the chefs certainly haven’t relinquished any of their flair for food. Top of the most-wanted list this Christmas will be El Vino’s mouthwatering Staffordshire
turkey with apricot and sage stuffing – but be warned, it’s only for good boys and girls who complete all their emails on time! Groups can feast on two or three-courses (priced at £21.95 or £24.95 respectively), and the glory lies in the fact that everything required for after dinner relaxation is but a corkscrew away. Office party planners are even spoilt for choice with two locations – Blackfriars and Fleet Street – in the City. We’ll drink to that. 30 New Bridge Street EC4V 6BJ (Blackfriars) 47 Fleet Street EC4Y 1BJ (Fleet Street)
Celebrate Christmas among the coconuts IT might be cold outside, but Kanaloa cocktail bar can transport you and your guests to Christmas Island, where the weather is always balmy and the drinks have novelty straws. Dabble in finger or fork buffets (from £23), or go the whole hog – or turkey – with a three-course meal in amongst the tiki torches (from £22). Kanaloa’s bartenders can help you design a bespoke menu of exotic cocktails, because a tropical island without cocktails is like Rudolph without his red nose. Alternatively, you can opt to kick the party into high gear with Kanaloa’s cocktail masterclass. Master mixologists will deliver a brief history of the cocktail and all your basic bar moves, then give you a run-down on how to mix some of the classics. The 90-minute workshop includes a welcome cocktail, nibbles, two cocktails each plus a couple of shots between games. 18 Wine Office Court, Hill house, Shoe Lane, EC4A 3BQ
Get everyone out of their shell at the Oyster Shed LIBATIONS are always a good way of getting the party started, and Angel Lane’s Oyster Shed certainly do not mince words when it comes to talking up their liquid lubricants. “Keg, cask, craft or draught – you’ll
all aboard: for Christmas at the Oyster Shed
Christmas is coming so join us at El Vino wine bars for your festive celebrations. Our Christmas menu features great-tasting dishes, made with the best seasonal ingredients. Paired with wines from our famous list, you are guaranteed an occasion to remember. To find out more visit www.elvino.co.uk or call El Vino Blackfriars 0207 236 4534 El Vino Fleet Street 0207 353 6786