Musician turned gym owner in tune with his customers
A weekend job tempted classical musician Alexander Hurwitz away from his cello and into a career in gym management. Now the 34-year-old owns The Factory, having bought the gym he worked in a year ago. He said: “I played the cello and got to a point where I had to make a choice about whether to go professional or not. But the general advice from friends and family was to warn me off – mainly because the money isn’t there. “I fell into a job working on reception at a private g
A brief history of Stoke Newington Church Street
Ever wondered what Church Street was like when horses and carts could still be seen trotting the streets? Or what today’s businesses were in yesteryear? Stoke Newington history enthusiast Amir Dotan has been rifling through the archives and has collated a fascinating spreadsheet documenting the history of Stoke Newington’s shops. (Spreadsheet here) (The Red Lion c. 1845) We’ve looked back at some of Church Street’s best-known businesses and buildings to bring you a snapshot o
From Finsbury to Hampstead: the man behind Boulangerie Bon Matin
Passion for food is in Dahmane Ladjassa’s DNA. The Algerian-born chef helped in his father’s restaurant as a child before leaving for France aged 20 and then travelling to England to open a business. He later qualified as a professional chef, having studied fine dining and gastronomy at Westminster Kingsway College, where he was awarded a distinction and prizes. Now he owns two branches of Boulangerie Bon Matin, affectionately dubbed BBM by locals. The shops in Hampstead and
Stokey’s independent restaurant scene is buzzing-10 of our favourites
An amazing array of talented chefs have set up in and around Stoke Newington – offering a refreshing, more colourful option to big chains. Despite massive rents and competition from generic brands, the area has independent restaurants which are brimming with character and flavour. Whether you fancy a quick burger, exquisite Mediterranean, French or Thai food, handmade Italian or a taste of Jamaica – you won’t be disappointed. Since launching six months ago the team at the Loc
The local discount card supporting independent business
A new discount card is causing a storm in North and East London. The team behind the Local Buyers Club have negotiated brilliant discounts at more than 100 of the area’s best independent restaurants, cafés, bars and shops. Just some of the 100+ independent businesses offering discounts to members For just £12 per year customers can secure discounts of between 10 and 25% at amazing businesses throughout Hackney, Haringey, Islington, Walthamstow, Shoreditch and the City. The cl
Make City lunchtimes less vanilla. 9 top indie food venues
Eating out in the City is so much more interesting than the offering from generic big-name High Street restaurants. Food-loving City workers could be tucking into meals prepared by award-winning and innovative independents; from Indian street food and authentic jerk chicken to Haggis sandwiches. We’ve been asking those in the know and eating our way around town to bring you our top City Indies. Lunchtime just got a lot more interesting! SOOD FAMILY, The Kitchens in Old Spital