The N1 hairdresser clients cross oceans to see
Sassoon and Aveda trained hairdresser Bernd Rossmanith-Shoulder has travelled the world, styled celebrities and picked up some top awards along the way. Now Bernd runs Studio 4 in Islington – a bespoke salon that offers an exclusive, appointment-only service. His clients come from all walks of life. “After more than 25 years of being employed it was time for a change” he said. “I’m much more flexible this way. I now look after my clients from start to finish.” Promoting equal
A brief (and remarkable) history of Upper Street, N1
Once known as ‘The Devil’s Mile’ (on account of crime levels, drunkenness and prostitution), Upper Street has seen it all. Originally a hilltop village serving local farmland, Upper Street and Lower Street (as Essex Road was once known) have been in existence since the 12th century. Henry VIII (1491-1547) used to hunt for ducks in the ponds just off Upper Street and writer and explorer Sir Walter Raleigh (1554-1618) is said to have owned a pub on Essex Road. (Upper St, lookin
Small businesses, big personalities in new Crouch End documentary
A documentary about Crouch End’s small businesses has been selling out at the Arthouse. Produced by award-winning journalist and filmmaker Harvey Marcus, Beneath the Clocktower, tells the stories of the traders giving Crouch End its unique character. (Harvey Marcus) Harvey, who lived in Crouch End for 25 years and saw its rapid transformation, interviewed some of the area’s longest serving independent businesses on the high street. The humorous and moving film tells the story
What is the biggest threat to East London’s independents?
Landlords demanding astronomical rent increases from small businesses are eroding East London’s communities and way of life. That’s the claim by The East End Trades Guild, which represents more than 250 independent businesses in the area. They say one trader was driven to suicide, others have left town after decades in business here and many more have huge worries for the future. One Bethnal Green businesses has been threatened with a 275% rent hike or evection, Network Rail’
Sood and Bottles - a hidden Italian gem in the heart of Spitalfields
A new partnership between one of London’s most exciting Italian-food pop-ups and a popular wine bar is going great guns in Old Spitalfields Market. This summer Bottles opened its second bar and joined forces with restauranteurs Sood Family, which until recently was running in Nuno Mendes’ The Kitchens. They describe the vibe as: “Italian warmth with London edge". (Upstairs at Bottles) The bar is fast gaining a reputation for brilliant fresh lunches – the menu includes small
210 years of rain and shine
Over 210 years ago members of the Ince family came to East London almost penniless and set up a business making and repairing umbrellas. They came to Spitalfields because the silk industry was thriving there and it was a good spot from which to sell into the city. The umbrellas produced by James Ince & Sons Umbrellas Ltd were hand-sewn by gas light and sold on markets in London and Suffolk. Umbrella frames were made of cane, ivory and whalebone. The arrival of their first Si
Emerging shoe designer a hit with celebs
Wide-fit shoe designers Sargasso & Grey have caught the eye of A-list celebrities, stylists and a member of the royal family Launched by Katie Owen in 2014, the company, which produces classic and timeless luxury leather shoes for ladies with wider feet, has supplied shoes to Hollywood’s Jennifer Garner and TV presenters Holly Willoughby and Lorraine Kelly. A prominent royal has also been spotted in the shoes (but discreet Katie refuses to spill the beans!). The 41-year-old s