Written by Matthew Flack, Junior Account Manager at Spreckley
Over the years, I’ve worked across several locations in our capital city, from the glitz of Chelsea to the towers of Canary Wharf, and even down to the murky depths of south-east London – I’ve seen it all. More recently, I’ve found myself based in the small district of Farringdon and can confidently say that it tops the lot. I’m here to explain why.
For ease I’m going to consider all readers as likeminded individuals, in that where you work does in fact matter and can make all the difference! So, if you have been scratching your head as to where you’d like to see yourself working in the big smoke, then I can confirm you have come to the right place.
As someone from south of the Thames, I have always been envious of the transport links north London folk have at their disposal. But since working in Farringdon, I now fully advocate the continued expansion of our travel network in north London, and where else to start than the Elizabeth Line.
Opened in May 2022, the Elizabeth Line services Farringdon and has been providing its passengers with time-saving travel ever since (and it’s air-conditioned)! If you have a flight to catch, Heathrow is under an hour away or if myself and a group of colleagues feel like taking in a show over the West End, we’re at the stage door in under 10 minutes. The Elizabeth line has transformed Farringdon, but with its opening attracting so much attention (people literally booked the day off just to ride the tube), you probably already knew that. The nitty gritty details are as follows: three additional tube lines (Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan and Circle), as well as national rail links that connect travellers from the south coast to Norfolk – all via, you guessed it, Farringdon. You simply cannot beat the transport links around here.
But enough of the Francis Bourgeois commentary. Let’s discuss the issues at the forefront of everyone’s minds – food and drink.
Working in Farringdon is frankly a gold mine for those of us who enjoy good food and drink. Where else to start than Leather Lane food market – ‘The Lane’ is a staple of the Spreckley lunch hour. Need something quick? Go down The Lane. Fancy something hearty and fresh? Go down The Lane. There is something for everyone down this yellow brick road for foodies. Some of my personal favourite spots on The Lane include: Daddy Donkey, Attendant café, Kin and Gregg’s.
For those concerned that all of your food options lie on one street, fear not. You are a 10-minute walk from charming Exmouth Market towards Islington. Cowcross St. also has some lovely lunch spots to frequent if you fancy a solo lunch away from your overly friendly colleagues.
We’ve explored the eateries Farringdon has to offer but where do you go to wash it down with a refreshing beverage? A number of classic ‘old London pubs’ are dotted around here: The Hat & Tun, Ye Olde Mitre and The Crown Tavern just to name a few. If on a Friday night you find yourself wanting to stay out a little later than usual, The Fence is a must – or if you’re feeling really adventurous, you can pay a visit to Fabric (an institution of the London nightlife scene).
All jokes aside, working in Farringdon can only be considered as a joy. Sauntering through historic Clerkenwell Green, window shopping the parade of jewellers on Hatton Garden and spending lunch in a number of the local area’s ‘hidden parks’ are all small delights we take for granted every day. So, if you’re still asking yourself where you should work in London – come over to the tasty, bustling cultural hotspot that is Farringdon.