Clerkenwell Area Guide

Clock and Ceiling at Smithfield Meat MarketClerkenwell is a historic neighbourhood located in the London Borough of Islington. It boasts a rich and varied past; it has seen previous incarnations as an area of monastic importance and as an affluent residential area. It was changed extensively by the industrial revolution and became a centre well-known for breweries, distilling and the printing industry. Clerkenwell also contanis some of the most memorable landmarks in Islington from the imposing St. John's Gate to the charming Smithfield Market.

Today, Clerkenwell is a cultural centre for up-and-coming professionals who enjoy its vast selection of bars, restaurants and night clubs. The district is also known for its commercial properties, acting as a spill over area for the City of London and the West End which have become relatively saturated.

If you’re looking to rent office space in London, Clerkenwell is a logical choice.

Transport

Clerkenwell has superb transport links, essential if you employ a workforce that resides across or outside the area. Farringdon operates out of Clerkenwell itself, and is serviced by the Metropolitan, Hammersmith & City, and Circle lines. It is also a mainline station operating between Brighton and Bedford. King’s Cross St Pancras (the busiest station on the underground) lies just outside Clerkenwell, along with Angel, Chancery Lane and Barbican.

Liverpool Street: 8 minutes
Waterloo: 33 minutes
Euston: 16 minutes

Office Space

Clerkenwell boasts a range of office space to suit every business. There is a great deal of evenly lighted studio space which would perfectly suit a media agency. In recent years the area has become known for becoming a ‘micro Silicon Valley’ due to the influx of internet start-ups. The area is particularly attractive to these types of companies due the availability of fresh space and the area’s distinct and vibrant culture. In recent times there was a large newspaper presence; many of these companies have since moved further towards the city but a large publishing presence still remains. There are also units to rent per workstation, which will suit companies who are unsure about their expansion plans or who have a small number of staff.

Having a base in Clerkenwell will also benefit companies who may need to travel extensively or need regular access to the City of London. Many of the region’s major mainline hubs are only a few minutes away, and Clerkenwell is a short walk or tube ride away from the City.

Eating

Office workers need a variety of restaurants on offer, for lunchtimes, general dining and special occasions. Clerkenwell offers all three. Many of London’s top Michelin starred restaurants are situated around Clerkenwell, offering classic cuisine paired with exquisite wines. They are relatively expensive, but the immaculate presentation, wonderfully rich food and impeccable service make the experience well worth the money.

Clerkenwell also has a selection of reasonably priced yet interesting offerings. In recent years, it has become known for its ‘gastronomic’ public houses, serving top-quality cuisine without sacrificing the atmosphere of the traditional British pub environment. There are also a number of local and relatively unknown restaurants that have developed cult followings due to their traditional flavours and emphasis on good quality service. For lunch there are both the regular chain companies but also some independent cafes with unique selling points such as ethically and locally sourced produce.

Fine Dining

Club Gascon, 57 West Smithfield, London, EC1A 9DS
St. John, 26 St. John St, London, EC1M 4AY
Potemkin, 144 Clerkenwell Road, London, EC1R 5DP

Eating Out

The Larder, 91-93 St. John St, London, EC1M 4NU
The Chancery, 9 Cursitor Street, Holborn, London, EC4A 1LL
Cock Tavern, East Poultry Avenue, London Central Markets, London, EC1A 9LH

Lunchtime

The Clerkenwell Kitchen, 27-31 Clerkenwell Close, London, EC1R 0AT
La Cucina, 2 Cowcross Street, Clerkenwell, London, EC1M 6DR

Nightlife

Office workers appreciate a vibrant night life. Clerkenwell has a great selection of local pubs, upbeat bars and nightclubs, so whether it’s a quiet drink after work or an exciting Friday night out there will be something special on offer. There is an extensive range of pubs of all atmospheres (from modern refits to old style), cocktail lounges, combined bars and clubs, and massive ‘superclubs’ that dwarf most city offerings.

Fluid, 40 Charterhouse Street, Clerkenwell, London, EC1M 6JN, great Fabric warm up bar, oriental-themed cocktail lounge that occasionally shows independent film
Fabric, 67-77A Charterhouse Street, EC1M 6HJ, Fabric is certainly one of London’s hottest clubs, with floor-buried speakers and a host of international talent
Lifthouse, 85 Charterhouse Street, Clerkenwell, London, a 3 floor venue situated close to Fabric, offering a welcome blend of dining, drinking and clubbing until the early hours.

Attractions

Clerkenwell’s history means it offers a selection of great free attractions, so your workforce will always have something new to visit or do.

Exmouth Market
One of Clerkenwell’s hidden treasures. Since the mid 1990s, it has experienced rapid regeneration, shrugging off its reputation for seediness to become a vibrant avenue of restaurants, clubs and bars, along with independent record and book shops. The street market has also been reinstated, boasting local and well-known food retailers and a variety of independent traders. Exmouth Market, Clerkenwell, London, EC1

Smithfield Meat Market
Is another local feast, where produce has been traded for over 800 years. Contrary to most inner London markets, which have relocated due to rising costs, Smithfields has received extensive modernisation such as access points for lorry unloading. Interestingly, one of the historic cold store houses of the meat market now hosts popular Clerkenwell night club Fabric. Charterhouse Street, London, EC1A 9PQ

St John's Gate, ClerkenwellSt John’s Gate
Built in 1504, St John’s Gate is representative of Clerkenwell’s monastic past. It was built as an entrance to the Priory of the Knights Hospitallers, formed in 1080 to provide care for pilgrims journeying to the Holy Land. The museum inside charts the history and activities of the organisation. Samuel Johnson himself worked within St John’s Gate. St John's Lane, London Borough of Islington, EC1M 4DA

The Clock Room
Clerkenwell was historically known for clock making and was linked to the Merciful Company of Clockmakers, one of the Livery Companies of London. Located a short walk just outside Clerkenwell, The Clock Room belongs to the Clockmakers, and houses the most extensive collection of clocks, watches and timepieces in existence. Guildhall Library, London, EC2P 2EJ.

Office Space in Clerkenwell

Workspace Group has a variety of offices to let in the Clerkenwell area, ranging from light industrial to rehearsal space. Below is a selection of our most popular properties.

Clerkenwell is a great location for businesses working in the publishing industries, but if you've got links to the financial sector Bank may be a more suitable location for your company. Alternatively, legal companies would benefit from commercial space in Holborn due to its proximity to the Temples. For more information, and a free consultation on the most appropriate office space in London for your needs, please call Workspace Group on 0207 247 7614.

Commercial Property in Clerkenwell

Find commercial property in Clerkenwell with Workspace Group, we have a great range of properties throughout London including office space, studio space, serviced offices, workshops and industrial units and all available to rent on flexible & affordable terms.