Month: September 2019

Meet the Professional – Q&A

Welcome to the latest edition of – MEET THE PROFESSIONAL with Diptesh Patel. He’s the cheeky chappy behind the counter at Diptesh Confectioners who, as well as stocking most of the local offices’ supply cupboards with a whole host of (non)-alcoholic treats, is always ready with a joke or a bit of cockney rhyming slang.

Here he answers our questions, tongue firmly in cheek.

• Name

Diptesh Patel

• Title

Owner/Manager

• Company

Diptesh Confectioners

• Education

None

• What are the main things you do in your role?

Talk to customers and take money

• What are the first three things you do when you get to the work?

Open the door, go in and think why am I here?

• How did you get your start in your career?

Family pressure

• What is your favourite thing about what you do?

Networking with other local businesses

• What is your least favourite thing about what you do?

Not charging enough

• Where do you work: rented space, serviced office, owned office, co-working space etc.?

I rent a retail space on Leonard Street.

• How important is your work environment to you?

Good environment creates good work

• If you weren’t doing this job, what would you be doing?

Another job

• What piece of advice would you give to someone starting in the business?

Only start something you’re interested in and give your heart to it

• Did you have a mentor?

No

• Is there a motto or quote that you live by?

Be nice to all, be fair to your customers.

• What keeps you awake at night?

Can’t tell you, that’s rude 😉

• Chocolate or Cheese?

Chocolate

The Ins and Outs of Shoreditch

The Ins and Outs of Shoreditch: September
With the arrival of Autumn, we are embracing the chillier weather, throwing on jumpers and heading out to eat and drink long into the evening in cosy venues, right on our doorstep, that offer something different. Here are our picks for the month of September:

Where to Eat-

Harlem Soul

Born out of the founders’ love for American culture – they’re also the masterminds behind Stax Diner and the Butterscotch Bakery – this Shoreditch restaurant is the flavour du jour and isn’t shy about it.
With an eclectic mix of colour, print and art adorning the walls, the feel is decidedly bold cheerful and maximalist, and we love it. Harlem Soul pride themselves on supporting local artists and provide a space for graffiti artists as well as musicians to showcase their talents. Having been described as a ‘taste of New York” by reviewers, the offering ranges from a large brunch menu, with favourites such as ‘sweet soul potato cakes’ and ‘sassy Jack muffins’ through to snacky sharers, lunch meals and dinner burgers, waffles and everyone’s American favourite, Mac and Cheese. Don’t want to eat, but want to switch up the location of your post-work pint? Harlem Soul has you covered here too! They have an extensive drinks menu with plenty of cocktails, draft beers and wines as well as desserts if you need a little sweet pick-me-up to go with your drink… go on, we won’t tell!

@HarlemSoulLdn
www.harlemsoul.co.uk

Where to go for a drink-

Nikki’s Bar

If getting the perfect shot for the ‘gram is high on your priorities list, as well as having a great cocktail in your hand then Nikki’s Bar is for you. Featuring Quentin Tarantino inspired interiors, a ‘mixture of soft touches, trash TV and garish pops of colour’ they offer several deals for happy hour and you can even bag a free cocktail by signing up to the mailing list. The cocktail menu has all the classics on it and then some, with Nikki’s own spin on popular drinks such as the ‘five-dollar shake’ which is a deliciously creamy, ‘sinful’ take on a white Russian with added banana and chocolate. And when you’ve had your fill of cocktails, Nikki’s offer a great selection of Dip’n’Flip burgers to soak up the alcohol.

@Nikkis_Bar
https://loyalty.adventurebar.co.uk

Everything Else–

Urban Food Fest – Sept 28 2019

Shoreditch is home to the Urban Food Fest at the end of September. A pop up street food market in what is usually a carpark, foodies will be salivating at the available choices at this festival. Stands include Venezuelan beef arepas, vegan handmade pasta, Brazilian chorizo wraps, Belgian waffles. Running from midday to midnight, there is plenty to keep you occupied all day and what with all the eating you are bound to work up a thirst, which is why the bar is stocked with craft beers, ciders, wine and Champagne.
Run by organiser Jessica Tucker (a City lawyer by day), the fest’ will tantalise your taste buds, is often themed and will also occasionally offer free cocktails to those in fancy dress – we suggest checking their website for details on theming!

@UrbanFoodFest
http://www.urbanfoodfest.com