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Ins and Outs of Shoreditch : October

Ins and Outs of Shoreditch: October

The rain is pouring and the leaves are turning, it’s safe to say that Autumn is officially here. Get those jumpers out and prepare yourself for the cosy evenings ahead! We’re back with the monthly scoop of what’s hot in Shoreditch so wrap up and get yourselves down there!

Louie’s

Transport yourself to Nashville, Tennessee to savour the taste of the famous Nashville-style chicken at Louie’s. Found beneath the all-American Red Dog Saloon in Hoxton Square, Louie’s low lit, leather booths makes the experience all the more authentic. Keeping the menu as close to a typical Nashville experience as possible, you’ll find they offer chicken and only chicken. Your most important decision will only be how hot you want your chicken with a scale ranging from ‘mellow’ to ‘hell’. Serving chicken in all kinds of ways, pick from wings, a burger packed with ‘slaw ‘sammich’, or thrown on top of a waffle with butter & maple syrup.
Wash your chicken down with a liquor infused milkshakes, one of their classic Southern US-style cocktails including a rum punch and some house-made Lynchburg Lemonade. The best bit? You can order these as a punch bowl to share with everyone at your table!

Pasta Nostra

Finally some great tasting fresh pasta in East London! Pasta Nostra are bringing you the best they have, offering fresh pasta and Italian small plates. They’re keeping it simple with a limited menu that’s big on flavour. They make fresh focaccia every morning and other starters include Burrata with pressed sorrel and cucumber salad or aubergine Parmigiana.
For a lunchtime treat, they also offer a great deal on takeaway: £10 takeaway deal for a dish of pasta, house focaccia and mixed leaf salad. Their Espresso Bar is also a great shout if you’re looking for a late afternoon pick-me-up, with Italian roasted coffee to go.

Nikki’s Bar

Brought to you by the ever successful Adventure Bar Group, creators of Bar Elba, Tonight Josephine and of course, the Adventure Bars, we know this is bound to be good! Set in the iconic building that The Electricity Showrooms used to occupy on the corner of Hoxton Square, Nikki’s is in Shoreditch’s prime location. The interiors are influenced by a mix of Quentin Tarantino with outlandish decor splashed with tropical colour. Nikki’s Bar are offering “cheap thrills, hedonistic vibes and twisted cocktails as wild as the space”, definitely a place for a night of fun. What’s more is their happy hour is well and truly full of happiness. Not only do they offer 2-for-1 cocktails, but they have teamed up with Dip & Flip to give away FREE burgers on Fridays. Buy a cocktail before 7pm and earn yourself a Dip & Flip cheeseburger or vegetarian burger on the house. What a flippin’ great deal!

Ins and Outs of Putney : October

The leaves are turning yellow and the days are getting shorter, safe to say Autumn is here. We bring you your monthly roundup of what’s hot in Putney as we prepare to usher in the cooler months…brrrr!

Tried & True

Award-winning local gem, Tried & True, are one of Putney’s finest breakfast and lunch spots. Only a few minutes walk away from Putney station, this café will fulfil all your brunching desires. Claiming they serve “series espressos” this is one for the coffee lovers too. We recommend you give their pulled pork eggs Benedict with jalapeno cheddar cornbread a go. They also have a wonderful selection of cakes that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Ho-ja
If you’re looking for the tastiest Taiwanese food in town, Ho-ja is your place. Not only do they serve up some incredible authentic Taiwanese street food, they also sell essential Taiwanese groceries so you can continue the experience at home. They also run lots of great events such as their free tea tasting with a Taiwanese Tea Expert, introducing the characteristics of Taiwanese tea, how to drink tea and sharing the differences between English and Taiwanese tea. If that’s not enough, they also have a karaoke room available for hire and live musical events on offer!
Visit their website for more information: https://www.ho-ja.co.uk/
Follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Hoja2014/

Duke’s Head

This classic British pub is the perfect spot for a drink with beautiful views. Set on the Thames, this Victorian grade II listed building serves delicious home-made street food and a great selection of drinks including their signature cocktails, local craft beers and spirits. Sitting at the start of the Oxford and Cambridge University Boat Race, the Duke’s Head is a popular location for race goers. The Rowing Club is dubbed as “the social hub of Putney” where they host events from live music, supplier tastings to comedy nights and features a riverside terrace. There really isn’t a reason not to visit this place!

With some great venues and eateries in Putney, our office space is ideally located in the heart of Putney. Don’t hesitate to get in touch today – Call us on 020 3984 9530 or email at enquiry@properoffice.com

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

5 Do’s and Don’ts for Summer in the Office.

The sunglasses are out and the umbrellas are going away (for now). We know it can be tempting to throw the office rulebook out the window during the summer. However, maintaining a sense of professionalism is key to success at all times, even in 38-degree heat! So here are our five key do’s and don’ts to help you master summer in the office, whilst still enjoying that sunshine.

Don’t: Dress too casually

Let’s start with the trickiest one first…your wardrobe! We know it’s tempting to throw on that Hawaiian shirt or maxi dress from your holiday but it’s best to avoid getting out your holiday wardrobe, even if the dress code at work is casual. Depending on your profession, it is unlikely that you will have to wear a full suit to work in the height of summer. However, that doesn’t mean that your boss will be happy if you rock up in flip-flops. It is good to relax your wardrobe a bit to suit the weather but make sure you find an appropriate balance. We recommend switching to lighter fabrics and colours to help you stay cool but steer clear of spaghetti straps and shorts.

Do: Agree on a temperature for the office

If you are based in a shared office space, you will most likely be familiar with the fight over the air conditioning. Keep in mind during the summer months that the right temperature for you might not suit everyone. Fighting over the temperature can be a major distraction, and not one that many people will be grateful for. Agree on a temperature that everyone will be happy with and try not to change it continuously throughout the day.

Do: Get out there and enjoy the sunshine

Get outside and make the most of that vitamin D! Utilise your lunch break and increase your productivity by going for a long walk in the sunshine. Here in Old Street, many of the serviced offices and creative office spaces are lucky enough to have a roof terrace where people can soak up the rays on during their lunch break. Just be sure to keep your sunscreen and bottled water with you throughout the day.

Don’t: Complain

Of course, with the heat, comes the unbearable, and the constant struggle of figuring out how to dress in the summertime. BUT, we’ve all been waiting a long time for a glimpse of the sunshine, so try not to bring the mood down in the office by complaining about the temperature – after all, it will be gone again before we know it!

Do: Seize the opportunity

With the sunshine comes the perfect opportunity to encourage your office and colleagues to be more social. The days are longer and the options are endless so whether it’s cocktails in the sunshine or a trip to an outdoor cinema, make the most of the weather as a team and make time for some bonding.

At Proper Office, we regularly put on events during the summer that foster a sense of community and make the most out of our roof terrace in the sunshine. If this sounds like a community you want to be a part of, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us!

The Ins and Outs of Shoreditch

The Ins and Outs of Shoreditch: August

We are in full summer mode here at Proper Office, all thanks to that heatwave (and the rain that followed)! Our sunglasses are on, drinks are in our hands and we have been exploring Shoreditch once again to bring you the hottest places in the area this month (pardon the pun).

Restaurant of the month: The Clove Club

No. 27 on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, this Michelin star restaurant is situated right in our neighbourhood! The Clove Club resides in Shoreditch Town Hall, boasting a luxe yet minimal interior. The man behind the food, Isaac McHale, has created a menu that features the best of British produce in a contemporary setting, with influences from around the world. Their menu is limited, and by that we mean there is one menu. Put your trust into the chef as he serves delectable delights from the tasting menu that can be accompanied with wine pairings or ‘soft’ drinks pairings. A smaller 6-course menu is also available in the evening. The Clove Club also promises a show with your meal, with their open blue-tiled kitchen.  Don’t fancy a meal? No problem. The corner bar has become a destination in its own right, complete with a menu of exciting cocktails and small plates including flame-grilled mackerel sashimi with English mustard and cucumber. We must admit, this one might be reserved for special occasions with a pricier menu compared to our usual recommendations, but it’s definitely worth the visit. Keep in mind, if you’re planning to visit, prepayment is required to book you ‘ticket’ for your meal via their website.

@thecloveclub
https://thecloveclub.com

Bar of the month: Old Street Records

This was bound to be a good one, as the third opening from independent bar operators Rocket Leisure (also responsible for Venn St. Records and Northcote Records). You’ll find yourself in a low-lit bar and of course – it’s overflowing shelves of records! Spread over two levels with warehouse vibes, you’ll find a host of music including soul, funk, indie, hip hop and electronica, rock and classic pop music. This is the place to be, with both emerging and established record labels showcasing their talent AND big bands and renowned DJs. They do a great two-for-one offer on a whole list of cocktails and deals on a small range of pizzas. Get hungry? They also serve up freshly baked sourdough pizzas right here with a menu of its own.

Events this month:

Meetinz 10% discount for Proper Office tenants

Our lovely neighbours (literally a couple of doors down!) are offering 10% off to all of the Proper Office tenants! They are perfect for a spot of lunch or even breakfast. With a great selection of food and drink on offer, they focus on living a healthy and balanced lifestyle which shows through what they serve – you can see why we are big fans! You’ll find it hard to choose what to eat once you walk in – they have a salad bar, where you can build your own salad or pick one of their recipes or a variety of sandwiches and wraps (which are served hot). All the recipes are made fresh onsite daily which is another reason to visit. If you’re in need of a coffee, they also serve a great cup of joe. Expect friendly service and healthy and tasty food!

Fridays at Barrio – Beat Wave (every Friday)

Barrio East is always a good time. The fun Latin-themed bar takes care of your Friday night with their “Beat Wave” event every Friday. The question is what don’t they have – with happy hour deals, DJs from 8pm-2am, food served until 10pm, this is bound to be a good night! Expect a mix of Tropical Soul, Latin Licks, Funky Disco, Old-Skool & Party Faves to get your weekend started.

Jeff Wayne’s The War of The Worlds: The Immersive Experience (until November)

Go back in time with this multisensory experience immersive theatre show complete with VR. The inspiration for this show is a combination of HG Wells’s seminal 1897 sci-fi novel ‘The War of the Worlds’, and Wayne’s 1978 prog rock album. The goal is simple: there is an alien invasion in Victorian London and you have to get out alive. Of course, Jeff Wayne’s songs feature throughout the show, as you make your way through the various a combination of live action and VR scenes. It’s been such a hit, they’re continuing through to November. Located in the Old Metal Exchange on Leadenhall Street.

Book your tickets at https://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/jeff-waynes-the-war-of-the-worlds-the-immersive-experience-tickets/artist/5286223

Like the look of these? With new openings monthly and plenty of events nearby, our offices are ideally located in the heart of East London. Don’t hesitate to get in touch today – Call us on 020 3984 9530 or email at enquiry@properoffice.com

The Ins and Outs of Shoreditch: July

Summer is finally here – and we are loving it! The rooftop over at our Great Eastern Street location is getting great use thanks to you all. We’re back again to give you the latest happenings in Shoreditch so you can make the most of your time in this amazing area. Here are our top picks for food, drink and things to do.

Bar of the month: Kill The Cat

This is a great place for all you beer lovers out there. What seems like a trendy version of an off license in Brick Lane, is actually a shop dedicated to one of Britain’s favourite alcoholic beverages. With a selection of over 100 different craft beers that are continuously changing, we are pretty sure this is going to quickly become a firm favourite. What’s more, is that this shop is also a bar, so grab a bottle and pull up a stool. Beers range from well-known brewers like Beavertown, Partizan, and Verdant, to the lesser-known like local Homerton brewers Boxcar and La Franche from the La Ferté commune. But the fun doesn’t stop there., Kill The Cat also regularly hold tasting sessions, compared to the marque of wine tasting by one customer, advertised on their social media, so keep a lookout.

@killthecatbeer on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook

Restaurant of the month: Cocotte Hoxton

This is a second opening for the Cocotte brand, with its roots planted in the west in Notting Hill. Cocotte best known for their French roast chicken and their whole approach to food is from an ethical and wholesome perspective, focusing on healthy food and using free-range birds sourced from an independant farm in the Loire Valley. If you’ve been longing to visit Paris, or you’ve just come back from some time off, this is the place to visit. The brainchild of founder and chef Romain Bourrillon, this is as authentic as it gets for French cuisine in London – think a Parisian twist on Nandos but on a much smaller scale. Their speciality is their 24 hour marinated roast chicken, cooked traditionally on a spit. If you go for the chicken, we recommend pairing it with the roasted root veg or ratatouille, plus garlic mayo or gravy. As for dessert (if you have room) the chocolate and hazelnut tart is absolutely divine! A cosy location, we think you’ll come away happy and with full stomachs.

Events this month:

Adidas City Run 10k Shoreditch – 14th July

A greatly anticipated event that’s always a huge hit, the adidas City Run 10k returns to Shoreditch this month. Open to all levels of athletic ability, whether you’re up for some fun or a serious runner, this promises to be a vibrant and energetic running event, in the creative heart of the capital. The running route itself is flat and as it winds through the streets, you’ll pass colourful street art, local supporters lining the streets and DJ’s keeping you going through to the finish line in Shoreditch Park. This looks like it’s going to be a great event!

Exploring Shoreditch by foot

It’s honestly the best way! The graffiti lined streets are continuously evolving into new street art, there’s always something new to see. Make the most of your time in Shoreditch, whether it’s exploring the streets at lunch and finding undiscovered street art, or soaking up the summer sun with a drink at Boxpark.

When you’re in Shoreditch, you’re never too far away from something exciting!

With new openings monthly and plenty of events nearby, our offices are ideally located in the heart of East London. Don’t hesitate to get in touch today – Call us on 020 3984 9530 or email at enquiry@properoffice.com

How to get in the zone and have a productive day at work.

From Instagram to our colleagues, there can be a lot of distractions in the office. With endless notifications and emails right at our fingertips, it is no wonder that many of us are finding it harder and harder to concentrate throughout the day¹ If you are struggling to check off your to-do list, we have some ways to help you get back in the zone and have a productive day.

Start the day off right

Having the right morning routine can make all the difference to your day. Try going to bed and getting up a little earlier so you are not rushed in the morning. Arriving at the office feeling calm instead of flustered will help you get in the zone and off to a good start. It will also give you time to have a proper brain boosting breakfast – acai bowl anyone? Eating the right food is also important; switch the sugary snacks during the day for a healthier option to keep yourself awake and productive throughout the day.

Consider factoring exercise into your morning routine as well. A quick jog around the block before you get ready will lift your mood, increase your energy and go a long way to helping you have a more productive day.

Mute those emails

We’re not suggesting that you ignore all of your emails, but let’s be honest they can be a major distraction. Replying to every email as soon as they come in can prevent you from getting on with any other work. Set designated times during the day to check your phone and emails rather than checking them continuously to minimise distractions and get back in the zone.

Be realistic

It’s probably not likely that you will be able to do everything on your list in one day. Be realistic about your goals for the day and make sure you prioritise so that you don’t spend time worrying about trying to fit it all in. Stress will negatively impact your productivity so taking steps to organise your workload will be beneficial overall. Get the biggest task out of the way first, so you can get back in the zone for the rest of the day without that hanging over you.

Tune out

If you work in a busy office environment, it can be difficult to tune out the noise when it’s time to get down to work. Listening to the right style of music can be beneficial for concentration and help you to focus solely on the task in hand²

On the other hand, some people prefer complete silence to increase their productivity. If that is you, find a quiet spot where you can get your head down instead. Serviced office spaces often have private rooms or quiet breakout areas that are designed to boost productivity or provide a calming working environment.

Finding the right office environment for you and your team will go a long way to boosting productivity. If you are on the look out for a serviced office space in Shoreditch, we would love to hear from you.

Meet The Professionals : Cinzia Semeraro

Name: Cinzia Semeraro

Title: Office Manager International Labs

Company: InterDigital Europe Ltd

How did you get your start in your career?

I have always been fascinated by technology. I wrote my thesis on Theory and Method of Mass Media within the Arts for my graduation and moved to London to complete my Postgraduate studies. Through the University I was offered a six-month work placement in an art gallery, during which I discovered my interest in business and administration. So, I started taking classes on the subject and looking for an office job.

My first job in the corporate world was for a Domain Names registration company, through which I pursued my studies in Business & Administration.

From there my Office Manager career in technology took off.

What are the first three things you do when you get to the office in the morning?

I check my inbox, add new actions to the to-do list that I usually draft the evening before and grab a bottle of water and a cup of Nespresso coffee. Then I’m ready to start the day!

What is your favourite thing about what you do?

I enjoy setting up new processes, monitoring their efficiency and improving the way I manage my work projects.

What is your least favourite thing?

Dealing with work speeds that do not align with mine can be frustrating.

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

My company is based in Great Eastern Street, where we rent the Ground Floor space, we’re located in the technology hub.

How important is office environment to you?

I spend more time in the office than at home, so my office environment has to offer the same kind of comfort as well as having the level of professionalism necessary for us to work efficiently.

Do you prefer open plan or individual offices? Why?

Open plan is where it’s at for offices in today’s world. Interaction, collaboration and idea exchanges happen better in this kind of environment. For the confidential parts of the job, a meeting room can be used if needed.

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

I would probably be organising conferences, business events, art exhibitions, sport events and the like.

What keeps you awake at night?

The to-do list I haven’t pulled together before leaving the office for the day.

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

Always have plans, but never expect to stick to them because things always change.

Did you have a mentor?

A CEO that I worked with for eight years or so was a great source of knowledge to me – I learned more in my weekly meetings with him, than I could ever have learnt from a book or through an exam.

Is there a motto or quote that you live by?

Watch your thoughts; they become words.

Watch your words; they become actions.

Watch your actions; they become your habits.

Watch your habits; they become your character.

Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.

If you were a superhero, what power would you have and why?

The gift of ubiquity. I would love to be able to be in more than one place simultaneously!

The Ins and Outs of Shoreditch: June

Summer has officially arrived (sort of) and we’ve been out exploring what’s going on in Shoreditch in these summer months. The sun’s out for longer and we have more time to enjoy what Shoreditch has to offer. To help you out, we’ve made a list of the best places to check out in the area.

Restaurant of the month: Gloria

The new kid in town, Gloria, is already standing out in East London’s industrial area. Part of the restaurant chain Big Mamma Group, from Paris, this is their first venture overseas. Gloria shows us the retro charm of Italy as authentically possible with Italian produce, wine, and waiters. It’s hard to miss with its yellow exterior, ivy-covered walls and an abundance of terracotta flower pots.

Marble, 1950s chintz, pink pinstripe, patterned carpets, mirrored ceilings, and lavish candelabras collide to create a dining experience which oozes 70s decadence – this place is anything but subtle.
With an extensive menu, we recommend a few dishes that will leave you more than satisfied.

There’s the ten-layer lasagne, the lobster risotto (will comfortably feed two) and the best carbonara you’ll ever taste (in our humble opinion!), made in a giant wheel of pecorino cheese right before your eyes. DELICIOUS

Bar of the month: Tayēr + Elementary

Now, this new opening in Old Street is a big deal – and here’s why. Imagine what happens when the man who ran World’s Best Bar for four years (Alex Kratena) teams up with top mixologist Monica Berg to give you an all-day bar. Well, you don’t need to imagine; you can pop on over yourself. Located right next to Old Street, this is a bar of two halves that is definitely worth a visit.

To add to what already seems like an impressive venture, the food here is by TĀTĀ Eatery, so expect a heady mix of Portuguese and Chinese food. YUM! serving a unique mix of Portuguese and Chinese food. Fans of their food can expect classics such as their Iberian pork Katsu sandwiches with panko and shredded cabbage alongside a host of new dishes.

Events this month:

Urban Makers Market
Fans of the Urban Makers Market will be happy to know that they are back in the area for July 3, 6 & 7 at Old Spitalfields Market.

For those who don’t know, where have you been!? Established by two designer friends Ilka Dickens and Julia Redgrove just a stone’s throw away in nearby Bow the Urban Makers Market is all about supporting independent businesses. Expect handcrafted jewelry, skincare products and plenty of beautiful, ethically sourced gifts.

With new openings monthly and plenty of events nearby, our offices are ideally located in the heart of East London. Don’t hesitate to get in touch today – Call us on 020 3984 9530 or email at enquiry@properoffice.com