A Walk from Clerkenwell to London Bridge
I took the opportunity to visit the new White Collar Factory in London because it was being widely reported as the trendiest new workplace in the city.
I started at Orangebox: http://www.orangebox.com/
Selecting a new vinyl covering for a sofa and admiring the latest furniture finishes, including table tops which would not show touch marks.
I walked from Clerkenwell to Old Street.
I was interested by Great Sutton Street and detoured to find an impressive collection of furniture and workplace design studios.
A great place to visit if your planning a new hotel or workplace.
On Old Street I was intrigued by Look Mum No Hands!
A bicycle repair shop serving coffee, pastry and beer in an urban setting.
Further down the street I found a Strawberry Bench, at excellent addition to a modern street setting, although I hoped that the council would have kept it cleaner.
At Old Street's Silicone Roundabout I reached the my destination, White Collar Factory.
I love good and attractive use of concrete and at White Collar Factory I loved the wood grain effect concrete.
I enjoyed the wood button push pads in the revolving doors.
I found the scissor lift styled tables in the lobby industrial and interesting.
The large industrial lights provided character and the bright yellow ceiling track was a quirky feature which hints towards the versatility of how the space can be used.
I usually enjoy exposed air conditioning, wiring and sprinklers, this was no exception.
The floor had a rustic sawn wood panel effect and cute eyelet handles.
I was surprised by the £3.30 for a small latte but impressed by the flavour of the boutique London roasted coffee from Workshop: https://workshopcoffee.com/
It was unfortunate that the service at the reception could have been warmer and friendlier. I observed the receptionist interact with a guest and it was decidedly cold and unwelcoming. It was not helped by the receptionist being seated at one of the scissor lift tables which is far too wide for a seated service.
Leaving the factory I headed for London Bridge.
The route took me past an beautiful new building with undulating waves of frontage.
http://www.10finsburysquare.com/
Beyond this I was impressed by the recently cleaned Victorian London 13-15 Moorgate (former Metropolitan Life Assurance building). Architect William Silver Frith built this beautiful stone property between 1890-93.
The statues read from left to right: Confidence, Prudence, Justice, Truth, Thrift and Self-Denial. On King’s Arms Yard, they read: Self-Denial and Thrift. At the north end of the building, they read: Truth and Justice. Located on the west side of Moorgate Street, at the junction with King's Arms Yard.