CAPITAL WATCH ISSUE 1 2018

LONDON DNA “In the south suburbs, at the Elephant, is best to lodge” – this cheeky piece of product placement by one W. Shakespeare in Twelfth Night shows that even then, this location had a place on London’s map. Shakespeare was almost certainly punting an inn in the neighbourhood to his audience at The Globe. This area, directly east of Victoria, south of St Paul's and comfortably in Zone 1, is arguably one of London’s most interesting, diverse and vibrant places. A great example of the area's cultural life is the creative enclave at Pullens Yards, where world-class artists, artisans and craftspeople have their studios and workshops. Daniel Reynolds is a ceramicist whose work has been exhibited worldwide and graces the most recent Kit Kemp hotel in New York, The Whitby. One of Pullens Yards’ longest-serving tenants is abstract artist Frank Bowling RA OBE. His work can be found at the Tate, the V&A and MoMA in New York. In 2005 Frank became the first black British artist to be elected to the Royal Academy, and an OBE followed. If you ever want to see a genuinely thriving creative hub in the heart of London – or on the other hand you want to order a bespoke lute, which is also on offer – Pullens Yards is an excellent place to visit. Once you have done this, head on to Walworth Road where there are many fascinating shops – not least G Baldwin, an old-school apothecary specialising in natural beauty products and health remedies, from balms to herbs. G Baldwin has been open on the Walworth Road since 1844 and customers have included Sir Michael Caine and Sir Terence Stamp. Next to the apothecary is G Baldwin's health food shop – if you go inside you will see why Time Out included it in their “100 best shops in London” list. Cross back over Walworth Road and go to Sidecar Coffee Bar for a quick boost of energy. This café started life quite literally in a sidecar to a motorbike, travelling around town, but now has its permanent home in Spare Street (named after local Edwardian portrait painter Austin Osman Spare), along with Hotel Elephant, a not-for-profit company set up in 2007 to provide space for culture and the arts in Southwark. Hotel Elephant runs an after-school art workshop with local secondary schools and provides space to 40 artists, as well as an exhibition, education and project space. The phrase “local hero” totally encapsulates Reuben Powell, an artist himself, who created this dynamic space. By Richard Howard, International Partner, Head of Leasing richard.howard @cushwake.com Elephant &Castle: Authentic & dynamic Pullens Yards Walworth Road CUSHMAN & WAKEFIELD 19 LONDON DNA