WHY I LOVE SHOREDITCH
WHY I LOVE SHOREDITCH
Rudolph Diesel is the head of London interior design company Rudolph Diesel Interiors. In this article, he describes areas of London that have earned a special place in his heart.
Love to look at
Shoreditch is where street art thrives and the best way to admire the brick-based work of Stik, Sweet Toof and even Banksy is to take a walking tour. It’s full of dedicated art spaces and independent cinemas. Rich Mix is a venue for creatives - emerging artists, comedians and musicians, as well as a cinema.
Not quite a London landmark or a historic house, Ballie Ballerson is definitely something to look at - even if you’re just a spectator. This cocktail bar is home to two giant ball pits filled with over a million balls, with neon lights making this a grown-up’s playground paradise. The London Shuffle Club is another Shoreditch sight to see, where bright young things engage in the traditional old game of shuffleboard, cocktail in hand.
Love to shop
The original Boxpark opened in Shoreditch back in 2011 and the shipping container chic is still going strong. For a mix of Nordic-inspired clothing and homewares, head to Absence of Colour, or go to The Gift Box for cute and kitsch decorative accessories. Outside of Boxpark, interior designers are often seen in Aida for fabulous objet d’art and sustainable fashion, while fans of modern design form an orderly queue at SCP. For the ultra-creative among us, Cowling & Wilcox is Shoreditch’s art supply store - rammed to the rafters with paints, papers and pens.
For flowers and old style traders in full song head to Columbia Road flower market.
Love to eat
A sure-fire winner in Shoreditch is BiBo at The Mondrian – a Spanish kitchen serving authentic tapas. I’ll savour the oxtail brioche and padron peppers while admiring the luxury interior, before heading upstairs to Laurel’s On The Roof for a cocktail around the rooftop pool. A Japanese Garibaldi served in an authentic 1970s glass, anyone? If I’m in Shoreditch with friends, I’ll book us in for the feasting menu at Lahpet. It’s the best way to experience Burmese cuisine, with a menu so authentic you’ll think you're dining in Yangdon, Myanmar. For flying visits, you can’t go wrong with Wacka. Its breakfast and brunch options are ideal before an interior design meeting - Turkish eggs on sourdough toast or pistachio and pumpkin seed granola will hit the spot.