Chapter Spitalfields

This is residence is located down Frying Pan Alley which provides us with an indication of the businesses that used to operate in this street. Ironmongers and braziers used the frying pan as the emblem of their trade and they would hang a pan outside their shop so people could see what their business was – whilst the name has stuck, do not expect to see a frying pan outside this residence indicating its name!

Old Spitalfields Market is the original East London market, and you will find yourself here possibly on a daily basis in one of the busiest shopping hubs of London. Built in the 1800’s, the structure was refurbished and rejuvenated in the early 2000s and is now one of the capitals most unique shopping, eating and drinking destinations. Circling the giant roofed market are numerous permanent boutiques, eateries and salons, from many big brands such as Mac, Hackett and Chanel, but it is the heart of the market that’s the most exciting. You’ll find traders selling arts, crafts, clothing and knick-knacks in the two central concourses. On Thursdays, you’ll also encounter the weekly antique market, with around 80 stalls selling vintage maps, books, furniture and collectables. These days no London market is complete without food and Old Spitalfields Market has more than its fair share of restaurants and street food vendors. Grab a gloriously succulent burger to go from Bleecker Street or a crispy falafel from Pilpel. During the colder months try fondue from Androuet Cheese and Wine Bar or head to the Shoreditch outpost of Wright Brother for a pitstop of oysters and a glass of champers at any time of the year.

Now that we’ve got your hungry, The Breakfast Club is an absolute must to discover! Tucked away down a side street just a stone’s throw away from the residence you will find this gem – although there is nothing discreet about this café in the least bit. One of The Breakfast Club’s busiest cafes, it comes complete with its very own Dirty Little Secret bar. The words ‘Today is going to be a good day’ strewn across the front of the café gives a hint at how this place embodies the true Brekky Club spirit – GOOD food, GOOD drinks and just simply GOOD times. Be sure to check out what lurks behind the Smeg fridge through when you visit – here you will find The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town, The Breakfast Club’s first ever Dirty Little Secret bar.

At the end of the week when you are essentially broke from spending all of your money in Spitalfields Market, then paying a visit on Sunday to the world famous Petticoat Lane market is a must! You will mainly find clothes for men, women and children, from street-cred clubwear to over-order of designer goods and last year’s must-haves. One of its specialities is leather wear at the Aldgate East end and there’s bric-a-brac, household goods, in fact, everything you could possibly think of plus some other bits and bobs too. With more than 1000 stalls lining the streets on a Sunday, bargain hunters come in their droves, it’s a great scene and worth the trip even if you’re not shopping. Petticoat Lane may be London’s biggest street jumble sale, but for bargain hunting with a bit of haggling thrown in, it is the original and the best.

This residence boasts a selection of stylish and spacious studios which comes equipped with your own en-suite bathroom, private kitchenette, compact double bed, study area and storage space. The room allows for an independent living so you wouldn’t need to worry about anyone’s mess but your own, or have to fight for the first place to use the bathroom and kitchen!

Where do we possibly start with the facilities that his incredible residence has? Shall we start with the balcony which you will find located on the 33rd floor where you would be able to enjoy some of the most amazing views of the city and its skyline, or we can move inside from the balcony where you can find a library – yes a library, to get a change of scenery from studying in your room or having to brave the elements to get to your University library. Drop down a floor from the tranquillity and you will find a large communal lounge coupled with your own private residential bar to socialise, relax and forget in! Grab a drink and nestle up in the giant leather armchairs and relax with your friends – coz why shouldn’t you once in a while.

Nope – we are not going to stop there either. Why not show your competitive side by visiting the Games Area within the residence? Here you will be able to show your winning (or losing) side with a pool table and football table! Speaking of competitive, fancy showing off those X-Factor vocal talents? Do you? DO YOU?? WELL, you can in the residence Karaoke Rooms which are ready for you to show your Beyonce or your Ed Sheeran. Not feeling like competing in games or karaoke? Then why not visit the private cinema where you can sit back and relax whilst watching the latest movie or sporting event!

There are also plenty of study spaces within the residence, coupled with a private auditorium for any performances or presentations that you may need to practice, or even for you to book an event! A good place to start or end your day would definitely be in the on-site gym which is (like everything else) solely for resident’s use, so go on down and utilise the latest exercise machines and weights. Your body is your temple after all, and what place to build that temple up.

Amongst all that you will find all of the much-needed facilities to make yourself feel at home, like the onsite laundry room to make sure Mummy and Daddy do not get the present of your dirty washing; and a cycle storage space so your bicycle has a safe home like you. You will also find a 24/7 staff presence reception area, which when the residence team are not in they are replaced with a reputable security team who are all there to look after you! Not only that, but do not worry about any issues you have in your room such as a broken lightbulb etc, you will find one of the most responsive and effective on-site maintenance teams to make sure that everything is fixed/replaced as soon as they possibly can – whether you are at home or not!