Continuing our series exploring the neighbourhoods where we have BE Office locations, this week we explore the area around our Threadneedle Street building.
If you’re in the financial services and banking industry and looking for great value flexible workspace in the thick of the action, then our Threadneedle Street office is the place to be.
Our spacious modern offices are located in the former Bank of New South Wales, right down the road from the Bank of England. Now fully refurbished – aside from the original 19th century bank vault – this impressive space includes stocked kitchens, a fully-equipped gym, spinning room and free personal training, generous communal space and on-site meeting rooms.
Walk out of the office and you’re right at the beating heart of the City, with several tube and train stations less than 10 minutes’ walk away and innumerable options for drinking, dining and socialising. With so much on offer, here’s our quick guide to the best of the neighbourhood.
Start the day right
With its super-central location, there are plenty of spots to grab a quick coffee and croissant on the way from the tube to the office. To really fill your boots and fuel the day ahead make a lengthy pit stop at The Breakfast Club Spitalfields, just across from Liverpool Street Station. They do huge American-style classic breakfasts, as well as ‘Bennies’, pancakes, waffles and filling breakfast sandwiches for when you really need a morning boost.
For a no-frills fast-food take on the Full English head to Breakfast & Burgers on Leadenhall Street, on the way to the office from Fenchurch Street station. Or, on the healthier side of the breakfast spectrum, right next door you’ll find Farmer J’s, home of the ‘Fieldtray’, where surprising dishes like ‘Vegan Shakshuka’ sit alongside new classics like ‘Smoked Salmon & Avo’.
Need a caffeine boost?
Our break out space and kitchens come complete with high quality bean-to-cup coffee machines, but if you want to combine that caffeine fix with a quick leg stretch, there are lots of great spots nearby.
For a socially responsible and exceedingly tasty brew head to Black Sheep in Leadenhall or try the achingly hip Royal Exchange Grind on Threadneedle – both of these coffee shops also turn into cocktail bars after hours!
Live it up at lunchtime
Foodies won’t want to miss the chance to spend a luxurious lunch in the stunning dining room at Brasserie Blanc on Threadneedle Street, a French bistro inspired by famous chef Raymond Blanc.
If French isn’t your thing, no worries – you can find almost every cuisine imaginable catered for in the area, from Turkish mezze at HAZ Bishopgate, South-east Asian flavour at Nusa Kitchen, or modern Mexican at Tortilla Leadenhall.
Or on a sunny day why not grab a takeaway from the deli at Natural Kitchen and head down to the river to people watch, or soak up the views of iconic St Paul’s Cathedral from its Festival Gardens. If you really want to stretch your legs and awaken your senses, Borough Market with all its tantalising tastes and smells is a pleasant 20-minute walk.
There are plenty of shops around the area, if you like a bit of retail therapy, and you can pick up rare antiques and browse lots of funky artisan stalls down at Old Spitalfields Market – keep an eye on the events board for interesting workshops and classes during the week.
Culture junkies can walk 15 minutes to the edgy and ever-interesting Whitechapel Gallery for a little lunchtime inspiration. And you can learn all about the history of our most famous financial institution and its role in our economy at the Bank of England Museum just down the street.
After-work attractions
After a busy day at the office enjoy a pint and pie in opulent 19th century surroundings at The Counting House just around the corner. Or head a little further afield to The Vintry for a great selection of wine and a modern, ever-changing menu.
For a sunset tipple with a spectacular view over the city, book a table at the luxurious Sky Pod Rooftop Bar in the incredible Sky Garden at 32 Fenchurch Street. Or check out the view from The Shard, London’s highest building, and have dinner or drinks in one of its contemporary bars and restaurants.
Cocktail lovers will want to head to the decadent Alchemist at Bevis Marks, for a taste of mixology at its most innovative. Or if you’re looking for a more raucous evening, start the night off right with happy hour drinks at the fun, neon-lit Simmons Bar on Liverpool Street, and get those dancing feet tapping.
For a more cultured evening, check out what’s on at The Barbican Centre, for world-class, thought-provoking, contemporary dance, film, music, theatre and visual arts. With the West End a short tube ride away, you could take in an after-work show, every day of the week if you like!
Work right at the bustling heart of The City in one of the world’s most cosmopolitan places, and feel like you’re at the centre of the earth. To find out how you can become a part of this buzzing location, check out BE Offices Threadneedle Street options for great value, forward-thinking workspaces.
Images courtesy of Press Association
