Blogs

Small Business Saturday: celebrating our local independent shops

By Zara Abdullah, Account Executive

To mark Small Business Saturday on 1 December, it feels only right to celebrate our favourite small businesses in the area – many of which are just a short walk away from our office in the heart of bustling Farringdon. The colourful character of  Clerkenwell (we love Exmouth Market!) and surrounding hotspots of Islington and Angel mean that unique independent shops are never far away, and while there’s still plenty more exploring to do, I’ve pulled together a short list of some of my favourites so far. Happy Small Business Saturday and happy reading!

Johnny Schnitzel, @johnny.schnitzel

We’re lucky to be situated a ten-minute walk from Leather Lane market and a mere one minute from Cowcross Yards, but sometimes what I really want is a hefty schnitzel sandwich. And no one really does it better than Johnny’s. From a deli on a quiet corner between Islington and Clerkenwell, expect generous portions of breaded chicken nestled between pillowy slices of their signature olive and oregano focaccia.  Don’t sleep on the salads, either – far from the wilted arugula affair you may be used to, these are bound to keep you full until dinner. Friday lunches (an end of the week treat!) never tasted so good.

Briki, @brikilondon

A cosy café based in Exmouth Market, Briki is the ideal spot to sit down and enjoy some specialty coffee and a sweet treat (or two), as well as other Mediterranean-inspired deli fare. Briki was a catch-up spot of choice last year for my line manager El and me – their freshly blended fruit smoothies were the perfect pick-me-up in summer – and it was the ideal place for a chat.  Weather permitting, why not sit under the awning outside and people watch? Many a lunchtime was spent there, chai latte in one hand and a book in the other: the perfect break. Don’t forget to pick up a slice of cake if you’re around – I’d recommend the lemon drizzle.

L. Terroni & Sons, @terroni_of_clerkenwell

The oldest delicatessen in London, Terroni’s of Clerkenwell first opened its doors in 1878, offering deli classics like cold cuts and assorted charcuterie as well as classic antipasti dishes like bruschetta. Highly encourage stopping by should you ever find yourself near Farringdon station – pick up an arancini if you’re in the mood for a snack, or build yourself a trendy charcuterie board for dinner. Or better yet, just head there for dinner. Terroni’s serves fresh pasta and also makes their own pizza in house; an excellent dinner option if you’re meeting a friend near work.

Marby & Elm, @marbyandelm

Also in Exmouth Market, Marby & Elm is a family-run letterpress stationery and design shop named after its founder’s sons. Perfect for a quick wander; if not to buy, to browse – beyond the quaint, old-timey storefront lies a treasure trove of goodies for any occasion. The store offers a wide range of handmade gifts, including candles, personalised cards and an assortment of other stationery goodies, as well as decorative items like badges and tea towels. Marby & Elm also have their own range of jewellery made and designed in Clerkenwell, so if you’re on the hunt for the perfect gift this Christmas, look no further! And if you enjoy gift wrapping as much as gift giving, this is the place for you – you’ll find wrapping paper, letter pressed tags and stickers galore. As we approach the festive season, there’s no better place to stock up on supplies.

Image: Leather Lane Market in the winter sunshine