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Summer 2018
The Magazine for Barbican Residents
Barbican
Highwalks
Re-opened
Changing Face of Smithfield n Arts Society Charity n Funeral Singers n Devonshire Club
EV Charging Installations n Restaurant Reviews n Chef's Corner n Theatre Previews n Health and the City
Stress in the City n Legal Matters n Personal Finance n BA Discount Scheme n Barbican Flatwatch
Afterthoughts n Barbicania
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Volume 15 No. 2 Summer 2018
The Magazine for Barbican Residents
THE BARBICAN ASSOCIATION
Officers
Contents
Chair Jane Smith, 307 Seddon House 7628 9132
Features
Deputy Chair Helen Kay, 403 Willoughby House 07922 615573
Secretary Christopher Makin, 21 Speed House 7920 9475 Cover Story
Treasurer Tony Swanson 151 Lauderdale Tower 07736 849425 7
Assistant Treasurer Nigel Dixon, 703 Frobisher Crescent 0203 419 0751 The Changing Face of Smithfield
Membership Secretary Jim Davies,101 Mountjoy House 020 7638 7546 A research team from Brunel University spent six
Cover Picture:
Auditor Richard Godber, 67 Defoe House. months looking at what makes the area around The Michael Ayrton
Subcommittee and Working Group Chairs Smithfield Market so special. Isobel Ward, Minotaur statue in its new
Access and Walkways Robert Barker, 33 Lauderdale Tower 7588 3694 Monica Degen and Camilla Lewis detail some of location photographed
Arts Centre Group Jane Smith, 307 Seddon House 7628 9132 the findings for Barbican Life from the recently re-built St
Communications Gillian Laidlaw, 309 Mountjoy House 7638 0069 Alphage Highwalk. Parts of
12 the old Roman London City
Crossrail Jane Smith, 307 Seddon House 7628 9132
EV Charging Installation Wall can be seen in the
Cultural Hub Jane Smith, 307 Seddon House 7628 9132
Estate Security David Bradshaw, 143 Cromwell Tower 7638 3005
Charging points for electric vehicles have been background.
Licensing Robert Barker, 33 Lauderdale Tower 7588 3694
installed in six of the Barbican’s car parks and (See article on the new
usage is being closely monitored as part of Highwalks on p.44)
London Underground Richard Collins, 4 Lambert Jones Mews 07546 653009
Planning Helen Kay, 403 Willoughby House 07922 615573 a six-month trial.
Sustainability/Air Quality Sarah Hudson, 192 Shakespeare Tower 7628 5377 14 Regulars
Bernard Morgan Liaison Fred Rodgers, 100 Breton House 7374 4277 Barbican Art Society Charity
LWP/21 Moorfields/Moor Place Helen Kay, 403 Willoughby House 07922 615573 John Lumley, Chair, Barbican Art Society 5 Barbicania
Ted Reilly, 192 Shakespeare House 7628 5377 Charity informs us of the history and activities 42 Theatre Previews
Elected General Council Members of one of the longest running social groups on
Randall Anderson, David Bradshaw, Paul Clifford, Sarah Hudson, Helen Kay, David Kirkby, the Estate which nowadays has charitable 37 Health and the City
Christopher Makin, Mark Mallindine, Jane Smith status. 40 Stress and the CIty
House Group Representatives 18 44 News Review
Andrewes House * Mary Jo Hickman [co-chair] maryjohickman@me.com Area Restaurant Reviews and News 49 Decor and Design
Natalie Robinson [co-chair, 7 Andrewes House 7920 0599 Helen Hudson, and the Editor report on three 52 Chef’s Corner
Ben Jonson House * Bruce Badger 338 Ben Jonson House 07726 450183 restaurants with a distinctive French touch and
Breton House Fred Rodgers 100 Breton House 7374 4277 another in a very upmarket City Club open to 53 Legal Matters
Bryer Court John Taysum 701 Bryer Court 07768737131 nonmembers at weekends. 55 BA Discount Scheme
Bunyan Court* Gordon Griffiths 312 Bunyan Court 7588 2900
Cromwell Tower * John Tomlinson 133 Cromwell Tower 7628 3657
31 58 Barbican Flatwatch
Defoe House * Helen Hudson 15 Defoe House 07842 235268
The Rise of the Funeral Singer 64 Afterthoughts
Frobisher Crescent * Jenny Addison 710 Frobisher Crescent 02072568911
Singers have been used for years at celebrity
Gilbert House * Ian Dixon [co chair] 407 Gilbert House 7628 4107 funerals but now it is becoming the norm at
more and more funerals (albeit mostly the Barbican Life is published
Nadia Bouzidi [co chair] nadiabee@gmail.com by the Barbican
John Trundle Court Janet Wells 14 John Trundle Court 7628 8602 more expensive ones). Briony Rawle tells us of
Association for all
Lambert Jones Mews Richard Collins 4 Lambert Jones Mews 07546 653009 a London organization providing such a service. Barbican residents.
Lauderdale Tower * Tony Swanson 151 Lauderdale Tower 077368 49425 34 Additional copies are
available at £5.50 per
Mountjoy House * Gillian Laidlaw 309 Mountjoy House 7638 0069 The Devonshire Club copy, including UK
Seddon House * David Graves 209 Seddon House 7628 4371 New club on Devonshire Square offers postage, from:
Shakespeare Tower * Lew Jackson 322 Shakespeare Tower 7628 4248 members some excellent facilities – at a price – Barbican Life, 5 Brandon
Speed House* Christopher Makin 21 Speed House 7920 9475 but its 68 well equipped luxury bedrooms are Mews, Barbican, London
Thomas More House * Averil Baldwin 1 Thomas More House 7638 8740 EC2Y 8BE
open to the public as is its excellent restaurant
Wallside * Mary Bonar 6 Wallside 07774 864419 Tel: 01883 714618
at weekends. Email: barbicanlife@gmail.com
Willoughby House* Helen Kay 403 Willoughby House 07922 615571
Recognised Tenants Association Editor: Lawrence Williams Contributors/Assistance:
Communications Group Email: barbicanlife@gmail.com
Gillian Laidlaw 309 Mountjoy House 020 7638 0069 laidlaw.gillian@btinternet.com Tel: 020 7588 0898 John Causebrook Camilla Lewis
Robert McKay 352 Cromwell Tower 07885 917082 robert.mckay123@btinternet.com Mobile: 07853 836 623 Michele Cohen John Lumley
Jane Smith 307 Seddon House 020 7628 9132 chairba@btinternet.com
Maggie Urry 13 Lauderdale Tower 020 7588 1955 maggieurry@gmail.com
Advertising: Stephanie Ross Joe Coten Briony Rawle
Stephanie.ross@btinternet.com• Monica Degen Stephanie Ross
Jim Davies 101 Mountjoy House 020 7638 7546. membership.ba@gmail.com
Mobile: 07753 603601
Lawrence Williams 5 Brandon Mews 07853 836 623 barbicanlife@gmail.com Gary Donaldson Isobel Ward
Design: Sheldon-Mann
Michele Haynes Website
Email: sheldonmann@gmail.com
Tel: 01322 412157 Helen Hudson Helen Hudson
Articles published, and opinions expressed, do not necessarily represent the views of Kevin Kiernan Geoff Scapelhorn
The Barbican Association. Contributed articles are welcome, but insertion depends on Print: The Buxton Press, Buxton
space available and editorial needs. © Copyright 2018 The Barbican Association
Estate agents in the
heart of central London
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13th floor, stunning views, high specification, walk-in wardrobe. Recently Unique M2C duplex flat, entry on second floor , stairs down to first-
refurbished with contemporary kitchen, modern bathroom and floor accommodation. Spacious south facing, one bedroom, floor to
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87 Long Lane, 81 Marchmont Street, 104 Southampton Row, 123 Stamford Street,
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B A R B I C A N L I F E
Barbicania
Well Connected
O
ne very specific attribute of living on the Barbican Estate is that it has to be already
one of the best connected residential complexes in the country with respect to
transport links. It has both east-west and north-south underground lines at
Moorgate, not to forget the Great Northern commuter lines out of the same
station; the Liverpool Street rail terminus only a short walk away giving access to
Lawrence Williams
the east of the country, Bank and the Docklands Light Railway and the Waterloo and City line,
with its direct connection to Waterloo serving the south and the southwest, while only another
short walk away is Farringdon with its Thameslink connections. The Kings Cross/St Pancras and
London Bridge rail termini are also relatively close to the north and south respectively providing
direct rail access to the north of England and Europe from the former and the south and southeast
from the latter..
And all this is even before the Elizabeth Line (Crossrail), which runs right under the Barbican,
opens by the end of the current year and gets fully up and running by late 2019. With station
access to the Liverpool Street Elizabeth Line station at Moorgate, and to the Farringdon one at
Barbican, property values for the Barbican and the Golden Lane Estates could surely potentially
see a substantial boost, more than countering the recent price weaknesses noted by some of our
local estate agents commented on in our Flatwatch section in this issue.
In the previous issue of Barbican Life we published an article looking at the likely benefits which
will occur along the Crossrail path. The article primarily looked at the boosts the new east-west
rail link might bring to outlying areas along its route, but it should be equally beneficial, if not
more so, to centre city businesses and residential communities impacted directly by the link. And
our northern part of the City of London will be one of the areas which may well gain the most.
As we pointed out in the introduction to the Elizabeth Line benefits article, the plethora of
new office developments surrounding the Barbican and within easy reach of the
Moorgate/Liverpool Street and Barbican/Farringdon station accesses is just an initial indicator of
the prospective business growth in our area – but we are also seeing new residential
accommodation being built to accommodate the area demand. Longstanding residential complexes
en route, like the Barbican, will undoubtedly see increasing demand, both from those keen to live
in close proximity to their new offices, and from those who will see residential options along the
route as being extremely convenient wherever they may work in areas served by it.
With Heathrow only just over half an hour away and the Canary Wharf office complexes even
closer timewise the Barbican, with its already positive ambience emanating from its arts complex,
gardens and lakes, and its relatively large and very strongly constructed apartments, could really
come into its own. Add to this the prospective boost from the Culture Mile proposals which will
aid area regeneration further, and what is already a great place to dwell will have an even stronger
appeal as a brilliant place to live in a city centre environment. We are already well-connected in
the best sense and the new links and business growth will only add to the appeal.
Lawrence Williams
5
B A R B I C A N L I F E
T HE C HANGING FACE OF S MITHFIELD
A research team from Brunel University spent six months looking at what makes the area around
Smithfield Market so special. Isobel Ward, Monica Degen and Camilla Lewis detail some of the
findings for Barbican Life
B
etween April and October Islington, and opened up the possibility
2017, a team of researchers for the construction of the largest
from Brunel University wholesale market in the country. The
London analysed the market building that still stands today
changing identity and sense of was designed by Sir Horace Jones and
place of the Smithfield area, examining opened in 1868.
the sensory transformation of the area Geographically, Smithfield sits
over time. They were interested in how between the City of London, Farringdon
smells, sounds, textures, tastes and looks and Clerkenwell. It is often described as
have shaped Smithfield’s character in a boundary place. While being
the past, present and future. Over a 6 influenced by the characters of the
month period, the research team carried surrounding areas the research found
out detailed observations, mapping and that it also has a unique sense of place.
recording how the space around the One of the interviewees remarked on
market is used by various social groups, the geographical position and rich architectural landscape and which evoke ‘Aerial view of Smithfields’
over a 24-hour cycle. They also history, describing how it felt like a past, present and future experiences of
interviewed 20 local stakeholders and ‘forgotten edge of the city. It was on the the area.
spoke to 150 people passing through the outside of the city wall just by the River Longstanding buildings and institutions
locality as well as conducting extensive Fleet, I still think it’s got a backlands vibe.’ are visible signs of the eclectic past.
historical research. Here we discuss some The area surrounding Smithfield has They include, for example, the priory
of their findings. You may also visit the been influenced by the market and hospital of St Bartholomew, The
website for a range of visualizations of operations, noticeable through cold store Order of St John and the Charterhouse,
the findings and more information. buildings or stonework motifs of animals the retention of medieval street patterns,
(www.sensorysmithfield.com ) on Charterhouse Street and Long Lane. and the only surviving house from the
A market has been operating in It is not only the visual cues, but also fire of London in 1666 on Cloth Fair.
Smithfield since the 12th century, when other sensory experiences which remind Plaques commemorating William
a livestock market operated on the site passers-by that this is a working site. Wallace and Wat Tyler’s Peasants Revolt
then known as Smoothfield and today, During the day the noises of market mark key historical moments. These
Smithfield remains the last working workers, refrigeration units and the smell historical markers are often drawn on to
wholesale market in the City of London. of meat are noticeable in Grand Avenue. describe the atmosphere of the area. The
During this time, there have been many Markings on the roads and scuff marks past intertwines with the present to
changes to the working of the market. In on the corners of buildings signal the inform everyday life. While the
1327 a charter was granted, resulting in long history of the working practices of historical buildings exert a feeling of
the city authorities banning slaughtering the place. longevity, the noise of drilling and
within the city and forcing abattoirs to The market itself also influenced the construction, the smell of dust that
move into the streets and houses of rhythms of the wider area. For example, permeates the area and the constant site
Smithfield which lay outside the city during trading hours (2am to 8am) large of orange dressed construction workers
walls. lorries unload meat into and out of the create a feeling of impending future ‘Visual cues on surrounding
Smithfield became a flourishing market, cafes open 24 hrs a day to serve change. buildings’
industrial area throughout the middle workers during the night time and pubs
ages, while its reputation as an area of have special licensing hours to
disrepute and crime also persisted. accommodate the night time trade. This
Intolerable conditions were caused by has meant over the years that the area is
cramped streets and terrible drainage for a well known location for an early pint.
the slaughterhouses, which by 1853 were Many high end restaurants that have
selling 227, 000 cattle and 2 million opened over the last 15 years have
sheep a year. capitalised on the area’s foody image and
By the mid 19th century advocates the area has become well known for
working for the removal of the market excellent restaurants specialising in fresh
were gaining considerable public meat direct from the Smithfield market.
backing. This culminated in the The unique feel of Smithfield also
Smithfield Market Removal Act of 1852 comes from the diverse layers of history
which relocated the livestock market to which remain inscribed in its
7
B A R B I C A N L I F E
‘Friday evening after work Smithfield is often described as
drinks’ ‘surviving against the odds’. It is the
continuity and endurance of the
institutions which helps to create a
strong sense of attachment for many. For
example, one local resident described:
“I really love coming in here. I like being in
touch with the 18th century. The poor box
for example. And the fountain which is
newly renovated. ...When I come here I feel
much more inside my own skin, much more
in touch, because this is a family place for
me.” (Interview, local resident)
One of the key findings was that the
feel of the area is strongly shaped by the
people that work there from creative
industry workers, workers at the meat beside cycle couriers waiting for their to other places.” (Interview, night club
market to those working in guilds or in next job and lorry drivers parked up employee)
the hospital. There is not one single waiting for the market to open, with The research also found that the
homogenous or dominant social group in loud refrigeration units humming. Smells sensory character of the area fluctuated
the area, but instead a juxtaposition of were often a marker of the unexpected depending on the time of day, as
different professions, including people encounters between social groups. different groups occupy public space at
who work in the financial sector, Olfactory surprises reminded individuals different times. As one research
creative industries, bicycle couriers, 24:00 24:00
The 24 hour use cycle of medics and so on. club
be
the area The research found that these groups ies arrive nts
rs
lorr ra
all held attachments to the area in
ng
au
m
lisi
est
different ways. They move through the
ark lorries
socia
bars/r
et open
area at different times of day creating 18:00 06:00 18:00 06:00
and experiencing different rhythms and
le
rs
av
ito
e
sensory environments. For example, a weekend
vis
local creative worker described ork
ers
office w
Smithfield Market area as ‘lively and
buzzy’ as he ran to catch up with his 12:00 12:00
colleagues for a post-work Friday beer; A WEEKDAY
WEEKDAY WEEKEND
resident spoke about the way the gardens that many contrasting activities coexist participant said: “I would suggest you go at
changed through the seasons and spoke in the same locale. For example, an different times of the day during the week
of her planting schedule for the coming interviewee who had worked in the because it all changes so much. That’s the
months; A night club engineer described Smithfield area since the 1970s described thing – it’s very schizophrenic – actually not
how he loves the way clubbers mingle how there was a bacon smoker used on a two personalities but many different ones...”
with meat market workers at 6am in the Friday when he first bought an office, (creative industry office worker)
morning amid the madness of the and how he remembered the ‘amazing The future of Smithfield’s
arriving lorries and shouts of market smell coming out of woodchips and development and identity is uncertain
porters; A cabby explained how he smoked bacon’. He contrasted this to the but the majority of people interviewed
‘Early hours while the meat enjoyed the sense of history of the place ‘greasy café’ smell which wafted from the expressed a strong sense of optimism
market is in full swing’ and takes his break at his favourite café cheaper market cafes nowadays. about the area. The Museum of London
A night club employee described the is due to relocate to West Smithfield in
following scene: “The meat market is 2022. The move will involve renovating
bustling in the middle of the night or early the derelict buildings that stand adjacent
hours of the morning: I do get to see to Farringdon Road. Previous planning
sometimes the meat market in full effect. applications for the West Smithfield site
You’re here at 6 and it’s like gridlock, cars were all rejected but the ambitious
everywhere, which is quite cool to see. You Museum of London project has fostered a
can see loads of white coated people, you get quiet confidence about the changes it
big 40ft trucks. It’s quite chaotic to be fair, will bring. The opening of the new
when everyone’s coming out of the club, and Crossrail (Elizabeth Line) station is also
everyone’s trying to get cabs, this area’s estimated to bring in an additional
inundated with people stocking up, ‘cos I 1.5million visitors a year.
guess this is for wholesale, people come and In July 2017, the Culture Mile
stock up and take a van load’s worth of stuff regeneration strategy was launched by
8
@pmicabinetsB A R B I C A N L I F E
‘Night time picture of the City of London in collaboration
Smithfield Market’s Grand with The Museum of London, The
Avenue’ Barbican Centre, The Guildhall School
of Music and Drama and the London
Symphony Orchestra. The aim is to
create a vibrant cultural area over the
next 15 years. A local artist commented
on the terrific changes about to take place:
“I think it’s going to change drastically...
I would imagine it’s going to become
fantastic isn’t it. Because you’re gonna have
Crossrail there, you’re going to have the
Museum of London taking over the
Smithfield building, which is gonna be
marvellous because that’s been lying
derelict for years now, and I would identity crisis. I feel like some people want it tourist destination attracting thousands
imagine it’ll be something along the lines of to be one thing, other people like it for what more visitors. As for the future of the
St Pancras where they’ll try and keep all of it is, and no one can really sit down at the meat market itself, there was a strong
the original features inside.” (Interview, table and go yeah well this makes us all sense of nostalgia about it and its
local artist) happy. So, there’s a lot of to-ing and fro- importance in London’s history. Overall,
These projects will all alter the ing...but time will tell I guess...Whoever there was an agreement that
temporal rhythms, sensory environment can foot the biggest bill probably wins.” regeneration should be sensitive to the
and atmosphere of Smithfield. As well as (Interview, local employee) current feel of the place and the daily
optimism, there is a strong sense of The research found that while many lives and uses of the social groups
anxiety about how the changes will be people felt that Smithfield is a fertile coexisting in Smithfield.
managed and which qualities of the place for creativity to flourish, they were
place will remain, be redesigned or also saddened that the ‘secret, hidden For more information see
become excluded through the regeneration. feeling’ could be lost when the www.sensorysmithfield.com or contact
“I feel like this area is in a bit of an neighbourhood is transformed into a monica.degen@brunel.ac.uk01376 528189 | enquiries@abbottps.co.uk
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EV C HARGING P OINT
R OLL -O UT IN THE B ARBICAN
A
Charging point Demo in s we noted in our article on
the TMH car park Electric Vehicles (EVs) in our
Christmas issue, City residents
in the Barbican who use an
electric vehicle now have access to 30
permanent charging points across the
estate. The charging points will make it
more accessible for residents with electric
powered vehicles to charge them and offer
a range of options, including both tethered
and socketed units, with power outputs
ranging from 3kW to 22Kw.
The charging points are spread across five
of the Barbican’s car parks – those for
Breton House, Bunyan Court, Cromwell
Tower, Thomas More House and
Willoughby House. Nissan and Tesla had models on display of London Corporation’s Environment
The new charging points are part of the and personnel to answer queries. Ride Committee, said: “At the beginning of the
City Corporation’s ambitious plans for a sharing company, Zipcar, which keeps 4 LEN project, it was one of our ambitions to
Low Emission Neighbourhood (LEN), vehicles in the Barbican for its customers, make more charging points accessible to
jointly funded by the Mayor of London also had an electric VW Golf at the demo. residents in the City. This has now been
Now the charging points are available achieved. We are committed to improving the
Zipcar will be replacing two of its Barbican Square Mile’s air quality and this pilot will help
based vehicles with these electric versions us future-proof the City by encouraging the
of the VW Golf. An electric motor use of pollution-free electric vehicles.”
bicycle owner was also on hand to answer Shirley Rodrigues, Deputy Mayor for
questions about his machine. Environment and Energy, also commented:
During the evening reception, there “The roll-out of standard charging points
were presentations from Ben Kennedy, across the Barbican is a great step forward in
Empty charging bays in the and the City Corporation. Plans for the Low Emission Neighbourhood Project encouraging more residents to shift to zero-
Willoughby House car park LEN also include proposals for green taxi Manager; Owain Mortimer, London emission vehicles, which London desperately
ranks and planting and greening projects Councils; Karl Anders, EV specialist at needs to clean up our toxic air.”
designed to improve air quality around the Nissan GB; and Matt Croucher from Matt Croucher, Associate Director of
Barbican and Golden Lane Estate areas. WSP. WSP, noted: “We commend the considered
The official installation roll-out was on Residents who own an electric vehicle approach taken by the City Corporation,
May 14th with a charging point will also be taking part in a six-month trial which is not only looking at fulfilling current
demonstration in the Thomas More carried out by environment consultants demand, but is also thinking about the medium
House car park, followed by a reception WSP. If successful, it could lead to a wider to longer term. Based on all these findings,
Electric vehicles at the and a series of relevant presentations in rollout of EV charging infrastructure across we’ll be making recommendations for how
Demo attracted good the close-by Ironmongers Hall. the City of London. The principal charging infrastructure should be rolled out
attention Encouragingly EV manufacturers BMW, problem at this early stage is that there more widely, accompanied by some best
well may not be sufficient numbers of practice guidance.”
electric vehicles in the Barbican to provide The LEN project is part of the City
sufficient data for the trial. The editor, for Corporation’s fightback against air
example, checked out the charging pollution. It works with businesses
stations at the Willoughby 01 car park through its CityAir Programme whilst
level to find none of the points in use at leading a London-wide crackdown on
that time and one of the dedicated bays drivers who leave their engines idling.
occupied by a non-electric vehicle despite This year, the City Corporation launched
there being plenty of free space available a clean air cargo bike delivery scheme
elsewhere! Hopefully more residents will which helps the Square Mile’s businesses
be switching to EVs now that charging tackle toxic air pollution by shifting
facilities are available. deliveries from diesel and petrol vans to
Jeremy Simons, Chairman of the City cargo bicycles.
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B A R B I C A N L I F E
B ARBICAN A RT S OCIETY C HARITY
John Lumley, Chair, Barbican Art Society Charity informs us of the history and activities of one of
the longest running social groups on the Estate which nowadays has charitable status.
Students at an art class on a and paper, and from time to time
Monday residents have donated art materials
(which are always welcome).
Professional artists conduct all classes.
These include two morning and two
evening classes running for three ten-
week terms at a cost of £105.00 per term
for each student. They last for 2 - 3
hours, depending on the course attended,
and cover a wide variety of drawing and
painting techniques, including still life,
portraits, landscape, occasional life
models and a specialised botanical art
class. Materials used include pencil,
charcoal, pastel, watercolour, acrylics and
oils. Students are expected to provide
their own art materials as guided by their
tutors.
B
arbican art is one of the longest Wheelchair and scooter access is An additional monthly day class
running social activities on the available. The Society has an excellent specialises in watercolour and oil
Barbican Estate, having been relationship with the adjacent Playgroup painting. This is a longer day workshop,
continuous for over a quarter of a and the children are invited, under lasting approximately 5 hours, where the
The Wednesday art class century. The initial Barbican Art Club
was housed in St Giles’ Church Hall, but
it moved to the present Art Room below
Andrewes House Highwalk in 1998,
when the Church Hall flooded. Access
is from the Podium, towards the
A Friday art class Willoughby end of Andrewes House.
supervision, to observe our activity, and tutor also gives demonstrations. Students
similarly we are invited back to see their bring their own packed lunches and as in
work. other classes, teas and coffees are
In the early days the students provided. Classes are sociable and
benefited from Adult Education friendly and all levels of students are
Vouchers, but when these stopped, the welcome from beginners to those wishing
Society (as it became known) formed a to improve their skills.
Small Incomes Charity and received The Society has successfully exhibited
small grants. It attained full charitable in the Barbican Library on two
status in 2015. The Department of Adult occasions, and has works hanging in
Education originally donated our heavy local cafes and restaurants. It has
equipment: easels, boards, tables, chairs Christmas and summer drop-in events
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A poster invitation to the
primarily to advertise and attract new
last Open Evening prepared
students, although a Christmas raffle
by one of the students.
raises funds that enable us to give grants
The next Open Evening is
to local schools for art promotion. We are
on June 26th
grateful to local businesses, trustees,
students and others who donate the raffle
prizes.
Classes are open to all, and we have
Barbican residents, city workers and those
living in outer London boroughs
attending. The art room houses eight
students plus a tutor at any one time and
classes are mostly fully subscribed.
Nevertheless, vacancies do arise and are
advertised on the Barbican website.
There is also scope for developing further
classes and we would be interested in
hearing new ideas. If you are interested,
you are encouraged to contact us on our
website: thebarbicanartsociety@gmail.com
The next drop-in event is at 6.00 pm on June
26 in the Art Room.
The Barbican Art Society is
a Registered Charity, no. 1164194
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B A R B I C A N L I F E
Restaurant Reviews
THE FRENCH CONNECTION
– AND OTHERS
This issue our reviewers sample food at three very French local restaurants as well
as at a high end members’ club – open to non-members at weekends – and
bring readers news of a mollusc promotion and the refurbishments of two other
popular restaurants in the area.
for the powder rooms). Bear in mind
that the dining is wheelchair
accessible but not fully as there is no
access to the mezzanine up with the
loos.
The interior was redesigned in
2015 and is a clever combination of
modern style with Parisian brasserie
whispers.
The sage leather seating, blending
fabrics on the pews and the
uncluttered tables all complement
the elements of vintage styling in the
lighting and mirrors.
The Spring menu was just being
launched as we reviewed the
restaurant; it has been compiled by
Raymond and the chef team here led
by Clive Fretwell. They are proud of
the fact that their food is sourced
with care from some of the best
Mid-range French fare Rouge chains both offering producers and farmers in the country.
at Brasserie Blanc something similar in style and We arrived at 7pm on a Thursday
H
eading down Moorgate pricing. However we would rate the and the bar was busy but not hectic.
towards Bank, turn left Threadneedle Street Brasserie Blanc The restaurant was almost empty so
behind the Bank of England, highly among these. early but filled up over the evening
and a couple of roads on, you reach A little bit of history here: Blanc is with all the working late city folk.
Brasserie Blanc Threadneedle Street self-taught, he arrived in the UK and The drinks menu is fairly
which is another venture from the headed to Oxford where he got a job comprehensive with a good range of
world-renowned chef Raymond in a country pub, after which he cocktails, wines and beers. Non-
Blanc. It is part of a chain of married the boss’s daughter, opened alcoholic cocktails are also available.
similarly-named mid-priced eating up his first restaurant and started We just settled for glasses of Mucadet
establishments in the French cooking in earnest. (£6.70) and Sauvignon Blanc
brasserie-style. There is certainly Back to the present day and, along (£5.95). House red and white wines
The ‘BB’ Cheese Soufflé
competition in this style of restaurant with his famous Le Manoir Aux are £19.95 a bottle and still wines on
(with Ford Farm Coastal
with the Cote Brasserie and Café Quat' Saisons (from which 27 chefs the list go up o £88. If one really
Cheddar sauce) (£7.50)
who have worked for him have gone wants to splash out then a bottle of
on to win Michelin stars), he has this Louis Roederer Cristal champagne
chain of these brasseries with comes in at £295.
branches in several UK cities We started with some big fat juicy
including Bristol, Leeds, Chichester olives (£2.25) and for starters we
and Cheltenham. When asked what ordered a cheese soufflé and a fish
a Brasserie Blanc is, Raymond soup. I haven’t had a cheese soufflé
replied, “if the Manoir is a delicate for the longest time but I remember
waltz then the Brasseries are the Can my last effort at baking one and even
Can”; apparently the menu (which is though mine did rise to the occasion,
updated seasonally) is inspired by the it wasn’t a patch on this one. The
dishes cooked by his mother. soufflé had a very subtle egg flavour
The Brasserie is a bar as well as a and enhanced the flavour of the
restaurant, and you walk in past the cheese; the texture was cloud-like
bar and up a few stairs to get to the and dissolved deliciously on the
tables (and up a second set of stairs tongue. The soufflé passed with
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Mediterranean Fish bream. The skin was
Soup with Gruyère perfectly crispy and the
cheese croutons. A
large flakes had a lovely
classic Raymond
recipe, complex & full
fishy, buttery fat taste.
of flavour. (£8.50)
We did without a side
order of veggies because
the fish came with
fabulous fresh ‘just
crunchy’ asparagus and
my partner ordered the
‘meal on a plate’ lamb
tagine.
We were doing the
review in April and our
London weather
Mixed berry Pavlova (£6.75)
honours on the final test of having a certainly wasn’t warming, but we
moist cheese interior. could, at least, enjoy the bold flavours The little bowl is made of
The Fish Soup was rich and of a hot culture via this dish. The chocolate, the biscuit looking crumbs
delicious and complemented well traditional two-piece clay pot was are chocolate crumbs and at the
with the accessories. brought to the table and as soon as bottom of the bowl of mouse is a
Other mostly typically French the lid was removed, the aromas of cherry compote to die for. Enough
starters ranged in price from £6-£9.95 the spices, fruits and slow-cooked said! I had to share it with my
and included meat transported us to Morocco. You partner, because it belongs on a
Vegetable Summer Rolls, Pea, can understand how this method of bucket list.
The Sea Bream
Broad Bean & Red Pepper Salad, cooking is practical in
areas where water
supplies are limited.
Other mains included:
Marinated Free Range
Chicken, Grilled Cod &
Lemon & Squid Ink
Risotto (with Grilled
Chilli Squid). Malabar
Fish Curry with Toasted
Coconut, Boeuf
Bourguignon, Duck Leg
Confit with Black Cherry
Sauce, Beef Burger, Slow-
Cooked Shoulder & Leg Of Roast Chocolate Mousse Cup with Cherry Compote
Suckling Pig, Scottish Salmon & (£8.50)
Chicken Liver Parfait, Moules Crab Fishcake , King Prawns with Other dessert offerings include:
Marinere or Saffron Mouclade , Black Rice, Grilled Salmon Fillet Pistachio Souffle, Coconut Rice
Lamb Tagine (Slow-
cooked spiced Cornish Grilled Lightly Smoked Salmon with with Tomato Hollandaise, Moules with Fresh Mango, Zesty Lemon
lamb with apricot, Beetroot Medley, Potted Cromer Frites or Prime Cornish Chargrilled Tart, Jude’s Ice Cream & Sorbets or
golden sultanas & Crab & Avocado and Steak Tartare Steaks (30-day dry-aged beef from The Brasserie Blanc Selection Of
Medjool date, pistachio ‘Maison’ pasture-reared, free range Cornish Five French Cheese
& almond couscous). For the main course, I opted for cattle) We ended with a very good coffee
£19.95
special of the day which was sea For Vegans and Vegetarians the and patted ourselves that we didn’t
restaurant offers Hearty Vegan ‘Chilli eat any sourdough bread before the
Pie’ or Roast Butternut Squash with meal!
Citrus Bulgur Wheat Salad. This is a classy mid-range
So there’s plenty of choice on the restaurant with excellent food which
rather large menu to suit all tastes. is well worth a visit. They clearly
For dessert, my partner opted for care deeply about their menu and the
the temptingly irresistible mixed service is excellent. It’s worth noting
berry pavlova. The meringue was that they welcome children and have
chewier than he would have liked, a special Henri le Worm menu just
but I leaned over for a second for them. For older children they
opinion and it was perfect for me, so have a ‘half price, half portion’ menu
it is just a matter of taste. Doesn’t it featuring selected main course dishes.
look heavenly! Brasserie Blanc has a special 2
Since one of Raymond’s signature course fixed menu available Monday
dishes over the years was a chocolate to Saturday at lunch time to late
fondant, I decided to go for the afternoon in most locations and
chocolate mousse cup. available in the evening Monday to
20B A R B I C A N L I F E
Le Restaurant de PAUL is Thursday in selected brasseries.
through the Tower 42 Unfortunately, the Threadneedle
main entrance on Old
Street restaurant does not offer the
Broad Street
set menu but most of the other
locations do.
Brasserie Blanc, 60 Threadneedle
Street, London EC2R 8HP - where
Threadneedle Street meets Old Broad
Street opposite the Royal Exchange.
Tel: 020 7710 9440. Website:
brasserieblanc. com Opening Times:
7.00am - 10pm, Mon – Fri, Closed
Saturday & Sunday
Helen Hudson
An Afternoon tea with
a French touch
W
hat a treat! That was my than the pot of tea is something times. At the moment this rather
companion’s comment special. Of course if one prefers to special afternoon tea option is
after visiting the Tower 42 drink tea I am sure the restaurant can intended to be available indefinitely.
venue for le Restaurant de PAUL in provide that too! We went along for this indulgent
Tower 42 in the City for a decidedly Apparently the French equivalent treat at Tower 42 on a Tuesday
French take on the English of the quintessentially British afternoon at around 3.15 pm. My
afternoon tea ritual. Indeed it was afternoon tea is called Le Goûter, companion had beaten me there and
sans the traditional British pot of tea and at Le Restaurant de PAUL the was sipping sparkling water and I
which might disappoint the purists, new bottomless afternoon tea joined her with that. The three tier
but in tea’s place were unlimited beautifully blends the best of British serving of sandwiches, brioche and
glasses of the restaurant’s house and French cultures, although in patisseries and the first glasses of
sparkling wine from Gaillac - Ky France Le Goûter more likely comes sparkling wine were quickly
Procco - to wash down a three-tier with coffee or hot chocolate rather delivered.
serving of sandwiches and pastries – than the vin mousseux, aimed at the We worked our way up the three
all French style. boozy British perhaps, or just an tier serving starting with the
Indeed afternoon tea options are option to help draw people in. sandwiches – all savoury and
The three tier serving of
sandwiches, brioche and
cropping up all over the place these In any case, this tea simply oozes delicious in slices of artisan bread -
pastries with sparkling days as restaurateurs seek to get more savoir faire and is a great way of and then to the middle tier French
wine at Le Restaurant de efficient use of the space they filling an afternoon, assuming one take replacing scones with cream
PAUL. Picture by Jennie occupy, and I have to say this French has the time available and the head and strawberry jam – but in our view
Blouet of StreetSmart. variation with sparkling wine rather for the extremely pleasant sparkling the brioche in place of traditional
wine and, preferably, does not have scones much superior. The sweet
to return to the office for any serious brioche was truly melt-in-the-mouth
work! and the combination with the cream
For £24.95 per person, one can and strawberry jam exquisite.
enjoy free-flowing French bubbles, Sparkling wine glasses were topped
delicate artisan sandwiches with up as soon as they were seen to be
fillings including Camembert and getting low.
poached salmon, exquisite patisserie, Given that Le Restaurant de
jewel-like macarons and, fresh from PAUL is a boulangerie/patisserie, as
the Paul bakery, sweet melt-in-the- well as a French restaurant, one
mouth segmented brioche (rather might expect something special on
than English scones) with the cream the top tier patisserie section of the
and jam which is normally the serving and we were not
highlight of the English tea a la disappointed in this respect.
restaurant or tea room. Altogether a most pleasant way to
This French style afternoon tea at while away an afternoon.
Le Restaurant de PAUL launched on
31st March at the Covent Garden Le Restaurant de PAUL is at Tower 42,
branch and, more conveniently for 25 Old Broad Street, London EC2N
Barbican residents on 3rd April at its 1HQ, Tel : + 44(0) 0207 5625599. We
sister restaurant in Tower 42 on Old covered the restaurant’s a la carte
Broad Street. The ‘bottomless’ offerings back in the 2015 Christmas
afternoon tea is available for a issue of Barbican Life – see: A little
minimum of two people sharing and piece of France in Tower 42 and were
is served Monday to Friday 2.30pm – impressed then. This French take on
5.30pm at Tower 42 and weekends afternoon tea just adds to the good
only in Covent Garden at the same impression we had at the time.
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Galettes and Crêpes par
excellence at L’Ami
Malo
Smoked salmon maki
rolls starter
does these really well. It offers a good buckwheat), and a honey and thyme
choice of savoury galettes and sweet dressing (£7). Both were excellent
crepes to whet one’s appetite and and beautifully presented.
these are filling enough to more than As I was on antibiotics I laid off
satisfy the discerning diner. Indeed the alcohol and stuck to diet coke
the range of flavours on offer makes (£2.50), served on ice with a slice of
this small, very French, restaurant lemon. My dining partner had a glass
down a tiny narrow street, packed or three of an organic Touraine rosé
with bars and restaurants, a great wine (£8.50 a glass) which she
choice for something a little different declared to be extremely good.
Buckwheat goat’s from your average restaurant fare. There is a limited wine list with all
cheese croquettes We were there for an early meal on available by the glass, but wine by the
a Thursday evening and the bottle (all French) was from a slightly
restaurant, which we were given to pricy £23 up.
understand can accommodate Having safely disposed of our
around 40 diners on ground floor and starters we checked out the menu
basement eating areas, was busy. We again for main course – mostjy
were seated at a small table set in an galettes - and I chose the smoked
alcove opposite the open kitchen ham one with a prominent duck egg
which had the advantage of having , maple cured bacon, and a comté
no other diners close and also cheese sauce (£9) a very tasty
enabled us to hold a civilised combination which went down well
conversation without being drowned with the diet coke.
out by loud piped music (there was My companion went vegetarian
F
Smoked ham galette
with Duck egg , maple
some but it was kept at a really low with a Mushroom fricassée galette,
cured bacon, Comté or perhaps a lighter choice of volume) or the voices of other diners. served with spinach, mixed leaf
cheese sauce restaurant food it is hard to beat It was only a table which would seat salad, parmesan, and a tarragon
two diners, so for larger parties it chimichurri sauce (£9.50). We both
wouldn’t have worked. sampled each other’s dishes and
Although the menu is not a large would recommend them,
one, it was fascinating to read and we particularly if one is looking to keep
took our time ordering helped by the costs down.
recommendations from our attentive Unlike crêpes , which are usually
waitress. There was so much which made from wheat flour, galettes are
looked good on the menu. Unsure made with buckwheat, which would
how large the servings were going to seem to have positive health
be, we opted to order starters and attributes, and are gluten free.
then when we’d had these we’d order Galettes, as made in French Brittany
the mains later. (and as at L’Ami Malo), are generally
We eventually opted for the savoury and made with the
smoked salmon maki roll with aforementioned buckwheat flour,
capers, keta caviar, dill, shallot on a water, and eggs.
Mushroom Fricassée
the more flavoursome take on smear of crème fraiche (£8.50) and And so to dessert! We had found
galette,spinach, mixed
leaf salad, parmesan and
French style Galettes and Crepes and Buckwheat goat’s cheese croquettes, the first two courses decently filling
tarragon chimichurri
L’Ami Malo in Artillery Passage, roasted heritage beetroot, kasha seeds so we opted to share a dessert and
sauce close to Liverpool Street Station, (an East European variety of chose the Soufflé lemon &
24B A R B I C A N L I F E
convenience will be further Soufflé lemon &
enhanced once the Elizabeth Line blueberriescrêpe
(Crossrail) is up and running
beginning at the end of the current
year.
Given that the City used to be
something of a hotel desert, the
plethora of new hotels which have
sprung up in recent years, means that
room rate deals are readily available
at the moment so it could also be
considered an excellent venue for
the tourist visiting the City area and
East London looking for a touch of
luxury at a reasonable rate. When we
stayed there in April the
booking.com website had it as the
best luxury hotel bed and breakfast
deal in London!
While the club’s excellent
restaurant, bar and lesisure/fitness
blueberries crêpe (£9). Given the which recently opened in one of the facilities are only open to members
preparation time for this there was a old East India Company warehouses and overnight room guests during
slight wait, but that was well and a Georgian townhouse in the week, the bar and restaurant are
worthwhile. It was delicious. Devonshire Square. We understand open to non-members on Friday
All in all, the food came to a total the annual membership fee is in the evenings and at weekends,
of £43 for two – by London standards order of £2,500 which puts it on a presumably to increase restaurant
a pretty low cost meal out and with par with the also relatively new foot fall – very noticeable on the
some great flavour combinations is members clubs at The Ned and 10 Saturday evening when we ate there
highly recommended if you hanker Trinity Square – both of which also with only one other table occupied
for genuine French-style savoury offer hotel room options to non- in the big 110 seat restaurant area.
galettes and sweet crêpes. members and which open up the This might be considered an
Accompanying drinks are a little on club facilities to hotel guests. ambience-killer, but not for us given
the expensive side if one goes for Thus the Devonshire Club is also we prefer to eat without distraction
alcohol, but perhaps no more so than a great 68-room hotel with high and, in any case, the food and service
most licensed restaurants. quality guest rooms available to were very good indeed.
L’Ami Malo is at 14 Artillery Passage members and non-members alike Also to attract a weekend
E1 7LJ, E:info@lamimalo.com, T:020 and with its very convenient clientele the club has launched a
7247 8595. If you are thinking of location is ideal as an overnight, and brunch option, served from 11.30
trying it out it might be advisable to luxurious, venue for people with am on Saturdays and Sundays and Devonshire Club’s
book given the relatively small business in the City – or anywhere while we only partook of the Number Five Restaurant
restaurant size. else in London given its proximity to standard breakfast (more than has well spaced tables
Liverpool Street mainline and adequate) on our visit it was and very comfortable
A Weekend Dinner at underground stations. This noticeable that the restaurant filled seating
the Devonshire
G
etting away from our French
theme, the fourth review
this issue is for the luxurious
Devonshire Club in Devonshire
Square where the excellent
restaurant facilities are only open to
non-members at weekends.
However almost all restaurants
serving gourmet food will have an
element of French cuisine. As the
Devonshire Club is within relatively
easy walking distance of the
Barbican it does offer residents a
high-end dining experience from
Friday evening through Sunday
although one suspects full
membership would only be as a
corporate perk!
The Devonshire Club is indeed a
high-end members establishment
25You can also read
