Old Street is slowly developing its own unique character separate from the areas which surround it – the City, Shoreditch and Hoxton.
And it’s not purely defined by Tech City – the new wave of start-ups and technology-based companies who have taken over the area’s commercial properties – either.
The area around Old Street roundabout has garnered its own impressive culinary, art and wellness scene, with plenty more new additions coming up each and every month.
And its proximity to the Square Mile has also made it a favourite among those who do business in the area.
Here, buyers have access to the City as well as the all-too-cool East London lifestyle.
What properties are on offer?
According to Andrew Phillips, sales manager of Foxtons Shoreditch, Old Street offers a remarkable variety of properties – spacious warehouse conversions and loft apartments, brand new developments, ex-local authority properties, as well as period conversions and old tenements in the surrounding area.
He puts much this diversity down to the area’s eclectic cultural mix: “Old Street is where the City meets hipster culture and the creative industries. It is where the East End becomes central London.
“Warehouse developments and loft apartments contrast with the shiny new developments, and work (commercial offices) blends with play (some of the City’s best bars, restaurants and nightlife).”
In terms of luxury developments, buyers are spoilt for choice. The most noteworthy location would be One Crown Place, which comprises existing period buildings and two new residential towers offering 246 apartments.
It houses 15,500sqm of high-quality office space, a variety of retail space at ground level, a boutique hotel, and a private members’ club.
And, as per usual, all the best onsite amenities are included. Expect a 24-hour concierge, screening room, gymnasium, treatment room, residents’ lounge, and huge communal terrace.
You can find even more luxury developments at Eagle Point and Canaletto on City Road, and refurbished flats in the iconic Imperial Hall, which boasts its very own roof terrace overlooking Silicon Roundabout.
Who’s buying?
Andrew highlights how Foxtons has seen a huge variety of people drawn to Old Street.
“From first-time buyers looking at ex-local authority flats to international buyers who have picked up on the reputation of the area – and from young City types looking for a warehouse apartment to workers in creative industries attracted by the artistic buzz.”
There is something here for most people. You just have to be able to afford it.
Dining
Traversing Old Street you come across a huge array of restaurants and bars.
One local favourite is On the Bab which almost always has a line out the front to get in – Londoners certainly do love to queue for things. But this one is totally worth it for moorish Korean BBQ cuisine. Next door, you’ve also got Cay Tre for top notch Vietnamese food.
Fare Bar and Canteen is perfect for evening cocktails (try the nitro espresso Martini from the tap) alongside plenty of extra special dishes served from the bar; while Nightjar is another gem, with regular live jazz and blues bands playing into the early morning.
Art and Leisure
Shoreditch’s street art scene and obsession with high-end art galleries have both made their way over to Old Street.
The most noteworthy galleries include Red Gallery LDN, Modern Art, and BEERS which all focus on different forms of contemporary art.
For music, the hidden gem of LSO St Luke’s is a must-visit. It is an 18th-century Grade I-listed church, restored to become the home of the London Symphony Orchestra’s community and music education programme.
You’ve also got the lush Ironmonger Row Baths for all your wellness needs and slightly quirky spots like Bounce (table tennis bar) and Look Mum No Hands (a café and cycling community space) for extra fun times.
Transport
Of course, Old Street Underground station lies at the heart of Old Street roundabout, but Shoreditch Overground station and Liverpool Street station aren’t too far away either.
A huge array of bus services pass through this part of town too, making more remote parts of London easily accessible.
Old Street roundabout is also getting ready for a full makeover, making it safer for cyclists and pedestrians to pass through. The redevelopment will include more community spaces, retail stores and dining hot spots.
Now is a great time to buy into the area, as its lifestyle offerings are growing at a rapid rate; and it’s only going to keep getting better.
