The City of London – Officio

Get to know The City

The City of London, sometimes known as “The Square Mile”, is the main business district right at the centre of London. It works in partnerships with local communities to increase skills, employment and opportunities, which enhances the city’s culture, history and green spaces for all inhabitants.

It lies on the north bank of the River Thames between Temple Bar memorial pillar and the base of Tower Hill. At the centre stands famous and historic infrastructures, from the Bank of England and the Royal Exchange, to more common buildings such as 22 Bishopsgate and The Gherkin. It isn’t all about history though, in this borough lies some of London’s best bars, restaurants and entertainment hubs, perfect for a post work night out or weekend trip.

King William Street

Entrances don’t come much grander than this. The building’s extraordinary, unforgettable Art Deco reception offers the perfect start to every day. And, if you are now thinking the workspace must be impressive to match up, it certainly is.

Garlick Hill

Sat amongst the action in The City of London, this workspace has instant appeal for businesses small or large. With space for teams of up to eighty people, the community is varied and the buzz is palpable.

St. Dunstan’s Hill

This workspace has one of the highest breakout space to office ratios in the area, leaving plenty of room to flex your creative muscles, network or host an informal meeting. If it’s a more formal meeting you’re looking to hold, take your pick from the largest selection of meeting rooms of anywhere in the City

TRANSPORT LINKS

London is famous for its transport, with black cabs and double decker buses. But, the most notable way of transport for locals and visitors alike is London’s underground, which provides transport in and around the whole of the city.

Bank Tube Station

At this tube station, you are able to travel on either Central, DLR, Northern or Waterloo & City lines. The station has lifts, cash machines, toilets, ticket halls, escalators, ticket gates, payphones and free Wi-Fi. Located opposite the Bank of England and the Royal Bank of Scotland, it is simply not hard to miss.

Cannon Street Stations

Within the tube station here you will be able to travel on the Circle and District lines. The station has payphones, a bridge, ticket halls, lifts, free Wi-Fi, ticket gates and cash machines. There is also a train station here, in which the underground is connected to. They are both located in-between Southwark and London bridges and are just across the street from the Walbrook Building.

Moorgate Tube Station

This central London railway terminus and connected London Underground station is located in Moorgate within the City of London. It provides travel on the Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan and Northern lines. The station has entrances on both Moorgate and Moorfields, which runs parallel. To make it easier to find, it is located within close proximity to Finsbury Circus Garden.

BIG CORPORATIONS

The City of London has been a business hub for many years. It is ideal for the larger fish in the pond who want to have their business set up in an additional root to gain popularity and exposure.

BT

This British telecommunications company is located in the northwest of the City of London. It is the largest provider of fixed-line, broadband and mobile services in the UK, whilst also providing subscriptions to TV and IT services.

Standard Chartered

This is a British multinational banking and financial services company. Their headquarters are located in the City of London, with them branching out to more than 1,200 outlets across more than 70 countries, employing more than 87,000 people.

BUSINESS LOCATIONS

These are any structure, whether it is public or private, that is adapted for the transaction of business. These are scattered all across London, but the most part reside in the City of London, the capitals main business district.

22 Bishopsgate

This specific building in London is a commercial skyscraper which finished its construction in 2020, occupying a prominent site in Bishopsgate. The tower stands at 278m tall with a total of 62 storeys. The building houses a fresh food market, innovation hub, gym, wellbeing retreat and spa, curated ‘art walk’, business club, cycle hub, destination restaurant and London’s highest free public viewing gallery. It is said to be the first UK tower to contain in excess of 100,000 sq ft worth of integrated amenity and social spaces.

The Gherkin

Today, the Gherkin is used primarily for office space. It is the headquarters of many large companies including Swiss Re and Sky News. Cool as a cucumber and uniquely shaped, it has earnt its place in the heart of Londoners alongside many other landmarks. It is also home to one of London’s highest lounge bar and restaurants, where it resides 180 metre’s higher than any of The Shard’s or 20 Fenchurch Street’s offerings, but they are only open for tenants and their guests.

The Walkie Talkie

A controversial skyscraper, which damaged cars with scorching reflective sunlight and has been accused of creating a wind tunnel that can topple pedestrians. It has split the capital into lovers and haters. Commonly known as 20 Fenchurch Street, is thought to have been a commercial success for its developers. The 17,000 sq ft ground floor, which is around the same size as a small supermarket, is occupied by retail outlets, while the office space which lies above is especially popular with insurance firms and is fully let. It is possibly most famous for its Sky Garden, a viewing gallery on the 43rd floor offers panoramic views across the city with their foliage filled atrium. The Sky Garden is by no means all fur coat and no knickers, because it offers visitors several well-regarded dining options including Darwin Brasserie and Fenchurch Restaurant for classy British fare. There’s also tempting cocktail bar City Garden Bar and coffee and cake spot the Sky Pod Bar, because a rooftop bar is nothing without the drinks.

My Plan Business Plan

INDEPENDENT BUSINESSES

With an established reputation as the core for the financial and business services sector and with head offices for trade, professional bodies, communications, publishing, advertising and media, Central London’s long-running history as the hub for large corporate and firms is shifting as it becomes the place-to-be for small businesses

The London City Shoe Shine Co.

A Leadenhall Market institution, The London City Shoe Shine Co. have been shining shoes in the market since 1991. A traditional shoe shine hall – run entirely by actors – can brush up your shoes, boots, leathers or suede. Drop by now for an unforgettable experience.

Askinology

A brand-new concept in aesthetics spread over 3 floors. An advanced skincare boutique on the ground floor, the UK’s first facial bar on the mezzanine and an advanced laser and aesthetic clinic in the basement. Whether you are looking for answers and solutions to skin problems, laser hair removal, anti-ageing injections or just a great lunch time facial, Dr Askari and his team can help.

Beau Gems

This family run, independent retail watch and jewellery business is renowned for supplying exclusive watch brands and fine diamond jewellery. Official Agents for Cartier watches. They do also stock Certified pre-owned watches and diamond and gem sets.

HIDDEN GEMS

An area of London famed for its unique experiences. Get off the main streets and wander through the secret side of the City of London, you just need to know the ins and outs.

Saint Dunstan in the East

Ruins of a medieval church. The remains of which provides an incredibly successful architectural project where the remaining walls of the church have been incorporated into a quaint little garden. It is located between the Tower of London and London Bridge, despite being so close to some of the city’s major attractions, its a stunningly peaceful and tranquil place where you can escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

The Royal Exchange

An overlooked building by most of London’s visitors. Located right beside Bank tube station, this building of great history was founded in the 16th century and has been rebuilt 3 times, twice due to devastating fires. Today, you will be able to visit the Royal Exchange for shopping trips and even a luxurious glass of bubbly at Fortnum & Mason inside. Plus, the Instagram opportunities will blow you away.

London Mithraeum

Lying on the site of Bloomberg’s European HQ is the most famous discovery of Roman remains during the 20th century. They were originally found on Walbrook in 1954 while a bomb from the Second World War was being excavated. Turns out, they had discovered what were the remains of a temple to the god Mithras from the Roman era. Today, you are able to delve beneath the surface of the temple and grab a glimpse into the life of those who were around for when Londonium was founded.

SHOPPING

Explore these areas to find anything essential, from fashion, tech and lifestyle, to sweet shops and food stores.

One New Change

This office and retail centre in the City features 60 stores, several restaurants and a public roof terrace with stunning views of St Paul’s Cathedral. It is the only large shopping centre in the City of London, with it compromising of 220,000 sq ft of retail space and 330,000 sq ft of office space. Within the building they have your usual eateries, from Nando’s and Zizzi’s to sweet treats such as Krispy Kreme Doughnuts. Now, regarding the shops, they have retailers such as Hugo Boss and Zara, to supermarket branches such as M&S Simply Food and Boots.

Leadenhall Market

A Victorian grandeur with a long and fascinating history. Known for its quaint shops and food stores, but also recognised as it starred as Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter films, where Harry and Hagrid were filmed wandering to the popular pub, The Leaky Cauldron. It is a 5-minute walk from Monument tube station with the main entrance located on Gracechurch Street. Back in the 14th century, it was known to be a former meat, poultry and game market, but, in today’s scene it is now home to numerous boutique retailers, swanky wine bars, restaurants and an award-winning pub. So why not grab a drink, a bite to eat and have a stroll around the shops.

EDUCATION

After being named one of the best university cities in the world, it is clear to tell that London is a top student destination for both domestic and international students.

The Aldgate School

A unique Church of England school in the heart of the City of London. It was founded over 300 years ago and to this day they are still supported by all their trustees. Their aim is to provide an exceptional education for each child there, to nurture their talents, strive for excellence and inspire young people to learn in a safe and caring environment where everyone is valued highly. To their students, they provide a broad and balanced curriculum for each and every one of them, a religious education, impeccable teaching, targeted support and a safe and disciplined environment.

London City Study Centre

This study centre is the home where students can partake Professional Qualification and Business School programmes. Located within the Square Mile, next to the famous “Gherkin” and Lloyd’s of London. It is at the heart of the city and is easily accessible from Bank and Liverpool Street underground stations and numerous bus stops nearby. It includes 15 classrooms with audio-visual technology, quiet study area’s, free Wi-Fi access, student lounges and break-out area, disabled access, multi-faith room and snack vending machines for those intense study sessions.

FOOD & DRINK

There is no way that you can get bored of eating out in London. The city’s restaurant scene is one of the best out there, with rich tapestry of different cuisines and flavours. From independently and family run establishments to Michelin-star grandee where you can sit at a counter and have the sight of watching genius chefs at work, London has it all.

Sky Garden

Offering 3 stunning floors to its guests that encompass the views of the London skyline, Sky Garden is a spectacular drinking and dining destination at the top of 20 Fenchurch Street, or better known as The Walkie Talkie. With 2 beautiful restaurants and 2 vibrant bars, Sky Garden offers not only the ultimate dining experience but also provides a stunning backdrop, perfect for private events, product launches, corporate occasions and anything and everything in-between.

BiBimbap ToGo

This specific restaurant is part of the Bibimbap group of restaurants originally opening in Soho in 2010. They have always stuck to their roots and believe in good quality, tasty food. They have an idea of introducing traditional Korean food on the go without having to dine in anywhere. Located in Leadenhall Market, the eatery is takeaway only, but provides a nice seating area so you can have a relax whilst eating your food.

The Anthologist

Located on Gresham Street by Bank station, this gorgeous bar & restaurant with a cosy inside and outside seating area is perfect for breakfast meetings, leisurely lunches and after work drinks. They bring their guests a warm welcome with food, wine and cocktails. They have a late night license on Thursdays and Fridays which provides anyone with the perfect excuse to let go until the early hours. Escape the ordinary here and find yourself.

Bleecker Bloomberg

Here, they know burgers are about the beef. they use rare-breed, grass-fed beef from small farms in the UK. It is dry aged and cooked when you order, giving it that intense, beefy flavour. The finishing touches for customers? A sesame seed bun, scratch burger sauce and the good old American cheese. Other items on the menu, as well as the obvious burgers include sides of fries, ice cream milkshakes and other drinks such as iced lemonade, your usual soda and craft beer.

NIGHTLIFE

Feel like going OUT-out but not sure where to go? Maybe you’re feeling a little bit of cheese, or would rather indulge in night of shattering bass. The nocturnal playground that is London’s night scene has it all. Everything ranging from underground techno and house stations to funky bars and unique clubs, you will definitely not be spoilt for choice.

Oriole Bar

This bar has a sumptuous space which gives an oasis of warmth, mystery and magic where Londoner’s and visitors can enjoy a glorious sense of disconnection from the outside world. A place where the combination of beguiling decor, enthralling refreshments and glowing hospitality combine to drive the desire to enchant and delight, which will trigger a genuine and tranquil experience.

The Steel Yard

A two-room club based in the City. The pedigree of this nightclub is as good as it gets. The Steel Yard has picked up the baton by providing a world class platform for the greatest talent from around the globe. Located close by to the Cannon Street stations, within close proximity to the bank of the River Thames.

Puttshack

Located in the heart of the city, this venue is surrounded by brilliant architecture. If you bring good vibes only, this place is made for you. You will be navigating the crazy, tech-infused mini golf courses and unique event spaces. All the winning (or losing) can build up quite an appetite, so be prepared to delve into some scrumptious food and thirst-quenching drinks that passionate chefs and bartenders have prepared. Your taste buds will be transported around the globe.

Flight Club

With décors that are inspired by the heritage of darts; the fun of the fairground and the warmth of a British pub – you’re sure to be dazzled and amazed. From lights that dance in time to the music, fairground horses to stained glass windows; you’ll know exactly when you’ve walked into Flight Club. And, with a selection of seasonally inspired sharing plates and pizza paddles on their mouth-watering menu, as well as an inspiring cocktail menu (did we mention alcoholic slushies?), it’s a winning venue for lunch, brunch and cocktail-fueled catch ups.

Simmons

Located a few minutes walk from Monument station, the newest addition to Simmons rapidly growing family can be hired out for private parties and is open until 3am on Thursdays to Saturdays. Across 2 floors Simmons monument has 2 bars with the capacity of 140 guest. Enjoy Simmons’ multi award winning happy hour from 4pm-9pm every day and the notoriously eclectic musical stylings of their top notch DJs on Thursdays to Saturdays; tracks ranging from disco to funk to 80’s to hip-hop.

Now, its clear that the City of London is a pinnacle of culture, history, business and everything else there is to cover. But even from a first glance, there is a lot more beneath the surface than we actually think, so, its time to get exploring and see everything that the capitals centre has to offer.

For any help in finding office space to rent in the City of London, then get in touch with us here or call one of our expert team on 020 3053 3882 for more help and information.