Area guide: Barbican
We take a look at some of the areas surrounding our meeting rooms for hire. This week is Barbican.
The Barbican area is seen as the cultural heart of the City. Within easy walking distance of Bank and Liverpool Street, it’s most well-known for its huge arts centre and brutalist blocks of flats.
In fact, this maze-like complex makes it one of the biggest residential areas in the City.
How to get there
Barbican station itself is connected to the Circle, Metropolitan and Hammersmith & City lines, offering quick access to Farringdon, King’s Cross and Aldgate.
Within walking distance is Moorgate to the East, which connects to the Northern Line, and Liverpool Street; and Bank and St Pauls, both on the Central Line.
Who’s in the neighbourhood?
The dominant feature is the Barbican Centre, which along with its amazing arts venue also offers some restaurants and cafes. Smithfield Market is also nearby.
CityPoint houses a number of leading companies such as Simmons & Simmons, Wilki Farr and Gallagher, Morrison & Foerster LLP, and Ebiquity.
There’s also the Cass Business School in the neighbourhood, along with a number of companies including Heckmann Design, commercial property consultants Robert Graham, and IT staffing firm, Anteo Group.
Places to eat and drink
With a number of tourist attractions and the day-to-day life of the city workers, there are plenty of places to eat and drink in Barbican.
We recommend:
• For business lunches – Wood Street Bar & Restaurant: This classic, no-frills English pub has plenty of space and nooks for lunch meetings. And its lakeside setting is great in the summer.
• For a catch up over coffee – J&A Café: Tucked away down an alley off Clerkenwell Road, this café offers homely cooking, excellent coffee and a relaxed atmosphere. At night, the other side of the alley turns into a cocktail bar.
• For after work drinks – Jugged Hare: A modern gastro pub, it’s a cosy and fashionable place great for drinking and snacking. There atmosphere is bustling after 6pm, and there’s plenty of chit chat to be had.
• For a smart dinner – Searcys Gin Joint: This brasserie and bar on the second floor of the Barbican offers contemporary dining with a wide selection of gins.
Places to stay
Again, thanks to its mix of tourists and business people, the area is well-served for hotels.
• Top of the range – The Montcalm at The Brewery London City: Set in a listed building, this hotel offers luxury accommodation in the heart of the city.
• Mid-range – Malmaison: With just under 100 rooms and easy access to the Barbican and the City, this hotel has it all. A gym, quality design and great dining are just a few of its delights.
• Budget – Easyhotel: For flying visits, try the no-frills Easyhotel.
To book a meeting room or conference venue near the Barbican, call 0800 073 0499.
Posted by Sara Cano
