Culturalist Neil Constable on the Barbican

Words by
Sphere Life
Photography by
Gemma Day

22nd March 2017

The Chief Executive of Shakespeare’s Globe reveals his top tips on places to go in the Barbican area, including restaurants, barbershops and shoemakers

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EYRE BROTHERS 

70 Leonard Street, EC2A 4QX

An old friend of mine, David Eyre, set up this restaurant back in 2001. It serves incredible Spanish and Portuguese food.

eyrebrothers.co.uk

 

F FLITTNER 

86 Moorgate, EC2M, 6SE

I’ve had my hair cut here since I was a student at the Guildhall School. It’s great value and the shop, which has been in business since 1904, has a timeless quality.

fflittner.com

 

BARBICAN CENTRE 

Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS

Living in the Barbican makes it easy to take advantage of everything the Centre has to offer. What not many people know is that there are often sample sales in the Exhibition halls — I have picked up plenty of designer bargains in my time.

barbican.org.uk

 

GRENSON SHOEMAKERS

40 Liverpool Street, EC2M 7QN

As I spend a lot of time on my feet at the Globe, it is worth investing in a good pair of shoes. Grenson brogues are Goodyear Welted, which makes them incredibly strong and comfortable.

grenson.com/uk

 

GALVIN LA CHAPELLE

35 Spital Square, E1 6DY 

Located in a beautiful Grade II-listed building in Spitalfields, this is one of my favourite restaurants. Chris and Jeff Galvin serve Michelin-starred modern French cuisine here. The Denham Estate Venison is a must and best paired with a glass of Bordeaux, such as Château L’Evangile.

galvinrestaurants.com

 

FLETCHER FRAMES 

12 Kinghorn Street, EC1A 7HT

I often give theatrical posters as opening night gifts and I go to Fletcher Frames to have then mounted and framed, as I do with art.

fletcherframes.co.uk 

 

DRAKES GYM

1 Pardon Street, EC1V 0RL

With all the press nights and working dinners, I need help to offset the champagne and canapé lifestyle! My personal trainer, Dean Thorpe, who co-founded Drakes Gym in 2005, has kept me in shape for the past 10 years.

drakesgym.com

 

FOX AND ANCHOR 

115 Charterhouse Street, EC1M 6AA

A great pub opposite Smithfield Market, this has particularly good ales and it does a wonderful Sunday lunch.

foxandanchor.com