So much is new about Old Street

Befitting its name (first recorded as Ealdestrate around 1200 and le Oldestrete in 1373) Old Street’s ancient origins could stretch as far back as ye olde Roman times. Even in its earliest days, the area was known as a hub for theatre, religion, music, technological development and street art… It has also seen some of London’s most influential folk meander through its illustrious streets… 

Shakespeare’s theatre company made its home at Britain’s first permanent playhouse on Curtain Road, from 1597 to 1599 and John Wesley (a leader of the Anglican Church’s revival movement, considered to be the founder of the Methodist church) set up his first Methodist chapel on Dereham Street, before moving to City Road in 1778. Wesley’s Chapel still stands on City Road today.

It seems like it was only a little while ago that I didn’t know much about the area – I associated it mainly with Moorfield’s Eye Hospital and always thought it so clever how the there was a line painted on the pavement from the station to the hospital, for those with sight difficulties to follow easily. (It’s still there and I still look out for it, so I don’t get lost!) How things have changed…

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Old Street is now one of the world’s most important digital destinations (Amazon, Deliveroo, Cisco-Meraki and Adobe all now have offices in the near vicinity) and is also an incredible destination for foodies, lifestyle and shopping. In addition, it is so well connected to other parts of London, that it has become one of the most sought after neighbourhoods to live in. It’s no wonder then, that Berkeley decided to build their landmark development right in the middle of this bustling hotspot. 

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250 City Road, designed by world renowned architects Foster + Partners, is the epitome of luxury living in the heart of the city. As I entered the building, it felt like I was entering a different world. There’s a calmness and a luxuriousness to the show apartment and no detail has been forgotten. Oh and the VIEWS! Every room on the upper floors offer the most spectacular panoramas of the Capital – they are proper chin-dropping views. Chin-dropping, pulse-racing, wow wow wow views.  

Residents of 250 City Road enjoy 1.9 acres of beautifully landscaped WiFi enabled green spaces (IN THE MIDDLE OF THE CITY! ZONE 1!) with secluded courtyards that create that sense of calm I mentioned. Oh and you will have access to five star facilities, including a state-of-the-art gym, a yoga studio, an indoor swimming pool, spa & treatment room… and of course, a sleek business lounge (because you will need to work. You can’t just lounge around staring at your amazing views all day) a residents’ lounge, a screening & karaoke room, 24 hour concierge service and 7th floor rooftop terrace. Fancy it? 

Honesty, I was just walking around with my mouth open, secretly choosing my favourite apartment… 

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And then off I went to explore the neighbourhood and discovered so many gorgeous spots for eating, drinking, shopping and mooching… London has always found a way to embrace the big and the small simultaneously… so to find enormous conglomerates and tiny hole-in-the-wall doughnut havens on the same stretch is no surprise at all. 

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And then a hop, skip and a two stop jump on the tube took me straight to Kings Cross, where I was immediately flung into the bustle and excitement of one of my favourite parts of the city – restaurants, shops, the canal, the fountains… and of course, the fabulous Coal Drops Yard.

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I loved exploring around Old Street and discovering all it has to offer. And I know there is so much more to see – I barely scratched the surface…

If you want to find out more about 250 City Road, or arrange your own viewing call 020 3925 9905 or visit Berkeley’s website. 

This post is sponsored by Berkeley.