Pride doesn’t end in July. How London’s Queer Spaces Make Inclusivity Part of our London Neighbourhoods

Harry Elliott

When I was asked if I wanted to offer some reflections for Pride month, it made me think about how I feel now, compared to when I started in the industry ten years ago. But I realised that I did not want to make this a serious blog about my thoughts on what the industry still needs to do – because I honestly believe that overall, we are doing ok. Yes, there is still lots to do in the industry in terms of acceptance and diversity as a whole. But that will continue to take time; and we are fortunate the industry now has some incredible leaders who identify as LGBTQ+ (and allies) to continue the progression.

So instead, this Pride month I wanted to shine the light on a number of queer owned shops, restaurants and venues in our capital city that offer safe spaces for all the LGBTQ+ communities; at a time when, for some, it is needed more than ever.

These operators not only help curate amazing retail and hospitality concepts that diversify our high streets and neighbourhoods. They also proudly offer a safe space, support some amazing LGBTQ+ charities; and provide a place where everyone can be celebrated for who they are.

Rainbow flags are not just a trend’. They fly all year round. And I feel lucky to live in a place where as part of my work, I see spaces dedicated to celebrating my community every day.

That’s certainly something that makes me feel proud.

10 LGBTQ+ London Favourites:

Boys Boys Boys, Fitzrovia: A gorgeous gallery cafe. www.boysboysboys.org

Toad Bakery, Camberwell: LGBTQ+ owned bakery. https://www.toadbakery.com/

Bethnal Greens Working Mens Club, Bethnal Green: Nightclub/Bar. https://www.workersplaytime.net/

Gay’s the Word, Russell Square: The oldest LGBTQ bookshop in the UK, opened in 1979!  https://www.gaystheword.co.uk/

Earl of East, multiple locations: LGBTQ+ owned lifestyle brand. www.earlofeast.com

La Camionera, Hackney: Lesbian bar. www.lacamionera.com

The Old Nun Head, Nunhead: Super fun gay pub where all are welcome. https://www.theoldnunshead.co.uk/

Bistrotheque Restaurant: Hackney LGBTQ+ owned destination with regular events and Queer acts. www.bistrotheque.com

Feminist Library, Peckham www.thefeministlibrary.co.uk

Queer Britain Museum, Kings Cross: History of LGBTQ+ in Britain https://queerbritain.org.uk/

Main image: Fitzrovia Gallery Cafe Boys boys boys.

Second image: Toad Bakery

The Transformation of Brent Cross

The Transformation of Brent Cross

Charlotte Roberts

  Things are changing at Brent Cross. The UK’s first indoor shopping centre opened its doors to customers in 1976, with the ribbon cut by King Charles III himself. Anchored by John Lewis, Apple and Fenwick’s, the centre offers nearly 914,000 sq ft of retail and hospitality and is North…

2024: A Year of Growth

Tracey Pollard

2024 was another busy and productive year at Bruce Gillingham Pollard. Delighted to report that we saw the business go from strength to strength. The team completed a little over 25% more deals than 2023, with an increase across hospitality and retail as well as the tenant rep and investment…

“TAKING RETAIL OFFLINE” PANEL DISCUSSION

Lizzie Knights and Harry Elliott

Last week we welcomed five incredible panelists for “Taking Retail Offline”, the first of our BGP Presents events; discussing why fast growing retailers are strategically investing into new stores and locations. We were thrilled to host founders and key figures from a mix of UK and international brands; Alfie-Lee Marcus…

How St Christopher’s Place Became the Buzziest Corner of W1

Tracey Pollard

This month’s Spotlight is about the iconic St Christopher’s Place – focusing on the leasing strategy that has increased footfall by 8% in the last quarter.

This buzzing enclave and historic piazza opposite Selfridges need no introduction.  St Christopher’s Place’s unique mix of innovative F&B and quirky boutiques – set adjacent to major global brands of Oxford St -has made it both a regular drop in for Londoners and a must-visit for tourists alike.

Bruce Gillingham Pollard has been appointed by landlord Columbia Threadneedle for 5 years as sole leasing agents, handling leasing across retail and F&B alongside the retail lease consultancy. This comprehensive service line allows us to take a holistic approach to our leasing strategy, offering well rounded advice to benefit the whole Estate.

So how has the leasing strategy of this iconic destination ensured St Christopher’s Place maintains its position in an increasingly competitive marketplace?

Give people reasons to visit throughout the day.

This was one of our key objectives when we were first instructed – create multiple reasons to visit. Grab a coffee from Ole & Steen as you pass by, hold a lunchtime meeting at Sunday In Brooklyn or treat yourself to an early evening manicure at Nail Luxury before meeting friends in Harry’s Bar.  When you create a dynamic blend of tenants driving footfall at different periods of the day –  you end up with consistent visitor numbers throughout the day, seven days a week.

Create a ‘one-stop’ location for office workers.

The opening of the Elizabeth Line, coupled with a post-covid increase in demand for centrally located office space, has driven strong demand from office occupiers in the West End, including those offices on the Estate.  By focusing on offering a range of amenities for the immediate office catchment – with boutique offerings including Adam Grooming Atelier, Angelique Wine House, Morena and Nail Luxury – the local office worker catchment can fulfil their ‘life admin’ thoughout the working day at St Christopher’s Place.

Create a unique identity with a blend of innovative independents and anchor brands.

Classic British hatmakers Christy’s and Carolina Wong Jewellers set alongside Whistles and L’Occitane has built a unique character for the retail at St Christopher’s Place, while simultaneously providing a range of price point. This selection of unique brands clustered together develops a point of difference, giving St Christopher’s a unique identity.

Prioritise UK market customers over tourists. 

Despite proximity to Selfridges and Oxford St and their large tourist footfall, we were clear that targeting domestic footfall should take priority in the F&B mix in St Christopher’s Place. By focusing on great London F&B brands such as Bao, Bone Daddies, Bar Kroketa and Flat Iron, we can rely on robust trading regardless of tourism trends. At this same time, this strong focus on London talent appeals to our international visitors who are drawn to the very best restaurants in London.

Current Opportunity:

We have a 4,000 sq ft. town house opportunity trading over 4 levels. This space may suit a retailer looking for treatment rooms, or a restaurateur looking for private dining or event space.

We are also seeking a healthy grab and go lunch operator to serve the immediate office catchment, in a unit of @ 1,000 sq.ft.  This is a key priority for an opening in January 2025.

How Victoria Street evolved from retail thoroughfare to London’s buzziest social hub

Charlotte Roberts

Victoria Street has experienced a metamorphosis in recent years. Take a wander down there today and you’ll discover a bustling hub of restaurants and bars, packed in among some of the capitals most in-demand ‘competitive socialising’ venues.  Recent crowd -drawing openings include Lane 7 and The Alchemist, joining the likes of…

White Bay Power Station: An alternative vision for historic buildings

Tracey Pollard

On a recent trip to Sydney, I had the pleasure of paying a visit to the newly opened White Bay Power Station. In terms of history and design, White Bay has many similarities to our own Battersea Power Station – and holds a similar iconic status within the local community…

Is Diversification the Key to Success in Challenging Times?

Neighbourhood cafe/bar concept Loungers recently opened its 250th location

Rob Barnes

As 2024 gets off to an incredibly busy start of viewings and offers here at Bruce Gillingham Pollard, Rob Barnes argues that there is great cause for positivity ahead – for those businesses willing to diversify As we consider the outlook for the year ahead, a key question dominates. Are…

National Deals

Rob Barnes

As we look back on 2023, we are proud to reflect on a year of remarkable achievements in the national market for Bruce Gillingham Pollard’s National Team. From casual dining powerhouses Five Guys and Yo Sushi to innovative concepts such as Townhouse Nails and Sixes, we have positioned a diverse range of exciting brands to take flight in new locations across the UK.

Highlights include:

  • Leasing prime locations in Westgate, Oxford and St James Quarter, Edinburgh to Flight Club’s immersive social darts experience.
  • Introducing the vibrant flavours and sleek aesthetics of EL&N to Birmingham’s Bullring and Edinburgh’s St James Quarter.
  • Helping to bring the second F1 arcade in the UK – and the first outside London – to Paradise in Birmingham.
  • Acting for Capital Karts – soon to create the longest and fastest indoor Go-Karting track in the Midlands at Star City set to open Summer 2023.
  • Delivering the award winning VR gaming experience Sandbox at Birmingham’s Grand Central.

We are so gratified by the ongoing trust of our clients, and hugely proud to have been instrumental in shaping the urban landscape with such a varied and innovative range of occupiers. With a wide range of exciting projects in the pipeline, we can’t wait to see what new heights we can scale in 2024!

#property #lettings #success #newdeals #expansion #dining #retail #whatBGPdo

COMING SOON

Harry Cody-Owen

Tap and Tandoor will be arriving at Westquay, Southampton this month! It will be Westquay’s first Indian offering and specialises in craft beer, cocktails and home-style curries.  You’ll be able to enjoy a casual dining experience with a wide range of quality beers in a relaxed, family friendly environment. The…

NEW OPENING

Alex Todd

Burger and Sauce has opened in the newly refurbished Food Terrace at Derbion Shopping Centre, Derby. The brand prides itself on offering great value to its customers, without any compromises to the quality of food products on offer. Burger and Sauce was named the winner of Uber Eats Restaurant of…

Fresh perspective is among key benefits of secondments

Sophie Moorcroft

Having returned from Landsec, Sophie Moorcroft has now moved into the capital markets team at Bruce Gillingham Pollard working alongside Jack Barratt, Woody Bruce and Nick Halley bringing an understanding of client requirements. Her experience at Landsec spanned all geographies and sectors, and the move to the capital markets team…

Sandbox at Grand Central

Harry Cody-Owen

Hammerson has signed the world’s most advanced virtual reality experience, Sandbox VR, as part of its vision to diversify the use of Grand Central in the heart of Birmingham and an ambitious strategy to reinvigorate its assets through new brands, entertainment, and experiential concepts.

The 13,000 sq ft unit – set to open this summer – is the brand’s third in Europe and largest to date. This signing supports Sandbox VR’s plans to expand across the UK and Ireland, while elevating the experiential offer at Hammerson’s Bullring & Grand Central, in-line with the wider evolution of the destination.

Taking group virtual reality gameplay and competitive socialising to the next level, Sandbox VR creates a truly immersive experience within exclusively designed interactive worlds, making players feel like they are living inside a game or a movie. The unmatched adventure is powered by a new generation of Hollywood motion capture cameras, 3D precision full-body trackers, custom hardware and haptic feedback suits, enhancing the touch, vibration, and motion senses for the user.

Bruce Gillingham Pollard (BGP) advised Sandbox VR on the letting. BGP associate director, Harry Cody-Owen, added “Following the successful opening of Sandbox at its London location in July, we are delighted to have also advised on Sandbox’s second UK venue. They add to the brilliant line-up of best-in-class leisure with Toca Social and Lane 7 both expecting to open in summer. I have no doubt Sandbox will be a huge success and I having played the games myself; I know the people of Birmingham will be equally blown away.”

Alongside its ground-breaking gameplay, Sandbox VR Birmingham is set to include the brand’s much-loved robotic bartender ‘Toni’. Shaking, stirring and serving up to 80 drinks per hour, Toni adds another unique experience to Grand Central’s unmatched hospitality and leisure offering.

Drum

Tracey Pollard

F1 Arcade Confirms Birmingham for its Second Venue

Victoria Broadhead

F1 Arcade, the first Formula 1 licensed premium experiential venue of its kind, is to occupy an 11,000 sq ft unit at Paradise Birmingham, the £1.2bn business, leisure, and residential development in Birmingham. The move marks only the second UK venue for the brand after its first venue in London…

Bruce Gillingham Pollard appoints new Equity Director as Head of Investment

Tracey Pollard

BGP is active across Retail Capital Markets and most recently advised The Ardent Companies UK on its acquisition of the retail element in the landmark Royal Exchange building in the City of London. Commenting on the appointment, BGP’s Managing Director, Tracey Pollard said: “Jack joined us a graduate in 2012…

Ardent UK Completes Royal Exchange Acquisition

Woody Bruce

Advised by BGP, The Ardent Companies UK has completed its acquisition of the retail element of The Royal Exchange in the City of London from Oxford Properties. The Royal Exchange, located opposite the Bank of England between Threadneedle Street and Cornhill, is the City’s leading luxury retail destination. Providing 51,400…

The Portman Estate appoints Bruce Gillingham Pollard to advise on its independent retail portfolio, Portman Marylebone

Charlotte Roberts

The Portman Estate has appointed Bruce Gillingham Pollard as advisers for retail, restaurant and leisure property on its 110-acre estate in London’s Marylebone. The instruction encompasses leasing agency and also lease consultancy across the Estate’s Portman Marylebone retail portfolio.

Bruce Gillingham Pollard Director, Charlotte Roberts, commented: “The Portman Estate already provides one of the most interesting variety of places to shop, eat and drink in London. From the increasingly stylish offering on Chiltern Street through to the network of streets and mews around Portman Square, new developments and initiatives being brought forward by the Estate continue to set Marylebone apart as a leading destination for independent retail and unique consumer experiences.

“We’re enormously excited about working with The Portman Estate to further elevate the location through introducing new brands and raising awareness of all that it has to offer.”

The Portman Estate recently became the first Estate to gain B CORP™ certification joining the global movement of trailblazing businesses who meet the highest standards of corporate social responsibility and make a positive contribution to people, communities and the environment. The certification is a designation that a business is meeting excellent standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency on factors from employee benefits and charitable giving to supply chain practices and input materials.

Tom Knight, Portfolio Director at The Portman Estate, added: “We are committed to proactively curating the retail and leisure offering across The Portman Estate to further establish Marylebone as a vibrant destination of choice for all.

“We are looking forward to working with BGP to further evolve the personality and quality of our independent retail and leisure partners across Portman Marylebone.”

Vinoteca opens first outlet outside of London

Victoria Broadhead

Vinoteca has taken a 3,390 sq ft unit in MEPC’s Paradise mixed-use development in Birmingham. The restaurant at Two Chamberlain Square is Vinoteca’s seventh outlet. Vinoteca co-founder Charlie Young said: “Birmingham has always been quick to embrace new food and drink concepts, and we felt this was the perfect setting…

New Associate for Bruce Gillingham Pollard National Leasing Team

Tracey Pollard

Bruce Gillingham Pollard has appointed Lucy Gardiner as an Associate in its National Leasing Team. Lucy has 10 years of experience across the F&B market and a wide range of knowledge across the UK and excellent relationships with key landlords and brands. These relationships will be vital in her new…

Sandbox VR – UK’s First

Tracey Pollard

This weekend, why not head to the newly opened Sandbox VR UK in Museum Street, London. Jump into a high-tech virtual reality world and choose to be at the centre of a zombie attack or fighting pirates on the high seas. London’s first Sandbox VR uses Hollywood motion capture cameras,…

Bruce Gillingham Pollard recruits Central London Leasing Director

Tracey Pollard

BGP has appointed Lizzie Knights as a director in its Central London leasing team.

Formerly with Colliers and BNP Paribas Real Estate, Lizzie has extensive experience of working on retail and leisure leasing across prime London locations including Grosvenor’s Mayfair and Belgravia estates; Shaftesbury’s Soho and Carnaby holdings; Argent’s Coal Drops Yard at King’s Cross; and Leadenhall Market in the City of London.

BGP managing director, Tracey Pollard, said “Lizzie is an expert in curating retail portfolios to deliver best-in-class brands and occupier mixes.

“Her previous experience is aligned to the growing number of prime instructions on which BGP is instructed across London.”

Lizzie has worked with a wide variety of brands to secure their first London sites, including HURR, Colourful Standard, Senturion and Aime Leon Dore.

She said: “I’m very much looking forward to being involved in projects such as MARK’s Borough Yards development, St Christopher’s Place for Columbia Threadneedle, and also continuing working with Grosvenor in Belgravia and Mayfair”.

Journey to Net Zero ♻️

Thea Rowe

BGP are committed to achieving net zero and setting a suitable path to science based targets to help the business achieve this. We are delighted to be part of Grosvenor Net Zero Mentoring Programme alongside green consultancy The Heart of The City. This will enable our business to calculate baseline, set an…

Edward Bulmer Natural Paint to Pimlico Road Design District

Lucy Cope

We are pleased to have worked alongside our client, Grosvenor to bring Edward Bulmer Natural Paint to Pimlico Road Design District. The design world’s ‘go to’ eco friendly paint brand, pioneering plant based paints made from raw materials reducing the effects on buildings, health, nature and the planet! Their sustainability…

Landsec appoint Bruce Gillingham Pollard across food and beverage portfolio

Tracey Pollard

Bruce Gillingham Pollard are delighted to have been appointed by Landsec to join their new retail leasing agent panel,  working across the hospitality portfolio which includes food & beverage, fitness, leisure and hotels. The panel, which has been formed as part of Landsec’s new operating model launched late last year,…

Oxford Street

Charlotte Roberts

Last week we launched our third retail store on Oxford Street to market. An interesting time for the street when in the same week, the first kiosk & trading pitch has been de-designated from the public realm. This alongside the repositioning of the department stores, arrival of Crossrail & investment into the public realm makes for a location of huge opportunity & growth.

Barry’s Bootcamp

Charlotte Roberts

This week our wonderful client BARRY’S BOOTCAMP LTD announced the launch of their Liverpool opening in the summer of this year. Liverpool standby for the best workout in the world from the market leaders… For more information, please contact Charlotte Roberts or Victoria Broadhead

Piccadilly Lights

Charlotte Roberts

This week we launched the marketing of the retail and F&B at Piccadilly Lights. An iconic London building with flagship retail, a rooftop and other restaurant / bar opportunities wrapping around the globally recognised digital advertising space. For further information, please contact Woody Bruce, Charlotte Roberts or Lucy Cope.

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