EXMOUTH MARKET SPECIAL - Once a neglected corner of Clerkenwell, Exmouth Market has been transformed into the bustling heart of its community – and now it has the international award to prove it

Published: 14th January, 2011
by TERRY MESSENGER

EXMOUTH Market has triumphed as Britain and Ireland’s top street in a contest staged by a prestigious institute for architects, town planners and builders.

The victory is recognition of the market’s transformation from a neglected corner of Clerkenwell to a thriving and fashionable thoroughfare over the past 15 years. The market was named “Great Street 2011” in the Urbanism Awards, run by the Academy of Urbanism.

Renowned for its exotic lunchtime food market serving international cuisine at bargain prices, Exmouth Market also boasts a healthy mix of utility shops and fashionable outlets.

Builder Mike Smith, from Finsbury Park, told the Tribune:   “Exmouth Market should be named Britain’s best street for the food alone.”

Tucking into lunch from Osman Cengil’s Turkish food stall, he added: “It’s lovely. Nowhere better in London.”

Caroline Richards, who was enjoying a lunchtime date with boyfriend Jacob Head, commented: “It’s a really good place to meet because it’s so friendly – it’s just got a great feel to it.”

Architect and TV personality Maxwell Hutchinson, who has a practice in Exmouth Market, said: “A lot of people have worked very hard to make the street what it is today, and this award shows just how far Exmouth Market has come.”

The street’s revival stems from a policy by the Debenham Property Trust, which owns many of the buildings, to invest “several millions” refurbishing business premises and the flats above them.

The strategy began in the mid 1990s as a number of leases became available, managing trustee Paul Richards explained.

The Trust instituted a policy of letting to independent outlets rather than national chains, at “competitive rents”, allowing young, original and creative entrepreneurs opportunities to open businesses.

Among start-up companies which changed the character of the street are Continental-style café and table football venue Café Kick, “contemporary” jeweller EC One and Muslim Mediterranean/ Spanish restaurant Moro.

The Debenham Trust was keen to keep traditional outlets such as Clarke’s eel, pie and mash shop to preserve the original character of the area and set rent levels to ensure they weren’t priced out.

Mr Richards explained: “I’ve been involved in big shopping centres – Lakeside and Metro, for example – and you tend to see a rather bland, retailing offer. It’s the same thing wherever you go.

“It’s quite refreshing to see centres that try to encourage local retailing. We just think its something people like to see 

every now and again and it suits Clerkenwell, where there are a lot of creative businesses – architects, designers, and galleries for example.”

The Debenham Trust is family owned and doesn’t need to bow to shareholder demands to maximise profits by letting properties to the highest bidder – typically national chains. 

Islington Council also invested in pedestrianisation and new street furniture.

EC One owner Jos Skeates said: “When we first came the street was pretty derelict. There were only a few shops that were open. It’s become more gentrified although it still has quite a good edge to it.

“The key to the street is its creativity, whether it’s a little Japanese family tree store or the hairdressers or the jewellers – there’s a feel of creativity here.”

But it’s not too cool for school – there’s still a locksmith, newsagent, working men’s café, betting shop and ordinary pub.

John Thompson, chairman of award-giving body, The Academy of Urbanism, said: “Exmouth Market has successfully transformed itself in recent years into a vibrant vicinity. In doing so, it has cast off outdated preconceptions and become an integral part of the wider regeneration of Clerkenwell.” 

Paul Convery, Islington Council’s Labour executive member for leisure and regeneration, paid tribute to efforts to smarten up Exmouth Market by successive administrations in the borough, including the one run previously by his Lib Dem opponents. 

Runners-up in the competition were St Patrick Street, Cork, and Union Street, Aberdeen.