Arriving on Day 2 of Clerkenwell Design Week, I took the train from Tiverton Parkway and made my way through London to check into the Holiday Express Inn , King’s Cross – conveniently located just a 20-minute walk from all the design action. Comfortable, close, and exactly what you need when you're planning to explore Clerkenwell on foot.
The Charterhouse
My first stop was the stunning Charterhouse on Charterhouse Square. A beautiful historic building with a modern twist: down the barrel-vaulted corridor, sleek modern sanitary ware was tucked into a space full of contrast and elegance.
Just around the corner, I visited the Church of Design, where standout installations included Roche Bobois, Maie, Gloster outdoor furniture, Deka, Grab, and SCP. Each brand brought something distinct, from luxurious lounges to beautifully crafted lighting and modular pieces.
Within Charterhouse Square , what absolutely made an impression was Alex Chinneck’s flagship installation: a twisted architectural illusion that appeared to peel the facade of a building open like paper. Set within the historic Clerkenwell streetscape, it was a surreal and striking piece blending art, engineering, and performance – an unforgettable reminder of how design can reframe even the most familiar spaces.
“A Week at the Knees”
A surreal, slumped brick arch in Charterhouse Square, inviting visitors to walk through its curve. This installation remains on view until early July.
Next, I explored Studio Smithfield, located in the old meat market. The scent of the building's past was still faintly there on the stairwell – a quirky nod to the location's history – but what lay inside was fresh and innovative. Highlights included the whimsical Oasis mini golf, stunning Silent Glass, the imaginative Paper Lounge, and ingenious corrugated paper seating and tables.
I then made my way to The Gateway, eager to see the much-talked-about inflatable spiky structure. To my disappointment, it wasn’t there (unless I missed it!), but instead, I found something else equally intriguing. No regrets.
A wander through Ceramics of Italy brought me face to face with breathtaking tiles from Acquario Due, Etruria, and Gruppo Bardelli. A feast of pattern, colour, and craftsmanship.
The Crypt at Detail was next, and what a treasure trove. From the vibrant work of Divine Savage to the luxurious finishes from Waxman Ceramics, Arte, Holmes Bespoke, and Phillip Jeffries. I loved the emphasis on sustainability too, particularly in the use of eco-conscious yarns.
Outside, in the Walled Garden, everyone was enjoying the sun in Ethimo's stylish outdoor seating, framed by the refined lighting of Chelsom Lighting.
Then came the Italian Collection – highlights included Relax Design's gorgeous glass basins and Albion Stone and Hutton Stone with their timeless appeal. The Arch Revival seating was a clever mix of classic and contemporary.
“Brick from a Stone: Arch Revival”
A striking pair of nearly four-metre-high freestanding vaulted arches on Clerkenwell Green, championing the strength and beauty of British stone bricks.
Heading up Clerkenwell Close to the church, I arrived at the British Collection. Loved the craftsmanship on show: cabinetry from Pluck, Shorten & Hansen, Honest, and Goldfinger. Hand & Eye's multisensory lighting was a highlight. Other favourites included Deadwood, Hitch Mylius's modular seating, Ercol Commercial, Neon, and Benchmark.
The standout for me here? Stöger Haus, where Joseph passionately walked me through their process of using reclaimed London clay to craft incredible 3D tiles and planters. The textures, the story, the innovation – unforgettable.
At the Chapel, I met makers like Studio Arvor from Bude, Dovetailors, Morgan, Matthew Burt from Wiltshire, Origin, and Craeton. It was a celebration of British design at its most personal and tactile. Modern Crafted Furniture shone with minimalist strength, and I loved the bold stainless indoor pieces.
Over at Project, I took in acoustic paneling, curvy silhouettes, and even Dynamic’s London bus parked right inside – playful and fun.
Design Fields was a materials haven – Moleskin sketchbooks laid out with tactile samples, and paper textures galore. Woodlander's traditional shapes, Wunder's outdoor fire pit and bench combo, and Penthouse's Italian chairs were all a joy to discover.
I saved Old Sessions House for last. This incredible venue is always a highlight – distressed walls whispering stories of the past. I admired image-focused furniture and lighting, caught people scattered around on their laptops (designers do love a good perch), and stumbled upon Bart at Vincent Sheppard.
Upstairs, past the privacy pods, I reached the buzzing Greenroom and Media Lounge. A full bar, Orac panelling, Bolzan headboards, and a popular spot from Coat x Kirky Design that was so packed I couldn’t get close.
Total steps: 9,418. Total inspiration? Immeasurable.
Clerkenwell Design Week 2025 delivered yet again: a melting pot of craft, concept, and community. I left full of ideas and ready to get designing.
