Raft of independent brands gear up to open their doors at Islington Square – Retail Times

Cain International has announced Islington Square is set to welcome a long list of independent brands including Borough Kitchen, Babataa, Duck & Dry, and Treat Beauty.

With over five locations in London, Duck & Dry will occupy a 1,280sq ft space which offers hair treatments including blow dry’s, trims and updos. It is popular amongst busy Londoners who can make the most of the coffee and prosecco bar during their treatments. Sitting alongside it is Treat Beauty, which occupies a 475sq ft space and offers a range of luxury treatments including facials, waxing and manicures. Both units position Islington Square as a great place for visitors to enjoy a day of pampering.

Founded in 2013, Borough Kitchen established its characteristic brand in the heart of London’s historic Borough Market. Since then, the business has expanded with the addition of two more upmarket destinations, Hampstead and Chiswick with Islington Square set to home the fourth Borough Kitchen store. The new store will feature Borough’s Kitchen’s full product range and largest and most advanced cooking school. Occupying a total of 4,965sq ft it will offer a 3,000sq ft cooking school and a shop stretching 1,000sq ft.

Babataa, the independent children’s retailer, is opening its first London store, leasing a 135sq ft space. It will sell its bespoke, handmade collection of children’s clothes.

Neil Barber, leasing director at Cain International, said: “Our priority is to keep staff and customers safe during these uncertain times and the layout of Islington Square allows us to do just that, while maintaining a unique ‘day-out’ experience where local residents and visitors alike can enjoy activities, shop, and socialise.”

“As an Islington local, I’m thrilled to bring the Borough Kitchen brand closer to home,” says co-founder David Caldana, who opened the company’s first store in London’s historic Borough Market with friend and co-founder Justin Kowbel in 2013. They opened their Hampstead store and first cooking school in 2015 and expanded to West London in 2016 with their Chiswick store and second cooking school.

“Since we already have strong customer relationships in the area, we’re excited to better serve Islington and East London from this new home. Plus, Islington hosts some of my favourite restaurants, bars, and shops,” says Kowbel, co-founder of Borough Kitchen.

These brands will sit alongside fashion, artisan and lifestyle brands, including family club; Maggie & Rose, vegan restaurant; OmNom; furniture retailer, Arlo & Jacob and all-day dining restaurant; Megan’s. Odeon’s first Luxe & Dine cinema and the high-end gym operator, Third Space, also occupy space within the building.

Developed by Cain International, Islington Square is located in the heart of Islington, just off vibrant Upper Street – a short walk from both Angel station (Northern Line) and Highbury and Islington Overground. Situated on the former site of the historic Royal Mail sorting office, the architecture blends contemporary design with its historic surroundings, transforming it into a unique North London destination. Totalling 170,000 sq. ft. of retail and leisure space, Islington Square features two generous double height retail arcades, a tree-lined boulevard and a public realm that will seamlessly link the development with Upper Street.