Cru Hoxton Release, 2nd October 2006

Shoreditch and Hoxton in London’s East End have long been on the map of ‘must-go-to’ places for visitors. In less than a decade, the area has developed from a purely residential & industrial area to a buzzing hub of the best of British modern art and fashion with a wealth of galleries, boutiques, restaurants and bars.

'Hoxton, just north of London's financial district, was dismissed as passe almost as soon as it became fashionable in the late 1990s. So much for fashion. Discussions about the "new Hoxton'' are as pointless and cliched as the search for the "new black." The old Hoxton is just fine. It's a great mix of commercial and industrial buildings and cool bars and restaurants. For an excellent selection of wines, and decent Mediterranean food, try CRU, just off Hoxton Square, home to the White Cube art gallery - CRU is worth a visit.’

For years now, the speculations of whether Hoxton would be able to preserve its Hoxton-ness have been ripe, given the drastic rise in property prices and the change in demographics; yet the area still boasts a blissful lack of chain-establishments, instead offering visitors one of the most unique shopping and going-out experiences in London.

A recent addition to the area is male grooming store MURDOCK; already a firm favourite with locals as well as the ‘suits’ from the nearby City of London. Reflecting a new mood in men’s grooming, MURDOCK is inspired by traditional ideas about men and retail, brought up to date with a modern attitude and laid-back approach.

The store blends classic modernism with a vintage feel, features iconic red leather barber’s chairs, bespoke contemporary fixtures, and showcases the work of emerging East End artists. You’ll find traditional barbers’ services such as wet shaves, beard-trims and hair-cuts available at very reasonable prices, as are the more spa-inspired treatments such as manicures and facials. MURDOCK furthermore stock a range of exclusive and luxurious male grooming products such as Santa Maria Novella, Hierbas de Ibiza and DR Harris – all of which are available online at www.murdocklondon.com.

MURDOCK is owned by local business personality Brendan Murdock, who is well known in the area, having run yet another local favourite, CRU Restaurant and Wine Bar, which he and business partner Dorothy McDowell launched nearly four years ago. Set within a nineteenth century former warehouse, CRU offers simple, delicious Mediterranean cooking that is organic whenever possible, complimented by an incredible wine list that is produced by the smaller vineyards from around the world.

Located just off Hoxton Square around the corner from the White Cube Gallery, CRU is the perfect spot to soak up the local atmosphere. Says Brendan; “We always wanted CRU to be more than just a restaurant, and we immediately felt that the strong sense of community we experienced in Hoxton would allow us to do so. That is why we feature work from local galleries and in general work closely to support local businesses and venues.”

In the spirit of the Hoxton sense of community, CRU recently revamped its website www.cru.uk.com to include, amongst other features, an Events section, high-lighting local cultural events including everything from art exhibitions, festivals, theatre and club nights – literally a one-stop-guide to the area.

Whatever the season and whatever your preferences, no visitor to London should deny themselves the unique experience of the East End…but don’t leave it too long – who knows how long before the global chains start moving in!

~ENDS~