Life’s full of twists and turns. It’s OK to reach a point where you decide that what you’ve been doing for decades has reached its natural conclusion and it’s time to move to something exciting and altogether different.
With this in mind, I was honoured to be asked by a dear, long time client, Augustin de La Brosse to help him seek new custodianship of his beloved and hugely regarded bar, Printers & Stationers, in one of East London’s hottest scenes, Ezra Street just off Columbia Road.
I chatted through recently with him about his past, present and future plans.
Simon: It’s a beautiful day here in East London, I can’t quite believe we’re having this chat about selling, but here we are! I’ve known you for a long time but I don’t recall how you found this place, what happened there?
Augustin: The way I ended buying Printers & Stationers was simply a case of being at the right place at the right time as I was already trading from the property but as a tenant, not the owner of the premises.
Simon: This place must have some magical memories, if you had to pinpoint one, what would it be?
Augustin: Yes, loads! But I guess my favourite memory from Printers was years ago when I was still dealing antiques. On a sunny summer Saturday afternoon a friend joined me for lunch and we sat at a table on the pavement. It didn’t take long before a few neighbours joined us and the small table for 2 grew into a mini street party. I love this memory because it shows magic happens in this very special corner of London as well as the strong community we are a part of.
Simon: Apart from Printers & Stationers, what are your other favourite local destinations for social and retail therapy?
Augustin: I love Nelson’s Head for a great Sunday roast, Karaoke or just a neighbourly chat. It is the last independent pub left in the area. There is a new Indian deli that’s opened recently and they serve a delicious and great value lunch. Pavilion does great coffee bread and pastries. I also love Angela Flanders perfumery. I am lucky to have met Angela. She was such an inspiring lady unfortunately no longer with us but her daughter Kate now runs the business.
Simon: How would you best describe the business and style of P&S?
Augustin: The unique features of my establishment are just a reflection of my days as an antique dealer. It’s a great way to add authenticity and character to a room. I also enjoy the design element and keep changing the look of the place. I also love when we have an art show on and the artists take over the place and re-interpret the space to showcase their work. I especially like when they put their work on our doors projecting the inside out.
Simon: I’d imagine there’s no one day the same here?
Augustin: Absolutely, everyday is different and yes we had very unusual events: weddings, filming, art shows, music shows, poetry and private celebrations. What happens at Printers stays at Printers will always be kept very private.
Simon: And lets be honest it’s really easy to get here, right?
Augustin: This area of London is very central so access to the rest of the city and its outskirts is so easy and it also means that we are very accessible with an array of public transport options
Simon: I know you’re a long time London resident but originally from France. How’s life been here?
Augustin: I love London because it is a collection of villages and this is my village where I feel I belong and where I feel safe. The area has a great mix of culture and true East End melting pot attracting visitors and transient communities alongside the more established residents. It is youthful, inspiring and cutting edge with the reassuring and grounding aspect of being established.
Simon: Great statement, love that. But, why have you decided it’s time to move on?
Augustin: After nourishing people with fine wines and entertainment I would like to concentrate on my career as a psycho energetic practitioner and embody practice holding and helping clients on their self developmental journey to the truth of who they are.
Simon: What can the next owner expect from Printers and Stationers?
Augustin: The most appealing feature of the business is that every Sunday we are placed at the heart of the lively flower markets bringing thousands of visitors, an incredible footfall making the business solid and sustainable from day one.
Simon: Any advice to get them started if they’re not seasoned in the hospitality world?
Augustin: My piece of advice is always do what you like, never try to please and do what you assume people will like.
Simon: I like that, a lot. Thanks Augustin. It’s gonna be odd not seeing you here at some point in the future but I hope your new direction is everything you want it to be…..
If you’d like to know more about Printers and Stationer, please click here. The business, ground floor premises (on a long lease), and F&F are for sale
