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Area guide to Greenwich Peninsula: leather designer Ryan S Veres’ tips for London’s newest Design District

 (Daniel Lynch)
(Daniel Lynch)

I live with my partner in a one-bedroom new-build apartment in Greenwich Peninsula. I moved there six months ago because of its proximity to the Design District, where I design and make leather goods for my brand, Ryan London.

The district will host free tours and events next week as part of the London Design Festival for the first time.

Best eating and drinking

Santo is my current favourite spot. It’s an Italian-inspired cafe and bar with handmade wood-fired pizza, pasta dishes, coffee, Negronis or wine. It’s right in front of my block on Peninsula Square.

This month, a new hub called Canteen is opening in the heart of the district that will have permanent street food vendors and a bar.

Where I work out

At Renew on the 15th floor of Greenwich Peninsula Upper Riverside Apartments. It is basically a combination of a gym, pool and steam room. There are two exercise studios overlooking the river and the city as well as an outdoor roof terrace where some of the classes are hosted.

Ryan at work in his studio (Rene Strgar)
Ryan at work in his studio (Rene Strgar)

Culture in Greenwich Peninsula

Now Gallery, which always has fresh exhibitions, is right at my doorstep. I went to see My Head Is A Jungle by illustrator Manjit Thapp recently. It’s a free show and is on until October 31. It is centred on a three-dimensional maze-like structure with murals and sculptures.

We will also be opening our Ryan London workshop to visitors soon. Almost all our leather goods are created and produced on the premises so we will encourage both visitors and locals to come in for a tour.

At our shop at Greenwich town centre, we produce the goods right in the window so people can see us making them.

Green spaces in Greenwich Peninsula

Greenwich Peninsula Ecology Park. It doesn’t really feel like you are still in London when you’re there.

Greenwich Peninsula Ecology Park (Daniel Lynch)
Greenwich Peninsula Ecology Park (Daniel Lynch)

Grocery shopping

At the moment, the main grocery stores are Marks & Spencer in Charlton Riverside Place or Tesco Express. Occasional farmers’ markets and weekend food stalls also pop up.

Getting around

With my business and home in the Design District my commute is a two-minute walk. To get to my shop in Greenwich town centre, it’s a nice 40-minute riverside walk or 15-minute bus ride.

Something you only see in Greenwich Peninsula

The combination of industrial units and residential developments in close proximity. The area is unique in that respect. I haven’t really seen a neighbourhood like this anywhere, not just in London.

What’s the catch?

There isn’t a barber in the area, not yet at least.

In three words

Contemporary. Fresh. Convenient.

Find Ryan S Veres’s work at ryanlondon.com

What it costs to live in Greenwich Peninsula

Average flat price: £531,025

Average house price: £780,312

Average rent for a flat: £1,858 per month

Average rent for a house: £2,126 per month

Schools in North Greenwich

Primary schools in North Greenwich rated outstanding or good include Halstow Primary School and Millennium Primary School.

Saint Mary Magdalene Church of England All Through School, with an age range of three to 18, has been rated good by Ofsted. St Ursula’s Convent School is deemed outstanding.

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