Herbal House – the perfect tonic
I was recently sent packing from Manchester to London. I had a brief of about 10 case studies to compile in east, west and north London over 2 days and Richard Dempsey knew I’d capture them well on my new Leica camera and with my own talent for words, as a former English teacher, turned copywriter and web designer.
Once I’d made a song and dance about personal security, strapping bags, phone and camera to my body, I got off at Euston Station knowing that my first assignment was a short walk away in Farringdon, where I was staying on Kings Cross Road.
It was Herbal House
In the heart of Farringdon / Clerkenwell, Herbal House at 8–10 Back Hill, EC1R 5EN stands as a fine example of London’s industrial past meeting the demands of contemporary working life.
Originally constructed in 1928–29 as the Daily Mirror’s printworks, the building has been thoughtfully transformed into a creative hub, offering modern office and residential spaces across ten refurbished floors. It has a quasi flat iron look and I thought about Manchester’s own associations with print – the Manchester Guardian, the Express and, of course, the Print Works.
Architectural and workspace brilliance
Herbal House blends original character with modern design. The restoration preserved historic features such as brickwork, stone detailing, terrazzo and mosaic tiles, now complemented by new Crittall-style windows and a rooftop extension with steel façades and terraces. I stood snapping outside and went in for a chat with the lovely staff there. It’s arguably more impressive inside than outside, but, unfortunately, my northern charm and Leica camera yielded no permission to shoot.
What I did see was that a striking vertical lightwell ensures natural light reaches the interior spaces. And a deep dive on Google shows tenants benefit from a triple-height atrium, basement gym, large communal kitchen, breakout zones, town-hall meeting rooms, bike storage, showers, lockers and 24/7 reception with manned security.
Fire Safety and Tenant Compliance
As part of ongoing fire safety and Building Safety Act compliance, Block Compliance Ltd has recently carried out tenant fire door surveys at Herbal House. These surveys ensure that fire doors within both commercial and residential areas meet current regulatory standards, helping to maintain safe evacuation routes and overall compartmentation integrity.
Block Compliance Ltd specialises in passive fire protection and fire door inspection services, providing clear reporting, remedial action plans, and long-term support for building owners and managing agents. Their work at Herbal House supports the dutyholder’s responsibilities under the Fire Safety (England) Regulations and the Building Safety Act 2022.
Connectivity and Local Life
Herbal House is just a short walk from Farringdon Station, a major transport hub served by the Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan, Thameslink and Elizabeth lines.
Located just off Clerkenwell Road, the building is close to Exmouth Market, Leather Lane, Smithfield Market and Charterhouse. Popular spots like Moro, Caravan, Furanxo deli and a range of global street food options are within walking distance.
I was on a strict time schedule so left Herbal House to check in and dump my backpack, ready to head east to Stratford and document Stratosphere Tower and Legacy Tower there.
Clerkenwell and Farringdon: a vibrant context
What I did spot walking away is that the surrounding area is a rich mix of old and new. Clerkenwell is home to design studios, creative agencies and a thriving food culture, and has been voted one of the best places to live in London. Cultural destinations like Sadler’s Wells Theatre and the new Museum of London at Smithfield add further depth to the neighbourhood.
Exmouth Market and Leather Lane provide daily vibrancy with independent food and retail offerings, while the area remains surprisingly calm and community-focused. It’s a place where historic London meets innovative enterprise.
Great, I thought, I could live here as I unpacked and ate my meal deal, as time was pressing.
Final thoughts
Herbal House is a landmark of reinvention.
From early 20th-century printworks to a contemporary creative base, it exemplifies the spirit of Clerkenwell and Farringdon.
With excellent transport links, a rich cultural setting, and ongoing building safety improvements by companies like Block Compliance Ltd, I realised it’s a compelling choice for businesses, creatives and residents looking for character, connectivity and compliance in central London.
Walking close to it again to Farringdon Station, with the Shard and St Paul’s Cathedral capturing the drizzly light, I was looking forward to Stratford, a place I knew from time in Westfield, Herbal House lingered long in my thoughts.
