These days we’re more weekend wanderer than weekend warrior so we couldn’t help but notice the arrival of a cool new showroom in Clerkenwell in recent weeks. On further investigation we learned it was designed by Italian architect Piero Lissoni and is the new HQ of interior design gurus Knoll – hence all those lovely pieces in the huge plate glass window.

Esquire’s eye was immediately caught by a George Nakashima Straight Chair, originally designed in the 40s and looking stunning in solid American Walnut. Manager Justin Pratt explained it’s part of a reissue of archival Knoll pieces from the Japanese American designer. There’s also a really nice Splay table in the collection. More bang up to the minute textures can be had via a Ross Lovegrove table with its translucent polymer surface and ‘honeycomb’ textured filling made from plastic bottles. 

The place really is a treasure trove to walk around in, and, if like us you inevitably succumb and buy something there’s a handful of almost as well-designed coffee shops and bars nearby in which to celebrate your good taste. 

Knoll Studio: 91 Go swell Road, Clerkenwell, London United Kingdom, EC1V 7ER www.knoll.com