Trade Union seeks second London site following Wapping launch

Founder Adam Marshall and his team are aiming for a more central London site, following higher-than-expected business at the Wapping business.

Trade Union is a collaboration between a range of brands, including coffeehouse Vagabond and pizza group Bushwick Pizza Co, plus male grooming brand Drakes of London, and florists Maua London.

The group also offers workshops, such as pizza rolling and coffee demonstrations, and gin cocktail tasting masterclasses, describing itself as creating “grown up playgrounds” for Londoners. The existing Wapping site – near the city’s Tower Hill ‒ even features a 17ft (5.2 metre) slide down to the bar from the mezzanine level.

Commenting on the group’s plan, Marshall said: “The feedback we’ve received about Trade Union has been interesting and almost all positive. People like the idea of combining a bar experience alongside other day-to-day activities like grabbing a great coffee or getting their beard trimmed.

“I was nervous that people would find it hard to get their heads around the idea, however…we have found is that people who want to experience to a greater level than ever before, are accepting of new concepts and want to be wowed.”

The 6,700 sq ft Trade Union Wapping launched on 24 June this year, with an interior from the Kai agency, mixing industrial materials with bright colours, neon lights, and floral graphics. Its menu serves sourdough pizza, and New-York inspired dishes such as pork and veal meatballs.