What type of businesses would be good in Holloway N7?
Businesses located in Holloway, N7 can benefit from the area’s mix of urban residential, student population, and proximity to central London. Here are some types of businesses that would particularly benefit from operating from Holloway.
Cafes, Restaurants, and Takeaways
Why It Works: The area has a significant student population (London Metropolitan University) and young professionals who tend to be regular users of casual dining spots, coffee shops, and takeaways.
Examples: Affordable eateries, international cuisine, vegan cafes, coffee shops, and delivery-based food businesses. Within Electric Works there are several food offerings including D’Cocina, Lucky Tea and Vietnamese Food Boba Tea and Desserts.
Footfall: Strong demand during the day from students and in the evenings from residents.
Creative Studios and Startups
Why It Works: Holloway’s proximity to central London, combined with its relatively affordable rents compared to Zones 1 or areas like Shoreditch, makes it attractive for creative businesses and startups.
The area has a growing appeal for small studios, design firms, and tech startups that want to be close to the city but operate with lower overheads, and benefit from collaborative working models.
Examples: Graphic design studios like Amigo, digital agencies, photography studios, video production and tech startups.
Footfall: Ideal for businesses requiring flexible, modern office spaces with easy access to central clients and a pool of expertise from London Metropolitan University.
Health and Fitness Businesses
Why It Works: With a large young and active population, Holloway has strong demand for gyms, fitness studios, yoga centres, and personal training businesses. The area’s diversity also makes it suitable for specialised wellness services.
Examples: Yoga studios like The Yoga Quarter, boutique gyms like Elite Evolution, personal training studios, sports rehab clinics and nutrition retailers like Fit Stop.
Footfall: High demand from young professionals, students, and health-conscious locals.
Education and Tutoring Services
Why It Works: The proximity of London Metropolitan University and local schools provides opportunities for education-related businesses.
Holloway attracts students needing support services, including private tutoring and educational materials.
Examples: Tutoring centres, language schools, exam prep businesses, educational resources.
Footfall: Continuous demand from students and families in the area.
Professional Services (Law Firms, Accountants, Consultants)
Why It Works: Holloway’s proximity to central London makes it ideal for small to medium-sized professional services firms that want to be close to clients but without paying Central London office rents. It’s particularly beneficial for firms that serve both local residents and businesses in Zone 1.
Examples: Law firms, accountancy firms like Fordhams and Co, IT consultancies like Challow, architects like MEPK and BBP Partnership.
Footfall: Businesses with clients both in North London and Central London, using Holloway as a base.
Co-Working Spaces
Why It Works: With the rise of remote working and freelance professionals, Holloway’s lower rent and proximity to transport links make it a great location for co-working spaces catering to freelancers, startups, and small businesses.
Examples: Shared office spaces, hot-desking facilities, remote kitchen facilities like Jenius Social and serviced offices.
Footfall: Attracting freelancers, entrepreneurs, and creative professionals looking for an affordable and well-connected workspace.
Healthcare and Beauty Services
Why It Works: Holloway’s high residential density and young population create demand for healthcare services such as clinics, dental practices, beauty salons, and wellness centres.
Examples: GP clinics like Islington GP Federation together with NHS Whittington Health, dental surgeries, physiotherapy, beauty salons, hairdressers like Bebop Hair, and spa services.
Footfall: Constant demand from residents, students, and working professionals seeking convenient healthcare and beauty services.
Convenience and Specialist Stores
Why It Works: With a high footfall and residential population, Holloway supports a variety of grocery stores, convenience stores, and supermarkets. The need for daily essentials is consistent, particularly due to the area’s mixed population.
Examples: Supermarkets, mini-marts like Tesco Express, specialty grocery stores (e.g., organic or international foods).
Footfall: Frequent foot traffic from locals and students.
Care-Based Businesses
Why It Works: With a catchment of over 500,000 people, Holloway’s location in Zone 2 and its strong public transport links make it ideal for businesses in the care sector.
Examples: Oasis Care, Primeway Care, and Home Dot Care, all provide care and training from Electric Works.
Footfall: Less reliant on foot traffic but ideal for reaching clients quickly across a broad radius.
Entertainment and Gaming Businesses
Why It Works: Holloway’s location in Zone 2 and its strong public transport links make it ideal for businesses with experiential models.
Examples: Thematic escape rooms like Enigma Escape.
Footfall: Less reliant on foot traffic but ideal for visiting customers who rely on public transport.
Businesses in delivery based retail, food, professional and service sectors will benefit from the high foot traffic and residential density, while startups and creative firms will appreciate the combination of affordable rents and proximity to Central London.
Holloway’s student population also makes it appealing for education-related services, and its convenient location ensures good connectivity for businesses needing regular access to clients in the city.
All of this, and more, means that Holloway is the best place to base your business.