Spitalfields, the much loved historic quarter of London has undergone an exciting rejuvenation programme. After 18 years of sensitive preparation the final phase of the regeneration project is now complete. Spitalfields has 2 new public spaces the new Bishops Square and Crispin Place which are fully covered, Fosters & Partners have created a vast glass canopy. These �piazza� style areas mean that city workers, east London locals, tourists and families can now enjoy what this part of Spitalfields has to offer all year round.

Spitalfields is already a noted area for restaurants and bars not to mention the old market which carries a broad selection of international cuisine, and nearby Brick Lane is famed for its Indian food. There are several new additions to the area which will ensure its status as a culinary hot spot.

British food, which is enjoying its renaissance, is well represented with St. Johns Bread & Wine and now, with the exciting addition of one of London�s newest restaurant success stories, Canteen � where British food is served up in a democratically priced environment that is equally well-designed for the discriminating modern palate. Similarly, Scarlet echoes the area�s gastronomic heritage and offers a sophisticated interpretation of modern Indian cooking. Global cuisine and a child-friendly environment are also present at the popular Giraffe restaurant.

Patisserie Valerie, the much loved Italian family run patisserie and caf� have opened their first city site, the design is ultra modern and boasts the area�s first Italian gelataria serving 28 flavours of freshly made traditional ice cream. It boarders on the picturesque Brushfield Street (home to boutique food stores such as A Gould, who specialise in British produce, the popular local deli, Verdes) and Bishops Square the galateria is set to become a popular destination in the summer months.

Other new food additions include exquisitely made English chocolates at Montezumas. Visitors can grab a tasty snack from traditional Roman stone-bakers, Spianata; or take the time to sit down and enjoy a regional selection of cheese and wines at Bedales. Next door is the olive specialist, Oliviers & Co � for everything from single estate oils to hand-milled soaps.

All the new restaurants have outdoor seating the area will be buzzing in the summer months. Spitalfields Estate have also created an exciting calendar of events that will include live entertainment in the new squares, this June (3rd-25th) there will be a series of free lunchtime concerts in association with the twice yearly Spitalfields Festival that boast an eclectic programme of world class singers and performers. There are market stalls in Crispin Place and the Old Spitalfields market every day of the week and the Public Art Programme for E1 has resulted in sculptures of art in around the new spaces that can be enjoyed by all.

With all this activity � the influx of restaurants, cafes and new independent retailers, Spitalfields is no longer considered just a Sunday market for organic produce, hand-made clothes and funky nick knacks. Now, with the newer businesses brought in by Crispin Place and Bishops Square, there is all the more reason to consider Spitalfields as very much open for business every day of the week. Spitalfields with all it has to offer has evolved into one of London�s favourite destinations.

For further info or images please contact Meena Khera PR Lisa Ispani 020 7034 0200 or lisai@meenakhera.com www.spitalfields.co.uk __________________________________________________________________ NOTES TO EDITORS:

Bishops Square and Crispin place are complimented by a select number of new quality retail and restaurant editions these include:

Patisserie Valerie Established in 1926 this Italian family run business is one of London most loved and celebrated caf� chains. Renowned for their mouth watering patisseries, stunning cakes and informal brasserie style menu Brushfield Street is their first city venture. This haven of self-indulgence includes a patisserie, fully licensed brasserie, a 60-seater caf�, a takeaway ciabatta bar and a gelateria serving 28 flavours of classic home-made Italian ice-cream Monday � Sunday 7.30am � 8pm Pavillon Building, 37 Brushfield Street, E1 6AA / tel: 020 7247 4906 www.patisserie-valerie.co.uk

Canteen This informal all-day dining restaurant has wowed the public and national food critics alike since it opened its doors in late 2005, receiving across the board fantastic reviews. Canteen serves some of the best British food in the UK from (all day) breakfast through to dinner, visit for a 3 course gastronomic experience or pop in for a pot of tea and freshly baked biscuits. Monday � Sunday (Mon-Fri 11am � 11pm, Sat & Sun, 9am � 11pm) 2 Crispin Place, E1 / tel: 0845 686 1122 www.canteen.co.uk

Scarlet, Spice Bar Scarlet serves sophisticated Indian cuisine it also offers a cocktail bar. This modern restaurant is complimented by striking contemporary Asian design and is the first Indian �haute� cuisine restaurant and bar within the square mile.

Monday � Sunday 11am � 11pm 4 Crispin Square, E1 / tel: 020 7375 0880 www.scarletdot.co.uk

Giraffe At the award winning family friendly Giraffe restaurant, Spitalfields visitors can enjoy global food with world music morning, noon and night. This amazing location right opposite Old Spitalfields Market, serves everything from mezze to stir fries, fresh grilled fish, delicious burgers and skewers all finished off with scrumptious desserts and freshly ground Fairtrade coffee. Giraffe's unique and laid back atmosphere guarantees to make you feel good. Monday � Sunday (Mon � Fri 7.45am � 11pm, Sat & Sun 9am � 11pm) 1 Crispin Place, E1 / tel: 0203 116 2000 www.giraffe.net

Spinata & Co. Spianata is an Italian bread often called Pizza Bianca Romana. It makes one of Rome's favourite lunchtime sandwiches. Spianata & Co use authentic, time-honoured methods and only the finest ingredients: extra virgin olive oil and Italian Tipo "00" flour. Blended to a secret recipe, Spianata is characteristically low in fat and rich in flavour. Throughout the day, all their breads are hand-made and stone-baked in an artisan bakery in the shadow of St. Paul's cathedral. They are then filled with carefully sourced ingredients to create our fresh sandwiches.

Monday � Sunday (closed Saturdays) (Mon-Fri 9.30am � 3.30pm / Sun 11.30am � 5.30pm) 10 Market Street, E1 / tel: 020 7655 4411 www.spianata.com

Beadles Beadles offer a superb collection of fine wine at extremely competitive prices, as well as a wide range of wines direct from the producers. Buy to take home, or enjoy a glass to drink on the premises.

Any bottle in the house is charged at Beadles retail price plus only �5 corkage � allowing customers to drink premier quality wines without paying excess mark-ups. Delicious tapas style food and coffee is also available. Monday � Sunday (Mon-Fri 10am � 8pm/ Sat 10-pm Sun /10am � 7pm) 12 Market Street, E1 / tel: 020 7375 1926 www.bedalestreet.com

Montezumas Set up by ex-lawyers, Helen and Simon Pattinson, Montezuma's Chocolates specialise in sourcing the finest ingredients and combining them in a simple fashion to produce chocolate without equal. Unusual flavour combinations, simple and fun packaging and knowledgeable staff make the store in Brushfield Street a great place to visit for your chocolate fix. You can also shop online at www.montezumas.co.uk or by mail order on 0845 450 6306. Mon � Sunday 10am � 6pm 51 Brushfield Street, E1 / tel: 0845 450 6304 www.montezumas.co.uk

Olivers & Co. O&Co is the result of one man�s passion for the olive and the Mediterranean lifestyle. Olivier Baussan founded O&Co in 1996 and opened his first store on the Ille St Louis in Paris in 1998. Whilst olive oil remains the company�s core business, the product line now includes tapenades, biscuits, seasonings, sauces, tableware and skin care.

O&Co has 72 shops worldwide. The Spitalfields shop is the only shop in the UK although they are hoping to expand in 2006.

�It is through O&Co that we share the taste and recipes and flavours of the Mediterranean region. In the true spirit of hospitality and generosity, I invite you to discover and savour the authenticity of my beloved homeland� Olivier Baussan Founder O&Co Monday � Sunday (10am � 6pm) 10 Market Street, E1 / tel: 020 7392 9134 www.oliviers-uk.com (site will be running end of March)