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A change of gear at Finchley classic car showroom
Hexagon Classics, a BMW dealership turned classic car showroom on the Great North Road, will host the new venture
December 3, 2020 13:30
By, lee harpin
1 min read
Hexagon Classics, a BMW dealership turned classic car showroom on the Great North Road, will host the new venture
December 3, 2020 13:30ByLee Harpin, lee harpin
There are many great advantages to living in Hampstead Garden Suburb, or in its East Finchley and Highgate surrounds.
But it’s fair to say that a multi-purpose venue offering high-quality produce, outdoor and indoor dining, an events space, a wine and jazz bar and a deli was not one of the first attractions that came to mind. Until now that is.
Paul Michaels is best known as the owner of Hexagon Classics, the BMW dealership turned classic car showroom on the busy Great North Road.
In a project that has taken two years to execute, and despite the pandemic, Mr Michaels has teamed up with Alan Gouldon, the man behind London’s successful Notes coffee bars, to combine his car showroom with the new venture.
“A lot of people thought we were crazy when we told them what we were doing,” says Mr Gouldon, a member of St Johns Wood Synagogue. “But once you see it, you begin to understand.”
As a taste of things to come, with strict social distancing measures observed, the pair opened a deli named Bottles ‘N’ Jars at one side of the car showroom one month ago.
“The idea is to source the best quality produce, much of which you are unlikely to find elsewhere, but to sell it at a reasonable prices without huge profit margins,” explained Mr Michaels.
He showed the JC around the yet-to-be-opened main part of the new project, including the events room “available for barmitzvahs, bat chayils and corporate functions”, said Mr Gouldon.
Classic cars and rare items from motor racing history remain on site.
A smaller room will become a venue for jazz musicians. Mr Goulden previously ran a classical and jazz music label, which he sold to begin his Notes coffee shop ventures. But he has retained his links to the music industry.
There are heaters in place to ensure outside dining can take place throughout the year.
Mr Gouldon says he has ten barmitzvah bookings for next year, and several corporate events have been pencilled in as well, so long as the pandemic is beaten .
“We want to get the balance right,” he says. “Hampstead Garden Suburb has been a bit of a desert — up until now.”