Clerkenwell is home to more creative businesses and architects per square mile than anywhere else on the planet, making it one of the most important design hubs in the world. Clerkenwell Design Week has created a showcase of leading UK and international brands, exhibitions and special installations that take place across the area.

Last month we had the chance to pop along and enjoy all that Clerkenwell has to offer, and here are 6 things that we absoluely loved:

Above (L to R): Annie Warburton, Jay Osgerby, Andrew Brewerton. Image credit Millikan.

1. Design in Education hosted by Milliken

We were very lucky to be able to catch a panel discussion on Design in Education, hosted by Millikan. The panel was chaired by Katie Treggiden, design journalist, in discussion with Jay Osgerby, Crafts Council Creative Director Annie Warburton, and Professor Andrew Brewerton.

It was a lively discussion which covered the future challenges faced by educators in the UK, as well as discussing pioneering projects like the Plymouth College of Art. The panel was unanimous in the opinion that design and creative thinking should play a vital role in any childs education, and that we must recognise the need for creative thinkers for the future.

Above: Unearthed Interiors collection by Sevak Zargarian

2. Sevak Zargarian Ceramics

We've come across Sevak on our travels before while working with Top Drawer and visiting fairs like Ceramic Art London. He creates these beautifully realised terrazzo ceramics from his garden studio in London. Sevak exhibited in the House of Detention with other Trouping Colour designers. More info on his work here: www.sevakzargarian.com

Above: Pluck Kitchens at CDW17, including new cork cabinetry

3. Kitchen design by Pluck

Pluck have been designing and making residential and commercial furniture for over 10 years from their Brixton based studio and workshop. The minimalist design caught our eyes, as well as the muted and modern colour palettes, which are inspired by foods like quails eggs and artichokes! We especially enjoyed seeing their new cork carpentry surfaces. More info on Pluck here: www.pluck.kitchen

Above: The Club Table, Bench & Pedestal by Jennifer Newman — Above: The Club Table, Bench & Pedestal by Jennifer Newman

4. Jennifer Newman furniture

We've long been fans of Jennifer Newman furniture, from designer and colourist Jennifer Newman. This year we were able to visit Jennifer's new Clerkenwell showroom - the perfect setting for her simple, bold designs. More on Jennifer's designs here: www.jennifernewman.com

5. Textiles by Laura Spring

We became familiar with Laura's work when she was selected to be part of Charlotte Abrahams 'Spotted' at Top Drawer. Since then, we have been in love with her use of bold print and confident colour palette. Was great to catch up at Clerkenwell and see her newest designs. More on Laura's designs here: www.lauraspring.co.uk

Above: New Alf Stool range from MARK Product

6. Mark Product

MARK Product is a Cornwall based furniture brand with sustainability at it's heart. Using local and UK manufacturers, they create dynamic contract furniture. We had the chance to pop in and see them for a quick cream tea, and to see the new Alf Stool range. The range launched in September 2016, and comprised of stacking chair, tables and low stool. Now the range is completed with the addition of a medium and high bar stool with upholstered or timber seats, with or without backs. More on MARK Product here: www.markproduct.com

We had a great time at Clerkenwell Design Week, for more information visit: www.clerkenwelldesignweek.com

Banner image: Modern Kitchen Furniture by Pluck