Corner Corner, a food and live entertainment venue in Canada Water, has been transformed into a hub of sustainable food production through the collaboration between Harvest London, Broadwick, and British Land. The vertical farm, on full display for diners, visitors, and passersby, marks a significant shift from the traditional warehouse-style approach to indoor farming. The farm’s visible location allows diners to watch fresh produce being grown, harvested, and delivered to their plates. This approach challenges the traditional perception of vertical farming, which is often hidden from public view. “We’ve been in control of our own outward perception for years,” said Matt Chlebek, co-founder of Harvest London. “Now, we’re opening that up. It’s a little terrifying to think that one day there might be 600 TikTokers filming in front of the farm, but it also means more people will see what we do, ask questions, and engage with vertical farming in a way they never have before.”
The project is a collaboration between Harvest London, Broadwick, and British Land, two companies known for redeveloping urban spaces into thriving cultural and business districts. The farm is part of a larger reimagining of what cities can look like, with the goal of reducing the distance between growers and consumers. “We’ve been able to cut our carbon footprint significantly by using local energy sources,” said Chlebek. “But this project is about more than just sustainability. It’s about changing the conversation around food and the way we produce and consume it.”
The farm is designed to be visually striking, with glass walls that provide an immersive experience for diners. The seating area directly overlooks the active grow room, allowing visitors to see the farm in action. “The fact that this farm is in the middle of a venue where people are eating, drinking, and socializing, changes the whole conversation around food,” said Chlebek. “It’s no longer just about the food itself, but about the people and places involved in producing it.”
The farm is also designed to reduce food miles and support local businesses. Harvest London already supplies produce to some of London’s top restaurants, from independent chefs to corporate dining facilities at Google, HSBC, and JP Morgan. This new farm will expand their ability to serve hyper-local clients, ensuring that greens go from harvest to plate in hours, not days. “This farm won’t just be about selling to high-end restaurants,” said Chlebek. “We’re talking about direct-to-consumer opportunities, school tours, and public engagement. It’s a farm that people can actually visit and learn from.”
In fact, British Land’s involvement means that local schools will have the chance to tour the farm, learn about sustainable food systems, and see urban agriculture in action. “One of the biggest gaps in our current operation is education and visibility,” said Chlebek. “Most of the time, people don’t even realize where their food comes from. This project changes that.”
The Corner Corner farm could be a prototype for more publicly integrated farms across London and beyond. “We know vertical farming works,” said Chlebek. “Now it’s about showing the world what’s possible when you bring it out into the open. And if that means a few viral TikToks along the way, so be it.”
**The Benefits of Publicly Integrated Farms**
• Increased transparency and education about food production
• Reduced food miles and increased local food availability
• Improved sustainability and reduced carbon footprint
• Increased opportunities for direct-to-consumer sales and community engagement
• Potential for replication in other urban spaces
**A New Era for Urban Farming**
As the world becomes increasingly aware of the importance of sustainable food production, vertically integrated farms like the Corner Corner project are becoming more prominent. By bringing farming into the public eye, these farms are challenging traditional perceptions and promoting a new era of urban farming. **The Future of Hyperlocal Farming**
Harvest London is already thinking beyond the Corner Corner project, with plans to replicate this model in other urban spaces. With an eye on scalability, sustainability, and consumer engagement, the future of hyperlocal farming looks bright. **Innovative Approaches to Urban Agriculture**
• Urban agriculture is becoming increasingly important as cities expand and traditional farming methods become less viable. • Innovative approaches to urban agriculture are needed to ensure food security and sustainability. • Publicly integrated farms like the Corner Corner project are leading the way in this area. **Conclusion**
The Corner Corner project is a game-changer for urban agriculture, bringing farming into the public eye and promoting a new era of sustainable food production. As the world continues to urbanize, it’s clear that innovative approaches to urban agriculture are needed to ensure food security and sustainability. The Corner Corner project is a prototype for more publicly integrated farms across London and beyond, and its impact will be felt for years to come.