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Apple Jatikate started Asiatic Thai Massage in Angel and Highbury, Islington. Asiatic brings together Thailand’s healing arts and North London’s heritage. The brand stays true to Thai massage techniques, prioritises client well-being, and respects both Thai and local traditions. For almost twenty years, Apple has created relaxing spaces at 93 and 262 Upper Street. These places offer a quiet escape from London’s busy life.
A Journey of Ambition: From Thailand to Upper Street
Q: Apple, how did your journey from Thailand culminate in the establishment of the Asiatic legacy in London?
I started my journey in 2006 with a simple goal: to bring real Thai healing to London. My first job in 2006 was as a massage therapist at Kobkun Thai Spa on Essex Road. In 2008, I was employed by Aveda Covent Garden, working as a Senior Therapist at their Covent Garden Spa. In 2009, I became a business partner and managed KobKun Thai Therapy, the main branch located at 93 Upper Street. I continued to manage the business and eventually became the full owner in 2019, always striving to provide the best Thai care.
In 2019, we became the full owners of the Angel studio and renamed it Asiatic Thai Massage. Thanks to our good reputation in Angel, we opened a second spot at 262 Upper Street in Highbury. I wanted to create a calm, simple space that respects the building’s history. We kept the old gold-leaf sign from the Sharam & Scheddle tailor store, and guests often talk about this special part of Islington’s past.
Watch Michael Rosen recite his famous poem about the historic Schram and Scheddle shop—the very building that now houses our Asiatic Highbury studio at 262 Upper Street.
Even the legendary Michael Rosen was inspired by the history of our building, recording a poem titled ‘Schram and Scheddle’ to celebrate its quirky past.”
262 Upper Street: A Century of History From Shram & Sheddle to Asiatic Thai Massage
“While the famous red door from the 80s has seen many changes, the spirit of welcoming the community remains the same.”
The Mystery of 262 Upper Street
The story of our Highbury home goes even deeper than the gold sign. In 1978, the previous tenant, Stan Westwood, uncovered the original Schram & Scheddle signage after it had been hidden for decades. While restoring the shop, he discovered a mysterious package hidden in a loft at the rear of the building.
Addressed to the “man of the house,” the package contained a chilling letter from the Middlesex Lunatic Asylum informing him of his wife’s detention, alongside a visiting card and a cut-throat razor hidden in a bag. While we have replaced that air of mystery with a sanctuary of healing, we are proud to be the current guardians of such a storied and intriguing London location.
A Sanctuary in the Heart of Literary Islington: Exploring Canonbury
Canonbury Square is only a three-minute walk from our Highbury studio at 262 Upper Street, where a historic plaque marks the former home of George Orwell. It was here that he completed Animal Farm and began writing 1984.
Many of our guests, whether they come from North, South, or Central London, visit us to escape the city’s fast pace. After a treatment at Asiatic, the nervous system is significantly calmer, shifting from a state of “fight or flight” to deep restoration. To build on this sense of renewal, we recommend taking a quiet, reflective walk through this peaceful part of N1.
Our studio is in a beautifully preserved historic building, designed with a Mediterranean-minimalist style inspired by our co-founder, Ben Pianese. One of the highlights of our Highbury location is the original two-century-old fireplace, a rare and treasured feature that connects the space to London’s history.
If you want to carry this sense of peace with you after your visit, we suggest stopping by Canonbury Park, which is right behind our studio.
- Walk past our local favourite, Monte’s Italian Delicatessen
- In just two minutes, you’ll reach the entrance to the park.
- At the back of the garden, you’ll find the historic home at 27B Canonbury Square. It’s located between Essex Road, Upper Street, Cross Street, and St Paul’s Road.
This area has long been known for reflection and transformation, which reflects the sense of renewal we offer at Asiatic.
Heritage as a Blueprint for Wellness
Q: How does your Thai heritage and personal history shape the guest experience at Asiatic?
As a Thai woman, I see wellness through metta, which means loving-kindness. My background shapes everything I do, from choosing Thai-trained therapists to creating peaceful rooms. Working at Aveda Salon in Covent Garden and at Kobkun Thai Spa taught me how to mix luxury with tradition. Asiatic is more than just a service. It’s a place where Thai warmth and skill meet what people in London need today.
Defining Authenticity in a Modern Market
Q: What distinguishes the Asiatic treatment philosophy from standard massage offerings in London?
At Asiatic, we focus on real Thai therapies that go beyond simple relaxation. We offer Traditional Thai Massage, Deep Tissue, Aromatherapy, with a blend of physio release work and sports massage. Our team uses scientific techniques with careful skill. Every practitioner is trained in both the Thai way, and each session shows our cultural roots. As a Wellness practice, we care deeply about the values at the heart of Thai culture.
The Strength of a Female Founder
Q: What have been the most significant challenges you’ve navigated as a female business owner in the N1 wellness sector?
The biggest challenge has been helping clients understand how real Thai therapy is different from regular spa treatments. It takes years to master true Thai therapy. As a female founder, I make sure our space is safe, professional, and respectful. I want every guest to feel the warmth of Thailand as soon as they walk in. We also keep to the highest Western standards.
A Pillar of the Islington Community
Q: You are a “True Local” of Upper Street. How has the Angel and Highbury community shaped Asiatic?
I’ve seen Upper Street change a lot since 2007. I feel a deep responsibility to this community. Our success depends on our neighbours. We’re part of the local scene, from Avoman next door to places like Gallipoli, Mem & Laz, Zen Mondo, and Pizzeria Santa Maria. Asiatic isn’t a big chain. We’re part of daily life in Islington.
The Spiritual Foundation: Business as Good Karma
Q: How do the teachings of Theravada Buddhism influence your leadership and the “vibe” of your studios?
We build everything on honesty and good karma, following Theravada Buddhist teachings. We don’t use shady marketing tactics or take shortcuts. We believe that being sincere and truly caring helps us build lasting relationships. When clients call our studios “home” after many years, we know we’ve done something right. This spiritual approach keeps Asiatic a place for real healing.
The Vision: Preserving the Future of Thai Healing
Q: What does the future hold for the Asiatic brand in London?
Right now, we’re redesigning our Angel studio at 93 Upper Street to make it even more special and welcoming. We are looking to open a new studio in Central London, near Covent Garden Market, with a fresh, creative design.
As always, we design every store ourselves. We never adapt or copy concepts from other chains because the vision comes purely from the heart and our Thai heritage. My dream is for Asiatic to continue growing with purpose and authenticity. We aim to remain a trusted Wellness space where people from all backgrounds can experience the true healing power of Thai tradition in the heart of London.
