The Asiatic Story: Tailoring the Art of the Return

“A legacy of precision, hand-crafted in the heart of Islington.”

At Asiatic, we see the human body as the most intricate fabric ever woven. Our mission is to treat it with respect, patience, and bespoke precision, like a master tailor.

Our Upper Street locations reflect our commitment to the community’s history. We selected spaces with heritage, not modern retail units. Both Islington ateliers are housed in former craft shops: Schram and Sheedle at 262 Upper Street and the Bargain Centre at 93 Upper Street.

The Philosophy of the Atelier

Just as Schram & Scheddle’s tailors pursued precision for a perfect fit, Asiatic practitioners apply structural expertise to restore balance. We inherit a tradition of skilled craftsmanship and local trade, not just a physical space.

We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to wellness. We view the body in layers, similar to the structure of a bespoke garment. Our method addresses not only surface tension but also the deeper alignment of muscles and spirit.

The Custodians of 93 & 262 Upper Street

Since 2009, Asiatic has been a fixture on Upper Street. While trends and brands come and go, we provide lasting continuity. As an independent, master-led institution rooted in N1 and N5, we have served the community for nearly two decades, from Highbury & Islington to Angel.

At Asiatic, we don’t just follow ‘Boutique’ trends; we set the architectural standard for somatic care. While newer establishments may attempt to mirror our clinical language and anatomical focus, the Asiatic Somatic Sequence is a proprietary methodology developed over 17 years. It cannot be replicated by those who prioritise SEO keywords over clinical lineage. We are the original blueprint at 93 and 262 Upper Street.

The Heritage of the Hand

Our presence on Upper Street continues a master-craft legacy. At 93 Upper Street, we inherited the space from Mr Ismael of The Bargain Centre, a family textile business established in 1972. Mr Ismael was a fixture on the street for over 50 years, known for his daily tea rituals with the owner of the neighbouring kebab house and his quiet afternoon naps in the back room of the tailor centre.

Today, we honour that pace of life. We’ve preserved the spirit of the “Bargain Centre” where tweed, cashmere, and wool were handled with precision by bringing that same tactile expertise to the human body.

A Gateway to Literary Islington

Visitors to our 262 Upper Street Atelier often stop to photograph the historic Schram & Scheddle gold-leaf sign we’ve preserved. Many coordinate their sessions with a visit to the nearby George Orwell Memorial House, just a three-minute walk away. This pocket of N1 has always been a place for reflection. We invite you to carry the stillness of your treatment into a quiet walk through Canonbury Square.

Locations

Meet the Visionaries

Our founders set the Asiatic standard, bringing over 40 years of combined global healing experience.

Ben Pianese: Co-Founder & Visionary

An Islington resident since 1997, Ben is known as the “Architect of the Atelier.” His vision established Asiatic in historic locations such as Schram and Sheedle, guided by the belief that healing is a craft requiring precision. With over 25 years of experience, Ben mentors the team to ensure every treatment meets the highest standards.

Read Ben’s Full Story

Apple Jatikate: Custodian of Standards

Apple brings a genuine lineage of Traditional Thai massage and healing arts, woven with North London’s rich heritage, to Asiatic. Her career demonstrates deep dedication to traditional arts and a strong understanding of the modern body. Her work combines “Metta” (loving-kindness) with the clinical precision of a master artisan.

Read Apple’s Full Story