Apple: Co-Founder & Managing Director
I traded contracts for compassion when I realised that a single traditional Thai massage could do more for my soul than a decade of spreadsheets.
Apple Jatikate
Originally from Bangkok, Apple built her career in Finance and HR in Bangkok. Although she achieved professional success, it came at the expense of her health. A 90-minute traditional Thai massage transformed not only her well-being but also her sense of purpose.
Apple studied traditional Northern-Style massage at the Old Medicine Hospital in Chiang Mai, learning directly from its source. As Managing Director, she brings together the clinical discipline of her corporate experience with the deep Metta of her heritage at Asiatic.
The Journey: From Lemongrass Tea to N1 Institution
Asiatic opened in 2009 with modest resources and a clear promise: everyone leaves feeling better than when they arrived. What began as a leap of faith has grown into two leading wellness ateliers in London.
The Evolution of 93 Upper Street: Once a successful branch of Kob Kun Thai Therapy, the location became Asiatic in 2021. The new name reflects its Asian heritage and commitment to a refined wellness experience for modern London.
As Dr Sidra Malik (a client since 2009) notes: “Asiatic maintains a rare balance: the warmth of family combined with unwavering professionalism.”
The Asiatic Code (What Guides Us)
- Authentic Lineage: We apply stretches and acupressure techniques taught by our instructors at Wat Pho and Chiang Mai, maintaining a direct connection to our roots.
- The Tailored Fit: Inspired by the master tailors who previously occupied our buildings, we do not offer standard treatments. Each session is individually tailored.
- Digital Integrity: We provide transparent pricing and honest advice. Building trust is our long-term commitment.
FAQs
The Atelier Dialogue
Apple’s management of the Asiatic Ateliers is informed by her career, which blends heritage with high-performance wellness. She trained at the Aveda Institute, mastering botanical excellence and global luxury service standards.
She further developed her clinical expertise while leading the original Kobkun Essex Road in 2006. In 2009, she established a permanent location at 93 Upper Street. Over the past 17 years, she has transformed the boutique into the current Asiatic, defined by ecological integrity and the Ben Pianese Method.
We follow a rigorous clinical hygiene protocol. Every room is sanitised and reset with fresh linens for every session. For your peace of mind, all staff undergo enhanced DBS checks, and our certifications are always available for inspection at reception.
We see our neighbourhood as a community of independent businesses. Since 2006, I’ve watched Islington change, but the focus on local craftsmanship is still strong. We’re part of a network of great local shops, from coffee houses to tailors who once worked in our building. When you choose Asiatic, you’re helping keep Upper Street’s independent spirit alive.
We always encourage our clients to support our N1 neighbours too, because we’ve all grown together.
We believe that the health of the body cannot be separated from the health of the environment. Our Atelier follows a strict protocol of Ecological Integrity, which is why we curate high-performance, plant-based products from world-class leaders like Aveda. Having spent time within the Aveda Institute system, our management understands the value of responsibly sourced, botanical ingredients. This commitment to “Clean Air” healing extends to our physical space: from our Bauwerk Limewash walls and Claybrook pigments to our organic linens, every element of the Asiatic environment is selected to ensure a zero-compromise standard for both your recovery and the planet.
Our team has travelled to the heart of the tradition, studying at the world-renowned Wat Pho in Bangkok. We bridge ancient wisdom and modern precision by completing advanced training in deep-tissue massage for the specific muscle groups affected by city life.
Our practitioners hold high-level certifications, including ITEC Sports Massage and VTCT Thai Massage diplomas. We are fully insured by Holistic Insurance Services and are proud members of the British Complementary Medicine Association (BCMA) and the CThA.