Brendan Murdock is the founder of anatomé – a London-based apothecary, reinventing healthcare essentials with the power of botanicals.
Hailing from the serene Mourne Mountains of Ireland, Brendan initially pursued a conventional path in finance and law.
His fascination with botanicals, essential oils, and his creative spirit propelled him towards a deeper exploration of wellness. Fuelled by a desire to reimagine the apothecary for contemporary times, Brendan founded anatomē.
“I wanted to create a brand that can engage with our community, to talk about feeling better, at ease,” Murdock says of the companies ethos.
“I couldn’t find a place like that, so I created my own: a place people can go to for well-being advice, sleep tips, get help to focus on daily activities and find support to move better, improve gut health, unwind, and navigate transformations that come with the ageing process.”
We caught up with Brendan Murdock, for the latest edition of our ‘My London’ interview series.
Favourite neighbourhood:
Often, where we live is our favourite neighbourhood. I used to live east and appreciated the vibrancy of London Fields and Columbia Road, which are such great places for tasty food. Right now, I’m living near Camden and Primrose Hill, and I’m enjoying it. Being able to jog around Regents Park is so uplifting, and Primrose Hill has a fantastic farmers market each Saturday. I like to go there and then pop for a coffee and pick up the paper before heading home.
Favourite place for brunch:
I like to return to Shoreditch and visit Rochelle Canteen. Nothing is as lovely as the food there, and in summer, Margo delivers wonderful, tasty British food in the walled garden.
Best coffee in London:
Monmouth Coffee has always been my favourite coffee and I drink it at home from my filter.
Favourite gallery or museum:
In London, I always like visiting The National Gallery on Millbank first thing on a Sunday morning, when it’s quiet and the crowds are at home.
Tell us a secret:
At The Opera House, you can stand in the stalls for 15- 20 pounds, and you have a clear view of the stage; it’s remarkable and inclusive; my younger self should have been standing there learning and appreciating such art. And The Devonshire Arms on a Sunday has the best Guinness, and a room of the bar for live music, invite-only I understand; my Irish accent gives me a pass.
Favourite place to shop:
I like food shopping; the borough market for vegetables is always a treat, and Parkway Greens is a great vegetable store in Camden, Ottolenghi. I often shop there, so there are always interesting seasonal products. Also, I love Bottle Apostle wine shops; there is one in Primrose Hill, and it is the best wine store in London.
Favourite place to find inspiration:
I’m wanting to visit the Dover Street Market in Haymarket. It’s such an immersive retail space from the experimental to the classics, and the Roses Bakery at the top is a lovely treat when friends are in town and a cake is required.
Best London destination for a date:
It’s hard to beat J Sheekey after the theatre, sitting at the bar. The space has a lovely energy and an exciting crowd, i;ve taken to sunday lunches in pubs before a movie at cinema lumiere ,that is turning into the perfect date.
Favourite park:
I’ve talked about running around Regents Park, and I must stay. it’s a beautiful park, there are quiet, secluded moments, and the more ornate gardens and of course the theatre in summer, but it has scale and a view across london from Primrose Hill
Favourite food market:
I talk about Borough Market all the time, which is exceptional, but across London, there are magnificent food markets; Broadway market has terrific energy and a catwalk of sorts of the excellent currency of London that seems to be drawn to Hackney like a magnate. Marylebone Sunday food market is also a real treat.
Your sanctuary in the city:
I like a Sunday at my gym, White City House by Soho House; it has a great pool, Hamman and Spa, so you can unwind and relax, there are many gem spas in London like Porchester baths open to everyone.
What inspires you?
Music, art, conversation, people who are pursuing their dreams and articulate that with hard work and commitment, these people inspire across all fields and walks of life.
This season, I’m loving…
Summer is here, and as we are talking good, I discovered La Maritxu, which specialises in Basque Cheesecakes. It’s so tasty, and coffee comes in an edible cup. Connaught Village is a great treat late afternoon on a Saturday. Then, walk across to Hyde Park and relax in the meadow I only just discovered, its quite magical.
