Like many 21st century start-ups and individuals, I no longer desire nor require an office space.
Working from home, however, allows for the potential diversions of too many cups of tea or the inexplicable sudden attraction of cleaning a wardrobe. And I’m not the only one. With 1 in 8 of us loving the flexible working conditions and the increase in numbers of self-employed, the way we are working has changed. London has a full embrace of the freelance revolution!
I am on the constant search for spaces with excellent WiFi, good coffee, a healthy menu so I don’t have to eat sandwiches all the time, a generous supply of power points for laptops and most importantly, staff that understand this. Not only for Londoners, but independent travellers to London who don’t want to sit in their rented accommodation or hotel room.
So there is no excuse to procrastinate with some of my favourite freelancer hotdesk spots. Run with your dreams with like-minded people at any of these fab locations.
The Timberyard
High on my list is The Timerbard in Covent Garden, which was clearly created for start-ups and freelancers. Comfy couches, great coffee and power sockets next to all the tables. With an original branch in East London, you will find lots of other people on their laptops and good acoustics with a quiet enough mumble of chatter to let you get on with work or bring any meetings there. Their website uses the phrase, ‘Tea, Coffee, Work and Play’ so you can do just that.
Electric House
The Electric in Notting Hill is part of the Soho House Collective and for freelancers getting a decent daily rate! Either the member’s club upstairs, or the restaurant is a super comfy place to take residence for the day, fresh juice menu, great breakfast options and fast WiFi. Its one of the more fancy options, though a smart jacket with converse and a Stella McCartney bag is just about right. A further West London favourite is Beaufort House on the Kings Road, lovely to sit by the window when the sun is shining in.
Forge & Co
A Shoreditch hotspot is Forge & Co, a great new social workspace if you are looking for something more regular. Also now open on Tottenham Court Road, you can meet other start-ups, complementary industries and attend a host of events and seminars. The Canteen is great if you just want to pop in otherwise regular desk space is a good call in this joint.
Shoreditch House
One of my favourites is Shoreditch House, a freelancer’s dream, with spectacular views over London, a hub of people sitting on their laptops, holding meetings and occasional ping pong ralleighs. You can sit for hours with a glass of water and no-one will bother you. It is a member’s place so ideal if you can blag your way in. Membership here can also include access to their rooftop pool, a series of very interesting talks, gym membership, classes and spa.
Lido Café
In South London, you can’t miss Brockwell’s Lido Café. To work or for a work break, you can’t go wrong. Take a dip in the pool to freshen up, back to your laptop and continue working with a Beta Booster cocktail, and pancakes to fill the rumbling stomach.
They have also have a new Women of London Food Initiative connecting and promoting women working in all areas of the food industry through monthly pop-up dinners and creative networking events.
The Laundry
My final favourite is The Laundry heading back to the East of London. The Laundry Building is a large creative hub in London Fields, home to 26 bright workspaces with high ceilings and natural light. Spread over 3 floors, the spaces are filled with music industry, arts and fashion companies as well as photography and recording studios. You have 24/7 concierge entrance, secure bicycle storage, communal kitchenettes on each floor and a private roof terrace for the tenants.
The Laundry Building also houses a capacious basement event space which hosts a variety of cultural events ranging from live music, club nights, exhibitions and is also regularly used as a location for photography and filming.
Tenants also have direct access to a beautiful break-out space in the form of Wringer & Mangle, a cafe and bar/restaurant on the ground floor. The café is taken over every month by a new restaurant so you would never get tired of the menu, with gluten-free and vegan dining options and plenty of space!
Any Questions or Tips to add?