London’s most stylish co-working spaces
Loving the switch to WFH but still feel you need a place to really get down to business? Meet the new generation of co-working spaces offering far more than a desk and a water cooler
Though the pandemic is firmly in our rearview, those of us who found ourselves working from our kitchen tables or from makeshift offices in the corner of a spare bedroom know only too well that working from home doesn’t always lend itself to productivity. Whether you’re the founder of a thriving business, a freelancer, or an employee whose company no longer operates from a central office, sometimes the kitchen table just doesn’t cut it. Luckily, the capital is full of co-working spaces kitted out with spacious desks, high-end coffee and all manner of extras to make working remotely more social, joyful and fruitful. So, with that in mind, we’ve rounded the best luxury co-working spaces in London, where a desk is just the beginning.
Kindred, Hammersmith
This ex-private members’ club turned community space is just steps from Hammersmith station and housed inside a beautifully restored Grade II-listed Georgian mansion. Interiors are brutalist chic, with exposed ceilings, whitewashed brickwork, and an abundance of greenery around which freelancers scatter themselves across mis-matched furniture and myriad work space set-ups.
As well as ample space to work comfortably, Kindred also boasts an all-day restaurant, Cellar, which places emphasis on locally sourced and seasonal dishes, as well as craft beer from local breweries and enough ambience to entice diners away from the smorgasbord of upscale eateries nearby. The focus here is on real creativity and community, with an extensive list of live performances, talks, workshops, clubs and events taking place each month, from cheese and wine evenings to artist-in-residence performances. Known as ‘The Campfire’, these events are at the heart of the Kindred concept and billed as an antidote to loneliness and disconnection in London and a way to celebrate and support ideas that can change the world for the better.
Form £13 per day, visit wearekindred.com
Fora, across London
Solopreneurs, or just those bored of logging into Slack from home everyday, will be able to take full advantage of Fora’s (formerly The Office Group) collaborative work environment crossed with interiors that wouldn’t be amiss at the latest Hoxton Hotel project. And though the capital is positively peppered with spaces belonging to the co-working group, the real jewel in the crown is Liberty House, a high-ceilinged, historic building sitting alongside the iconic Soho department store of the same name.
Recently redesigned, the space has retained much of its original character (think restored skylights) but has been brought firmly into the present day with the needs of remote workers taken into meticulous consideration. Fora offers a full business management system for members, including handling your phone calls and post, as well as offering wellness facilities, fitness centres, rooftop terraces, buzzy communal spaces and a range of different membership options to suit your budget. In fact, its latest space on Wells Mews in Fitzrovia, has been entirely designed around health and wellbeing, and has recently been rated as one of London’s leading co-working spaces.
From £450 per month, visit foraspace.com
Soho Works, across London
Needing very little introduction, Soho Works is the dedicated business arm of the famous Soho House group, meaning you can expect the same high level of interiors, vibe and clientele but tailored toward productivity rather than picantes (though those are on offer here too). The spaces are spread across some of the capital’s most sought-after postcodes, from Shoreditch to White City, with 180 Works (just off The Strand) often playing host to London Fashion Week shows and luxury events.
Those who are already members of Soho House will be able to slip seamlessly between the smart interiors and well-heeled crowds at the main houses and these dedicated workspaces, further embedding themselves into a slick crowd of creatives who embody the saying, ‘work hard, play hard’. As well as a free breakfast every morning, the spaces offer dog-friendly work stations, podcast studios and recording spaces, shower facilities, free tea and coffee, and exclusive members' events.
From £300 per month, visit sohohouse.com
Elmtree by Spacemade, Marylebone
Elmtree is a boutique townhouse that redefines the co-working experience with two distinct addresses in the heart of Marylebone Village. Members are immersed in a perfect blend of stylish interiors seamlessly integrated with the rich heritage of the original Grade II-listed property, while a dedicated team ensures co-workers have everything they need to make working here as easy as possible. Membership allows unlimited use of meeting rooms, breakout spaces, inviting lounges and soundproof phone booths, as well as access to a fully-stocked pantry and a range of discounts for businesses in the local area.
From £129 per month, visit spacemade.co
Labs, Holborn and Camden
Split between Holborn and Camden, Labs co-working spaces tread the line between high-end offices and a chic Manhattan loft; they’re dynamic, state-of-the-art and have mastered the ability to create spaces that help connectivity, creativity and productivity flow seamlessly. Their cluster of different setups allow for quiet work as well as louder collaborative ideas, with the ability to gather on comfy leather armchairs or in more formal meeting spaces. Happily, there is a neverending free supply of coffee, tea, biscuits and fruit, as well as a full IT support team (joy!), secure bike storage, showers and discounts to use in the local area. Day passes and flexible membership options are available, and both spaces are also accompanied by serviced apartments, with discounts offered to members.
From £45 per day or £299 per month, visit labs.com
Arboretum London, West End
Winning the award for the greenest members’ club and co-working space in London, Arboretum is unique in its extensive wellness offering and commitment to creating a soothing space in and among the punishing pace of working life in the capital. Nestled between Covent Garden, Charing Cross and Piccadilly Circus, inside Arboretum couldn’t be more removed from the hustle and bustle outside. Decked out with meditation pods, a yoga studio, a plant-powered deli and an indoor forest (yes, you read that correctly), the space is thoughtfully designed to help members work effectively as well as recharge and learn about sustainability. Work spaces range from open desks to owned offices, with a meeting room, kitchen, boutique gym and an informal breakout area available for communal use. They also offer one of the most thoughtful membership mixes around, including Monday-Friday membership, an under-30 membership, weekly and even daily passes.
From £20 per day or £55 per month, visit arboretumlondon.com
Pavilion, Knightsbridge
Not many co-working members’ clubs can boast Tom Kerridge as their resident chef but Pavilion’s location at 64 Knightsbridge (there are also addresses in Kensington and the City), formerly the Danish Club and now one of the capital’s finest serviced working spaces, can. Think: both hot desking and private office suites, many of which offer inspiring views across Knightsbridge and Hyde Park, private meeting rooms with the latest conference call technology, shower and changing facilities, 24-hour access, a roof terrace overlooking Hyde Park and a ground floor bar and restaurant with food by the Michelin-starred chef. Private meeting rooms are equipped with state-of-the-art video conferencing amenities, while snugs and phone booths make for the perfect informal meeting setup. If you’re looking to impress potential clients or just ingratiate yourself within discerning, influential circles, this is the place to do it.
From £250 per month plus a £1,000 joining fee, visit pavilion.club
