Struggling to unleash those creative juices at home? Why not try one of these alternative workspaces.
Majestic surroundings
National Art Library, South Kensington
The chances are that if you are doing a pile of serious research you’ll know about the British Library. Our favourite spot is the lesser-known but totally uplifting and inspiring National Art Library (NAL), which is housed in beautiful reading rooms overlooking the John Madejski Garden at the V&A. It’s open to everyone and admission is free; you just need to create an online account before you visit. Closed Sundays and Mondays.
Members clubs
These all have the added benefit of being able to meet friends whilst still giving structure to your day. Most clubs have networking events too. You’ll need to apply for membership and often need an existing member to vouch for you.
Their newest club is in White City, which has a dedicated work room. The enormous basement gym is another major draw – find four studios with HIIT classes, yoga, pilates as whizzy equipment and two swimming pools (indoor and outdoor). Membership from £60 a month, apply here.
This is a brand new club in Hammersmith very much geared around work with two floors of co-working space during the weekdays. You can also hire meeting rooms, eat at the cafe or restaurant, have a drink at the bar or join a weekly meditation session. An inspiring space right next to the station on Hammersmith Broadway. Membership currently £90 a month until the end of April.
The Hospital Club, Covent Garden
Just along from Seven Dials, The Hospital Club is a hotel and members club with an upmarket work space for creatives. There’s also an in-house TV studio that can be hired complete with a state of the art gallery and sound desk. Membership from £490 a year.
Upstairs at The Department Store, Brixton
This cool space in Brixton is brimming with workers, who can take advantage of a fabulous roof terrace when it’s sunny. We’re not sure how much work actually gets done though… Membership £240 a year.
Cafés with meeting rooms
The Riding House Café is a great place to hang out off Great Titchfield Street if you need to do a few hours work in town. For privacy, The Stables downstairs is a private meeting room you can hire that sits up to 16 people.
Department of Coffee and Social Affairs, City
Excellent work vibes at play here in the west-end branches (St Martin’s Lane and Rathbone Place) and Leather Lane (in the City) that have large (10+) meeting rooms you can hire very reasonably.
Hot Desks
Save the cost of hiring your own office, but still feel you’re at work at a proper desk. These have the benefits of printers, couriers and tech support and more.
Part of the Soho House group this dedicated work space in Shoreditch has many options including hot desking or shared desking. Think sleek design plus a library and reading rooms, phone booths for private calls and a fully-supplied workshop with crafts and tools. From £400 a month.
Hubble HQ, across London
There are many hot-desk or fixed-desk options here in spaces all over London from big co-working names like WeWork, Spaces and LABS. Search by location, company size or get expert advice. From £375 a month for hotdesking. We like the sound of Tog in Shoreditch where fixed desks that have access of roof terrace and kitchen, meeting rooms, printer and showers.
Ready to expand
Workspace, Bethnal Green and Westbourne Grove
If you want to team up with a fellow freelancer or have a small business that’s outgrowing your kitchen table, you could find a workspace of your dreams here. The Pill Box in Bethnal Green and Westbourne Studios both have studios for 2+ people from £750 a month. You’ll need to furnish it yourself.
Artists Residences
Why not focus your mind and creativity by applying for a three-month programme to work at Re:centre in Hammersmith. It is a truly inspiring space, and after the three-months there’s an exhibition of the nine artists’ work. From £1,080 per season.
Cockpit Arts, Holborn and Deptford
If have a small creative business and want to grow it, you could apply for a space at Cockpit Arts. Feed off others’ creativity and work amongst some brilliant artists, jewellers, designers and more. Applications are accepted year-round.
