BlackOutUK is there for all of our lives. We also work! Welcome to our new series Work It from Nzube, serial entrepreneur and whizz-kid, about the world of work
Let’s face it, if you’re an entrepreneur working from your kitchen table or the local coffee shop then you’re probably in need of some workspace inspiration!
Luckily, London is one of the best cities in the world to co-work in, away from the office. Aside from the plethora of local libraries and Idea Stores, many spaces in and around Central London have recognised that entrepreneurs and professionals like social, working environments with great ambience and WiFi!
So here is a carefully curated list of some of the top co-working hot spots in London that won’t cost you a penny (or force you to buy a drink!).
Location: Guildhall, London EC2V 7HH
Opening: 9.30am – 5pm (Wednesday’s til 7pm)
Hard to beat as a pure co-working space, this public library is dedicated to business information with free access to business databases and general start-up advice, market research, company information, statistics and business news. Unlike most free co-working space the City Business Library has expert business advice staff at your disposal.
Top tip – Check out their free business advice Live Chat
Location: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX
Open: 10am – 11pm every day except Christmas Day
London’s leading classical music venue at heart of Southbank Centre may not immediately spring to mind as a place to work for the day. But the open foyer, cafes and bar areas provide the perfect place to get your head down. You can’t help but absorb the creativity that infuses the Royal Festival Hall and it will certainly give you the inspiration you need to get through your to do list!
Top tip – Check out their free events listing here
Location: 100 Shoreditch High Street, London E1 6JQ
Open: 9am – late, it’s a hotel 😉
It doesn’t get more ‘Shoreditch’ than Ace Hotel who describe the area as “…a place where art, design, culinary innovation, culture and tech gather and phosphoresce from the heat of collaboration, inspiration and a soft spot for the future.” The lobby bar doubles as a casual communal workspace with great WiFi and vibrant atmosphere. Definitely one to check out.
Top tip – Discover their Rooftop bar
Location: 100 – 106, Leonard Street, London, EC2A 4RH
Open: 9am – 12am
By day, The Book Club serves as a home-from-home for local entrepreneurs often tapping away at their laptops. There are two spacious floors of a former Victorian warehouse which have been kitted out for eating, drinking, thinking & meeting. Its open, airy, drowning in natural light and the perfect environment for meetings or a quick game of ping pong!
Top tip – Have a look at their sister venues (great work spaces too!)
Location: 20 Lavington Street, London UK, SE1 0NZ
Open: 9am – late, it’s a hotel 😉
For many in the city, Citizen M London Bankside is fast become a favourite spot for entrepreneurs to meet and work. The spacious lobby has a great atmosphere that makes you feel relaxed, filled with amazing books and ambiance.
Top tip – Tag #citizenMlondon and get featured on their homepage
Location: 26 Store Street, London, WC1E 7BT
Opening: 9am – 8pm
Open to all, this building exists to support innovation at its heart. Surrounded by food, art and museums, The Building Centre is home to its charitable organisation that provides support for educational, research and cultural activities. A great place to work? For sure! With a range of very interesting building tenants you’re in the right place to work and connect.
Top tip – Check out their News & Events section which is bubbling with things to do in the area
Location: 100 – 110 Euston Road, London NW1 2AJ
Open: 9am – late, it’s a hotel 😉
Situated just a few minutes walk away from both the International train station, King’s Cross St Pancras, and National train station Euston, the hotel is the perfect coworking destination. Spanning across two floors, the lobby area provides a great space for you to get the laptop out and get down to business. Downstairs is a unique, quiet, breakaway area with two by two chair sectioned areas which are hard to beat for meeting space.
Top tip – The entrance on Euston Road has the Gold Arrow Restaurant signage above the door but it’s the same place!
Club Workspace The Record Hall
Location: 16-16A Baldwin‘s Gardens, Hatton Garden, EC1N 7RJ
Open: Monday – Friday 9:00 – 8:00pm
With a brand new co-working lounge, The Record Hall is a Farringdon space with great lighting and a modern finish that gets you in the mood for business. ClubWorkspace is part of a network of co-working spaces around London so you’ll automatically be that bit more connected to the its growing community of entrepreneurs.
Top tip – Take advantage of their FREE co-working days, click here for more info
Location: 4-5 Bonhill Street, London EC2A 4BX
Open: Monday – Friday 9:00 – 8:00pm
If you’re not familiar with this Google space for entrepreneurs then you’ve been missing out on one of the signature co-working environments in town. You’ll find people coding, working with team members or even meeting with clients, investors or partners.
Top tip – Sign up to their newsletter for info on free events and meetups.
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