Working from home is great. Coffee just the way you like it and without the queue. Whatever playlist you want on Spotify. Staying in your slippers all day. Nobody steals your breakfast from the fridge. Saving money and hassle on the daily work commute.
Working from home and avoiding the commute gives you some precious time back too. This can be used to spend time with your loved ones, do some exercise, indulge in a hobby, or simply get some more sleep.
Government data found that 78% of those who work from home in some capacity agreed that being able to ‘WFH’ gave them an improved work-life balance.
Statista also revealed flexible scheduling (50%), cost saving (43%) and the availability to care for relatives and pets (34%) as the most named benefits of home working.
The benefits of getting out and about
Although there are many brilliant advantages of working from home, it is good (and advisable) to get out of the house and work in a fresh environment from time to time. This could mean a co-working space or other places you can work remotely for free.
The benefits of co-working for freelancers include:
- Human contact to combat loneliness
- Better productivity, focus and concentration
- Fewer distractions (like the washing machine and Netflix)
- Networking opportunities
- Less sedentary daily activity
Next, we share some of the best co-working spaces in London so that next time you’re working in the Big Smoke, you know precisely where to park yourself.
Top London co-working spaces
The very first co-working space opened way back in 2005. Since then, the number has rocketed into the thousands, with Statista predicting there to be around 41,000 global coworking spaces as of this year.
In London, there are thought to be around 1,400 coworking spaces currently. Naturally, we can’t spotlight them all in this article – we know you need to get back to work.
So, here are seven of the best, coolest and most popular co-working spaces in London right now. Add these to your rotation when it’s time for a change of scenery.
Don’t forget to check out our top etiquette tips when working from a co-working space.
Work.Life – Camden
13 Hawley Crescent, Camden NW1 8NP
Price guide: £6 per hour or £350 per month
As a creative freelancer in London, there’s no cooler place to be than Camden. As well as the expected desks, meeting rooms and breakout spaces, there’s also a close-knit community vibe here that members love. Free events and regular socials provide the perfect networking opportunities.
All types of membership fees cover access to shower facilities, private phone booths, printing facilities, and complimentary coffee.
Huckletree – Shoreditch
Alphabeta Building, 18 Finsbury Square EC2A 1AH
Price guide: Hot desk for 10 days per month for £265p/m.
Huckletree has a number of co-working spaces around London, and even more in other parts of the country. If you’re looking in trendy Shoreditch for a place to get your head down and tackle your to-do list or host client meetings, check out their space in the iconic Alphabeta Building.
It’s a bustling, creative co-working space that’s particularly popular with tech startups. Get involved in regular networking events and growth workshops here while you’re working in the Big Smoke.
Check out the ‘focus-enhancing library’ when you need complete peace away from the buzz of the breakout spaces, meeting rooms and desk areas.
Pavilion Club – Knightsbridge
Price guide: Hot desk from £250p/m
Does a hot desk with views over Hyde Park sound good? This is where you’ll find it. Benefit from top-of-the-range conference call technology, premium shower facilities and 24-hour access.
Pavilion Club is particularly great if you’re looking for somewhere with wow factor to host client meetings in Central London. As stunning inside as it is out, the premium meeting spaces here are sure to help you make the right impression.
Especially if you take them up to the roof terrace or down to the ground-floor bar and restaurant, with a menu from Michelin-starred chef, Tom Kerridge.
Paddington Works – Paddington Basin
Price guide: Dedicated desks, £450pm. Hot desks, £350pm. Day pass, £25.
Hot desks have been designed with a user-centric approach to facilitate different types of working styles, whether you prefer quiet focus or the buzz of conversation. Interior design and furniture are equally ergonomic so you can be comfortable while you’re working away.
Need somewhere to record a podcast? Paddington Works is equipped with the latest software and equipment, as well as expert studio engineers to help with all your recording, editing and production needs.
WorkingFrom – Southwark
Price guide: £200p/m for hot desks
Flexibility is the main focus at WorkingFrom. Solo freelancers rub shoulders alongside businesses with large teams – and everything in between – in a trendy space set up for agile working of all shapes and sizes.
Amenities include complimentary meeting rooms, breakout spaces, a wellness studio and privacy phone booths. Other great features include day-use lockers, secure bike storage and even an in-house laundry service. Oh, and impressive views over the Thames through floor-to-ceiling windows.
Second Home – Clerkenwell Green
Clerkenwell House, 45-47 Clerkenwell Green EC1R 0EB
Price guide: Hot desk day pass from £18 per day or £250p/m
Renowned for its biophilic design and natural light, Second Home is like a sanctuary within the city. The perfect place to co-work if you’re a freelancer looking for a little company but still keen to find calm so you can concentrate distraction-free.
There’s even a members’ Slack channel so you can stay in touch with people you meet and mingle with. From desks and meeting rooms to breakout spaces and a community cafe, there’s everything you need.
Storey – Broadgate
Storey Club, 100 Liverpool Street, Broadgate EC2M 2AU
Price guide: From £925pm
This award-winning space is more than just a workplace. It’s a multi-purpose complex complete with luxury stores, bars, and restaurants, as well as a roof terrace restaurant with sprawling views of the city.
Running off 100% renewable energy, everything from the lights, temperature and air quality to the traffic of members is controlled by SMART sensors. One for those with bigger budgets – but a glorious location all the same.
Head over to our freelancer information hub for even more guides, tips, and advice.
