Wednesday 9th October 2024

LIME TREE WORK SHOP: Everything You Need to Know

Tassia O'Callaghan 5 minute read
lime-tree-work-shop-sevenoaks-interior
Nestled in the heart of Sevenoaks, LIME TREE WORK SHOP has quickly become a standout space for creatives, entrepreneurs, and businesses alike.

This vibrant venue isn’t just about offering desks and Wi-Fi – it’s about building a thriving community where collaboration and innovation come naturally.

Whether you’re grabbing a coffee with a colleague or diving into deep work in one of their beautifully designed spaces, LIME TREE WORK SHOP offers an inspiring environment that fosters productivity.

And it’s not just us who think so!

LIME TREE WORK SHOP has swept up first place at The Tallys 2024, taking home People’s Choice and Best On-Site Team awards, too.

Their friendly and supportive team has become legendary in coworking circles, always going the extra mile to ensure that every member feels welcome and valued.

It’s clear that LIME TREE WORK SHOP is more than just a workspace – it’s a community.

So we took some time to chat with sisters Sandie, who runs LIME TREE WORK SHOP with her sister, Cathy, to find out more about this amazing workspace.

How did LIME TREE WORK SHOP start?

“The business is run by my sister Cathy and I.

I had taken redundancy due to Covid from a long career working at an events agency.

Cathy was an interior designer and had taken a sabbatical due to both Covid and Brexit.

We’d always said we should’ve worked together but our lives and careers took very different paths, so we never had the chance.

This was the first opportunity we had to do something together, and coworking was the field we chose, after a huge amount of brainstorming and market research.

I live in Sevenoaks and we both grew up here, so it made sense to launch in Sevenoaks.

We were incredibly fortunate that our beautiful building (we sadly don't own it) became available at the perfect time.

We were able to convince the landlord that flats without outside space post-Covid were not the right solution — and coworking was.

We took on 4,500 square feet of space and launched the business in April 2022.”

Who can work at LIME TREE WORK SHOP?

"In a nutshell: anyone!

We have no restrictions as to who can work here.

Sevenoaks is a key commuter town so we have a real cross section of businesses working here, from some of the more traditional London and city firms who have taken desks because they’re no longer wanting all employees back in the office five days a week, to small local businesses.

Our dedicated desks and private offices cover a wide range of businesses including property management, lettings agents, HR, accountancies, TV advertising, recruitment, financing, and media.

There are a few with their own businesses where they are the sole employee, and others with multiple desks.

Our hot desks are used much more by freelancers, sole traders, a number of authors (published and yet to be discovered), and again those who might work for larger organisations.

We find that many come in because home working can be really miserable and isolating, they crave a change of scenery and often there can be too many distractions.

We offer a focused workspace.”

What makes LIME TREE WORK SHOP stand out in the workspace market?

Sevenoaks isn't a huge town and there are three coworking spaces, each offering something a little different, which means that we don't really compete with each other.

We are fortunate in this regard, though arguably, our market research told us this.

We also stand out because our building is a former carriage works from the 1800s and is truly a beautiful building.

Combine that with a very talented sister who has transformed what was a derelict building into a stunning space, and we know we have a winning formula.

Everyone locally is delighted that we’ve brought the property back to life and preserved it, hopefully, for generations to come.

We like to think that Cathy and I are a big part of the reason that people like LIME TREE as well.

One or other of us (often both if neither of us are on holiday) are here each day.

We make a point of talking to everyone, especially those who hot desk with us, as we’re sitting in the same space as them.

We always make their first tea or coffee which gives us the chance to chat for a few minutes.

We know that this small interaction can make a big difference to working from home, when you might not talk to anyone all day.”

What amenities and perks can people expect at LIME TREE WORK SHOP?

“As we're located right in the heart of town, we've chosen not to provide additional amenities, such as a cafe space.

One of our aims when launching was to help drive footfall into the town and support other retailers on the high street.

We actively encourage people to bring in food from outside and know that several retailers are regularly supported by our members and regulars.

We provide decent coffee (Nespresso, chosen because they are a B-Corp) and speciality teas from a local tea provider, Mr Ames.

We also have the Midweek Munch, which means cake every Wednesday! 🙂

We have a members app, too, which allows everyone to see who else is part of the LIME TREE community.

They can connect with others, and we’re also here to facilitate those introductions or connections wherever possible.

We know that some of our members are now working together and we have had work experience opportunities between members, too.

Nothing makes us happier than being able to make an introduction that leads to a conversation or business.”

Our favourite testimonials from LIME TREE WORK SHOP members

  • “The owners of LIME TREE WORK SHOP are really friendly and accommodating. The workshop is stunning and well-maintained, always clean, plenty of facilities such as free tea and coffee (the coffee machine is a big up-sell), the kitchen is well-equipped, there are meeting rooms to rent and sound-proof booths. It gives a city-industrial-urban-vibe but without the price tag or need to commute far. Security is great and communication is always on point either in person or via email. I chose LIME TREE WORK SHOP because it appears to be the best venue in Kent, so I am happy to drive outside of my town just to be apart of the LIME TREE WORK SHOP Community.”
  • “LIME TREE WORK SHOP is a great space to work due to superb, modern clean design, facilities and the atmosphere created by Cathy, Sandie, and co-workers.”
  • “Super hosts, couldn’t possibly work anywhere else.”
  • “A little bit of tranquillity makes a lovely work environment.”
  • “LTWS offers me a professional environment for my business, all the facilities of a profession environment and all the flexibility I need as an SME.”
  • “It is a beautifully designed space with a real focus on community.”
  • “The owners are very friendly and welcoming and the space itself is absolutely beautiful, a peaceful and cosy haven.”
  • “Excellent facilities (fast internet/complimentary teas and coffees/great choice of hot desks) and lovely co-owners who always give a warm welcome.”
  • “Great facilities, in a wonderful building with welcoming owners (and regular treats to have with my tea or coffee!).”
  • “Spacious, friendly and sociable work place, that also provides space to work confidentially when required. The hosts Cathy and Sandy are amazing hosts, who always make you feel welcome as soon as you step through the door. I don't recall ever leaving LIME TREE WORK SHOP, even after a stressful day with work in a bad mood! This is testament to the environment they have worked hard to create and they would be worthy winners of the award.”

How to book LIME TREE WORK SHOP

It’s quick and easy to book LIME TREE WORK SHOP as a coworking space — whether you’re after a meeting room or a desk in their welcoming shared workspace, you can simply book on the Tally Workspace website.

Plus, if you’re looking for a desk at LIME TREE WORK SHOP, you can book it instantly!

LIME TREE WORK SHOP has truly created something special in Sevenoaks.

With its beautifully restored building, welcoming atmosphere, and a team that feels more like family, it’s no wonder they’ve swept the board at The Tallys 2024.

Whether you’re a freelancer, a growing business, or just looking for a change of scenery, LIME TREE WORK SHOP offers the perfect blend of community, comfort, and creativity.

Ready to see it for yourself?

Book your next desk or meeting room now, and become part of this thriving community today.

Written by Tassia O'Callaghan

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