Monday 19th August 2024
Top 5 Independent Coworking Spaces in London
London is a world-renowned hub for brilliant and innovative coworking venues - many of whom we're fortunate enough to work with. Brands such as The Office Group and Argyll have developed reputations for offering brilliant, high-tech workspaces in great locations that customers can rely on to deliver a productive, enjoyable experience.
But as these impressive cowork providers have grown and established themselves within London, it's made it more challenging for smaller, independent brands to get a foothold in this burgeoning market. We feel it's important to support new venues and raise their profile; these startups are themselves supporting the brilliant startup community in our capital by providing creative, collaborative places where founders and their teams can build the businesses of tomorrow.
So we thought we'd showcase some of our personal favourite independent coworking spaces in London so you can visit and support them on their journey. Here goes...
1) Cobalance Cafe (Shoreditch)
In our time running Tally Workspace, no one has ever had a bad word to say about Cobalance Cafe. Their team are LOVELY and the coffees are delicious. Plus, it has everything you could ever need for a productive day's work - we're talking phone booths, active seats, lockers, and second monitors.
Located just a short walk from either Old Street or Shoreditch High Street stations, it's super easy to get to and is surrounded by some of the best bars, restaurants and cafes found this side of the English Channel. But with such great food being served by Cobalance, there's almost no need to leave! Spinning up clever nutritious twists on Californian classics, Cobalance know what they're doing in the kitchen; our personal recommendation would have to be the masala beans, which are out of this world.
They've cleverly managed to create an oasis of calm just metres from the busyness of Shoreditch and it's a dreamy spot to get lost in some deep work. Think exposed brick walls, neutral tones and plenty of foliage. This is all combined with one of the nicest teams in the game, who will always welcome you with a smile and go out of their way to make you feel at home.
Just a few minutes' walk from Farringdon station - with its new Elizabeth line connections - Warner Yard is a real hidden gem. This delightful independent space was refurbished after originally being a stable back in the 18th century! The architects have done a phenomenal job, leaving much of the building's character whilst creating a beautiful open-plan space that breeds productivity.
Set over four floors, Warner Yard is kitted out with plenty of great features and facilities including bike storage, showers, a private kitchen and breakout areas, as well as a rather fancy glass elevator. There are various meeting rooms for when you need to bring the team together or coworking desks available by the day for those looking for a plug-and-play style of work.
You're in good company in Clerkenwell with lots of exciting businesses having called it home, such as YPlan and Citymapper. With all of the fun without the hectic nature of nearby hotspots such as Shoreditch, this is a brilliant place to work from.
3) Good Space Neighbourhood Work Club (Queen's Park)
The Good Space Neighbourhood Work Club is an office that doesn't feel like an office - more like a shared living room for the neighbourhood. A super friendly place where you can get stuff done, but also meet lots of new interesting neighbours. This independent coworking space in Queen's Park is great for those that prefer a relaxed vibe and home comforts.
Good Space has worked hard to create an atmosphere of inclusivity and collaboration. The environment lends itself perfectly to networking, but not in a forced way; visitors and members naturally connect through the well-considered layout and shared spaces. The founders of Good Space, David and Ashley, want to create a neighbourly feeling and have manifested that through their hosting of top-notch events like their regular Writer Club.
But if you need something more private, they also have some cracking meeting rooms which go from cost 4-person hideaways to their lovely event space, The Commons, which caters to around 40.
4) The Worker's League Bonhill Three (Shoreditch)
Not only will you be able to work more productively in their cool and sophisticated space, but you'll also receive a one-hour slot in one of the high-spec meeting rooms with your daily pass. The stylish interior at The Worker's League Bonhill boasts a breakout area and kitchen facilities, a distinctive colour scheme, picnic tables, and even some cinema chairs. So if you're in need of some inspiration, this is the place for you.
Located just a short walk from either Old Street, Moorgate or Liverpool Street stations, it's a breeze to get to. And you'll be glad you did once you see the unique space that The Worker's League have created inside. There's a fully-licensed bar, outdoor space with power and WiFi as well as comfortable bookable meeting rooms with smart screens. The team here are lovely and they put on great events for members and visitors alike so it's worth checking those out.
Located close to Dalston Kingsland station, this independent coworking space has a friendly team and small community, perfect for a productive day of work. Interestingly, they also have a shared professional kitchen workspace perfect for pop-up restaurants and delivery businesses too.
The food-friendliness doesn't stop there as a day pass at Co-Dalston also includes a gourmet sandwich and drink from the grab & go cafe located at the front of their space. And who said there wasn't such a thing as a free lunch? Enjoy your sarnie from their lovely outdoor terrace which is a great spot on a nice sunny day, where you can meet some of the cool crowd who base themselves here.
The bright and creative design matches the youthful, entrepreneurial vibe at The Co-Dalston. They have plenty of desks to book by the day but also some fantastic meeting rooms if you need some privacy. All of this makes it one of the best independent coworking spaces in London.
The next time you need to book coworking space in London or further afield, make sure to check out the great selection of venues available to book through Tally Workspace. We make it easy to find and instantly book the best desks, meeting rooms and day offices at great prices. Explore our workspaces by clicking here.
If you are looking for a coworking space in East London - check out this article.
And if you are looking for a coworking space in West London - check out this article.
Written by Laura Beales
