Google’s Campus London isn’t just for techies, although tech geeks will love this place. One such young friend told me that he hadn’t tried many networking circles but “this looks amazing.” It’s a busy co-working hub with free work desks – get in early to bag one. The campus also serves up events and courses (I noticed that Streatham MP Chuka Umunna was giving a talk). Just sign up through their website to join.
I must mention The Brew (photos above) because it’s a good co-working space in an accessible location, right opposite Moorfields Hospital and next door to the M by Montcalm Tech City Hotel, in Old Street. The Brew has a friendly bunch of people with seemingly good opportunities to network, as well as both public and private spaces to work, rooms to hold a business meeting or take a private call. It certainly has that trendy Shoreditch vibe about it, as the quirky artwork attest. As a bonus, it’s right next door to Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen restaurant. The ground floor café Papilles also offers up a good working area and turns into a bar during the evenings.
The Brew, Eagle House, City Road (but there are others) Telephone: 020 7770 6283
Twitter @thebrewcowork
The Collective is both a co-living and co-working space and I’m mentioning it because I’ve had the opportunity to stay in one of their rooms (at The Old Oak) for a night and get a feel for the accommodation and workspace, and I haven’t yet had a chance to write about it. The single room I stayed in was small, but the living space, décor and vibe of the rest of the building is roomy and vibrant. There is a cosy laundrette, large modern kitchens, break out areas, dedicated work areas plus a lounge on the ground floor. If you are in London for a year or longer, it’s worth considering living here.
The formal business type name of the Office Group, or TOG (pics below) as it’s known, belies the bustle of creativity and ideas going on here. I visited the sleek, cool Shard hub of The Office Group. I haven’t visited the other locations (yet), but I’ve been told that all have been built to the same high contemporary standard.
If the new TOG magazine is anything to go by, this isn’t just a great place to work, but it also promises excellent networking opportunities. I was pleased to see the cultural mix of people there, including a welcome number of younger (age 20+) members. I would encourage any freelancer in London to look into their Lounge Membership. This allows 32 hours a month access to their co-working spaces at ANY of their offices – all for just £50 (excluding VAT). And no, I’m not being paid to say this.
That’s it for now. There are such a plethora of high-quality work spots. We are spoilt for choice.