It looks as though remote working, for at least part of the week, is set to become an ongoing thing for office workers. And as restrictions lift, it’s not just freelancers who are looking for cheap, flexible co-working spaces to break up the working week. So whether you’re jostling for space with flatmates, kids, partners or pets, or simply need a change of scene, there are plenty of options. We’ve rounded up a few London co-working spaces offering hot-desking to monthly desk space.
Note: Check with the venue regarding the latest guidance on social distancing, capacity, etc. It’s also worth requesting a tour of the space if you’re looking for regular desk space rather than somewhere to drop in.
Uncommon – various locations
With locations across London, flexible subscriptions and a minimal, plant-filled ambiance, Uncommon is a decent option for people commuting in for the day or bringing together a small team. One challenge of co-working is getting the right ergonomic set-up (which, let’s face it, unless you’re working for a company that will shell out, is hard to do at home too!) But Uncommon also has standing desks to help keep lower back pain at bay.
The office’s design and ethos are meant to promote good wellbeing. This includes quiet zones and mindfulness sessions. On a more practical note, you’ll have 24/7 access, superfast wifi, bike storage and showers. Day passes start at £40 + VAT. Monthly fees start at £249 + VAT for hot desks, £350+VAT for dedicated spaces, and £450+VAT for private offices.
- Where: Highbury & Islington, Borough, Fulham, Liverpool Street
- Costs: From £40 daily and £249 monthly
- Types of membership: Day passes, hot-desking, dedicated desk space
Purple Patch – Farringdon
The website looks a little dated, and the space is a little basic (white walls, strip lighting). But, when you get down to brass tacks, for flexible hot-desking, Purple Patch is hard to beat. Not all co-working spaces offer day passes. Hot-desking is £5 an hour, and pricing is capped at £25 from five hours onwards, which is a very good price in London.
There are a few hot desk membership to choose from—up to 10 hours/month for £45; up to 50 hours/month for £195, and unlimited access for £285. Fixed desk memberships start at £365, while a private office starts at £445. All prices are per calendar month and subject to VAT.
It’s not a space that will lure you in with onsite yoga or fancy coffee, but so what? If you’re looking for a flexible, affordable space to work away from home, then it’s a great option. The location is excellent too—a short walk from Farringdon and Chancery Lane.
- Where: Farringdon
- Costs: £25 daily and from £285 monthly
- Types of membership: Day passes, hot-desking, dedicated desk space
Kindred – Hammersmith
Kindred in west London is actually a members’ club, rather than a dedicated co-working space. But, it has a large, creative open-plan space that is less hectic than a café, and it also has meeting rooms and a library for quiet work. Unlike a lot of membership organisations, it claims to be about inclusivity, rather than exclusivity, and members can sign in up to three guests per day, and you can even bring your dog.
The most affordable option is the social membership which is £40 per month (or £480/annually), and under 30s pay £25 per month (or £300/annually). Either way, the price points are comparable with a gym membership; plus you get access to the club and events too.
- Where: Hammersmith
- Costs: £25–£40 per month
- Types of membership: Social
Clockwise – Wood Green
Well, it seems that Purple Patch can be beaten on price point. A day pass at Clockwise will only set you back £15, which is probably what you’d spend on a couple of fancy coffees and lunch if you pitched up at a café for the day. The location isn’t as central, but it’s great for north Londoners, and as it’s a UK-wide co-working space, it’s possible more locations in the city will follow.
The set-up is contemporary and bright, with 24/7 access, high-speed and secure wifi. Clockwise also has two large roof terraces if you want to get some fresh air during your work breaks. Plus onsite bike storage, events and shows. Other membership options include monthly hot-desking from £100, dedicated desk spaces from £250, and private offices from £425 per month.
- Where: Wood Green
- Costs: £15 daily and from £100 monthly
- Types of membership: Day passes, hot-desking, dedicated desk space
