With the startup community on the ascend, the demand for flexi spaces has never been higher. But if you’re the type of mobile entrepreneur who can’t stand the gimmicks of beanbags or ping pong tables, you’ll need an environment that’s sophisticated and luxe – a place that combines the ambience and facilities of a private members’ club and the design creds of Finn Juhl’s abode. And luckily for you, we’ve done the hard research. For the capital’s finest hubs where you can get your caffeine fix, de-stress with a session of yoga and – most importantly – stimulate your neurons, look no further …
For the man about town: Mortimer House
Credit: Ingrid Rasmussen
With its Mid-century style and opulent furnishings, Mortimer House offers a more opulent alternative to the capital’s beanbag-heavy flexi spaces. Inside you’ll find natural materials and a simplistic, Scandi-esque layout, all of which make your workload that bit easier to deal with. On the ground floor is a public-access eatery that sizzles up Mediterranean fare, and each of the four floors above is dedicated to work areas. However, when tackling that mountain of emails gets a bit too much, you’ll be pleased to know that there’s a programme of fitness classes on offer, including yoga, barre and TRX.
Price , Memberships from £100 per month, What to wear, Minimalistic sneakers and Nordic-style attire. Oh, and a holdall for your workout gear.
For the peace-seeker: Fora
Borough branch (open summer 2018). Credit: Fora
If you need to escape the distractions of ping-pong balls flying around your co-working vicinity, Fora is the place to go. Why? Because each office is installed with special “sound-masking” technology which not only reduces loud background noise, but also makes it impossible for others to eavesdrop into your private conversations. Fora also takes its cues from the hospitality industry, offering concierge assistance and an app that allows users to order room service, and for those that need to present their next great tech idea, the Central Street branch has spaces for seminars and roundtable talks.
Price, From £425 per month, What to wear, Zuckerberg-style grey T-shirts.
For the socialiser: The Ministry
Credit: The Ministry
Although renowned for its hedonistic nightclub, Ministry of Sound will now channel some of its energy into its soon-to-be-open co-working space and members’ club, The Ministry. Designed by London-based studio Squire & Partners, and located in a former 19th-century printing works in Elephant and Castle, The Ministry is aimed for the “next generation of rebel creatives” and, to this end, will feature a 36-seat cinema, sound-proof production suites and an immersive technology studio. Better still, to help get your creative juices flowing – or if you simply want to speak to clients over a Manhattan (or five) – there’s a seventy-foot-long bar that’ll stretch across the entire length of the ground floor.
Price, TBC, What to wear, Slim denim, chelsea boots and a rollneck (all in black, of course).
For networkers: Second Home
Credit: Second Home
Injected with shots of vibrant hues, Second Home focuses on creating a thriving community ambience. There’s a variety of companies – from Ernst & Young to Kickstarter – that boast Second Home memberships, meaning you’ll be rubbing shoulders with several industry big shots, and when you’re in need of a work break, you can partake in an eclectic cultural programme that includes talks, discussions and artistic performances. To help you fully de-stress, the studio is saturated with flora in abundance.
Price, Membership from £210 per month, What to wear, A deconstructed blazer (for networking purposes) and a cardholder (when you come across that potential investor).
For those seeking a members’ club feel: Soho Works
Credit: Soho Works
The creative co-working arm of the globetrotting Soho House chain, Soho Works is a hub for Macbook-tapping mobile creatives. For the solo writer, there’s the option of hot-desking, renting out a permanent desk or a single-person office (complete with hat stand), and for start-up groups you can secure an office for up to ten people. For arty types, photo studios, 3D printer and screening rooms can also found on the 16,000 sq ft site, while the luxe members’ kitchen provides a welcome respite from staring at a laptop screen all day. Facilities aside, Soho House’s masterclass in attention to luxury is also made clear, as vintage-style furniture and sleek and slick wooden accents are dotted around. For those who travel stateside, you’ll also have access to the LA outpost.
Price, From £40 per day, What to wear, An ensemble as timeless as the interior. GJ recommends dark chinos, a grandad collar shirt and some desert boots.
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