Nowadays, it comes as no surprise that people prefer the idea of working from home. But working from home doesn’t always have to mean turning your dining room into a makeshift office.
Rather, you have the freedom of working in a shared space that works for you.
Shared workspaces in London provide so much more than just a space to get the job done. It’s a community centre where friendly-faced digital nomads, think tanks, freelancers and other independent professionals gather.
And guess what? You don’t have to be paying an arm and a leg to find a suitable working space. There is a wide range of partially and completely free workspaces in London, you just have to know where to find them!
From quiet places to work in London and quirky cafes to spaces with a vibey working culture, these are my top finds.
In this guide:
5 Free Office Spaces in London: Perfect for All Kinds of Professionals
There is a common misconception that London is an expensive city. However that’s not always true. Besides there being many free things to do in London, there are also great options for digital nomads and independent workers.
Paying for a desk in London might not always be the best choice for you. As a city that’s bustling with travellers, nomads and creative minds, a permanent workplace isn’t always the right answer.
If you’re someone who’s looking for something a little extra, something new and exciting, as well as free, take a look at these 5 free places to work in London.
1. New Road Hotel: A Quiet & Free Working Space, London
- Perks: The working space is free, but for just £5 a day, you can gain access to a semi-private room with unlimited tea and coffee.
Tucked away in a boutique hotel is one gem of a workspace. The former textile factory has been transformed into one of the most stylish hotels in East London.
It’s beautifully designed space features not only a working oasis, but it’s also complete with private meeting rooms and large, open working spaces. And the most comfortable sofas for the less-demanding work projects.
Bring along your laptop carry pack and set yourself up in the stylish workspace. The space is complete with free high-speed WiFi, USB sockets, plugs and adapters on request.
The spaces are all well broken down to help reduce the noise, but those looking for more privacy can easily rent the theatre-style boardrooms for £150/h – £500 for 40 people.
That may seem a little pricey, but free bar and coffee service makes it worth it.
After a busy day of work, hang around for happy hour from 17:00 until 19:00. Watch the bartenders whip up fancy cocktails and get your second one free.
2. Runway East: Bristol and London Coworking Space
- Perks: It’s a chance to experience the office-life atmosphere without tying yourself down to one place.
Runway East is an establishment that offers coworking spaces all around London. Their spaces are flocked with experts and tech pioneers, entrepreneurs and creative minds who are all looking to be part of a vibey, successful community.
While you’re required to get a membership to work here, Runway East offers a free pass to newbies. So if you’re in London for a day and looking to find a free working space, they’ve got you covered.
Their services include super-fast WiFi, printers, free meeting rooms, breakrooms and the occasional pet whose been brought along to the office.
If you’re a freelancer who doesn’t get much time to interact with other professionals, this is the perfect place for you! The company organizes unique events for all of their members, so you’ll have the chance to meet new people.
And every Friday, the office ends the week with cocktails and beers. You won’t be missing out on the typical office atmosphere.
3. Google Space London: Working Place for Startups
- Perks: A great free office space for startups in London to meet and gain experience from Google’s experts.
It’s pretty great that Google has opened up this free space that allows its members to gain access to a vibey working atmosphere. It’s full of opportunities to grow and collaborate with like-minded individuals.
Each day of the week from 09:00 until 17:00, you can use the space to work in a fantastic location, meet interesting people and enjoy freshly-brewed coffee.
And it gets better. Google offers everything from programming and events to mentoring sessions with experts in the field.
4. The British Library: Free Libraries in London
- Perks: Quiet reading rooms are the ideal place for getting deadlines done, as you’ll be free from unnecessary distractions. Plus, there are great coffee shops in the area.
The British Library is the more than the perfect place for getting yourself comfortable for a day’s worth of work. It’s an ideal spot for those of you who write a lot of content and don’t need to be on the phone all day.
With free WiFi, cloakrooms, charging stations and plugs, and digital lockers, you’re equipped with everything needed for a productive workspace.
You can also expect to be drinking fantastic coffee. Wander around the grounds and discover an assortment of cafes and restaurants to fuel your working brain.
5. Ace Hotel in Shoreditch
- Perks: One of the best places to work late in London. The lobby is open 24 hours a day, which is ideal for workers who are collaborating with companies in different time zones.
Just a short walk away from Shoreditch Central Station and you’ll arrive at this pleasant hotel that offers a lobby workspace with freelancers in mind.
Individuals have the freedom to work in this comfortable and relaxing place for as long as they desire.
Choose to set yourself up for a full day of work at the communal desks. Or lounge out on the couch with your headphones and let the creative juices start flowing.
When your brain needs a breather, spend some time at the bar and restaurant and meet some of your fellow workers.
Free Space London: Ready to Start Something Incredible?
With convenient locations, top-notch service, stellar WiFi and a buzzing community, these free office spaces are superb alternatives to permanent desks.
So if you’re a freelancer, entrepreneur or startup company, why not save the cash and work in a communal space? With all the office benefits, you won’t be losing out on productivity.
London workspaces are filled with all kinds of interesting people looking for connections and people to share their ideas with. If Steve Jobs can work from his garage, you never know what might happen in one of these awesome places.
Looking for more London tips? Check out these guides:
- Everything you need to know about moving to London
- 20 iconic London landmarks
- London packing list – essentials for every season
- 40+ beautiful and picture perfect places in London
- The ultimate London packing list
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