Why would you possibly want to rent an office space in South London? Head east for the coffee and creative networking opportunities; north for some class; and west for the social life with London’s biggest business heads. Areas such as Brixton, Battersea and Clapham Junction just can’t live up to the standards of other parts of town…or can they?
In case you’re still thinking about it, here are 10 really good reasons to never consider renting an office space in South London. There’s a reason why ‘south’ is at the bottom of a compass.
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There’s “funky” graffiti everywhere
Those survey participants weren’t lying – South London really is a bit edgy compared to the swish and sparkly areas north of the river. There’s great potential that you will step outside and have to avert your eyes from the terribly bright and creative designs of local graffiti artists, which may even have hidden political messages. OMG! In fact, there are entire buildings celebrated with this so called “art”. The famous London Vaults gallery/events space hosting some of London’s most inventive creative and musical scene being just one. Can you imagine?!
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You’ll have to stick to main roads at all times otherwise your mother will worry
Beware of what lies in south London side streets! If you don’t, you may end up discovering your new favourite coffee shop and develop an addiction or spend all your money on fur coats and fake diamonds in vintage stores. Beware!
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You will always have to get an Uber as cabbies just don’t go South…
Although there are significantly more cabs here than there were in previous years, you will find yourself making use of those Uber deals on your mobile if you need to get across town. For those of us that love spending loads of money on black cabs – that’s just not good enough.
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You will need to develop a really strong passion about something ‘important’
You will not be accepted by your fellow southerners unless you are obstinately, steadfastly, and downright stubbornly for or against some sort of action. What you decide to become passionate about is kind of beside the point – animal rights, human rights, pro-marriage for lizards; whatever takes your fancy.
You will need a t-shirt declaring your beliefs and frown a lot whenever someone says anything even remarkably against your deeply imbedded creed. You may have to give up eating a particular food group at some point, too. If you’re really getting into it, then maybe a poster or two decorating your office windows would be a good idea.
We all know that being a passive bystander is the way to go so don’t go South if you think otherwise!
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You will have an ongoing inner debate with yourself about whether or not something is cool and if it is then if it is too cool and if it isn’t then whether or not you care
Yeah, it’s tough having an opinion, particularly when you’re not even sure why you care so much about the topic. Every time a new craze, phase or musical genre comes along, you have to decide whether or not it fits your attitude. You may need a brainstorming session or two until you decide exactly how you feel about Justin Bieber’s latest album and whether or not socks with shorts is a good idea.
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You will have to look edgy and/or arty
Speaking of impressing your neighbours, you will need to dress to impress, but not in the “Yes, I am wearing couture” kind of way. Your clothing style needs to represent you and make you completely different from every other person.
Think arty, edgy, left of centre but still with enough style to not scare old ladies. This look takes effort and planning so you may need to get up an hour earlier than usual.
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You will be surrounded by Australians
Struth, mate. It is a well-known fact that hundreds of Aussies and Kiwis have flown from the southern lands and have created a little community for themselves in Clapham. Every pub, café and music venue will be full of them and you will be able to hear them from miles away.
Plus you’ll have to listen to them boasting about the 2015 Rugby World Cup results (the writer of this post may or may not be Australian).
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Every time you tell someone that you work in South London, they will look sorry for you
Even if your office is in the beautiful green and leafy Greenwich, you will still get ‘The Look’ followed by a slight tilt of the head that quite clearly says, “Oh… poor thing.” On the plus side, you’ll get plenty of coffees bought for you because you probably can’t afford one.
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You’ll hear a lot of “Why don’t we meet near my office?”
None of your friends will ever want to meet for after work drinks at a convenient location around the corner from your office. You could have a pub attached to your office building that sells the cheapest beer in the city and they still won’t come. You’ll have to head north of the river to where everything is more familiar, expensive, sterile and less ‘alternative’.
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People will get lost trying to find your office
While most people have heard of Clapham, Battersea, Brixton, Peckham etcetera, the majority of Londoners have never dared set foot in the south (they’ve seen those bridge things but would never cross them) so wouldn’t have a clue how to get there. Keep this in mind if you ask a client or colleague to meet you at your office, as you will need to add an additional 30 minutes leeway to allow them to find you and another ten minutes for them to go on about how they didn’t realise that South London was actually so lived in, great value and shocker… cool!
Sounds great, doesn’t it?
Well, the truth is, South London is quickly becoming the next place ‘to be’. The mix of residential and office buildings means small communities are establishing themselves and bringing fantastic independent bars, local markets and a positive spirit to the area. You can find some great office spaces at bargain prices in South London so it is a great option for up and coming businesses.