For many startups and freelancers, the idea of renting an office or desk space in central London seems like a cray cray pipe dream – it is WAY too expensive and you could only afford a space in deepest darest of Pret-free suburbs. Well, think again, with a bit of careful hunting you can find cheap office space in some of the most desirable areas of the city.
Whether you want to hang out with the creative hipster types in East London offices or you want to schmooze with those in high places in the offices of West London, there ARE cheap desk options available!
Get ready – we’re going bargain hunting!
1. Clerkenwell
It would seem that from undesirable warehouses, creativity (and hipsters) grow. Clerkenwell was once one of those places that you avoided because your life most probably depended on it. However it has since been transformed into one of the hippest, coolest, coffee-snob-filled zones of London.
Full of design agencies, architects and more coffee shops, cocktail bars and gastro pubs than you could ever possibly need, Clerkenwell is the perfect location for any creative. And despite achieving ‘Uber’ on the coolness ranking scale, you can still afford to rent a desk here.
2. Islington
We love Islington for its fantastic independent bars and restaurants and the fact that you can ride on the longest escalator in the Underground at Angel. There are a lot of theatres and bars showing live music in this area so you will never be short of things to do after work.
Try Net.Works. Islington for cheap desk options. They offer hot-desking options as well as permanent desks and private offices. You can rent a desk here for the small sum of £199 pp/m.
3. Shepherd’s Bush
If the idea of wandering around a Westfield shopping centre every lunchtime is your idea of heaven, then Shepherd’s Bush is where you should be renting. Its central location and fantastic public transport links mean it is easy to commute to so getting to those meetings on time won’t be an issue.
If you’re in the creative and tech industries then take a look at Link West. This affordable office brings together up and coming businesses working in these areas to encourage networking and partnerships. Desks range from just £139 pp/m.
4. Bayswater
Nestled in the comforts of west London and next door to the highly desirable Notting Hill, you wouldn’t expect to find affordable office space in Bayswater. Oh yes, you can!
11 Palace Court, just a stone throws away from Bayswater station, offers fantastic office amenities such as 24hr access, cleaning, shower facilities and vibrant furniture for an excellent price. Starting from £320 pp/month, you can have a beautiful private office in the heart of London, surrounded by restaurants, cafes and bars.
5. Chelsea
There’s more to Chelsea than fake tans and espresso martinis. Although you could probably think of 10 reasons not to rent office space in West London, it IS home to some of the most successful firms in London. This is the place to be if you want to flourish with the high and mighty, and the good news is that you don’t have to conduct your business from a street bench. You can afford a whole desk!
The Workary offers both fixed and hot desks to entrepreneurs, freelancers, startups and small businesses, starting at just £125 pp/month!
6. Highbury
If the ideas of brunch, jogging in parks and cosy pubs appeals then venture slightly further north to Highbury. This area of London is known for being one of the richer parts of the city but the good news is that you can still afford to rent here.
St Mark’s Studios is a beautifully refurbished listed building in North London with all the mod cons of high quality managed workspace to accommodate smaller businesses. Rent an 11 person private office here for £312 pp/m. There are other sized offices available.
7. Southbank
Work in the heart of one of London’s most active and vibrant areas, surrounded by art, performance, music and an incredible range of bars and restaurants. This central location is fantastic for any start-up business.
Capital Tower part of Local London’s Waterloo Estate and is ideally located opposite the entrance to Waterloo station. The building has recently undergone a major refurbishment to an exceptional standard, finishing with a stunning rooftop terrace —and even better, hot desks start from just £250 pp/month!
With so many affordable office spaces, there’s no excuse to continue working from home. Check out the cheap office spaces here!
