One of the main perks of being freelance is choosing when and where you work. But with so many coworking options in London, it can feel tough to find a space that’s perfect for you.
The location and vibe of a place make a massive difference—as does the standard of coffee, in our opinion (we serve Kiss the Hippo, for those interested). And then there’s the social side: if you want to connect with your fellow digital nomads, does this coworking space run community events?
We’ve been doing coworking since we opened in 2018, welcoming hundreds of freelancers into Bradmore House. Here’s what we know about what makes a space freelance friendly, and how you can find your ideal workspace.
Contents
What makes a coworking space freelance friendly?
Free vs paid coworking spaces
Finding your London coworking space
What makes a coworking space freelance friendly?
According to our community, these are the most important factors when choosing a freelance-friendly coworking space.
Community and socials
Not everyone wants a coworking space that helps them network and socialise. But, in our experience, a lot of freelancers do.
Working for yourself is great because it gives you loads of flexibility, but it can also be lonely sometimes. Having the chance to meet new people and get yourself out there is one of the main reasons why our coworkers say they chose Kindred.
We run regular events for our coworkers to connect. For example, there’s a coffee social every day at 11am (and the coffees are on us). Sometimes we talk about our work and goals for the day, and other times we just have a lovely natter. It’s a friendly, informal coffee break for everyone to get to know each other.
The feel of the space
Whether you’re looking for a minimalist space that will help you focus or something that sparks your creativity, how a space makes you feel is a huge consideration.
Good design is lovely to look at but it also impacts productivity. Things like lighting, how open a space is, colour, and acoustics can all influence how relaxed we feel and how easy it is to focus.
At Kindred, we’re known for our unique interiors that blend heritage and modern styles. Expect lush sofas and high ceilings, beautiful arched windows, and plenty of quiet spaces to tuck yourself into.
Flexibility
This is a big one. One of the main reasons many people go freelance is the flexibility it offers. Having a space that lets you come and go when you fancy it, without locking you into a contract, can be a major drawcard.
We don’t do contracts at Kindred, only day passes that you can buy on the door. Come in when you like, pay as you go.
Amenities
What you get for your day pass also matters. A great coworking space offers more than just a desk and wi-fi: think quiet spaces to take a call, breakout space, bookable meeting rooms, and an events roster just for members. Think about what’s important to you, and what you’re happy to pay for. Learn more about what you get with a day pass at Kindred.
Location
And then there’s the location of the space. For most of the coworkers we’ve spoken to, this is among the most important factors when making a decision. Because why would you subject yourself to an awful commute if you could just…not do it?
Most people prefer a convenient location that’s local to where they live. Our coworking community are mostly West Londoners: we’re right in the heart of Hammersmith, just two minutes’ walk from the tube.
Free vs paid coworking spaces
There are spaces across our city that aren’t officially coworking spaces—like hotel lobbies or cafes—but that people choose to work in. These are often thought of as “free” coworking spaces, because you aren’t paying for a day pass or membership. But you will usually pay something. For some spaces, buying a drink is enough, but others have dedicated deals for coworkers, like paying £10 for unlimited coffee.
This route is almost always cheaper than a day pass, but you don’t get the same amenities that come with a dedicated coworking provider. For example: spaces to take calls or bookable meeting rooms, or dedicated socials for the community. It’s also worth noting that many “free” spaces also serve food, so don’t allow you to bring your own in.
All of these things are worth weighing up when deciding on your coworking space.
Finding your London coworking space
Fancy working from a Grade II listed Baroque mansion, that’s styled with a modern touch? Kindred is just two minutes’ walk from Hammersmith tube. We’ve got a range of buzzy and quiet spaces to work from, plus bookable meeting rooms and superfast wi-fi. Did we mention that we’re also dog friendly?
But something that our members say really sets us apart is our community. We opened Kindred up to be a physical space for Londoners to connect and gather. And with our regular socials, we make it as easy as possible to meet new people.
Day passes are just £18. Learn more about coworking at Kindred or buy a day pass
