London is a city with an incredibly rich history and impressive architecture creating iconic landmarks like Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and St Pauls. But forget the tourist destinations you visit once and never step into again; what if your office was in a historic, listed building or based on the site of a former London treasure trove?
For over 30 years, Workspace has been breathing new life into buildings in the capital, transforming them into unique office spaces with a difference. They’ve got 60 properties all across London each with their own fascinating former uses, historical details, and hidden stories. We’ve picked out some of the standouts for you to discover below including a former hospital, furniture depositary and biscuit factory!
Salisbury House
This Workspace property is a Grade II listed building overlooking the leafy green square of Finsbury Circus. Dating all the way back to 1901, Salisbury House has had several, varied former lives. It was once the home of a vault for international jewellery shippers, and perhaps slightly less glamorously, it was once the site of a hospital too!
Now, with eight floors of refurbished offices to choose from, this characterful building is a great place to work. You’ve got elegant lounge areas and comfy meeting rooms, but the highlight is definitely the roof terrace with its incredible views over the city.
Pill Box
The aptly named Pill Box is a former pharmaceutical factory, tucked away amongst the railway arches in Bethnal Green that has been transformed into a chic Workspace office. It’s got an award-winning café which hosts regular social events, a gym, a roof terrace with panoramic views. Not to mention the huge landscaped front lawn with picnic tables which is the perfect spot to eat your lunch in the sun.
The Pill Box might have an industrial past, but it also sits directly opposite Bethnal Green Gardens so you can enjoy breaks in a leafy green park. Plus, the area is brimming with East-London-cool bars and restaurants perfect if you consider yourself a foodie or cocktail connoisseur.
Pall Mall
This grand building in the heart of Notting Hill was once a furniture depository, built in 1901. And, it still very much looks the part – complete with its original sign and period facade. So if you’d like a Workspace to make your friends jealous, this might just be the one.
The outside might look straight out of the 1900s but inside, there’s been a state of the art renovation to bring you all your creature comforts. You’ll enjoy airy communal spaces, and bright offices with skylights and original architectural features to add a bit of personality. There’s a lovely cafe and open lounge area, but also, you’re just a stone’s throw from Portobello Road if you like to graze through your work day.
Barley Mow
Barley Mow is nestled in the heart of leafy Chiswick and had a stylish former life as a Sanderson Wallpaper factory. Now, it’s a welcoming Workspace with a colourful, leafy, industrial vibe and it still brims with history and charm. You’ll be spoiled for choice with the newly opened Arthur’s Cafe, Betty’s restaurant and plenty of swish meeting rooms, it’s also just a hop, skip and a jump away from the bars and restaurants on Chiswick High Road. Basically, it’s the perfect spot for both work and play!
The Biscuit Factory
As you might have guessed from the name, this Workspace was once a biscuit factory and was known throughout London as ‘Biscuit Town’! Yes, this glorious period building once churned out everything from Garibaldis to bourbons to chocolate-topped digestives! Up until the 1980s, the streets around the factory used to be filled with the mouthwatering scent of freshly baked treats. And now, even though the biscuit production has stopped, it’s still a pretty sweet office spot!
The Biscuit Factory mixes original period features with modern touches in a collection of industrial-style buildings. Plus, it’s got its own gym and climbing wall, which is pretty cool too.
We’ve given you a taste of the amazing potential office spaces out there, but Workspace has even more to offer with their 60-strong collection of buildings across the capital. Whether you’re a team of one or one hundred, you’re sure to find your dream location – browse them all here. Go on, bag a spot that you and your team will love!