London for Business

It’s no wonder London is regularly referred to as the business district of the UK - it’s home to many working professionals both long-term and transient. If you fall into one of those categories, make the most of your stay by visiting some of these business hubs.

Tate Modern

Free museum. Cool building. Not crowded. The art inside is awesome. Matisse, Picasso, Monet, Pollock, etc. It was easy to navigate this museum compared to the National Gallery. Well laid out and in a cool part of town.

London’s Tate Modern is a fantastic place to visit if you want to take in international modern and contemporary art. As one in a family of four other galleries around the UK, it makes up part of the Tate Gallery Collection which includes: Tate Britain, Tate Liverpool and Tate St Ives. It’s convenient location close to the business district on London’s Bankside means it’s a superb location to spend a lunch break or a great place to escape after work for a bit of peace and quiet. Bankside itself has a wide variety of museums and attractions, making it an ideal place for professionals as there’s certainly a lot to see and do after a long day at the office.

With major developments since its opening in 2000, the Tate Modern boasts the characteristic of being one of the world’s most-visited modern art museums. With 5.7 million visitors travelling from far and wide to see the collection spanning all the way from 1900 to the present day, it’s no surprise that the Tate Modern is often referred to as the best art gallery in London. Some of the most important artworks from the 20^th and 21^st centuries can be found amongst the museum’s many galleries as well as both permanent and temporary exhibitions, so it’s always worth visiting more than once. Experience the ongoing dialogue between the past and present, for example, view Claude Monet’s ‘Water-Lilies’ which resides next to Mark Rothko’s ‘Untitled’ – both pieces expressing the artists’ fascination with light in contrasting ways.

Interestingly, the architect of the power station in which the Tate Modern is housed is also famous for designing the iconic London red telephone boxes. Admission entry to view the main collection is free and once inside, you’ll discover eight areas which make up the displays. The collections are arranged by theme rather than chronology, unlike most galleries and museums, another unique edge the Tate Modern features. The gallery also prides itself on its frequent change of displays which helps to keep it fresh and distinctive as time goes on - meaning each time you visit will be different to the last. 

The Shard

The Shard stands tall as a 95-story skyscraper in the centre of the vibrant city of London and proudly holds the title as the tallest building in the United Kingdom. World-renowned architect Renzo Piano designed this breath-taking pyramidal tower, which has 72 habitable floors, a viewing gallery and an open-air observation deck on the 72nd floor. It also features a large number of offices as well as a hotel, restaurants and residences, making it the perfect place for professionals to occupy whether that be for work or leisure.

Ultra-modern workspaces are meticulously designed within the glass-clad building to inspire workforces who are surrounded by some of the best views across the world’s greatest city. Experience the irresistible buzz of the exciting Shard Quarter area as you rub shoulders with the likes of Mitie, Kraft Heinz, Tiffany & Co, Arma Partners and CoStar Group. Profoundly, every aspect of The Shard has been carefully considered and scrutinised to ensure it coincides perfectly to create a satisfying environment, from its skyline silhouette to the position of its electrical outlets.

The Shard offers a flexible office space complemented greatly by the unique floor plates on each level which provide staff with natural light and individual city views through grand floor-to-ceiling surroundings. Enter into the building through a magnificent double-height lobby draped in steel, glass and marble. The reception area, which is professionally staffed, ensures occupiers reflect the same standards and values of service from the moment clients, staff or visitors arrive. Immediate and convenient access to one of the city’s most significant transport hubs, London Bridge station, is provided by the lobby on the concourse level. There really isn’t anywhere better for you to work when you’re in London.

Amazing experience! Views are stunning (on a clear day) and give you a unique perspective of London.

Google Campus

Google Campus is a community of entrepreneurs and can be found located in the heart of Shoreditch, right next to Silicon Roundabout at 4-5 Bonhill Street. Conveniently, it’s also situated near Old Street, Moorgate and Liverpool Street tubes making it an ideal working space for business professionals. It is open 9am – 8pm Monday to Friday for members and over the weekend it’s open for events, co-working residents are able to access the building 24/7.

Everything from hackathons to conferences, demo days to workshops are held here – anyone can apply to use the event space for free. The basement is a non-dedicated co-working space, home to registered Google Campus entrepreneurs and investors and is an area where members can post and find jobs, meet like-minded individuals and make vital business connections. The Main Event Space can be found on the ground floor and can fit up to 135 visitors. Venture upstairs and discover TechHub’s co-working space on the first and second floors, the third floor is then home to the Campus Residency program.

If you’re working in London regularly, it’s definitely worth signing up for a Google Campus membership as it’ll give you access to a diverse community of founders, investors and entrepreneurs. Once you have picked up your badge from the Campus New Members Orientation you are free to work from the café and can enjoy fast Wi-Fi and delicious coffee. The onsite café is a superb place for anyone wanting to grow their start up and network with other professionals. Collaborate with others, get work done or just simply take a break – healthy food options are available here too in an attempt to fuel great work. So, put your investor hat on and take a visit!

Speakeasies

London plays host to a range of speakeasy bars inspired by their traditional counterparts which were locations for illegal boozing during the Prohibition era in 1920s America. They’re great places to visit with clients or colleagues, whether it be for business or leisure, due to their unique ambience and suave conventional interior. Each one is completely different and often combines immersive theatre with signature cocktail creations carrying pun-heavy names. You’re almost certainly guaranteed a highly entertaining night out.

Evans & Peel Detective Agency is a basement bar speakeasy disguised, as its name suggests, as a detective agency and can be accessed off Earl’s Court Road. Come with a story, because once you pass through the discreet side door you’ll be asked by a detective about your case. A beautiful little dimly-lit bar is revealed when a bookcase is moved and once inside you’ll be handed a compelling list of inventive drinks (food is also available to order here too). Incredibly friendly staff who play the part well and a matching atmosphere make this bar one of London’s best speakeasies; a must-visit for anyone travelling to the city.

This bar is such a gem. So refreshing to find something sophisticated but chilled out in Earls Court. Not to mention, the drinks menu is amazing!

The Little Blue Door is another quirky speakeasy bar, this time hidden in Fulham, and has been created as a sequel to its predecessor – The Little Yellow Door. Step inside this bar disguised as a flat share and enjoy creative drinks, such as the famous Shaun of The Dead blender cocktail, served in cafetieres and trophies. House parties and dinner parties are hosted regularly here, so be sure to bring friends. It’s just as you imagine a flat share to be, one long party with plenty of alcohol and no tidying up! What better way to spend an evening?

Draw on the spirit of the Roaring Twenties in The Luggage Room; an intimate and lavish London cocktail bar which oozes effortless style and decadence. Find it hidden amongst the many central London bars in Mayfair and step inside to experience an exclusive selection of lost and forgotten mixed drinks. Discover distinguished flavours of the finest spirits which are served in authentic period glassware – you’ll feel as if you’ve travelled back in time.