But even working from home can be distracting, especially if you’ve got a couple of kids running around or a partner who needs your help around the house. Basically, you can’t win.
Finding a work/comfort balance is important, which is why it’s sometimes nice to venture somewhere new. Head to a co-working spot in Manchester where you can enjoy a good coffee and some peace and quiet whilst you type away at your keyboard.
The Daisy
Co-working by day, cocktails by night – The Daisy is unlike any other working space in the city – somewhere where you can close your laptop at 6pm and get started straight on the Martini cocktails and Absinthe. The space itself makes the perfect place for a bit of networking as it attracts members from the creative industries like art, design architecture and hospitality among others. This means it is the ideal venue to meet like-minded people and start developing amazing ideas and working relationships in a stunning interior.
The Daisy, 44 Tib St, Manchester M4 1LA
www.thedaisynq.com
PORTER + cole
One of Northern Quarter’s newest coffee shops, Porter + Cole is an elegant blend of sophistication and comfort. Half tea room half shop, it embodies the hipster chic that is to be expected in the NQ, but is far more open and spacious and placid than most places in the city.
Unlike many café’s, bars and restaurants in Manchester, Porter + Cole are elegant, calm and peaceful, making it a freelancer and co-workers heaven. And what’s more, if you’re feeling peckish, they offer some small ‘fill-me-up’ food bowls designed to curb your hunger before tea time. Don’t get too comfortable though, you might end up staying all night!
PORTER + cole, 124 High St, Manchester M4 5JY
www.portercole.com
Pot Kettle Black
If you want to work in style, head to Pot Kettle Black in the Barton Arcade just off Deansgate, and dine in sophistication and charm. With plenty of tables, chairs and comfy seats to get settled on, you’ll never be left cold and on the street. It’s the perfect spot if you’ve got some last minute bits to finish and some loose ends to tie. Take your pick of delicious hot drinks and enjoy the subtle buzz of voices while you get stuck in. It’s every workers’ dream.
Pot Kettle Black, 14, Barton Arcade, Deansgate, Manchester M3 2BW
potkettleblackltd.co.uk
Use.Space
Located down in Ardwick, you might not want to take such a walk to do some work but once you arrive you’ll be handsomely rewarded with one of the most impressive spaces in the city. They’ve spent some serious money on Use.Space and it shows – it’s absolutely spectacular and is the perfect place to get your head down. The light-filled botanical features over 600 plants and acts as a hub for members to meet, work and collaborate. In addition, there’s a world food café, artisanal baker and stylish meeting spaces. The whole thing aims to promote eco-friendly spaces and in turn provide wellness areas where you can concentrate more and perhaps even just relax in peace.
Use.Space, 31 Ardwick Green, Thirsk Street, Manchester M12 6PN
usespace.co.uk
Ziferblat
Do you work away from the office quite a lot? Well, if you’re tired of spending hundreds of pounds a month on coffee from Costa, only to be distracted by screaming children, head to the Ziferblat in Northern Quarter for the ultimate co-working experience. A cosy home away from home, the Ziferblat is a pay-pay-minute haven for workers, and even offers a monthly billing system for people who spend most of their time grafting. Kitted out with printers, lockers, 100mb WIFI, plug sockets and meeting rooms, it’s a fully-functioning office with an edge- and here’s why. At Ziferblat, help yourself to bottomless tea, coffee, fruit, and biscuits, and feel free to take off your shoes and get comfy on one of their many sofas and chill areas.
Ziferblat, 23 Edge St, Manchester M4 1HW
www.ziferblat.co.uk
Takk
Manchester’s Takk, is a freelancer’s heaven. Described as a ‘techies dream’ and a place to work, it’s designed to cater for those of you who need to get away from the office more than often. This simplistic, artisan setting delivers fresh coffee sourced from some of the best suppliers in Europe, offers a selection of freshly made plates and is staffed by friendly workers. And guess what, they cater for vegetarians and vegans too. Basically, Takk has it all!
Takk, 6 Tariff St, Manchester M1 2FF
takkmcr.com
Whitworth Locke
A relative newcomer to the co-working scene, Whitworth Locke opened up towards the back end of last year and has become one of the city’s coolest spots for an overnight stay, a few drinks or a bit of coffee in Foundation. They also recently opened up their new restaurant space – The Cotton Factory – which will host a rotating selection of operators throughout the year. In addition to all of this, Whitworth Locke also has a fantastic FREE working space towards the back that not only looks sexy but is also perfectly quiet should you need to concentrate. There’s even a big meeting table just in case you need to do some group-based activities.
Whitworth Locke, 74 Princess St, Manchester M1 6JD
www.lockeliving.com
WeWork
I’m not entirely sure what’s going on at the moment with WeWork – mostly because I don’t watch Bloomberg while selling stocks and shares and running on a treadmill. What I do know though is that they have a moderate selection of offices dotted around the city, each offering a range of places to work – whether it’s casual or something a little more permanent. Their spaces are pet-friendly, offer wellness rooms and even free beers when you want to sink a few after a hard day’s work. One of the best things about WeWork is also that it’s a global company, so if you’re on holiday or away on business – there’ll always be an office for you to use.
WeWork Manchester, Various locations
www.wework.com
Workplace
Now, if you’re one of the unlucky few that co-work A LOT, we have found your Shangri-la. We have found your self-proclaimed freelancing/co-working heaven. Workplace, on the fourth floor of Churchgate house, Oxford Street, was set up especially for people who work away from home or the office on a regular basis. This specially designed space caters for people who prefer to work in open space or would prefer to be a little more private. From meeting spaces to private offices, Workplace has a membership option for you, from as little as £11 a day. And what’s more, each option includes unlimited refreshments, 24 hour security, bike storage, showers, free WIFI and guest passes.
Workplace, Churchgate House, 56 Oxford St, Manchester M1 6EU
work-place.co.uk
Foundation Coffee House
Located in the heart of the Northern Quarter, Foundation provides a vast space in which you can get cracking with that project, or simply relax and do some admin while sipping some coffee or scoffing a cake. The WiFi is fast and the high window seats are perfect for watching the NQ go past with all it’s hustle and bustle. To top it off, there’s also a massive Meeting Room available to hire from only £15 per hour – which comes complete with a 40” screen and 8 seater meeting table.
Foundation Coffee House, Sevendale House, Lever St, Manchester M1 1JB
www.foundationcoffeehouse.co.uk
Chapter One Books
This picturesque haven on Lever Street is not your average book store- it’s also a beautiful café and a freelancer’s dream! The magical setting which is made up of elegant white drapes, twinkling fairy lights and a classic fountain is both stunning and practical; equipped with speedy WIFI, tables and of course, delicious coffee. And if you ever need a break, you’ll never run out of books to sink your teeth into. Need some creative inspiration? Get yourself to Chapter One Books!
Chapter One Books, Chatsworth House, 19 Lever St, Manchester M1 1BY
www.chapteronebooks.co.uk
Beehive Lofts
Beehive lofts is a shared space on Jersey Street that is made up of sofas, desks, a games area, a kitchen and meeting rooms. Oh, and let’s not forget the cracking view! The creators of Beehive believe in optimising work productivity, which is why they have created a harmonious space that is relaxing, fun and social. Whether you’re in a group or on your own, Beehive has a membership offer that will suit you. And guess what? Its open 24 hours a day- so say goodbye to 7 o’ clock closing times! You can now pull as many coffee fuelled all-nighters as you like.
Beehive Lofts Coworking, Beehive Mill, Jersey St, Manchester M4 6JG
www.beehivelofts.co.uk
Colony
Like the Beehive Lofts, Colony in Ancoats is a space reserved for freelancers far and wide. The incredibly modern and chic interior has café-style booths, a screening/meeting room, sociable kitchen area, private phone booths and even a rooftop terrace! Colony operates 24 hours a day, and has a serviced reception, unlimited refreshments, showers and even a mail handling service if you don’t have time to make it to the post office. With plenty of flexible membership options to satisfy your circumstances, Colony is the right choice for you.
Colony Coworking, Jactin House, 24 Hood Street, Ancoats, Manchester M4 6WX
www.colonyco.work
Central Library
If you’re strapped for cash, co-working in cafes across the city can be a little expensive. But do not fear, working at the Central Library next to St. Peter’s square is 100% free, so long as you bring your own laptop. And even if you don’t, it’s only £1.50 an hour for a computer- and the first hour is complimentary too. You sure to be inspired in one of Manchester’s grandest and historically known buildings, consisting of elegant marble pillars, a coffee shop and every book you could imagine. So no procrastinating girls and boys, Shakespeare and Hemingway will be watching you from the shelves!
Manchester Central Library, St Peter’s Square, Manchester M2 5PD
www.manchester.gov.uk/centrallibrary
