The pandemic has transformed the way we work forever; remote working is no longer a trend but the rule. With this newfound flexibility comes a growing demand to ditch the crowded kitchen table or the claustrophobic spare room, and opt for more interesting and inspiring places to work. However, knowing where to work in the city can prove to be a struggle. To combat this, platform Work From Here has pioneered a new way to find exciting places to call your office: from private booths in Birmingham’s best bars; to the city’s stadiums with pitch-side views.
For those on the look-out for quirky places to try, Jo Seabright, founder of Work From Here, has picked her top workspaces to try today. All boasting settings that prioritise both productivity and comfort, with refreshments, fast WiFi, and helpful teams on hand, Jo’s top choices are for those looking to try new spaces and make the most of flexible working.
Aston Hall
One of Birmingham’s most iconic buildings, this magnificent Grade I listed 17th century mansion house offers workers an oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. Jo loves Aston Hall for its mix of astounding architecture and its rich history, both making for an inspiring place to work. Jo said:
“Aston Hall truly evokes those Downton Abbey vibes, so it’s hard not to feel like you’re doing important while you’re there! Aston Hall offers remote workers a space in its Stables Cafe, with surroundings rousing curiosity and drive creativity; for us, it really is a jewel in Birmingham’s crown!”
The Birmingham Assay Office
The place where all the Jewellery Quarter’s namesake wares pass through to be analysed, The Birmingham Assay Office is also welcoming workers to set up office within its walls. Founded by an Act of Parliament in 1773, Birmingham’s is now the one of the busiest Assay Offices in the world and positioned at the doorway to the illustrious JQ. Jo commented:
“The Assay Office is truly a treasure in Birmingham and is a venue that is completely exclusive to Work From Here. Not only is it in the heart of the Jewellery Quarter, but it proves to be the perfect spot to motivate and inspire.”
Birmingham City Football Club
For the ‘Blue Noses’ looking to score an impressive workspace, the executive box overlooking Birmingham City’s St Andrew’s Trillion Trophy Stadium could be just the ticket. Jo thinks the Birmingham City Football Club could be an open goal for those looking for exciting and unusual places to work from, saying:
“Following the football fever that swept the nation last month, there’s no better time to gather your team and swap the boardroom for the box!”
Jojo Lounge
Set in the historic Solicitor’s Law Stationery Society’s office, Jojo Lounge has transformed into a haven for the design conscious city dwellers. Set in the heart of the business district, you can enjoy a sophisticated work setting surrounded by remarkable maps of the city that line the venue’s walls. One of Jo’s front-runners for quirky workspaces, she comments:
“Capturing the lounge bar culture of NYC, Jojo Lounge combines retro style with all the trappings of a modern, personal and professional workplace. Lap up the privacy of a luxury booth, perch and chat at the bar or slump on the sofa with your laptop, all while you sip on bottomless coffee – exclusive for the Work From Here squad!”
Loki Wine
Nestled in the heart of the city’s thriving independent retail hub Great Western Arcade, Loki Wine offers a tranquil bolthole veiled by the buzz of Birmingham’s roaring shopping District. The hybrid concept lists a repertoire of over 100 different bottles available to purchase alongside its famous self-service tasting machines; putting an interesting twist on delivering expertly curated wine without breaking the bank or committing to the entire bottle. Jo is raising a glass to Loki Wine as one of her top workspaces, saying:
“Surrounded by walls lined with wines of the world, Loki Wine is the ideal location for those workers seeking a safe sanctuary from the chaos city life brings with it. The Work From Here team loves Loki Wine for passing the 9-5, but it also makes for a great place to close the laptop and toast to a productive day too!”
The Forest Hotel
If you’re after something a little more serene (complete with free parking…), The Forest Hotel is welcoming workers from across the region. Located in the picturesque village of Dorridge just south of Birmingham, it’s perfect for escaping the frenetic energy of the city centre. The Forest Hotel gets Jo’s vote, as the lunch menu on offer is a welcome change from a ready meal al desko. She explains:
“The legendary restaurant concept The Butcher’s Social has taken residence at The Forest Hotel, serving up the very best of British in the scenic surroundings. This means you can can set up office in the charming countryside, whilst you keep fuelled thanks to The Butchers Social.”
thestudio
A totally unique and innovative concept, thestudio offers four floors of dedicated innovative working space within the city centre. Jo has chosen thestudio as one of her top picks in the city, saying:
“This devoted workspace was created with the modern worker at the forefront; offering quirky décor, dedicated areas for relaxation and revival, refreshment stations at your disposal and even a tranquil rooftop garden – a rarity in the second city! This independent venue has a team committed to making each and everyone’s experience unique, and we’re thrilled to work with them on Work From Here.”
Work From Here is a pioneering new platform, unlocking hidden and unique places across Birmingham and turning them into inspiring workspaces for remote workers. Work From Here is set to provide an innovative, COVID-safe alternative to clinical co-work spaces. As well as the more unusual workspaces, the Work From Here directory also features favourite faces from the city’s hospitality scene. Much loved venues including Zen Metro, Loki Wine, Cafephilia, AC Hotel by Marriott, Park Regis, and Pentahotel all have exclusive offers available through the platform, as well as offering an ambient alternative to the usual 9-5 routine for local professionals.
