Your Guide to Working in Borough, London

Borough is an area steeped in history, with roots dating back over 1,000 years. Its very name refers to when it stood as the sole borough outside the City of London, giving an idea of just how old the district is. 

Today, Borough seamlessly blends the past with the present. It maintains its distinct character in its buildings, streets, and shops. But it’s also a place of transformation—featuring converted flats, warehouse conversions, and modern developments. Let’s not forget it’s only a stone’s throw from the tallest building in Western Europe, The Shard.

This unique blend of culture, history, and modernity makes Borough an incredibly popular area for tourists and residents alike. But Borough is also one of London’s most thriving business districts. In this article, we’ll explore why so many businesses choose an office in Borough and share some of our favourite spots to check out in and around the working day. 

Why so many businesses choose an office in Borough

There are many reasons why Borough attracts companies of all industries. For one thing, it’s convenient to get to for both London residents and out-of-towners. For another, Borough provides an excellent selection of serviced office spaces tailored to businesses of all sizes—from startups to established corporations. 

But it’s not all-work-no-play. Far from it. Borough has a vibrant foodie scene catering to all tastes, whether you’re looking for a casual bite or fancy splashing out a little. At the heart of it all is Borough Market—arguably one of London’s most beloved markets—which has fantastic street food options alongside its fresh produce. 

There are also plenty of bars and cafes to choose from, keeping you hydrated from morning to night. And all the other amenities your team might need are within walking distance, from gyms to supermarkets.

Getting to Borough

Borough’s accessibility is a major draw for businesses. It’s served by two well-connected tube stations, Borough and London Bridge, granting easy access to the Northern and Jubilee Lines. London Bridge is also a National Rail hub connecting Borough to other parts of London, as well as cities like Brighton and Cambridge. Waterloo station is only a 20-minute walk away, extending the area’s reach even further.

If you prefer buses, routes via Borough offer access to nearly every corner of London, including night buses. For cyclists, there are several Santander Cycles docking stations nearby.

Borough’s food scene

One of Borough’s standout features is the breadth of dining options available throughout the day. Whether you’re having a breakfast meeting, looking for a quick lunch, or heading out for dinner with colleagues, Borough has you covered.

Many of these dining experiences revolve around Borough Market, a food haven with over a millennium of history. Open six days a week, the Borough Market food stalls are some of the best places for a reasonably-priced meal near London Bridge. 

The market offers a wide range of cuisines, from Iraqi specialities at JUMA to next-level cheese toasties at Kappacasein. And if you’re looking to celebrate, you can even get freshly shucked oysters at Richard Hayward.

For sweet treats, you can’t go wrong with the legendary doughnuts at Bread Ahead. And when the sunshine makes an appearance, make a beeline for Gelateria 3BIS for undeniably good ice cream.

But Borough’s culinary delights extend beyond the market. If you can handle the queue, Padella is a popular Italian restaurant outside the Market’s gates. Casa do Frango is a Portuguese restaurant whose good-value sharing menu makes it an excellent option for a team meal.

For a casual dinner with a twist, try Bao’s south London location; it even has a private 14-person karaoke room if you want to make a night of it. Or, if you’re looking for a special meal, Elliot’s has long been regarded as one of the best restaurants in the Borough Market area.

Coffee shops in Borough

For those needing a caffeine kick before the workday, Borough doesn’t disappoint. You’ve got your share of Costas and Prets should you so wish. But Borough also hits the spot if you’re looking for speciality coffee.

Monmouth Coffee Company is known for its exceptional coffee, particularly its filter. London Grind is the London Bridge installation of the esteemed Grind chain—which is just as good for an espresso martini as it is for your morning flat white.

If you know your beans, Roasting Plant Coffee is an excellent spot next to London Bridge, and Flow Coffee is a good pit stop as you work your way up Borough High Street.

Of course, if you base your company in Uncommon, you’ll even have an in-house cafe offering barista coffee and snacks all day long. More on that below.

After-work drinks in Borough

Once the working day is done, Borough has many spots where your team can unwind. Whether you’re looking for wine, beer, or cocktails, Borough is home to some of London’s finest watering holes. 

Amongst these are several historic pubs, some dating back to medieval times. The George Inn, London’s only remaining galleried inn, has a rich history (it even counts Charles Dickens among its former patrons). Other top choices include the Gladstone Arms, Royal Oak, and Wheatsheaf; the latter has a small beer garden fitted out with heaters so that you can enjoy it all year round. 

If it’s cocktails you’re looking for, then The Green Room offers Portuguese-inspired classic cocktails like piri-piri margaritas. Nine Lives is an underground bar with a sustainability focus and a zero-waste ethos. 

For a unique experience, try Tap & Bottle, located in a Grade II listed townhouse, which dispenses wine from taps. Flat Iron Square and Vinegar Yard, just a short walk from Borough High Street, are other bustling food and drink hubs, perfect for casual socialising with your team.

Staying healthy in Borough

Borough is also a fantastic location for businesses that value work-life balance. 

Its proximity to the river makes it perfect for lunchtime strolls, offering iconic views of the capital. But the area also boasts various gyms catering to different budgets, from PureGym to 3Tribes boutique fitness and yoga studio.

And if you choose an office in Uncommon, you and your team can make the most of our complimentary fitness classes, from yoga to HIIT and kickboxing. You’ll also have access to shower facilities and bike storage, making it even easier to stay active before and after work.

Where to base your business in Borough

For companies looking for an inspiring workspace in this dynamic area, look no further than Uncommon—a beautifully designed building next to Borough Underground station.

As well as being conveniently located, Uncommon Borough provides all the amenities you need for peak productivity—including meeting rooms with the latest AV technology, phone booths, and breakout spaces. Its rooftop also offers breathtaking views of London, making it the perfect spot for outdoor lunches and team events. 

Our vibrant community is another core part of our identity. We host weekly networking events, well-being and fitness classes, workshops, and talks that are open to all members. 

Whether you’re looking for private offices, hot desks, or dedicated desks, Uncommon Borough has options for teams of all sizes. If you want to learn more, book a viewing today.