A Guide to Working in Holborn, London
Located just northwest of the City of London and part of the Camden borough, Holborn is an area with a rich past and a vibrant present. Famous figures like Charles Dickens have called it home, and it even hosted the first ever Sainsbury’s on Drury Lane.
Holborn has also long been a hub for the legal profession. Two of the original Inns of Court—Gray’s Inn and Lincoln’s Inn—are nearby, not to mention the Royal Courts of Justice. It’s also close to Hatton Garden, well-known for its diamond trade.
But it’s not just law and luxury that define Holborn; its central location and lively atmosphere make it a great spot for a wide range of businesses. That’s exactly why we’re opening up a brand new Uncommon office space here in 2024.
In this article, we’ll look at what makes Holborn a smart choice for your office location. We’ll also check out some great local spots—bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and gyms—that will be part of your everyday if you choose it as your base.
Why businesses should choose an office in Holborn
Holborn and the nearby Bloomsbury area are now hotspots for both large and small businesses, housing giants like The Mitsubishi Corporation. Its central London location makes it easily accessible and a smart choice for any company looking to stay connected with the city.
The area itself is also home to a range of high-quality office spaces that suit various business types and needs. And of course, Holborn is alive with amenities. It offers a huge array of restaurants, bars, and team activity venues, perfect for networking, relaxing, and team-building.
Getting to Holborn
Getting to an office in Holborn is easy thanks to its central location and great transport links. Holborn station is on the Central and Piccadilly tube lines; Chancery Lane is also on the Central line.
Other underground stations like Farringdon, Covent Garden, Tottenham Court Road, and Russell Square are just a short walk away, connecting you to the Northern and Elizabeth lines, too.
Farringdon and City Thameslink stations are within a 20-minute walk. And if you fancy some air, then Euston, King’s Cross, and Charing Cross are walkable for even more connections within the city and beyond.
Many bus routes run through Holborn’s streets. And for cyclists, there are plenty of Santander cycle docks in the area.
If you’re cycling with your own bike and choose to work at our new Uncommon office in Holborn, you can use the bike storage and showers, making your commute that bit easier.
Top food spots in Holborn
Holborn boasts a vibrant food scene with something for everyone, from quick bites to leisurely after-work dining.
For a fast and tasty meal, Catalyst Café is a top pick, known for its excellent breakfast and lunch options.
Leather Lane becomes a food lover’s paradise during lunch hours, offering a wide range of street food. You can enjoy burritos from Daddy Donkey, hot dogs from Mr Sausage, arepas from Avila, and everything in between. If you grab food to go, Gray’s Inn Gardens is the perfect spot to enjoy your lunch outdoors, open on weekdays from 12pm to 2:30pm.
Dapur also stands out for its Malaysian cuisine, offering both indoor seating and outdoor tables.
For those looking to unwind after work, Colonel Saab at Holborn Town Hall serves Indian dishes with old-world charm, while Hiba on High Holborn offers delicious Palestinian and Lebanese options.
Wine enthusiasts will appreciate Noble Rot, known for its exquisite food and extensive wine list. Master Wei is the place to go for casual Xi’an-style street snacks and noodles. Pizza Sophia offers great value with its family-run vibe.
For more special occasions, Holborn Dining Room in the Rosewood London Hotel provides a grand setting in a Grade-II listed ex-banking hall. Lastly, Ciao Bella delivers classic Italian dishes in a rustic setting, perfect for evening meals or client dinners.
Best coffee in Holborn
In Holborn, coffee enthusiasts are well-catered for, with a blend of popular chains and unique independent cafes. Some of the top spots include:
- Holborn Grind
- Prufrock Coffee
- Redemption
- The Espresso Room
- Knockbox Coffee
- Blank Street Coffee
For those working at Uncommon, there’s also the added perk of having access to our own coffee shop lounge. True to London’s vibrant coffee culture, our skilled baristas will keep the caffeine flowing, ensuring you’re well-fueled for your workday.
That’s not all, though. The space also offers locally sourced food options throughout the day, from early morning breakfasts to after-work drinks.
After-work drinks in Holborn
For after-work drinks, Holborn offers a fantastic selection ranging from classic pubs to modern bars.
Historic spots like the Cittie of Yorke and Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese provide a glimpse into London’s past, with their longstanding histories and traditional atmospheres. Ye Olde Mitre is another highlight for those who appreciate a good pint of real ale in an authentic setting.
Craft Beer Co. on High Holborn caters to beer aficionados with its extensive range of craft beers. For wine lovers, Rondo La Cave in The Hoxton offers an excellent selection of natural wines in a cozy, underground setting.
Bar Polski, hidden behind Holborn Tube station, is perfect for trying Polish beers and a wide variety of vodkas and wines.
For a unique experience, The Amicable Society of Lazy Ballerinas on Fleet Street and WC Wine & Charcuterie in Bloomsbury serve great wines in intriguing settings. The latter is housed in a converted Victorian water closet.
If you’re after a lively atmosphere, Piano Works West End is known for its energetic live music where the band plays songs requested by the audience, providing a fun backdrop for team nights out.
Team celebrations near your office in Holborn
Holborn offers a variety of team celebration and activity options that cater to different interests.
Flight Club spices up the traditional game of darts with a social twist, making it a fun choice for group events. Bowling at Bloomsbury Bowling or All Star Lanes is always a hit for those who enjoy a bit of friendly competition.
Karaoke at Lucky Voice on Chancery Lane provides a private and fun environment to sing along with colleagues. Baranis stands out with its unique indoor boules court, offering a relaxed yet engaging game of Pétanque.
For a more tech-driven adventure, Sandbox VR lets teams dive into virtual reality experiences, from fighting zombies to navigating thrilling game scenarios. Escape room enthusiasts will enjoy No Escape, where teams can work together to solve mysteries and escape from themed rooms.
Staying healthy in Holborn
Holborn is also a place where staying healthy and active is easy, thanks to its array of green spaces and fitness facilities. Lincoln’s Inn Fields and Russell Square are perfect spots for those looking to enjoy a lunchtime stroll.
When it comes to gyms, Holborn has a variety to suit all preferences, from high-energy classes to regular gym memberships. Notable spots include Gymbox, 1Rebel, PureGym, The Gym Group, Rena London Holborn, Jubilee Hall, and Coach Gym London Holborn, offering a range of equipment and fitness classes for all budgets.
Uncommon Holborn steps up the game with excellent facilities and experienced trainers, too—ideal for morning workouts, lunchtime sessions, or evening fitness classes.
And with showers and bike storage on-site, along with fresh towels and natural hair and body products, it’s super convenient to integrate fitness into your daily routine.
Where to base your business in Holborn
Looking to base your business in Holborn? Our brand new Uncommon office in Holborn is set to open in 2024. In our workspace, you’ll find a whole host of top-quality facilities on top of your curated private office.
In our members’ lounge, you can collaborate with colleagues or relax with an evening drink. Our meeting rooms are designed to be flexible and equipped with everything you need for productive sessions.
We also have plenty of spaces for events, from a rooftop terrace and bar to a wellness studio to support your team’s well-being, all perfect for unwinding after work or hosting private events.
Book a viewing today.