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The best office buildings in London to base your business

28th October 2022 - 9 mins
Michelin House Atriumnew

From towering skyscrapers to characterful historic landmarks, London is home to some of the most inspiring workspaces in the UK. But with a whopping 284 million square feet of office space to choose from, finding the right one to meet your business needs can be difficult and time-consuming. At Argyll, we’ve been operating exceptional office spaces across the capital for over 25 years, from Mayfair to the City of London. Whether you’re an entrepreneur looking to launch your business from an iconic location, or a growing company bringing the branches of your team together, we know the spaces that can serve as the perfect foundation from which your business can thrive.

In this post, we’ll showcase some of the best office buildings in London based on business needs and identify the key factors to consider when choosing the right one for you.

Different types of office buildings in London

In such a vast and vibrant city, London’s properties come in many shapes and sizes, from modern builds to elegant period properties. Here are some of the different types of office buildings you’ll find in London:

  • Serviced offices – one of the most popular types, serviced offices are fully equipped, furnished and maintained by a specialist provider.
  • Managed offices – managed offices are maintained by a specialist provider, while furnishings and equipment are the responsibility of the business that hires the space.
  • Coworking officescoworking offices are shared workspaces where diverse companies operate within the same building. They can range from hot desks and exclusive lounges to open-plan offices.
  • Skyscrapers – Contemporary, high-rise office buildings are common across the capital, especially in areas such as the financial district.
  • Period properties – Many of London’s iconic period properties and listed buildings have been transformed into unique office spaces, offering businesses a distinctive and prestigious setting.

The best office buildings in London for startups

With extensive infrastructure, an abundance of office space and a skilled talent pool, startup businesses can benefit significantly from having an office building in London. A London address adds presence and legitimacy to your business and can help galvanise your brand image and authority. However, large private offices in the capital can be costly. With this in mind, the best offices in London for startups will offer transparent costs and flexibility to expand as and when required. Coworking spaces specifically are great solutions for fledgling companies, allowing you to keep costs down initially and providing a space that grows with your business.

The following office buildings in London provide the ideal foundation for startup businesses. They offer high-quality furnishings, fully stocked kitchens, high-speed connectivity and access to a range of spaces, all included in one flat monthly fee.

288 Bishopsgate, City of London

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Located in London’s bustling financial district, 288 Bishopsgate sits at the heart of the Square Mile. Spanning six floors, it offers skyline views and overlooks Spitalfields courtyard. Here you can enjoy private offices, open coworking areas, relaxed lounges, and high-spec meeting rooms. Dining, networking and social opportunities are also just steps from the front door.

67 Grosvenor Street, Mayfair

67 Grosvenor Street Lounge

Set in the Mayfair Conservation Area, this Georgian building at 67 Grosvenor Street offers an elegant workspace. Featuring contemporary private offices, a stylish lounge, high-spec meeting rooms, and coworking spaces, it’s a flexible base for businesses. An exclusive courtyard, secure bike parking, showers and changing facilities enhance convenience and comfort.

Best London office buildings for large teams

Office buildings in London designed for larger teams will offer facilities that cater to every aspect of your business, including private video conferencing booths for confidential calls and spacious meeting rooms for team-wide gatherings.

The following office properties have high-spec meeting rooms, sophisticated lounges, well-appointed kitchens and some of the capital’s most prestigious postcodes:

Octagon Point, City of London

Octagon Point Office Space

Octagon Point at St Paul’s combines a distinctive address with a standout work environment. Floor-to-ceiling windows fill the offices, lounges and meeting rooms with light, and offer stunning views of St Paul’s Cathedral. With secure bike parking, showers and easy access to London’s landmarks, Octagon Point is an inspiring and impressive place to work.

85 Gresham Street, City of London

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At the heart of London’s banking district, 85 Gresham Street is a striking building with an enviable address opposite the iconic Guildhall. Set over six floors, this impressive corner building offers contemporary private offices, stylish lounges and high-spec meeting rooms. With secure bike parking, showers and changing facilities, it provides a convenient and undeniably stylish base for business.

20 North Audley Street, Mayfair

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Located just behind Oxford Street, North Audley Street is a sophisticated office space. With contemporary interior design, this property is a sleek and modern workspace, and the fifth-floor private terrace provides a serene retreat amid stunning W1 views – perfect for work, meetings and events. With secure bike parking and stylish shower facilities, style and convenience converge at North Audley Street.

Best London office buildings for client meetings

When it comes to client meetings, the best office buildings in London will be well connected to Tube stations and bus links, making attending meetings as easy and convenient as possible. They’ll also have a postcode which upholds the image you want to convey for your business and brand.

The office buildings below combine charm with inspired design and offer bright and airy spaces with all the modern technology required to leave a lasting impression. They also boast welcoming reception teams to greet guests and some of London’s best bars and restaurants on their doorstep, perfect for entertaining.

1 Cornhill, City of London

Cornhill Lounge (1)

1 Cornhill is an architectural landmark, offering businesses a prestigious address and unique office environment. Spanning six floors, the property exudes grandeur and professional sophistication, featuring elegant marble pillars, a sweeping staircase and a stunning domed ceiling. With views of the Bank of England, secure bike parking, showers and video call booths, it’s a notable yet practical home for your business.

33 St James’ Square, Mayfair

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33 St James’ Square is a stunning Grade II listed Georgian building, nestled in the heart of Mayfair, which has exclusive private offices, elegant lounges and eight meeting rooms. Grand windows bathe the space in natural light and overlook the renowned St James’s Square gardens. With effortless style and conveniences such as bike parking, showers and pet-friendly policies, this property offers timeless elegance alongside modern professionalism.

Nova North, Victoria

Nova North Exterior

Nova North is a statement property with bold architecture and modern office spaces offering spectacular views of Green Park and Buckingham Palace. This office building boasts a bright coworking area, a stylish lounge, secure bike parking and contemporary shower facilities. With Victoria Station just three minutes away, this location is perfect for easy commutes and vibrant local amenities.

Best London office buildings for events

For corporate events, the right venue can make the difference between average and amazing, and London has some of the UK’s most impressive buildings, creating backdrops for events which leave guests in awe. The best office buildings in London for corporate events will impress and inspire, offering everything you need from catering and technology to varying spaces which support your guest number and event schedule.

If you’re looking for an event venue in London, these awe-inspiring office buildings create the ideal setting for a seamless and inspirational event. They can accommodate up to 150 guests and provide a full suite of event services, including catering, lighting and entertainment.

Michelin House, Kensington & Chelsea

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In the heart of Chelsea, Michelin House is an iconic art-deco masterpiece that captivates inside and out. Once Michelin Tyre’s headquarters, its stunning stained-glass windows and characterful design are sure to impress. With a contemporary lounge, the colourful Michelin Room, cutting-edge AV facilities, and bespoke catering, Michelin House is an undeniably inspiring event space.

1 King William Street, City of London

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Located in the centre of the city, King William Street blends timeless elegance with modern functionality. This period property offers light-filled offices and a rooftop terrace – a serene retreat with stunning Square Mile views. With secure bike parking, showers and changing facilities, it’s an exceptional base for work, meetings and events.

Central Court, Holborn

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Nestled between High Holborn and Chancery Lane, Central Court is a landmark setting, once home to the London Patent Office. With a glass-domed roof and elegant balconied walkways, this exclusive office building boasts private offices, refined meeting rooms and impressive lounges. It also has a tranquil courtyard, video call booths and premium shower facilities – all set within the vibrant ambience of Covent Garden.

Choosing the right office building for your business

With so many outstanding office buildings in London, how do you decide on the best one for your business? Here are the key points to consider:

Factors to consider when selecting an office building

Space requirements and budget are probably the two most significant factors to consider when choosing the best office for your business. The cost of office space varies across the city, so how much you can afford to spend will hone your search and narrow down areas to look.

Also think about how much space you need, and what type of space(s) would work best. Perhaps you’re a small team that could benefit from the cost savings of a coworking space, or maybe you’re an established business that needs a large office, with meeting rooms, video conference booths and fresh outdoor spaces.

Finally, the amenities and facilities within an office building are worth weighing up – and go beyond the office basics such as desk spaces and tech. Some office buildings have added extras which can enhance the office experience. With Argyll offices, for example, you also have access to impressive outdoor spaces, reception areas and showering facilities, as well as fully stocked kitchens, IT support and administration services.

How location impacts business perception

When choosing the best office building in London for your business, location is fundamental, and not simply from an accessibility point of view. In the capital, certain postcodes carry prestige and associations that can help bolster your brand image and state your presence within the market. For example, Mayfair is known for high-end luxury brands, while Victoria is home to tech titans Microsoft and Google. Even within a given location, think carefully about whether the style of the building is complementary to your brand and if the image it conveys is cohesive with yours.

With Argyll, you can choose from a range of distinctive properties to suit your style and enhance the perception of your business. Our office buildings include statement properties in Chelsea, landmarks in Cornhill, and striking modern offices at the heart of London’s financial district.

What building makes the best office to work in?

From an employee’s perspective, the best office to work in will be comfortable and inviting, with ergonomic furniture, adequate lighting and temperature control. It will, of course, also have all the facilities and spaces employees need to perform their roles effectively, from technology to meeting rooms. Finally, buildings which offer perks such as showering facilities, bike parking and the permission to bring your dog to work can add value and create an altogether exceptional place to work.

Argyll’s striking office buildings in London

There’s no doubt, London has some of the country’s best office buildings. Whether you have a small or large team, and whether you need the space day-to-day or simply for a client meeting, there are properties on offer that can meet your needs, enhance your brand and support your business growth.

With 25 iconic office buildings across London – all exquisitely designed, highly functional and well-connected – there’s an option for every business with Argyll. Contact us today to discuss your requirements.