Elevated Experiences: 6 London Offices that Have Mastered the Art of Hospitality

Redefining the boundaries between work and leisure, the most successful offices today have mastered the art of hospitality. They provide a premium level of service: an unrivalled commitment to the wellbeing and comfort of the end-user.

From iconic architectural feats to thoughtfully designed layouts, these six offices stand out as exemplars of innovation and sophistication in the capital.

1. 70 St Mary Axe

Also known as the “Can of Ham” thanks to its distinctive, gently curving façade, 70 St Mary Axe is the shape of commerce and creativity in London’s visually competitive skyline.

The building provides 300,000 sq ft of premium WELL Gold certified office space, seamlessly blending with retail and F&B offerings.

KEY HOSPITALITY FEATURES:

• Occupiers have automatic membership to the luxurious Hana lounge – a co-working club, with full service catering, onsite and remote tech support, plus height adjustable Herman Miller Workstations.
• On-site Bermondsey-born coffee house and roaster, WatchHouse, with outdoor seating and tenant discounts.
• Bespoke building app for tenants to seamlessly book meeting rooms, order coffee and hire bikes.

2. YY London

Dating back to 1991, YY London was the former home of Thomas Reuters and one of Canary Wharf’s first steel-framed blocks. The 415,000 sq ft building completed a comprehensive refurb in 2023 – with the addition of 3 new floors and 25% extra NIA. It now provides a best-in-class occupant experience.

KEY HOSPITALITY FEATURES:

• Welcoming triple-height reception area, with public seating, fine dining restaurant, and juice bar providing a vibrant heart.
• Outside space on almost every floor – plus sweeping 1,300 sq ft rooftop terrace for event hire and exercise classes.
• Best-in-class cycle facilities with 300 lockers, 30 showers, and space for 300 bicycles.

3. The Kensington Building

Formerly a bleak 1970s block, The Kensington Building has been remodelled into a timeless 6-storey mixed-used destination. Seamlessly blending into Kensington’s historic street charm.

KEY HOSPITALITY FEATURES:

• Three large outdoor terraces totalling 12,329 sq ft – providing a variety of landscaped spaces for meetings, socials and fitness classes.
• Luxurious end-of-journey facilities, with 165 cycle spaces, bicycle repair station, changing rooms with towel service and hair straighteners.
• Striking art installation – Sphere 14 by local artist Lesley Hilling – suspended from the reception ceiling provides a memorable entrance experience.

4. 16 Laystall Street

A stones throw from the hustle and bustle of Leather Lane Market, a former industrial warehouse – lovingly converted into stunning contemporary workspace. Its refurbished green regency brick façade, a discreet nod to the past and local area.

KEY HOSPITALITY FEATURES:

• Biophilia and unique planting features throughout, plus beautifully landscaped outdoor terraces with soft seating and sensory herb garden.
• A community management program for tenants runs throughout the year, including after-work refreshments in the communal reception and B Corp brownie drop-offs.
• High-quality end of journey facilities with showers and a daily towel service.

5. 22 Bishopsgate

Rising 278m, 22 Bishopsgate is London’s 2nd tallest building – plus London’s first skyscraper built by a female architect. It is a sophisticated version Silicon Valley’s fun-and-games workspace, attracting valuable talent.

KEY HOSPITALITY FEATURES:

• 50,000 sq ft of flexible event, meeting and auditorium facilities provided by Convene – for premium hospitality level networking spaces.
• 100,000 sq ft of communal and amenity space including a food market, gym with ‘sky-wall’ climbing window, plus wellbeing retreat and spa.
• At level 58 you can find London’s highest free public viewing gallery. Don’t fancy the climb? Don’t sweat. The building has 52 double-decker lifts which travel up to 30km per hour – making them London’s fastest lifts.

6. R7

Part of Argent’s King’s Cross regeneration, R7 stands out in its distinct shade of satin pink. Barriers between the workplace and public realm are deconstructed in this experience-rich development.

KEY HOSPITALITY FEATURES:

• The ground floor is public and provides access to a three-screen Everyman Cinema, Happy Face Pizzeria, plus basement cocktail bar by SUPERMAX equipped with heavy sound system. Work social: Sorted.
• Basement ‘cycle spa’ and spin-fitness studio with 260 bike spaces, changing rooms and showers.
• Impressive 7m high public atrium features ‘Zanzibar’ by Céline Condorelli – a sculpture functioning as indoor/outdoor public furniture hosting lush vegetation.

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