London Life

What is an Office Brokerage—and Why Use One to Find Office Space in London?

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A golden hour view of the London skyline featuring The Shard and Walkie Talkie buildings, highlighting the prime office space locations for businesses using a brokerage in 2025. Image at LondonOfficeSpace.com.

In an age where office space search platforms list hundreds of commercial properties at the click of a button, it’s easy to assume that office brokers are redundant.

But in today’s complex London office market—where prime rents are rising, and office space availability is tightening (especially for premium, new office space in high-demand locations)—the question isn’t why brokers still exist, but rather, why use an office space brokerage in 2025?

Yes, you can now hop on any number of search platforms and, in seconds, be armed with a comprehensive overview of the London office market and rental rates, but there is no algorithm yet that replaces the value of expert lease negotiations, office broker relations, deep market knowledge, and real-world cost-cutting strategies.

Real-World Experience With a London Office Broker

Simon Lee, CEO of app development firm Glance, recounts his experience of using a brokerage: “We compared 30 off-market units and signed a five-year lease at 18% below asking,” he shared. “Our broker wrapped rent, cleaning, and business rates into one tidy monthly invoice.”

That efficiency allowed Glance to transition from a 10-desk co-working pod to a 35-seat office in Shoreditch without losing control of costs or flexibility.

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Cycling to Work in London: Bike-Friendly Office Locations

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An office worker wearing warm, dark clothes, a grey backpack, and a black helmet rides a white road bike along the side of the road past a London bus stop shelter and a glass-fronted shopfront. Image at LondonOfficeSpace.com.

Cycling to work has become increasingly popular in London. We haven’t got to the point of cycle superhighways, yet, but the number of daily bike trips has been growing since 2021, and there are plans to extend the cycle lane network so that by 2030, 40% of Londoners will live within 400m of a cycleway.

To accommodate this growing trend, many offices are becoming more bike-friendly by providing various amenities for cyclists.  In this article, we’ll explore what makes an office bike-friendly and highlight some of the best bike-friendly office locations in London.

What Makes a Bike-Friendly Office?

Regular exercise is good for mental health and physical health. And by deciding to cycle commute to work, you’re also contributing to reducing air pollution. A bike-friendly office supports and encourages cycling through various features and amenities, such as:

  • Secure bike storage: Offices should provide safe, secure, and easily accessible bike storage areas to ensure cyclists can park their bikes and cycling equipment with peace of mind.
  • Showers and changing facilities: To accommodate employees who cycle to work, offices should offer clean and well-maintained showers and changing rooms. Or at least spacious enough bathrooms to change into work clothes.
  • Repairs stations: Having on-site or nearby bike repair stations equipped with essential tools can be a significant convenience for cyclists.
  • Cycle to Work scheme: Offices that participate in the Cycle to Work scheme offer financial incentives for employees to purchase bikes and cycling gear.
  • Bike maintenance workshops: Regularly scheduled bicycle maintenance workshops help employees keep their bikes in top condition and promote a cycling culture at work to increase uptake among those yet convinced.
  • Bike-friendly routes: Offices located near dedicated cycling lanes or routes encourage more employees to cycle to work. In London, there are approximately 223 miles of marked cycle ways.

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Average Salary in the City of London

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cartoon of a man pointing towards the words average salary in LondonIt’s been widely reported that workers, in general, have shifted their priorities away from the long held domination of having salary as a primary concern, with work-life balance now being a core consideration for most employees. Despite this, the money on offer is still an important practical consideration for any job seeker – as not earning enough often causes stress to build in other parts of life.

In light of the continued importance of having a good salary when considering a new role – or exploring the feasibility of making a move to London – we’ve investigated the current average salaries on offer in the British capital.

Presented below is a rundown of the average salaries for multiple different industries in London, as well as the median salaries for these particular roles. Additionally, you can read further along for more in depth analysis and insights into some of London’s most highly-demanded jobs.

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Iconic and Influential Office Spaces in London

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As a renowned global business hub, the city of London has attracted some of the world’s most influential companies. This post looks at some of the first-class office spaces that global brands have chosen as their London base of operations.

Amazon

The e-commerce giant has been expanding its physical footprint in London since 2010. In 2017, Amazon moved into a 600,000 square foot building in Principal Place, right in the heart of Shoreditch. Amazon’s innovative character found a match in this Shoreditch building, which also serves as the home for the company’s Local Development Centre.

This building accommodates the company’s head office, a wide range of retail and public spaces, as well as Amazon lockers and restaurants. The 15-storey building also features two roof gardens, top formal and informal workspaces, private phone booths, meditation spaces, a fitness room, and world-class views across the London skyline. Reports from early 2020 suggest that Amazon is currently in the process of searching for more office space in London, illustrating their desire to remain in the British capital moving into the future.

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Housing for London Employees

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Compared to the rest of the UK, London has seen significant rises in house prices since the beginning of the recession. With the average home in the capital costing a painful £530,000 in 2014, many employees living in London are finding the property market is difficult to manage. Such steep rises are also reflected in rental prices, leading to a growing number of city workers commuting from outside areas, or living with their colleagues.

Housing for London Employees from LondonOfficeSpace.com

The Rising Cost of Housing in London

Between the start of 2014 and May 2014, housing prices in London rose by more than £87,000. The Bank of England’s governor, Mark Carney, has stated that there are deep structural problems within the city’s housing market, and that an absence of new builds may exacerbate the issue. Continue reading “Housing for London Employees” →

London’s Green Spaces: Perfect London Parks for your Lunchtime Breaks

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St James's Park LondonOfficeSpace.com @officeinlondon Cities are often associated with concrete and asphalt routes, steel and glass towers, and bustling motor vehicles causing commuter chaos. At the same time, urban areas are home to a wealth of biodiversity. An astounding 47 per cent of London is green space, and the city and surrounding area is home to some 3,000 parks and over 140 nature reserves. In London alone, residents share their city with approximately 13,000 different species of wildlife.

London’s natural setting makes it a great place to enjoy the outdoors when taking a break from work at lunch or during the day. The Royal Parks of London are natural choices, and many are within a short walk or tube ride from London’s major office hubs. Close to the heart of Central London is St. James’s Park. Founded in 1603, the dazzling park sits between the iconic sights of Buckingham Palace and Trafalgar Square. Horse Guards Parade is also next to the park. From a resident colony of pelicans to fine views of Buckingham Palace from the Blue Bridge, St. James’s Park is one of London’s most scenic and ideal for a stroll away from the office.

St. James’s Park is linked with Green Park, Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, providing an excellent collection of outdoor green spaces to find a quiet spot to work outside, eat lunch with colleague or enjoy a quick break. The largest of the four closely linked Royal Parks in Central London is Hyde Park, which was created in 1637 and covers 350 acres. Hyde Park is also a great destination to unwind after work with recreational opportunities ranging from open water swimming and boating to cycling and tennis.

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Short Breaks Within an Hour of London

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There is no denying that the British capital is an exciting metropolis bustling with countless things to see and do. However, chances are that if you live in London you will need to take a break from the city every now and then. The good news is that you don’t need to drive for hours to find a relaxing short break destination, as there are plenty of fantastic spots within an hour of the city. Read on to find out more and be inspired by our selection of short break destinations.

Seaside relaxation at Whitstable, Kent

The quaint fishing village of Whitstable is only 64 miles away from central London. In just over one hour, you can swap bumper-to-bumper traffic by invigorating sea breezes and beautiful beaches. What is more, Whitstable is only 5 miles away from historic Canterbury, which also makes for a great day trip out of London. This attractive little village sits on the southern end of the Thames Estuary, but its beaches and picturesque harbour are not all that Whitstable has to offer, as the village is also home to an 18th-century castle, numerous art galleries, boutiques, antique shops, an arts centre, and many pubs and inns and of course the Whitstable Oyster Festival.

Family fun at Woburn Forest, Bedfordshire

Woburn Forest is one of the most recent additions to the leisure and entertainment offer near London. This holiday park opened is managed by Center Parcs and opened its doors to the public on 6 June this year. The park is now ready for the summer season and offers dozens of activities in its 362 acres of space. The park is just a 45-minute drive from central London and is therefore the perfect weekend destination for families who live in the capital. Family fun is guaranteed thanks to activities like Segway riding, laser clay shooting, canoeing, climbing, archery, and aerial tree trekking. If you are visiting during a particularly hot summer day, you will surely appreciate the park’s tropical swimming pool. There is also a range of indoor activities on offer, as well as a spa, shops, cafes, and restaurants.

Cliffe Pools Nature Reserve

Cliffe Pools Nature Reserve is a protected area located 38 miles east of London. It certainly seems hard to believe that one of the UK’s foremost wildlife habitats can be so close to a large city, and this is precisely one of the reserve’s key attractions. Upon reaching the reserve’s entrance, you will be greeted with expansive views of the natural pools and lagoons that are home to thousands of birds, including redshanks, marsh harriers, peregrines, merlins, and black-tailed godwits. Further away, the River Thames flows gently towards the North Sea. The Cliffe Pools Nature Reserve is the ideal place to get away from it all for a few hours. Guided walks are available, but otherwise you can explore the reserve’s 6 viewpoints at your own pace. Continue reading “Short Breaks Within an Hour of London” →

Six Unusual, Quirky and Unique Coffee Shops in London

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Six Unusual, Quirky and Unique Coffee Shops in London LondonOfficeSpace.com @officeinlondonSome of London’s finest coffee shops

The heartland of theatre, dining, shopping, and nightlife, the City of London has more to offer than anywhere in the world. The home of unique, artisan coffee shops, exquisite afternoon tea arrangements, and quirky menus designed by talented chefs, makes London the place to stop for the ultimate coffee shop experience, after you’ve taken in your favourite tourist sites. For a taste of what’s on offer check out these six incredible coffee shops in London.

1. South Bank: Westminster Bridge – Brassierie Joel

Park Plaza Hotel, Westminster Bridge

Enjoy free live music, seasonal produce and a snack, on London’s trendy South Bank. The lounge and patisserie coffee shop attached to the brand new Park Plaza Hotel, Westminster Bridge, is home to celebrity chef Joel Antunes. Serving gorgeous afternoon teas and a view to die for, this perfect place overlooking the River Thames, is the place to go after viewing the art at the Tate Gallery, or going for a ride on the London Eye.

2. Marylebone: Near Oxford Circus – Villandry Charcuterie

170 Great Portland Street, Marylebone, W1W 5Q.

This delightful restaurant and Grand Cafe venue is also a food store, making it ideal to pick up a hamper to go picnicking in nearby Hyde park. Complete with several dining rooms, two cafes, including an outdoor tearoom, this stylish venue prides itself on sourcing the best produce from around the world. You’ll think you’ve died and gone to coffee heaven sipping deluxe beverages, and sampling the famous cake counter menu. Continue reading “Six Unusual, Quirky and Unique Coffee Shops in London” →

Key London Icons

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Whether you have already been to London or not, it is likely that you are familiar with some of the most representative icons of the British capital. But just how much do you know about their history? Below you will find some interesting facts about London’s key icons.

London Underground LondonOfficeSpace.com @officeinlondon London Underground

Being 150 years old, the London underground (also known as the tube) is the world’s oldest transportation system of its kind. The underground was created in order to alleviate London’s road congestion, which was already notorious back in 1850. The first line to open was the Metropolitan line, which at the time only ran between Paddington and Farringdon Street.

Today, the underground serves 270 stations along 250 miles in London, Essex, Hertfordshire, and Buckinghamshire, and it is used by more than 3 million people every day. Perhaps the tube lacks the imposing interiors of other underground systems (like the Moscow underground), but it certainly has other attractions, such as deers, woodpeckers, grass snakes, and other forms of wildlife that have been known to live in the underground network.

Black London Cabs

Also known as Hackney carriages, the black London cab is one of the most iconic sights on the streets of the capital. The first Hackney carriages were horse-drawn and navigated the streets of London since 1662, although the first black London cab as we know it only appeared in 1901.

Much has changed since the days when London cabs were powered by horses. Today, there are even mobile applications that allow you to use your smartphone to hail, track, and pay for your black London cab ride. Continue reading “Key London Icons” →