Future Leap Cafe

My rating is only referring to the space as a coworking space because that's what I needed/wanted from my membership. As a place to get work done, if you are a solopreneur, work independently, etc. and aren't working here on your employer's dime, with the rest of your team, this space isn't the best place to get work done. Here are the reasons for this: 1. The space is loud. People talking, taking calls, meeting with their fellow team members, etc. all day long in the common coworking space. I've been using coworkign spaces around the world for a decade now. This isn't the norm. There are either rules against using the common space if you work in a profession where you have to be on calls (talking out loud) all day. Or, you are expected to use a phone booth for conference calls so you do'nt disturb the rest of the people in the space. If there aren't enough phone booths (there are only two at this space which isn't enough for the size of the space/# of members) then there are normally several other rooms that can be used if you need to go somewhere quieter, when they aren't reserved. The occasional quick call, taken in a low voice is normal in coworking spaces. Loud, hour-long calls repeatedly throughout the day, treated as something everyone is free to do in the common space, are not. It's also not common to see companies allowed to have entire teams of people using the coworking common space as their own company office. Without having to rent a separate office (with doors) for their company. This results in a lot of team meetings, talking between team members, etc all day in the common space that I have not seen in other spaces I've used because they would be asked to rent a private office for their company. It ends up feeling like you are working out of a company's office, where you are the only non employee, versus a coworking space. 2. If you are a solo member who's employer is paying for your membership, then it's fine because you can afford to come in a day or two per week and stay home when you choose. Therefore when you need a dose of socialization, you can get it. And they have plenty of options for social events, after works, lunches, meetups, etc. But the memberships are very expensive (especially after the IVA is added, which is not communicated up front like it is with other spaces where it's included in the listed fee_) especially considering the average salaries in Bristol (which is how I assess how expensive a space is-by what % of your income the monthly fees are). Long story short, if you're a solopreneur, entpreneur, freelancer, or small business owner the cost is high. And you aren't going to easily be able to focus and get in the zone with so much noise, teams and team members meeting and socializing around you all day, people taking loud phone calls without using phone booths, etc. You'll be better off purchasing a monthly package of hours versus days, so that you can just come in for a few hours here and there when you want to be in a more social space. 2. The Positives here are many. E These are that the space is run in a sustainable, environmentally friendly way. The business has good ethics. There are lots of social activities that the space puts on/organizes/facilitates, and there's cafe seating outside the common cowork space available for those who want to meet with non members in a casual setting, etc. The front desk staff/community managers are friendly, welcoming, and helpful. They offer monthly packages of hours so you can use the space for a few hours instead of a whole day without having to use an entire day's credit.

The outside is gorgeous. I came here for the Christmas stalls that they had in December and I've been back a few times. I can't really get my head round this place because it seems fairly expensive compared to similar places you get near the tobacco factory, like similar vibe and all, however if this sort of thing floats your boat then it is very pretty and warm feeling.