After years of bouncing between WeWork, Spaces at Bridges, and a few other coworking spots across London, I finally decided to cut down on the commute and explore what Croydon has to offer. I booked a trial day at Collaborative One Workspace, and honestly, it left a really warm impression on me.
From the moment I walked in, Nand—the host and owner—greeted me like I was already part of the community. He took the time to show me around properly: the 12 hot-desk spaces, the phone booths, the private meeting rooms you can book, the coffee corner, and even some of the small offices already taken by local startups and solo founders. Everything felt open, inviting, and ready to use.
What really struck me, though, wasn’t just the setup—it was the feeling of the place. The floors were clean, the air smelled fresh, and nothing felt tired or generic. I’ve been in so many “professional” workspaces that feel dull: same beige walls, same four chairs, same sad plant in the corner. Here, it was different. I saw a tattoo artist who’d completely made his studio feel like his own—bold, creative, alive. There was a coach, a small manufacturer, even barbers, salons, and a massage studio. Each space had personality. You could tell people weren’t just renting a desk—they were building something they cared about.
Nand explained that the whole idea was to let people truly own their corner of the building, without corporate rules telling them what they can or can’t do. That philosophy really came through. It didn’t feel like a coworking space—it felt like a little community where everyone belongs.
And then there’s Nand himself. You can tell he’s pouring his heart into this. He’s not running a faceless franchise; he’s building something with care, one thoughtful detail at a time. Passionate, hardworking, and quietly creating something special.
I haven’t tried every coworking spot in Croydon, but I’m not sure I need to. This place gave me that rare feeling of “this could be home.” If you’re looking for a space that’s affordable, welcoming, and full of good energy, I’d really encourage you to check it out. For me, it’s already feeling like the right fit.
