West End or East End? It’s an age-old question when it comes to renting an office space in central London. On the one side, you’ve got the West End. An area famous throughout the world, with luxury brands and hedge funds. On the other, the East End where streets lined with art meet trendy eateries and creative businesses.
The two areas are almost cities in their own right. If you’re unsure of which one is best for your next central London HQ then keep reading. We’ve created this guide to renting a workspace in each area to help you make that all-important decision.
West End Offices vs East End Offices - A Tale of Two Cities
The exact boundaries that make up London’s West End and East End are not clearly defined. It is, however, widely accepted that the two are separated by High Holborn. This runs from Shaftesbury Avenue in the west all the way to Chancery Lane in the east and acts as a kind of border between the two inner-city areas.
Renting an Office Space in The West End
The West End sits perfectly between Regent’s Park in the north. Temple and Holborn in the east. Victoria and Westminster in the south. And Paddington, Hyde Park and Knightsbridge in the west. It’s home to popular business districts such as Mayfair, Fitzrovia, Covent Garden, Marylebone and Soho.
The types of businesses that you’ll find in London’s West End include fine art dealers such as Hauser & Wirth on Savile Row. Jewellery brands and startups like Fenton & Co, who are based on Duke Street in Mayfair. Hedge funds such as Brevan Howard on Baker Street in Marylebone. Legal institutions and boutique law firms such as Clintons on Drury Lane in Covent Garden.
As well as an abundance of international embassies and government buildings spilling out from Westminster. If any of these sound like your company or clients that you’d like to add to your portfolio, then perhaps an office space in the West End is right for you.
Renting an Office Space in The East End
On the other side of the City, you’ll find London’s East End. This area is largely made up of the London Boroughs of Tower Hamlets, Newham and Hackney. Popular business hubs in the East End include Spitalfields, Whitechapel, Shoreditch, Old Street, Hoxton and Dalston.
It’s no coincidence that most of these areas sit close to the City of London. That’s because the continued growth of the City’s financial prowess has seen office buildings pop up around its fringes. With great benefits for local businesses and many others moving into the areas. The East End has also benefited from regeneration and commercial development projects.
If you’re strolling down the streets of London's East End, then you’re likely to come across businesses from just about every sector. From creative agencies such as Cult on Whitechapel Road and Dash on Westgate Street in Hackney. To fintech startups like Monzo on Appold Street in Shoreditch.
As well as tech giants like Amazon on Worship Street and Google on Bonhill Street sitting side-by-side with startups like Electric Noir Studios on Corsham Street, in East London’s Tech City (aka Old Street). If you want to be close to the financial area in the City and an abundance of thriving businesses, then the East End is a great choice for renting an office space in central London.
Local Transport Links
Both London’s West End and East End are well-connected when it comes to public transport. This is perfect for commuting to and from work. As well as visiting and inviting clients in for meetings. Deciding on which area is best for you, therefore, will depend on your specific business. Where does the majority of your workforce live and commute in from? Would they mind changing their commute? Where are the majority of your existing and dream clients based?
Commuting to London’s West End - Popular Local Stations
1. Baker Street
2. Bond Street
3. Charing Cross
4. Covent Garden
5. Embankment
6. Goodge Street
7. Great Portland Street
8. Green Park
9. Holborn
10. Hyde Park Corner
11. Leicester Square
12. Marble Arch
13. Oxford Circus
14. Piccadilly Circus
15. Regent's Park
16. Russell Square
17. Tottenham Court Road
18. Warren Street
Commuting to London’s East End - Popular Local Stations
1. Aldgate East
2. Bethnal Green
3. Cambridge Heath
4. Dalston Junction
5. Hackney
6. Hoxton
7. Limehouse
8. Old Street
9. Shadwell railway
10. Shoreditch High Street
11. Shoreditch Station
12. St Katharine Docks
13. Tower Hill
14. Wapping
15. Whitechapel
It’s worth gathering information on whether your staff can easily get to a location before finalising a new office space, in order to avoid a mass exodus of your workforce when you move office. In addition, an understanding of where your current and dream clients are based will also allow you to align your workspace strategy with the wider company goals.
An Insider’s Guide to Renting an Office Space in Central London
We spend about a third of our lives at work, so choosing an area that’s vibrant and in line with your brand values is crucial. This has a direct impact on the wellbeing of your staff. The West End, especially areas like Mayfair, is all about luxury. It also tends to be more exclusive than the East End, where entertainment can be aimed at a younger workforce.
Renting an Office Space in The West End
The West End is home to endless shopping districts including Oxford Street, Regent Street and Bond Street as well as shopping arcades within Mayfair. Perfect for grabbing an outfit to socialise with your team after work or at the weekend. If your team enjoys cultured outings and the finer things in life, then the West End is the perfect base for your business.
You can enjoy work outings to the theatre or to an art gallery like the Halcyon on New Bond Street. Followed by a trip to some of London’s finest restaurants where you’ll be wined and dined. Or, alternatively, you could head to Kingly Court in Soho. A three-story food and drink hub that’s tucked away behind Carnaby Street. It has great outdoor seating in the summer and is a true hidden gem within London’s West End.
Renting an Office Space in The East End
If you’re a creative business that wants to feel inspired by your local area, then perhaps the East End could be more appealing. There are plenty of art galleries to get your creative juices flowing, such as the Waterside Contemporary in Hoxton and Maureen Paley in Bethnal Green. Not to mention an abundance of street art which will make your walk from the tube station to the office more inspiring.
Head to Cargo on Rivington Street for a satirical masterpiece by Banksy. Or Shoreditch High Street, Brick Lane and Great Eastern Street to name a few others. There’s also no shortage of food spots and cool bars for after work socialising or entertaining clients. Shoreditch House, The Breakfast Club and Queen of Hoxton are local favourites.
West End Offices vs East End Offices: Rental Prices
Now comes the nitty-gritty part. Rental prices. It’s no secret that the West End is one of the most expensive locations in London when it comes to renting any kind of property. Offices tend to range from £500 to over £1000 per desk, depending on the number of desks and office facilities. For some businesses, however, a West End postcode is priceless as it cements their brand. It also grants them easy access to like-minded businesses, clients and future opportunities.
Alternatively, the East End offers a more affordable way of renting an office space in central London compared to the West End. Here, offices range from £250 to over £800 per desk. Again, facilities in these offices vary depending on the type of space but this gives you a rough idea of costs. The East End is great if you want a central London location at accessible prices.
Canvas Office Spaces in The West End
We have three office buildings in key locations in the West End. Our Oxford Street, Duke Street and Binney Street serviced office buildings are all perfectly located close to transport links (including Bond Street tube station), thriving businesses and new business opportunities.
