Your Guide to Working in Bloomsbury
1. Overview
2. Demographics
3. Types of Buildings Found in Bloomsbury
4. Bloomsbury Office Prices Compared to Nearby Areas
5. Similar Areas to Rent Office Space In
6. Eating and Drinking in Bloomsbury
7. Green Spaces for Lunchtimes
8. Industry Events in Bloomsbury
9. Accommodation for Professionals
10. Wellbeing Facilities in Bloomsbury
11. Shopping in Bloomsbury
12. Bloomsbury’s Hidden Gems
Overview
Renowned for its literary and artistic heritage, Bloomsbury became ‘the place to be’ for intellectuals and writers in the early 20th Century, when the famous Bloomsbury Group became prominent.
Since then, it has evolved into a bustling district brimming with cosy cafes, cultural hotspots like the British Museum, and, of course, workspaces. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about working in the area.
Demographics
Historically associated with artists and writers, the Bloomsbury of today is home to diverse residents and workers.
Statistics include:
• Bloomsbury covers an area of 1.2 square kilometres.
• The residential population of Bloomsbury is 11,095
• The median age in Bloomsbury is younger than most London areas at 36.6 years.
• 46% of the residents live in a one-person household.
• The largest employing sectors are Public Services (32%), Professional & Business Services (20%), and Distribution & Hospitality (18%).
Types of Buildings Found in Bloomsbury
Despite its central location, Bloomsbury can be quite a calm and serene place to explore.
As you walk through, you’ll find quaint garden squares surrounded by Georgian and Victorian architecture. Many of these buildings have been converted into apartments, offices, and cultural institutions. Bloomsbury is also home to University College London and the University of London.
Bloomsbury Office Prices Compared to Nearby Areas
The average price of a coworking desk in Bloomsbury is only £269, while a single desk in a private office costs an average of £603. Although it is in Midtown and is close to primary transport links such as Euston, prices for offices to rent in Bloomsbury are very reasonable.
The average cost of a desk in a private office in adjoining Euston is slightly more expensive at £612, while a coworking desk in Euston costs an average of £352.
Similar Areas to Rent Office Space In
Kensington is similar to Bloomsbury because it is an affluent area with cultural and historical significance. According to FreeOfficeFinder’s latest data, a desk in a coworking space in Kensington will cost an average of £250, like Bloomsbury. A private office desk, however, is more expensive at around £766.
Eating and Drinking in Bloomsbury
Museum Tavern is a traditional Green King pub serving ales, wines, and pub grub across the road from the British Museum. Its Victorian interior boasts carved wood and etched glass, making it an excellent option for a post-work drink.
Regarding eating out, TAS Restaurant Bloomsbury serves up Anatolian food from eastern Turkey in a modern environment.
Dalloway Terrace provides meals and afternoon tea on a beautiful terrace in the Bloomsbury Hotel. This eatery was inspired by Mrs Dalloway, the eponymous character from Virginia Woolf’s novel (who was arguably the most famous of the Bloomsbury set).
Green Spaces for Lunchtime
Bloomsbury is renowned for its charming squares, each making for a relaxing lunch break oasis during the busy working day.
• Russell Square (view map) – A large Georgian square with a water feature and the Duke of Bedford statue.
• Bloomsbury Square Garden (view map) – A green space with lawns, a children's playground and statues of politicians.
• Gordon Square (view map) – A restored city square where the Bloomsbury Group lived.
• Tavistock Square Gardens (view map) – Another public garden with trees, lawns, flower beds and a statue of Mahatma Gandhi.
Industry Events in Bloomsbury
Bloomsbury hosts a range of business and industry meetups throughout the year in sectors ranging from publishing and academia to retail and hospitality. If you operate a business in the publishing sector, The Bloomsbury Institute is a super helpful resource for finding out about the latest industry talks and events.
Accommodation for Professionals
There’s certainly no shortage of places to stay in Bloomsbury. A quick online search will bring up a range of hotels, including The Bloomsbury Hotel, a 4-star hotel in a Georgian building that is a four-minute walk from the British Museum.
In addition to accommodation, it has meeting rooms, a gym and library, a restaurant, and a 1920s-style cocktail bar.
There are plenty of other nearby options to choose from that suit a range of budgets, including Hub by Premier Inn and DoubleTree by Hilton, to name just two. Kimpton Fitzroy London is a 5-star hotel overlooking Russell Square.
Wellbeing Facilities in Bloomsbury
Health and wellbeing have come to the forefront in recent years, and for good reason.
Situating your business near well-being facilities can encourage you to keep fit and relax. Bloomsbury has a selection of spas and gym facilities, including Revolution Personal Training Studios, where you can receive training plans tailored to your fitness goals.
Shopping in Bloomsbury
There are plenty of shops to pop into during your lunch break or after work.
Lamb's Conduit Street is a part-pedestrianised street that became prominent in the Victorian era when Charles Dickens lived nearby. It's now home to a range of independent luxury shops and is a quieter alternative to West End shopping.
Bloomsbury’s Hidden Gems
Bloomsbury is home to one of the most prominent museums in the UK, the British Museum, but it also has its fair share of hidden gems.
The Charles Dickens Museum houses works and information about the famous author in his former home on Doughty Street. It provides insights into Dickens’ life and Victorian London.
The Foundling Museum, also in Bloomsbury, explores the history of the Foundling Hospital, Britain's first children's charity and public art gallery.
Dr Johnson's House on Gough Square is another hidden gem worth visiting. Celebrating the famous 18th-century writer and lexicographer, it provides a window into his life and pioneering Dictionary of the English Language.
