Since the pandemic began, where we work has changed dramatically. For many office workers, waking up at a far too early hour to commute to work is only a small part of the week thanks to hybrid-working. Gossiping in the staff room has been replaced with zoom calls and many people are spending more in-person time with their dogs and cats, or their kids, than their colleagues.
A survey by the Office for National Statistics, found that 38% of working adults in the UK had recently worked from home, despite coronavirus guidance being lifted.
If you are working from home and craving a change of scenery, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to co-working in Swansea. As well as longer established co-work spaces, there are newly transformed work spaces popping up all over Swansea thanks to the Cowork Local Project. If you are feeling adventurous, you can hold your meetings in a trampoline park or take in some history in a Gothic church while you answer those emails. Read next: The glorious location named the top dog friendly beach in Wales
Here are some of the interesting places you can escape to for the day to avoid staring at the same four walls.
Limitless Activity Centre
If you fancy bouncing around on your lunch break, pop to Limitless Activity Centre in Swansea and work in a vibrant trampoline park for the day. There is a café which overlooks the trampoline park and you can even have a shower while you are there.
Opening times: Monday-Friday. 10am-7pm.
Cost: £12.50 per day
Book online at www.coworklocal.co.uk or call 0330 043 0443.
Saint Mary's Church
Sometimes the barking dogs and screaming children just all gets a bit much and we need some peace and quiet to focus and crack on with work. What better place to do this than in a 20th Century Gothic church in the heart of the Swansea valley? This historic church on Clydach high street is just off the J45 on the M4 and you can enjoy self-serve tea and coffee amongst the stunning architecture and stained-glass windows. Bliss.
Opening times:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday. 9am-5pm
Cost: £12.50 per day
Book online at www.coworklocal.co.uk or call 0330 043 0443.
The Environment Centre
The Environment Centre is a "community hub inspiring positive action for a greener and healthier future" which includes a Green Shop, Urban Garden and an Information Hub where you can read eco books on comfy sofas. You can now work there during the week and choose from a range of indoor and outdoor seating and a private area for online meetings.
Opening times: Monday-Friday.
Cost: £12.50 per day
Book online at www.coworklocal.co.uk or call 0330 043 0443.
Hoogah Bar + Kitchen
Named after the Danish word 'hygge' which means a mood of cosiness and comfortable conviviality, Brynmill's Hoogah sources local, Fairtrade ingredients and serves brunch, lunch and dinner. You can work from their stylish office space upstairs and make the most of the caffeine from their quality coffee.
Office opening times: Monday to Friday. 9am- 5pm.
Cost: £12.50 per day
Book online at www.coworklocal.co.uk or call 0330 043 0443.
Indycube Swansea
One of the longer established co-working spaces in Swansea, Indycube is Swansea Central is an open plan coworking space in the centre of town which started ten years ago. There is a media suite, meeting rooms to book, endless tea and coffee to drink and "super fast WiFi". You can hot desk there or use the office full-time.
Opening times: Monday to Friday. 9am-5pm. 24/7 access for full-time users.
Cost: Basic membership starts from £10 per month
Book through hello@indycube.community or call 02921 690 023.
Brewstone
This restaurant and bar in Uplands has a mezzanine area where you can work from for the day. Unlimited filter coffee and fresh fruit is included in the price and you can sip on a cocktail in the bar after a hard day's work and try one of their wood-fired pizzas.
Opening times: Monday-Friday. 7am-5pm.
Cost: £10 per day.
Book online at www.brewstone.co.uk or call 01792 470 480.
Patti Pavilion
Another historic co-working space on this list, Patti Pavilion is a landmark building once owned by the famous 19th century opera singer Adelina Patti. You can now work indoors or outdoors at this performing arts venue near Victoria Park, where Madame Patti used to entertain guests.
Opening times: Monday-Friday. 9am-5pm.
Cost: £12.50 per day.
Book online at www.coworklocal.co.uk or call 0330 043 0443.
HQ Urban Kitchen
Hot-desk at this accessible and sustainable social enterprise which has inside and outside space. They offer bottomless tea and coffee for co-workers and it's only a one minute walk away from a multi-story car park. Stay for the evening and catch some live music or theatre!
Opening times: Monday-Friday. 8am-4pm
Cost: £12.50 per day.
Book online at www.coworklocal.co.uk or call 0330 043 0443
Space 88
Want to bring your dog to work with you? This venue on St Helen's Avenue is pet-friendly and often hosts events and exhibitions, acting as a hub for the local community. There is also a small garden if you need a breath of fresh air between zoom meetings.
Opening times: Monday-Friday.
Cost: £12.50 per day
Book online at www.coworklocal.co.uk or call 0330 043 0443.
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