How to Repurpose Your Cafe, Restaurant or Pub as Coworking Space

November 23, 2020
Clock Icon 10 min read

It’s a widely reported fact that the hospitality sector suffered badly due to the effects of the pandemic. At the beginning of 2020, it was the UK’s fourth largest industry.  Yet it was the first hit, and the hardest hit, when the country went into the first lockdown in March. However, when restrictions were lifted in July, the hospitality sector proved how adaptable and creative it could be. Step forward unique promotion ideas such as repurposing restaurants, cafes and bars into attractive coworking spaces for remote workers.

Operators in the hospitality sector recognised the huge number of ‘work from home’ employees becoming weary of the same four walls, and increasingly desperate for a change of scenery after months of lockdown restrictions.

With over two thirds of the UK’s workforce destined to continue working from home for the foreseeable future, there are potential opportunities for cafes, bars and restaurants to diversify their business when the latest round of restrictions are lifted. Our guide will outline the practical steps you can take to repurpose your premises into a coworking space, some tips from successful operators, and why it’s a viable opportunity.


What is a Coworking Space?

The concept of coworking spaces (or shared workplaces) has been around for many years. For freelancers, entrepreneurs and startups who don’t want to commit to the costly overheads of a physical office, a coworking space enables individuals to work in a shared space, with the facilities and amenities of a traditional workplace. For a fee, users get access to a workstation, free Wi-Fi, food and beverages. Many bars, restaurants and cafes already have the work environment and amenities that make them ideal as coworking spaces.

The short term benefits of converting hospitality outlets into coworking spaces at this current moment in time is twofold. On the one hand, businesses still have to meet fixed costs such as rent, business rates and utility bills, so they need revenue to come in through the door. On the other hand, homeworkers are not only growing tired of working in the same environment, productivity levels and mental well-being are being compromised by ‘lockdown fatigue’. A coworking space in a hospitality venue offers solutions and opportunities for both sides.

There are also long term benefits by diversifying the use of bars, cafes and restaurants. The business remains solvent, becomes relevant in the face of a rapidly changing hospitality sector and a few simple changes can bring customers in for the long haul. 


How Do I Repurpose My Hospitality Business for Homeworkers?

The first thing to realise is that your premises can still function as a bar or restaurant at peak trading periods – such as in the evening and at weekends. Your usual business model can operate in tandem with offering coworking space during the quieter weekday time period.

But, there are some aspects of coworking spaces which may impact on your current policies and procedures, and the following items will need reviewing and updating.


Tips for Marketing Your Establishment as a Coworking Space

Remote workers have experienced the convenience of working from home for nearly a year, so you need to offer them an exceptional experience when they visit your outlet. Bundle deals such as bottomless hot drinks, lunch, free (good!) Wi-Fi, a dedicated workspace and a drink at the end of the day are all attractive options and can be offered for a fixed price.

However good your offering is, if no one knows about it won’t be successful. Utilise multiple social media platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn to shout about the repurposing of your venue, in addition to traditional print media and good old word-of-mouth advertising. The case study below demonstrates how an innovative repurposing of an iconic bar in Leeds gained widespread coverage.

Case Study: North Bar, Leeds

North Bar decided to offer customers a bundle deal called Work From North. It included unlimited coffee, a socially distanced desk from eleven until five, free Wi-Fi, charging points, a Dim Sum lunch, and a pint of North beer at the end of the day for £15 per person. This was made available from Monday to Friday.

Bookings were taken through social media DMs, over the telephone and via email. No deposits were taken and people were asked to let the bar know in advance if they couldn’t attend their slot.

At the launch, their Instagram post received over a thousand likes, and gained coverage in The Yorkshire Evening Post. The scheme saw their daytime trade increase. Sarah Hardy, Marketing Manager at North said;

“The bar looked vibrant to people walking past, and many workers stayed for a drink or two after closing their laptops. The scheme also enabled people to come back to North Bar for the first time since we re-opened with confidence. They knew that they would have a safe, socially distanced desk to work from, be served by staff wearing masks and see our Covid safety measures. We received some great feedback on how safe we made people feel.

Work from North allowed people to change their environment, feel connected to the local community, see some friendly faces, and leave their houses. The scheme was built to be informal and affordable, with no long term commitments for the customers. We wanted to be as flexible as possible to respond to guest’s needs”.

The scheme was informal and as there were no long term bookings, the guests were able to cancel easily. This was important to the customers as some people were subsequently asked to self isolate and therefore had to cancel their booking.

Hardy concluded:

“We had around 50 bookings a week. It was great for keeping in touch with customers, and for boosting staff morale at North”.


How To Create A Successful Coworking Space 

Before you start promoting your offer, it is important that what you can offer will be a success with your customers. The following amenities are therefore essential:

Case Study: Young’s Pub Company

Work From Pub: The New Work From Home

In October 2020, Youngs launched their Work from Pub scheme. Each participating pub was fully equipped with free Wi-Fi, charging points, quiet spaces and unlimited tea and coffee. They flexed the price and offer for each pub, depending on the location. Some of the pubs offered all day availability, some offered time slots. Customers booked directly with the outlet, either by phone or online.

The London based group gained sizable media coverage both nationwide and in the Evening Standard.


As more people are able to work remotely, the desire for community, comfort, and services while coworking will only intensify. Remote workers are searching for flexible options away from the four walls of their homes.

If your business operates in the hospitality sector, you’re in an excellent position to offer these services to a growing remote workforce. Meeting this demand will offer your business an extra revenue stream. Additionally, it allows you to continue to connect and engage with your customers. Keeping your presence in their mind should serve you well in the future when regular trade resumes. 


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Hospitality