In Praise of …Avenue HQ Leeds

Slightly off topic to begin with but Avenue HQ helped me with organising a very enjoyable wine tasting evening event, so I am giving them a well -deserved mention. I may also comment in future on some of the wines that are available at their associated bar, East Parade Social.

About Co-working

Working from home is not always easy.
One is just too relaxed. Yes I have a desk where I can work, but sometimes I find it hard to motivate myself. I just do not get into the ‘I am working’ frame of mind.
Some people work from coffee bars, and make use of the free Wi-Fi, for the cost buying the odd cup of coffee and a sandwich.
But sometimes one wants something a bit more formal, with a proper desk to sit at, and a genuine working environment. This is where co-working spaces come in. If you need a more professional office environment to get you into a ‘working frame of mind’, but you cannot afford to rent an office, then co-working spaces are ideal. You are provided with desk space, free tea/coffee and a Wi-Fi code. You just turn up with your laptop and away you go. There are also other people working on adjacent desks, so you automatically feel more like working.
There is also a social atmosphere. People to say good morning to, say hello to when getting a cup of coffee. There are a lot of these co-working spaces opening up in city centres these days. I recommend choosing one that offers flexible plans. You may not want, (or afford) to pay a full monthly fee for unlimited use, (Monday to Friday). Some offer day rates, or a 10 days a month package.

Avenue HQ Leeds

There are a lot of them springing up these days. When I started writing up my blog, I felt that I needed something like this, so investigated some in Leeds city.
After looking at a few, I chose Avenue HQ. And what a good choice it has been.

It offers a flexible plan, nice office space, and a central Leeds location, very near shops and train station. I have never worked in a city centre location before, and I love it. I can pop to my bank if needed, to the shops, to cafes and restaurants. There is also a bar/café in the same building, East Parade Social, where I can buy lunch and have a drink after work. As a co-working member, I get discounts here.
They also arrange social events where you get to meet other people. They may be other co-workers, or people who rent full offices which are also available. These include a party or event on the last Friday of each month.
So when I wanted to promote my wine blog, what better way than to liaise with Avenue HQ and do a wine tasting event on the last Friday in May.
And what a good evening it was too. Described by one of the staff as the best social event that they had had.
And there now two posts on LinkedIn about the event. Read about it here (thanks Savannah) and here (thanks Chris).