Upgrade from home office to downtown workspace: Love Child Social House
Co-working is a big a trend in Toronto, with spots like WeWork, Project Spaces, BrightLane, and Workhaus popping up all over the city. The latest workspace joining the mix will take up residence at the former Hoxton nightclub, at 69 Bathurst Street. I checked it out before its opening next week.
This seems oddly familiar...
You'd be surprised to see how much natural sunlight the entire place gets—especially because you've probably never seen the Hoxton in daylight. Well, now it's called the Love Child Social House, a co-sharing workspace where members can pay to access it for the day ($15) or become a member to use their facilities. (To join, head to the website here).
Every part of the space is Instagram-able, from the wall of graffiti hearts to the dozens of plants in a terrarium-like cupboard by the entrance. It's a trendy plant heaven perfect for hip millennials looking to network. The venue is also set to host musical performances and wellness workshops to give members a well-rounded experience, like a more accessible Soho House with similar perks.
Mural by James Goldcrown. Check out more of his art here.
There are couches and tables set up throughout the space and a raised stage in the back, as well as a a bar that runs along one side—all features that were once part of the nightclub that used to occupy the building. Now, the bar serves up Barocco Coffee, drinks from ELXR Juice Lab, and food from Oretta and Aida's Pine Valley Bakery. There is definitely a healthy spin on what they offer members. (Note: The coffee is a good incentive to get to work early in the winter. And it's never a bad idea to have a fully equipped bar with happy hour, too!)
My favourite part, though, had to be the vintage, reupholstered furniture (which apparently came from Boston). The pink, turquoise, and orange couches mixed with the various trees and potted plants, and cozy rugs, create a calming, "I'm at home" vibe with a bit of an edge. The space was designed by Lisa Ho Studio and features art by Sarah Skrlj.
Overall, the space is a great mix of various work spaces—comfy couches with coffee tables, long desks with wooden chairs, or loveseats next to big windows. If you don't want to talk to people or you get distracted easily, this probably isn't the place for you. But if you want to connect with other entrepreneurs or creative types, this is a great environment to meet people and get work done.
