Taking breaks during the workday is a proven method for maintaining energy, improving productivity, and overall wellbeing. At The Old Street WorkRooms, we believe that breaks should be meaningful, rejuvenating, and even inspiring. No matter whether you are a member of our exciting coworking space or are considering joining our welcoming community, learning how to make the most of your work breaks can transform your entire working day.
With a prime location in one of London’s most lively neighbourhoods, Old Street offers a backdrop like no other — full of history, culture, cuisine, and community. It’s a place where taking 10 minutes away from your desk could mean discovering a new café or restaurant, the ability to network with a future client, or simply recharge on our sunny rooftop terrace.
Step Away to Step Up
The most effective professionals know when to pause and reflect. Science even tells us that our brains function best when we cycle between periods of deep focus and short, deliberate rest. These breaks help reduce cognitive fatigue and sharpen our decision-making, especially when done regularly throughout the day. At Old Street Workrooms, you’re never far from the perfect setting to refresh your mind.
A walk through nearby Bunhill Fields or the Barbican’s green spaces nearby offers a calming environment and a much-needed change of scenery. These moments throughout your day not only help relieve stress but often lead to a fresh perspective when you return to your desk. For those looking for an upbeat change of pace, the proximity to local gyms like Virgin Active also makes it easy to fit in a mid-day workout without sacrificing your schedule.
With 2025 work trends leaning heavily toward physical wellbeing, it’s clear that smart break-taking is fully integrated into the future of work. or team.
Fuel Your Focus
The area surrounding The Old Street WorkRooms is a foodie’s paradise, and a work break can quickly become a decadent culinary adventure. From hearty breakfasts to delicious world street food, the options are endless. Exmouth Market and Whitecross Street Food Market are a short walk away and serve up everything from nourishing bowls to indulgent treats, while a range of restaurants offer the perfect space for a quiet moment of reflection, a leisurely lunch or a casual catch up with colleagues.
If you’re looking to turn your lunch break into a great meeting opportunity, discover the best brunch spots for business meetings, where good food and great ideas go hand in hand! If you need a moment to reset, a short stroll to one of the top local cafés and bars for networking, which can lead to chance encounters that spark inspiration.
Mindful Moments
Sometimes the most refreshing breaks don’t involve leaving the building at all. The Old Street WorkRooms were designed to support how modern professionals actually live and work. Our inviting rooftop terrace is more than just a pretty view – it’s a space to breathe, think, or strike up an impromptu conversation with someone new over an event. From morning breakfasts and after work drinks, these casual moments often lead to some of the most valuable exchanges.
Our breakout areas also offer a calm, flexible space to take a mental breather or prep for your next big meeting. If you’re someone who thrives on community, you’ll feel right at home.
Inspiration Around Every Corner
The Old Street area is steeped in creativity and rich cultural history. From local galleries to thought-provoking exhibits at the nearby Barbican Centre, taking a longer break could mean reigniting your imagination in surprising ways. Discover hidden treasures and cultural gems that can spark your next idea or simply offer a welcome escape from the screen.
At Old Street, the neighbourhood is a hub for startups, creatives, and finance and tech entrepreneurs, particularly around Silicon Roundabout and Clerkenwell. With so much innovation happening all around, a quick coffee run could turn into a valuable networking opportunity.
Take Breaks with Intention
Make the most of your breaks by treating them as part of your daily workflow. Spend five minutes reorganising your workspace (check out our tips on how to organise your desk to improve productivity) or use your break to think about your personal brand. You might step outside, stretch your legs, chat with a coworker, or plan your evening around one of our community events!
Ultimately, it’s not about doing less; it’s about doing better. Take your work break with purpose, recharge, reflect, or connect to transform your working experience and unlock your full potential.
Shape How You Work
The environment where you work matters. At Old Street WorkRooms, we offer more than just desks and Wi-Fi. We provide a productive setup that transforms the way you work, the way you live, and the way you connect with others. Whether you’re navigating a four-day workweek, juggling meetings, or building your business from the ground up, our versatile spaces are designed to support your growth, with your breaks that are just as important as your work time.
Next time you feel the urge to power through your to-do list without pausing, consider this: a well-spent break could be the smartest move you make all day.