Is Holloway the best business location outside Central London?
1. Proximity to Central London
Distance and Travel Time
Holloway is located in Zone 2, making it closer to central London than many of the other areas discussed (Croydon, Woolwich, Brentford, etc.).
Depending on where your clients are located in central London, travel times can be as short as 10-15 minutes by tube.
Public Transport Links
Holloway Road Station (Piccadilly Line) provides a direct connection to central locations such as King’s Cross, Leicester Square, and Green Park.
Highbury & Islington Station offers access to the Victoria Line, which is one of the fastest lines connecting key locations like Oxford Circus, Euston, and Victoria.
The Overground and multiple bus routes further enhance connectivity to central London.
Comparison
- Croydon: Travel from Croydon to central London takes around 15-20 minutes via fast trains, which is relatively quick, but it is still further from the city than Holloway.
- Stratford: Stratford is well-connected to central London, but it’s in East London, which can result in slightly longer travel times depending on where your clients are located.
- Hammersmith: Hammersmith is also in Zone 2, but on the western side, so if your clients are spread across central and east London, Holloway may offer more direct access.
- Woolwich: Travel from Woolwich to central London takes around 20-30 minutes with the new Cross rail, making it competitive, but Holloway is still geographically closer.
- Brentford and Ealing: These are in Zone 3 and generally require longer travel times to reach central London, making Holloway a better option for daily trips.
2. Cost vs. Convenience
Rental Prices
Holloway’s rental prices (£40–£55 psf for retail, £25–£35 psf for office) are mid-range compared to the other areas. It is not the cheapest, but the proximity to central London justifies the slightly higher cost.
Read more about the cost to rent office space.
Comparison
- Croydon and Woolwich: offer lower rents but are further from central London. If cost is a higher priority than proximity, these areas may offer better value for money, but Holloway’s advantage is its quicker, more convenient access to the city.
- Hammersmith and Ealing: Both offer proximity to central London, but Hammersmith’s rents are significantly higher than Holloway’s, making Holloway a more cost-effective option if your business doesn’t need to be in West London.
3. Daily Convenience
Short Commutes
If you need to be in central London most days, Holloway’s location in North London reduces the strain of long commutes. Being able to quickly hop on the Piccadilly Line or Victoria Line means more time for work and less time spent in transit.
Comparison
- In contrast, areas like Brentford, Ealing, and Croydon require longer journeys, which could add stress and logistical complications, especially during peak hours.
- Stratford offers good connections but may have slightly longer journey times to areas like the West End or South Bank compared to Holloway.
4. Local Amenities
Holloway has a diverse range of local amenities, from retail shops and cafes to gyms and parks. This provides convenience for quick meetings, lunch breaks, or work-life balance in a bustling but not overly congested area.
Comparison
While areas like Stratford and Croydon offer significant commercial developments and modern amenities, Holloway offers a more established, community-oriented environment without the need to travel too far from North London.
Conclusion
If you prioritise daily access to and from central London for client meetings, Holloway is likely one of the best options from a location and travel perspective. It is closer to central London than most of the other areas discussed, offers good transport links, and has moderate rental costs compared to more distant areas like Croydon or Woolwich.
Read more about why Holloway is the best place to base your business.
While you might find cheaper rents in areas like Croydon or Woolwich, the time saved commuting from Holloway could make up for the slightly higher rent, especially when you need to be in central London regularly. For businesses that prioritize proximity and travel efficiency, Holloway offers a solid balance between convenience, cost, and connectivity.