Cafe coworking at Forward, Frome

The freelancers and home workers here in this little Somerset town of Frome are very fortunate.

Not only do we have the library and numerous cafes, but also a number of coworking spaces* where freelancers and home business owners can go for a change of scene.

The first to set up was The Old Church School, run by Forward Space on Butts Hill, which due to demand has recently more than doubled in size, with a two-storey industrial style extension.

This houses the new cafe/event space, The Refectory, run by The Old Bakery Supper Club, and there’s a new cafe coworking tariff for home workers, freelancers and anyone who doesn’t want to commit to regular hours, but would like to get out of the house occasionally.

The four levels of the tariff all include tea or Mozzo ethical coffee and start at £3 for an hour use of the 100mbps wifi, going up to a whole day with unlimited tea or coffee plus soup, lunch and cake to keep you well-fuelled.

Popping in for just an hour is a good way to try out coworking. If you’re not sure what to expect and what to do, check out How to shift from solo working to coworking.

The cafe is flooded with light from the floor to ceiling windows, and has the same industrial vibe as the rest of the extension, with concrete floors, exposed brickwork, trestle tables and metal ducting, lights and chairs.

All food is freshly made on-site, and on our visit last week during the Coworking Open Day, we shared a deliciously squidgy caramel brownie and a slice of lemon tart, with a complementary slice of almond and fruit loaf the chef was trying out. Got the thumbs up from me!

It’s easiest to arrive on foot for your first visit. Either take the footpath to the left of the Wesley Chapel or go up Park Road and turn left down the lane marked by the new blue Forward logo. (You’ll need to go into TOCS and get a parking permit if you want to park in the new parking spaces behind the Catholic church in Park Road).

Go up the steps by the cars, turn left and you’ll see The Refectory ahead of you. Enter through the glass door, and the cafe staff will welcome you and tell you how to get online. At present there are only a couple of sockets, so you’re best to charge up before coming.

Follow @ForwardSpace for news of what’s happening in Frome and the new Forward workhubs that will be opening soon in Taunton, Bristol and Bath.

*And if you’re looking for variety also check out the Welsh Mill Hub in Park Hill Drive, and the hot desks at the Cheese & Grain.