Xtreme Vogue London Desk: Judith Benjamin
A shared office space has opened in an iconic 18th-century courthouse above cells which once held hardened criminals and featured in the likes of Oliver Twist.
Old Sessions House, located in trendy Clerkenwell in Islington in north-east London, has been standing since 1779 and operated as Britain’s biggest courthouse from 1782 to 1852.
It saw hundreds of the capital’s harshest punishments given out — and prisoners marched down to the dungeons in the basement.
Fictional ruffian Oliver Twist was even hauled there in Charles Dickens’ 1838 novel after he was caught pickpocketing with the Artful Dodger and crew.
But the Grade II* listed building has now become an office space and turns into a members-only club at night, where free-flowing drinks and canapes are provided.
A shared office space has opened in an iconic 18th-century courthouse above cells which once held hardened criminals and featured in the likes of Oliver Twist
Old Sessions House, located in trendy Clerkenwell in Islington in north-east London, has been standing since 1779 and operated as Britain’s biggest courthouse from 1782 to 1852
Pictures show the trendy revamp of the courthouse, complete with houseplants, sofas and stylish furniture, as it is reimagined for the age of flexible working
But once it saw hundreds of the capital’s harshest punishments given out — and prisoners marched down to the dungeons in the basement
Workspace providers Knotel have bought up 22,000 square feet of the building, which now hosts ‘beer Fridays’ for its office workers
The Grade II* listed building has now become an office space and turns into a members-only club at night, where free-flowing drinks and canapes are provided
Fictional ruffian Oliver Twist was even hauled there in Charles Dickens’ 1838 novel after he was caught pickpocketing with the Artful Dodger and crew (pictured: drawing of the courthouse in action)
The former law building overlooks Clerkenwell Green and boasts ‘grandiose mezzanine areas, a restored eighteenth-century glass atrium, as well as a resplendent dome roof’
There is plenty of study space for quiet concentration during the working day, as well as amenities such as a rooftop terrace and pool
The historic building has a rich history, from being a courthouse to becoming derelict to now being reimagined once more as a co-working space
Workspace providers Knotel have bought up 22,000 square feet of the building, which now hosts ‘beer Fridays’ for its office workers.
The former law building overlooks Clerkenwell Green and boasts ‘grandiose mezzanine areas, a restored eighteenth-century glass atrium, as well as a resplendent dome roof and will now be a carefully curated workclub for London’s creatives, entrepreneurs and businesses’.
Old Sessions House is built in a classical style, with columns, a dome and a staircase that mimic the Pantheon in Rome.
Pictures show the trendy revamp of the courthouse, complete with houseplants, sofas and stylish furniture, as it is reimagined for the age of flexible working.
And ‘lounge members’ will have access to the main lounge spaces, ‘with the option to book meeting rooms a la carte’.
Adjoined to the workspace in the same building is the separate Sessions Arts Club which has a roof terrace and pool.
From the rooftop, the workspace offers expansive panoramic views of the London skyline from an infinity swimming pool.
Old Sessions House is just around the corner from Farringdon station, which saw the Elizabeth Line open in 2022, bringing thousands of additional commuters near the new co-working space.
Michael Gross, CEO of Knotel, said: ‘Flexible working is not only here to stay, it has become increasingly valued as businesses look to bring employees back to the office while reducing the overhead inherent with traditional long-term office spaces.
‘Companies are seeking out inspiring locations with amenitised flexibility in their workspace planning.
‘That’s why we are backing bricks and mortar in London – especially when the bricks are as beautiful as those in the Old Sessions House.
‘This is the first launch of a new concept for Knotel in which we will be bringing a remarkable selection of new workclubs to outstanding properties across London and other key European and North American cities.’
