Choosing the right workspace location is a values decision
For values-led SMEs, a workspace is never just about desks. It’s about how people feel, how accessible the space is, how culture shows up day-to-day, and how growth is managed responsibly.
As a Founder or MD, you’re likely balancing:
team wellbeing
hybrid working preferences
collaboration and connection
accessibility for partners and clients
cost effectiveness
long-term sustainability
DeskLodge offers two distinct Bristol locations - Temple Meads and City Centre (Beacon Tower) - both excellent, but suited to different working styles and priorities.
This guide breaks down the differences so you can choose the location that best reflects your values and supports your team.
The high-level difference
Temple Meads is ideal for values-led SMEs that prioritise:
accessibility for regional teams
calm, structured working environments
predictable collaboration rhythms
regular all-team gatherings
sustainable, steady growth
Beacon Tower suits values-led SMEs that thrive on:
energy and connection
city-centre accessibility
community and collaboration
creative and relational work
strong culture-building through presence
Both support purpose-driven work, the difference lies in how your team prefers to operate.
Temple Meads: best for accessibility, focus, and steady growth
DeskLodge Temple Meads is particularly well suited to values-led SMEs with distributed teams or strong external collaboration needs.
Accessibility & commuting
Temple Meads is ideal if your team or partners:
commute from outside Bristol
travel across the South West
attend periodic team days
include part-time or hybrid staff
rely on public transport
Being next to the main station makes attendance easier and more inclusive, a key consideration for values-led organisations.
Reducing travel friction supports wellbeing and equity.
Working environment & pace
Temple Meads offers:
calmer, more structured spaces
clear separation between focus and collaboration
strong availability of meeting rooms
layouts that scale well as teams grow
This environment supports:
deep thinking
planning and strategy
programme delivery
operational collaboration
reflective work
It’s ideal for teams that value rhythm, clarity, and sustainable productivity.
Best suited for values-led SMEs that:
have team members spread geographically
prioritise focus and balance
run regular planning or delivery sessions
prefer calmer environments
are growing steadily rather than rapidly
Beacon Tower: best for culture, connection, and city energy
DeskLodge Beacon Tower sits in the heart of Bristol’s city centre and offers a more social, vibrant, and community-driven experience.
City-centre presence & visibility
Beacon Tower is ideal for values-led SMEs that:
want to be part of Bristol’s social and creative ecosystem
host frequent in-person meetings
work closely with partners and collaborators
attract talent who prefer city-centre working
value being visible and connected
It’s particularly popular with teams that see culture as something built through presence and interaction.
Community & collaboration
Beacon Tower is known for:
spontaneous conversations
strong community energy
informal collaboration
shared events and socials
a warm, welcoming atmosphere
For purpose-driven SMEs, working alongside like-minded organisations can reinforce values and motivation.
Culture often grows fastest in spaces where people naturally connect.
Best suited for values-led SMEs that:
prioritise team connection and collaboration
enjoy an energetic working environment
have Bristol-based staff
value community and shared purpose
build culture through in-person interaction
Comparing Temple Meads and Beacon Tower for values-led SMEs
Accessibility
Temple Meads: best for regional teams and external partners
Beacon Tower: best for city-based teams and walk-in accessibility
Focus vs energy
Temple Meads: calm, structured, reflective
Beacon Tower: vibrant, social, collaborative
Team growth
Temple Meads: ideal for steady, sustainable growth
Beacon Tower: ideal for culture-led, people-first growth
Meeting rooms
Both locations offer professional, hybrid-ready meeting rooms.
Temple Meads often suits:
longer planning sessions
structured workshops
Beacon Tower often suits
collaborative sessions
partner meetings
creative workshops
Explore meeting rooms: https://www.desklodge.com/meeting-rooms
Community style
Temple Meads: supportive, focused, professional
Beacon Tower: social, creative, energetic
Can values-led SMEs use both locations?
Yes, many do.
Some organisations:
base their core team at one location
use the other for meetings or team days
allow flexibility based on commute or role
evolve their location choice as the team grows
DeskLodge memberships make this kind of flexibility possible.
Explore memberships: https://www.desklodge.com/memberships
FAQs
Which location is better for team wellbeing?
Both support wellbeing - Temple Meads through calm and balance, Beacon Tower through connection and energy.
Which is better for hybrid teams?
Temple Meads often works better for regionally distributed hybrid teams.
Which location builds culture faster?
Beacon Tower’s social energy can accelerate culture-building for in-person teams.
Are meeting rooms available at both?
Yes, both locations offer high-quality, hybrid-ready rooms.
Can we change locations in the future?
Yes, DeskLodge memberships are designed to evolve with your organisation.
Choosing the DeskLodge that reflects your values
Choose Temple Meads if your values-led SME prioritises:
accessibility
balance
focus
inclusive commuting
steady, sustainable growth
Choose Beacon Tower if your values-led SME thrives on:
connection
collaboration
community
city-centre energy
visible culture
Both locations support purpose-driven work, the right choice depends on how your team wants to show up each day.
See both spaces. Feel the difference.
The best way to decide is to experience them.
Book a tour
Start a day pass
Explore memberships
