Coworking spaces: I immediately think of white desks, exposed brickwork, telephone booths and – of course – table football. While this concept can work, there is a different way of doing things – as the folks at Denizen have demonstrated. Their workspace is more stylish, more inviting, more contemporary and more feature-filled. Founded by Michael End, Darja Gogunova, David Gregor and David Turnbull in 2022, Denizen is all about offering space that helps you achieve work-life balance. The focus here is on providing not just a place to work, but lots of digital and analog extras too. This includes the likes of a concierge desk so you can get your packages accepted even if you are on the phone with a client. And the digital part? For starters, some of the creators have a background in tech, and they have created an in-house app that lets you order food and drinks directly to your seat and notifies you of upcoming community events. There’s also in-house catering, letting you save time on meal prep by grabbing lunch from the kitchen.

In addition to banana bread and chia pudding snacks, there’s a regularly-changing lunch menu with modern classics like soba noodle salad and grilled paneer and tomato salad. As for self-care, there are onsite shower cabins (to freshen up after your lunchtime run?), changing rooms and a yoga space which also accommodates workshops and meetings. The whole thing is known as The House, and it does feel homely: there are classic furniture pieces, wood on the walls, long curtains on the windows and earthy colors. The overall look? Dignified, warm and “decelerated”. Long tables with built-in lights create closeness, while there are individual tables and secluded corners for solo time. The team have experience in hospitality (they worked for 25hours-Hotels and Design Hotels, among others), and it shows: Denizen almost feels like a hotel, the only difference being you don’t stay overnight. Work-life balance: we got you!

Text: Nina Trippel / Photos: Mathilde Karrèr

Denizen, Köpenicker Str.40, 10179 Berlin–Mitte; map
Mon–Fri 8–20h. Day passes cost €19 and monthly memberships from €79.

@denizen.eiswerk

Whether you already run a restaurant, bar, café, or are about to take the plunge and open one, this tip is for you! You’ve probably spent time fretting about what could go wrong: from broken plates, and burst pipes to the nightmare scenario of something happening to a guest, the risks in hospitality are numerous. If you are looking to manage those risks in a way that saves time, effort, and lost sleep, the SureIn app might just do the trick. Founded in Berlin, the online platform lets you manage your existing insurance easily and acts as your broker if you want to take out a new policy. If you’re like us, you’ve probably encountered plenty of clunky websites and baffling small print when dealing with your insurance. Doing it by app provides you a simple overview of all your business policies, including premiums, contract terms, and policy items. So when a customer spills their red wine on your brand new upholstery, all you need is a few taps and a swipe, and you can confirm that the damage is covered. The app works for all restaurants, cafes, or bar owners and is free of charge. But best of all, it means you can swap those hours spent doing admin and focus on what you come to work for: taking care of your customers.

Text: Benji Haughton / Photos: Karolina Grabowska, Keghan Crossland & Windows

You can set up a free SureIn account online.

@gosurein