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#BizTripTips: 3 Hipster Hideaways in Lagos To Get Work Done
Let’s get this out of the way first, we use the term “hipster” loosely around these parts. In our own little world, we mean anyone who’s full time employment is questionable or is otherwise linked to the creative industry, enjoys a range of simple foods somehow made fancy, and has the perfect nack for marrying clothes that don’t really say much independently into a perfectly constructed ensemble of effortless awesomeness. We kid (sort of). Also of note — yes there are hipsters in Africa. Moving on.
Recently, we had to do an 18 hour bid in Lagos, Nigeria — a place whose traffic makes NYC streets at rush hour look like an easy coast down the autobahn. In between meetings there was lots of work to be done, and a bit of woo-sah was necessary ahead of our flight back to South Africa. We asked our friends in Lagos for their fave places to get things done while experiencing some good atmospheric vibes in the process and here’s what we came up with:
- Neo Cafe // Small but super warm, Neo Cafe is a quiet retreat full of creature comforts (like good wi-fi) from the moment you walk in. We had to cross over a bulldozer to actually make it inside (tons of nearby construction) but the quote-filled walls, stylishly busy patrons, and welcome smiles immediately said “this is where I can find some inspiration”. There was a creative team briefing, a few suits feverishly working at excel spreadsheets, and some casual coffee drinkers in the small but well designed space and we even had a chance to chat with the 20-something architect who brought the vision to life. Sourced from Rwanda, the beans are transformed into all of your favorites: cappuccinos, lattes, espresso and even some delicious frappuccino blends. With three locations in Victoria Island, Ikoyi, and Banana Island — it’s hard not to make this a must do. They’ll deliver — but where’s the fun in that? // 16, Akin Adesola street // +234 7045891980
Bistro 7 // You wouldn’t expect that the place that serves arguably the best burger in Lagos, is also an beautiful work space by day. With indoor and outdoor seating, staff that knows how to stay on the right side of attending/annoying, and free wi-fi that has worked consistently when we’ve visited this place is perfect for a lunch…and then some type of day. Like most things in Lagos, it’s hidden so if you’re UBER’ing there (use TSTMKRS code for a discount) be sure to have your driver creep down the street so that you don’t miss the sign. Beyond the burgers, Bistro 7 offers lunch platters that while high in calories are certainly a good value in “pricey for basic food” Lagos. It seems like the word hasn’t completely gotten out about Bistro’s lunch vibes so we suggest checking it out soon. // 273 Kofo Abayomi St // +234 807 668 7777
Art Cafe // When the stresses of being on the road call for a little more than coffee, Art Cafe comes through in a clutch. Serving up coffee and organic teas (all of which can be iced to beat the heat) alongside a full cocktail menu, this favorite spot of the young and young at heart is definitely a change of pace from hotel meeting rooms. After 12noon, you can get some of their tasty BBQ which actually rivals that of famed #streetmeat spot “Glover Rd.” in Ikoyi. Choose from spicy chicken or beef suya or flame grilled lamb chops and leave all your office worries aside. Central to everything in Ikoyi, you can easily hop to Bogobiri House, Federal Palace, and Eko Hotel when you’re ready to get back into the swing of things. // 282 Akin Olugbade St // +234 803 305 5901
Bonus!
- Project Space // If your entire team needs to get away from it all, look no further than Project Space in the Badore section of Lagos. Badore is just past Lekki and is less than a 40 minute drive away. It’s actually a home for visiting artists doing residencies in Nigeria and is filled with works from all over the world. The space supports artists’ working processes, collaboration, and development but is also available as a living, working, and exhibition space. With events happening throughout the week, it’s an amazing place to be inspired by a different “strategic plan”. // №2 Ekanem Close, Off Unity Road Estate // +234 (0)8023109959
Travel Africa, Skip Mediocre. Find Your Experience at: TastemakersAfrica.com
