Coworking at Craft+Graft
April 2022
Words – Chantal van Baalen
Pictures – C. van Baalen / Craft+Graft
Coworking space Craft+Graft in Cape Town is a small-scaled, open and creative place which hosts all kinds of inspiring entrepreneurs. It is a space with a communal and homely feel to it and has a comfortable setting with everything you need to create a productive atmosphere. Here is a review of the experience of coworking at Craft+Graft.
Welcome to Craft+Graft
Graft+Craft is located in the area of Gardens right next to the romantic Dunkley Square. A lovely area covered in Victorian styled houses of which most are used for coliving, small businesses or Airbnb’s. The area is close to the city center and very accessible and safe to walk around in. Also, close to the coworking space you’ll find a couple of nice bars and restaurants which are perfect for an after work drink or dinner. There are two venues, which are practically next to each other. Just make sure you go to the headoffice and actual coworking space at 32 Barnet Street. The venue at 2 Gordon street is currently fully booked and only available for events.
Entering Craft+Graft you’ll find yourself in a cute little coffee shop, which is open for the public. Behind this shop, the surprisingly large coworking space can be found. I was welcomed friendly at the entrance and given a tour of the venue. Immediately I could feel the homely and vibey feeling while walking around. After a delicious coffee from the café I was assigned a seat at one of the hot-desks and could start my day.
"The interior design is industrial with brick and glass walls and Japanese-style sliding doors. Resulting into something completely different and refreshing!"
Desks at Craft+Graft
Craft+Graft holds around 20 hot-desks, which can be chosen from depending on availability. There are 12 private offices, some of which also can be used as shared offices with dedicated desks.
Some of the private offices and board rooms have direct street views. However, the hot-desks and dedicated desks don’t have a direct view, but the heaps of daylight coming through the enormous windows make up for it. The desks are simple but steady and offer enough space for your gadgets. The same goes for the chairs; simple and steady. Throughout the building there are plenty of power outlets, just don’t forget to bring a plug converter, as there are only South African power outlets.
The uncapped Wi-Fi is good and stable with an average download and upload speed of around 20Mbps and a ping speed of 21ms.
Other rooms
Coworking space Craft+Graft offers differently sized private offices, dedicated and hot-desks as well as different board rooms that hold 8 to 20 people. These board rooms come with all the necessary facilities for a successful meeting. This includes large LED screens, whiteboards, Apple TV’s, printers and even a barista to take all your orders. Also the venue has a phone booth, but most coworkers just bring a headset and have meetings from their desks. For a short break in the sun or just to get some fresh air, you can enjoy the large patio with Table Mountain views.
Craft+Graft vibes
Even though the venue is smaller than some other coworking spaces, the set up is open and efficient, due to the different layers within the space. This creates more coworking space and room for private offices. The huge glass windows make sure the whole building is filled with natural daylight. Also the interior design is very industrial with brick and glass walls and Japanese-style sliding doors. Resulting into something completely different and refreshing! The overall vibe is openminded, informal with a classy smart style. Even though it can get a bit noisy in such an open environment, it kind of works and the level of productivity is surprisingly high.
Craft+Graft services
Dedicated members of Craft+Graft get 24/7 access to the venue which also includes security. In the coworking space there is a kitchen you can make use of. Here you’ll find complimentary (freshly grinded) coffee, tea and filtered water, a fridge, a microwave and all other essentials for simple meals.
For those coming by bicycle or just in need for a refreshment, there is a shower available. The building has a car park in the back for an extra fee or you can park at the Dunkley Square or somewhere in the adjacent streets. Also, you can stall your bicycle safely inside via the back entrance.
The coffee shop next door is a great place to get a freshly brewed coffee from one of the baristas or enjoy a snack or lunch. This is also open for the public.
Furthermore, every Wednesday everyone can join Inspiring + Coffee for a get together, share ideas or listen to one of the inspiring speakers. A great way to start the day!
Memberships
Craft+Graft offers different kinds of memberships. You can choose between half day, daily, 5-day, 10-day or monthly passes. The meeting rooms can be rented by the hour, half day or full day. Dedicated desks can only be rented by the month and the private offices can be rented by the day or monthly.
Check out their website for more information and bookings.
Would you like to have your venue listed or is there anything else you’d like to address? Feel free to contact me and I’ll get in touch asap!