Not every day brings excitement and adventure.
Some days are simply designated for mundane chores.
After labouring through the weekend, I discovered myself with a Tuesday unoccupied. An infrequent event, certainly, but nothing especially exhilarating—this particular Tuesday was set aside for managing life’s paperwork.
Although I had resigned myself to this ordinary fate, I had no desire to spend my day off stuck inside my flat.
If I was going to have to tackle the administrative burdens of my existence, I at least wanted to do so in a pleasant surrounding.
I contemplated the Jubilee Library, but I wished to avoid disturbing the vaping teenagers and wandering individuals with my quiet keystrokes.
Hybrid and remote employment have spawned the co-working space concept—an office separate from the conventional office for today’s worker.
These establishments now number in the thousands nationwide. Yet somehow, nobody had thought to populate them with cats.
Until now…
The latest arrival at the continually developing Imperial Arcade is Purrfect Space, where professional work meets feline companions—the inaugural establishment of its kind in the United Kingdom.
It has been founded by Ash Kazmaz and her partner Courtney Wilson, who must rank among the most occupied couples in Brighton at present, additionally running the Munchies Cat Cafe and a fresh dining establishment named Istanbul Katz.
The newest addition to the constantly improving Imperial Arcade is Purrfect Space, where co-working collides with cats—the first of its kind in the United Kingdom.
Perhaps some new feline colleagues might motivate me to draft those tedious emails.
Arriving near midday, I was immediately impressed by the establishment. They have genuinely accomplished remarkable work with the interior.
My earlier concern had been that it might feel somewhat dim and hollow, but that is certainly not the case. It is illuminated, pristine, and roomy.
The furnishings are tasteful and businesslike, yet also inviting, and it extends further than it appears from the street. And for those wondering, it carries a pleasant aroma.
Six local rescue cats were present during my visit, but four additional felines were soon to be transported on Ash and Courtney’s laps from Istanbul.
I obtained a complimentary beverage from the kitchen section and secured a spot to work by the window.
It was soon noticed that whenever there was work to be done, the cat could never be found, George Orwell penned in Animal Farm.
That could not be further from the truth at Purrfect Space. Firing up my laptop, I was immediately approached by the fittingly-named Aslan, possibly the largest cat I have ever seen, who leapt onto the desk to greet me.
A diminutive fluffball called Olive subsequently claimed the area beside me.
Several of the inhabitants showed curiosity about my pen. Wavey the ragdoll determined it would serve better as a plaything, and nudged it onto the floor accordingly.
Bilbo observed intently as Courtney activated the printer. He is entirely absorbed by it, Courtney noted. It is his favourite part of the day.
The ambiance was genuinely wonderful. Acoustic guitar melodies played quietly, individuals typed and wrote peacefully.
The cats prowled about as though they were the proprietors, which essentially they are, deriving entertainment from the various humans attending to their needs.
The writer Rita Mae Brown remarked that dogs have owners, cats have staff. This holds generally true, but here, it is literally accurate.
The cats possess their own exclusive chamber they can withdraw to if they wish, where no humans are allowed, but they all opted to remain part of the activity and observe what peculiar behaviours the odd bipeds would display next.
It appears to be a magnificent place to be a cat.
It was also an extremely pleasant place to spend several hours working. More captivating than being at home, more agreeable than a library, and more purposeful than a coffee shop.
Regarding rates, the fee stands at £8 for two hours, £15 for a half day, or £24 for a complete day. Nobody takes pleasure in paying to work, but when unlimited complimentary teas and coffees are included, alongside unlimited feline interactions, the cost proves fair.
Everyone present seemed quite content with their selection that day, and I would undoubtedly revisit.
Next time, though, I shall bring an additional pen.