Is Café One Abuja Worth It? Inside Sterling Bank’s Exclusive Coworking Space

Coworking spaces in Abuja continue to evolve, and Café One by Sterling Bank is proof that workspaces can be both functional and luxurious. For my Escaping the House series, I visited the Café One Abuja branch, located at the Central Business District. It’s a premium coworking hub that doubles as a café, a place where you can sip your latte while finishing that client proposal.

This space was actually recommended by one of my TikTok followers, and honestly, I see why. Let’s break down everything you need to know before deciding if it’s worth your time (and your money).

Location & Accessibility

Best coworking spaces in Abuja: How easy is Café One to access?

Café One Abuja is located on the first floor of Sterling Bank Plaza, Mohammadu Buhari Way, in the Central Business District. It’s easy to find, the environment feels secure, and there’s ample parking space, a big plus if you drive.

The building itself houses several offices, including Sterling Bank, and you immediately get that sense of safety and professionalism as you walk in. Security is tight (understandably, given the other government offices nearby), and everyone I met was polite and helpful.

First Impressions & Ambience

Premium coworking in Abuja: What makes Café One stand out?

From the moment I stepped in, Café One felt like walking into an art gallery or museum. The design is modern, minimal, and corporate, but warm. The space is bright and open, with a mix of white and warm lighting that adds to the relaxed-yet-professional vibe.

Every corner looks thoughtfully designed, artworks, murals, indoor plants, and a mini bookshelf selling journals and books. The layout strikes a perfect balance:

There’s an open workspace area with regular desks and chairs (each with built-in sockets).
High tables and stools line the walls for those who prefer a different posture while working.
And a cozy corner with couches and round tables, semi-partitioned by wooden slats, offers a more casual setup for meetings or relaxed work sessions.

The ambience is calm, professional, and quiet, perfect for deep work or client meetings.

Workspace Setup

Café One Abuja pricing and workspace options

Café One isn’t just a coffee shop with Wi-Fi. it’s a full coworking hub. They offer shared workspaces, private offices, and meeting rooms to fit different needs.

Here’s a breakdown of their pricing plans:

Coworking Space Plans

Daily Plan: ₦7,930
3-Day Plan: ₦21,616
Weekly Plan: ₦39,650
Flexible Monthly Plan (10 days, weekdays only): ₦79,300
Monthly Plan: ₦158,600
Yearly Plan: ₦1,267,920

Private Office & Meeting Rooms

Meeting Room (up to 12 people): ₦45,000/hour
Event Space: ₦79,300/hour

The Wi-Fi was incredibly fast, the sockets were everywhere, and the overall work environment was conducive to focus and productivity. It’s one of the few places I’ve worked where I didn’t once struggle with connection or power.

Café & Menu Experience

Coffee, pastries, and workspace comfort, is it worth it?

Café One features a small in-house café where you can order directly from your desk or at the counter. I ordered a caramel latte, which was amazing, creamy, smooth, and perfectly balanced. I also got a sausage roll, which was… mid. Not bad, but not the highlight.

Prices at the café are very affordable, especially considering the luxury feel of the space. They have a wide variety, coffee, tea, pastries, and small snacks, all freshly made and delivered right to your workspace.

Booking & Payment Process

Paying through the Café One app

Café One operates through its dedicated app, which you can download to book your seat or buy a plan. The process is straightforward, you can pay before arriving or once you’re on site. They also guide you on how to use the app when you get there, if you cant be bothered to figure it out.

If you’re a Sterling Bank account holder, you get an automatic 30% discount (and you can even open an account on the spot to apply it). No complicated verification, just a seamless digital setup, exactly what you’d expect from a workspace owned by a bank.

Community & Vibes

Who uses Café One Abuja?

The crowd here was a mix of corporate professionals and freelancers, but it leaned more toward the corporate side. People were focused, quiet, and respectful of the work environment.

It’s not one of those spaces where you’ll find community events or heavy networking, but it’s perfect for individuals who want a serene and inspiring place to work.

Toilets & Facilities

A note on design consistency…

Now, this part surprised me, and not in a good way. The toilets were clean, yes, but the design did not match the rest of the space. For such a high-end, art-gallery-like environment, the bathroom felt neglected. Functional, but underwhelming.

Pricing & Value

Is Café One Abuja worth the cost?

There’s no denying it, Café One is on the premium side. Compared to spaces like Boldspace or Astound Innovation Hub, the prices are much higher (except for the daily pass). But you’re paying for quality, ambience, and exclusivity, and in that regard, it delivers.

The workspace feels secure, professional, and beautifully designed, ideal for freelance executives, coaches, and entrepreneurs who need a professional setting to receive high-end clients without committing to yearly rent.

Final Verdict

Café One Abuja offers one of the most polished coworking experiences I’ve seen in Nigeria. From the aesthetics to the service, it’s designed for serious professionals who want a reliable workspace that feels like a creative sanctuary.

Would I go back?
Absolutely, though probably not every week. It’s the kind of place I’d reserve for client meetings, focused work sessions, or days when I want to treat myself to a truly inspiring environment.

Feature	Rating
Wi-Fi Speed	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Power Availability	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Noise Level	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Seating Comfort	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ambience	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Value for Money	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Toilet	⭐
Overall Workability	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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