The Lab

A community space, café and arts centre, enabling and facilitating a programme of arts, workshops, and events.

Who We Are

The Lab is a community centre, café and arts space enabling and facilitating a program of workshops and events run by Bow Arts. With a vibrant café and a bright multifunctional space, passionate customer service, great coffee and community is at the core of what we do. Bow Arts makes creative activity sustainable within our local communities, creating opportunities to work, learn and enjoy affordable, lifelong access to the arts. Opening Hours: Thursday – Sunday 10am – 4pm.

The Lab Cafe

The Lab Café is more than just a coffee spot—it’s a welcoming space where quality meets purpose. We proudly serve Hey Sister Coffee, a specialty coffee roastery that supports female coffee producers and donates 3% of net profits to women-led projects. Every cup you enjoy here contributes to a greater cause.

Our friendly, professional baristas are always happy to chat while crafting the perfect brew. Whether you’re in the mood for a rich espresso, a comforting tea, or another delicious hot drink, we’ve got you covered. To complement your beverage, we offer a selection of artisan pastries and cakes from Galeta Bakery, known for their high-quality, handcrafted baked goods.

Come by, grab a seat, and enjoy a coffee with purpose at your local cafe on your doorstep.

 

 

Hire The Lab

A Versatile Space for Your Event

The Lab is the perfect venue for a wide range of events, from birthday parties and baby showers to art workshops, fitness classes, and community gatherings. With a discounted hire fee of just £20 per hour for residents, it offers an affordable and welcoming space for any occasion.

The natural light-filled multifunctional space comfortably accommodates up to 50 guests, while the entire venue can host up to 80. Convenient amenities, including fridge space and an accessible toilet, ensure a seamless experience for hosts and guests alike. Located right across from a park, The Lab provides an excellent setting for both indoor and outdoor activities, making it an ideal choice for family-friendly celebrations and creative workshops.

Whether you’re planning a special occasion or a skills-based class, The Lab is a bright and flexible space that can be tailored to your needs. Get in touch today to book your event.

Contact [email protected] for enquiries.

Weekly Classes at The Lab

Join us at The Lab for a variety of weekly classes designed for residents of Oaklands Rise to stay active, learn new skills, and connect with the community. Whether you’re looking to improve fitness, learn self-defence, or relax with mindfulness practices, there’s something for everyone.

Start your week with Self-Defence Classes on Mondays, with the first session kicking off on Monday, 3rd March. To book your spot, contact [email protected]. On Tuesdays, get moving with Zumba Classes for just £5 per session, led by an experienced instructor. Book your place by emailing [email protected].

Midweek, unwind with the Singing Bowl Drop-In on Wednesdays from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, offering a calming and meditative experience for £5 per session. For bookings, contact [email protected]. On Thursdays, stretch and strengthen your body with our Yoga Class for £7 per session. The first session is already sold out, but spots are still available for Thursday, 13th March.

These classes provide a fantastic opportunity to stay engaged, active, and connected within the Oaklands Rise community. Don’t miss out—book your place today!

Explore events today

Previous Events

'Wall of Sexual Heroes'

The ‘Wall of Sexual Heroes’ was an exhibition made by the Museum of Sex Objects, displayed at The Lab in December. Members of the community had the opportunity to create an embroidery or textile piece to contribute to the travelling community art project, as part of the ‘Stitching Stories’ Workshop.

Spooky Sip and Paint

As part of the Halloween weekend at The Lab, we held a Spooky Sip and Paint. run by local artist Joel (Chidi) Sydenham. People were guided to create their own eerie masterpieces, whilst enjoying their favourite drinks!

Terrarium Building Workshop

In November, we were joined by Alex The Plant Guy for a terrarium building workshop. Participants made their very own colourful and creative plant sculpture to take home.

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