Is your flatmate a pain? Are you over your sofa? It sounds like you should find a coffee shop that has wifi.
Do you get triggered by any of these words? Pyjamas. Blank email. Homes Under The Hammer. Twitter. Peanut butter. Spoon. Twitter. Blank document. Twitter. 4pm. Body odour. Pyjamas. Congratulations if you answered yes.
Coffee shops exist for one reason: to prevent you from doing the above. Not all coffee shops are designed for work. You need somewhere comfortable, with good wifi and lots of plug points, in order to enjoy good coffee. These coffee shops are some of the best in London and have everything you need to get your work done.
The Spots
Central
FAQ RATINGS
Apple Butter Cafe
MIDDLE ESTERN
COVENT GARDEN
VIEW WEBSITE GET DIRECTIONS PSPSPSPS 020 3019 7474
PERFECT FOR: BRUNCH TEA & A LIGHT BITE
There are many cafes in Covent Garden. Many are packed 24/7, others are small and fill up quickly. Some have velvet couches and an apple tree in the middle. Only one spot on Monmouth Street actually has this. There are plugs all around, a calm atmosphere that will make it easier to not send an aggressive email. The menu includes everything from breakfast favorites to baked porcini pasta. It’s a great place to work for a few hours, and the wifi works well enough. You should avoid this place if you have to download large files. It could slow down your computer.
Redemption Roasters
VIEW WEBSITE GET DIRECTIONS ££££ 020 4524 8220
Redemption Roasters closes by 5pm” are words that will give freelancers goosebumps. These two extra hours of caffeine are huge in a city where the average coffee shop closes at 3pm. This coffee house is also open Mondays. Although there are several locations around London, the Covent Garden location is our favorite due to its combination of fast wifi and foliage. You will be excited to try the ‘pour-over’ bar and enjoy the sweet rotating selections. Pastries are a special treat.
Fare Bar and Canteen
PIZZA*
CLERKENWELL
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PERFECT FOR: BRUNCH CASUAL WOLKNIGHT DINNER
Being a freelancer has its advantages. The worst thing about being freelance is being your boss. Fare Bar and Canteen is a trendy all-day coffee place that you (or your boss) will love. The cafe serves excellent coffee starting at 7.30am. It also has a marble-topped bar that makes it a great place to work during the day. There are plenty of small plates available for lunchtime, too.
Powerhouse Coffee
VIEW WEBSITE GET DIRECTIONS ££££
Powerhouse Coffee is more than just a large coffee shop in Clerkenwell. It’s also a place that’s filled with light. It overlooks Farringdon Station’s train tracks, so if you want to spend more time looking at the horizon than you are actually looking at numbers and words on your computer screen, this is the place for you. It also offers a wide range of cold beverages and coffees. These include Climpson’s special espresso roast or a banana frappe. This is a great place to enjoy a delicious, healthy beverage. It’s also open until 5pm, which is a huge advantage in a city that has many coffee shops closing at 4. N.B. N.B.
Soderberg
SCANDINAVIAN*
SOHO
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PERFECT FOR:BREAKFASTCATCHING UP WITH MATES
Soderberg is a great place to go in Soho for many reasons. You can enjoy a cup of coffee and be close to one its many USB ports. The cinnamon rolls are another great option. The ultimate reason to visit Soderberg is to feel cool. After being sprayed by a bus, do you feel like you are in a comedy sketch called The Sogfather? This Swedish spot, which is laid back and casual, features Scandi furniture, beanies and an indie Top 10 soundtrack that will make it seem like you’re back on your feet. You can visit it from 7 to 30pm on weekdays, and the evening smorrebrod plates are a great reason to stay an extra hour if you have spent the day here.
RATINGS FAQ
7.3
The Riding House Café
BRITISH •
FITZROVIA
VIEW WEBSITE GET DIRECTIONS ££££ +44 20 7927 0840
PERFECT FOR: BREAKFAST BRUNCH
Your Instagram bio may say “digital nomad” but that doesn’t mean you won’t get cabin fever while working in dimly lit cafes. The Riding House Cafe is centrally located and an excellent place to spend a few hours. It’s a great place to relax on the sofas or at the long communal table. The interior is also bright, which can be helpful if you have seasonal affective disorder. The restaurant serves a variety of brasserie-style dishes throughout the day, and eggs are also available. It can get busy during peak hours.
Prufrock Coffee
BAKERY/CAFE*
FARRINGDON
VIEW WEBSITE GET DIRECTIONS PSPSPSPS +44 20 7242 0467
Perfect for: COCOA & A LIGHT BITE
Farringdon doesn’t have a shortage of coffee shops. But Prufrock has been a top-rated coffee shop in London for many years. This is due to the high quality of the coffee and the great environment it provides. The atmosphere is relaxed enough to allow you to unwind and enjoy the coffee, while still retaining your knowledge.
North
Trampoline
COFFEE*
ISLINGTON
VIEW WEBSITE GET DIRECTIONS PSPSPSPS
HOURS:THURSDAY08:00AM TO 04:00PM
Perfect for: COFFEE AND A LIGHT BITE BREAKFAST
Trampoline is one such cafe where you can convince yourself that it’s cool enough to write your memoir, and yet not mind that you have the crumbs from one of London’s finest pain au chocolats on your top. It is a social enterprise cafe in Angel’s Camden Passage that helps refugees find work. They also serve heavy pastries and fresh sandwiches every day. It’s easy to miss the bright orange front, but you may not realize that there is some great hidden seating upstairs. And, most importantly, the coffee’s excellent. It’s closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
Big Jo Bakery
PIZZA •
HOLLOWAY
VIEW WEBSITE GET DIRECTIONS ££££ 020 3915 6760
PERFECT FOR: BREAKFAST BRUNCH
This bright Hornsey Road branch of Newington Green’s Jolene offers lunch and dinner. It’s all about pizza and wine. But it’s also a bakery that’s open all day so you can enjoy pastries straight from the ovens. It’s also possible to enjoy excellent coffee. While we wouldn’t recommend it for high-intensity work, such as when you need to use your laptop, trackpad and external keyboard, it is perfectly fine. You’ll find plenty of activity throughout the day. Staff mill flour, prepare pizza dough, and there’s always something to do. While you’re hunching over your proposal, you can also see the window-facing counters.
Spiritland
MODERN EUROPEAN •
KINGS CROSS
VIEW WEBSITE GET DIRECTIONS ££££ +44 20 3319 0050
PERFECT FOR: BREAKFAST BRUNCH
Spiritland is a King’s Cross coffee shop that offers tea, coffee, snacks and other distractions. The music bar and cafe is cozy, cosy, and cool. You can either be distracted from work or make you feel sick. It’s easy to come with colleagues or on your own. It is convenient because it is located in a central location.
Caravan King’s Cross
BAKERY/CAFE •
KINGS CROSS
VIEW WEBSITE GET DIRECTIONS ££££ +44 20 7101 7661
HOURS:THURSDAY8:00AM TO 11:00PM
PERFECT FOR: BRUNCH COFFEE & A LIGHT BITE
Caravan King’s Cross, a large all-day restaurant located on Granary Square, takes freelance coffee drinkers’ needs very seriously. It is open until 10 pm every day. There are also rows of sharing tables in a workshop-style setting at the back so you can continue your work without worrying about having to give up your place for a group of four who want to get lunch.
South
Coal rooms
MODERN EUROPEAN
PECKHAM
VIEW WEBSITE GET DIRECTIONS PSPSPSPS 0207 6356699
PERFECT FOR: CHAMPION WEEKNIGHT DINNER CATCHING-UP WITH MATES
The worst liminal space in the world is the train station cafe. They are a time-killing space that can make it seem like time is moving at a snail’s pace. Coal Rooms are attached to Peckham Rye Station. The front coffee shop opens at 6:30am. It is a great place to do some work. This is a great place to grab a coffee and get on the train. You can enjoy delicious pastries and coffee, as well as a great restaurant in the back.
Lumberjack
BAKERY/CAFE •
CAMBERWELL
VIEW WEBSITE GET DIRECTIONS ££££ +44 7814 861511
PERFECT FOR: BREAKFAST COFFEE & A LIGHT BITE
Unfortunately, this cafe doesn’t have a crew of lumberjacks passing around pens made from disused oak and yelling “timber”, every time you open your phone. Camberwell’s spot is missing plaid-clad, axe-wielding men in plaid, but it does have great coffee and light bites. You’ll see many people working on their laptops upstairs during the week, but there is always a spot down below. The spot closes at 4pm. However, it is worth noting that the spot opens at 8am. There are items like banana bread and shakshuka on offer.
RATINGS FAQ
8.7
Juliet’s Quality Foods
BAKERY/CAFE •
TOOTING
VIEW WEBSITE GET DIRECTIONS ££££
PERFECT FOR: BREAKFAST CATCHING UP WITH MATES
Juliet’s Tooting is the place for you if you want a coffee shop that also serves great food. Although it’s only open from 3pm, it’s a great option for early birds. However, this cafe is walk-in and will serve you a smoked pumpkin egg omelette with a huge whack of lemon salmoriglio. It also offers a latte and some uninterrupted peace while you finish that presentation. This is a ratio that we approve of.
NOLA
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NOLA in Peckham is open from 8am-4pm. It does all that a neighborhood coffee shop should do. The coffees are excellent, with a variety of brews. There are many seating options available, including some high-top window seats, an outdoor bench and several two-seaters. You can enjoy a solid all-day brunch here, and it’s also a very pleasant place to be. It is bright and buzzy. You’ll probably see more MacBooks than tables when you visit here in the afternoon or mid-morning. It can be crowded, but we have always been able to get a spot.
Stir Coffee
BAKERY/CAFE*
BRIXTON
VIEW WEBSITE GET DIRECTIONS PSPSPSPS +44 20 8333 1203
PERFECT FOR: BREAKFAST BREAKFAST COFFEE & LIGHT BITE
Stir in Brixton serves good coffee. A second thing you should know is that the Stir in Brixton has a small black dog who sleeps under the bookshelves near the till. It’s 3pm and you realize that the digital agency has not paid you. There are many options for craft beer, pastries and seating.
Hej
BAKERY/CAFE •
BERMONDSEY
VIEW WEBSITE GET DIRECTIONS ££££ +44 20 3441 4544
PERFECT FOR: COFFEE & A LIGHT BITE
Hej in Bermondsey is a great place to stop off and get some work done, despite being quite cozy (see: small). If you don’t have to know the Love Island contestant, there’s a large table that can be shared. This is a great place to encourage others. There are plenty of counter seating, some more comfortable sofa options, and coffee and cakes.
Bean and Hop
BAKERY/CAFE
VIEW WEBSITE GET DIRECTIONS PSPSPSPS +44 20 7998 6584
Perfect for: COCOA & A LIGHT BITE
A cold craft beer is a great incentive to work hard. Bean & Hop is a cafe that serves excellent sausage rolls, good coffee and a wide selection of craft beers at night. There are many power outlets and the internet is fast. The cafe also has that laid-back, indie vibe that’s always appreciated in this area.
East
FAQ RATINGS
8.3
Pophams Hackney
BAKERY/CAFE*
HACKNEY
VIEW WEBSITE GET DIRECTIONS PSPSPSPS
PERFECT FOR: BREAKFAST BRUNCH
You want the coffee shop you can daydream about going to, or even owning. Popham’s has all this and more. This east London bakery and cafe is located less than 10 minutes away from Hackney Central. It is bright and airy and offers a wide range of pastries that are hard to find elsewhere. A ham and cheese croissant requires something with custard to wash it down.
The Attendant
SHOREDITCH
VIEW WEBSITE GET DIRECTIONS PSPSPSPS +44 20 7739 9311
PERFECT FOR: BREAKFAST BRUNCH
You can force anyone who refers to you “funemployed” to submit their tax returns next year. This will allow you to see who is having the most fun. You can also make your own small plates and coffee at The Attendant Shoreditch as your work area for the day. You can expect lots of foliage, cold-brewed coffee, whitewashed walls and, of course, WiFi. They are open daily from 8am to 5pm.
Martello Hall
PIZZA*
HACKNEY
VIEW WEBSITE GET DIRECTIONS PSPSPSPS +44 20 3889 6173
PERFECT FOR: BRUNCH CASUAL WOLKNIGHT DINNER
Hackney’s coffee shops are like Camden’s teenagers: There are many of them. Hackney’s best place to work is not a coffee shop. Martello Hall is the pizzeria-slash bar on Mare Street. The lounge on the first floor is open during the day. You can enjoy a bottomless cup of coffee and internet access for just ten pounds. The ground area is perfect for casual meetings or lunches. For those moments when you want to just say “fuck it” and call it quits, the pizzas and cocktails will be a great choice.
No 42 Coffee Junction
BAKERY/CAFE •
SHOREDITCH
VIEW WEBSITE GET DIRECTIONS ££££ +44 20 7253 6335
PERFECT FOR: COFFEE & A LIGHT BITE
You will find a lot of coffee shops around the Old Street roundabout. These range from the simple Cafe Neros to those that can take up to 20 minutes to make your cup. Most of these coffee shops are too noisy for any productive work. You can walk a few minutes up City Road and reach Coffee Junction. This quiet spot is perfect for relaxing and working on the children’s book/spreadsheet that you have been working on. If you are a freelancer, the mugs of coffee can be large. There is also an outdoor area where you can meet up if it’s good weather.
Market Cafe
VIEW WEBSITE GET DIRECTIONS ££££ +44 20 7249 9070
East London may have more coffee shops than any other area of London. Of all the east London areas, Broadway Market is where you would expect to find one. It isn’t, however. Market Cafe is a great place to go. You’ll find a good brunch and lunch menu. It is best to avoid peak times. The spot is friendly and spacious, has good wifii and a variety of plug sockets. If you choose the right spot, there are great views of the canal. You could not ask for more.
Forge & Co
BRITISH •
SHOREDITCH
VIEW WEBSITE GET DIRECTIONS ££££ +44 20 7729 0007
PERFECT FOR: COFFEE & A LIGHT BITE DRINKS & A LIGHT BITE
Desk. It’s a term that means “Somebody who works at and has a better posture than others.” It is a noun that means Thing Some People Do And Have Much Better Posture. It sounds very appealing. Forge & Co, located on Shoreditch High Street, has not only long tables for group meetings, but also sofas for informal chats. It also has–dun-dun dun dun–actually desks. The wifi is fast and good, and it’s part co-working space and all-day dining.
West
FAQ RATINGS
7.7
Beam
BREAKFAST*
NOTTING HOILL
VIEW WEBSITE GET DIRECTIONS PSPSPSPS 020 7243 0111
PERFECT FOR:BREAKFASTCATCHING UP WITH MATES
Tuesday is your no-Zoom meeting day. This means that you have two options: a) Work from your bed or b) Work from this Notting Hill cafe, which offers creamy mushrooms and toast. Your bed may be tempting, but only one option offers table service, Nutella-filled donuts, and an internet connection. We already know which one we would choose. This spot offers chocolate-filled treats, but it’s all hanging lights, exposed brick and useful plugs close to most tables. It has an airy feel that will make sure you stay there until 6pm.
RATINGS FAQ
8.5
Chestnut Bakery Belgravia
BAKERY/CAFE •
VICTORIA
VIEW WEBSITE GET DIRECTIONS ££££ +44 20 7324 7705
PERFECT FOR: BREAKFAST BRUNCH
The former Dominique Ansel Bakery (RIP Cronuts) is now home to Chestnut Bakery. This is the type of place that we would love to call our own. We would happily spend eight hours navigating the clay oven-baked flatbread menu while we type in the large dining room, usually at a window table or on the adorable little terrace. Although you will need to be careful about where your plug is located, it’s worth the effort if you do get one.
TAB x TAB
VIEW WEBSITE GET DIRECTIONS PSPSPSPS +44 20 7792 3445
It’s as hard as anywhere else in West London to find a peaceful place between appointments at Queensway End of Westbourne Grove. TabxTab has all the right ingredients. You’ll find a strong internet connection, lots of sockets and friendly service. There are also a number of comfortable seating options including a large terrace. This is a great option if a chain isn’t what you are looking for. It might be your new W2 destination, provided you don’t need to go there on Mondays or Tuesdays.
Formative
BAKERY/CAFE*
VICTORIA
VIEW WEBSITE GET DIRECTIONS PSPSPSPS
Perfect for: COCOA & A LIGHT BITE
Formative is a clean, industrial place where you can work quietly for hours with no one around. You are the boss. There aren’t many things happening here except for coffee and pastries. But that’s what makes this place so great if you need somewhere to do some work around Victoria Station.
Greenspeares
BAKERY/CAFE •
CHELSEA
VIEW WEBSITE GET DIRECTIONS ££££ 020 3915 5990
PERFECT FOR: COFFEE & A LIGHT BITE
Anyone who has spent a whole day at a chain coffee shop will tell you that London is home to many people who are willing to give up deodorant to have personal space and plug points. Greenspeares is a great cafe located just 10 minutes from Knightsbridge Station. The quaint deli is a great place to work in a comfortable environment. There’s wifi access everywhere, both upstairs and downstairs, as well as a variety of delicious and healthy menu choices. It is closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
Beaufort House
BRITISH*
CHELSEA
VIEW WEBSITE GET DIRECTIONS PSPSPSPS +44 20 7352 2828
PERFECT FOR: BRUNCH CATCHING UP w/ MATES
Beaufort House, despite the fact that “getting some work done” has a different meaning in Chelsea is still a great place to set up your laptop. It’s more like a Sloaney bar rather than an independent coffee shop because it’s SW3. However, it’s quiet during the day and it’s comfortable. The drinks are also good. For around PS30 per month, you can join the dedicated members’ section that is open until 3am if you are serious about freelance work.
Natoora Counter
BRITISH*
NOTTING HOILL
VIEW WEBSITE GET DIRECTIONS PSPSPSPS 020 7313 9990
PERFECT FOR: BREAKFAST BRUNCH
Natoora, a small deli and cafe located off Portobello Road, is worth a visit for an hour or so. This store sells fresh produce, but it also offers a changing menu of brunch-type dishes depending on the produce that has been delivered. Although there isn’t much seating available, a stool near the window makes it a great spot for catching up on emails.
Proud Mary’s
AUSTRALIAN •
SHEPHERD’S BUSH
VIEW WEBSITE GET DIRECTIONS ££££ +44 20 8834 4884
PERFECT FOR: BRUNCH COFFEE & A LIGHT BITE
One person actually wrote a novel in this Shepherd’s Bush cafe. It’s probably at least three times as difficult as creating a website for your personalised litter tray company. This place serves the kinda pancake-packed breakfasts that will get you out the door (or your bed) and it also has the rustic Riviera vibe that’ll keep everyone cool, even when you panic that the domain “pee-ow” is already taken. There can be a lot of people at the restaurant, especially during lunchtimes and when local schools close, but you will always find a place to sit.
Bluebelles of Portobello
BAKERY/CAFE*
NOTTING HOILL
GET DIRECTIONS PSPSPSPS +44 20 8968 4572
Perfect for: COCOA & A LIGHT BITE
When you are fighting for valuable cafe space with locals who are still on their fourth glass of wine, it can be difficult to get work done in Notting Hill. Bluebelles, a cafe located along Portobello’s main drag, is a great place to work. It’s easy to find a place to work here, and staff are more accommodating than in Daylesford. The cakes are delicious, and the coffee is great.
