In recent years, the global shift towards remote work, courtesy of you-know-what, has transformed the everyday coffee shop into a bustling hub of productivity.
Gone are the days when cafes were solely reserved for leisurely brunches and Instagram-worthy latte art. Now, they double as remote offices, providing the ideal backdrop for creative brainstorming sessions, email catch-ups, and flat white-fueled workdays.
So, if you’re ready to trade in your pyjama pants for a cosy cafe corner and a dose of human interaction (along with that much-needed flat white), join us as we explore the top cafes to work in when you’re in London.
Catalyst
Media from catalyst_roasters
Location: 48 Grays Inn Rd, London WC1X 8LT, United Kingdom
Contact: 020 7242 8777
Nestled on Gray’s Inn Road, Catalyst stands as a beacon of hope on what was once a rather uninspiring stretch for freelancers seeking a cosy workspace.
Its inviting wooden furniture, adorned with elegant copper accents, and a window counter, bathed in natural light, create an atmosphere that can turn the dreariest of days into a productive haven.
Now, let’s dive into one of Catalyst’s best-kept secrets: their in-house roasted coffee. The scent of their freshly roasted beans wafts through the air, promising a brew that’s nothing short of heavenly.
Host Coffee
Media from hostcoffee
Location: St Mary Aldermary, Watling St, London EC4M 9BW, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 7873 438774
Host Coffee’s charm lies in its location, nestled within the historic Saint Mary Aldermary Church. This architectural masterpiece was the brainchild of none other than Sir Christopher Wren, the genius behind the Royal Naval College in Greenwich and the iconic St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Today, this majestic church continues to serve as an active place of worship, but there’s more to it than Hail Marys and spiritual contemplation. The chapel does double duty as a cafe run by Mission Coffee Works.
The people who run this place understand that creative minds need their space. They offer free WiFi, allowing you to stay connected and productive. Plus, there’s a unique twist – you can even bring your food if you’re keen.
Artisan Coffee School
Media from artisan__school
Location: 32 New Broadway, London W5 2XA, United Kingdom
Contact: 020 7030 3170
The Artisan Coffee School takes its coffee game to a whole new level with beans roasted in-house by Curious Roo. Whether you’re sipping on an adventurous filter coffee or indulging in a steady espresso shot, every sip is a journey of flavour
Unlike some cafes that give you the side-eye after an hour, this place is tailor-made for a whole day’s work. The atmosphere is conducive to productivity, with just the right amount of background buzz to keep you motivated.
And here’s a delightful bonus – if you find yourself working out west frequently, the Artisan Coffee School has branches in Stamford Brook, Putney, and East Sheen. It’s like having a network of reliable workspaces at your disposal.
Fuckoffee
Media from fuckoffeebermondsey
Location: 163, 167 Bermondsey St, London SE1 3UW, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7403 7655
Fuckoffee’s audacious moniker has ruffled a few feathers, resulting in several legal requests to change it. But here’s the kicker – they haven’t backed down.
Beyond the name, Fuckoffee has carved a niche for itself as Bermondsey’s go-to workplace for freelancers and remote workers. The cafe exudes a calm and welcoming vibe that’s a stark contrast to the legal battles that have surrounded it.
The Wren
Media from thewrencoffee
Location: St Nicholas Cole Abbey, 114 Queen Victoria St, London EC4V 4BJ, United Kingdom
Contact: 020 7236 1014
The Wren allows you to bring your laptop to church, and it’s not frowned upon, it’s encouraged! It’s a sacred space for the modern-day digital nomad. Working here feels like a spiritual experience, minus the guilt for not attending Sunday service.
The Wren’s interior is a work of art in itself, with high ceilings that seem to touch the heavens, dark wood that exudes warmth, and stained glass windows that filter the light like a divine blessing.
Now, let’s talk about the beverages. The Wren serves up coffee from the reliable Caravan and tea from Brew Tea Co. It’s the kind of brew that warms your soul and keeps your productivity flowing.
EZ & Moss
Media from ezandmoss
Location: 183 Holloway Rd, London N7 8LX, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7609 9628
Nestled amidst the urban jungle, EZ & Moss is a veggie lover’s dream come true. These culinary trail blazers are the inventors of the vegan doner kebab, and they’ve carved a niche for themselves as one of the best cafes for veggie enthusiasts in London.
But what truly sets EZ & Moss apart is that it has work-friendly vibes with a local touch. They get it. There are plenty of power outlets and no judgmental glances when you set up your laptop for the day.
And if you can’t bear to be separated from your furry friends, here’s a delightful bonus – EZ & Moss is dog-friendly. You can bring your four-legged companion along for a productive workday.
Chief Coffee
Media from chief_coffee
Location: Turnham Green Terrace Mews, Chiswick, London W4 1QU, United Kingdom
Contact: [email protected]
Nestled down a picturesque mews off Turnham Green Terrace, Chief Coffee is a delightful oasis amidst a backdrop of delis, grocers, and butchers galore. If that doesn’t scream “quaint”, I don’t know what does.
Chief Coffee resides in a former furniture factory, and that’s the secret behind its mismatched yet incredibly stylish chairs and tables. Think Scandinavian chic meets industrial charm.
But here’s the real bonus: When it’s time for a break (and trust me, you’ll want one), head downstairs. Why? Pinball machines, my friends! It’s a trip down memory lane, a nostalgic escape that will transport you back to the days of pixelated adventures and high scores.
Ginger & White
Media from gingerandwhitelondon
Location: 4a, 5a Perrin’s Ct, London NW3 1QU, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7431 9098
With an oddly attractive clientele that ranges from bespectacled bookworms to creative souls with laptops in tow, this cafe has become a magnet for those who appreciate the finer things in life, like a perfectly roasted bean.
Behind the scenes, Ginger & White has a story that’s as captivating as its coffee. It all began with a dream of bringing the laid-back vibes of Australian coffee culture to London. It’s a tale that reminds us that dreams, like that first sip of morning coffee, are worth savouring.
The Peckham Pelican
Media from peckhampelican
Location: 92 Peckham Rd, London SE15 5PY, United Kingdom
Contact: 020 7701 0225
The Peckham Pelican understands the needs of modern-day freelancers and remote workers. There are more plugs than you can shake a charger at, so you won’t be caught powerless in the middle of your masterpiece.
And don’t worry about lingering for hours, the friendly staff here know that brilliance takes time.
But that’s not all, The Peckham Pelican often plays host to cultural events and exhibitions. It’s like working in an art gallery of ideas, where you can soak up art, music, and literature while crafting your own masterpiece.
Grind
Media from grind
Location: 2 London Bridge, London SE1 9RA, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 3019 7178
Grind understands that work often means a laptop and an internet connection. That’s why they’ve got you covered with reliable Wi-Fi, ample power sockets, and a welcoming attitude towards the laptop-toting crowd. You won’t be the odd one out typing away in this café.
Grind at London Bridge is your ultimate work sanctuary, open between 7 AM and late in the evening during the week. It’s the perfect spot to get an early start and enjoy some of the finest coffee and all-day food in the area.
And when the sun drops, the coffee shop transforms into a thriving restaurant and cocktail bar, making it ideal for enjoying a few post-work drinks with mates.
Bean & Hop
Media from beanandhop
Location: 424-426 Garratt Ln, London SW18 4HN, United Kingdom
Contact: 020 7998 6584
Bean & Hop is a short stroll from Earlsfield station, making it suitable as a delightful neighbourhood cafe as well as a destination for the intrepid freelancer. With Waterloo just an easy connection away, you’ve got the whole city within reach. Talk about convenience!
As a remote worker, you need space, and you need plugs – Bean & Hop gets it. They’ve got ample seating, including a cosy upstairs area, where you can hunker down with your laptop and get to work.
Plus, power sockets are as abundant as coffee cups, so you’ll never run out of juice (for your devices, that is).
Ole and Steen
Media from oleandsteenuk
Location: CR34 Crossrail Pl, London E14 5AR, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 3908 7000
Ole & Steen is a Danish bakery chain that creates some of the best pastries in London, freshly made throughout the day. Founded in Copenhagen, this cafe is a slice of Scandinavia right in the midst of the British hustle and bustle.
And what’s great about this cafe is that it welcomes you with open arms. With ample seating, including cosy nooks for solo work sessions and larger tables for collaborative efforts, it’s a digital nomad’s dream come true.
The Terrace
Media from theterracerestaurants
Location: 2 Clifton Terrace, Finsbury Park, London N4 3JU, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7272 4454
Easily accessible from anywhere in North London, thanks to its location on the Victoria and Piccadilly Lines, as well as mainline routes out of Kings Cross, The Terrace is a place that effortlessly blurs the lines between the traditional greasy spoon and artisan coffee shops.
As you type away on your laptop here, you’ll be tempted by their range of cooked brunches that stand out on their extensive menu. Each dish is a culinary delight that’s sure to keep your taste buds entertained while your brain is in overdrive.
But wait, there’s more! If you’re planning to stay all day (and why wouldn’t you?), The Terrace has you covered with lunch and dinner options that are equally seductive. From savoury delights to sweet treats, their menu is a gastronomic journey worth embarking on.
Megan’s
Media from megansrestaurants
Location: 27 Circus, West Village, London SW11 8NN, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 3468 0218
Unlike those cafes that are as fickle as a British summer, Megan’s is an all-day affair. You can roll in at the crack of dawn or stay until the stars come out; they’ve got you covered.
Need to squeeze in some work during the breakfast rush? No problem. Craving a late-night brainstorming session? They’re open to that too.
Plus, Megan’s is a dog-friendly chain with several branches around London, but this one is a prime remote working hotspot, especially if you love the idea of having your puppy keeping you company.
Apple Butter Cafe
Media from applebuttercafe
Location: 32-34 Monmouth St, London WC2H 9HA, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 3019 7474
Apple Butter Cafe understands that when it comes to workspaces, one size does not fit all. That’s why they offer a range of seating options, from tables for those who prefer a traditional setup to comfy sofas for those seeking a more relaxed ambience.
So, you get to choose the best setup for your productivity needs.
Now, let’s talk coffee. Apple Butter Cafe knows how to brew a cup that hits the sweet spot. Whether you’re a fan of velvety lattes, robust espressos, or adventurous speciality lattes like Turmeric, Charcoal, and Black Sesame, they’ve got your caffeine cravings covered.
Notes Coffee Roasters
Media from notescoffee
Location: 31 St Martin’s Ln, London WC2N 4DD, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7240 0424
Picture this: high ceilings that seem to touch the sky and vast table space that stretches as far as your creative vision. That’s what you’ll find at Notes Trafalgar Square. It’s a spacious heaven for creatives and remote workers alike.
No more elbow-to-elbow struggle, here, you’ll have all the space you need to set up shop and get to work.
As the sun sets over Trafalgar Square, Notes Trafalgar Square undergoes a magical transformation. It morphs into a high-class wine bar, complete with an array of tantalising treats to accompany your vino. It’s the ideal spot for a post-work wind-down or a classy evening out.
Ozone Coffee
Media from ozonecoffeeuk
Location: 11 Leonard St, London EC2A 4AQ, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7490 1039
Whether you’re a writer crafting a report or a student embarking on a thesis journey, Ozone Coffee has the ideal setup for you.
Imagine long bench tables strategically placed near plug sockets – it’s a remote worker’s dream come true. And if you prefer a cosier vibe, there are small comfy sofas where you can hunker down and work with minimal disturbance.
Plus, they’ve made sure to provide ample plug sockets so your devices can stay juiced up while you conquer your tasks. No more frantic searches for an outlet.
Greenspeares
Media from greenspeares
Location: 23 Walton St, London SW3 2HX, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 3915 5990
Greenspeares offers a variety of seating options, from spacious tables where you can spread out your laptop to comfy armchairs that invite you to sink in and let your ideas flow. It’s a comfort level that’s conducive to a productive day’s grind.
And once you’re here, you should definitely try their veggie breakfast. It’s a morning masterpiece that’ll start your day with a burst of flavour.