My Favourite London Cafes and Hotels to Work From
Sometimes, I just have to escape my home office—especially when I’ve got a severe case of procrastination—and take my laptop to one of my favourite London cafes or hotels to work from. ** nb post updated March 2024**
I’m not going to reveal every single one of my favourite places—I have working hidey holes all over London, and we’d be here all day. But these are my favourites as a self-employed freelancer. The newly opened Market Halls & Box Parks would probably make for good working locations as well, but I’ve not tried out their Wi-Fi connections.
A change of scene can be just the thing for kickstarting the creative juices – but I have a few self-imposed rules;
- Buying lunch if I’m going to stay for more than an hour or two, and then hot beverages every hour or two
- No taking up large tables
- If it’s getting busy, move somewhere else
- Work with friends whose working styles match yours; super intense or very chilled-out brainstorming
Freelance Friendly Cafes
White Mulberries – St Katherine’s Dock & London Bridge
These cafes are great spots for concentrating in – I especially love the London Bridge outdoor tables (in Hayes Galleria) on sunny days. I often visit White Mulberries JUST for an excuse to enjoy a slice of their pear, cardamon & dark chocolate cake – just typing this is making my mouth water.
FOOD: LOVE the Focaccia array | CHARGING POINTS: Not Really | COFFEE: Great | SEATING: Fairly Comfy
HR Higgins – Mayfair/Bond Street
I love this hidden gem – and the coffee at HR Higgins is always exceptional. It’s downstairs, but incredibly light.
FOOD: Very light snacks | CHARGING POINTS: A few | COFFEE: Great | SEATING: Fairly Comfy
The Wren Coffee – Mansion House
Serving Caravan coffee in a gorgeous church, The Wren is a great spot for clattering the laptop keyboard—just take a scarf, because the size of the building can make it a little cool.
FOOD: Pastries Mostly | CHARGING POINTS: No | COFFEE: Great | SEATING: Fairly Comfy
Kiss the Hippo – Oxford Circus & Richmond
I love Kiss the Hippo‘s coffee – I’ve always got their Donna beans in my cupboard at home, so I was delighted to discover they have actual cafes; one in Oxford Circus (aka Fitzrovia) and Richmond. I’m more often in the Oxford Circus one – and love spending an hour or two in their bright basement.
FOOD: Mostly pastries | CHARGING POINTS: Sometimes | COFFEE: Great | SEATING: Fairly Comfy, Small Tables
CAFE CHAINS TO WORK FROM
Black Sheep Cafes – Various Locations
The staff at Black Sheep cafes are always friendly, the coffee is great, they’re set up for people who want to escape their home offices for a couple of hours and they make fresh waffles (my favourite are the Norwegian inspired brown cheese & jam ones.)
FOOD: Mostly pastries & waffles | CHARGING POINTS: Sometimes | COFFEE: Great | SEATING: Varies, often comfy
Le Pain Quotidien – Various Locations
Most of the Le Pain Quotidien cafes are that ‘nicely buzzy’ level of busy – and if you’re solo they often have a large communal table so you’re not taking up a family table. Oh, and their scones are amazing – usually served hot with thick butter & jam.
FOOD: Great for lunch | CHARGING POINTS: Sometimes | COFFEE: I tend to drink the tea | SEATING: Fairly Comfortable
Caravan Restaurants – Various Locations
Whilst strictly not a cafe chain, these Kiwi restaurants usually have a more informal bar area perfect for work chats or pulling out your laptop for an hour or two. Oh, and Caravan coffee is always beyond excellent. (They do a cracking brunch too.)
FOOD: Full Menu | CHARGING POINTS: Very Occasionally | COFFEE: Always | SEATING: Fairly Comfortable
WatchHouse – Various Locations
Originating in Berdmondsey/Rotherhithe Watchhouse cafes are popping up all over London – including in Somerset House. They do a good brunch as well…
FOOD: Full Menu | CHARGING POINTS: Occasionally | COFFEE: Always | SEATING: Fairly Comfortable
HOTELS (With great cocktails for after work)
St Pancras Renaissance – Kings Cross/St Pancras Station
I love pulling up a chair at the St Pancras Renaissance; I tend to keep to the tables behind the bar. There are a few tables with power points, but you’ll have to be lucky to nab one. I always like to have lunch or cocktails there as well – just makes getting your ‘to do’ list ticked off so much more fun. (nb: there is usually a minimum spend.)
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Kimpton Fitzroy – Russell Square
I love treating myself to an afternoon in the Kimpton Fitzroy’s Palm Court – I usually plan to have lunch to begin with (their soups are awesome) and end with a glass or two with friends.
FOOD: Full Menu | CHARGING POINTS: Occasionally | COFFEE: Always | SEATING: Super Comfortable
Waldorf Astoria – Covent Garden/Aldwich
The Waldorf Astoria has a perfectly set up foyer for working from – the service can be a little slow at times but I rather like not being hurried at all. The WIFI is great, the cocktails are good, there’s a pianist if you’re there still at early evenings and they have a pretty good bar menu (though they don’t do the truffle fries as well any more.)
FOOD: Bar Menu | CHARGING POINTS: Occasionally | COFFEE: Pretty Good | SEATING: Super Comfortable
The Landmark Hotel – Marylebone
The light filled atrium of the Landmark Hotel is a beautiful spot to work from (upstairs as the downstairs is set up as the full restaurant.)
FOOD: Bar Menu | CHARGING POINTS: Occasionally | COFFEE: Pretty Good | SEATING: Super Comfortable
What is most important to you when picking a cafe or hotel to work from?
