When I have stuff to write, read or research I like to go to a not-too-busy, not-too-noisy coffee shop. Here are my top picks in central London..
CAMPUS: 4-5 Bonhill St, Shoreditch, London EC2A 4BX
This is google’s cafe for entrepreneurs, start-up projects and freelancers. You have to sign up & become a member before you go but then you get access to the downstairs cafe that’s full of tables and chairs and good wifi. Get there earlier rather than later as this place does get crowded. (Open weekdays 9am-8pm).
ALBION: 63 Clerkenwell Rd, London EC1M 5NP. Farringdon.
It’s nice and big with two floors. Sit down stairs for more peace and quiet. No music just a few other people working so you feel like you have company. Delicious pastries, food and nice big windows upstairs if you prefer a bit of atmosphere (Open everyday 8am – 11pm).
THE HOXTON, HOLBORN: 199-206 High Holborn, London, WC1V 7BD. Get here early to get a seat! This place is chocka with freelance writers & apple laptop owners sat quietly on comfy arm chairs making one pot of tea last 8 hours. A very trendy place with fast wifi that also serves alcohol! (Open always! It’s a hotel too).
FIX COFFEE: 161 Whitecross St, EC1Y 8JL. Moorgate or Barbican tube. So worth going here just for a ‘Pastel de nata’ (Portuguese custard pastry) and very good coffee. Nice outdoor tables and comfy leather sofas to sit on as well as normal table and chairs. Not a big place but normally not too busy. BAD POINT: Only one hour of wifi free so you have to use your mobile as a hotspot after a while. (Weekdays open 7-7. Weekends 8-7).
PRUFROCK: 23-25 Leather Lane, London, EC1N 7TE. This place has a school to train Baristas so it’s pretty serious about making the most delicious coffees. Good wifi and lots of tables. (Weekdays open 8-6, weekends 10-5).
NATIONAL THEATRE CAFE, Southbank: Upper Ground, South Bank, London SE1 9PX. Good views of the river thames and be amongst creatives having meetings in the national theatre cafe. Free wifi. Open: Monday to Saturday, 9.30 – 8.00. Sunday, 12 noon – 6.00pm.
MORE RECOMMENDATIONS
http://apeaceoflondon.com/quiet-places-to-write-in-central-london/
http://www.pack-your-passport.com/2015/05/best-cafes-to-work-from-in-london.html
Hannah Gray 