Looking for the best cafes to work from in London? Here’s my personal roundup of the top spots to bang out your workday — from a Londoner.
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2020 meant trading our London commutes for pj pants, but after a year of working from home, let’s just say I’m ready for some human interaction — and a flat white.
But coffee shops you can work in are very different from ‘Instagrammable cafes‘. So, today we’re talking pocket sockets, wifi, hours, meeting rooms, communal tables, and all the other sexy words that make you want to bang a workday out.
Whether you’re a remote worker, freelancer, or writing out your next screenplay, here’s 25+ best cafes work from in London — for every borough.
25+ Best Cafes to Work in London (from a Londoner)
Best Coffee Shops to Work From in Central London
1. Host Coffee
St Mary Aldermary, Watling St, London EC4M 9BW
If you’re in the mood for a sacred cuppa — Host Coffee is calling your name. The historic Saint Mary Aldermary Church was the architectural brain child of Sir Christopher Wren (who also built the Royal Naval College in Greenwich and St Paul’s Cathedral).
Present-day, the Church serves as an active place of worship. But there’s more to do here than Hail Mary’s — the chapel doubles as a cafe run by the Mission Coffee Works. Bring your laptop, enjoy their free wifi and even bring your own food if you’re keen.
Must-Try: Moroaccan Mint Tea
Opening Hours: Monday-Thursday 7:30am-4:30pm, Friday 7:30am-4:00pm
Closest Station: St Paul’s
Website: hostcafelondon.com
2. Fuckoffee
167 Bermondsey St, Bermondsey, London SE1
Most London coffee shops are marked by their charm, a good espresso, or of course, their ‘Instagrammableness‘ (new word?). But I’m not sure of any that are known for being legally asked to change their name.
With the oh-so-close similarity to…well you can guess the rest — Fuckoffee has been asked to change their name several times by the police and local council.
But to date, nothing’s stopped them from continuing to be Bermondsey’s favorite workplace for freelancers and remote workers alike.
The vibe is calm, sockets are plenty, and you’re sure to see an interesting crowd while you’re here.
Must-Try: Banana Honey Smoothie
Opening Hours: 7am-6pm Monday-Saturday, 8am-6pm Sunday
Closest Station: London Bridge
Website: darksidecoffee.co.uk
Cafes to Work From in North London
3. EZ & Moss
183 Holloway Rd, London N7 8LX
The London vegan scene is thriving, and luckily it’s made it’s made its way to the coffee shops too.
EZ & Moss’ (aka the inventors of the vegan doner kebab and one of the best cafes to work from in London for veggie lovers) are independently owned with a local vibe that makes it easy to hunker down and get some work done. Plus they’re dog-friendly.
Must-Try: Quiche of the day
Opening Hours: 8:30am-3:30pm Monday-Friday
Closest Station: Holloway Road Station
Website: ezmoss.co.uk
4. Ginger & White
4a, 5a Perrin’s Ct, London NW3 1QS
After spending the day in Hampstead Heath, I was ready to leave the park behind and get some work done.
Thankfully, Ginger & White caught my eye, and it’s well worth the visit. Attracting somewhat of a coffee cult (with an oddly attractive clientele) this quaint coffee haven comes with friendly staff, a lazy atmosphere, and a few friendly sockets to plug in your workday.
Must-Try: Açaí bowl
Opening Hours: 7:30am-5:30pm Monday-Friday, 7:30am-6pm Saturday, 8am-6pm Sunday
Closest Station: Hampstead
Website: gingerandwhite.com
5. Vagabond
105 Holloway Rd, London N7 8LT
I’m pretty sure this coffee shop was made by a digital nomad (or just really inspired by this book).
The hip North London cafe doesn’t hold back when it comes to coffee — or being freelancer-friendly. A community-minded hub, Vagabond literally states “Our home is your home”…bring on the laptops, my friend.
Must-Try: The Tree Hugger Breakfast
Opening Hours: 7:30am-5pm Monday-Friday, 9am-6pm Weekends
Closest Station: Holloway Road Station
Website: vagabondcoffeeroasters.com
Laptop Friendly Cafes in West London
6. Coffee Plant
180 Portobello Rd, W11 2EB
There’s not many cafes to work from in London with 25+ organic blends — but the Coffee Plant came to impress.
The independent roastery is a great place to stop off for a brew in general. But of course, we’re here for business. So strap up and head out to Portobello Road to support this no-frills coffee hub (with a very interesting blog).
Must-Try: Chai Latte
Opening Hours: 8am-4pm everyday
Closest Station: Notting Hill Gate
Website: coffee.uk.com
7. John Lewis Terrace Cafe, Westfield Mall
Ariel Way, White City, London W12 7GF
If you ever find yourself shopping in Westfield Mall this cafe is a no-brainer.
The terraced cafe offers stunning views of Shepard’s Bush and decent tables for one. Although it’s perfectly alright to get some work done here, there’s no sockets or plugs, so make sure you charge up before.
Must-Try: Iced Americano
Opening Hours: Check the latest opening hours here
Closest Station: Shepard’s Bush
Website:johnlewis.com/white-city
8. Chief Coffee
Turnham Green Terrace Mews, Chiswick, London W4 1QU
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You’ll have to do some hunting to find this one — but once you stumble on Chief Coffee’s hidden mews location, you’ll be glad you made the journey.
Now, I know we talked about getting some work done, but it can’t be all work and no play! Tripling as a Speciality coffee shop, Japanese Arcade, and Pinball Emporium, you’ll be hard-pressed to find another cafe in London quite like this.
Must-Try: Rainbow Cake
Opening Hours: 8am-5:30pm Monday-Friday, Saturday 9am-6:00pm, 10am-5:30pm Sunday
Closest Station: Turnham Green Station
Website: chief-coffee.com
9. Artisan Coffee School
32 New Broadway, Ealing, London W5 2XA
For those who care about coffee first — consider the Artisan Coffee School your hallelujah.
Filled with wooden tables and a generous amount of benches and chairs, you can easily spend your workday here. But if you’re keen to get in on the action, they also hold courses year-round to help step your coffee game up at home.
Must-Try: Macchiato
Opening Hours: 8:30am-3pm Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm Weekends
Closest Station: North Ealing Station
Website: artisancoffeeschool.co.uk
10. Greenspeares
23 Walton St, Chelsea, London SW3 2HX
Even though the name reminds me of an angry vegan, Greenspeares does not disappoint. The friendly neighborhood cafe has been a staple to Chelsea for some time now, and any time in their coffee shop will show you why.
With an upstairs and downstairs, plenty of food options, and fast wifi, you’re in very good hands here.
Must-Try: Vegan Rhubarb & Orange Porridge
Opening Hours: 8am-4pm Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm Weekends
Closest Station: South Kensington
Website: greenspeares.co.uk
11. Electric Coffee Company
40 Haven Green, Ealing, London W5 2NX
If you’re looking for a guaranteed good coffee, head to Electric Coffee Company.
With one of the best-respected cuppas in East London and a local feel to match — you can hunker your laptop on a trendy wooden table and finish out your workday with a breeze. Although it’s generally a quiet cafe in London, lunchtime can get a bit busy.
Must-Try: Carrot Cake
Opening Hours: Monday-Friday 7am-6pm, Saturday 8-6pm, Sunday 9am-6pm
Closest Station: Ealing Broadway
Website: electriccoffee.co.uk
12. Joe & The Juice
46 Dean St, Soho, London W1D 4QD (37 locations across London)
I remember finding Joe & Juice after realizing sitting in a hip coffee shop is way cooler than banging your head over your dissertation in a sweaty university library…but I digress.
With 37 locations across the capital, you’re sure to find the perfect spot in whichever borough you’re in. Even though it’s not a co-working space, I love working here for high-quality coffee (and juices), ample workspace, pocket sockets, and fast wifi to support my day. Although based on the vibe here, I wouldn’t suggest it for deep work.
Must-Try: Sex Me Up
Opening Hours: Usually 8-10pm
Closest Station: Leicester Square
Website: joejuice.com
Best Cafes to Work From in East London
13. St Pauls Islington
274B St Paul’s Rd, Highbury East, London N1 2LJ
An independent coffee shop nestled on St Paul’s road this cafe is a London local’s dream. Doubling as a wine bar you can enjoy your workday with their all-day seasonal menu and end the evening with a well-deserved glass of quality wine (that won’t break your bank)…or a bangin’ craft beer.
Because of the welcoming atmosphere and homey feel, this is definitely one of the best cafes to work in London.
Must-Try: Coffee Cake
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 9am-9pm
Closest Station: Highbury & Islington
Website: stpaulislington.com
14. CitizenM Tower of London
40 Trinity Square, St Katharine’s & Wapping, London EC3N 4DJ
I know what you’re thinking “Candace, this is a hotel?” — or is it? Okay, it is. But if you want the feeling of staying in a swanky London pad without the price tag, you can hop over to their lobby and enjoy the view — for free!
Not only do they allow laptops, but the area is staked with sofas, tables, free wifi, and some of the best coffee in London.
Must-Try: Cappuccino
Opening Hours: 7am-4pm Monday-Friday, 8am-2pm Weekend
Closest Station: Tower Hill
Website: citizenm.com/tower-of-london-hotel
15. Ozone Coffee
11 Leonard St, Old Street, London EC2A 4AQ
If you’ve been in the London coffee scene for any amount of time you’re sure to have heard of Ozones.
Unfortunately, its fame comes at a cost, and it might not always be one of the quieter places to get work done in the city. But if you’re coming mid-day, you should be able to find the perfect spot to hole up and get some work done.
Must-Try: Hot Chocolate Chili Peppermint
Opening Hours: 8am-3pm Monday-Friday, 9am-3pm Weekends
Closest Station: Old Street
Website: ozonecoffee.co.uk
16. The Hoxton Shoreditch
81 Great Eastern St, Hackney, London EC2A
If you want to feel like the cool ‘laptop life’ person you are, I highly suggest working from the Hoxton in Shoreditch.
The lobby is completely open for workers (which is super chic by the way) making it the perfect backdrop for your 9-5. I love the energy here, so it’s definitely my preferred place to work whenever I’m in Shoreditch.
Due to the pandemic, they’ve also launched their official co-working spaces ‘working from _’ spaces if you want a bit more privacy.
Must-Try: Matcha Latte
Opening Hours: 7am-11pm Monday-Sunday
Closest Station: Old Street
Website: thehoxton.com
17. Lighthaus
11 Argall Ave, Walthamstow, London E10 7QE
Airy vibe, tons of greenery, high ceilings — what more could you ask for? If you’re looking for someplace to release your productivity, Lighthaus is your go-to. Not as well known as many London coffee jaunts — you’ll get a total local feel in this industrial estate.
Must-Try: Banana Bread
Opening Hours: 9am-4pm Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm Weekends
Closest Station: Lea Bridge Train Station
Website: facebook.com/lighthauscafe/
18. The Attendant
74 Great Eastern St, Shoreditch, London EC2A 3JL
“Have you been the Attendant?”
The question followed me from the moment I moved to East London. And after visiting…it was horrible. Joking! I get the hype. Distinctly recognizable — if the white-washed walls, copper lamps, and zinc bar tops don’t draw you in like a moth to a flame, then their seasonal menu is sure to seduce you into a long day of work and nibbles.
Must-Try: Iced Chocolate
Opening Hours: 8am-3pm Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm Weekends
Closest Station: Shoreditch High Street
Website: the-attendant.com/shoreditch
19. No 42 Coffee Junction
42 Provost St, Hoxton, London N1 7SU
As with most places in London, you’re always hard-pressed for space. Luckily the Coffee Junction comes with plenty of room.
The independent coffee hub is quiet, spacious, and with a free outdoor meeting area, it’s basically freelancer’s heaven.
Must-Try: Pastry of the Day
Opening Hours: 7am-4pm Monday-Friday
Closest Station: Old Street
Website: facebook.com/42coffeejunction
20. Forge & Co.
154-158 Shoreditch High St, Shoreditch, London E1 6HU
Although most cafes in London don’t officially ban laptop dwellers, I’m always a bit anxious rolling up with my workday to random coffee shops (who may not be too keen on people making it their office for the day). But then came Forge & Co.
Although you’ll have to pay for a proper desk, the restaurant’s first floor is open and welcome for laptop workers — just avoid brunch time.
Must-Try: Moroccan Mint Tea
Opening Hours: 8am-7pm Monday-Friday
Closest Station: Shoreditch High Street
Website: forgeandco.co.uk
Best Coffee Shops to Work From in South London
21. Caravan
30 Great Guildford St, London SE1 0HS
The word ‘Caravan’ doesn’t necessarily bring “best cafes to work from in London” to mind. But they’ve proved me wrong. The restaurant, bar, and coffee roastery sits nicely in King’s Cross, and the atmosphere does not disappoint.
Must-Try: Market Blend Espresso
Opening Hours: 9am-11pm Monday-Thursday, 9am-12pm Friday, 9am-12am Saturday, 9am-5pm Sunday
Closest Station: Lavington Street
Website: caravanrestaurants.co.uk/
22. Stir Coffee
111 Brixton Hill, Brixton, London SW2 1AA
The best thing about Stir is good coffee comes first. But there’s also a hefty amount of corners and plugs to start your day in the #laptoplifestyle.
After hours — treat yourself to their delicious pastries, craft beer, or who are we kidding, both.
Must-Try: Kenya Kamwangi Coffee
Opening Hours: 8am-3pm Monday-Friday, 9am-3pm Weekends
Closest Station: Brixton
Website: stircoffee.co.uk
23. Rude Health Cafe
212 New King’s Rd, Fulham, London SW6 4NZ
The life of a laptop worker can often mean sacrificing good food in exchange for scarfing down the quickest eats to get back to our workday. But Rude Health Cafe isn’t having it!
Tucked between Putney and Fulham this coffee shop is on a mission to provide the best of great ingredients and a friendly workday — ‘Nothing artificial. Nothing refined’.
Must-Try: 5 Grain 5 Seed Porridge
Opening Hours: 7:30am-5pm
Closest Station: Putney Bridge Station
Website: rudehealth.com/rude-health-cafe/
24. The Peckham Pelican
The Peckham Pelican, 92 Peckham Rd, London SE15 5PY
This no-frills art venue may seem like more of a local hangout than a workspace, but who says we can’t be multi-faceted?
The natural lit hub comes with plenty of space and £1 DIY bagels that will make your London wallet thank you ten times over.
Must-Try: D-I-Y Bagels
Opening Hours: 11am-4pm Monday, 11am-10pm Tuesday-Sunday
Closest Station: Peckham Rye
Website: thepeckhampelican.co.uk
25. F Mondays
112A Brixton Hill, Brixton, London SW2 1AH
They said it not me. In all seriousness, this is one of the best cafes to get work done from in London.
The quaint Brixton staple prides itself on being worker-friendly with a welcoming vibe and uniquely delicious menu.
Must-Try: Cookie Dough Brownie
Opening Hours: 8am-4pm Tuesday-Friday, 9am-2pm Saturday
Closest Station: Brixton
Website: fmondayscoffee.com
26. Lumberjack Cafe
70 Camberwell Church St, Camberwell, London SE5 8QZ
Did someone say Lumerjack?
Okay, so there’s no 6’5 bearded men serving you coffee here (at least that I can remember) but the South London hub is the spot for banging out a workday with some quick bites, artisanal brews, creative flair, and local craft beer. Doesn’t get any more hipster than that.
Must-Try: Flat White
Opening Hours: 8am-4pm Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm Weekends
Closest Station: Denmark Hill
Website: wearelumberjack.co.uk
Well, that’s all from me! I’ll keep updating this post as I find more of the best cafes to work from in London, but if you have any more recommendations you’d like me to add, be sure to let me know @candaceabroad.
Happy sipping,
This post was SO needed! I’ll be taking the train from Edinburgh on Thursday, and have been looking for a great spot to work on Friday. Thanks for the inspo! xx
Ah so glad you found it helpful!