Working Remotely in London: Everything You Need to Know (from a London-Based Entrepreneur)

Working remotely in London? Here’s everything you need to know to live your ‘work-from-anywhere’ life in London to the fullest — from a full-time entrepreneur based in London!

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There’s just something about working from London.

Maybe it’s the endless London cafes to work from, maybe it’s being in Europe’s most exciting capital, or maybe it’s just the feeling of ‘working from anywhere’- when that anywhere just so happens to be the most iconic city in the world.

From co-working spots in Shoreditch to quiet nooks in Hampstead Heath, London isn’t just a place to visit — it’s a hub for freelancers, remote workers and entrepreneurs looking to build their dream life in The Big Smoke, including you!

As someone who moved here from the US nearly a decade ago and now runs my business full-time in London (between writing blog posts, creating content and squeezing in the occasional high street stroll), I know firsthand how rewarding — and at times, overwhelming — navigating remote life here can be.

That’s why I put this guide together. Whether you’re…

A freelancer tired of working from your sofa and ready to discover your new go-to spot in London
A remote employee lucky enough to work abroad (or planning a short-term stay in the UK)
A digital entrepreneur ready to plug into the creative buzz of the capital

…this is for you.

✍🏽 Quick legal note: This guide is intended for those who can legally live and work in the UK. Also, I’m not a lawyer.

Shall we?

About the Author

Hi, I’m Candace — a London-based travel writer and content creator who traded the East Coast of the US for the charm of the UK back in 2016. London’s been my home ever since.

On this blog, you’ll find hundreds of thoughtfully crafted London, UK, Europe and Worldwide travel guides alongside lots of insider London tips, honest hotel and restaurant reviews and advice for content creators.

P.S. – For more trip inspiration, travel videos, and behind-the-scenes adventures, be sure to follow along (and say hello, if you fancy) on Instagram, TikTok or YouTube.

🗞️📺 As featured on the BBC, USA Today & Recipe.TV.

Where to Base Yourself in London As a Remote Worker/Freelancer/Entrepreneur

Whether you’re staying a few months or longer, where you base yourself can truly shape your whole London experience.

In my opinion, here are a few of best neighbourhoods for freelancers, creatives and remote workers — with easy access to cafés, coworking spots and great vibes.

📍Central London

Bloomsbury – Bookish, beautiful, and full of inspiration — home to some of London’s best libraries, leafy squares and calm corners to knuckle down and work.

Clerkenwell – A design-lover’s dream with gorgeous Georgian streets, tons of media/tech offices and plenty of hidden work-friendly gems.

Fitzrovia – Quietly chic with creative agencies tucked between charming cafés — plus Soho and Oxford Street are just steps away.

📍North London

Camden – Not just markets and music — there’s a surprisingly strong indie café and coworking scene here too, plus lovely canal walks for a midday reset.

Islington – Think leafy streets, buzzy brunch spots, and the perfect mix of charm and centrality for creatives who like balance.

Hampstead – Leafy, peaceful and impossibly charming — if it’s in your budget, Hampstead offers village vibes, elegant cafés and those dreamy Heath walks that make remote workdays feel a little bit like being in a main character movie.

📍South London

Peckham – Vibrant, artistic and full of energy — rooftop bars, community cafés and studios make it a magnet for remote creatives.

Clapham – A freelancer favourite thanks to its strong coffee culture, green space galore (talking to you Clapham Common) and fast commutes into the city.

Deptford – Underrated and overflowing with personality — think coworking collectives, art spaces and global eats on your doorstep.

📍East London

Hackney – Trendy and effortlessly cool with warehouse studios, sleek co-working hubs and a never-ending list of laptop-friendly spots.

Bethnal Green – Affordable (by London standards), brilliantly connected, and just a short stroll to Victoria Park or Brick Lane.

London Fields – Perfect if you like your coworking with a side of artisan coffee, fresh air and Columbia Road Flower Market runs.

📍West London

Notting Hill – Beyond the pastels and Portobello charm, Notting Hill is also home to some of London’s cosiest corners to work from.

Shepherd’s Bush – Well-priced for West, packed with diversity (and amazing Ethiopian food), great for shopping and one Tube ride from basically anywhere.

Hammersmith – Reliable transport links (District, Piccadilly and Hammersmith & City line!), riverside pubs and laid-back energy.

✨ Bonus: If you’re craving something a bit slower-paced without straying too far from the action, consider Richmond.

P.S. – Even if you can’t find a flat in one of these exact neighbourhoods, try looking just outside them (example, Kentish Town instead of Camden).

Where to Work: Cafés, Coworking Spaces & Libraries

Including my favourite workspaces and cafés with good WiFi, London co-working memberships to consider and free/low-cost quiet work spots.

Whether you’re sipping lattes under sunlit windows or tapping away in a quiet library nook, finding your perfect work spot in London can make all the difference — and dare I say, even romanticise your remote workday (laptop in tow, oat flat white by your side).

Here’s a few of my favourites:

📍Central London

The British Library (96 Euston Rd., London NW1 2DB) – One of the best quiet places to work in the city. You’ll need to register for a Reader Pass to access the reading rooms, but the public café space is laptop‑friendly and inspiring.

The Café at Foyles (107 Charing Cross Rd, London WC2H 0DT) — Set on the 5th floor of one of London’s best-loved bookshops, this café has reliable WiFi, comfy sofas and a peaceful, literary energy that’s perfect for solo work sessions.

The Reading Room at Wellcome Collection (183 Euston Rd., London NW1 2BE) – A calm, creative space with eclectic books, velvet chairs and plug-friendly corners — ideal for quiet workdays with a bit of museum exploring

📍North London

Vagabond N7 (105 Holloway Rd, London N7 8LT) Tucked just minutes from Highbury & Islington, this calm neighbourhood café is great for midweek laptop days — think industrial-style interiors, steady WiFi and a hidden back garden for warmer afternoons.

Samsung KX (Coal Drops Yard, London N1C 4DQ) A modern space with free workstations, strong WiFi, USB ports, and screens available for public use — right in the heart of Coal Drops Yard. Great if you need a tech-friendly zone with plenty of food options nearby for your lunch break.

Waterstones Hampstead (68–69 Hampstead High St, London NW3 1QP) Set upstairs from the bookshop, this low-key café is a surprisingly peaceful spot to get work done. Plus, once you log off, you’re already on Hampstead High Street — perfect for ambling through the village or heading up to the Heath for a post-work wander.

📍South London

The Peckham Pelican (92 Peckham Rd, London SE15 5PY) A relaxed, no-frills café-bar where creatives and freelancers mix — expect big tables, plug sockets, and a steady stream of espresso (or something stronger if you’re staying late). They have a great writing club here too.

Canova Hall Hotdeskin g (250 Ferndale Rd, Brixton, London SW9 8BQ)
Come here for buzzy Brixton coworking by day, cocktail bar by night. Pay-by-day hotdesking with strong WiFi, power at every seat, and bottomless coffee refills.

National Theatre (Upper Ground, South Bank, London SE1 9PX) The theatre’s foyer is spacious, plug-in friendly and perfect for quiet focus with views across the river — a bit of a hidden gem for remote workers south of the Thames. Plus you can explore South Bank after!

📍East London

The Hoxton, Shoreditch (81 Great Eastern St, London EC2A 3HU) A long-time favourite for remote workers (including me) in East London’s coolest hotel lobby. There’s a mix of shared tables and cushioned lounge seating, free Wi‑Fi, and while plug sockets aren’t everywhere, there are a few hanging about. It’ll get lively mid‑afternoon as the lobby doubles as a restaurant/bar, so best for light work.

BloomsYard – 100 Liverpool Street (100 Liverpool St, London EC2M 2AT) If you need a focused stop near the City, BloomsYard is a great shout. Minimal interiors, decent coffee, and usually a good mix of corporate and remote worker energy. I like it for quick power-hour sessions and occasional meetings and co-working near Liverpool Street.

Barbican Library (Silk St, London EC2Y 8DS) Quiet, reliable, and completely underrated. The public library inside the Barbican Centre is one of my favourite hush-hush spots for deep work. There’s generous desk space, the WiFi rarely fails, and when you need a breather, you’re already in one of London’s most architectural corners — perfect for a wander between work.

📍West London

John Lewis Terrace Café, Westfield White Cit y (Ariel Way, White City, W12 7GF) A surprisingly calm corner in the midst of the mall, with table seating and large windows looking out over Shepherd’s Bush. It’s workably quiet on weekday mornings, though note there are no plug sockets—best for shorter bursts or if you arrive fully charged.

Venture X Chiswick Park Day Passes (Building 7, 566 Chiswick High Rd, W4 5YG) A light-filled workspace hub with £20 day passes that gives you access to hot-desking, high-speed Wi-Fi, phone booths, ergonomic chairs, and kitchen facilities. A peaceful workspot alternative if you want something more structured than a café. And Chiswick Business Park is beautiful!

Brompton Library (210 Old Brompton Rd, SW5 0BS) A calm, underrated spot in Kensington with free Wi‑Fi, plenty of seating, and a dedicated co-working area upstairs as part of the K+C Co-works initiative. Open Monday to Saturday, it’s ideal for quiet admin days or low-key deep work without the pressure to buy another coffee.

Working from Libraries in London

Libraries London to work from — *Kensington Library*

Speaking of libraries — they’re some of the most underrated places to work from in London. Ideal when you need quiet focus without the hum of café chatter or the pressure to keep ordering flat whites.

Many come with reliable Wi‑Fi, plug sockets, and peaceful reading rooms that make it easy to settle in and get through a full workday.

Outside of Brompton Library a few of my favourites include:

Mayfair Library (25 S Audley St, London W1K 2PB)
Kensington Central Library (12 Phillimore Walk, London W8 7RX)
Chelsea Library (Chelsea Old Town Hall, King’s Rd, London SW3 5EZ)
Belsize Park Library (Antrim Grove, Belsize Park, London NW3 4XN)
Richmond Lending Library (Little Green, Richmond TW9 1QL)

Co-Working Spaces London

If you’re ready for some consistency and community when it comes to where you work in London — here are co-working brands to check out too.

Soho Works – Stylish coworking from Soho House Group with locations like Shoreditch & White City.
WeWork – Multiple neighbourhoods covering central to suburban London; reliable WiFi, meeting rooms, members’ events.
Second Home – Beyond its hip East London flagship, includes locations in West London and even across Europe (lots of great community events at this one)

Getting Around London As a Remote Worker/Freelancer/Entrepreneur

One of the underrated perks of working remotely? You’re not tied to rush hour. Travelling during off-peak times (weekdays before 6:30 am, 9:30 am–3:59 pm, and after 7 pm) can make a big difference to your budget — especially if you grab a Railcard for discounted fares.

For public transport, get an Oyster card or use contactless, and always check your route on Citymapper or Google Maps.

And don’t forget: walking and cycling can be the fastest (and most scenic) way to get around central London. Santander Cycles or Lime Bikes are easy to rent and dotted all over the city, and there are loads of dedicated cycle lanes to take advantage of.

P.S. – If you’re completely new to London transport be sure to read my How to Get Around London Guide 🚇

Setting Up Your Digital Life in London

A few bits to keep in mind if you’re working from your laptop in the city!

UK SIMs or eSIMs – Grab one from giffgaff, EE or O2 for solid coverage and data or if you’re only here for a short while get an eSIM with Airalo.

Portable Charger – A must if you’re hopping between cafés all day.

Invoicing + Payments – I use Xero for my accounting software to keep everything clean, logged and ready for tax time and StriveX as my accountant (they’re amazing). To file my US taxes abroad, I use Expat File.

UK Banking Options – I personally use Monzo, but also recommend HSBC, Starling, and Wise for international transfers (great if you earn in different currencies).

Tax & Business Setup – My business is a UK private limited company, but I started as a sole trader which is a lot more straightforward if you’re starting out freelancing in the UK. Be sure to speak to an accountant about the best option for you.

How to Build Routine, Community & Balance Working Remote, Freelancing or Being an Entrepreneur in London

As dreamy as it sounds to ‘have no schedule’, I can promise you — if you’re working remotely in London, you’ll want one.

In a city that moves fast, a grounding routine makes all the difference — even if you’re lucky enough to choose your own hours.

Personally, I plan my week on Sundays, set clear to-dos for M-F the following week, and start most weekdays with movement (a gym class, yoga or spin). I’ll usually work from home a couple days, spend 1–2 days in a co-working space, and dedicate one day to working from a café — just to keep things fresh.

I also make a point to head to events, meet up with friends, or tap into creative community spaces during the week — it keeps me energised and helps avoid that solo-working burnout spiral that’s all too easy to fall into.

Read More: How to Make Friends in London

Making the Most of London Life As A Remote Work/Freelancer/Entrepreneur in London

In a world where digital nomads often chase cheaper cities, you might wonder — why choose to work remotely from London?

For me, it’s the endless mix of energy and opportunity.

London is a city that never runs out of things to do — from free museums and leafy parks to cosy cafés and theatre shows.

Yes, it’s pricey. But it’s also a city that balances high hustle with a European ‘work isn’t everything’ mindset — a lovely sweet spot — especially coming from the US.

And when you need a break? You’ve got day trips from London, UK, weekend getaways and the rest of Europe just a short plane or train ride away (did someone say Eurostar from London to Paris?).

Resources You’ll Actually Use As A Remote Worker/Freelancer/Entrepreneur in London

From running your business in London to staying productive, here are a few tools and resources I actually use (and love) in my remote London work life:

Notion – My all-in-one workspace. I use it for everything — from content calendars to client notes to weekly to-dos. Total game-changer.

Otter.ai – Great for recording meetings and generating automatic transcripts — perfect if you juggle multiple clients or projects.

Pomodoro Timer – A go-to when I need to focus. I stick to the 25/5 method (25 mins deep work, 5 mins break)

Business Podcasts – A few favourites: How I Built This, Working Hard by Grace Beverley, and the Colin and Samir Show.

Spotify – Workday Jazz and LoFi Focus Flow

London Explorer Itineraries – Want to discover London like a local — not just a tourist? My London Explorer itineraries each come with 10 handpicked local days in Central, North, South, East or West London.

Or grab the full bundle of 50 itineraries and explore every corner of the city like a pro after your workdays. Browse them here 🗺️

Final Thoughts On Remote Working in London

Working remotely in London isn’t always easy — the city’s fast pace, the cost, the constant temptation to explore instead of tick things off your to-do list.

But when it works, it really works.

You get to build a career, on your terms, in one of the most inspiring, opportunity-filled cities in the world.

So whether you’re freelancing, building a business, or just settling into remote life here — keep going. You’re doing better than you think.

Save this guide for later, share it with your London work buddy, and follow along on my socials and blog for more real-life tips on living and working in the UK capital. You’ve got this!

Thanks for reading my Remote Working in London Guide. If you enjoyed it, let me know on Instagram!

CHECK OUT MORE LONDON GUIDES:

Happy Londoning,

Working Remotely in London: Everything You Need to Know (from a London-Based Entrepreneur)

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