Need a change of scenery? Here are 11 best cafes to work in London to get some stuff done
Working remotely has its perks—like getting to stay in the comfort of my own home. But let’s be real, sometimes that comfort turns into laziness, and ideas seem to take a little vacation of their own.
Whenever that happens, I pack up my laptop and head to a cafe instead. There’s something about the vibe of a coffee shop that just wakes up my creativity. Plus, being surrounded by others who are also working guilt-trips me into getting some stuff done.
Most of the time, I even drag some co-writers along, we turn cafe visits into a little work session.
If you’re also in need of a change of scenery, we’ve got you covered! Here are some of our favourite London cafes to visit when we need some work done!
1. Prufrock Coffee
Media credits: prufrockcoffee
Address: 23-25 Leather Ln
Contact details:
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Saturday: 8 AM – 5 PM
- Sunday: 9 AM – 5 PM
Price: ££
Prufrock Coffee has over 2,000 square feet of bright, open-plan seating that makes it feel airy and inviting. Huge windows flood the space with natural light, and the minimalistic decors add to the clean vibe.
The coffee menu is solid, featuring beans from Square Mile. We tried a mix of espresso-based drinks and filter options–everything was smooth, well-balanced, and expertly made. The mocha had just the right amount of richness without being overly sweet.
The best part? The Wi-Fi was strong, and there was no pressure to keep ordering just to stay.
Pro tip:
The café’s front doors are often open, which can make it a bit chilly, especially in colder months. If you plan to stay a while, having an extra layer on hand can help you stay comfortable.
2. The Wren Coffee
Media credits: thewrencoffee
Address: 114 Queen Victoria St, City of London
Contact details: + 44 020 7236 1014
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday: 7 AM – 4:30 PM
- Thursday: 7 AM – 12:45 PM, 2 PM – 4:30 PM
- Friday: 7 AM – 4:30 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: Closed
Price: ££
We were immediately struck with the unique setting of The Wren Coffee. It’s housed in a historic church, and the cafe blends stunning English Baroque architecture with modern elements. The high ceilings, intricate stonework, and large windows uplift the space.
There are plenty of tables, some communal, and even electric plugs available for those settling in a longer stay. The free Wi-Fi is reliable, and the soft classical music in the background definitely helped us stay focused on work.
We got to try their coffees, including the flat white and seasonal blend. Both of them were smooth and not bitter since we requested to have them sweetened.
Pro tip:
If you have a sweet tooth, swing by The Wren Coffee after 3 PM for some discounted desserts. It’s a great deal for an afternoon treat.
3. Attendant Coffee Roasters – Fitzrovia
Media credits: attendantcoffeeroasters
Address: 27A Foley St
Contact details: +44 020 7637 1770
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 8 AM – 5 PM
Price: ££
Attendant Coffee Roasters has this quirky charm with its green and white tiled walls and old urinals repurposed into the design.
It’s a pretty small space, with a communal table and counter seating that makes it easy to chat with others. But, this also means securing a spot can be tricky during busy hours.
Since it’s underground, the phone signal isn’t great. Thankfully, the free Wi-Fi was reliable enough for us to get some work done without any issues.
Our group tried a mix of espresso-based drinks and single-origin filters, and each cup was smooth, flavourful, and expertly brewed. The V60 Drip was our favourite since it brought out the delicate notes in the beans.
Pro tip:
Since Attendant Coffee Roasters is dog-friendly, bring your pup along with you. The friendly staff are often happy to offer a water bowl for your companion.
4. KOZZEE Cafe Soho
Media credits: kozzeesoho
Address: 193 Wardour St
Contact details: [email protected]
Operating hours:
- Monday: 7:30 AM – 7 PM
- Tuesday to Friday: 7:30 AM – 7:30 PM
- Saturday: 8:30 AM – 8:30 PM
- Sunday: 8:30 AM – 7 PM
Price: ££
Our team stopped by one morning at KOZZEE Cafe, and the mix of modern industrial elements gave the space a laid-back but stylish vibe.
There was pop music playing softly in the background during our visit, so it’s something to keep in mind if you don’t like to work with a little noise. With good noise-cancelling headphones, though, you definitely won’t notice the music.
What we really loved about this place is that it has plenty of seating and charging ports. Finding a spot is never really a problem.
For drinks, we ordered their salted caramel cappuccino. The first sip has a rich, velvety espresso base with a deep caramelised sugar note that isn’t overly sweet.
Pro tip:
KOZZEE Cafe also offers some hearty dishes. If you’re going for the bottomless brunch, remember it’s limited to 60 minutes. Arriving on time ensures you get the most out of the unlimited Prosecco or juice refills.
5. Lever & Bloom Coffee
Media credits: lever_and_bloom
Address: Byng Pl
Contact details: +44 7400 133131
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 8 AM – 6 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM – 4:30 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Price: ££
While there’s no indoor seating at Lever & Bloom Cafe, the outdoor setup is perfect for reading or writing notes. There were some students when we visited since it’s near the University College of London (UCL) and the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS).
We ordered some vanilla latte and we loved that it’s well-balanced and not overly sweet. We even got to watch how their Izzo Pompei lever machine works, and we could really tell they take their brewing seriously.
We arrived close to closing time, and to our surprise, the staff generously offered us some of the remaining treats. The raspberry pistachio bun was our instant favourite with its perfect blend of nutty and fruity flavours.
Pro tip:
If you’re not a coffee drinker, Lever & Bloom offers smooth decaf options and a carefully curated selection of Birchall teas. Those options are perfect for a relaxing alternative.
6. Saint Nine Coffee
Media credits: saintninecoffee
Address: 67 Southwark St
Contact details: +44 7444 05583037
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Friday: 8 AM – 2 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: Closed
Price: £££
Saint Nine Coffee’s minimalist design is elevated by Gabe Sapienza’s mural, which wraps around the back wall and ceiling. It’s a unique visual touch that adds character to the space. The sleek matte black counter and compact seating for eight create an intimate setting too.
There’s Wi-Fi here so it’s easy to get some work done. In fact, most people settling here during our visit were working with their laptops.
We sampled a variety of drinks, and their mocha stole the show with its rich, chocolatey depth. The sizing is also generous, making it a perfect spot for those who appreciate a well-proportioned cup of coffee.
Pro tip:
Since it’s a small space, seating fills up fast. If you just need a quick caffeine fix, consider taking your coffee to go. If you’re looking to sit down, avoid peak hours (8 AM to 12 PM) or be prepared to wait for a spot to open up.
7. Grind
Media credits: grind
Address: 2 London Bridge
Contact details: +44 20 3019 7178
Operating hours:
- Monday to Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 10 PM
- Wednesday to Thursday: 7:30 AM – 11 PM
- Friday: 7:30 AM – 1 AM
- Saturday: 9 AM – 1 AM
- Sunday: 9 AM – 6 PM
Price: ££
Grind has a vibrant feel with funky music in the background during our visit. It’s got that lively energy that makes it a great place to work if you don’t mind a bit of background noise.
Some of us went for their classic Grind House Blend coffee, which carries notes of dark chocolate and roasted nuts.
Their Wi-Fi connection is generally reliable but it can slow down a bit with so many people using it in the evening.
Pro tip:
If you want to unwind after a long day, Grind offers innovative coffee cocktails. Their espresso martini is smooth and rich, the perfect transition from work to wind-down mode.
8. Host Café
Media credits: hostcoffee
Address: St Mary Aldermary, Watling St, City of London
Contact details: +44 7873 438774
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 7:30 AM – 4 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: Closed
Price: £
It’s not every day you get to sip a flat white in a Christopher Wren-designed building, and that alone makes Host Cafe worth a visit. It gets a bit lively around midday, but the atmosphere remains respectful and relaxed.
The cafe blends into the church setting. It’s set up for remote work, and we saw plenty of freelancers and students settled in with their laptops during our visit.
Since we planned to stay a while, we opted for the co-working deal—£10 for four hours and a drink included, which felt reasonable given the ambience and Wi-Fi access. The flat white had the right amount of richness from the milk and its generous sizing made it even more satisfying.
Pro tip:
If you want a peaceful environment while working, avoid lunchtime and go early in the morning instead.
9. Qima Cafe
Media credits: qima.cafe
Address: 21 Warren St
Contact details: +44 20 7209 8200
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 8 AM – 7 PM
- Saturday: 9 AM – 7 PM
- Sunday: 9 AM – 5 PM
Price: £££
Qima Cafe has warm, sandy tones and cushion-filled seating that seems like stepping into an Arabian-inspired retreat. For those looking for a workspace, it ticks all the right boxes: free Wi-Fi, a calm atmosphere, and great coffee.
We tried many of their selections. The cascara had a beautiful natural sweetness, while the ibrik coffee, a traditional Yemeni preparation, stood out with its bold yet balanced taste. The Yemen ibrik black tea also has fruity notes that smooth out the strong caffeine kick.
The pastries were equally impressive, and we couldn’t resist the honey Yemeni brioche. It’s soft, subtly sweet, and the perfect pairing for a strong brew.
Pro tip:
If you have a pup, you can bring them along! The dog-friendly policy in Qima Cafe makes it a great stop for a coffee break during a walk.
10. PROJECT68
Media credits: projectsixty8
Address: 68 Tavistock Pl
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 8 AM – 4 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 9 AM – 4 PM
Price: ££
PROJECT 68 is small but well-designed, with plenty of natural light streaming through the large windows. There were enough power outlets to keep our laptops going, good Wi-Fi, and a comfortable table for extended work sessions.
Our team loved the flat white with oat milk, with its slightly nutty depth and hint of chocolate. The fact that their coffee is roasted by SEND, a company supporting individuals with special educational needs, makes it even better.
For sweets, we opted for the carrot cake. Each bite is packed with rich flavours of cinnamon and nutmeg.
Pro tip:
If you’re craving something on the savoury side but still want to keep it vegan, the avocado bagel is a must-try. It’s rich yet light, with just the right touch of seasoning to enhance the freshness.
11. Stir Coffee Brixton
Media credits: stir_coffee
Address: 111 Brixton Hill
Contact details:
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 8 AM – 3 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 9 AM – 3 PM
Price: ££
Stir Coffee has that rustic charm with its upcycled furniture. While the front can get lively, especially in the mornings with families stopping by, the back room offers a quieter space for focused work. It has free Wi-Fi and power outlets are available at multiple spots.
Their oat milk tea latte has a natural sweetness that complements the espresso’s nutty notes. We also ordered their brie and prosciutto sandwich, which is chewy on the inside and crispy on the outside.
We loved the friendly staff who made us feel right at home, too. There were even books to borrow.
Pro tip:
Once you’ve wrapped up your work session, don’t rush out just yet. Try out Stir Coffee’s selection of craft beers!