Best Places to Work in London (That Aren’t Your Couch)

Whether you’re a freelancer, student, remote worker, or just someone who needs a break from their flat, London is packed with inspiring places to get stuff done if you know where to look. I’ve spent countless hours trying out different spots across the city, from leafy cafés in Primrose Hill to grand reading rooms with centuries of history.

Here are some of my favorite places to work from in London, with good WiFi, plugs, coffee, and a vibe that makes you want to open your laptop.

1. Roots Café, Primrose Hill

124 Regent’s Park Rd, NW1 8XL

Hours:
8:30–5:30 Mon–Fri
9–5:30 Saturday
9:30–5:30 Sunday

Best for: Peace and quiet

• Great coffee
• Friendly staff
• Quiet atmosphere
• Plenty of plug sockets

2. The British Library

96 Euston Rd, NW1 2DB

Hours:
9:30–8 Mon–Thu
9:30–6 Friday
9:30–5 Saturday
11–5 Sunday

Best for: People watching, access to resources, and long days

• Free entry
• Inspiring atmosphere
• Very spacious

3. Ozone Coffee, Shoreditch

11 Leonard St, EC2A 4AQ

Hours:
7:30–4:30 Mon–Fri
8:30–5 Saturday & Sunday

Best for: Team meetings, co-working energy, good food

• Fast WiFi
• Big tables
• Great food
• Can get noisy at peak times

4. The Southbank Centre (Royal Festival Hall)

Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX

Hours: Various – see website for current details

Best for: Afternoon working with views of the Thames

• Free to use
• Plug sockets & WiFi
• Central location
• Harder to find quiet during school holidays

5. Host Café, St Paul’s

St Mary Aldermary Church, Watling St, EC4M 9BW

Hours:
7:30–4 Mon–Fri
Closed weekends

Best for: Spiritual calm + coffee

• Unique setting
• Quiet, reflective space
• Ethical, locally sourced food
• Please book in advance if staying over 90 minutes

6. Foyles Bookstore Café, Charing Cross Road

107 Charing Cross Rd, WC2H 0DT

Hours:
9–8 Mon–Sat
12–5 Sunday

Best for: Reading-heavy work and writing

• Quiet corners
• Inspiring setting
• Central but not too loud
• Limited plugs

7. Henry’s Café, Balham

Henry Cavendish Rd, SW12 0DG

Best for: Sunny weather workdays and outdoor writing sessions

• Great, shaded outdoor space
• Quiet residential vibe
• Affordable menu
• No guaranteed plugs – bring a fully charged laptop

Final Tips for Working Around London

• Bring a portable charger or power bank — many cafés have limited sockets
• Be respectful of busy times (especially weekends and brunch hours)
• Rotate your spots to keep things fresh and avoid overstaying your welcome
• Consider a library card for even more free workspace options (e.g., local borough libraries)