On-the-go between meetings? Tired of hot desking? Or just looking to change your ‘working-from-home’ routine? I know freelancers are often on the hunt for new places to work from. After many years of nomadic freelancing, I started gathering a list of laptop friendly places in London that I thought would be great to share, along with the price of a coffee and the best time to go for work.
For our first edition of ‘The best places to work from’ I wanted to share my favourite places to do business from around East London, home of SSSHAKE. From Shoreditch to Cambridge Heath and Hackney Wick, here are some of my best-loved cafes, all laptop friendly with fast wifi.
64–66 Redchurch St, London E2 7DP
On top of having a great playlist, a fast wifi, comfy sofas and many plugs available, Barber & Parlour serves food and drinks all-day and you will (almost) always find a place to sit. There is also an hairdresser/spa in the second floor and a Cinema in the basement in case you need a break!
100 Shoreditch High St, London E1 6JQ
Great vibe, relaxed atmosphere, both desk with central plugs and comfy sofas are available. However make sure you arrive early as the place tend to be quite busy during the afternoon.
3 Mare St, London E8 4RP
On top of serving wholesome and filling breakfast plates and very good (and affordable) coffee, Hackney Bureau tends to be quiet during the day and has plenty of plugs available behind the tables which makes it a great spot to work from. Note that the place is CASH ONLY.
hackneybureau.com — Image from ‘On The Grid’
49 Old St, London EC1V 9HX
Perfect location if you are working by yourself thanks to the numerous street facing high tables available. Not ideal to work in group as the large tables are laptop free. Great coffee, awesome burgers, and the feeling that you are part of a bike club.
Sidworth St, London E8 3SD
With its plants, unrefined wood and brass details, Wringer and Mangle could be the poster child of the East London cafes. Thanks to its extensive menu of goodness, the place is packed around lunch time so be aware that it gets really busy and loud around that time.
100–106 Leonard St, London EC2A 4RH
Good coffee and even better cocktails (little afterwork?). The book club is a relaxed and cosy place to work from where you can find ping pong tables in case you want to activate your brain (and body).
11 Leonard St, London EC2A 4AQ
Super busy around lunch time but it gets quieter during the afternoon. They serve one of my favourite coffees in London and their snacks are delicious and available all day. The place is quite noisy so bring your headphones if you need some peace and quiet.
ozonecoffee.co.uk — Picture by Matthew Leonard
90 Wallis Rd, London E9 5LN
Overlooking Regent’s Canal, Number 90 is famous for its chilled and relaxed atmosphere during the day and party vibes in the evening. Its huge terrace makes it the perfect place to work from in Summer.
503 Hackney Rd, London E2 9ED
Original exposed yellow stock bricks, double-height ceilings and their beautiful design aesthetic make this space one of East London’s best kept secrets. Top-end coffee throughout the day and cocktails in the evenings, as well as sweet and salty snacks served throughout the day.
98c Wallis Rd, London E9 5LN
Famous for its Wednesdays Jazz jam session, Grow is a laid back venue that kept its warehouse identity strong, boosting high ceilings and lots of natural light. Its terrace is packed with plants and is a great place to work while overlooking the canal.
grow-hackney.com — Image from voyagecollective
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