The 10 best cafes to work in London where freelancers and remote workers can get things done
One of the best perks of being a freelancer or a remote worker is that you can bring your work anywhere. But not just anywhere—somewhere with free Wi-Fi, power outlets, comfy seating, and most importantly, a relaxing ambiance that’ll help you get work done.
And what better place than a cafe? Sadly, not all cafes are conducive to working or studying—some have painfully slow internet or a lack of outlets to plug your dying laptop in, while others could use some better chairs and cushions or are just too noisy.
Luckily, the best cafes to work from in London have everything you need to stay productive. With all their great amenities, these places are as work-friendly as they can be, allowing you to settle in and focus while enjoying good food and coffee!
1. Prufrock Coffee
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Website: https://prufrockcoffee.com/
Address: 23-25 Leather Ln
Contact details: [email protected]
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Saturday – 8 AM – 5 PM
- Sunday – 9 AM – 5 PM
Prufrock Coffee is a spacious cafe known for its expertly brewed coffee and minimalist design. But locals also go here for the free Wi-Fi that lets them catch up on urgent emails and do internet browsing for work.
In this cafe, you can take your pick from communal tables for small meetings, cozy corners for solo work, or the tables right out front for an alfresco experience. Charging your devices shouldn’t be an issue either as there are ample power outlets available.
The moderate noise levels at Prufrock also won’t distract you from your work. For an extra energy boost, their rotating coffee menu, featuring both espresso-based and filter brews, pairs perfectly with their home-cooked breakfast and lunch options.
Pro tip:
For a quieter spot, arrive before 8:00 AM or in the mid-afternoon. If you’re a coffee enthusiast, don’t miss their barista training sessions for an insider look at their expert brewing techniques!
2. The Wren Coffee
Media credit: thewrencoffee
Website: https://www.thewrencoffee.com/
Address: 114 Queen Victoria St
Contact details: [email protected]
Operating hours:
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday – 7 AM – 4:30 PM
- Thursday – 7 AM – 12:45 PM; 2 PM – 4:30 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – closed
Set within the expansive nave of St. Nicholas Cole Abbey, The Wren Coffee gives you a serene and inspiring workplace that has high ceilings and stained-glass windows. The tables and chairs are even thoughtfully arranged at a fair distance from each other for a sense of privacy.
While working, you can sip their gourmet coffee and eat artisan snacks. And if you find the tables inside are all occupied, you can proceed to their terrace area, where the seats are just as comfortable.
On the other hand, The Wren’s free Wi-Fi is mainly suitable for checking emails and light browsing. There are also a few charging points, so people bring their devices here fully charged or conserve their batteries throughout their stay.
Pro tip:
Take note that The Wren is closed for St. Nick’s talks from 12:45 PM to 2:00 PM on Thursdays. For a better chance of securing a good spot, arrive in the mid-morning or late afternoon, when it’s less crowded.
3. Cafe in the Crypt
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Website: https://www.stmartin-in-the-fields.org/visit/cafe-in-the-crypt/
Address: Trafalgar Sq
Contact details: [email protected]
Operating hours:
- Monday, Wednesday, and Sunday – 11 AM – 5 PM
- Tuesday – 11 AM – 6:30 PM
- Thursday to Friday – 10 AM – 7:30 PM
- Saturday – 10 AM – 5 PM
Cafe in the Crypt takes remote work to another level (literally) by offering a quiet, underground retreat beneath the city’s surface. Dubbed “London’s hidden cafe”, it sits below the crypt of St. Martin-in-the-Fields and has been a favorite of tourists and locals for 30 years.
You’ll be checking in on work with great Wi-Fi, surrounded by brick-vaulted ceilings and historic tombstones. This cozy atmosphere comes with a variety of food options, including coffee and light meals—all available through a self-service setup.
And in case you don’t know yet, this cafe was named Best Community Café in the 2019 Global Hospitality Awards by Lux Life, a UK-based luxury lifestyle magazine. With the welcoming vibe and considerate crowd still present today, you can count on a peaceful workday.
Pro tip:
Cafe in the Crypt is ideal for a short working session rather than a full workday due to limited power outlets. If you’re aiming for a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere, we recommend going earlier in the morning or just after lunchtime, around 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM.
4. Kaffeine
Media credit: kaffeinelondon
Website: https://kaffeine.co.uk/
Address: 66 Great Titchfield St.
Contact details: [email protected]
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7:30 AM – 5 PM
- Saturday – 8:30 AM – 5 PM
- Sunday – 9 AM – 5 PM
Kaffeine isn’t your typical “laptop cafe”—instead, it encourages mindful working. While it doesn’t offer Wi-Fi (don’t panic!), this actually benefits those who need a distraction-free environment to focus on deep work, brainstorming, or offline writing.
An independent Aussie-style cafe, it’s also popular for its excellent espresso drinks and deli-style breakfasts that’ll keep you energized throughout your stay. What’s more, its carefully curated playlist adds to the productivity-friendly ambiance that creative thinkers look for.
The limited power outlets available help maintain a natural flow of guests, so it doesn’t get overcrowded. Whether you’re putting the finishing touches on a project or organizing your thoughts over coffee, Kaffeine is a change of scenery from the usual digital-heavy cafes.
Pro tip:
Take advantage of their coffee classes where you can learn latte art skills as a group or through one-on-one sessions. These courses run every two weeks (fortnightly) all year round, so there’s always an opportunity to join in.
5. Chapter 72
Media credit: chapter_72
Website: https://www.chapter-72.com/
Address: 72 Bermondsey St
Contact details: [email protected]
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7 AM – 11 PM
- Saturday – 8:30 AM – 11 PM
- Sunday – 9 AM – 9 PM
Picture a chic co-working space with a cozy cafe feel, and you’ve got Chapter 72. Its layout features indoor and outdoor seating options that are designed for extended work sessions while encouraging collaboration and creativity.
Numerous power outlets are available throughout the cafe, so you can keep your devices charged during your visit. The high-speed free Wi-Fi also makes work convenient for many digital nomads, freelancers, and students who come here.
Here, your work meals include healthy food options and the traditional cafe fare—coffee, tea, pastries, and sandwiches. Let’s not forget the friendly staff who make your working environment even more inviting.
Pro tip:
Chapter 72 transforms from a cozy workplace by day to a lively cocktail bar at night. Wrap up your work session with one of their signature espresso martinis—great for unwinding after a productive day!
6. FWD: Coffee
Media credit: fwdcoffee_
Website: https://fwdcoffee.co.uk/
Address: 161A Whitecross St
Contact details: [email protected]
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7 AM – 7 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 8 AM – 6 PM
Stepping into FWD: Coffee is like walking into a scene from Friends—the big cozy leather sofas, vintage decor, and ambient lighting will remind you of Central Perk. Only here, you’re about to get work done over great coffee and with high-speed, free Wi-Fi.
With plenty of power outlets, you won’t have to worry about your gadgets shutting down in the middle of an important task. Plus, your snacks and drinks arrive quickly—always served with a smile.
Whether you’re here for breakfast or lunch, you’ll find a tasty selection to kickstart your day or keep you going through a full work session. Additionally, FWD: Coffee plays music that hits the right note for productivity.
Pro tip:
Aim to arrive in the mid-morning or early afternoon before the lunchtime rush for a more focused work session. Weekdays tend to be calmer, while weekends bring in more social visitors.
7. Grind
Media credit: grind
Website: https://grind.co.uk/pages/london-grind
Address: 2 London Bridge
Contact details: [email protected]
Operating hours:
- Monday and Tuesday – 7:30 AM – 10 PM
- Wednesday and Thursday – 7:30 AM – 11 PM
- Friday – 7:30 AM – 1 AM
- Saturday – 9 AM – 1 AM
- Sunday – 9 AM – 6 PM
Grind may be best known as an all-day espresso and cocktail bar, but it also doubles as a solid spot to accomplish some remote work. The free Wi-Fi works well for browsing, emailing, and light work.
You can choose between cozy corners or communal tables, both offering just enough of a workspace feel without losing the trendy cafe charm. Just a heads-up: power outlets are limited, so most people come prepared with fully charged devices.
The vibe here is more energetic than hushed, as it’s just above the famous Borough Market. If you’re someone whose productivity thrives in a lively space with a steady hum of activity, Grind delivers just that.
Pro tip:
Consider arriving between 9:30 AM and 11:30 AM or 2:00 PM and 4:30 PM on a weekday, before the post-work crowd arrives for cocktails. During these off-peak hours, you can grab a comfortable seat and settle in without too much distraction.
8. Attendant Coffee Roasters
Media credit: attendantcoffeeroasters
Website: https://www.the-attendant.com/pages/fitzrovia
Address: 27A Foley St
Contact details: [email protected]
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 8 AM – 5 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 9 AM – 5 PM
Converted from a Victorian-era public restroom, Attendant Coffee Roasters’ Fitzrovia branch stands out as a quirky yet functional space for remote work. The seating is a mix of snug booths and bar-style counters that accommodate both solo grinds and casual meetings.
Since this is a popular place, Wi-Fi performance, despite its high speed, can be affected by the time of day or the number of visitors around. On the bright side, you don’t have to fight for available power outlets, as there are many in the cafe.
You’ll also be drinking to your workload with their special hand-roasted coffee, paired with a selection of pastries, sandwiches, and healthy bites. The inclusive space in which you get to enjoy this menu also gives you a workplace that feels safe and welcoming.
Pro tip:
Weekday mornings between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM offer the best chance of finding a good seat before the lunchtime crowd arrives. Afternoons also get busier, especially after noon, so plan your visit accordingly.
9. Stir Coffee Brixton
Media credit: bestofbrixtonldn
Website: https://www.stircoffee.co.uk/
Address: 111 Brixton Hill
Contact details: [email protected]
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 8 AM – 3 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 9 AM – 3 PM
Showcasing well-crafted coffee from around the world, Stir Coffee Brixton makes sure you get your daily caffeine fix before you start your day. With exposed brick walls and rustic-meets-modern decor, it’s easy to settle in and get to work.
The Wi-Fi is good—strong enough for emails and research, though it slows down in late mornings and lunchtime when crowds roll in. You can be seated comfortably at long tables, window-side bar stools, or even outside for some fresh air while working.
At Stir Coffee, you’ll also encounter friendly baristas and hear subtle background chatter or a playlist that maintains a cheery mood without being distracting. However, while power outlets are available, not every space has one.
Pro tip:
If you want to get some serious work done, aim for a weekday morning visit (between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM) before the lunchtime rush kicks in. In addition, grab an outdoor seat if you can for a great view of Brixton Hill while you work.
10. The Common E2
Media credit: thecommone2
Website: https://www.thecommone2.com/
Address: 53 Old Bethnal Green Rd, Bethnal Green
Contact details: [email protected]
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 8 AM – 3 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 9:30 AM – 4 PM
The Common E2 shares its space with the Commonage Art Gallery and architectural studio Common Ground Workshop, bringing a creative energy to the cafe. That’s why it’s a go-to spot for many East London freelancers looking to work in a peaceful, plant-filled setting.
How can it not be, when The Common has been supplying the area with craft coffee and delicious homemade food since 2014? Tackling deadlines or slow mornings with your laptop becomes enjoyable with their menu of vegan roasts, freshly made frittatas, and more.
The Wi-Fi here is also free and reliable, so you can handle online tasks without a problem. And if you’re planning a remote workday with your dog, The Common accepts furry companions—complete with water bowls and dog treats to keep them happy while you work.
Pro tip:
Laptop usage at The Common is only allowed during weekdays (8:00 AM – 11:00 AM) to give way to the lunch hour rush. Also, due to the nature of their shared space, they do not rent out the cafe for events.
Comparison of London cafes
| Cafe | Location | Wi-Fi quality | Seating comfort | Price range |
| Prufrock Cafe | Leather Lane | Moderate | Good | £10-£20 |
| The Wren Coffee | Queen Victoria St | Moderate | Good | £1-£10 |
| Café in the Crypt | Trafalgar Sq | Good | Moderate | £10-£20 |
| Kaffeine | Titchfield St | Poor | Good | £1-£10 |
| Chapter 72 | Bermondsey St | High-speed | Good | £1-£10 |
| FWD: Coffee | Whitecross St | High-speed | Good | £1-£10 |
| Grind | London Bridge | Good | Good | £8-£20 |
| Attendant Coffee Roasters | Foley St | High-speed | Good | £1-£10 |
| Stir Coffee Brixton | Brixton Hill | Good | Good | £1-£10 |
| The Common E2 | Bethnal Green | Good | Good | £1-£10 |