As the digital age continues to reshape our work lives, the demand for productive and welcoming coworking spaces has surged. For those of us who value flexibility and freedom in our work environments, scouting out the ideal spot can be quite the endeavor. As a writer constantly on the move, I know the importance of finding a place with reliable Wi-Fi, comfortable seating, and a bottomless cup of strong coffee.
After conducting extensive research, I've compiled a list of the top coworking spaces in London. Some require a membership, while others are coffee shops that simply ask that you support their business. Regardless of your preference, these spots offer a mix of professional amenities and welcoming atmospheres. From trendy workspaces to cozy cafes, London has it all. So, go ahead and discover your perfect spot to work remotely, and who knows, we might even bump into each other. Just make sure to save me a seat near a power outlet!
LABS Co-working Spaces
Situated within Holborn and Camden districts, the co-working spaces of LABS offer a unique blend of modern office facilities and a stylish, sparse loft space reminiscent of Manhattan's aesthetic. Nestled inside vibrant, technologically advanced structures, these places promote a harmonious balance between concentration and creativity. They are adorned with cozy leather recliners, moody pendant lamps, raw-looking cement walls softened by the lively splash of colors from unique plants adorning the area.
Pro tip: For those who enjoy a frequent change of workplace, LABS’ ‘Roaming Member’ option permits membership that lets you shift your workspace as per your whims.
Location: Various locations
Contact number: +44 20 3761 2800
Online portal: labs.com
2. WEWORK
Wework is the Ikea of workspaces: functional, well-designed, a bit soulless and absolutely everywhere. With 47 buildings across London, it’s the city’s biggest occupier of office space, meaning that whichever area you want to work in, chances are there’s a Wework just around the corner. Each one attracts a slightly different clientele – I worked in the London Fields one, which had a great rooftop for sunny days. Solo freelancers can opt for a fixed desk or just grab a seat in the hotdesking spaces and enjoy the weekly talks, classes and all the roaming office dogs. It's £200 per month for a hot-desk membership for one person.
Insider tip: Each office has a selection of free booze that starts flowing at midday – although you’re now limited to four glasses per person so you can’t get totally smashed.
Address: Various locations
Telephone: +44 20 3695 7895
Website: wework.com
3. THE OFFICE GROUP
Solopreneurs, or just those bored of logging into Slack from home everyday, will be able to take full advantage of The Office Group’s (TOG) collaborative work environment crossed with interiors that wouldn’t be amiss at the latest Hoxton Hotel project. The jewel in the crown among the group's cluster of buildings is Liberty House, originally built in 1926, it is tacked onto the side of London’s most iconic department store, Liberty. Redesigned in conjunction with the esteemed architects of SODA, this coworking space is bursting with original character and restored skylights, combined with patterns and textures that bring it firmly into the modern era. Plus, you can set up your TOG building as your business address and have your mail and phone calls handled by the capable team there. For £425 per month you gain access to the majority of TOG buildings and services.
Insider tip: If you’re working from Liberty House, clock off and head to Polpo for their Apertivo Time between 4-6pm. Sip on a Spritz and enjoy a range of bar snacks (black truffle crisps or Bella di Cerignola olives, anyone?) for just £5.
Address: Various locations
Telephone: +44 333 363 6032
Website: theofficegroup.com
4. SECOND HOME
These independent workspaces are the opposite of Wework – each one is designed by Spanish architect Selgascano to be totally unique, and each is a riot of colour, plants and quirky design features. There are sites in Spitalfields, Holland Park, London Fields and Clerkenwell, and the whole vibe is about creating a friendly community of start-ups and interesting businesses, so they’ll go out of their way to introduce you to other people in the building who you can collaborate with. There’s yoga and meditation, lunchtime talks, onsite cafés, a lively evening cultural programme and lots of quiet, leafy, sunny spots to work in.
Insider tip: If you’re at the Spitalfields one, take a break and pop across the road to the brilliant Second Home bookshop, Libreria, where the books are organised by subject.
Address: Second Home Spitalfields, 68 Hanbury Street, London, E1 5JL
Telephone: +44 20 3818 3240
Website: secondhome.io
5. FOYLES
If you’re in need of a spot in central London to get your head down for a few hours, pop up to the café on the fifth floor of the Charing Cross Road flagship store and find a seat among the students, tourists and bookworms. The Wi-Fi isn’t that strong but the coffee will propel you through. And if you need to do any research do your browsing beforehand, as you can bring books into the café without buying them first – just be careful not to spill any coffee on them.
Insider tip: It can get very busy and staff do give you odd looks if you linger too long so best for shorter stops.
Address: Foyles, 107 Charing Cross Road, London WC2H 0DT
Telephone: +44 20 7437 5660
Website: foyles.co.uk
6. WORKSPACE HAVENS: SOHO WORKS
For those who need little prompting, Soho Works inevitably rings a bell given their association with the acclaimed Soho House Group. Renowned for their prime location across London's most desirable areas like Shoreditch and White City, as well as the recently unveiled 180 Works near The Strand. It's a go-to workspace for those craving for a balance between professional and private spheres. The instantly recognisable stylish decor inherent in all Soho House properties, a dynamic ambiance, and a modern, lively crowd adopting the 'work hard, play hard' ethos are part of the Soho Works experience.
It's worth mentioning that Soho Works has transformed some of London’s most iconic buildings into vibrant coworking spaces. In addition to stylish design, it offers a plethora of amenities including private phone booths, superfast Wi-Fi, and meeting rooms equipped with the latest technology.
Pro-tip: Night owls rejoice! Soho Works caters to your productive needs into the wee hours, complete with a diverse range of business support services.
Location: Various across London
Contact: +44 20 3841 7600
Web: sohoworks.com
7. THE HOXTON
The Hoxton in Holborn is one of my favourite places for meetings. It’s full of stylish mid-century sofas and attentive waiters, and you easily forget you’re in the lobby of a hotel as it’s also packed with people using it as their office for the day. Have breakfast, lunch or dinner in a booth in Hubbard & Bell restaurant at the back or just beaver away in an armchair for a few hours drinking expensive but delicious juices. I always try to get a seat by the window but mainly because I like getting distracted by people-watching. If you’re as enamoured with London’s accommodation offerings as I am with The Hoxton, you might want to check out tophotels.com for a thorough guide to some of the top hotels in the area. This way, you can find a stylish and comfortable place to stay that meets your needs and allows you to explore the colorful landscape of London hospitality. While The Hoxton is a firm favourite for those looking for a chic and convenient place to work or relax, sometimes you may need to stay nearer to one of London's airports. If that's the case, a good choice might be the Mercure London Heathrow, which can be booked through their website: hotels-of-london.com. Whether you're in town for a short stay or a long layover, you can enjoy the comfort and convenience these hotels have to offer before continuing on with your journey.
Insider tip: If you need a bigger room for a meeting or event, they have an ‘apartment’ of six rooms of different sizes at the back.
Address: The Hoxton Holborn, 199–206 High Holborn, London WC1V 7BD
Telephone: +44 20 7661 3000
Website: thehoxton.com
8. ROSE BAKERY
Nestled amongst the rails of Comme de Garçons garms on the third floor of high fashion concept store Dover Street Market, you’ll find the wonderful Rose Bakery. A stylish oasis in the middle of the West End, this calm cafe does lovely light lunch options and memorable cakes. It’s the perfect place for a productive pitstop. To make sure you actually get some work done, take the lift straight up otherwise you can easily spend a few hours browsing the bold artful displays and selection of designer treats.
Insider tip: There’s a great selection of magazines on each table which prove a pleasant distraction.
Address: Rose Bakery, 18-22 Haymarket, London SW1Y 4DG,
Telephone: +44 20 8629 0354
Website: london.doverstreetmarket.com
9. PICTUREHOUSE CENTRAL
Cinemas in central London can be an excellent space to get a few hours of solid work done during the day. You could easily walk past Picturehouse Central, hidden just off the mania of Piccadilly Circus, but you’d be missing its spacious and relatively quiet ground-floor café. There’s free Wi-Fi, plenty of tables and a selection of snacks to fuel your brain. If it’s too busy, head up Shaftesbury Avenue and see if you can bag a seat in the Curzon Soho café instead.
Insider tip: Film fans who have Picturehouse membership can go straight up to the more swanky member’s bar and roof terrace.
Address: Picturehouse Central, Piccadilly, London W1D 7DH
Telephone: +44 871 902 5747
Website: picturehouses.com
10. THE SPARKLING SOHO THEATRE BAR
Emanating a spirit of innovation and creativity, the Soho Theatre Bar is an inspiring venue. The airy café and bar on Dean Street is a hive of imaginative brainstorming sessions and focussed scribes pounding away the keys in daylight (I must confess, I do love overhearing intriguing conversations!). The setting is varied with comfortable booths cushioned with plush red leather, well-spaced bar seats, and compact tables with an advantage of easy access to a power outlet. Your co-scribbler across the table might just be the author of the upcoming series akin to Fleabag.
Inside Scoop: A quick phone call can get your booth pre-booked, ensuring its availability when you arrive.
Location: Soho Theatre, 21 Dean Street, London W1D 3NE
Contact: +44 20 7478 0140
Online Address: sohotheatre.com
11. MARE STREET MARKET
Located in the heart of Hackney, Mare Street Market serves as an impeccable coworking space where you can work undisturbed from dawn to dusk. With offerings that span across all meal times from breakfast to lunch and even encompass snacks, you don't need to vacate the premises when hunger strikes. When the day's grind concludes at 6pm, reward your accomplished tasks with selections from their cocktail list. Open desks and long tables offer perfect spots for independent work or vibrant team discussions. However, the onsite amenities like Stranger Than Paradise record shop can be an enticing distraction.
Extra bonus: Their Wi-Fi signal extends up to the terrace, perfect for days when the sun is out and you fancy working outdoors.
Location: Mare Street Market, 117 Mare Street, London E8 4RU
Contact No.: +44 20 3745 2470
Online Presence: marestreetmarket.com
12. The Renowned BARBICAN CENTRE
Just like its counterpart, the Southbank Centre, the Barbican Centre, known for its impressive Brutalist architecture, offers complimentary Wi-Fi across its popular gathering zones, with seating options aplenty - though tables can be a bit sparse. Within the heart of this bustling hub is a cafe to satiate your caffeine cravings. Take advantage of sunny weather by heading to the waterfront - and hopefully, the Wi-Fi follows suit. For an alternative, the Beech Street Cafe & Bar, nestled in the Barbican Cinema across the street, is a hidden gem that rarely sees large crowds.
Expert Hint: Concealed on the mezzanine is a charming Martini bar where between 5 pm and 6 pm you can indulge in a 2-for-£12 Martini deal – an ideal way to commemorate the culmination of a fruitful day of productivity!
Location: Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London EC2Y 8DS
Contact Number: +44 20 7638 8891
Official Site: barbican.org.uk
13. OZONE COFFEE ROASTERS
The coffee gurus over at Ozone Coffee Roasters, a New Zealand born coffee bar situated near Old Street roundabout, have truly mastered the art of brewing the perfect cuppa and whipping up ambrosial meals. Drawing inspiration from Melbourne's bursting brunch scene, this spot features snug booths that offer a perfect setting for a face-to-face meeting or enjoying their stellar brunch offerings. For solitary aficionados who fancy working from the premise, the bar counters in the entrance area provide the perfect perch. However, be informed that the weekends can turn into a bustling scene, potentially interrupting a serene Saturday work arrangement.
Insider tip: Add the cornbread served with spicy chilli butter to your orders, you will undoubtedly end up appreciating the suggestion.
Address: Ozone Coffee, 11 Leonard Street, London EC2A 4AQ
Telephone: +44 20 7490 1039
Website: ozonecoffee.co.uk
14. SOUTHBANK CENTRE
The Southbank Centre is a remote worker’s haven and I often spend a day bouncing between the various cafés and clusters of chairs. There’s Wi-Fi throughout the Royal Festival Hall but I tend to head straight upstairs to level 5 to get a sunny spot near the balcony. The comfy chairs up here are like gold dust so you might have to hover before one becomes free. Alternatively, head next door to the newly refurbished Queen Elizabeth Hall which is usually much quieter and has some great little windowside stools with convenient plug points.
Insider tip: If you can’t find a suitable spot at the Southbank Centre, head downstream to the BFI where there are also a couple of nice cafés and bars to work in.
Address: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX
Telephone: +44 20 3879 9555
Website: southbankcentre.co.uk
15. CANOVA HALL
Nestled in Brixton is Canova Hall, a bar teeming with greenery and abundant light, that morphs effortlessly into an alluring workspace during daytime hours. Opening its doors to workers from 8am to 5pm, it presents a rapid Wi-Fi connection, unlimited coffee, and a selection of tasty, wood-fired pizzas. Freelancers have three options for access passes; opting for a daily (£10), weekly (£25), or monthly (£50) plan. Just ensure you make an early appearance to secure a comfortable seat.
Location: Canova Hall, 250 Ferndale Road, Brixton, London SW9 8BQ
Contact: +44 20 7733 8356
Online Portal: canovahall.com
16. WELLCOME COLLECTION
As well as playing host to some of London’s best free exhibitions, the Wellcome Collection is also an excellent free place to work. If you need refreshments, the large café in the foyer is bright and buzzing but usually not too busy. For a more quiet space to concentrate, head up the spiral staircase to the grand Reading Room, where you can chill on a sofa or find a solitary corner surrounded by medicinal artefacts. Those in search of a totally uninterrupted working session just need to bring some photo ID and proof of address for a day's library membership.
Insider tip: You’re not allowed to use the plug sockets in the Reading Room so make sure your computer is fully charged before you go.
Address: Wellcome Collection, 183 Euston Road, London NW1 2BE
Telephone: +44 20 7611 2222
Website: wellcomecollection.org
17. ST PAUL ISLINGTON
This sunny café just off Highbury Corner is a magnet for local mums but it can still accommodate laptop warriors too. There’s a nice selection of sandwiches and cakes, friendly service, a mellow playlist, strong Wi-Fi and plugs near the window seats. Tables are rather close together so you might get an earful of your neighbour’s business but generally it’s a good place to concentrate for a few hours.
Insider tip: St Paul is a laptop-free zone on weekends so best to work elsewhere.
Address: St Paul Islington, 274b St Pauls Road, London, N1 2LJ
Telephone: +44 20 7683 9993
Website: stpaulislington.com
18. LIBRARY BAR AT THE BUSH THEATRE
You may be more familiar with it for pre-show drinks but the Bush Theatre’s quaint Library Bar is also a welcome workspace should you find yourself in Shepherd’s Bush. There are plenty of plug sockets, a solid selection of snacks and with the big shelves full of old books, you instantly feel more studious. Grab a cosy corner to get your head down or find a table on the outdoor terrace on sunnier days.
Insider tip: There are shelves full of play texts if you want to take a break and get some thespian inspiration.
Address: Bush Theatre, 7 Uxbridge Road, London W12 8LJ
Telephone: +44 20 8743 3584
Website: bushtheatre.co.uk
19. ANDCO
If you want to guarantee you’ll always have a seat (and not be hassled by the waiter to move once your coffee goes cold), you can book a desk at one of more than 70 hotels, bars, pubs, cafés and restaurants across London (such as Sophie's Soho, The Islington Townhouse, The Detox Kitchen and The Lillie Langtry) by signing up to AndCo for £20 a month.
Address: Various sites
Telephone: No telephone number
Website: andco.life
20. The SPACES Network
In the heart of London, you can find SPACES, a versatile coworking establishment, scattered across 23 diverse venues. SPACES lives up to its name by offering adjustable work environments where members can unleash creativity and productivity. Whether you fancy a teeming booth for team huddles or a tranquil armchair for late-night number crunching, each location is uniquely tailored with distinctive charm and ambience. Select sites even feature parking - quite the luxury in Central London!
Additional Perk: Your SPACES membership is loaded with added perks, including discounts at various restaurants, fitness centres, and services peppered around London – an essential detail for those who want to maximize their membership benefits.
Location: Multiple Locations
Contact: Not available
Web Link: spacesworks.com