Finding the best coffee shop in London to study or work from can be daunting. Do they have free wifi? Do they have a nice view of London? I rounded up the best ones so your search can be over. This list is perfect if you consider yourself a coffee snob like me or research the best coffee spots in a city before visiting. I round up the best coffee shops in London to work and study from below!
A handful of these locations are in the central part of London whereas some are more on the outskirts and can be considered hidden gems or favorites for local Londoners. Wherever you may end up, I have your guide below!
Harris + Hoole (Fitzrovia location)
136 New Cavendish St, Fitzrovia, London W1Q 6YD
I’ll start off with my absolute favorite coffee shop in the world, which is Harris + Hoole. They have a few locations throughout the city but the only location I visited and was often seen downstairs either studying and working was in the Fitzrovia location. The pros of this spot you ask?
- Not only do they make the best cup of coffee, but it’s at a great price point (for a city where coffee can be a luxury splurge
- Light snacks (tomato and mozzarella on a croissant, lightly toasted is my favorite)
- Cozy setting
- I saved what could be the best for last, free wifi
Attendant (Fitzrovia location)
27A Foley St, Fitzrovia, London W1W 6DY
I’ll start off by saying this particular location in Fitzrovia is a hidden gem. Quite literally, actually. I knew how the outside looked like, yet I still managed to pass by it and wondered if I had made a wrong turn. It’s disguised as a staircase leading to toilets, which was its original purpose (and you’ll find a handful of active ones around the city) but this spot converted to a coffee shop.
It’s not ideal to bring your laptop to as the seating is quite cramped, so I’ll suggest a book to keep you company although I did bring my laptop and made it work. The coffee here is a hit and the free wifi is a nice bonus. Overall, It’s a cool vibe inside and cozy but might get crowded on a weekend.
Holy Shot
136 New Cavendish St, Fitzrovia, London W1Q 6YD
Located in Shoreditch, you’ll most likely find yourself in this area if you consider yourself a true hipster, enjoy street art or are a local. The inside is quite small but if you get here early, you may be able to grab a nice spot on the window to watch the world pass by. Right after your coffee fix you can walk on over to grab a famous beigel over at Brick Lane Beigel Bake or Beigel Shop.
Bloomsbury Coffee House
20 Tavistock Pl, Saint Pancras, London WC1H 9RE
This is a really quaint coffee shop near Paddington station, located downstairs in a small space. They have a nice sausage, egg and cheddar on an English muffin and their iced coffee is delicious. However, because they are a small location, they ask for the hours of 12-2pm to be a no laptops zone so folks can stop by during their lunch hour and have somewhere to eat.
Buengo
136 New Cavendish St, Fitzrovia, London W1Q 6YD
A popular coffee chain, there are a handful of locations around the city. My favorite location is near Oxford Street where many of my favorite stores are if you want to treat yourself after some study or work sessions are done. This particular location has a busy first floor with ample seating, but I like to head downstairs to have fewer distractions. Good coffee a stellar sandwich menu – they are a great go-to spot if you’re in need of a coffee fix and free wifi.
Café Colombia
138 Columbia Rd, London E2 7RG
On the main street where Columbia Flower Market takes place every Sunday, Every Sunday you’ll find Londoners buying flowers, plants, and various gardening products from a variety of stalls. It’s definitely a sight to see. After a stroll, I recommend heading inside this coffee spot. Café Colombia has been around for 30 years and serves the best breakfast bagels (Sundays only) and coffee in the area.
Ozone Coffee Roasters
11 Leonard St, Old Street, London Ec2A 4AQ
The vibe here just screams freelancers. A moody and dark coffee spot that also serves bakery items and light snacks, it’s a good spot to head to if you like the idea of popping up your laptop and knowing the person next to you is also cranking out some reports. Ozone Coffee Roasters has two locations in London, but the particular spot I have visited is at 11 Leonard Street and is just around the corner of Oliver Bonas – one of my favorite stores.
The Gentlemen Baristas
11 Park Street, London Bridge, London SE1 9AB
With a few locations throughout London, The Gentlemen Baristas serves a delicious cup of coffee and possibly the most extraordinary tomato and cheese croissant I’ve ever had in my life. Seating is very limited at their London Bridge location (max of 6 seats I believe) so it’s best to come very early for a seat or come along with printed reading materials to review.
Soho Grind
19 Beak St London, W1F 9RP
In the heart of Soho and right next door to Carnaby Street (which puts on a spectacular Christmas lights display every year) you’ll find Soho Grind. What seems to be an exclusive cool kids only zone is quite the opposite and extremely comforting once inside. The first floor practically has no seating apart from a few stand-alone chairs which means if you’d like a spot to sit, you’ll have to head downstairs which is just as small with a handful of tables and a sofa only available. I’ve only gone on weekdays which has allowed me to find a spot both times, but this can be tricky during the weekend. Nonetheless, it’s a great coffee spot!
Burr & Co
1 Russell Square, Bloomsbury, London WC1B 5BE
Just around the corner of both the University of London and Bloomsbury Coffee House which I highlighted earlier in this post, the inside of this coffee shop is bustling with students and professionals alike. The coffee is good, the meals are nice, and they have free wifi – woo! It can get a bit busy and loud with phone calls being made and the constant shuffling of people entering and leaving but it’s a great spot nonetheless!
The Theater Café
99 St. Martin’s Lane, London
A completely unique experience in its own – a café dedicated to all thing’s theater. A truly beautiful sight and one I cannot believe does not exist in New York City. The café plays tracks from musicals all day long (you can also request them by going up to a jukebox tablet), has tons of memorabilia from West End shows on their walls and all their drinks have theater inspired names. I personally order their Cats-accino (cappuccino) and spend a few hours enjoying show tunes while getting work done.
Have I missed any coffee spots on the list you believe are a good spot to work or study from? Or you simply just like their coffee? Leave a comment below so I can visit them the next time I’m around. I’m always on the lookout!
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