Lattes and laptops are both important when you're working out of the office. We've compiled a list of independent places where you can get both a caffeine and a Wi-Fi fix.
North
The CoffeeWorks Project in Angel is pretty popular with freelancers; you can stay for a while without feeling you're outstaying your welcome. The independent, family-run coffee house knows what it's doing when it comes to coffee, offering V60, Kalita and aeropress brews, as well as espressos from their pride and joy Slayer machine. Just make sure you get there early.
96-98 High Street, Islington, N1 8EG (there are also branches in Blackfriars, Battersea, Stratford and Soho).
Grab a flat white while you catch up on your work at Vagabond, Holloway. It's small and cosy, but offers free Wi-Fi and plug points.
105 Holloway Road, N7 8LT
Further along Holloway Road you'll also find EZ & Moss. Serving Allpress coffee, single origin filters and excellent veggie/vegan fare, it's full of good vibes. The free Wi-Fi and power sockets make it a great place to work while you devour your French Toast.
183 Holloway Road, N7 8LX
Bread and Bean in Archway is a hit with locals and laptoppers alike — even if it offers only one coffee. Nab one of the window seats and choose from a cooked breakfast, or soup and salad, to see you through the day.
37 Junction Road, N19 5QU
East
Campus London isn't technically a café, but it's run by Google, so we think that justifies it making the list. There's free Wi-Fi, a lot of plug points, the chance to network with other freelancers, and even weekly yoga. Just remember to sign up before you go.
4-5 Bonhill Street, EC2A 4BX
Like to power your push bike with caffeine? Look Mum No Hands! is an Old Street cycle café open until 10pm every night (although they do turn off the wifi during weekday lunchtimes, and at weekends — check the website for details). With free Wi-Fi, power sockets, sofa seating, and Square Mile Coffee Roasters, it doesn't get much better for freelancers who cycle. And if you need an alcohol fix, there's draught beer from four taps (as long as you're not cycling home).
49 Old Street, EC1V 9HX
Husk Coffee & Creative Space opposite Limehouse station houses big tables and a small library where you can work and study. There are fresh pastries from local bakeries, daal and naan, and coffee from a rusty red La Marzocco. The walls of the spacious community hub are lined with art — perfect to stimulate your creative juices.
649 Commercial Road, E14 7LW
Free Wi-Fi, and a (sensibly volumed) jazz music backing track makes Ezo Bistro in Barking a great café to work in. Take a breather in the small gallery and library, or by getting stuck into the cappuccinos and crepes.
Barking station, IG11 8TU
Part social enterprise and part independent cafe, Paper & Cup in Shoreditch is all about good books and great coffee. If working in a welcoming environment surrounded by second-hand books appeals to you then you'll be happy here, although it does get busy and therefore noisy — it's not a library, after all.
18 Calvert Avenue, E2 7JP
Central
Department of Coffee and Social Affairs on Leather Lane is a renovated ironmonger describing itself as a "coffee-focused social hub". They've expanded massively over the past few years thanks to their high-grade coffee and unassuming decor. In their original outlet on Leather Lane there's a meeting room should you need a completely private space to enjoy your single origin or filter coffee, as well as a private booth and communal seating.
14-16 Leather Lane, EC1N 7SU. There are thirteen branches in total across London.
Flat Planet is a flatbread haven just off Carnaby Street; there's Wi-Fi and a piano pleading 'play me' downstairs, where most of the seating is. Just hope there's not an aspiring Tchaikovsky down there. It can get busy at lunch and dinner, but is quite relaxed outside of those times.
39 Great Marlborough Street, W1F 7JG
A creative hub fuelling you with speciality tea and coffee, Timberyard in Seven Dials is a great place to plug in your laptop and make use of the free Wi-Fi. Stay as long as you like, or even hire one of the air-conditioned meeting rooms. See if you can work out why Timberyard won Best Independent Coffee Shop in Europe back in 2014.
7 Upper St Martin's Lane, WC2H 9DL.
Hubbard & Bell in Holborn has comfortable seats, good coffee and power points — everything you need in an office away from the office. Open until 2am every night apart from Sunday (when it's open until midnight), this is ideal if you need to work late.
199-206 High Holborn, WC1V 7BW
South
The Lido Café, Brockwell is the one of best poolside places to work in the summer months without leaving London, but be warned — it does get busy so you will need to treat yourself to lunch if you're planning on staying put over the midday rush. And if the sun's out there will be screaming babies. And splashing. Lots of splashing.
Brockwell Lido, Dulwich Road, SE24 0PA
There's free Wi-Fi, eclectic homely furniture, homemade scones and tea in vintage china cups at Greenwich's Red Door. How much more relaxing could a temporary office be? The café/gallery/shop also serves tasty Monmouth Coffee.
10 Turnpin Lane, SE10 9JA
Balham's Escape the Daily Grind serves south London-roasted Volcano Coffee alongside fresh cakes and a yummy brunch menu (served until 3pm). This place has free Wi-Fi (with power sockets) and a chilled out vibe to work in.
8 Bedford Hill, SW12 9RG
West
Bean & Hop, Earlsfield is locally-owned and has benches to create a community feel (and also so you don't feel guilty taking up a whole table). The coffee is made from Nude Espresso Roastery, and there are over 60 different beers on offer if you fancy something stronger. With fast Wi-Fi and plenty of plug points, this dog-friendly shop is a properly relaxed workspace.
424-426 Garratt Lane, SW18 4HN
Hammersmith's Antipode is constantly praised for its good coffee served with friendly Australian vibes. It is small, but it's open from 7am on weekdays and the welcoming baristas are happy for you to whip your laptop out.
28 Fulham Palace Road, W6 9PH
Coffee In The Wood in Colliers Wood has great coffee and food, but because of this, it can get rather loud. If you don't mind the occasional screaming child though, this community hub is a solid choice.
99-101 High Street, Colliers Wood, SW19 2JF
So-named after the initials of her parents, R & H Cafe's owner Zahna aims to continue their legacy and enrich customers' lives "not only with quality food and beverages, but also with traditional art works that touch their souls". As such, this Persian cafe and art gallery offers homemade food, stellar service and free Wi-Fi for the workers.
15 Richmond Hill, TW10 6RE
Tamp Coffee in Chiswick serves coffee from Bristol-based Extract Coffee Roasters, and chooses a different speciality coffee each week. The quiet atmosphere (and selection of empanadas) make it a freelancer's haven.
1 Devonshire Road, W4 2EU
Artisan Coffee has four venues across London but their Ealing cafe also contains a full-blown coffee school, so you know they know their stuff. When you're not learning how to make the perfect brew at home, fuel your work with great coffee, free W-Fi and muffins galore.
32 New Broadway, W5 2XA (also branches in Putney, Stamford Brook and East Sheen)
Have we missed your favourite café to work in? Let us know in the comments below.
