London’s Top Work and Study Spaces

14/11/2018 · by Lara Mills · in free, chill out, Free & Cheap London, London Lists, social enterprise, Under £10

Whether you’re a student, start up or simply someone having an ‘admin day’, these offbeat work space sanctuaries across London are worth putting on your To Do List.

Read on for our top tips for spaces to be productive in the city…

Ace Hotel | Shoreditch

Just a few minutes walk from Shoreditch High Street station stands the monumental, uber trendy Ace Hotel, fully equipped with comfy sofas, mellow background music and an industrial chic decor. The lobby itself offers plenty of seating, ample charging ports and complementary wifi, alongside a host of drinks and snacks which can be purchased from the Lobby Bar, the Bulldog cafe or the onsite East London Juice Co. Oh, and the best part: it’s free and open to all.

Spiritland, Kings Cross

While some may know Spiritland as one of London’s most diverse music hubs, it is in fact an ideal working space – cafe by day, bar by night. This cafe, bar, radio station and shop not only offers Londoners with a state of the art sound system, it provides a peaceful working space with complimentary background soundtrack. Snack on scrumptious small plates and power on with hot drinks at this dynamic Kings Cross venue and why not treat yourself to one of Spiritlands bespoke cocktails after!

Rusty Bike | Mile End

Granted, peaceful, quiet and tame are not the first connotations which come to mind when thinking of a pub. However, never underestimate them as a space of work. The Rusty Bike, situated just outside of Mile End tube station is a perfect work space during the morning and afternoon. Fresh coffee, ample variations of pints and affordable Thai dishes can be purchased, all in arms reach of your laptop and book; and with it’s comfortable seating, plenty of plug sockets at tables and free wifi, this relaxed East End boozer could be kidded for an internet cafe.

Wellcome Collection Cafe | Euston

The Wellcome Collection along Euston Road is renowned as home to the 19th century medical collections of Henry Wellcome. Alongside this, the free museum showcases an array of high tech artistic displays and boasts a large cafe, perfect for one seeking out working space. With free wifi lasting an hour, this cafe is perfect for a quick working pitstop and a cheeky pastry.

Cafe 1001 | Brick Lane

Combined cafe and club Cafe 1001, which sits on the periphery of Brick Lane, is one of the area’s most defining venues. During the day, an array of freshly baked pastries, bagels and baguettes are made from scratch and available to devour alongside fresh juices and an almighty selection of teas and coffee; from lunch, burgers, pizzas, kebabs and salad are also served. Covered in music posters, plug sockets and leather sofas, this two storey venue is the perfect daytime retreat for those in need of a laid back workspace and the prospect of an after work dance.

Fitzroy Tavern | Fitzrovia

Situated in the heart of Fitzrovia is the famed Fitzroy Tavern – a literary and cultural haunt of some of London’s most established figures. Again, this pub needn’t be overlooked as a space of study. Recently revived of it’s original Victorian coffee house splendour, the tavern has been decked out with mahogany furniture, lincrusta ceilings and illustrious tiled floors – a favourite for after work drinks and also daytime studiers. Feast your eyes on the books of the Fitzroy Tavern library room whilst nestled on a sofa with a drink in hand – the perfect wintertime working space.

VQ Cafe, Bloomsbury, Aldgate, Chelsea, Euston and Notting Hill

For the night time owls who find themselves more switched on during the dark, the VQ cafe is the working space for you. With a 24 hour opening licence, this cafe/diner offers round the clock eating and drinking facilities in amongst an eclectic, laid back environment across five different London locations. Burgers, pasta and all day breakfast can all be found on the VQ menu alongside a host of cocktails, hot and cold drinks, all served for a very reasonable price.

Kupp, Paddington

Having undergone major redevelopment since 2000, Paddington Basin has become a West London hub for workers, socialisers and business – Kupp is one such enterprise which has become a local favourite. Known to locals as ‘a little bit of Scandinavia, wrapped up in a big British blanket’, Kupp promotes a casual, all day dining experience which can range from a quick drink on the go to large social dinners. What Kupp also offers is an inordinate amount of seating and a constant supply of coffee; criteria for all those seeking space to work.

The Common E2, Bethnal Green

Since it opened its doors in 2014, The Common E2 has become a treasure to local freelancers, start ups and students. As a hybrid space which combines a business cafe and an architecture design studio, it’s safe to say this destination is used to the presence workers. With brunch served all day alongside perfectly crafted coffee, this coworking community hub is a firm East End favourite.