Bored of working from home and can’t quite face staring at the same four walls every day? With remote working showing no signs of going anywhere, it’s important to mix up your usual impromptu at-home set up, and where better to do it than heading to one of London’s best restaurants for hot desking?
Here are our favourite 28 restaurants offering the best work spaces, hot desking deals and just darn good coffee for freelancers and WFHers alike.
Serata Hall
For those who work best with a buzz of people, head to the busy, all-day dining restaurant Serata Hall in Hackney. You’ll be able to pair your hot desking day alongside a good ol’ supply of Ozone coffee, coal-fired pizza and finish off the day with one of their signature cocktails.
The interiors are totally on point, with industrial features and statement bottle green accents dotted throughout, plus a whole lot of foliage too.
They also offer affordable hot desking passes, starting from as little as £10 a day, and you’ll receive bottomless coffee or fresh teas too. Bonus.
207 Old Street, Serata Hall EC1V 9NR
www.seratahall.com
Bluebird Café
Boasting two locations in London, the Bluebird cafes are helping remote workers relax in beautiful spaces that are perfect for hot desking.
Interiors wise, each location is bold, bursting with bright colours and foliage-filled areas. However, if you’re a media professional, West London is the place to be as their newer White City destination is located in the iconic Television Centre.
2, Television Centre, 101 Wood Ln, London W12 7FR
www.bluebirdcafe.co.uk
Cocotte
If you’re a sucker for delicious chicken and stylish interiors, Cocotte is the hot desking space for you. Their restaurants are farm to table chicken rotisseries offering fresh and healthy homemade dishes. And the best part? Their lunch deal makes it a super affordable and hearty lunch option when spending the day there.
You can get a Quarter free range chicken, two sides and two sauces for £14. Or, opt for the truffle chicken burger with truffle mayo, homemade crispy panko chicken thigh, melted Monterey Jack cheese, shaved red onion, tomato, rocket and Fries for £13.50.
Various Locations
www.mycocotte.uk
Riding House Café
Fancy mixing up your working from home situ and heading to the buzz of the city centre instead? Riding House Café in Fitzrovia puts coffee, snacks and comfort at the centre of remote working. With this part of town’s media set in mind, the space is home to cosy booths and three-course lunches to see you right through the working day.
43-51 Great Titchfield St., London W1W 7PQ
www.ridinghouse.cafe
Brother Marcus
If you’re fed up of your living room interiors or can’t face another day working from the kitchen table, Brother Marcus boasts some of the best, on-trend interiors and food that you won’t be able to resist snapping a photo for your ‘gram.
Boasting a few locations across London, the Spitalfields location is our favourite, with plants dotted around the building to help boost your productivity.
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Various Locations
www.brothermarcus.co.uk
Café Van Gogh
Located on Brixton Road, Café Van Gogh is the perfect place to sit down, relax, and get stuck into an afternoon of work from a cosy corner. At the top of a spiral staircase, the space is beautifully decorated with a dreamy blue and yellow ceiling inspired by Vincent Van Gogh’s Starry Night.
Built with community in mind, they work in conjunction with Toucan Employment, a leading learning disability employment charity, to run on-the-job training for people with additional challenges in life, providing them with the support and confidence to seek paid employment.
Food-wise, expect to fuel up on delicious, plant-based dishes using seasonal ingredients.
A dreamy blue and yellow ceiling inspired by Vincent Van Gogh’s famous Starry Night.
88 Brixton Rd, Vassal, London SW9 6BE
www.cafevangogh.co.uk
Rake’s Café Bar
Nestled next to Liverpool Street Station, Rake’s Café Bar offers guests an escape from the hustle and bustle of the outside world, to work away accompanied by freshly home baked pastries, small plates and an artisan coffee. Come evening time, make sure to dig into the cocktail menu too, because their Espresso Martinis are not to be missed.
40 Liverpool St, London EC2M 7QN
www.rakescafebar.co.uk
Megan’s
Of all the laptop-friendly dining spots on our list, Megan’s might just be the friendliest. In their own words, they don’t mind you hanging out and working from Megan’s for the whole day, which is a pretty great deal if you plan to go right through from brunch to happy hour.
Fuel up on Meditteranean dishes while you work, like harissa hummus with flatbread, shakshouka baked eggs, and vegan pancakes topped with banana, chia & coconut yoghurt, homemade blueberry compote, dried raspberries, maple syrup and pistachios. (Plus, their spritz’s are pretty great if you need a break from working, too)
Various Locations
www.megans.co.uk
St Pancras Brasserie by Searcys
Ideally located in the transport hub of St Pancras, St Pancras Brasserie offers all-day dining from eggs-cellent breakfasts to decadent dinners. Guests are welcome to work from the restaurant, with charging points and complimentary high speed WiFi, and the team are on hand with tea and coffee to power through the day. For meetings, there is a private dining space, The Tasting Room, with a presenting screen for in-person business lunches.
The adjoining Champagne Bar is currently closed for refurbishment, and we can’t wait to make a beeline for it when it reopens. Because who wouldn’t want to work alongside a glass of champagne?
Who wouldn’t want to work alongside a glass of champagne?
St Pancras International Station, London N1C 4QL
www.stpancrasbysearcys.co.uk
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Dean Street Townhouse
Part of The Soho House Group, Dean Street Townhouse certainly isn’t shy of a remote worker or two. Writers, creatives and fashionistas alike all flock here to enjoy their work with a strong coffee.
And if you get distracted by all the people watching, a full English from the breakfast menu is bound to keep you ticking over.
Writers, creatives and fashionistas alike flock here.
69-71 Dean St, London W1D 3SE
www.deanstreettownhouse.com
Mare Street Market
The casual East London pitstop, Mare Street Market, occupies an old office space from the 50s – so it’s already built on a foundation of working culture. A little more stylish nowadays, it’s the perfect place to bring you right through from work to play, fusing together restaurants, bars, shops, and of course, good wifi and plug sockets.
Whether you’re self-employed, a remote worker, or just looking for a pitstop between meetings, grab yourself a table for the afternoon and settle in (and maybe some brunch with a scoop of gelato on the side for good measure).
The perfect place bring you right through from work to play.
117 Mare St, London E8 4RU
www.marestreetmarket.com
Straits Bar
Could this be the most luxurious remote working set up we’ve seen?
Nestled inside the Pan Pacific London hotel, Straits Bar is the ideal destination for WFHers that fancy working from the buzz of Liverpool Street. The space boasts floor-to-ceiling windows with tables overlooking the city – perfect for people-watching and working away with a laptop. If you get peckish, the menu includes Alaskan Crab, Oscietra Caviar and Oysters. And if all that work gets you thirsty, there’s over 150 carefully curated champagnes and champagne-based cocktails to choose from… See you there?
80 Houndsditch, London EC3A 7AB
www.panpacific.com
Caravan
From post-work drinks to family-friendly menu favourites, whatever the occasion Caravan comes through with options. And this branches out to hot desking too. Boasting multiple venues across the city, Caravan provides the perfect backdrop for freelancers and work meetings, no matter the clientele you’re looking to impress.
The menu is casual and laid back, with small plates, sourdough pizzas and large plates on offer depending on your budget or hunger pangs, while the industrial interiors found at most of Caravan’s sites also offer great interiors inspo.
From post-work drinks to family-friendly menu favourites, whatever the occasion Caravan comes through with options.
Various Locations
www.caravanrestaurants.co.uk
Hithe + Seek
Hithe + Seek, the wine bar hidden inside The Westin London City, brings with it a vibrant spot to work away during the day and enjoy after-work drinks with friends straight after.
The bar boasts breathtaking views overlooking the River Thames, Bankside and Shakespeare Globe Theatre, so is the perfect place to inspire that book you’re determined to write.
60 Upper Thames Street, EC4V 3AD
www.marriott.co.uk
AllBright
For something a little more fancy, look to AllBright, the female members’ club in the beating heart of Mayfair.
It’s the perfect spot for those wanting to co-work with colleagues or head down to make meaningful and professional connections with like minded women. The members’ club regularly hosts talks with female founders, networking opportunities and restaurant residencies. And they also offer a digital package too, home to over 200 training courses and spaces where you can connect with others across the globe from your very own living rooms.
24-26 Maddox Street, Mayfair, W1S 1PP
www.allbrightcollective.com
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The Hoxton
Just because you live in the city doesn’t mean you have to steer clear of the city’s flourishing hotel scene. The Hoxton is a prime example of somewhere that’s awaiting to be visited and worked in by freelancers and fellow WFHers.
The Hoxton, now with three beautifully converted hotels in London, is home to some of the city’s trendiest booths and areas that are perfect for whipping out your laptop and working in. Our favourite being the Southwark spot, thanks to its stylish interiors and laidback vibes. The all-day lobby spot is the perfect space to work away in and serves up some good grub too. And now, they’ve even got a dedicated co-working space you can book into. Think homely vibes, free tea, coffee and snacks, and special room rates for when you’re burning the midnight oil.
Once you’ve signed off for the day, make your way up to Seabird to cheers to the end of the working day and soak up the foliage filled terrace overlooking London.
Shoreditch / Southwark
www.thehoxton.com
BRADMORE HOUSE, QUEEN CAROLINE ST, HAMMERSMITH W6 9BW
www.wearekindred.com
Kindred
Kindred, the west London members’ club, is built on a foundation of community spirit. Despite being a members’ club, the powerhouse company is dedicated to bringing people together, through both work and play, and their co-working space is fused together through a desire to connect through skills and ideas, eating and sharing.
Their on-site restaurant, The Cellar, will take you on a journey around London’s diverse culinary scene. Head there for a quick lunch break and let the creative juices flow as you travel through the flavours and different cultures through head chef Romulo Silva’s ‘London Fusion’ menu.
Smith’s Bar & Grill
Paddington favourite, Smith’s Bar & Grill offers the perfect place to host your next work meeting, coffee catch-up or space to work alone while enjoying delicious food and the hub of the restaurant surroundings.
Stylishly decorated with hanging plants and vibrant chairs and banquette seating, burrow your head away as you type on your laptop or soak up the atmosphere and get inspired. There’s free high-speed WIFI and plug points dotted throughout.
25 Sheldon Square, Paddington, W2 6EY
www.smithsbarandgrill.co.uk
Grind
If chic interiors give you a rush of energy, pencil in Grind for your next hot desking date.
Grind boasts multiple venues across the city but all have three things in common: flowing coffee, Instagrammable interiors and stellar cocktails for an afternoon pick-me-up. Grab yourself a table, order in your favourite brunch staple – they do a great avo on toast – and let the creative juices flow as you sip on their signature coffee blends.
Various Locations
www.grind.co.uk
Coppa Club Putney
On the riverfront between Putney and Fulham Railway bridges, Coppa in southwest London is a local clubhouse that flexes throughout the day. There are views of the Thames from the riverside terrace, private igloos for a more cosy setting, and a central bar for sharing cocktails.
Drop by anytime, day or night and settle down with your laptop in a quiet corner in the snug.
29 Brewhouse Ln, London SW15 2JX
www.coppaclub.co.uk
nhow London
Designed with co-working in mind, nhow’s lobby area is the place to go for hotdesking in east London. Their tables come complete with charging points and ergonomic chairs, as well as plenty of space dotted around other lounge areas to work in. For those only in London for work for a few days, you can also book in for ‘workcation’.
2 Macclesfield Road, EC1V 8DG
www.nhow-hotels.com
The Richmond Club
The Richmond Club is like a home office away from home – surrounded by like-minded members looking to switch up their working environment. Richmond’s award winning and very first Private Members’ Club, the venue has super-fast wi-fi throughout, comfortable and varied workspaces, and unlimited coffee to power through your day.
Unwind after a productive day of work, entertain clients or meet colleagues in the Club’s sophisticated bar and tranquil gardens. Not a member? Day passes are just £25 and can be booked by emailing [email protected]
The Richmond Club is like a home office away from home.
115-117 Kew Rd, Richmond TW9 2PN
www.therichmondclub.uk
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Treehouse London
Treehouse London has been taking over our Insta feeds since opening up last year, and with tropical, treehouse-inspired interiors, it’s easy to see why. But for those looking for hot desking options, it’s the perfect place to head.
Over at the Madera expect exceptional contemporary Mexican cuisine with a jaw-dropping skyline background; it’s sure to get the creative juices flowing. Or head to The Nest, the casual rooftop bar, also boasting 360 degree views over London.
14-15 Langham Place, W1B 2QS
www.treehousehotels.com
116 Piccadilly, Mayfair W1J 7BJ
www.athenaeumhotel.com
The Athenaeum
Whether you’re a lone ranger or you’re looking for somewhere away from the office with your team for the day, The Athenaeum provides the perfect energetic background for a hot desking session or brainstorming day with your colleagues.
For the solo workers, The Athenaeum offers day rates whether you’re looking for a private space to get your head down or if you work better with the buzz of fellow creators working around you. For groups, there’s areas to host a private event, which may be a great alternative to working in your crowded office.
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The Book Club
By day, The Book Club is an all-day dining spot perfect for meetings, catch-ups and creativity; by night, it’s kitted out for DJ nights and art events. But, for now, we’ll stick to the daytime as it’s when most of us office workers grind…
Spread across two floors of a former Victorian warehouse, The Book Club is a quirky spot filled with bright features, exposed walls and regularly changing exhibitions across the walls. Book in for a meeting with your co-workers or keep this little secret hot desking spot all to yourself.
100-106 Leonard Street, Hackney EC2A 4RH
www.wearetbc.com
Drake & Morgan
Swap your kitchen counter for a real restaurant-working experience with Drake & Morgan. With several venues scattered across the city, including Drake & Morgan at King’s Cross, The Folly, The Allegory and The Happenstance, there’s plenty of options to choose from. The menu certainly beats the beans on toast we’ve become readily aquainted with.
Various venues
www.drakeandmorgan.co.uk
Tobacco Dock & Peckham
www.skylightbars.com
Skylight
Skylight isn’t just all about its wild weekend nights. During the weekdays it’s great for sparking inspiration, hosting coffee catch-ups with colleagues or wowing prospective clients with cocktails.
Start off inside typing away on your computer with small plates and coffee, before making your way out onto the rooftop to cheers to the end of a successful day or week. Now with sites in Peckham and Tobacco Dock, there’s no excuse not to head down and explore their co-working options.
116 Pall Mall
Fancy working from one of the most prestigious postcodes in London? Take a visit to 116 Pall Mall and work amongst inspirational business leaders and entrepreneurs. As a member, you are regularly invited to work at 116 Pall Mall, hot desking in the newly refreshed brasserie and Carlton Lounge, as well as the restaurant and wine bar.
For those who aren’t members, you can still get a taste of the success when you hire out meeting rooms in the Academy, a training centre equipped with everything you need to get inspired and work efficiently.
116 Pall Mall, SW1Y 5ED
www.iod.com
