Help me not outstay my welcome.

March 11, 2013 10:31 AM

Where in London or surrounding areas can I hole up with my laptop and work, without having to get drunk or wired, or incur the ire of the management?

I work from home much of the time, but sometimes I find I need a change of scenery to stay focused. I'd like to be able to spend the occasional half day in a different location. Pubs and cafes seem the obvious choice, but as came up in this question many places (understandably) discourage campers.

So hive mind, where can I go? Food or drink places aren't completely out as long as they wouldn't mind me spending four hours there, and the consumption of four hours' worth of product wouldn't have significant...other effects....

Indoors is pretty much a requirement (been snowing today) and wifi would be good but it doesn't have to be free. I've googled desk space rental, but it seems to be always on a weekly/monthly contract basis, I'd like places I can just turn up, since I'd ideally be using a different one each time.

Although central London is the obvious place to look, I'd also be interested in particularly amenable places in commuterland. Working in Brighton for a day would be sweet.

posted by doiheartwentyone to work & money (12 answers total)

Is the library out? I was in London for a decent amount of time a while back, and one day I just cozied down at a table in the library and read for a few hours. I didn't get any guff from anyone, and that library is pretty cool.
posted by phunniemee at 10:33 AM on March 11 [1 favorite]

Here's a list of co-working spots in London. Not sure if they require a paid membership or not.
posted by dfriedman at 10:34 AM on March 11 [1 favorite]

My local library lets you bring your own laptop in. They do a quick check of the power supply and ask you to sign a release, but then you can squat a table for the whole day.
posted by Jehan at 10:40 AM on March 11

I'd say public libraries too - the City of Westminster libraries have free wi-fi, require no membership and are free of charge. Downside is probably that you can't eat or drink - I don't know if that's a problem for you.

The Wellcome Library is also nice, though it requires (free) membership registration.
posted by pikeandshield at 11:00 AM on March 11

I like hotel lobbies. The fancier the better. Just look like you belong or waiting to meet someone. Wifi can be an issue though, so best when you want to work without internet for a while (or only on your phone).
posted by RandlePatrickMcMurphy at 11:02 AM on March 11

what do you do? there are some incubators that are offering workspace for free.
posted by parmanparman at 11:16 AM on March 11

A coffeeshop, but drink decaf?
posted by Jahaza at 11:29 AM on March 11

The dana centre offers free inet access and computers. There are comfy couches/seating areas upstairs and a nice cafe downstairs.
posted by travelwithcats at 11:34 AM on March 11

Brighton wise, Super+Super offer a one day (valid for a month from purchase) co working option (along with a 4 and 10 day option) and it is nicely located by the sea.

(I don't work for them, btw I do go to their craft classes and I like the owners; it would be on my list if I needed a co working space)
posted by halcyonday at 12:48 PM on March 11

Thanks all!

I didn't know the operative term was "co-working" so that's a good lead. Super+Super's one day pass is just the kind of thing that might work, I'll work through dfriedman's list and see if any London ones have a similar deal.
posted by doiheartwentyone at 2:16 PM on March 11

Want somewhere really cool to work, and the chance to bump into me occasionally (I mean come on, who wouldn't)?

Join the British Museum

Costs £44 a year, or £30 if you're 26 or under. It gives you access to their new members room which is an absolutely top notch place to work. It's split level with a study/work area upstairs and free wifi, and a cafe downstairs (which will bring your drinks/food up for you) should you require refreshments.

It's a wonderful place to work and when you need a break you can just leave your stuff in the cloakroom and go browse the entirety of human history.

Just don't tell your friends, okay? Let's keep this between us...
posted by garius at 2:25 PM on March 11 [8 favorites]

South Bank Centre. You can stay there for hours and hours and no-one will care, and you can move through various lobbies/cafes if you want a different view.
posted by cushie at 4:09 PM on March 11