I went freelance in January, which meant no office to travel to. I’d trade that flexibility for nothing, but I also needed a bit of discipline, a few days a week in Central London so I’d feel like I had somewhere to be.

So here are the cafés and spots I keep going back to for work, with notes on what each one is actually good for.

For deep, quiet work: The Wellcome Collection Library, Euston Road

The Wellcome Collection is a free museum with two spaces you can work from. The reading room on the second floor is easy access, you can keep your bag, and quiet conversation is fine. It has a calm, slightly studious feeling.

For proper focus, head to the Library, also on the second floor. You get a free day pass, leave your bag and coat in a locker (no food allowed inside because of the rare books), and you’re given a small basket for your essentials. The lack of distractions makes it genuinely productive, even if the no-snacks rule takes some adjusting to. There’s a water fountain inside.

• Wifi: yes

• Toilets: yes

• Plugs: yes

📍183 Euston Road, London NW1 2BE

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For a quieter café: The Rug, Maida Hill

I almost kept this one to myself because I love it so much. The Rug is a neighbourhood café just past Notting Hill, in an area most people don’t get to. Hearty breakfasts, good coffee, music playing softly in the background. The atmosphere is peaceful, the locals work from here and there’s an unspoken agreement not to speak too loudly.

• Wifi: yes

• Toilets: yes

• Plugs: yes

📍309-311 Harrow Rd, London W9 3RG

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For calls and clients: The Hoxton, Holborn

• Wifi: yes

• Toilets: yes, several

• Plugs: yes, several

📍199-206 High Holborn, London WC1V 7BD

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