A local’s guide to the best cafes to work in East London, from Shoreditch to Bethnal Green – laptop friendly coffee shops to study and enjoy good food!
If you’ve been here before, you already know how important it is for me to find solid coworking cafés in London.
I’ve written well over a dozen guides on the subject, and while a few of the spots I’ll mention today are also very aesthetic cafés to work, study, read or write in, that’s not really the main goal here.
Or maybe it is, just a little.
But if you’re looking for the best cafés to work in East London, around Bethnal Green, Shoreditch, Liverpool Street, Brick Lane and Hackney, you’ll quickly notice that the real gems are mostly independent coffee shops.
10 Best Cafes to Work in East London (Laptop Friendly)
As per usual, I’ll try to mention here whether the study cafes in this guide are completely laptop friendly, with power outlets and free WiFi available.
If you’ve been here before, you’ll probably have seen a couple of these coffee shops in other guides, like the one about the best cafes in Shoreditch.
In one case, that of Polo Bar on Liverpool St, you might have seen it in my guide to cafes open late in London to study.
There’s much more to discover when it comes to coworking spots in London, so students, freelancers and digital nomads, you’re exactly where you need to be today!
Best Cafes to Work in East London: Kahaila Brick Lane
Kahaila Brick Lane is easily one of my all time favorite cafés to work in East London. It really ticks all the boxes freelancers and students look for.
Power outlets. Free WiFi. Plenty of seating. All covered.
The only real downside is that you will not be the only one thinking it’s a great place to work.
It gets very busy, especially at weekends, and I have genuinely arrived before and struggled to find a seat. Going early makes a big difference.
The rustic, woody interior is very reminiscent of some Caffè Nero locations in London, like Tottenham Court Road or Southbank.
It’s inspiring and comfortable, even if it can feel crowded at peak times. Still, there’s usually enough table space to spread out in the morning, and the location is perfect, right by some of the best markets in Shoreditch.
Best Cafes to Work in East London: Kybelle
Kybelle is easily one of the most underrated cafés to work in London.
The offer is consistently fresh, with good coffee, pastries and fruit juices, and the prices are very reasonable compared to many other cafés in East London.
It’s just a few minutes from Liverpool Street and comes with free, fast WiFi.
The food reflects the Shoreditch vibe, with colourful, Mediterranean-inspired plates, but you don’t need to sit down for a full meal.
A doughnut and a coffee are more than enough to settle in and start working.
The café focuses on friendly service and has power outlets throughout, which makes it a solid option if you’re looking for reliable WiFi cafés to work in East London.
I’d recommend coming earlier in the day if you want to study comfortably, especially as Great Eastern Street gets busy and lively, with plenty of street art around.
Best Cafes in East London to Study: Polo Bar Great British Cafe
Polo Bar, also known as the Great British Café, is one of the best cafés to work in Liverpool Street, just steps away from Old Spitalfields Market and right opposite the station.
The café is spread over two floors and is especially known for its cannoli, perfect if you like Italian pastries alongside your coffee.
Free WiFi is available, there are power outlets dotted around, and the rustic, wooden interior makes it a surprisingly inspiring place to write or focus.
With Liverpool Street station directly across the road, it’s ideal if you want cafés to work in East London without wandering far.
It’s also one of the very few 24 hour places to study in London, which makes it a real lifesaver when deadlines creep up.
Best Cafes to Work in East London: Allpress
Allpress is a well-known name when it comes to cafés to work and study in East London, especially for coffee lovers.
Their Dalston location is spacious, with free WiFi and some of the best coffee in the area.
I discovered Allpress while searching for cafés to study in London and wanted a break from the usual Starbucks or Pret.
The space is beautiful, minimalist, and rustic, with a few power outlets scattered around, making it motivating for work or study.
Dalston itself is one of my favorite areas for cafés, with a village-like feel and plenty of spots to explore once you’re done working.
Best Cafes to Work in East London: Grounded Bow
I can’t count how many times I’ve mentioned Grounded on The Working Line – it’s easily one of the most aesthetic cafés in East London to work in.
Also known as Grounded Coffee Company, it’s a favorite for organic coffee, tea, and really delicious pastries, which are displayed right on the counter – choosing just one is tough.
There’s free WiFi and power outlets if you can grab a seat near the wall.
The space in Bow is quite large, but it can get busy, especially since it’s also one of the best halal spots in East London, serving HMC-certified food and an outstanding full English breakfast with fast, friendly service.
For anyone looking for coworking cafés to study, write, or read in East London, Grounded is one of my absolute favorites.
Best Cafes to Work in East London: Mare Street Market
Mare Street Market is one of the most well-known spots to work in East London.
This large, warehouse-style market offers free WiFi and features long communal tables, perfect for coworking alone or with friends.
While it’s not a traditional café, the market provides plenty of space to work. It doesn’t have power outlets, so it’s best if your laptop has good battery life.
There’s also a variety of delicious food and fresh juices made to order if you want a little treat while you work.
Located at the end of Cambridge Heath Road on Mare Street, it’s ideal for those looking for a coffee shop vibe but with a lively, bustling crowd.
Best Cafes to Work in East London: No 42 Coffee Junction
While Shoreditch has plenty of popular spots like Paper and Cup or Ozone Coffee Roasters, No 42 Coffee Junction quietly stands out as a cozy, under-the-radar place to work.
Located between Bethnal Green Road and Shoreditch High Street station, it offers free WiFi, comfortable seating, great pastries, and excellent coffee.
The space has an old-school home-office vibe, making it perfect for focusing on work or study.
It’s no surprise that once you try it, No 42 Coffee Junction quickly becomes one of your favorite coworking cafés in East London.
Best Cafes to Work in East London: Lantana Shoreditch
Lantana Shoreditch isn’t just one of the best cafés in East London for brunch and coffee, it’s also genuinely laptop-friendly.
Located on City Road, it’s one of their most popular spots and a great place to work if you get there early.
Open every day, I recommend visiting midweek in the morning for a quieter experience.
The café serves delicious breakfast, brunch, and pastries, and its motivating décor and small selection of books make it ideal for focusing on your laptop.
Arrive around 7:30 am on weekdays, or 9 am on weekends, though weekends can get very busy.
Best Cafes to Work in East London: Ozone Coffee
Ozone Coffee Roasters is one of the most well-known coworking cafés in East London, popular with freelancers, students, and digital nomads.
With several locations across the city, it’s especially great near Old Street Station.
This laptop-friendly café offers free WiFi, power outlets, artisan coffee made to order, and a motivating rustic interior.
Long wooden tables make it perfect for working or reading a book while enjoying coffee or hot chocolate, and they also serve vegetarian and vegan options.
It can get busy, so arriving early on weekdays is best, and weekends are best avoided due to the brunch crowd.
Best Cafes to Work in East London: Fcukoffee/Jonestown
While living in Bethnal Green, I discovered Fcukoffee at the end of Bethnal Green Road at number 215, between Bethnal Green station and Brick Lane.
It’s one of my favorite cafes in East London; underrated, very local, and full of character.
Known for its politically incorrect, sharp messages outside the shop, Fcukoffee appeals to freelancers and digital nomads who value freedom and originality.
It offers free WiFi, a few power outlets, and freshly made treats like brownies, making it a perfect spot to bring your laptop, notebooks, and books for a productive day.
10 Best Cafes to Work in East London (Laptop Friendly)
There you have them, the best coworking cafes in East London to work, study, or just chill!
I thought it would be great to share some cafes in East London that are pretty and aesthetically useful around Bethnal Green and Whitechapel Road as well.
If you’re looking for the best cafes to work from in London, these are some great spaces and I visit most of them on a very regular basis.
Some belong to a guide to instagrammable cafes in London like Grounded, for instance – places where you will feel really good!