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Today, let’s break down together all the best cafes to work in East London; laptop friendly coffee shops to study with your PC on charge, your books and your notes!
If you’ve been here before, then you know how important it is for me to find the best coworking cafes in London.
I have actually written more than a dozen guides to laptop friendly cafes in London, from Costa Coffee to cafes to work in Liverpool Street, and many, many more.
By the way, some of my latest guides also include cafes to study in Tottenham Court Road, along with places in Oxford Street and Mayfair, as well as Marylebone.
Good to know if you’d like to find cafes to work in Central London at some point!
Although some of the coffee shops I will mention today make for very aesthetic cafes in London to work, study, read, or write, it’s not really our goal today.
Or is it?
I personally love working in Caffè Nero in London, and Pret a Manger and Starbucks are not too shabby either when you want to do some productive work.
But you’ll see, if you’re looking for the best cafes to work in London around Walthamstow, Bethnal Green, Shoreditch, Liverpool St, Brick Lane and Hackney, most are actually indie coffee shops.
14 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 to work 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: Bru Coffee
I’ve mentioned Bru Coffee quite a few times on The Working Line already, and that’s one of the best cafes in East London to study and work, should you want to.
I love the menu, as you will find plenty of tea, amazing latte, and hot chocolate unlike any other you’ve ever tried in London.
Halal, vegan, vegetarian, eggless, and gluten-free, they have everything you need for every diet.
If you’re looking for the best cafes to work and study in London, this is one of the most aesthetic cafes in the city. Warm, wooden, and rustic looking, the setting is motivating and very pretty.
You would think that the shop is pretty small, however, at the back, you have quite a large space where you can plug in your laptop.
Of course, there is free WiFi to help you study during the day.
This is one of the best cafes to work in East London in my opinion, because it is big, and the owner and the team are amazing.
It is such a beautiful space that you will only feel focused and motivated when working in this coffee shop.
Read: The Best Free Coworking Spaces to study in London
Best Cafes to Work in East London: Costa Bethnal Green
I’ve only been to Costa on Bethnal Green Road a couple of times, but I do think it’s one of the best cafes in East London to work.
It is not too big, but when you go to the back of the coffee shop, you will find a few power outlets to plug in your laptop – which is what we most need from coworking cafes in London, right?
Costa is usually quiet, and one of the cafes in East London where you will be able to focus without being interrupted.
Its location near Brick Lane makes it one of the coolest places to study in London, especially if you like street art and seeing color from places nearby.
There is also one of the best bakeries ever on Brick Lane, the Beigel Shop, where you should try amazing rainbow bagels.
In the Costa cafe, there are toilets, and the coffee shop is big enough that you won’t feel out of place when working there with your laptop for a few hours.
Definitely one of the best study cafes in London, especially given that there’s free WiFi as well.
Read: The best Free libraries to work in London
Best Cafes to Work in East London: Kybelle
Kybelle is one of the most underrated cafes to work in London, that’s for sure. Their offer is fresh all the time, with great coffee, pastries, and fruit juices.
The prices are quite reasonable compared to other cafes in East London where you might want to work and study.
Kybelle is located just a few minutes away from Liverpool Street, and there is free WiFi there.
Of course, the food resembles the culture that you would find in Shoreditch, with Mediterranean and colorful plates.
Since you’re not going to this cafe to have lunch in the first place, you could definitely just go for a doughnut and a coffee at Kybelle, and start working straight away.
The Cafe and Kitchen focuses on great service, and the WiFi is free and really fast. If you’re looking for aesthetic cafes in London, Kybelle is a place you will want to come back to again and again.
There are power outlets throughout the coffee shop, but I would definitely recommend coming early if you’re looking for a cafe to study in London around the East.
That way, you don’t bother anyone if it gets busy. I’ve always loved Great Eastern Street because it is lively, and filled with lots of street art all around the area.
If you’re after the best WiFi cafes to work in East London, Kybelle is a place to visit.
Read: The Best Coworking Spaces in East London
Best Cafes to Work in East London: Kahaila Brick Lane
Kahaila Brick Lane is one of my ultimate favorite cafes to work in East London, because it just offers everything us freelancers and students could wish for.
Power outlets? Check.
Free WiFi? Check.
Lots of seating space? Check.
The only downside is that while it’s one of the best coffee shops in Brick Lane to study and do some work, we’re not the only ones who think so.
Come as early as you can, honestly; there’s a couple of times where I haven’t even been able to find a seat (especially at weekends) because Kahaila was so busy.
The rustic, woody atmosphere will very much remind you of some Caffè Nero in London, like the one on Tottenham Court Road or the one on Southbank.
Super inspiring, albeit crowded at times, but it does offers plenty of table space to spread if needed from the morning, and it’s super close to some of the best markets in Shoreditch too!
Read: The Best Free Quiet Study Spaces in London
Best Cafes in East London to Study: Polo Bar Great British Cafe
Polo Bar, also called the Great British Cafe, is one of the best cafes to work in Liverpool Street, just two steps away from Eataly and Old Spitalfields Market.
You’ve got two floors there, along with amazing cannoli perfect if you like Italian pastries, but that’s not all.
Free WiFi is available, as well as power outlets here and there, and again, you’ve got that rustic, wooden background perfect when you’re looking for inspiring places to write in London.
Liverpool Street station is located right across Polo Bar, and for whoever wants to find the best cafes to work in East London without straying too far from the station, that’s the one.
Plus, it’s one of the only 24 hour places to study in London, so you’d better make good use of it if you’re late for projects!
Read: The Best Cafes to Work in West Hampstead
Best Cafes to Work in East London: Costa Coffee Dalston
Located right outside the Kingsland Shopping Centre, you’ve got another Costa Coffee perfect to study, since it does offer quite a few good seats.
As with all the Costa Coffee in London, you’ve got free WiFi and a few power outlets, but the interesting thing is the opening hours.
Indeed, the Kingsland Rd coffee shop is open from 6 am to 9 pm everyday except on Sundays, when it opens at 7 am.
Good seating space and a view on life passing by on the street, that sounds like a great coffee shop to study in my book.
Read: The Best Cafes to Work near King’s Cross
Best Cafes to Work in East London: Allpress
Allpress is very famous when it comes to cafes in East London to work and study. It is a great name in the coffee roasting scene, and Allpress, located in Dalston, is quite big.
There is free WiFi and there, you’re able to get some of the most delicious coffee in East London.
I first came across Allpress when I was looking for the best cafes to study in London, and didn’t want to go to one of the Starbucks cafe or Pret study coffee shops that I’m used to.
This is a very beautiful place, and there are a few power outlets around the coffee shop.
This is also one of the very pretty cafes in London, for those who like a minimalist, rustic-looking space to feel motivated.
There are a few Allpress cafes in London, but you might remember from my guide to the best nontouristy things to do in London alone, that I love the Dalston area.
It is filled with beautiful cafes to study in London, and since it looks like a village in London, it’s lovely to walk around when you’re done working.
Read: The Best Free Views in London
Best Cafes to Work in East London: Grounded
I cannot count the times I have talked about Grounded on The Working Line, and this is one of the most aesthetic cafes in East London to work in.
The coffee shop uses organic products, tea, and coffee that is absolutely delicious.
Its other name is Grounded Coffee Company, and I first came across it when I was looking for a halal breakfast in London a few years ago.
The pastries are delicious and set right on the counter, so you will probably have much trouble choosing just one.
There are free WiFi and power outlets if you manage to grab a seat near the wall. Grounded is quite big, however, there is often a queue as this is one of the best halal restaurants in East London.
Located on Whitechapel Road, it offers HMC-certified halal food, very fast and friendly service, and honestly the best full English breakfast ever.
For those looking for the best coworking cafes in East London to study, read, or just write in their notebooks, Grounded is one of my ultimate favorite places to write in London. A great option and probably one of the best Instagram cafes in London.
Read: The Best Cafes to Work in Miami
Best Cafes to Work in East London: Mare Street Market
Mare Street Market has got to be one of the most famous places to work around East London. This is a huge warehouse-type market that offers free WiFi.
It boasts a huge kitchen with long tables (pictured above) that are perfect for coworking alone or with friends.
Mare Street Market might not be one of the proper cafes in East London, but they do have WiFi, which is perfect if you want to get some work done.
However, they do not offer power outlets, so if your computer has a long battery life well, this would be actually better if you’d like to spend a few hours working at Mare Street Market.
They are lots of delicious food, as well as fresh juices made to order, should you wish to treat yourself.
Mare Street Market, located on Mare Street at the end of Cambridge Heath Road, is definitely one of the best WiFi cafes in East London.
It’s basically one of the best coworking spaces in London if you’re looking for a coffee shop vibe but want to blend in with the busy crowd. Come early in the morning or out of the rush hour.
Read: The Best Italian Cafes in London For Breakfast & Coffee
Best Cafes to Work in East London: No 42 Coffee Junction
I think Coffee Junction is probably one of the most underrated cafes in East London for students and freelancers.
There are quite a few local places to work around Shoreditch, the most famous being Paper and Cup, Ozone Coffee Roasters, or the Ace Hotel lobby.
No 42 Coffee Junction, located between Bethnal Green Road and Shoreditch, is that underdog study cafe where you’ll feel super comfortable working.
If you want to find one of the best cafes in East London to work with free WiFi.
Of course, I wouldn’t mention it if they didn’t have amazing comfortable spaces, some great pastries, and coffee all available there.
You will see that No 42 Coffee Junction will soon become one of your favorite coworking cafes in East London near Shoreditch.
I don’t understand why it is still so underrated, but my guess is that only locals visited No 42 Coffee Junction on a regular basis.
It’s located really close to Shoreditch High Street station, and you will feel absolutely at home working in this place.
If you want to find a place that resembles an old-school home office, No 42 Coffee Junction is one of the best cafes in East London for that.
Read: The Best Productivity Tools For Freelancers
Best Cafes to Work in East London: Lantana Shoreditch
The thing about Lantana Shoreditch is that it’s not only one of the best cafes in East London for brunch and coffee; they also advertise the fact that they are a laptop-friendly place.
I first mentioned Lantana in my guide to the best cafes in London Bridge for working and studying.
The one in Shoreditch is located on City Road, and it’s probably one of their most famous addresses as well.
They are open every day of the week, but I would definitely recommend going there midweek, in the morning, so that no one bothers you while you’re working.
With its delicious brunch, breakfast, and pastries, it’s one of the best cafes in East London to work, that’s for sure.
They have a few books in there, and a beautiful decoration, very motivating when you’re looking to focus on your own, on your laptop.
Bring your books from 7:30 in the morning during the week, and from 9 am at weekends.
I would not recommend going there to work during the weekend, as the cafe becomes one of the busiest places in East London.
Read: The Best Cafes to Work in Canary Wharf
Best Cafes to Work in East London: Ozone Coffee
Ozone Coffee Roasters is probably one of the most famous coworking cafes in East London.
They have quite a few different locations in London, and they cater to freelancers, students, and digital nomads to perfection.
This is one of the best laptop-friendly places in London with free WiFi and power outlets located around the coffee shop.
It is quite a busy place as it is very famous among the digital nomad crowd.
At Ozone Coffee Roasters, you will have artisan coffee made to order, and with its rustic background, it is one of the cafes to study in London where you will feel absolutely motivated.
The Ozone Coffee Roasters place I’m talking about is located near Old Street Station, and I would recommend coming early in the morning if you don’t want to queue.
Also, avoid going there on the weekend, as people come to have their delicious brunch and it gets busy.
Their long wooden tables are perfect for work and if you’d like to just bring a second hand book and have a good read while sipping on some coffee or hot chocolate, this is the place to do so.
Catering to most people, Ozone Coffee Roasters also offers some vegetarian and vegan bites. Really one of the most aesthetic cafes in East London to work and study in peace.
Read: The Best Branded Notebooks For Inspiration
Best Cafes to Work in East London: Fcukoffee
When I was living in Bethnal Green, I discovered Fcukoffee at the end of Bethnal Green Road, between Bethnal Green station and Brick Lane.
This is one of my favorite coworking cafes in East London because it is still quite underrated and very local.
I mentioned Fcukoffee in my guide to the best cafes to work around London Bridge, and I definitely think the brand is one of the greatest around.
They are politically incorrect, with sharp messages written in front of the coffee shop every single day.
They are absolutely amazing and for freelancers and digital nomads big on freedom, you will understand why I love Fcukoffee so much.
They have free WiFi and some power outlets, which makes Fcukoffee one of the best cafes in East London to work and study.
Just bring your laptop, your notebooks, and your books, and get on with the day while chewing on some amazing brownie they have freshly made that day.
Read: The best Bookshop cafes in London
Best Cafes to Work in East London: Fugitive Motel
Update: The Fugitive Motel is now closed.
Now, for very underrated cafes in East London to work, I would recommend the Fugitive Motel.
This is a cafe, bar, and kitchen, and probably one of the best cafes to work in London for all those who are looking for a beautiful background and a motivating setting.
There, you can stay as long as you want providing that you get at least a drink.
There are power outlets disseminated throughout the coffee shop, and very big tables you can use to spread your beautiful branded notebooks and your laptop.
If you’re looking for a good WiFi cafe in East London, this is the one.
There are not too many people visiting the Fugitive Motel, especially since it’s one of the most underrated coworking cafes in East London.
I love the space; it is big, colorful and with its fast Wifi, it’s one of the best cafes for studying around Bethnal Green and Whitechapel.
Read: The Best cafes to work in Soho London
14 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 already wrote a guide to the best cafes for working in Shoreditch around Old Street, Great Eastern Street, and the Old Street roundabout.
However, 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!
Until next time!
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The Working Line
Sam is a certified fashion makeup artist, a freelance writer, a blogger and a digital nomad. Since 2019, she roams around the world, from London to Rome and shares her knowledge about makeup, scented candles, travel, blogging and the digital nomad lifestyle.