5 Top London Meeting Spots (for Work or Pleasure)
Whether you are meeting a client, a colleague, or a friend, these meeting places provide the perfect setting.
Over the past few years, I have worked with my clients at countless venues, but today I have shortlisted my 5 favourite London meeting places for you – and the great news is that they are all yours for the price of a cup of coffee (or two!).
So, what does a venue need to qualify for this list? To start with, there are the basics: good coffee, reliable free WiFi, clean toilets, and that you can reliably get a table for two people. Added extras include interesting people-watching opportunities, convenient locations, and no raised eyebrows if you pull out your tablet or laptop.
In all of these places I will happily spend an hour or two meeting with a client in London, or a few hours head down working quietly on my own.
1. Ham Yard Hotel, Soho
So glamorous that you could almost forget you are working! Ham Yard Hotel is currently my favourite spot for work meetings – and I will tempt clients here whenever possible. It is an oasis in town, just moments from Piccadilly Circus.
Kath’s Tip: Head to the Reception area to visit the incredible wall clock by 'Humans since 1982'. It's mesmerising and a wonderful talking point for visitors - and a mini-respite break during a busy day.
2. Caravan, Kings Cross
Situated on Granary Square behind Kings Cross Station, this spot is especially useful for meetings with people travelling into London, although many Londoners also relish the opportunity to visit this recently redeveloped area.In more normal times, we'd suggest casually perching on the big wooden table at the back of Caravan for almost-in-the-coffee-roaster industrial vibes and engaging views of both the main restaurant and the cool Central Saint Martins fashion students from next door. You are still welcome to drop by for a coffee (space permitting) but will be seated outdoors.
Kath’s Tip: The nearby Camley Street Nature Reserve is normally good for recharging your batteries with a dose of green space, but it is temporarily closed (for redevelopment, not Covid). In the meantime, the Kings Cross Tunnel, with its ever-changing rainbow lights is worth a visit and a photograph or three!
3. Royal Festival Hall, Southbank
London’s Southbank is obviously a great spot to catch up on culture. But it is also home to several great working spots including the Royal Festival Hall and the British Film Institute (BFI) Lounge. The Royal Festival Hall is especially useful, since it has various foyer spaces and cafes dotted around its various levels.
Kath’s Tip: If you are bootstrapping, this is one place you can absolutely work for free – without any pressure to buy even a coffee – and you are welcome to bring your packed lunch to eat in the Royal Festival Hall’s spaces. Just remember to bring your battery pack – no power cords are allowed in the public spaces.
4. The Landmark Hotel, Marylebone
If your ideal work environment is a white stucco palace surrounded by palm trees, under an 8-storey high glass atrium, then you will love the spectacular Gazebo at the Landmark Hotel. Of course such surroundings come at a price, in this case a £15 per head minimum spend in The Garden Terrace. But when cappuccinos (and teas and waters) cost £6 each, you may not have to try too hard to hit the minimum. Well worth it for the ambiance, hop-skip-jump location from Marylebone Station and the occasional tinkling of the ivories by the nearby piano player.
5. The Waterway, Maida Vale
Situated alongside a picturesque canal, The Waterway in Maida Vale is a lovely spot to meet someone or work solo. It’s an easy walk from Paddington Station, and Warwick Avenue (Bakerloo) being the nearest tube station. With plenty of well-spaced heated outdoor seating, you can watch the canal boats amble by as you enjoy a coffee or two. The food is great too!
Kath’s Tip: Walk along the nearby canal before or after your meeting, for a peaceful break that feels like you're miles away from busy London.
Have you got any other favourite London meeting spots that you love?
We'd love to hear about any other undiscovered gems. Please drop us a line to let us know.
Author: Kath Sloggett
