I stumbled upon The Larder (photo above) on a lucky rainy morning. En-route elsewhere, and scurrying away from a sudden downpour, this café caught my eye and I gratefully bagged a cosy corner seat.
What a find. Contemporary and airy, there’s a selection of decent wines and super fresh foods in this café/winebar/store. I decided to start the week on a healthy note, and enjoyed a lunch of sweet potato salad accompanied by a fruity deep red Merlot (in the interests of this review of course). The overhead music isn’t overpowering, the seats are comfortable, I had my corner and plug points for my laptop and gadgets, surrounded by stylish magazines to peruse. What more could a writer ask for on a slow, rainy Monday morning?
The Larder – 8 Pearson Square (near Oxford Circus tube)
There’s something about TimberYard in Soho that ticks nearly all the right co-working boxes for me. The biggest draw, however, is the ambience: people have their heads down, are diligently working. But there’s also such a cool, friendly vibe from the guy serving the coffee and cakes, to the visitors popping in for a meeting with colleagues, clients or contacts.
There are work desks to the side or lush sofas towards the back. There’s a meeting room downstairs. Because it’s a café specifically catering for freelancers, digital nomads and other business type people, there isn’t that feeling that you’ll be rushed out once you’ve downed your coffee. At the same, the delicious coffee aroma may well tempt you. Also, I like the selection of teas (mine was a tangerine ginger). After working here, wander around the buzzy Soho streets, peer through shop windows and people watch on an autumn or winter’s evening.
Tucked away behind Tower Bridge tube (although there are other locations too), this is a trendy arty boutique hotel. A comfortable space to drink and work right in the heart of the City and near the River Thames.
It’s also within walking distance of the towering Sky Garden. If you are looking for a touristy break from work, enjoy London views from here – you’ll have to book your (free) slot and possibly still queue to get in, so don’t try this if you are in a hurry. But across the road from The Sky Garden is another good work spot with beautiful coffee, and that’s The New Black. Their Counter Culture coffee is all dark chocolate, almond and caramel.
