Coworking vs Coffee Shops: A Productivity & Cost Analysis for London Professionals

The search for an ideal workspace has turned into an essential aspect of everyday life for modern UK employees, freelancers, and startups. It is no longer where you work, but where you can work your best.

Independent workers seeking the relaxed ambience, quality coffee, and the bustle of urban life have always had coffee shops as their usual go-to place. But, as coworking spaces gain popularity in London, a significant number of professionals are finding out that coffee shops are not the most efficient and affordable option. This demand has further resulted in 1,400+ coworking spaces in London alone, making them one of the leading collaborative work environments that promote productivity, creativity, and community.

So, how do coworking spaces stack up against coffee shops when it comes to productivity, cost, and overall experience? Let’s discuss this in this comparative blog.

Why are London Professionals Turning to Coworking Spaces?

There is a reason why coworking spaces in London are flourishing. These are dynamic spaces that offer flexibility, community and focus. This is why an increasing number of freelancers, startups, and remote workers are opting to commit to coworking spaces instead of coffee shops.

We’ve outlined some of the prominent factors below.

• Enhanced Productivity and Focus

Coffee shops might provide a comfortable environment, but they are not the best place for professional work. Noise in the background, music and the stream of customers make it difficult to work long hours.

On the other hand, coworking spaces are designed to be productive. They offer quiet areas, private meeting rooms, ergonomic seating arrangements, and reliable high-speed Wi-Fi connectivity to ensure long concentration.

There is no need for professionals to be distracted by loud noise or poor internet connectivity. The proficient environment comes in handy, especially for London workers who must remain competitive and efficient in competitive industries.

• A Professional Environment that Impresses Clients

It may be unprofessional to hold a meeting with a client in a crowded cafe. The noise of the cups and lack of privacy do not help to create the appropriate impression.

By comparison, the coworking facilities in London offer high-quality meeting rooms, presentation screens, and reception facilities, making them suitable for pitching to clients or holding collaborative sessions. The work environment also conveys a sense of trustworthiness and professionalism.

Whether you are a freelancer meeting a potential client or a startup pitching to investors, the coworking space provides the credibility that coffee shops cannot offer.

• Networking and Collaboration Opportunities 

Community building and networking are the most significant advantages of coworking offices. These settings unite professionals from various industries, including marketing consultants, designers, software developers, and entrepreneurs, under a single roof.

While social interaction in coffee shops is not easy, coworking spaces naturally facilitate networking through community events, workshops, group projects, or simple conversations over a desk. 

Coworking spaces offer a rich pool of opportunities for London professionals looking to expand their business network or seek potential partners.

• The Cost Comparison: Coffee Shops vs Coworking Spaces 

Most people believe that coffee shops are affordable, yet this is not the actual case.

Let’s simplify it:

Coffee Shops:

When you are working in a cafe, you are supposed to purchase something to eat or drink to occupy a space. In London, it is likely that if you are visiting a coffee shop, you will spend at least £4 on a coffee or £6 on a snack. A few hours a day may cost more than £15 -20 a day, accumulating to about £300-400 a month.

Coworking Spaces:

Membership of coworking spaces in London begins at about £150-250 per month, including high-speed internet, meeting rooms, printing, and security services.

Cost-wise, coworking space is not just less expensive; it also offers much more in terms of networking and professional infrastructure.

Therefore, even though coffee shops may seem less expensive at first, coworking offices are indeed more profitable and beneficial for working professionals in terms of investment payback.

• Work Life Balance and Mental Well-Being

Working in coffee shops often diminishes the boundaries between leisure and productivity. The surroundings tend to promote the idea of multitasking, chatting, scrolling, and working in parallel, which may lead to burnout in the long run.

Coworking offices promote a healthy work-life balance. Upon entering, you shift into a productive work mindset, allowing for a complete disconnect once you leave. This physical distance serves to enhance concentration during working hours and ensures more effective rest afterwards, which is most important to maintain mental health in the long term.

• Inclusive Amenities that Make Work Easier

Coworking is beyond the desks and Wi-Fi. They provide an ecosystem ready to be productive and comfortable:

• Dedicated, high-speed fibre internet and IT support
• Fully equipped private meeting rooms (with A/V tech and whiteboards)
• Acoustic phone booths for private calls and video conferencing
• Enterprise-grade printing and scanning facilities
• On-site cafés and lounges (a great way to enjoy the vibe of a coffee shop in a coworking space)
• Secure lockers and 24/7 access (with CCTV monitoring)
• Dedicated wellness and breakout zones (for rest and rejuvenation)
• Professional reception and mail handling

Comparatively, coffee shops usually do not have reliable power sources, are not well-seated, and do not offer the privacy that the professionals may require. On the other hand, coworking spaces remove the pressure to find a quiet place or a good signal, which is common to remote teams or consultants who depend on video calls and client meetings. 

And the best part? All amenities in coworking spaces are inclusive, meaning you only pay for what you access in a monthly fee, without hidden or additional charges. Meanwhile, workplace maintenance and utilities come standard. 

Pros and Cons of Working from a Coffee Shop

Coffee shops are a popular choice for freelancers and remote workers who enjoy a relaxed environment, good coffee, and a sense of urban energy. However, while they may seem convenient, they come with several limitations compared to the structure and benefits of coworking spaces. 

Let’s explore the pros and cons of working in coffee shops below.

The Perks of Coffee Shops

Cosy Environment: The background music and the scent of freshly brewed coffee can be motivating, particularly when engaging in creative work.

No need for commitment: It doesn’t require a membership or any long-term contract that ties you down. Just walk in, have a drink, and get to work.

Accessible Locations: Coffee shops are conveniently located, with many close to public transportation, and most are open all day.

Great for Short Tasks: Work best in short sessions, such as in a meeting, when you have to respond to some emails, or when brainstorming.

The Downsides of Coffee Shops

Although coffee shops may be suitable for work sessions or small tasks, they are not always convenient for long-term productivity and professionalism.

Noise and Distractions: The chatter, loud music, and constant movement can lead to distraction and hinder completing your tasks.

Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi connections in public areas are often slow, unreliable, and potentially unsafe for professionals handling sensitive information.

Scarcity of Spaces and Electrical Outlets: It’s challenging to find available spaces or an electrical outlet, especially during peak times.

Privacy Issues: Holding virtual meetings or having a personal client call in a crowded cafe is usually uncomfortable and considered unprofessional behaviour.

Continuous Spending: Coffee and snack prices are relatively high, and you end up purchasing a lot of coffee and snacks within a short period of time, sometimes surpassing the monthly cost of a coworking membership.

Which One is More Productive: Coffee Shop or Coworking Space

The high demand for flexible and hybrid working has ultimately led freelancers and employees to coffee shops and coworking spaces. However, when discussing actual productivity and future growth, one of them is evidently superior.

Productivity and Focus

Coworking spaces are work-oriented and have areas where individuals can work comfortably without distraction in a comfortable environment. Coffee stores are often accompanied by distractions like noise and crowded spaces, which make them less productive.

Cost Efficiency

Although coworking areas might appear expensive initially, they offer greater long-term advantages, including value-added amenities such as Wi-Fi, printers, meeting rooms, and security services. Coffee shops may seem cheaper, but they can be high in expenses due to frequent visits and the inability to access other amenities.

Collaboration and Networking

The coworking spaces directly link you to professionals and entrepreneurs, which naturally leads to organic networking. Coffee shops, meanwhile, restrict communication to short and informal conversations.

Facilities and Business Installation

Coworking offices have high-speed Wi-Fi, meeting rooms, and private booths. Coffee shops do not offer much more than basic seating and internet, which may not be effective in ensuring constant productivity.

Client Meetings and Privacy

Coworking provides a professional presence to clients and a private space for discussions. Coffee shops are not very private and are often seen as informal places to hold business meetings.

Why Coworking Wins the Comparison?

Coworking facilities eliminate all the weaknesses of coffee shops. By offering a peaceful, safe and well-furnished ambience, it encourages productivity. Coworking offices enable professionals in the UK to concentrate, collaborate and grow without the distraction and extra costs of high-speed internet connection, dedicated work zones and professional amenities.

Additionally, networking opportunities, access to meeting rooms, and a community-building ecosystem make coworking spaces an ideal place for working with the flexibility and professionalism that a coffee shop simply cannot provide.

Need to Find the Perfect Workplace in London? Hear Us Out!

Interested in upgrading your working environment from a coffee shop? Office Hub is your reliable source for finding coworking spaces, serviced offices, and shared workspaces in the UK. The platform provides a wide range of flexible options for businesses of all sizes, located in premium locations in Shoreditch, Bolton or modern offices near King’s Cross.

Reach out to Office Hub to find your ideal coworking space in London today and get to work in a more efficient, connected and result-oriented environment.