(Photo: Greensmiths)
One of London’s busiest transport hubs, Waterloo and its surroundings are brimming with coffee shops where you can get some work done with an endless supply of refreshments close to hand.
The Central London railway terminus is a hive of activity every day of the week. Whether it’s tourists visiting the South Bank, commuters making their way to and from the office, or remote workers seeking somewhere warm and welcoming to bury their head in a laptop, Waterloo caters for your every need with its diverse assortment of coffee shops. We’ve picked out 5 of our favourites below.
Greensmiths
Nestled along historic, bustling Lower Marsh, just minutes from Waterloo Station, Greensmiths is a haven of tranquility among the sights, sounds and aromas of the street’s popular daily street food market. Venture inside and you’ll quickly discover this isn’t merely a coffee shop, but also a purveyor of fine produce that makes picking up an easy dinner option on your way out hard to resist. Beyond the upscale groceries, a small flight of stairs leads you up to the seating area where generously spaced out wooden bench-style tables offer the chance to hunker down with your laptop, while attentive table service ensures you don’t need to take your eye off those essential emails.
27 Lower Marsh
Black Sheep Coffee
Deep in the inner sanctum of Waterloo Station, Black Sheep Coffee has gained a loyal fanbase thanks to its speciality coffee, friendly baristas and easy access to both the mainline train platforms and the underground. Seating is a mix of standard wooden tables and soft-back cushioned sofas with armchairs – ideal for those happy to put the ‘lap’ into laptop. As for the décor, exposed pipes lend the cafe an industrial chic-style aesthetic that wouldn’t look out of place in hipster Shoreditch.
The Sidings, Unit UG12, Upper Ground Level, Waterloo Station
Calico Coffee
A relatively new addition to Lower Marsh, Calico Coffee has swiftly earned a reputation among local coffee enthusiasts for its smart décor and high-quality beans. The space is fairly compact, with a minimalist aesthetic and plenty of natural light. Expertly prepared espresso drinks alongside a small selection of pastries and light bites ensure satiation is only a hand gesture away, with table service quick, friendly and efficient. Its location just a few minutes from Waterloo Station means it attracts a mix of commuters and freelancers looking for a well-made coffee and a relaxed spot to focus.
Unit C, 101 Lower Marsh
Benugo
If you want to get some work done before your train departs, Benugo, located on the upper level of Waterloo station, is an ideal spot. Your platform will be a matter of seconds away, and the main train departures board is directly opposite, so you can keep an eye on your train while you work. The coffee is confidently made, and the varied selection of sandwiches and pastries make for ample options. Combined with the constant buzz of travellers passing through, it creates an atmospheric place to grab a coffee and tick a few tasks off your to-do list.
19/20 Waterloo Road
Foundry Coffee
A short walk from Waterloo Station, Foundry’s Instagram profile says it all, with a trio of hashtags highlighting its #Coworking, #Coffee and #Collaboration credentials. In short, this is a coffee shop designed with working in mind, offering plenty of power points, generously sized tables and a community of regulars that give the space a welcoming, sociable feel. Come for the coffee and WiFi, and you may well leave with a network of freelance acquaintances you never knew you needed.
156 Blackfriars Road