London is a city filled with many famous sights, historical places and a very eclectic nightlife. For tourists, it is an exciting place to explore but if you are in the city for business, there may be times when you need a space that is peaceful and quiet in order to catch up with some work. This guide offers five places in the city which offer the conditions you need to be productive.
The British Library
The first and possibly the most obvious is The British Library, situated a short walk away from the Devonshire Hotel Paddington. Founded in 1973, it is home to over 170 million items from all over the world, giving you a great opportunity to do some research. It houses the famous Magna Carta, the world’s earliest printed book from 868, the only manuscript copy of Beowulf and one of Leonardo da Vinci’s notebooks. The library is open to the public and is completely free, however, if there are particular books you want, whether for business or pleasure, you will need to apply online for a Reader Pass. There are a few rules and regulations such as water bottles are prohibited in the reading rooms and you’re only allowed to take in a pencil, no pens, but it is an unforgettable experience and the perfect place to catch up on your work.
Ozone Coffee Roasters
Shoreditch is widely known for its London hotel deals, but it is also home to the Ozone Coffee Roasters, a coffeehouse that attracts professionals and students alike. It’s the deliciously fresh coffee and industrialised interior that makes it so attractive as the wooden tables and counters offer an abundance of space for laptops, notebooks and books. The most popular seats are in the roasting area and around the open kitchen so you will have the be there early to nab those.
V&A National Art Library
The V&A National Art Library is only a short tube ride from the restaurants near Paddington Station and it is encased in a wonderful Grad II-listed building that offers a breath-taking interior. It houses over 1 million items to peruse in all areas of art and all members of the public can enter with free admission and joining fee. If you are working in the art industry or are a fan of art, this space is a haven for you but, even if you don’t, it is an iconic setting and, once you have finished your work, you can visit the V&A Museum itself and view its 2.3 million pieces from all over the world and from different centuries.
The National Archives
The National Archives can be found in Kew and it is the official archive for the government of England and Wales. It was created in the early 2000’s and holds over 1,000 years of historical documents and public records including the Domesday Book, Shakespeare’s will and a letter from the infamous Jack the Ripper. The Archives are open to the public and have an abundance of spaces to work in, but if you require any documents from the archive, you will need to apply online for a readers pass.
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