Where you bean?
The barista cafés we’re loving right now
LIFE / 22 JULY 2024
Coffee isn't hard to come by within an office, or nearby. But finding a spot that caters to all your caffeine cravings can be tricky- we’re talking a medley of milk types, bean preferences and roast requirements. As self-confessed coffee connoisseurs, we've scoured the market to find the best baristas on the flex scene. Read on to discover your next best sip.
Fora Chancery House, The Café, by Genuine Dining
Whilst Henry Wood House has been a recent go-to, and the Caravan roastery beans in most Fora kitchens certainly hit the spot, The Café at Chancery House will always reign champion. Within the sprawling 16.000 sqm workspace (arguably Fora’s finest) this healthy and hearty café captures wellbeing in every cup of quality coffee and every bite of nutritious food. Besides the topstar baristas, it’s the sandstone counters and soft, earthy tones that beckon us for a moment’s respite. However, on a Tuesday, expect some buzz, as The Street Food Market serves up toasties galore from 11:30 - 14:00.
Uncommon, Holborn, Pause
Meet Pause- Uncommon’s first-ever cafe-bar open to everyone in Holborn (both members and non). The flex operator’s Head of Coffee has collaborated with carbon-neutral coffee makers, Assembly Coffee, to curate a selection of special brews. Feeling adventurous? Try a mood-boosting mushroom drink from Dirtea or an Ashwagandha root latte from Erbology. Extra points for its thoughtfully curated menu that evolves throughout the day, featuring locally sourced produce and products from B Corp businesses.
The Canary Wharf Group, L39, Cafe 39
We were born to sip lattes at One Canada Square. Arguably offering the best views of the city, Cafe 39 sits high in the sky, exclusively awaiting its lucky building members. With plentiful seating and panoramic views, this is the place to get a caffeine buzz.
Drop-in, Richmond
Newly launched this April, Richmond’s local co-working club certainly knows how to make a latte. Matching the Clapton club, Drop-In’s second hub has brought A-game barista coffee and workspace to the high street, with memberships starting from just £99. ‘Drop in’ and hot-desk with a hot drink in hand. Bonus, you can also bring your pups.
Orega, Birmingham, More Coffee Shop
Flat White lovers in Birmingham need to head down to The Colmore Building to get their caffeine fix. The More Coffee Shop is sleek and spacious, serving top-class barista coffee, fresh sandwiches and cakes.
Huckletree, Liverpool Street
Forget EL&N, head over to Huckletree Liverpool St. for a pop of pink, a shot of espresso and a huge dose of serotonin. We’re loving this healthy vegetarian café - perfectly in keeping with the brand's values and B-Corp status- serving an array of salads, snacks, Galeta-baked goods and of course, good coffee. You’ll find this hub on the ground-floor, on entrance to the site- making it hard to skip up that statement blue staircase without a coffee in hand (and perhaps a cheeky Blueberry Breakfast Muffin).
Lenta, The Foundry, Foundry Coffee
An integral part of The Foundry, this modern, spacious cafe has the friendliest of staff (claps for Eurico) and the tastiest of brews. This is the flex operator’s very first café and lucky Lenta tenants get a 10% discount. If you’re not in the mood for a hot drink this summer, test out their new Berry Blast Lemonade for a vibrant burst of flavour.
Platform, Shoreditch Exchange
Members at Shoreditch Exchange get FREE barista coffee - yes, we’re envious to the extreme. Even sweeter, Platform’s barista seems to have about 1,300 coffee orders memorised (blending flavour and friendliness certainly works the charm). Plus, Platform have recently partnered with Volcano Coffee Works, meaning every cup is made using ethically sourced beans from independent farms, hand-roasted in Brixton.
Clockwise, Manchester, Two Hands Café
We’re big fans of Clockwise’s onsite artisan café, available exclusively for members and building tenants. Serving up barista-crafted coffee along with a tantalising selection of food options, Two Hands always delivers. Believing that great minds thrive on quality nourishment, Two Hands offers well-priced, balanced dishes made with fresh ingredients. Plus, Clockwise's café brings the same excellence to catering for meetings and office gatherings, making every event a flavourful experience.
Written by
Flex and The City