Published On: April 07, 2025
Working from a coffee shop has never looked—or felt—so good. Whether you’re chasing a deadline, planning your week, or simply escaping the same four walls, setting up shop in one of the many coffee shops in London can seriously supercharge your productivity. But to really make the most of it? You need the right space, the right strategy… and, of course, the right Colombian specialty coffee.
Here’s how to turn your next café session into a powerhouse of productivity—without compromising on vibe or caffeine.
London has no shortage of cafés, but if you’re looking for the perfect mix of great atmosphere and world-class brews, seek out a spot that serves freshly roasted coffee—ideally something single-origin, like our Colombian specialty coffee.
Look for a table with good lighting, a plug socket (gold dust), and enough background buzz to keep your brain alert but not overwhelmed. And if you land near a window, you’ve basically won the coffee shop lottery.
Here’s a hidden gem you might not know about: our Hermanos spot in Aldgate/Tower Hill. Think of it as your productivity playground—freshly roasted Colombian coffee in hand, comfy seats at the ready, and zero seat-hunting stress. Ready to crush that to-do list? We’ve got the perfect space to make it happen.
A good work session begins with a great brew. At Hermanos, we serve freshly roasted Colombian coffee sourced directly from producers in Colombia—so your flat white doesn’t just taste amazing, it does good too.
Starting your day with a V60 or espresso sets the tone—filter coffee actually packs more caffeine, so if you’re after focus fuel, that’s your go-to. And to keep things interesting, we rotate our brews daily—there’s always something new to discover.
Sticking around? Treat yourself to a pandebono—Colombia’s signature cheesy bread roll. It’s brain fuel, promise.
Working remotely from a café only works if you’ve got your essentials. Start with a fully charged laptop—nothing kills productivity like a dying battery. Grab your headphones to block out distractions or set the mood with your favourite playlist. Don’t forget a notebook (or an app) to jot down ideas, to-dos, or that sudden stroke of genius. And of course, keep your charging cables nearby so you’re never scrambling for power. Get your gear in order, and you’ll be ready to crush your work session.
Once you’re settled, it’s time to focus. Set one or two clear goals: reply to emails, finish that proposal, or finally update your website bio. Working near the scent of freshly roasted coffee is inspiring—but don’t let the ambience distract you from the task at hand.
Top tip: use the Pomodoro Technique—25 minutes of focus, 5 minutes of stretching (or scrolling).
A key part of staying productive? Actually stepping away from the screen. Take a walk, switch to decaf, or grab a sweet treat—because coffee loves company, and our pastries don’t disappoint. Stretch your legs, reset your brain, and return ready to conquer the rest of your list.
If you need a little fresh air to reset and get back in the zone, you're in luck—there are some brilliant walking spots right near our Walthamstow and The Gantry (Stratford) locations.
Wander around Walthamstow Wetlands or take in the views along the canal near Stratford’s Olympic Park. Both are perfect for a mind-clearing loop before heading back to work, life, or another coffee (no judgement).
Fresh air + great coffee = a winning combo.
If you find yourself easily distracted, a Deep Work session might be just what you need. This productivity method, championed by author Cal Newport, involves diving into a single task without interruption for an extended period. Start by setting a timer for 60-90 minutes—don’t check emails, phone notifications, or engage in any side projects. Just focus on the one task at hand. Once you’ve completed the session, give yourself a break (ideally with a well-deserved cup of freshly brewed coffee).
Setting specific and achievable goals is the bedrock of productivity. If you just write “work on project” on your to-do list, it’s easy to get lost in the details. Instead, break down that task into smaller, more actionable steps. For example, “Write the introduction of the project report” or “Organise project files into folders.” Clear goals help you stay on track, and checking them off will give you a sense of accomplishment throughout the day.
Here’s a little-known productivity hack for the coffee shop session and beyond: Prioritise self-care. It sounds counterintuitive, but it works. Getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and eating nutritious food all contribute to sharper focus, better decision-making, and higher energy levels throughout the day. So don’t skip your evening routine or your daily walk—your productivity will thank you in the long run.
At the end of the day, coffee shop work sessions are about finding balance—between getting down to work and enjoying the atmosphere around you. By choosing the right environment (hello, Hermanos!), setting up a productivity-friendly routine, and keeping distractions at bay, you'll get more done than you thought possible.
So, grab your laptop, your to-do list, and a freshly roasted cup of Colombian coffee, and start getting things done like a pro. Whether you’re brainstorming new ideas or plowing through admin, a little bit of coffee shop magic will take you a long way.
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