Maybe it’s the buzz of a freshly brewed coffee, the gentle tinkering of others nearby or the company of strangers. Whatever it is, there's just something about coffee houses and cafes that makes them perfect for those with a laptop and a Wi-Fi connection looking to get some work done.
Better still, Bristol’s got tonnes of great places that you can make your office for a few hours. Here are just a few places where you can happily tap away on your keyboard:
Arnolfini
Clean and contemporary without feeling stuffy, the Arnolfini café bar lets you harness a little of the creativity from the nearby gallery, whilst the free open Wi-Fi network will provide the juice.
Food-wise, there’s everything from cakes, crisps and bar snacks, to breakfast, small plates and main meals, as well as Extract coffee, meaning you won’t struggle to feed your energy.
Need a socket? You’ll find some at the far end of the bar, where there are stools and reading lamps.
Friska
Friska serves up Clifton Coffee, Canton Tea, cakes and homely meals including soups, sarnies, pho, salads, wraps and more – all of which can amply sustain an afternoon of freelancing or essay writing.
But it’s the relaxed space itself that’s the draw for a quiet afternoon of working, with an informal, stripped-back interior packed with long benches, booths and high tables for a bit of variety. The record store Rise upstairs also works well as an incentive for when you’ve finished.
@The Well
A good excuse to get your knickers cleaned while getting your head down to some work, this launderette-come-café is a twee, laid-back dream. Grab a cafetiere of Bristol’s Extract coffee and a slice of homemade cake, and soak up the creative vibes oozing from the colourfully painted floors and mismatched furniture while the friendly staff make you feel more than welcome.
Watershed
Flickr: Heather Cowper
Watch the world go by down in the city centre below from the vantage point of Watershed’s vast café, where an ethical menu comes alongside great cakes, teas and coffees. Open well into the night, this one’s also good for an evening working session – just wait until the cinema screenings have filled up, and you’ll be left with a tranquil workspace that overlooks the moonlit waters.
Roll For The Soul
Billed as a café, workshop and hub, Roll For The Soul is a not-for-profit community bike café in the heart of town, on Bristol’s colourful Nelson Street.
Serving up affordable veggie fare (think Soul Burger and chips for a fiver; £4.50 wraps and rolls), there’s free Wi-Fi, organic milk and bikes hanging precariously above your head to add a bit of charm to what is an easygoing, rough-around-the-edges space.
Café Kino
A not-for-profit cooperative owned and operated by its workers and run partly by volunteers, the very essence of Café Kino is one that bodes well for independent workers.
The vegan and vegetarian menu uses organic, fair-trade and locally sourced products where possible, whilst the space itself is an effective combination of clean lines, neutral colours and interesting features. A row of seats lining the front window also make it a perfect spot for people-watching, should your eyes need a break from the laptop screen.
Tobacco Factory
Flickr: Joanne Conlon
In many ways the beating heart of the now-thriving Bedminster and Southville district, the Tobacco Factory also has a great café bar that takes the building’s creative passion and channels it into a relaxing, artistic and spacious den.
Think exposed brickwork and other industrial features, art exhibitions, cosy brown leather sofas, comforting Mediterranean-inspired food – and plenty of beer from Bristol Beer Factory, if you’ve earned one. You might find a few parents with young kids bustling about during the day, but there are still plenty of places where you can tuck yourself away if you want fewer distractions.
Hooper House
What was once the site of W.J. Hooper’s Fish and Poultry Market, Stokes Croft’s Hooper House is now a comfortable café with a light and airy interior, complete with sofas, free Wi-Fi and welcoming staff. Along with good coffee, you’ll find a counter packed with delicious cakes and a simple menu of ciabatta paninis, baguettes, salads and some breakfast dishes.
The Bristolian
If you’re the type of person that needs a beautiful, inspiring setting to crack on with some work, then The Bristolian should be your go-to spot. Behind the stunning listed exterior, you’ll find a colourful and welcoming café/bistro and a rustic menu packed with Mediterranean flavours, plus locally roasted coffee.
The Canteen
The Canteen
Primarily the stomping ground for many of Bristol’s students and wannabe eco warriors, The Canteen is a huge, laid-back joint with plenty of seating, also known for its locally-sourced menu featuring solid vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.
However, it’s the general creative, feel-good atmosphere that is its biggest asset, with street art strewn across the walls – as well as a strong lineup of local beers on tap for when those creative juices need a little more encouragement.
If there's no need to worry about work, take a look at some of our other favourite coffee shops in Bristol.