A growing number of London’s entrepreneurs and micro-businesses are swapping traditional offices for coffee shops and cafes, with new research revealing that these venues are playing an increasingly vital role in the capital’s business ecosystem.
Commissioned by pan-European real estate investment manager Tristan Capital Partners, the research shows that 11% of London business owners now work from restaurants or cafes when in central London—rising to nearly one in five (19%) among micro-businesses with fewer than ten employees. These alternative workspaces are proving especially popular among start-ups and independent business owners who favour flexibility, convenience, and the opportunity to network in more social environments.
The findings arrive as Camden’s historic Sicilian Avenue prepares to reopen in summer 2025 following a major transformation into a pedestrian-friendly hub for dining, shopping, and socialising. With 70,000 daily visitors expected, it’s set to become a key destination for central London’s hybrid workforce, reinforcing the link between hospitality venues and business activity.
While the majority of London professionals (85%) still have access to office space, the rise of hybrid working, return-to-office mandates, and the explosion of coworking locations has prompted a shift in how and where business gets done.
Restaurants and cafes have emerged as convenient alternatives, offering the blend of sociability and informality that appeals particularly to entrepreneurs and start-ups. Over half (58%) of business owners say they regularly meet clients or partners in a café or restaurant—compared to 41% of other workers in central London—highlighting the vital role these spaces play in day-to-day business operations.
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