Since living in Liverpool to study at university and coming back after my year in New York (because there’s really nowhere else I would rather be), I’ve wanted to list my favourite working cafes in the city.
When writing my dissertation in final year, I couldn’t concentrate in the university library and I was getting way too distracted by the fridge at home, so I went on a little expedition of the best working cafes that Liverpool had to offer.
It did help that one was located right across the street from my apartment, so that’s where I found myself most days. The others also offered a solace to get my work done and hand in my assignment on time.
Let me know if there are any missing from the list that you’ve found are great places to work!
1. Root Coffee, Seel Street
I had to mention Root Coffee first as it’s the coffee shop I spent the most time in and holds a sentimental place in my heart. I wrote the majority of my dissertation in this cafe, drank the best mocha that the city has to offer (I’m gutted it’s closed in lockdown) and is always my go-to when meeting any one in town for a cuppa.
My favourite thing about Root is that it’s probably Liverpool’s best kept secret. The local freelancers and bloggers know about it, but not many students do. You’ll always find an array of people and characters in it, but that’s what makes it so unique.
It’s an incredibly homely place to get work done and offers many plug sockets around the cafe to charge your appliances. It also helps that they serve some of the best brunch in Liverpool too.
Related: The Best Brunch Spots in Liverpool
2. Bean Coffee, Princes Dock
I have only very recently discovered Bean Coffee as it’s now the closest coffee shop to where I live on the docks. A large open cafe that’s usually relatively quiet, it’s the perfect place to come and get work done.
I’ve only been able to benefit from the sit-in experience once since I moved back to Liverpool thanks to lockdown, but I probably visit for a takeaway coffee three times a week (no regrets).
The beauty of Bean is that it also opens at 7am every morning (except weekends when it’s closed) so that when I continue to wake up at 6.30am every morning, I can head to Bean in the mornings to get some work done before my real work begins.
3. Leaf on Bold Street
One of my favourite spots in Liverpool for brunch, I love the hustle and bustle of Leaf. Now boasting three locations in Liverpool including on Smithdown Road and West Kirby, one of Liverpool’s favourite tea shops just keeps growing.
Even on a weekday morning you can find there to be a queue of people waiting for a table at Leaf, but I love the busyness and atmosphere of the cafe on Bold Street which makes it a great place to grab a coffee and do some work for a few hours on a laptop.
Related post: Where to Eat on Bold Street, Liverpool
4. Ryde, Baltic Triangle
I’ve only recently discovered Ryde while walking through the Baltic Triangle area of Liverpool… Ok, I’ll admit that it’s been every time I’ve been to visit the Baltic Market as it’s directly opposite and I’ve been to eat a few times since returning to Liverpool.
On the occasion that I’ve fancied a coffee after stuffing myself with everything delightful on offer at the Baltic Market, I’ve popped into Ryde – a bicycle repair shop come coffee shop located across the way.
I had added it to my Liverpool brunch list but have yet to experience their breakfast menu due to lockdown. However, on the few occasions that I’ve grabbed takeaway coffee, the place has looked very cosy and an ideal place to come and get some work done as it’s quiet and seems a great place to concentrate while drinking excellent coffee.
5. Rococo, Lord Street
A very popular spot among the locals of Liverpool, Rococo is deep in the heart of Liverpool City Centre, across from the McDonald’s and up a flight of stairs on the main street.
Rococo can be very busy on weekends but I adore the layout of the place with many different rooms that feels like you’re popping over to someone’s house for lunch.
When working, I prefer to grab a table in the front room beside the coffee bar where I can look out over the main high street of Liverpool while doing my work. I’m a people-watcher and I love to be able to work and also watch the world go by.
That’s why I loved writing my dissertation in Root – you could always catch me sitting at the window bar looking out onto Seel Street to see who was coming and going. Some call it nosy, some call it sociable (more-so nosy).
6. Chapters of Us, Baltic Triangle
Another Baltic Triangle location that I’ve across quite a few times on Instagram, I’ve only been able to try out Chapters of Us during lockdown to grab takeaway breakfast and coffee.
It was my first brunch of 2021, sat at a table outside the coffee shop at the beginning of January like a lunatic, but an enjoyable experience none the less.
All I can say about Chapters of Us is that it’s extremely vibey. For Liverpool, I think it’s probably the most aesthetically pleasing cafe that I’ve come across. Think small warehouse meets plant store meets coffee and avocado.
I love how light and airy it feels, all of the plants, the industrial-aesthetic and of course, the food and caffeine. This will probably be one of the first places I visit after lockdown (eventually) ends.
7. Cafe Lucaya, Water Street
Another place I only discovered at the end of 2020, Cafe Lucaya is only a ten minute walk from my apartment so makes for a great midweek brunch treat. I’ve had the eggs avocado and must say it’s one of the best I’ve had in the city (you can find it in my Liverpool brunch list).
During the week, Cafe Lucaya seems to be quite quiet and also has an upstairs space for extra room. Another cafe with a lot of greenery and plants (mind your head when walking around), it’s definitely a place I want to go and work with my laptop.
I noticed a few plug sockets dotted around while I was in having brunch and you can grab a great spot near a window looking directly at the Liver Building so you won’t forget where you are any time soon.
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