The London EDITION, a five-star hotel tucked behind Oxford Street, offers a laptop-friendly lobby open to the public. A reporter spent a full workday there for £13.62, calling it the "most fantastic" place to work remotely.
An unexpected workspace
The hotel, dating back to 1835, was once five separate townhouses combined in 1910 to form the Berners Hotel. It closed in 2006 and reopened in 2013 as part of the EDITIONS group. While a summer stay can cost up to £1,200, the lobby is accessible to anyone, with free WiFi, a bar, and no strict time limits as long as you buy something.
Arriving just after 8AM, the reporter found two other people already working and felt no awkwardness about setting up a laptop. The space features marble columns, large windows with stained glass, and a Grade II-listed Edwardian ceiling with stucco ornamentation. There is a pool table, a mix of sofas and chairs, and smooth jazz music playing in the background.
Food, drink, and cost
The only rule is that you must order something. An English Breakfast tea cost £6.50 plus a 13.5% service charge, served in a china teapot with a shortbread biscuit. A club soda later cost £5.50, bringing the total for the day to £13.62 including service. For comparison, the cheapest WeWork day pass in London is £35, with most between £45 and £60.
Breakfast is available from 7AM to 11:30AM, with options like croissants (£5), cereal (£7), porridge (from £11), scrambled eggs with salmon caviar (£22), and pancakes (£17). From midday, all-day dining includes a Club Sandwich (£23). The hotel also has Berners Tavern, serving British cuisine by chef Jason Atherton.
Final verdict
The reporter completed their entire to-do list, appreciated the helpful staff, and never felt pressured to buy more than they had. They plan to return whenever they need to get out of the house.
