Top 4 coffee shops in Marylebone for students to work in

The West End in general, and Marylebone in particular, boasts a high concentration of universities and colleges. With London Business School, the University of Westminster’s Marylebone Campus, and London College of Fashion all in the vicinity (among many others), the area’s abuzz with students.  

But where do students go when they want a change of scene from the same four walls or from the college library? Where can you go when there’s still work to do but feel a change of scene would prove stimulating? Well, you can join an ever-growing group of freelancers, and seek out the best local coffee shops – the type of place where it’s fine to let one latte last four hours.

Whether you’re a freelancer, a student, or a student looking to live in Marylebone, you’re spoilt for options when it comes to great places to work in. Here’s a handful we recommend, all of which score well for ambiance, quality of beverage, and friendly service.

1) Workshop Coffee

The Marylebone outpost of this small chain of coffee shops can be found on Barrett Street, which crosses St. Christopher’s Place. For those in the know, St. Christopher’s Place is a narrow street connecting Oxford Street to Wigmore Street (the blink-and-you’ve-missed-it entrance is especially well-concealed if approaching from Oxford Street). But when you’ve found it, you’ll be rewarded.

OK, so the leather banquettes could be more comfortable, and the coffee tables aren’t so much coffee tables as chipboard blocks which sit rather too low to the ground, but for students with work to get on with, the higher tables at the back of the café will provide the comfort and privacy you need. This place never gets too rowdy, so you’ll be able to concentrate without interruption. The coffee is first-class, tap water is willingly poured, while the pastries and sandwiches are delicious.

Whether studying is on the agenda or not, if you need a respite from the general insanity of Oxford Street, take refuge here. And if you’re having a bad day, the generously-sized brownies work wonders at cheering the spirit.

2) The Nordic Bakery

Head along to 37b New Cavendish Street or 48 Dorset Street (there are two branches in Marylebone) to sample some of the finest Scandinavian sweet treats in London. For a student on a tight budget, this isn’t the cheapest place on the list, but the friendly atmosphere and smooth coffee is not to be missed. You don’t come here for small cakes and small cups of coffee either. Expect large portions, and good value for money.

3) RIBA Café

RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) has a café inside its stately premises at 66 Portland Place. WiFi is on tap, and workers can benefit from the peace and quiet, and friendly service. Light meals, coffee and cakes are available. The sash windows allow in plenty of natural light, making it a pleasant environment for those who need to work, while the early opening time of 8am on weekdays makes it ideal for early birds.

4) Benugo  

For a cheaper option, and a more substantial meal, Benugo on Wigmore Street is the place. Come lunch time it will be bustling with members of the local workforce scrambling for takeaway food, but during the mornings and afternoons you can expect a calmer atmosphere, giving you the space to focus. Free WiFi can be found at every branch of Benugo, and this one is no different. Freshly-made sandwiches and free WiFi…what more could you want? This is a great place to study.

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