I don't know why I didn't think of coming here, of all places, to ask. It seems totally obvious to me now.
I transplanted from San Antonio, TX to London as of Feb. 1st this year. Since then, I've been a bit frustrated with a city that seems to close down at 6pm (and I work til 6). Back in Texas, there was any number of all night diners and coffee shops that were good choices for sitting back with a laptop, drinking coffee, and writing.
I've been desperately looking for something similar here. It doesn't even have to be all night. Just maybe open til 11-12. :p I find it incredibly difficult to write at home because of all the "other things I should be doing". I find the bustle/buzz of a diner/coffee shop to work well for me.
Any tips or advice appreciated. Is there a late night "good writing" spot out there? :)
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by Alexander Darke
"The evil that men do lives after them; the good is oft interred with their bones." -- William Shakespeare.
50,179 / 50,000
Jun 28, 2008 - 14 18
I have lived in London for more than 30 years and having read your message I am sorry to say that I can't think of anywhere that is open late! We've talked about this and tried to think of where you could go and have drawn a blank n.... I am sorry.
Have you tried to work at home by having a regular slot where you go into a room and shut the door and immerse yourself in your writing? When I lived in Rochester NY in the 90's my hostess would read every evening from 11 to midnight and one and all knew that she was not to be disturbed during that time.
Another possibility could be to get up 30 mins earlier and sit at your laptop and write. Best of luck and I hope that you are otherwise enjoying being in London.
I will be interested to see if you receive more positive responses.
50,000 / 50,000
Jul 2, 2008 - 05 58
You could probably find a nice quiet pub somewhere.
0 / 50,000
Jul 3, 2008 - 01 33
Most of the pubs I've found so far have been a lot more bustle and noise than I was looking for ;) There are some very rowdy folks in my area. heh.
I'll keep looking though. Thanks. :)
1,311 / 50,000
Aug 28, 2008 - 01 05
I've found some decent cafes that are open for a while after work, but I'm not sure how late. I think central London is probably your best bet, and any cafe that serves alcohol is likely to have a later license.