7 Best Cafes to Work From in Oxford for Improved Productivity

Spending too long staring at the same four walls can quickly drain your creativity and motivation. If you’re staying in Oxford, the good news is that the city is full of welcoming independent coffee shops that are perfect for working with your laptop. Sometimes all it takes is a simple change of scenery to spark new ideas and boost productivity and a great café can do exactly that.

Whether you’re a remote worker, freelancer, or simply someone embracing a hybrid work routine, Oxford has plenty of cafés where you can settle in, get some work done, and enjoy excellent coffee at the same time. From cosy corners to bright, bustling spaces, these laptop-friendly spots make it easy to stay productive while treating yourself to delicious coffee and baked goods.

Even better, many of them are budget-friendly. So during your short or extended stay in Oxford, you might just discover a new favourite workspace and perhaps even a new weekly ritual.

Best Cafes in Oxford to Work From

1. Missing Bean Cafe

Address: 14 Turl St, Oxford OX1 3DQ

Often hailed as the best coffee shop in Oxford, the Missing Bean is a cosy cafe with a welcoming and warm atmosphere. Enjoy exposed brick walls, comfy wooden furnishings, and soft lighting. What makes this cafe perfect for those looking for a change of scenery to work from is the free wifi and ample seating so you’re nearly always guaranteed a table, although this is no hidden gem. 

Their freshly brewed speciality coffee and wide selection of tasty treats and light lunches are sure to keep you fueled throughout the day as you tap away on your keyboard. Double-check their website for opening times before you leave your Oxford property to avoid disappointment and settle in for hours of uninterrupted work.

2. The Jericho Cafe

Address: 112 Walton St, Oxford OX2 6AJ

Listed in the Guardian’s ‘50 Best Breakfast Places in the UK’, The Jericho Cafe is a haven for those seeking a quiet and productive morning. This cafe has a lovely rustic feel with its wooden tables, vintage posters, and warm lighting. Enjoy a menu filled with locally baked sourdough bread, freshly brewed coffee, all-day breakfasts, and hearty lunches. 

Take advantage of their complimentary wifi and quiet ambience as you dive into your work and tick off those tasks on your to-do list. The only other sounds you’ll hear at The Jericho Cafe as you tap away are those of newspapers rustling, book pages turning, and the low mumble of other customers.

3. Society Cafe

Address: 12-16 St Michael’s St, Oxford OX1 2DU

Located within a 3-minute walk to the Ashmolean Museum, Society Cafe is a haven for productivity enthusiasts. This delightful cafe takes its coffee seriously and only serves you the best coffee from their most popular coffee farms around the world. Enjoy your favourites from lattes and flat whites to cappuccinos and Americanos. 

Unlike some of the other coffee shops around Oxford, Society Cafe has a co-working feel throughout the week with plenty of other like-minded individuals coming here for exactly the same thing. To increase their work output. So if you’re looking for one of the best cafes to work from in Oxford make sure this is close to the top of your list. 

4. Il Botanical Cafe

Address: 9 Windmill Rd, Headington, Oxford OX3 7BW

This cafe is a little hidden gem in Oxford and whilst it’s actually located out of the city centre, it is still one of the best cafes to work from in Oxford. Their cosy and rustic atmosphere makes it the perfect place to crack open your laptop.

Treat yourself to some Italian treats and delicacies and the friendly Italian team will make you feel as though you’ve been transported to a small village in Italy. Il Botanical Cafe is an oasis that will have your productivity increased and you’ll forget, even just for a few hours, that you’re still in the UK.

5. Common Ground

Address: 37-38 Little Clarendon St, Oxford OX1 2HF

If you’re looking for a co-working space without a high price tag, then Common Ground is definitely the place to be. They market themselves a laid-back co-working space so you won’t ever feel out of place here. Its vibrant and lively space has a bubbly atmosphere and it’s also relatively busy. This cafe is popular amongst students and those looking to meet like-minded individuals. 

6. The Handle Bar Cafe & Kitchen

Address: 28-32 St Michael Street, Oxford, OX1 2EB

Situated right around the corner from the Ashmolean Museum is the unique Handbar Cafe & Kitchen. This quirky cafe with its bicycle-themed decor creates a very distinct and inspiring setting for you to work from. 

If you’re looking for somewhere to eat and work, they’re arguably one of the best places to do it. Enjoy delicious artisan coffee, treats, light lunches, brunch, and even a hearty dinner all made from locally sourced ingredients. 

7. Vaults & Garden Cafe

Address: 1 Radcliffe Sq, Oxford OX1 4AH

The Vaults & Garden Cafe offers a serene and picturesque environment for you to work from. With its high ceilings, gorgeous windows, and beautiful interior it’s bound to get your creative juices following. The cafe is located on Oxford’s historic Radcliffe Square and offers stunning views of the iconic RadCam. 

No matter the season, there’s always somewhere peaceful to sit and inspire your productivity. Get some fresh air and sit outside in the courtyard on a warm summer’s day or keep yourself toasty by sitting inside on a wet morning. Their menu is filled with mouth-watering homemade dishes and artisan coffee perfect for times when you simply need a break.

Looking for short or long term accommodation in Oxford?

Here at Short Let Space, we have an extensive range of serviced apartments in Oxford, and holiday lets to suit your every need. Our properties are hand selected with you in mind so that you feel right at home.

Call us today on 01993 222 200 or email stay@shortletspace.co.uk and we’ll help you find the perfect property.