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National Art Library at the V&A | London
A public library open to all between Tuesdays and Saturdays, which (handily) is also a major reference library of fine and decorative arts dating back centuries.
Nordic Coffee Collective | Brighton
This gem lives up to its name by providing a) excellent coffee and b) stylish Scandi-chic decor. With fast, reliable Wi-Fi and an abundance of plug sockets, it’s an excellent spot to set up camp for a few hours.
Timberyard | London
Good coffee, decent Wi-Fi and dedicated spaces to post up with your laptop. The Covent Garden branch is a solid option for when you really need to focus.
TripKitchen | London
Part of the TripSpace group, this airy café is usually fairly quiet outside of lunchtimes. The events space next door also offers a daily roster of yoga classes, if you want to break up your day.
PLACES TO WORK: WORLDWIDE
Coffee Bar | San Francisco
This popular SoMa spot has ample table space and an industrious, buzzy vibe. Head upstairs for the best spots, far from the madding crowd.
New York Public Library | New York
If you enjoy working in beautiful surroundings (and who doesn’t?), the NYPL’s newly refurbished Rose Reading Room is the place for you – ‘stunning’ doesn’t even come close.
The Springs | Los Angeles
This airy Downtown space is much more than just a place to work. With a roster of healthy food options, an on-site yoga studio and a wellness centre, you’ll probably end up doing much more than just working here.
Westberlin | Berlin
This self-proclaimed ‘laptop-friendly’ coffee shop follows through by providing separate working and reading areas for the Macbook brigade, as well as a huge selection of art and design magazines that are free to peruse.
PLACES TO INSPIRE: UK
Barbican Conservatory | London
A tropical oasis hidden away in the midst of a concrete jungle. Open most Sundays, but check in advance to be sure. Stop by the cinema afterwards and make a day of it.
Libreria | London
This cosy little bookshop organizes its books by theme, which often leads to the discovery of fairly unexpected connections. Expect a tightly curated selection – you’ll find it impossible to leave without a book or two.
Modern Society | London
This beautiful boutique-cum-café on Redchurch Street feels like you’re sitting in someone’s sunlit garden. Come for the coffee, stay for the shopping.
Open Eye Gallery | Liverpool
An independent photography gallery located at the heart of the Liverpool Waterfront, round off your visit with a stroll past the city’s most breathtaking architecture.
Tate Modern | London
Already a stalwart of London’s cultural landscape, the Tate’s newly built Switch House extension boasts more solo displays dedicated to female artists, as well as a viewing platform offering panoramic views of the city.
Turner Contemporary | Margate
Arguably the gem of Margate’s cultural crown, this gallery is something of a mecca for art fans, and with good reason.
PLACES TO INSPIRE: WORLDWIDE
Droog | Amsterdam
This design-focused concept store is pretty hard to categorize, but well worth a visit. As well as the usual furniture pieces and home accessories one might expect, it also hosts exhibitions, occasional pop-ups and an outdoor ‘Fairy Tale Garden’.
Goods For The Study | New York
Full of an artfully chosen selection of unique stationery, desk accessories and office furniture, head here to pimp out your workspace. An offshoot of the McNally Jackson bookstore a few blocks away (which is also worth a visit), this is stationery heaven.
Le Louxor | Paris
Located in an Art Deco building with a famously colourful history, this state-owned picture house steers away from commercial films in favour of world cinema, making it a great spot for film buffs.
About the Author
OTEGHA UWAGBA is the founder of Women Who, a platform she created to connect and support creative working women worldwide, inspired by her time working at some of London’s top ad agencies and cult youth brand Vice Media. Besides running Women Who, she is also a freelance writer and brand consultant. She lives in London.
Twitter: @womenwho
Instagram: @womenwho
Website: womenwho.co
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