The Five Best Air-Conditioned Coffices in Sydney

A good, air-conditioned cafe for working in is a saviour on a hot day. A heat wave can be fun - when you're on holidays, can get to the beach readily, and don't have to force your swelling, sweltering brain to think about things of actual consequence. Productive labour is not the friend of high summer.

This is when we need all the mod-cons on hand. And we want to help you meet that deadline, avoid that frustrating colleague, conference calmly, or master the art of procrastination by hooking you up with your neighbourhood coffice (that's 'coffee shop office', naturally).

For those seeking out attractive alternatives to working at home, uni or your stifling, partitioned space, these are five cafes that ably accommodate working folk in Sydney. They each have Wi-Fi, powerpoints, and ample table surface area - as well as beautifully blustery, sweetly icy air-conditioning to keep your head as level as the thermostat.

1. BERKELOUW CAFE BOOKSTORE, NEWTOWN

Just off King Street is Berkelouw Cafe Bookstore, Newtown's converted warehouse favourite. We're pretty sure you'll enjoy the workspace - sprawl your stuff out over one of the chesterfields or set up shop at one of the large communal tables perched on the second floor. You'll find organic fair trade coffee and freshly baked goods: a winning recipe for an enchanting meeting between boho locals and coffice fanatics.

Mon-Sat 10am-9pm, Sun 10am-8pm; 6-8 O'Connell Street, Newtown; 02 9557 1777; www.berkelouw.com.au

2. CAFE OTTO, GLEBE

Otto's back! After burning down in 2010, Glebe's institutional Cafe Otto has returned in good form. Owner Neil Mirani is offering up a hearty cafe tucker menu and extensive beverage list in a relaxed coffice setting. With padded bench seating, joinable tables, Wi-Fi, and $12 specials for everyday of the week, Otto's a Sydney Uni kid's escapist haven and our pick for coffice comfort.

Mon-Sun 11am-Late; 79 Glebe Point Road, Glebe; 02 9556 1519.

3. MCA CAFE, THE ROCKS

Located on level four of the new Mordant Wing, this place boasts the view across the quay, free Wi-Fi, and is top of our list for the coffice shmooze. Knock over some work in the indoor 'canteen', and if the temperature cools, liaise with clients or coffice mates over a glass or two on the terrace. On Thursdays, the kitchen is open until 9pm. Score!

Mon-Sun 10am-5pm, Thu 24 hrs; Level 4, 180 George Street, The Rocks; 02 9250 8443; www.mca.com.au

4. THE GROUNDS OF ALEXANDRIA, ALEXANDRIA

The Grounds of Alexandria is known for its, well, grounds, but there's also plenty of indoor space. The team has taken an industrial warehouse and transformed it into a homely, wholesome sanctuary. In fact, it's almost a town. Yes, there will be both queues and prams, but don't let this put you off - order from the takeaway counter then kick back at a shared rustic table. It's best for cofficers looking for creative inspiration and/or those on a quest to nail the whole kitchen garden thing.

Mon-Fri 7am-4pm, Sat-Sun 8am-3pm; Building 7A/2 Huntley Street, Alexandria; 02 9699 2225; www.groundsroasters.com

5. The Bar at the End of the Wharf, Walsh Bay

The Bar at the End of the Wharf offers something no other small bar in Sydney can: a jaw-dropping view of the likes normally hogged by tourist traps. You can enjoy the comfort indoors but stare out through floor-to-warehouse-ceiling windows over the Harbour Bridge and Luna Park. It's relatively quiet during the day, although when you do feel like a break from your work, you might want to get a bit more rambunctious at either the ping-pong or pool table.

Mon - Sat 9am - late; Pier 4/5, Hickson Road, Walsh Bay; 02 9250 1761; www.sydneytheatre.com.au/visit/thebar

By Lisa Omagari and Rima Sabina Aouf