Overview
Yes, that’s right: we said coffice. And by coffice we mean 'coffee shop office'. Long gone are the days when all you required from your favourite café was a skilled barista and a selection of tabloids. Nowadays we expect a whole lot more — Wi-Fi, powerpoints, and ample table surface area, for starters.
We want to help you meet that deadline, avoid that frustrating colleague, or master the art of procrastination. So, for those of you seeking out attractive alternatives to working at home, uni or your partitioned space, let us present to you the cafés that best accommodate working folk in Sydney.
1. Berkelouw Café Bookstore, Newtown
Just off King Street is Berkelouw Café 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. Café 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 café tucker menu and extensive beverage list in a relaxed coffice setting. With padded bench seating, joinable tables, open fire, 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 10am–Late; 79 Glebe Point Road, Glebe; 02 9556 1519.
3. The Fern, Redfern
Residing in an old terrace house, The Fern could almost be code for, “working from home”. The three things that make this place a real gem? The Melburnian blend Gravity, the good form retro interior, and the fact that you can get a seven course degustation for $49 (save this for the ‘rewarding of self’ once coffice duties are complete). Bunk down in one of the slouchy armchairs and enjoy the café’s Wi-Fi. Redfern’s cosiest coffice.
Tue–Sun 8am–3pm, Thu–Sat 6–10pm; 4 Pitt Street, Redfern; 02 8399 0070; www.thefern.com.au
4. Gertrude and Alice, Bondi Beach
Guzzle down on a honey infused chair and sink into one of the snug sofas. With over 25,000 books at your disposal Gertrude and Alice is the unchallenged coffice for workers with research heavy projects, people addicted to the smell of ancient books or those seeking solace from the cold pinch of traditional libraries. A coffice for readers.
Mon–Fri 9.30am–11pm, Sat–Sun 8.30am–Late; 46 Hall Street, Bondi Beach; 02 9130 5155; www.gertrudeandalice.com.au
5. MCA Café, 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. Get in early to knock over some work in the indoor ‘canteen’ then liaise with clients or coffice mates over a glass or two on the terrace. They’re open 24 hours on Thursdays (kitchen open until 9pm), too. Score!
Mon–Sun 10am–5pm, Thu 24 hrs; Level 4, 180 George Street, The Rocks; 02 9250 8443; www.mca.com.au
6. The Grounds of Alexandria, Alexandria
New kid on the block, the Grounds of Alexandria, is for coffice goers who enjoy the outdoors and have a tolerance for the little humans. Yes, there will be both queues and prams, but don’t let this put you off – order from the takeaway counter then kick back in the garden. Enjoyment of the chicken run, pebbled paths, and rustic shared tables is best left to 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
7. Gallery Café, Annandale
The pioneer of Booth Street café culture. With a wide selection of hearty breakfasts, lunches, and snacks served amongst canvas-covered walls, this coffice is best for ample desk space. Seating over 100, the open space willingly hosts large groups but also welcomes lingerers in its quiet corners.
Mon–Sat 7am–5pm, Sun 8am–5pm; 43 Booth Street, Annandale; 02 9692 8449; www.gallerycafe.com.au
8. BangBang Espresso Bar and Cafe, Surry Hills
So what do ex-Ministry of Sound DJs do when they call it quits? Apparently they run hipster cafes in the tree-lined streets of Surry Hills. BangBang Espresso Bar and Café is the perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle – the laidback coffice for those needing to catch up on a few things. Casual and accommodating for quiet coffice folk.
Mon–Fri 8am–4pm, Sat–Sun 8am–3pm; 113 Reservoir Street, Surry Hills; 02 9281 0018.
9. Broadway Lounge, Chippendale
Students rejoice, because Broadway Lounge was made for you. With free Wi-Fi, 10% student discounts and space aplenty, Broadway Lounge is a welcome relief to on-campus cram sessions. And don’t forget the karaoke night on Wednesdays – the best form of stress-relief out there if you ask us.
Mon–Sat 8am–Late, Sun 8am–10pm; 166-170 Broadway, Chippendale; 02 9212 2007; www.broadwaylounge.com.au
10. Café Hernandez, Potts Point
Say goodbye to those grease-ball kebabs and hello to tasty churros. Café Hernandez is Kings X’s 24 hour haunt – the perfect late night coffice (of a weeknight, that is). Hernandez is an excellent solution for tight deadlines and middle of the night internet-gone-down fiascos. With an enviable selection of roasts and a famous hot chocolate, this place is fully equipped to give you that kick into action no matter what time of day or night. The coffice most suited to coffee fiends and night owls.
Mon–Sun 24 hours; 60 Kings Cross Road, Potts Point; 02 9331 2343; www.cafehernandez.com.au
Main image via mrlancerichardson on Flickr