Optimum Cafe Conditions for Writing

I spend a surprising amount of time writing in cafes. I like the background white noise, the free heating/air-conditioning (depending on season), and the ability to be alone whilst not alone. The easy access to hot drinks is a nice bonus.

My working relationship with cafes isn’t a new thing. When I was a university student, I used to study in cafes in the breaks between lectures, spreading my flash-cards and notes out to cover an entire table and making one hot chocolate last for several hours. During my overseas experience in the United Kingdom, I outlined The Lord of Stariel in the Starbucks in Tooting Broadway, London, and wrote the first draft in various cafes around Oxford.

Consequently, I have a lot of Opinions about what makes for a productive cafe experience. My list of requirements, in order of priority, are:

1. Large enough that you don’t feel guilty hogging a table for hours (and also so it’s not just you and the barista awkwardly hanging out together)
2. Good table size & comfortable seat height
3. No loud music or children
4. Warm (I get cold easily)
5. Long opening hours
6. WiFi
7. Good coffee
8. Cheap and diverse cabinet food

Coming soon on the blog: reviews of Wellington cafes from a writing perspective.