Many of us choose to work remotely these days with ties to the physical office not as important as they once were. You might need to check your emails between meetings, tie up a few loose ends online at the end of a day or simple want a change of scenery but finding the perfect spot for a bit of surfing can be tricky. I’ve been looking for places in Belfast as I’m heading there this week to work remotely. There are a few vitally important things when looking for a place with free wifi to work which are:
- A good strong free Wi-Fi connection
- Plugs to charge laptops and phones
- Good coffee
All of the venues selected below tick all the boxes and are spread out around the city to give you an option for all situations. Make sure to enhance the list with some suggestions of your own in the comments. We’ll keep this list updated and add to it so don’t be shy to add new ones you find.
10. The Fitzwilliam Hotel
This place is perfectly situated in the heart of Belfast – less than 5 minutes walk from Donegall Square. They’ve free high speed Wi-Fi in their modern lobby and offer meeting rooms which is handy if you need privacy. Their valet parking is an added bonus if you’ve travelled by car.
9. Black Bear Cafe
This cute coffee shop offers free Wi-Fi, great coffee and gorgeous little cakes. Vibe is totally hipster and perfect if you’re alone and don’t want to feel like you have to rush to get going. Set up by the window and take your time.
8. French Village Bakery
This place is ideal if you’re looking for somewhere to great a nice brunch or breakfast with great coffee and Wi-Fi. Its a cosy and small family-run business that serves amazing baked goods, but you got to get in early if you want to snag a seat!
7. The Dark Horse
It looks like a pub but actually only serves coffee and are known for their epic toasties. This place is made for you if you like to find a nice corner to set up and not be disturbed. The nice big couches are very inviting if you’re looking for a bit of time out from the group or want to get cosy with some free Wi-Fi.
6. Clements
This chain have coffee shops dotted all over Belfast and offer great, modern remote working space, free Wi-Fi and nice if you want to recharge.
RT Come and see us in Ballyhackamore next week – open Monday! #Belfast #keepitlocal #ballyhackamore #coffee #excited pic.twitter.com/jwzmxDftjQ
— Clements Cafes (@Clements_Cafes) November 1, 2014
5. Sinnamon
Sinnamon is a great coffee shop offering delicious coffee, yummy desserts and great lunches. Decent Wi-Fi too if you need to catch up on emails.
4. The Belfast Coffee Company
Super location, right in the centre of Belfast – right beside the trendy Cathedral Quarter. Spread over two floors and with seating outside you’re spoilt for choice. Independently owned, the staff are known for being really friendly and accomodating, making it perfect for settling down with your laptop and a coffee for a while.
3. Malmaison
Akin to their other hotels, the Malmaison in Belfast offers super service, free Wi-Fi and comfortable seating so you can spend hours getting work done here. It’s also super handy if you want to order a few cocktails without having to leave to go to an overcrowded bar.
2. Common Grounds
These guys were voted Fair Trade Cafe of the Year in Belfast and with all their proceeds going back into the local community, what’s not to love about this place? It’s super close to Queens University making it a favourite for caffeine chasing students. Super ambiance and great coffee and Wi-Fi without being contrived.
1. Established Coffee
The best place to go if you’re looking for a remote place to work that use 3FE coffee beans. They also serve amazing food so you’ll be spoilt for choice while camping out here for a few hours.
This is happening! Brioche French Toast w/ Cinnamon Roasted Pumpkin, Maple Pecans & Vanilla Mascarpone. pic.twitter.com/KpPtFoNjKE
— Established Coffee (@established) November 1, 2014