Five cooler places to work when home is too bloody warm

This weekend was a scorcher, and today is brutal weather too.

If WFH is TBW (too bloody warm), here are five ideas of places to dash to for cooler work today.

Coffee shops

The freelancer classic - but many coffee shops (especially the chains) have AC and decent wifi. Grab an iced latte, fill up your water bottle and settle in for a few chilly hours. Have a look at Laptop Friendly for an amazing list of places that embrace the laptop worker.

My local coffee shop even has a "pay for the day" option, where I can pay a fiver to be there for as long as I like, without the guilt kicking in - and I'm happy to support my local independent coffee place.

Coworking spaces

Even if you're not a member, lots of coworking spaces have day passes you can use to drop in, and make the most of their air-conditioning. For between £20-40 a day, you can sit in a cool workspace, make the most of the coffee and get some work done.

I use Werksy to access coworking spaces by the hour, without needing a subscription (you can use my code KNIAMB10 to get £10 free credit).

Libraries

Most local libraries welcome people coming to quietly work from their spaces, providing you're not on your phone or doing noisy Zoom calls. Many modern libraries are AC controlled, and often have a cafe space - plus it's lovely to take a break and read a book to give your brain a boost.

Find your nearest public library using LibraryOn.

Arts centres and public spaces

An increasing number of public, arts and community spaces such as arts and civic centres welcome laptop workers sitting in their lobbies and open spaces during the day. Most have good quality and even free wifi, along with cafes and a mix of quieter and busier spaces to work from.

A couple of weeks ago, I sat working from the open space in Sadler's Wells Stratford, whilst performers were rehearsing in the lobby. Amazing.

Hotel lobbies, bars and restaurants

More and more hotels are opening their doors to laptop folk. Some have become fully fledged coworking options with unlimited drinks and food on tap; others are a little more informal, and will happily serve you whilst you work sat in a comfy chair, watching the world go by.

Bars, pubs and restaurants are also now opening their tables up during quiet times, many of which are also AC. You can use an app like AndCo to find somewhere near you.

Embrace outdoors

If you're loving the heat, more and more parks and outdoor spaces are adding wifi, and providing you can see the screen, you might be able to find a lovely outdoor space to work from, maximising your vitamin D and work time! Just make sure you're lathered up with your SPF, and remember to hydrate well.

And don't forget, one of the major benefits of freelancing is having a little more control over your day: how, when and where you work. So if the 30°C is getting too much, consider taking the day for yourself.