Covent Garden & Charing Cross: 8 informal meeting space options
RobRob
8th Aug 2025
9 min read (1,692 words)
Grind Coffee, Covent Garden
Leanspace view
A large space for the area with upstairs and downstairs seating options. Good if you are a Grind regular, if not expect good coffee. Services can be hit and miss however and cleanliness too. All in all though the space works well for giving you high chances of seating when others in the area will likely be full.
Online review synopsis
Grind Coffee Shop in Covent Garden is a suitable venue for professional meetups, offering reliable WiFi and power sockets essential for work. Located in a well-connected area, it is easily accessible. Reviews generally praise the friendly and attentive service, although there are occasional mentions of slow or rude interactions. The food, particularly breakfast and brunch options, is highly regarded, and the coffee is frequently described as some of the best in London, despite a few critiques about temperature and taste. Overall, it provides a conducive environment for professional gatherings.
Key features
Wifi: 3/3
Power socket: 3/3
Location: 3/3
Environment: 2/3
Service: 2/3
Price: £
Connections:
- Covent Garden (Piccadilly) - 5 Minute walk
- Charing Cross (Northern, Bakerloo, Southeastern Rail) - 8 Minute walk
- Embankment (Circle and District, Bakerloo, Northern) - 8 Minute walk
The Savoy, Strand
Leanspace view
Offering a luxurious and sophisticated setting, it's central location on the Strand ensures easy accessibility and convenience for clients. As well as options for meeting informally around the bars, the hotel provides various meeting spaces, from private rooms to elegant lounges, all supported by high-quality service and amenities, including high-speed Wi-Fi and audio-visual equipment. Despite the quality of the venue as you may expect the Savoy comes with premium price tags.
Online review synopsis
The Savoy Hotel in London is an ideal venue for professional meet-ups, offering a luxurious and sophisticated setting with elegant decor and high-tech amenities. Its central location on the Strand ensures easy access to public transportation and business districts. Guests consistently praise the attentive and professional staff, as well as the excellent dining options, making it suitable for business lunches or dinners. The hotel's quiet, spacious meeting rooms ensure privacy and a professional atmosphere. Although the Savoy is expensive, many guests find the superior service and impressive ambiance provide good value for important business meetings.
Key features
Wifi: 3/3
Power socket: Red (Very few/ none)
Location: 3/3
Environment: 3/3
Service: 3/3
Price: ££££
Connections:
- Covent Garden (Piccadilly) - 5 Minute walk
- Charing Cross (Northern, Bakerloo, Southeastern Rail) - 8 Minute walk
- Embankment (Circle and District, Bakerloo, Northern) - 8 Minute walk
Notes Coffee, St Martin's Ln
Leanspace view
All Notes Coffee Venues are ranked highly in the eyes of Leanspace and St Martin’s Lane is no different. Plenty of seating and good service will likely make for a smooth and hopefully successful meeting for you. Depending on the time of your visit there’s also a high chance you’ll be surrounded by some like minded professionals to make you feel like you’ve picked the right spot. Mid afternoons here tend to be less busy if you are on the hunt for the quieter spots.
Online review synopsis
Notes Coffee on St. Martin's Lane has a cosy and welcoming ambiance that can be suitable for professional meetings. However, the noise level during busy times, inconsistent service, and lack of specific information on power sockets and WiFi limitations might pose challenges. If you plan to meet here, it may be best to choose quieter times and ensure meetings are kept short to avoid WiFi issues.
Key features
Wifi: 3/3
Power socket: 1/3
Location: 3/3
Environment: 2/3
Service: 3/3
Price: ££
Connections:
- Leicester Square (Piccadilly, Northern) - 4 Minute walk
- Charing Cross (Northern, Bakerloo, Southeastern Rail) - 6 Minute walk
All Bar One, Villiers St.
Leanspace view
Like Notes, All Bar One’s are all highly regarded by Leanspace for their suitability at an informal meeting space. Bookable tables, plenty of space are and good service. Mornings are best here, open from 10am, more often than not you’ll find very few seats taken for those private meetings and a good quality breakfast menu.
Online review synopsis
All Bar One on Villiers Street is a suitable venue for professional meetings, offering a welcoming ambiance and well-regarded food and drink options, including tapas, brunch, and cocktails. While staff members like Dharmesh and Anjana are praised for their service, there are occasional mentions of slow service during busy times. The atmosphere is cosy and friendly, but potential noise levels and the lack of information on WiFi and power sockets should be considered. It's advisable to confirm these details with the venue, especially for meetings requiring a quieter environment or electronic device use.
Key features
Wifi: 3/3
Power socket: 3/3
Location: 3/3
Environment: 3/3
Service: 3/3
Price: ££££
Connections:
- Charing Cross (Northern, Bakerloo, Southeastern Rail) - 1 Minute walk
- Embankment (Circle and District, Bakerloo, Northern) - 8 Minute walk
Black Sheep Coffee, Strand
The Leanspace view
Another rare chain favoured by Leanspace, Black Sheep Strand is smaller than most so caution should be taken when attempting to guarantee a seat. Quick self checkout service with a selection of snacks and good coffee is the usual here. Midday is the time to visit for a time that is consistently less busy.
Online review synopsis
Black Sheep Coffee is a decent venue for informal meetups due to its convenient location and generally praised coffee quality. However, the reviews do not mention WiFi or power socket availability, which could be a limitation for working. The service quality is mixed, with some praising the friendly staff and others reporting rude or slow service. The food, particularly the waffles and pastries, is well-received, but occasional negative remarks about coffee temperature and flavour consistency are noted. Overall, it provides a comfortable setting for casual gatherings.
Key features
Wifi: 3/3
Power socket: 1/3
Location: 3/3
Environment: 2/3
Service: 2/3
Price: ££
Connections:
- Charing Cross (Northern, Bakerloo, Southeastern Rail) - 3 Minute walk
- Embankment (Circle and District, Bakerloo, Northern) - 8 Minute walk
Watch House Seven Dials, St Martin's Ln
Leanspace View
Well positioned between Leicester Square and Covent Garden Watch House Seven Dials is a smart breakfast and coffee house that is great for a high quality informal meet-up. Unlike many of the others in this list here may be more adverse to laptop and technology use, but for a small screenless meeting the coffee, food, and ambience quality will impress. Available space is the limitation here. Peak periods also limit the time on the table to 19 minutes. Busyness times tend to vary too so we recommend calling ahead - 020 3096 6434.
Online review synopsis
WatchHouse Seven Dials offers a cosy and welcoming environment with generally positive service and high-quality food and drinks, making it a decent choice for professional meetings. The potential noise levels and lack of specific information on WiFi and power sockets should be considered.
Key features
Wifi: 1/3
Power socket: 1/3
Location: 3/3
Environment: 3/3
Service: 3/3
Price: £££
Connections:
- Leicester Square (Piccadilly, Northern) - 2 Minute walk
- Covent Garden (Piccadilly) - 3 Minute walk
The Londoner Hotel, Leicester Square
Leanspace View
The Londoner Hotel, Leicester square makes for a fantastic place to take a client, colleague or any other like minded professional for a meet up. Whether you are keeping things to the hotel lobby or venturing into one of the paid meeting spaces the service at every corner will be sharp. Among its key attractions is the abundance of space inside with plentiful seating more often than not guaranteeing you that chance of a seat. To make doubly sure however, book your meet for the morning.
Online review synopsis
The Londoner Hotel is an excellent venue for professional meetings, offering a luxurious and modern ambiance with elegant decor and a peaceful environment despite its central location. The consistently praised service is characterised by friendly and attentive staff who enhance the overall experience. The quality of food and drinks is high, with various dining options, including a rooftop bar and a private whiskey room. Overall, The Londoner Hotel provides a sophisticated and comfortable setting ideal for business gatherings.
Key features
Wifi: 3/3
Power socket: 1/3
Location: 3/3
Environment: 3/3
Service: 3/3
Price: £££
Connections:
- Leicester Square (Piccadilly, Northern) - 2 Min Walk
- Piccadilly Circus (Piccadilly, Bakerloo)- 2 Min Walk
- Charing Cross (Northern, Bakerloo, Southeastern Rail) - 3 Min Walk
- Embankment (Circle and District, Bakerloo, Northern) - 4 Min Walk
Ham Yard Hotel, Great Windmill Street
Leanspace View
The Ham Yard Hotel is a true hidden gem when it comes to informal meeting venues. The Interior decor is smart and understated making you and your guests feel instantly at home, service is excellent and only a stones throw from Piccadilly Circus is it easily accessible from many London areas. Head to the terrace for the wow factor In the warmer months; in winter the Lobby area still hosts an abundance of seats with morning meeting bookings leaving you with plenty of options.
Online review synopsis
Ham Yard Hotel is an excellent venue for professional meetings, offering a stylish and comfortable ambiance with unique decor by Kit Kemp. The hotel's various spaces, including a roof terrace, library, and courtyard, create a pleasant environment. Service is praised for being attentive and professional, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere. While WiFi is generally stable, it's advisable to confirm connectivity and power socket availability with the hotel. The food and drink quality is highly regarded, with commendations for breakfast, afternoon tea, and cocktails, making Ham Yard Hotel a suitable choice for business gatherings.
Key features
Wifi: 3/3
Power socket: 2/3
Location: 3/3
Environment: 3/3
Service: 3/3
Price: £££
Connections:
- Piccadilly Circus (Piccadilly, Bakerloo)- 1 Min Walk
For a comprehensive overview of informal meeting spaces across London and how the Covent Garden & Charing Cross options fit into the wider city context, see The Leanspace Informal Meeting Space Series (Explained) .
For a detailed guide to informal meeting venues in the financial district, explore City of London: Your Top 25 Informal Meeting Spaces .
If you're budget-conscious and looking for affordable alternatives to formal meeting rooms, our Central London: Your Top 10 Budget-Friendly Meeting Room Alternatives is an excellent resource.
