The Leanspace Informal Meeting Space Series (Explained)
RobRob
8th Aug 2025
5 min read (938 words)
What are Informal Meeting Spaces? Who is this for?
In today’s fast-paced world, flexibility and efficiency are the keys to success, especially when it comes to professional meet-ups. That’s where informal meeting spaces come in—public venues that cater to the needs of modern professionals meeting needs that don't require the booking cost of a traditional meeting room. Whether you’re hosting a client or setting up a brainstorming session with your team, finding the right venue can make or break your productivity.
At Leanspace, our commitment to adaptability drives us to stay ahead of these evolving needs, offering curated solutions for professionals looking for more than just a desk. That’s why we’ve launched our Informal Meeting Space Series—a guide to London’s most reliable venues for business, from bustling coffee spots to sophisticated hotel lobbies. Complete with a comprehensive rating layout to help you discover the very best spaces across London depending on your unique meeting space needs.
What to expect
Each article in the series is structured to provide you with detailed insights into the top venues around busy Zone 1 tube stops. Here’s the 4 part breakdown every space will be subject to.
The Leanspace View:
This section gives an honest review of the venue based on firsthand visits, highlighting key aspects like seating arrangements, noise levels, and service quality.
Online Review Synopsis:
You'll get a summary of online reviews, which helps provide a broader perspective on the venue.
User Review:
A review from a Leanspace user who has experienced the venue for an informal meeting, sharing tips on the best times to visit or quirks of the space.
Key Features:
We rate important aspects like WiFi strength, power socket availability, location, and price, giving you a quick snapshot of the venue’s practicality for a professional setting.
What does this mean?
Here's a sneak peek into three venue reviews from various articles:
From "Top 10 Informal Meeting Spaces in Shoreditch High Street Tube":
The Hart Shoreditch Hotel, Old Street
Leanspace View:
With plenty of power socket availability and excellent WiFi, the Hart Shoreditch Hotel lobby provides a calm and sophisticated environment for meetings. The space stays professional throughout the day, although evenings may get busier.
Online Review Synopsis:
Reviewers appreciate the Hart Shoreditch for its inviting decor, cleanliness, and reliable WiFi, making it an excellent choice for informal meetings. While the lobby can get busy in the evening, it remains a top spot for professionals throughout the day, offering comfort and convenience.
Leanspace User Review:
“Always pretty quiet and a lovely place to work or meet. The co-working table in the lobby has WiFi and power sockets. However, the lighting gets dimmed and the volume from visitors rises later in the day.” — Matthew (Leanspace User)
Key Features:
WiFi: 3/3
Power Sockets: Plenty
Location: 3/3
Price: ££
Best Time to Visit: Mornings or early afternoons for quiet professional meetings.
From "Your Top 10 Informal Meeting Spaces in London Bridge Tube":
Grind, London Bridge
Leanspace View:
Grind is a consistent go-to for informal business meetings, with strong WiFi and a variety of seating options. The friendly staff and professional environment make it a solid choice, but be mindful of the noise levels during peak hours.
Online Review Synopsis:
Grind, London Bridge is praised for its vibrant atmosphere and excellent service. The modern design, combined with attentive staff, makes it a popular choice for business meetings. However, it can get noisy and crowded during peak times, so it's best to visit earlier in the week or during quieter hours to avoid disruptions.
Leanspace User Review:
“Although busy, the environment is relaxed and tables are reasonably well spaced. The WiFi is strong once connected. The location is great, with a mix of business and tourists.” — Darren (Leanspace User)
Key Features:
WiFi: 3/3
Power Sockets: A small selection of seats
Location: 3/3
Price: ££
Best Time to Visit: Mondays and Fridays for a quieter environment.
From "Top 10 Informal Meeting Spaces in London Bridge Tube":
White Mulberries, London Bridge
Leanspace View:
White Mulberries combines accessibility with a quieter, more private atmosphere. While power sockets are limited, the outdoor seating and fast WiFi make it a great choice for afternoon meetings.
Online Review Synopsis:
The venue is praised for its excellent menu and welcoming ambience, though the inside seating can feel cramped. The higher prices are justified by the quality, and it remains a hidden gem for those seeking a quieter setting for professional discussions.
Leanspace User Review:
“Incredibly accessible, right next to London Bridge station. The ideal environment for deep focus—great outdoor seating. Fast WiFi too, though power sockets can be hard to come by.” — Victoria (Leanspace User).
Key Features:
WiFi: 2/3
Power Sockets: A small selection of seats
Location: 3/3
Price: £££
Best Time to Visit: Monday-Wednesday late afternoons.
These examples give a glimpse of what’s to come in our Top 10 Informal Meeting Space Series—a collection designed to help you find the perfect venues for your next professional meet-up. Whether you're looking for a casual café, a professional hotel lobby, or something in between, our series will guide you through London's best informal meeting spaces.
For those interested in specific districts, explore the detailed guides for City of London: Your Top 25 Informal Meeting Spaces for a deeper dive into the financial district’s informal venues.
To understand how different café chains perform as meeting spaces, consider our evaluation in Coffee Chains & Meetings: Which Ones to Avoid and the Select Few That Fit the Bill .
For professionals mindful of budget, our Central London: Your Top 10 Budget-Friendly Meeting Room Alternatives offers valuable options balancing cost and convenience.
