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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To remote work from a pub / bar / coffee shop

48 replies

Window1 · 15/07/2021 15:14

After nearly 18m of working from home I am keen for a change of scenery. Our offices are unlikely to reopen for at least another 6 months due to reconfiguration for the new world of working.

In the meantime, would it be unreasonable of me to spend a few hours a couple of times per week perched in the corner of a bar or coffee shop?

If so, what is the etiquette aside from buying something and not taking more space than needed?

I'm thinking of seeking out somewhere local either with a nice window view and/or comfy seating.

Is anyone else doing this already and where are you heading to?

OP posts:
reannneeee · 15/07/2021 15:15

Buy something every couple of hours. Other than that, go for it.

BelleClapper · 15/07/2021 15:16

A lot of places will do you a work space deal.

For example you can book a slot at the place I work, and for £3 get decent wifi and unlimited coffee for three hours.

It’s totally normal these days.

burnoutbabe · 15/07/2021 15:18

I'd say you need to buy a drink per hour. And only take up one space, not a table for 4.

MrsTerryPratchett · 15/07/2021 15:19

A coffee shop near me has removed half the tables (covid) and yesterday there were three people there with laptops and empty drinks. The whole time I was there. And they were still there when I left. Just don't be those people.

NakedAttraction · 15/07/2021 15:20

If you’re there over lunchtime you should buy a meal.

ComtesseDeSpair · 15/07/2021 15:23

Agree with buying at least a drink every hour and not going at “peak” elevenses or lunch times. I also always ask first in cafes if they mind me taking a table to work from if I know I’m going to be there for a few hours, and whether they have any requirements around spending. In independent cafes at least, it’s an icebreaker and they always appreciate that I’ve checked.

UrAWizHarry · 15/07/2021 15:24

You need to be buying coffee/food at the same rate as they would otherwise expect from normal punters using the table.

So I would say a coffee/tea/ whatever every 30 minutes or so, and if you are there over lunch you should be buying food.

Otherwise the cafe has every right to chuck you off the table.

veganmayo · 15/07/2021 15:25

I used to do this frequently pre-Covid and intend to get back to it again from Monday. As others have said, don't just buy one coffee and sit there for six hours... I used to go to cafes I knew would be quiet during the week. You'll get to know the ones that are happy to host freelance workers, too.

Biancadelrioisback · 15/07/2021 15:26

Why don't you look for a co-working space or somewhere offering hot desking?
Often you just pay a day rate and get all the comforts of an office

gillysSong · 15/07/2021 15:28

YABU, they are social spaces not an office. Can you imagine if everyone decided to do it, we'd have no social spaces left.
Would you expect people to keep their voices down and tut at rowdy customers.

Chemenger · 15/07/2021 15:30

Co-working spaces often come with free coffee etc and are a much more comfortable working environment than a noisy cafe with sticky tables and wobbly chairs. I have a friend that works in a great one with excellent wifi, printers, a kitchen with free hot drinks and a lovely roof terrace.

newnortherner111 · 15/07/2021 15:32

Try to pick quiet times of the week. Or perhaps work outside somewhere such as in a park?

Original poster
Window1 · 15/07/2021 15:55

@gillysSong

YABU, they are social spaces not an office. Can you imagine if everyone decided to do it, we'd have no social spaces left. Would you expect people to keep their voices down and tut at rowdy customers.
I wasn't sure whether some places would be grateful for the additional custom and absolutely not regarding noise levels, actually welcome being around other people and background noise.
OP posts:
Dozer · 15/07/2021 15:56

YABU if more than for a couple of hours.

Original poster
Window1 · 15/07/2021 15:57

@Dozer

YABU if more than for a couple of hours.
Was thinking 3 hours.
OP posts:
MittensOnKittens03 · 15/07/2021 15:57

A hotel near us rents out tables between certain times and provides food/ drinks if you want it
Might be worth asking local businesses. Some might not mind during quiet times but at peak times might not be to happy

ememem84 · 15/07/2021 15:59

I did this a while ago with an online training session i had to do. i went into local coffee shop and asked whether it was ok for me to hog a table for a couple of hours while i did this. they said it was fine.

the guy serving drinks also suggested that i bought two coffees at the start, and he'd make a note to bring me another one mid way through training. (ended at 1130 s i said i'd be gone by then).

so i'd make sure that the place is happy for you to be there too.

warmfluffytowels · 15/07/2021 16:00

A lot of places will rent you a table/booth for a certain price - why not ask around?

Original poster
Window1 · 15/07/2021 17:53

Slightly surprised I half expected a fair chunk of people WFH during this time to confirm this is something they had been doing for ages and I was behind the curve.

OP posts:
WeAllHaveWings · 15/07/2021 17:59

Are you on calls a lot? You would need to consider confidentiality and potential disturbing background noise.

Also consider you potentially annoying other customers who are looking for social time away from a work environment and you talking in calls or typing away constantly on a laptop.

Gibbo24 · 15/07/2021 18:00

I agree it's fine as long as you purchase items and don't outstay your welcome. I used to go to my local Costa once or twice a week for a couple of hours when I was a single parent working from home to break up the day a bit and so I could speak to an adult human. Some people do take the absolute pee with it - just don't be one of them Smile

gardeninggirl68 · 15/07/2021 18:01

i hope you will seek permission first though?

reannneeee · 15/07/2021 18:01

@WeAllHaveWings.

Sorry but that’s a bit ridiculous. In a coffee shop you expect tot hear other people’s conversations.

SmugglersHaunt · 15/07/2021 18:03

There are organisations you can join that you pay a subscription to and you can use their cafes without buying anything. I’m in one on London called AndCo and it’s great (apologies of naming firms isn’t allowed on here)

FedNlanders · 15/07/2021 18:07

I go at 10.30 ish buy coffee and cake... then lunch and leave 1.30 ish

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