Now, in my oh so humble opinion anyone can write a blog – it just takes a little bit of training, a unique tone aof voice and some practice. The best methodology I can advise for a newbie blog writer is to simply stare at a blank screen and write a long diatribe that details their thoughts and opinions on one particular topic. Once this is written you will probably end up with some random musings and ramblings, but with a little careful editing you should be easily able to cut this down into a perfectly formed 500 word blog.
Now that I have, hopefully, convinced you in less than a hundred words that you should, indeed, be writing a blog the next question is how to motivate yourself? Because whilst if I could, I would write morning, noon and night – I appreciate that not every person feels this way. So…one of the best ways I found to motivate myself to write is to choose an alternative venue – away from the office, the hustle and bustle and Nancy in the cubicle next door who is, yet again, reminding you to sponsor her son for his charity trek to Venezuela. So here are my top 5 – Helena Baker – approved locations to work and yes they all have cracking Wi-Fi, fear not dear reader – I have your back.
- Drake & Morgan – Kings Cross
This is my current favourite – Drake & Morgan is not only handily situated next to Kings Cross, but it also has that quirky, quasi-hipster décor that is both inoffensive and enticing. This is all rounded off with some pretty lush lighting which makes everyone look radiant. As if this weren’t enough – downstairs is generally pretty vacant and features some large round tables matched with comfortable couches. So you can sit undisturbed and write away. See below for a picture of me working at said location, whilst the drink looks like a Gin and Tonic – it’s actually a healthy herbal ice tea….well it was bound to be 9pm somewhere?
- Home House – Marble Arch
Situated near Marble Arch, Home House is the sort of location you’d imagine writers of old slaving over their manuscripts. According to the website it is a “magical mix of 18th century splendour and 21st century avant-garde.” Now, to be perfectly honest I have no idea what that means, but inside the interior is indeed, divine and sumptuous, and it also has some lovely couches, as well as the daily paper. Now, whilst it calls itself a “members club” any common riff raff can enter – provided they buy a drink of sorts. So put on your top hat, pick up your cigar and get going.
- We Are Squirrel – Kensington
Not only is this fabulous establishment based in the stunning Kensington, but its food is really really good. Fresh, healthy and nutritious, you can get stuck into a tasty salad or, like me, opt for the toast with almond butter – the memory of which has lingered long after the last bite. If this fantastic spot isn’t reason enough to leave the office, I don’t know what is.
- Ozone – Old Street
This is the sort of achingly cool coffee shops that many people fear – and situated right next to the Old Street Roundabout it is perfectly suited for the hipster sect. However, whilst most hipster coffee shops often suffer from a lack of space – meaning you end up stuck in between some dude in a bowler hat and a woman in dungarees with no room to swing even your elbows, never mind a cat Ozone is pretty spacious and airy. If you are lucky enough to get a booth – then you are pretty much set for the day, but if not there are an adequate number of tables and a range of #isntagrammable moments. Also their chai latte is on point.
- Chains – Itsu
Now, as a general rule I try to avoid chains and whilst I’d like to tell you it’s due to some deep seated, die-heard conviction that I must support the local community it’s not – although I do think it’s a laudable position, it’s because their Wi-Fi is truly terrible. This rather gets my goat. The one reliable chain I have found, that uses Wi-Fi other than “The Cloud” is Itsu. Their food is also pretty decent, so not a bad shout at all.
I would love to hear your thoughts and insights, as I am always on the hunt for a new writing location. Feel free to drop me a line on helena@helenabaker.com or give me a call on 07826 857 882.