Many writers have perfectly curated desks, home offices, or even writing sheds, and need silence to focus. While I do a lot of writing at home — usually early in the morning before work — I also love writing out in the wild (well, in coffee shops and on trains... not actual wilderness!). I find the buzz of people around me gives me energy. As long as I’ve got headphones and a good classical playlist to drown out clinking cups or crying babies, I can write just about anywhere.
My husband writes too, so we often go on writing dates and are always on the lookout for new spots. Whenever we travel, we end up googling “best coffee shops to write” and often come up short. So, I thought I’d share my own list of writing-friendly places right here in Bristol.
1. The Watershed
This is my most-visited writing spot — in fact, I’m writing this post from there right now! There's plenty of space, and I never feel guilty for lingering. The music is mellow, the drinks are great, and there's always food on hand. Plus, if you hit a creative wall, you can catch a film at their in-house cinema.
2. Society Café
There are a few of these now, but I usually go to the one on the waterfront. The coffee and cake are top-notch! Recently, they’ve made the front area a no-laptop zone, so it’s ideal if you’re writing by hand or reading. But there are long communal tables at the back — perfect for writing buddies or solo sessions.
3. Emmeline at Spike Island Gallery
Try to go early — it gets pretty busy around lunchtime. I wrote big chunks of The Old Crones Club here while drinking their amazing espresso smoothies. The menu is also fantastic for breakfast, lunch, or just a snack break when you need to refuel from writing.
4. The Architect (Design West Café)
This is a bit of a hidden gem. Huge tables, comfy seats, and it’s usually quiet — perfect for focus. The relaxed atmosphere and friendly staff mean you never feel rushed or like you're overstaying your welcome.
5. The Arnolfini Café Bar
Another one best visited early or after the lunch rush. I’ve written and edited large sections of The Old Crones Club here. The food is delicious, and they have board games — so when writing fatigue sets in, a quick game of Scrabble can work wonders.
So, there you have it — my top 5 Bristol writing spots. Just don’t all rush there at once... I still need to find a table!