Travellers cafes in London

Hi everyone,

I was just wondering about London and if there are any great backpackers cafes or coffee shops?

I've travelled a lot in Asia and came across quite a few cool hangouts that were similar to the community areas in hostels but, obviously not IN a hostel. I personally prefer to get out of the hotel/hostel and seek my city/country information from locals. In some places around Asia they had really great little cafes with maps covering the walls, free books to look through and helpful staff to help me find or books things. It was nice also mixing with other travellers and locals.

Is there anywhere like that in London???

I've been to London a couple of times but never found anything. Mind you, our hostel community hangout areas were great.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thank you!

generally Londoners work long hours, and many have to commute for a long time too. The last thing they will want to do is 'hang out' with tourists.

however a cafe in a branch of Waterstones might give you quite a lot of what you seek.

There is a backpacker bar on Calidonian Rd. near Kings X. There is a couple hostels in the area too.

The reference sections in many of the public libraries run by the various London Boroughs can be excellent often with knowledgable staff.

I hope that is not too stuffy an answer!

R

Not the kind of thing you'd find in London but I would imagine there is at least one such place if you can find it.