Freelancers' top picks for productive workspaces in the city and suburbs

Pics courtesy/Instagram

As Diwali festivities take over our lives and routines, homes can turn into bustling hubs with constant buzz, and guests, invited and otherwise. While some of us can juggle work committments and socialising with these visitors efficiently amidst all the chaos, a few, like this writer, hunt for peaceful and convenient spaces in the city to get their work done in time. Head to these freelancer-recommended cafés and co-working spaces for a productive day this festive season.

Make yourself at home

This writer stumbled upon this cosy café in the lanes of Kandivali while shuffling between interviews and assignments, and it is now a go-to spot for working while sipping on a hot cup of coffee.

Thumbs up: A wide range of pocket-friendly dairy-free beverages makes it a perfect pick for vegans.
Thumbs down: The café is flocked by patrons on weekends and finding a spot can be a challenge.
USP: Take your pet along - the staff is happy to welcome a furry friend.

At Magari Café, Mahavir Nagar, Kandivali West; Four Bungalows, Andheri West.
Call 9372497573
Log on to @magaricafe
Cost Rs 500 for one (approximately)

Reccos from users

Find some calm
Siddharth S, 37, account executive

Thumbs up: Away from chaos of the main roads, even the al fresco area of this space is peaceful inthe evenings.
Thumbs down: The service tends to be sluggish on most days, which puts me off when I'm on the go.
USP: I love that the café screens games on match-days on low volume for those like me who like to mix work with play.

At Café Istaa, New CHS Ltd, RL Kelkar Road, Sion West.
Call 24083386
Log on to @cafeistaa
Cost Rs 400 for one (approximately)

Take a break
Nida Faruqui, 25, entrepreneur

Thumbs up: The staff does not hover around and the soft
music in the background helps me focus better.
Thumbs down: The coffee is average at best, and the food will please only those who are gastronomiCally challenged.
USP: Skip the coffee as the well-lit interiors with bright walls are enough to pull you out of a work time slumber.

At Brakefree Café, St Paul's Media Complex, Bandra West.
Call 9819784963
Log on to @brakefreecafe
Cost Rs 500 for one (approximately)

Get some space
Kanchi Buch, 28, marketing freelancer

Thumbs up: The place is spacious and high-ceilinged, which helps me make important Calls without having to hunt for quiet corners.
Thumbs down: The space serves all my needs. I hope they expand to other areas soon.
USP: The healthy options in the dedicated cafeteria help me stay on track with my health goals.

At Dextrus, Avenue 3, G Block, BKC; Peninsula Corporate Park, Lower Parel West.
Call 9619004660
Log on to dextrus.in
Cost Rs 999 (day pass)

Also Check Out

Leaping Windows
Add some fun to your usual work day and take your pick from an expansive comic book collection.
At Bianca Towers, Amit Nagar, Versova.
Call 9769998972
Log on to @leapingwindows

Ministry of New
Get inspired by the vibrant modern-art inspired décor at this co-working space.
At 3rd floor, Kitab Mahal, Fort.
Call 66356505
Log on to ministryofnew.in
Cost Rs 1,500 (day pass)

The Village Shop
Make it a healthy work day at this café. Try their in-house kombucha as you type away. Pets are welcome.
At 5AA, Mac Ronells, near Candies, Bandra West.
Call 9870399498
Log on to @thevillageshop