Found My New Favourite Meeting Spot: Watchhouse Somerset House

<h1>Found My New Favourite Meeting Spot: Watchhouse Somerset House</h1> <p>You know that feeling when you discover somewhere perfect by accident? That's exactly what happened today. I had a business meeting scheduled at <a href="https://watchhouse.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Watchhouse</a> in Somerset House, and honestly, I wasn't expecting much—just decent coffee and a professional setting.</p> <p>I was completely wrong. This place is brilliant.</p> <div style="text-align: center; margin: 2rem 0;"> <img src="/images/watchhouse-somerset-house-iced-coffee.jpg" alt="Iced coffee at Watchhouse Somerset House" width="600" height="400" loading="lazy" decoding="async" style="max-width: 600px; border-radius: 8px; box-shadow: 0 4px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.1);" /> <p style="font-style: italic; color: #666; margin-top: 0.5rem;">The perfect iced coffee for a business meeting</p> </div> <h2>Why It Actually Works</h2> <p>First off, the weather was absolutely gorgeous today. We managed to snag a table outside in the courtyard, which immediately transformed what could have been a stuffy business meeting into something much more relaxed and natural.</p> <p>Somerset House itself is just stunning—all that Georgian architecture and the grand courtyard setting. But it's not intimidating. It's impressive without being showy, professional without being sterile. Perfect for making a good impression without feeling like you're trying too hard.</p> <h2>The Food (Because Obviously)</h2> <p>Right, let's talk about this avocado on sourdough. The menu claimed it came with "lemon oil drizzle and chilli," but I'm absolutely convinced they used <strong>togarashi</strong> instead. You know, that wonderful Japanese seven-spice with the sesame seeds and the little bits of seaweed?</p> <p>Look, I've had a lot of disappointing avocado toast in London. This was not one of them. The sourdough had proper texture—none of that limp, cardboard nonsense. The avocado was perfectly ripe (miracle), the lemon oil was subtle and bright, and that togarashi gave it this lovely warming heat with proper depth.</p> <p>Honestly, it was so good I'm considering going back just for the toast.</p> <h2>The Covent Garden Bonus</h2> <p>One of the brilliant things about Somerset House is how close it is to everything. We wrapped up our meeting around 3pm, and I was telling my client about some of the rooftop bars in Covent Garden. It's literally a five-minute walk to loads of great spots if you want to extend the conversation over drinks.</p> <p>Plus, the transport links are fantastic. My client came up from South London and said it was dead easy to get to. That's always a relief when you're coordinating meetings.</p> <h2>Practical Stuff You'd Want to Know</h2> <p>If you're thinking about using this place for your own meetings, here's what I noticed:</p> <p><strong>WiFi:</strong> Solid. I did a quick email check during a natural lull, no problems.</p> <p><strong>Noise levels:</strong> Perfect. The courtyard setting means you get this lovely ambient buzz, but it's not overwhelming. You can actually have a proper conversation.</p> <p><strong>Space:</strong> Tables are a decent size. We had laptops, notebooks, coffee, and food with room to spare.</p> <p><strong>Timing:</strong> We were there around 1pm and it wasn't too busy. I imagine weekends might be a different story with tourists, but midweek seemed ideal.</p> <h2>Why This Works Better Than Everywhere Else</h2> <p>I've done the hotel coffee shop thing (sterile and overpriced), the chain cafe route (noisy and unprofessional), and the fancy restaurant approach (too formal for a first meeting). This strikes the perfect balance.</p> <p>There's something about meeting somewhere impressive that just changes the dynamic. Not in a flashy, show-off way, but in a "this person clearly puts thought into the experience" way. And frankly, when you're trying to win business, that matters.</p> <h2>Already Planning My Return</h2> <p>I'm genuinely excited about having discovered this place. I can already picture how I'll use it for different types of meetings:</p> <p>Initial client meetings? Perfect. The setting builds confidence without being intimidating.</p> <p>Project brainstorming? Brilliant. That outdoor space with natural light gets the creative juices flowing.</p> <p>Celebration drinks? Just hop over to one of those Covent Garden rooftop bars.</p> <h2>The Reality Check</h2> <p>Look, it's not cheap. This is central London, Somerset House, quality coffee and food. You're paying for the experience. But for important meetings? Absolutely worth it. The conversations feel more productive, the setting creates a better impression, and honestly, people remember where you took them.</p> <h2>Why Today Felt Special</h2> <p>Beyond the gorgeous weather and that incredible toast, today felt like discovering a secret weapon. You know that feeling when you find a place that just works perfectly for what you need? That's exactly this.</p> <p>Plus, that togarashi detail keeps making me smile. It's like a little signature of quality—someone in that kitchen knows exactly what they're doing, even if they're calling it "chilli" on the menu.</p> <p>I'm definitely going back. Probably next week. Possibly just for the avocado toast.</p> <p><em>Have you got any brilliant meeting spots in London I should try? Always on the hunt for new places that get the balance right.</em></p>

Found My New Favourite Meeting Spot: Watchhouse Somerset House

Pete Gypps

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