People working on laptops in cafes 😡

I completely understand that some people might prefer to work in a nice cafe but in this case they should sit at a single table, not take up a table with four easy chairs round it, we could have sat with someone sitting like this, but the table was taken up by the laptop and my DH can upset a cup of tea in the best of circumstances so perching it on the edge of a table is not going to work.

That’s the issue in certain cafes in Durham too, where there is a big student population. Often only one of a big group has a bought drink, while the others share a bottle of water - for hours and hours! I suppose it’s cheaper than using their own power/energy at home.
However, I find it annoying and avoid those places. I’ve often joked that a drink should come with a coloured wristband, like swimming pools had and people would be expected to either buy another drink after their ‘two hour session’ is up, or leave.
I believe it was Starbucks policy that no-one should be asked to leave one of their cafes.

GrannyGravy13

I think in your circumstances, I would have asked politely if DH could have sat on the comfy chair whilst having his cup of tea. Probably adding, ^we wont be long and then you can have the seat back^

I should have done this and certainly will in future, am used to rooting non disabled passengers out of priority seats on public transport so is just another little reminder able bodied people need.

Hmm. Your use of the word impunity suggests that people working in cafes are doing something wrong. If they are buying coffee then they are customers just like everybody else c/f book, knitting and parent groups that meet in cafes and stay for a long time. What you might suggest to the owners is that they set aside a comfortable seating area for people who only want to stay a short while, the equivalent of the ten items or fewer section in the supermarket.

At times when I was having to WFH and needed a change of scenery I would pop into the city to work in Cafe Nero. It’s in an old listed building with steep steps that make the upstairs inaccessible for some especially parents and babies and general chatterers so it was a popular place for people who wanted to work away from that kind of hubbub. There is something about the ambience of a coffee shop that makes it conducive to work. I don’t know what it is but it is.

That's a shame. I can understand you feeling disappointed, but the laptop people have a right to be there too, if they are buying coffee. It must be worth it for the cafe owners or they would ask them to leave, I'm sure.

I can't say I've ever done it, but I know I can't work in libraries, as they are too quiet, but I could work in a cafe where there is a constant buzz that I have to concentrate to screen out, if that makes sense?

It might be worth ringing the cafe and asking if they will reserve a table for you. Cafes in my home town will do that if asked, so it might be worth a try?

Library’s don’t allow food or drink. The cafe will encourage them to buy at least drinks.

I do understand your annoyance though.

I think in your circumstances, I would have asked politely if DH could have sat on the comfy chair whilst having his cup of tea. Probably adding, we wont be long and then you can have the seat back

I’m assuming those people with laptops are ordering coffee and tea every now and again !