Squeezing everything into life can be a chore. But there is something wonderful about getting the day started the right way, and for me that can often mean getting a little something to eat and having a pre-work coffee meeting.
The day before yesterday I received a text from a friend who I'd been meaning to catch up with. We had things to talk about but had struggled to find that time. Fortunately, we work close by. He texted me just before bed to ask whether we should get coffee before work. It had been a while since I'd been for pre-work coffee so I said 'Sure!'.
When I left the house yesterday and walked into the city, it felt good to get some fresh air and to be not dragging the chain when it came to getting the day started. If you're like me, sometimes you find yourself snuggled in bed until the last possible second, rolling around, watching videos on YouTube or listening to Podcasts. When you know that it is positively ridiculous to stay in bed a second more, you do get up. From there, everything is a rush and you're hopping around, frantically trying to get things organised (lunch packed, washing in, undies on) until you head out the door and feel a surge of guilt when you come to work late (also, these days I seem to write more and more of my blogs early in the morning like I'm doing RIGHT NOW).
The pre-work coffee helps you avoid this. You have to get up and get out because someone you want to see is waiting at the other end. For me, a pre-work coffee assists in easing into the day - I feel like I've seen someone and done something for me before I go to work. It's that vital 'Me Time' we all crave. It can also be useful if like me you have a side-hustle and you need to squeeze in a little meeting for the day.
The fact Wellington is such a compact city makes the pre-work meeting possible, because either you work down Lambton Quay or around/near Cuba Street. This means that where in other cities you wouldn't have a hope in hell of seeing someone, in Wellington it's all rather straightforward. The only challenge is picking the place to go! Here are 5 of my favourite places to enjoy a pre-work coffee in the Capital:
Customs by Coffee Supreme - 39 Ghuznee Street
Customs is the most fantastic place for a pre-work coffee because they really know their caffeine. Make sure you pick a day when doughnuts but Little Dough Co are being delivered for a yummy (naughty) pre-work snack.
Lamason Brew Bar - Corner of Lombard and Bond Street
I used to come to Lamason every day when I would walk from my parent's place in Cuba Street to Lambton Quay (where I lived in my first year of working). They really pour a fantastic long black and I loved that it was hidden away in an alley, giving me some courage to face the day of lawyering I was fretting over.
Pickle and Pie - Corner of Lombard and Bond Street
Across the lane from Lamason is the newly established Pickle and Pie. While it is very popular at lunchtime, to the point where you may struggle for a table, why not try going along before work and testing one of the many delicious breakfast options available. The muesli is simply scrumptious.
Pre-Fab - Jessie Street, Te Aro
This list wouldn't be complete without a shout out to arguably the best pre-work coffee meeting house of all time, Pre-Fab. Visiting will make you feel like you're truly transported to another life, as it is where many freelancers hold their meetings and sit working through the day. Grab something delicious for lunch while you're at it, like one of their filled roles in Oli bread.
Two Grey - Two Grey Street, Lambton Quarter
While there are many places to go for a pre-work coffee around Lambton Quay, many of which you can see here, my choice would have to be Two Grey. You can't go past one of their fantastic Acai bowls and the big glass windows will permit you to watch the world go by. Make sure you have a hot coffee here as well and get your Instagram on - they often re-gram great shots.
So ther are my favourite places for an early morning coffee! Now, this blogging gal is already running late - don't wait for me! I'll be there in 5 (flat white please!).