Barista - On the other side — Restaurant in London

This coffee shop is great for anyone looking to just sit and enjoy a coffee, chat with a friend, etc. But do not come here with a laptop to work! While I understand that many coffee shops are taken over by workers now, Barista’s approach is a bit heavy handed. They have designated three small tables without power outlets for people with laptops, you are not permitted to sit anywhere else and if a table is taken too bad, you have to leave even if the rest of the shop is empty. I saw one guy come in and offer to buy multiple drinks, an entire lunch, etc just to sit and use his laptop- nope, he was turned away. So you have to ask, has Barista lost sight of the point of running a business? Additionally, there is a sign on the designated table to remind you you are only allowed to stay an hour and a half maximum. The WiFi was spotty and kept throwing me off. They’ve really gone out of their way to make it an uncomfortable environment for anyone needing to work. On top of all of this, it seemed to be perfectly acceptable for several kids to sit anywhere they liked with iPad game/video blaring, so I don’t think keeping tech out of the calm-coffee house environment...

We visited the cafe today (2 people and 1 baby in stroller) and sat on a table of 2 at the front area of the cafe. We placed our order and then when they brought one of the coffees they told us that no laptops are allowed on the specific table (only one of us had a laptop). The waitress said that we had to move to the large table at the back (where other people were sitting) or to sit on the high tables. I asked why we were not allowed on the specific table that we sat, since only one of us had a laptop so apparently the table was not occupied only by the person that was having the laptop. And also there were also more tables available in the cafe. The answer was that this is the cafe policy. I haven't read somewhere saying no laptops on weekdays on these specific tables apart from the note on the wall that laptops are not allowed on weekends (that is acceptable). Very disappointed with the way the waitress handled the situation (on the other hand, this is the 'policy' that she is instructed to follow) so we cancelled our...

The difference between the old Batista and the new Batista - On the other side is night and day. Opposite to Waitrose on Finchley Road it offers a big industrial space dominated by dark wooden tables and large windows. There is two bench style tables offering outside seating which is a great option on sunny days. At the back there is another seating area offering more private space for those looking to work. In the middle is a huge service counter offering coffee, sandwiches and cakes. Their tumeruc latte is extraordinary and is highly recommended. The food menu is a combination of salads, jacket potatoes, sandwiches and breakfast plates.

The service is top notch and efficient offering a better alternative than the packaged Costa Coffee and Starbucks down the road. The staff are adorable and friendly, always smiling and ready to help. The only consideration is that Barista closes at 6PM on weekdays and 4PM weekends. The prices have increased slightly but hands down Barista has not only had a makeover. It has...