Armed with her Macbook Air, Angie Wong searches out the best free WiFi in town

Freelancers and job-hunters alike often get cabin fever in their shoebox-sized homes: the only release from their cramped hell is to get out, and be around other souls with no office to call home. But finding that perfect spot to camp out all day with coffee refills, dee-lish Danishes and your laptop, is a real feat in this eat-and-get-outta here town. To help those seeking refuge, we’ve crisscrossed town looking for a signal. And though many restaurants and cafes charge for Wi-Fi usage, there are those rare outposts who believe the internet is for the people – and should therefore be free of charge. Here’s our round-up of these connectivity heroes.

Living room at W

Signal: 4 bars

Just like at home, it’s hard to get any work done in the Living Room. The distractions here are legion: DJs, cocktails, board games, coffee table books, newspapers, and attractive people (okay, so not exactly like home). If none of those vices do it for you, then scoot down a few inches on their plush sofas and stare out at the city views from the two-storey windows. For those who want to keep it light as they lounge for hours, or however long your battery lasts, the tapas menu is yet another great diversion. 6/F W Hong Kong, 1 Austin Rd, West Kowloon, 3717 2222; www.starwoodhotels.com.

Classified

Signal: 3 bars

Plugs: 1

At Classified, it’s best to get your ass inside if you’re planning to do some serious web surfing – the outside reception is lousy. In fact, the WiFi is generally a little slow no matter where you sit – we suspect that many of the residents upstairs at CentreStage are stealing a signal from this place. Accusations aside, Classified is perfectly set up for a bit of casual work, and dining: think pastas, sandwiches, cheese platters and great Javas. As befits their name, guests are also invited to linger for hours and read the paper. How good is that? G/F, 108 Hollywood Rd, Sheung Wan, 2525 3454. 

Café Habitu

Signal: 4 bars

This is an awesomely cosy, freelance-friendly space. They actually want you to stay all day, albeit so they can serve you continuous $32 cappuccinos and $60 sandwiches. The secret must be out, as hordes of freelancers work the 9am-5pm shift here. In sum, it’s office space minus the politics. WiFi is free-ish – they’ll give you the password if you buy something. More than fair. Citywide. Wan Chai branch: 8 Queen’s Rd East, Wan Chai, 2527 8999.

Pho 26

Signal: 4 bars

Plugs: 0

Not too many noodle shops will allow you to linger for hours perfecting your Facebook profile, but Pho does. While you should plan to avoid the busy lunch rush, if you come during quiter hours, say mid-morning or late afternoon, you won’t be greeted by icy stares when you open up that laptop. We love their tomato broth Kobe beef pho, a Canto take on the original, clear broth version. 2 Landale St, Wan Chai, 2628 3939.

Graze

Signal: 4 bars

Come for breakfast and stay until happy hour. Here, let us plan out a day’s menu for you: for breakfast, organic oatmeal and banana with flaxseeds for your daily intake of fibre; an Earl Grey and honey muffin for a mid-morning snack; at lunchtime it’s chicken Caesar salad; and end your work day with a happy hour mojito. G/F Chao’s Bldg, 143-145 Bonham Strand, Sheung Wan, 2850 7766; www.graze.hk.

Brunch Club

Signal: 4 bars

As well as being a dining destination, Brunch Club is also known as a freelancing heaven. Every unemployed writer, photographer, filmmaker, and day trader has paid their dues at this casual shabby-chic cafe. They’ve got an all-day breakfast menu, as well as a varied line-up that includes croque-monsieurs, salads and steaks. We really like their pesto pasta with pine nuts – great light fare to keep you going when work is pounding the brain. Oh, and did we mention you can take your lap dog there as well? 70 Peel St, Soho, 2526 8861; www.brunch-club.org.

Café O

Signal: 4 bar

Plugs: 2

The Pawn

Signal: 4 bars

With an entire floor called the ‘Living Room’, the folks here really want you to make yourself at home. Bring the laptop, and sink into one of their comfy couches – the signal is much better inside than out. Unlike some of the other places on our list, The Pawn serves great ales, not to mention bang up British grub. 60 Johnston Rd, Wan Chai, 2866 3444; www.thepawn.com.hk. 

Epoch Coffee Bar & Desserterie

Signal: 4 bars

This is undoubtedly the freelance hipster’s hangout. It’s a combo of smart sounds (they’ve got a large purchasable CD collection) and casual café bites. But the hidden gem here is their pastry chef, Etienne Irazoqui of London’s Sketch fame – he once created a birthday cake for Madonna – and his delectable desserts, such as the deconstructed apple pie. G/F, 12 Westland Rd, Taikoo Shing, 2811 2140. 12-14 Wing Fung St, Star Street, Wan Chai, 3525 1570; www.epochdesserts.com.

Cafe Zambra

Signal: 3 bars

This café is a great hideout for the temporarily unemployed, a place to go when you don’t want to bump into anyone from your previous workplace. Not too many make the journey to this gourmet soup, sandwich, and salad spot (yet), which is why we love it. And also for the coffee, which comes from gourmet supplier Zambra. Shop 1, G/F, 239 Jaffe Rd, Wan Chai, 2598 1322; www.zambra.net.

Kosmo Coffee

Signal: 2 bars

This pseudo health café will pump you full of sugary smoothies, balanced box lunches, and great organic coffees. The lazy, beachside atmosphere invites you to stay all day long – as long as you can find a free plug, that is. Unit 18, G/F, 2-18 D’Aguilar St, Central, 2868 2002.

Crema Coffee

Signal: Good

We adore the weird cappuccino art here, like when they swirl the crema (the cream you get from a well made espresso) and frothy milk into the shape of a happy bunny or cute cat. They also have college comfort foods, such as French bread pizza (with pineapples!) and chocolate muffins. Everyone comes here with their laptops, so be sure to arrive early to secure a seat. G36 Peninsula Centre, 67 Mody Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui East, 2369 0338.

Page One Café

Signal: Okay

They don’t have free WiFi at Page One, but thanks to the magnanimous folks at Swire, all of Festival Walk is kitted out with free internet. That means you can log on anywhere, including Cova Café, Oliver’s or Pacific Coffee. We however like Page One, because it acts like a reference library (important when you’re researching a story), and when you’re bored or just need a break, there are thousands of magazines to distract you. LG1-30 Festival Walk, 88 Tat Chee Ave, Kowloon Tong, 2778 2808; www.pageonegroup.com.

Peak Bar

Signal: Good

Good old Peak Bar, we sometimes forget that they serve more than a good pint. In the afternoons, this café is a popular hangout for out-of-work writers and coffee dates. Besides buying something to drink, also order one of their thin crust pizzas, made to order in their stone oven. Note: the WiFi is only available from noon-5pm, to discourage evening lingerers. 9-13 Shelley St, Soho, 2140 6877; www.cafedecogroup.com.

Top Deck

Signal: Okay

Okay we’ll admit it; this is not where you first might think of to bring your laptop to do a day’s work. But why not? On a bright day, you’ve got sparkling marina views, plenty of sunshine, and comfy lounge beds to lie on. While you need to get a security code to log on, they are happy to share upon request. And the food? Good burgers, Thai favourites, and curries. Top Floor, Jumbo, Shum Wan Pier Drive, Wong Chuk Hang, Aberdeen, 2552 3331.

The Real Bread Café

Signal: Good

Plugs: 3

This is Soho’s answer to Santa Monica, which is to say a café full of loungers seeking a bit of sunshine. Rays of light stream between tightly packed buildings to bless Real Bread’s patio with natural light. It might bake your laptop, but it will make your sun-deprived soul feel warmly taken care of. 14 Shelley Street, Soho, 2810 9326.