Work Anywhere But Home: My ADHD Guide to Milton Keynes 💻
- Jennie Canty
- Aug 13
- 4 min read
Work, snack, repeat — my ADHD-tested locations that *may* help your brain work
Why body doubling, coworking, and switching it up are essential
Body doubling (with work tasks) is when someone else quietly works alongside you, either in person or virtually. You don’t need to talk (we actually encourage headphones during our body doubling sessions). Just knowing someone’s there is often enough to keep you focused and accountable. It’s like having a study buddy without the awkward small talk. Body doubling can also be used for chores, even if the other person is just sitting on the bed.
Coworking spaces give you everything an ADHD brain loves - structure, the right amount of background buzz, caffeine on tap, different chairs, plenty of plugs, and fewer distractions than home ..like the washing up!
Changing location isn’t “flaky,” it’s tactical. New lighting, smells, and snacks can re-ignite your motivation and make boring tasks slightly less… boring. Did anyone hear Rox (ADHD Love) speaking about feeling the energy draining from a room in a recent Late Bloomers podcast episode? We FEEL that! Just moving to a different space or swapping to a different task can work wonders.
Combine all three, and suddenly your to-do list isn’t so scary.
Jennie’s go-to MK working spots:
Moxy Lobby (Milton Keynes)
Huge coworking tables, comfy breakout spaces, dog friendly, fab food. This is where we run our Chiltern ADHD Clinic body doubling sessions, so we are biased - but the vibes (and hot chocolates) are immaculate.
Hotel-lobby chic without the check-in. Calm and polished. Hotel lobbies are great for that background buzz and functional furniture options.
Spacious, modern, big communal tables, free membership. Great for spreading out without guilt. Amazing facilities for creatives too!
Lakeside walks and good cake — an elite ADHD reset combo.
Modern, bright, free desk space, meeting rooms (up to 7 people), and excellent coffee. Jennie loves the salad bar in the canteen bit! Always great for body doubling as there are always others with their heads down in their laptops.
If you want to spend more time at Unity Place, consider X+Y! Modern coworking with day passes and memberships. Bright and focus-friendly with free fruit!
Strictly quiet. Ideal for deep-focus days - pack snacks.
Library (incl Meeting Rooms for Zoom sessions)
The library is a great shout for getting work done. The meeting rooms are bookable, affordable, and private.
Westcroft Cafés (Starbucks, Tim Hortons, Morrisons)
Predictable chains + background hum + sweet treats + parking = perfect low-effort options.
Supermarket Cafés (Tesco/Sainsbury’s/Morrisons)
And while we are discussing them, look around MK for other options. They are cheap, quick and surprisingly functional for short stints.
Hidden at the back of the store. Meatballs for lunch? Yes please. Try to remember to work though..
Out of Office Coffee (Witan Gate, Olney & Newport Pagnell)
Independent coffee shop with excellent flat whites. The Witan Gate branch recently changed ownership and ditched social media but it’s still open and just as laptop-friendly. There's also one in Leighton Buzzard if that's closer for you.
Homeground MK (YMCA)
Independent community café with big windows and great breakfasts supporting a great cause.
Newport Pagnell Cafés
High Street wander = multiple cosy local options.
Dog-friendly, free 3-hour Sainsbury’s parking, indie café favourite.
Dog-friendly (on the ground floor), great coffee, open 8 am–3 pm. Bea approves.
Bit fancy, Sainsbury’s parking, 8 am–6 pm. Perfect “treat yourself” spot.
Creative vibes, opens 10 am, free 3-hour parking nearby.
Countryside pub with Wi-Fi. Low-pressure, cosy energy. Not far from our Therapy Room.
Lovely pub, calm and laptop-friendly with solid food.
Spacious pub, good food, relaxed atmosphere - can't go wrong.
Old-school pub with cosy corners perfect for laptop work.
Quiet daytime pub spot with decent grub. Some outdoor work options if the weather is nice.
Back-of-pub café, cosy and indie, open 8:30 am–3 pm (Mon–Fri). Calm vibe without the silent library gloom.
Friendly, free parking, surprisingly good coffee.
If you’ve got a membership (or a guest pass) and wanna be ✨fancy✨ the lounge is peaceful and well-equipped.
Paid meeting rooms, professional setup for team or client sessions.
Pro ADHD Tip 💡
When your brain checks out, change location. A fresh vibe + new snack = instant reboot. And if you want structured accountability while you work, join one of my body doubling sessions - all welcome, just bring your laptop and a vague idea of what you want to get done.
Know of any other spots? Let us know! A lot of these have been collated by Jennie, either through client or professional recommendations, or by walking into random coffee shops to assess the ✨vibe✨!
Enjoy your new found productivity! 💕
Soz about the impact on your bank balance with those coffees 😅
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