[wjh_]

There's a place I often visit in Shoreditch called Ziferblat[0], and I think that they have something of a solution to this (they have other places too).

Essentially, you are charged for your time and everything else is free. Presently I think it's about 7p per minute for the first hour, and then 4p a minute afterwards - there's also a cap.

While in there, coffee, snacks, etc, are all "free".

Perhaps this sort of model could work? Obviously if you're not willing to kick out all the remote workers. I guess this turns it into more of a coworking space though.

[0]: http://www.ziferblat.co.uk/

[slivym]

This doesn't seem like it's a solution to the problem, it's just a different type of venue with the opposite problem. If I go in and grab a coffee and a crumpet they're not going to be very happy.

[wjh_]

Pretty much. Perhaps billing per minute if you're going to stay for longer than an hour, or per item if you're staying for less. Though that seems overly complex and a logistical nightmare.

[rorykoehler]

Just have a 1 hour minimum fee.

[lloeki]

A similar place has opened over here. Billed by the hour or day.

https://www.anticafe.eu/strasbourg